cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The learning outcomes race: the value of self-reported gains in large research universities

Throughout the world, measuring “learning outcomes” is viewed by many stakeholders as a relatively new method to judge the “value added” of colleges and universities. The potential to accurately measure learning gains is also a diagnostic tool for institutional self-improvement. This essay discussed the marketisation of learning outcomes tests, and the relative merits of student experience surveys in gauging learning outcomes by analyzing results from the University of California’s Undergraduate Experience Survey (Student Experience in the Research University Survey: SERU-S). The SERU-S includes responses by seniors who entered as freshmen on six educational outcomes self-reports: analytical and critical thinking skills, writing skills, reading and comprehension skills, oral presentation skills, quantitative skills, and skills in a particular field of study. Although self-reported gains are sometimes regarded as having dubious validