cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laser damage in optical materials at 1.06 μm

Abstract The high power and energy densities in a Q-switched laser beam modify the optical characteristics of a transmitting material and may ultimately cause damage. This paper reviews the mechanisms by which laser-induced damage occurs and summarizes the forms of such damage which are seen in practice. The experimental conditions for making accurate damage threshold measurements are set out, and the apparatus and procedures used in the present work are described. A summary of the laser-induced damage threshold measurements at 1.06 μm on a wide range of materials under the same conditions are presented and compared with other published data.
‘Facts Become Art Through Love‘: Narrative Structure in Marian Engel's Bear

(1992). ‘Facts Become Art Through Love‘: Narrative Structure in Marian Engel's Bear. American Review of Canadian Studies: Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 351-362.
Potassium-induced release of amino acids from cerebral cortex and spinal cord slices of the rat.

Summary We have examined the release of exogenous amino acids from central nervous system slices following potassium depolarization. Pronounced glycine release was observed from spinal cord but not cerebral cortex, while glutamic and aspartic acids were released similarly from both regions. γ-aminobutyric acid and proline were released more from cerebral cortex than spinal cord. Much less release from either area was detected with α-aminoisobutyric acid, arginine, histidine, lysine, alanine, serine, phenylalanine or tyrosine. Potassium-induced release of γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamic and aspartic acids and proline was greatly diminished in calcium-free medium. Depletion of sodium during labeling of slices with radioactive amino acids markedly reduced subsequent amino acid release. High affinity uptake of amino acids into apparent neurotransmitter pools is much more sodium-dependent than low affinity uptake of the same amino acids. Accordingly, potassium-induced ‘transmitter’ amino acid release appears to involve pools labeled by the high affinity, sodium requiring uptake systems.
Aphid Feeding Activates Expression of a Transcriptome of Oxylipin-based Defense Signals in Wheat Involved in Resistance to Herbivory

Damage by the Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia, significantly reduces wheat and barley yields worldwide. In compatible interactions, virulent RWA populations flourish and susceptible plants suffer extensive leaf chlorophyll loss. In incompatible interactions, RWA reproduction and population growth are significantly reduced and RWA-related chlorophyll loss in resistant plants is minor. The objectives of this study were to develop an understanding of the molecular and phytochemical bases of RWA resistance in plants containing the Dnx resistance gene. Microarray, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and phytohormone assays were conducted to identify transcriptome components unique to RWA-infested Dnx plants and susceptible (Dn0) plants, and to identify and characterize putative genes involved in Dnx plant defense responses. We found that RWA-infested Dnx plants upregulated >180 genes related to reactive oxygen species, signaling, pathogen defense, and arthropod allelochemical and physical defense. The expression of several of these genes in RWA-infested Dnx plants increased significantly from 6- to 24-h post infestation (hpi), but their expression in Dn0 plants, when present, was delayed until 48- to 96 hpi. Concentrations of 16- and 18-carbon fatty acids, trans-methyl-12-oxophytodienoic acid, and abscisic acid were significantly greater in Dnx foliage than in Dn0 foliage after RWA infestation, suggesting that Dnx RWA defense and resistance genes may be regulated via the oxylipin pathway. These findings provide a foundation for the elucidation of the molecular basis for compatible- and incompatible plant-aphid interactions.
Effect of Diet and Population Density on Male Turkeys Under Various Environmental Conditions. 1. Turkey Growth and Health Performance

The performance of 1,312 male market turkeys (Large White, Nicholas strain) from 0 to 20 wk of age fed diets varying in feed form and energy level was measured under two stocking densities (.21 or .46 m2 per bird) and four lighting and temperature programs. The four diets were 1) corn and soybean meal with 1% supplemental fat, mash (CSM); 2) as 1, pelleted (CSP); 3) as Diet 1 but with 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8% supplemental fat during 0 to 4, 4 to 8, 8 to 12, 12 to 16, and 16 to 20 wk of age, respectively (CSF); and 4) as Diet 1 but with barely included at 0, 20, 35, 50, and 65% during the respective 4-wk age periods (CSB). The four light and temperature programs were 1) Environment A with intermittent light [4 [2 h light (L):4 h dark (D)]] in combination with cycling temperature at 7 and 21 C during light and dark photoperiod, respectively; Environment B with intermittent light, 21 C; Environment C with continuous light (18L:6D) and cycling temperature of 7 to 21 C; and Environment D with intermittent light, 7 C. Lighting and temperature programs started at 1 and 4 wk of age, respectively. Body weights at 20 wk of age decreased (P less than .05) with increasing temperature (13.86 versus 12.26 kg for Environments D and B, respectively) with cycling temperature intermediate (13.51 kg for Environment A). Intermittent light (P less than .05) improved BW and feed conversion by 3.4 and 2.0%, respectively, compared with continuous light. Rearing males at .21 m2 per bird versus .46 m2 per bird decreased weight (P less than .05) by 5.5%. Twenty-week BW of males fed the CSP (13.52 kg) and CSF (13.58 kg) diets were greater (P less than .05) than those fed CSM (12.90 kg) and CSB (12.69 kg) diets. Significant (P less than .05) interactions between diet, environment, and density were not detected for most performance characteristics. Environmental measurements indicated higher dust and ammonia levels in the warm environment (B). Isolates of aspergillus and incidence of airsacculitis at time of processing were greatest in Environment B.
Scientific Sovereignty: Canada, the Carnegie Institution and the Earth's Magnetism in the North

In 1905, magnetic survey work began under the auspices of the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism of the Carnegie Institution of Washington directed by Louis Agricola Bauer. The DTI, wanting world-wide coverage, wished to make observations in Canada but this raised the question of sovereignty. Although the DTI was not a government agency, it was foreign. The impact of its work in Canada was to stimulate geophysical research by the Canadian Meteorological Service and by the Dominion Observatory. This research was undertaken in the context of interdepartmental rivalry which finally resulted in control of the field by the Dominion Observatory.
Fuel-rich, catalytic reaction experimental results

Future aeropropulsion gas turbine combustion requirements call for operating at very high inlet temperatures, pressures, and large temperature rises. At the same time, the combustion process is to have minimum pollution effects on the environment. Aircraft gas turbine engines utilize liquid hydrocarbon fuels which are difficult to uniformly atomize and mix with combustion air. An approach for minimizing fuel related problems is to transform the liquid fuel into gaseous form prior to the completion of the combustion process. Experimentally obtained results are presented for vaporizing and partially oxidizing a liquid hydrocarbon fuel into burnable gaseous components. The presented experimental data show that 1200 to 1300 K reaction product gas, rich in hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and light-end hydrocarbons, is formed when flowing 0.3 to 0.6 fuel to air mixes through a catalyst reactor. The reaction temperatures are kept low enough that nitrogen oxides and carbon particles (soot) do not form. Results are reported for tests using different catalyst types and configurations, mass flowrates, input temperatures, and fuel to air ratios.
A simple procedure for the isolation of rat liver microsomes.

Endoplasmic reticulum of rat liver undergoes extensive fragmentation upon homogenization [l] . The major component of endoplasmic reticulum which accounted for lo-13% of total liver was recognized as microsomes in early 194 1 [2] . The rat liver microsomes were reported to have variable size from 50300 nm [3], necessitating a high centrifugal force to isolate them in contrast to other subcellular fractions like nuclei and mitochondria. The standard procedure, thus requires a sophisticated instrument like an ultracentrifuge and, at the same time, is very time consuming. Taking advantage of one of the characteristic properties of rat liver microsomes and rat skeletal muscle microsomes [4, 51 to bind calcium ions, we report in this communication a relatively simple method for the isolation of rat liver microsomes.
Combustion behavior of char/carbon particles

An observed phenomenon in the burning of char/carbon is the occurrence of a maximum erosion rate at a particular particle temperature. A hypothesis is made that the relative chemical kinetics of CO production and its subsequent oxidation in the gas phase could be responsible for the occurrence of a maximum burning rate. Numerical solutions for the burning rate of char/carbon/graphite particles undergoing two step oxidation processes and one reduction process, are obtained as a function of the particle temperature. Peak burning occurs, confirming the present hypothesis. However, such peak burning requires a combination of hetergeneous and homogeneous kinetic schemes. A parametric study is carried out for the variation of the peak burning particle temperature with the particle size and pressure of the system. An approximate solution shows that the peak burning temperature is a logarithmic function of (particle size) 3 ×(pressure) 2 .
Overexposure and control of methylene chloride in a furniture stripping operation.

This inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports on OSHA follow-up activity where employees were overexposed to methylene chloride.( 1 ) The employer operated a s...
The Dielectric Behavior of Straight Chain Alcohol Blends

Time Domain Spectroscopy (TDS) has been used in this study to determine the dielectric relaxations of several mixtures of normal alcohols. The complex permittivity ?* (?) was determined in the frequency range from 106 to 5×109 Hz for temperatures ranging from -20 to 500C. Mixtures of n-octanol and n-butanolin mole concentrations of 95, 75, 50 and 25% were studied. From plots of the primary relaxation time, Tl, against temperature, activation energies ?H of 0.45± 0.02 eV were found for all mixtures investigated, and values of static dielectric permittivity were seen to follow a linear mixing law. Two relaxations were observed with both mixtures and neat alcohols. The primary relaxation time Tl, which characterizes the low frequency dispersions, ns, changed substantially with varying proportions, while the secondary relaxation time Ti did not. Resolution ution of the data for T2 was, however, poorer than those for Tl. There was no indication of change in the relaxing species with temperature below 40°C, while some evidence of dissociation was found at temperatures above 40°C.
Endothelin receptor antagonists in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Abstract The endothelin (ET) axis represents a novel and exciting target in the treatment of prostate cancer. ET-1, acting primarily through the endothelin A receptor (ET A ), is integrally involved in multiple facets of prostate cancer progression, including cell growth, inhibition of apoptosis, angiogenesis, development and progression of bone metastases, and mediation of pain responses. Clinical trials with the ET A antagonist, atrasentan, have demonstrated good tolerability, with the most common adverse events being headache, rhinitis, and peripheral edema. These trials have demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain measures, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics, biologic markers of bone changes, and development of bone metastases. There have also been consistent improvements in time to progression, although not always statistically significant. Ongoing studies in a variety of patient populations will better define the role of ET receptor antagonists in the treatment of men with prostate cancer. In this article, we review the biology and pathophysiology of the ET axis in prostate cancer, critically analyze the major clinical trials reported to date, and discuss some emerging data and how it may impact the way we proceed in the future with the development of this class of drugs in prostate cancer.
PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND MORPHOLOGY OF THE CARMINE CELL IN THE CAT'S ANTERIOR PITUITARY1

IN A STUDY of the anterior pituitary of the female rabbit (1, 2) it was found that striking changes occurred in the composition of the acidophil cells after mating. This reaction was demonstrated by means of a method which separated the acidophils into two distinct tinctorial types (3). The glands were fixed in sublimateformalin followed by an adaptation of Heidenhain's azan modification of Mallory's connective tissue stain. The ordinary or standard acidophil was colored yellow with orange G. Other acidophil cells which become conspicuous during sexual activity were characterized by the coarseness and refractivity of their granules, and took a brilliant red stain due to their special affinity for azocarmine. The chromophobes were not colored or appeared a light pink, and the basophils stained blue with analinblue. In estrous rabbits the modified acidophils (carmine cells) are usually small and inconspicuous, but after mating they increase in size and number and become
A re-examination of the heritability of fertility in the British peerage.

(1974). A re‐examination of the heritability of fertility in the British peerage. Social Biology: Vol. 21, No. 3, pp. 225-231.
Novel dynamic rheological behavior of individual focal adhesions measured within single cells using electromagnetic pulling cytometry.

The rheology of cells and sub-cellular structures, such as focal adhesions, are important for cell form and function. Here we describe electromagnetic pulling cytometry (EPC), a technique to analyze cell rheology by applying dynamic tensional forces to ligand-coated magnetic microbeads bound to cell surface integrin receptors. EPC utilizes an electromagnetic microneedle that is integrated with a computerized control and image acquisition system and an inverted microscope and CCD camera to monitor bead displacement. Arbitrary force regimens may be defined over a wide range of frequency (DC to 10 Hz) and force (100 pN to 10 nN). With EPC, the viscoelastic creep response of individual focal adhesions was measured over three decades in time using RGD-coated magnetic microbeads bound to integrins that induce local focal adhesion assembly and coupling to the internal cytoskeleton. These data were compared to the power-law-like predictions from the soft glassy model of cell rheology proposed by Fabry et al. [14]. Although power-law-like behavior was observed in some focal adhesions, 52% of these structures did not exhibit power-law-like behavior, but instead exhibited either a multi-phase response characterized by abrupt changes in slope or experienced a retraction in the opposite direction to the applied force, especially in response to prolonged force application. These data suggest that while the soft glassy model may provide reasonable estimates for aggregate mechanical behavior of living cells, the rheological behavior of individual focal adhesions may be more heterogeneous and complex than suggested by the soft glassy model. These results are considered in context with the hierarchical nature of cytoskeletal architecture. � 2005 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Technology’s Impact on Creative Traditions: Pieceful Co-Existence in Quilting:

Technology shapes both the meaning of quilts and the process of quilting. By using technology, the quilter molds her art form and ultimately preserves the values that quilting holds. For this study...
Antagonism of phosphoramidon-induced antinociception in mice by μ- but not κ-opioid receptor blockers

Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of the neutral endopeptidase 24.11-inhibitor phosphoramidon evoked a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect in the mouse acetic acid abdominal constriction test. The present study was conducted to identify the opioid receptor subtype(s) that mediate phosphoramidon antinociception in this paradigm. Mice were pretreated with different opioid antagonists prior to being challenged with phosphoramidon, i.c.v., the mu-opioid agonist sufentanil, s.c., or the kappa-opioid agonist U-50,488H, s.c. Naltrexone significantly attenuated phosphoramidon-induced antinociception at an i.c.v. dose that also blocked both sufentanil and U-50,488H. The mu-opioid antagonist beta-funaltrexamine (beta-FNA) blocked phosphoramidon and sufentanil at an i.c.v. dose that did not block U-50,488H. The kappa-opioid antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) produced dose-related effects. A low dose (10 microg) of nor-BNI had no effect on either phosphoramidon or sufentanil but did reduce U-50,488H antinociception. A higher dose (30 microg) of nor-BNI blocked phosphoramidon, sufentanil, and U-50,488H, suggesting a loss of kappa-opioid receptor selectivity at this dose. These findings suggest that mu- but not kappa-opioid receptors mediate phosphoramidon-induced antinociception in the abdominal constriction test.
Cerium fluoride: A scintillator for high-rate applications

Abstract Measurements of the temperature dependence, over a 400°C range, of the scintillation yield of CeF3 are presented. A separation of the fast (≈ 5 ns) and slow (30 ns) components is made at room temperature and at liquid nitrogen temperature. It is estimated that the fast component increases from 33% to 60% when the crystal is cooled. The use of inexpensive starting material reduces the slow component with little or no loss of fast component. Applications for CeF3, primarily high-rate PET, are also discussed.
Charged Species Transport, Separation, and Dispersion in Nanoscale Channels: Autogenous Electric Field-Flow Fractionation

Numerical methods are employed to examine the transport of charged species in pressure-driven and electroosmotic flow along nanoscale channels having an electric double-layer thickness comparable to the channel size. In such channels, the electric field inherent to the double layer produces transverse species distributions that depend on species charge. Flow along the channel thus yields mean axial species speeds that also depend on the species charge, enabling species separation and identification. Here we characterize field-flow separations of this type via the retention and plate height. For pressure-driven flows, we demonstrate that mean species speeds along the channel are uniquely associated with a single species charge, allowing species separation based on charge alone. In contrast, electroosmotic flows generally yield identical speeds for several values of the charge, and these speeds generally depend on both the species charge and electrophoretic mobility. Coefficients of dispersion for charged species in both planar and cylindrical geometries are presented as part of this analysis.
Scavenger Receptor Class B, Type I-mediated Uptake of Various Lipids into Cells INFLUENCE OF THE NATURE OF THE DONOR PARTICLE INTERACTION WITH THE RECEPTOR

Scavenger receptor (SR)-BI is the first molecularly defined receptor for high density lipoprotein (HDL) and it can mediate the selective uptake of cholesteryl ester into cells. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which SR-BI facilitates lipid uptake, we examined the connection between lipid donor particle binding and lipid uptake using kidney COS-7 cells transiently transfected with SR-BI. We systematically compared the uptake of [3H]cholesteryl oleoyl ether (CE) and [14C]sphingomyelin (SM) from apolipoprotein (apo) A-I-containing reconstituted HDL (rHDL) particles and apo-free lipid donor particles. Although both types of lipid donor could bind to SR-BI, only apo-containing lipid donors exhibited preferential delivery of CE over SM (i.e. nonstoichiometric lipid uptake). In contrast, apo-free lipid donor particles (phospholipid unilamellar vesicles, lipid emulsion particles) gave rise to stoichiometric lipid uptake due to interaction with SR-BI. This apparent whole particle uptake was not due to endocytosis, but rather fusion of the lipid components of the lipid donor with the cell plasma membrane; this process is perhaps mediated by a fusogenic motif in the extracellular domain of SR-BI. The interaction of apoA-I with SR-BI not only prevents fusion of the lipid donor with the plasma membrane but also allows the optimal selective lipid uptake. A comparison of rHDL particles containing apoA-I and apoE-3 showed that while both particles bound equally well to SR-BI, the apoA-I particle gave ∼2-fold greater CE selective uptake. Catabolism of all major HDL lipids can occur via SR-BI with the relative selective uptake rate constants for CE, free cholesterol, triglycerides (triolein), and phosphatidylcholine being 1, 1.6, 0.7, and 0.2, respectively. It follows that a putative nonpolar channel created by SR-BI between the bound HDL particle and the cell plasma membrane is better able to accommodate the uptake of neutral lipids (e.g. cholesterol) relative to polar phospholipids.
Metamorphosis in summer flounder: manipulation of thyroid status to synchronize settling behavior, growth, and development.

In the aquaculture of summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), the inherent variation in growth and settling behavior during metamorphosis may lead to cannibalism and necessitate increased labor due to grading. Our goal was to use thyroid hormone manipulation to synchronize settling behavior and produce a uniformly sized cohort of juvenile summer flounder. Premetamorphic flounder were treated with exogenous thiourea (TU, 30 ppt, an inhibitor of thyroxine (T4) synthesis). Following removal of TU, metamorphosing flounder were exposed to either exogenous T4 (T4-Na salt, 100 ppb, dissolved in DMSO) or DMSO only. A control (no TU, then DMSO only, when appropriate) was used for comparison. Settling behavior in the control was prolonged, with the Peak Settlement Interval (defined as the interval beginning on the day the first 20% settled until the day 80% had settled) requiring 9 days, and a settling rate of 4.1±0.2 fish/day. Settling behavior was synchronized by thyroid hormone treatment. The Peak Settlement Interval was reduced (5 days) and settling rate increased (8.5±0.6 fish/day) by TU treatment. Treatment with TU followed by T4 further reduced the Peak Settlement Interval (3 days) and increased settling rate (11.2±0.6 fish/day). Development rate (DR) and growth rate (GR) were reduced by TU treatment, but following TU with T4 treatment restored DR and GR to control levels. However, TU treatment eliminated the larger, potentially cannibalistic juveniles found in control tanks. Both treatments reduced variance in GR, whereas only TU-T4 reduced variance in DR. Percent survival was unaffected by treatment. In aquaculture, the effective synchronization of settling behavior by thyroid hormone manipulations should reduce the labor costs associated with grading. We recommend a treatment regime that could aid in the production of more uniform cohorts of juvenile summer flounder.
Lipid composition and biosynthesis in the alfalfa looper, Autographa californica

Abstract 1. 1. Total lipids were separated into classes and assayed gravimetrically, indicating normal patterns. Major phospholipid components were qualitatively identified as phosphatiylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine. 2. 2. Variations in relative concentrations of fatty acids over the life cycle arc noted. 3. 3. 14 C-acetate incorporation into the lipids of the alfalfa looper, Autographa californica , indicates that the larval stage is metabolically the most active in lipid biosynthesis. 4. 4. Incorporation into the triglyceride lipid fraction is predominant in the larval and adult stages. Phospholipid incorporation predominates in the pupal stage. 5. 5. The alfalfa looper biosynthesizes linoleic and linolenic acids to a very limited extent, if at all.
Near real-time determination of metabolic parameters for unquenched 6-mercaptopurine and xanthine oxidase samples using capillary electrophoresis

The enzyme activity of xanthine oxidase (XO) is influenced by several environmental factors including solution conditions, storage conditions, inhibitors, other enzymes, and activators. For instance, the metabolic reaction involving XO and the pro-drug 6-mercaptopurine, a drug used in the treatment maintenance of acute lymphatic leukemia, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, is often modified through the use of inhibitors, which varies the kinetic parameters associated with this reaction. Methods that provide fast and accurate determination of these kinetic constants can help in understanding the mechanism of these reactions. Herein, sequential and time-delayed electrokinetic injections of unpurified and unquenched samples containing xanthine oxidase, 6-mercaptopurine, and the inhibitor allopurinol are evaluated using capillary electrophoresis (CE). Using progress curve analysis, the Michaelis constant, apparent Michaelis constant, and inhibition constant are estimated to be 43.8 ± 2.0 μM, 143.0 ± 3.7 μM and 13.2 ± 1.4 μM, respectively. In addition, a turnover number of 7.9 ± 0.2 min(-1) is quantified. These values are consistent with some previously published values but were obtained without user intervention for reaction monitoring. This unique application of CE enzyme assays offers substantial advantages over traditional methods by determining kinetic parameters for enzymatic reactions with minimal (nL) sample volumes, short (<30 min) reaction analysis times, without any sample quenching or purification, and minimal user intervention.
G.P.3 Modeling congenital muscle diseases in zebrafish

Abstract Primary inherited disorders of muscle include both dystrophies and non-dystrophic congenital myopathies. These disorders, characterized by muscle weakness and impaired locomotion, form a heterogeneous group of hereditary diseases affecting both children and adults. Their complexity is highlighted by occasional involvement of associated symptoms in brain, eyes, heart or respiratory system. Owing to disease heterogeneity, variable penetrance, and mortality, genetic studies to determine the basis for these conditions in humans are often problematic. The zebrafish, Danio rerio, is a powerful developmental and genetic model system for dissection of skeletal muscle disorders and diseases. Several features of zebrafish, such as high degrees of synteny and sequence homology, conserved structure of skeletal muscles, transparency at embryonic stages, and rapid ex vivo development, make them ideal for skeletal muscle biology research. To identify novel genes causing muscular disorders, we conducted an ENU mutagenesis screen in zebrafish that led to the identification of 12 unique neuromuscular mutants. One of these represents a model of the dystroglycanopathies (dag1) and another, of congenital muscular dystrophy (lama2). Another mutant identified in this screen, osoi, displays impaired motility behavior and skeletal muscle myotonia. These mutant fish show skeletal muscle hypotrophy with extensive central nucleation. Ultrastructural studies revealed sarcomeric disorganization in osoi fish. Genetic mapping of the osoi locus has identified a loss of function mutation in a novel RNA binding protein implicated in RNA splicing. Preliminary studies point towards a role for this gene in the disease pathogenesis of myotonic dystrophy. Through an understanding of the abnormal skeletal muscle molecular pathways in osoi fish, we can better understand human neuromuscular diseases and begin to develop corrective therapies.
Satellite studies of mid- and low-latitude ionospheric disturbance zonal plasma drifts

We use low- and mid-latitude zonal ion drift observations from the DE-2 satellite and auroral electrojet indices to study the temporal and latitudinal variations of F-region perturbation drifts during magnetically disturbed conditions. These perturbation drifts are driven by magnetospheric and ionospheric disturbance dynamo electric fields with time constants from less than one to several hours. We determine, initially, the drift patterns due to the prompt penetration of magnetospheric electric fields and of longer lasting disturbances. In this study, we concentrate on the properties of the longer lasting perturbations which occur with latitude-dependent time delays after enhancements in the high-latitude ionospheric currents. These perturbation drifts are predominantly westward at all latitudes with largest amplitudes in the midnight sector and smallest near noon. The daily variation of these disturbance drifts derived from the satellite data is in good agreement with results from incoherent scatter radar observations. Our results indicate that these longer lasting perturbations are due to the combined effects of ionospheric disturbance dynamo electric fields and leakage of high-latitude steady-state electric fields to lower latitudes.
Evaluating Nontraditional Degree Programs in Post-Secondary Education.

A process for evaluating non-traditional programs at post-secondary institutions is presented. Three major stages are outlined for conducting the evaluation: 1) the preoperational stages; 2) the implementation stage; and 3) the postoperational stage. A description of how the model has been utilized in evaluating a specific non-traditional graduate program, the Master of Liberal Studies Program, is given. Preliminary results of that evaluation are also outlined.
Decoding spike train ensembles using the cooperative interaction between task-dependent cortical neurons

Introduction A fundamental goal in systems neuroscience is to understand the mechanisms underlying the distributed nature of sensorimotor encoding by populations of neurons. In this work, we examine to what extent the existence of taskdependent functional connectivity between cortical neurons plays a role in encoding task information. To identify the functional connectivity, we used Dynamic Bayesian Networks (DBN) that fit a probabilistic model to spike train data. We demonstrate that the inferred functional connectivity is consistently similar across repeated trials of the same task while consistently different across different tasks.
An analytic model for emergency food provision

Abstract Donor agencies employ a range of food provision and cost-sharing policies, including food linked to cash distribution grants, food sales (“monetization”), and distribution of food through a local agency. This paper develops a systematic methodology for choosing the proper blend of policies. The model requires estimates of several simple economic indicators in the recipient country. Two numerical applications of the model are developed, and extensions of the model for peculiarities of specific fields are suggested.
The unacknowledged incidence of laparoscopic stapler malfunction.

Background Laparoscopic instruments are being used with increasing frequency. Our surgeons recently experienced several independent adverse events involving the laparoscopic linear stapler. Although the Food and Drug Administration maintains a Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database to track such voluntary reports, many events are not reported and the true incidence of adverse events is unknown. We attempted to determine how frequently minimally invasive surgeons have experienced technical problems with a laparoscopic stapler.
Electronic states of Pd+3

Abstract Complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) followed by multi-reference singles+doubles CI (MRSDCI) which included up to 2.3 million configurations are made on eight electronic states of Pd+3. All eight states of Pd+3 were found to exhibit only slight Jahn-Teller distortion from ideal equilateral triangular structures. The ground state of Pd+3 was found to be 4B2 with near-equilateral triangle geometry. Seven excited states within 5 kcal/mol of the ground state were also found.
Local adaptive smoothing in kernel regression estimation

We consider nonparametric estimation of a smooth function of one variable. Global selection procedures cannot sufficiently account for local sparseness of the covariate nor can they adapt to local curvature of the regression function. We propose a new method for selecting local smoothing parameters which takes into account sparseness and adapts to local curvature. A Bayesian type argument provides an initial smoothing parameter which adapts to the local sparseness of the covariate and provides the basis for local bandwidth selection procedures which further adjust the bandwidth according to the local curvature of the regression function. Simulation evidence indicates that the proposed method can result in reduction of both pointwise mean squared error and integrated mean squared error.
New species of Gymnocarena (Diptera: Tephritidae) from eastern North America and Guatemala, and the redescription of G. mississippiensis

We describe three new species of fruit flies (Tephritidae: Tephritinae) (Gymnocarena defoeisp. nov. and Gymnocarenanorrbomisp. nov., from eastern North America and Gymnocarena monzonisp. nov. from Guatemala) and redescribe Gymnocarena mississippiensis Norrbom. Gymnocarena monzoni is the first Gymnocarena species to be recorded from Guatemala. This brings the total number of named species in this genus to 19. New larval host plant (Asteraceae) records for Gymnocarena include Verbesina helianthoides Michx. for G. mississippiensis and G. norrbomi, Verbesinaalternifolia (L.) Britton ex Kearney for G. norrbomi, and Viguiera cordata (Hook. and Arn.) D'Arcy for G. monzoni. The latter represents the first record for Gymnocarena in Viguiera Kunth. Gymnocarena larvae were also recorded from Verbesina virginica L. but not identified to species. A revised key to the known species of Gymnocarena and additional information on larval host plants and biology are provided.
Recent Changes in Soviet Personal Taxation

Though it is certainly true that the spate of tax legislation adopted in the late 1970s and early 1980s was principally motivated by the need for codification in anticipation of publication of the Svod Zakonov SSSR and for incorporation of provisions regulating the taxation of foreign legal entities and individuals, several other significant changes were introduced by this legislation. The most notable of these changes were the substantial increases in the tax-free minimum amounts of private source income, the elimination of taxation of agricultural activities in urban areas, the devolution of responsibility for several local taxes to the republic governments, and the imposition of substantial state duties on monetary transfers to Soviet citizens from abroad.
Toward the Optimal Preconditioned Eigensolver: Locally Optimal Block Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient Method

We describe new algorithms of the locally optimal block preconditioned conjugate gradient (LOBPCG) method for symmetric eigenvalue problems, based on a local optimization of a three-term recurrence, and suggest several other new methods. To be able to compare numerically different methods in the class, with different preconditioners, we propose a common system of model tests, using random preconditioners and initial guesses. As the "ideal" control algorithm, we advocate the standard preconditioned conjugate gradient method for finding an eigenvector as an element of the null-space of the corresponding homogeneous system of linear equations under the assumption that the eigenvalue is known. We recommend that every new preconditioned eigensolver be compared with this "ideal" algorithm on our model test problems in terms of the speed of convergence, costs of every iteration, and memory requirements. We provide such comparison for our LOBPCG method. Numerical results establish that our algorithm is practically as efficient as the ``ideal'' algorithm when the same preconditioner is used in both methods. We also show numerically that the LOBPCG method provides approximations to first eigenpairs of about the same quality as those by the much more expensive global optimization method on the same generalized block Krylov subspace. We propose a new version of block Davidson's method as a generalization of the LOBPCG method. Finally, direct numerical comparisons with the Jacobi--Davidson method show that our method is more robust and converges almost two times faster.
Intrauterine tobacco smoke exposure and hyaline membrane disease amongst triplets.

We assessed the association between prenatal smoking and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) among triplets using a population-based retrospective cohort of 12,169 triplet live births in the United States between 1995 and 1997. Analysis was conducted using the generalised estimating equation framework to adjust for intra-cluster correlations. A total of 938 cases of RDS were reported comprising 35 among smoking (7.2%) and 903 among non-smoking gravidas (7.7%). The likelihood of RDS was comparable in both smoking categories [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.65-1.32]. The risk for RDS due to smoking diminished with declining birth weight albeit non-significantly: low birth weight (OR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.40 – 2.42), very low birth weight (OR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.39 – 1.86), and extremely low birth weight (OR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.30 – 1.58). In conclusion, among triplet neonates, smoking during pregnancy was not associated with respiratory distress syndrome.
Two major serologic events in a successful cardiac transplant recipient--circumvention of hyperacute rejection despite a positive donor T lymphocyte crossmatch and late appearance of probable antiidiotypic antibody.

Particularites d'un cas: un anticorps HLA-A2 reactif contre le donneur, present avant la transplantation, se trouve tres diminue par l'association de facteurs fortuits (dilution, prelevement de serum, peut-etre absorption par transfusions), ce qui a pour resultat d'eviter le rejet. L'anticorps reapparait le 5eme j. Au bout de 17 semaines il a disparu completement et un nouvel anticorps probablement anti-idiotypique le remplace
Five-year cephalometric study of mandibular ridge resorption with different posterior occlusal forms. Part I. Denture construction and initial comparison

The average 5 year reduction of the occluding vertical dimension (nasion to menton) for 45 patients was 3.2mm. (2.8 mm. for the anatomic group, 3.2 mm. for the semianatomic group, and 3.6 mm. for the nonanatomic group, each constituting 15 patients). Mandibular physiologic resting face height became foreshortened on the average only one third as much as the morphologic centric occlusion face height. Tabulation of adjustments for sore spots indicated that: the fewest postinsertion appointments were required for the anatomic group of patients; three fourths of 604 denture base alterations were on lower dentures; for upper and lower denture base alterations, one third were made on the borders and two thirds, on the basal seat; one sixth of all alterations were made at routine recall examinations; the fewest upper denture base alterations were for the nonanatomic patients; and the fewest adjustments of the lower denture base on the tissue surface and on the borders were done for the anatomic group of patients. This investigation has been underway for 18 years, and several more re
THE SINO-VIETNAMESE DISPUTE OVER TERRITORIAL CLAIMS, 1974–1978: VIETNAMESE NATIONALISM AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

Relying on Vietnamese internal government documents now available to scholars for consultation in the No. 3 Vietnam National Archive in Hanoi, this article examines the linkage between the escalated Sino-Vietnamese territorial dispute and the increased Vietnamese mistreatment of Chinese residents and experts in northern Vietnam from 1974 to 1978 owing to state-sponsored Vietnamese anti-China/irredentist nationalism. During this period, Vietnamese leaders were seeking to forge national unity, solidify popular loyalty to the state, and mobilize domestic resources to defend the Vietnamese “fatherland” against the threat of Chinese territorial expansion. Specifically, this article demonstrates how these policies encouraged mistreatment of Chinese residents and experts, and created a climate of fear and paranoia within the Chinese community which caused the widespread flight of Chinese from northern Vietnam in 1977–1978.
Steroid 5α-reductase 2 gene melting polymorphisms in male subjects with azoospermia or oligospermia ☆ ☆☆ ★

Abstract Objective: This study was designed to test the hypothesis that mutations in the gene for type 2 steroid 5α-reductase (SRD5A2) may be the cause of a phenotype characterized primarily by oligospermia or azoospermia. Study Design: Deoxyribonucleic acid from control subjects and subjects with oligospermia (n = 12) and azoospermia (n = 6) were evaluated for mutations in SRD5A2. Methods used for mutation analysis included polymerase chain reaction, Southern blotting, and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Results: Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of all 5 amplified exons resulted in similar migration patterns in samples from both control and study subjects. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid subjected to denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis after restriction digest revealed melting polymorphisms. Direct sequencing of the gene in a single patient with a unique melting polymorphism yielded a normal sequence. Conclusions: Melting polymorphisms for SRD5A2 were detected in a group of patients with oligospermia or azoospermia. Sequence analysis did not demonstrate functional mutations in the coding sequence of this gene. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:1394-8.)
Treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis with high doses of synthetic calcitriol. A randomized controlled study.

Objective To study the efficacy of synthetic 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) in the treatment of osteoporosis. Design Two-year, double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Setting University medical center. Patients Fifty postmenopausal women with vertebral fractures recruited by referral. Intervention Calcium intake was adjusted to 25 mmol/d (1000 mg/d) at baseline. Patients were then randomized to treatment with either calcitriol or placebo. During the study, calcium intake was reduced to 15 mmol/d (600 mg/d) and the dose of calcitriol was adjusted to maintain serum calcium less than 2.74 mmol/L (less than 11.0 mg/dL) or urine calcium less than 9.96 mmol/d (less than 400 mg/d). Measurements and main results After 2 years, the mean dose of calcitriol in the treated group was 0.62 micrograms/d. Bone mineral density of the spine increased 1.94% with calcitriol therapy and decreased 3.92% with placebo (P = 0.001). Total body calcium increased 0.21% with calcitriol therapy and decreased 1.85% with placebo (P = 0.004). Patients receiving placebo had significant decreases in spine density (P = 0.0007) and total body calcium (P = 0.0004). There were no differences in vertebral fracture rates between the groups. Renal function studies were not statistically different between the groups after 2 years. Conclusion The treatment of postmenopausal osteoporotic women with synthetic calcitriol for 2 years was associated with increases in spine density and total body calcium. No adverse effects on renal function were seen after long-term calcitriol therapy.
Synthesis and characterization of “umbrella” shaped polymers

A new strategy has been developed to prepare umbrella polymer, i.e. star polymers with one heteroarm. The synthesis uses living anionic polymerization to prepare a short segment of 1,2-polybutadiene at the end of a linear polystyrene. The vinyl groups of 1,2-polybutadiene are hydrosilylated with dichloro(methyl)silane. The umbrella polymer is then formed by nucleophilic displacement of the silicon-chlorine with 1,4-polybutadienyllithium. An umbrella polymer with poly(2-vinylpyridine) arms is prepared in the same way after hydrosilylation with chlorodimethylsilane. The umbrella polymers are characterized by light scattering, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy (UV/vis), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and intrinsic viscosity.
Cancer of the lip

Abstract 1. 1. Any “crack,” “fever blister,” or unexplained “sore,” especially if on the lower lip of a man, which does not heal within four weeks, must be considered cancer until proved otherwise by biopsy or dark-field examination. Cancer and syphilis can coexist. 2. 2. The incidence of cancer of the lip can be reduced by (a) protection against sunburn, (b) avoidance of burns by short cigarettes, hot pipes, etc., (c) relief from irritation by sharp, jagged or overhanging teeth, and (d) eradication of leucoplakia and papillomas. 3. 3. The primary lesion of cancer on the lip can be controlled by radiotherapy or surgery. Radiotherapy is generally preferred by us due to its simplicity, a better cosmetic result, and less interference with function. Resection and plastic repair are advised for the ulcerating, destructive cancer and the rare radioresistant lesion. Systematic follow-up is an essential part of proper care. 4. 4. Metastasis occurs first to the submaxillary and submental lymph nodes and submaxillary salivary glands, with later extension to the cervical nodes, mandible, and adjacent structures. 5. 5. The treatment of metastases is an individual problem. The indicated management depends primarily on the stage and secondarily on the grade of the cancer as detailed in the paper. 6. 6. The prospects of a “five-year cure” are 90 to 95 per cent without apparent metastases, 33 1 3 per cent with an early single focus of metastasis in the suprahyoid structures and only 1 per cent after metastases are present in the cervical lymph nodes. The importance of early correct diagnosis and adequate treatment is obvious.
The virilizing effect of wheel running in male rats.

Abstract Male rats housed in activity wheels developed larger reproductive organs than controls kept in ordinary cages. It may be inferred that this effect was mediated by increased secretion of gonadotropin and androgen, since it did not occur in rats that were castrated and given androgen-replacement therapy.
Temporal excitation properties of paresthesias evoked by thalamic microstimulation.

Abstract Objective The neuronal elements mediating the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) are unknown. The objective was to determine the strength-duration properties of the neuronal elements that mediate paresthesias evoked by thalamic microstimulation. Methods The strength-duration properties of the neuronal elements causing paresthesias were measured using intraoperative microstimulation of the human thalamus. The sample included both concordant (reported in the same region as the mapped sensory receptive fields) and discordant paresthesias (reported in a region different than the mapped sensory receptive fields). Results There were no significant differences between the chronaxies of concordant and discordant paresthesias. There was no significant correlation between chronaxie and rheobase for concordant paresthesias, but a strong negative correlation existed for discordant paresthesias. Conclusions Chronaxies did not distinguish the neuronal elements mediating concordant and discordant paresthesias, but correlations between chronaxie and rheobase suggest that concordant paresthesias were produced by activation of local cells while discordant paresthesias were caused by activation of axons of passage. Significance The similarity between the strength-duration properties of paresthesias evoked by thalamic stimulation, tremor reduction evoked by thalamic DBS, and EMG responses to thalamic DBS does not mean that these effects are caused by the same neural elements.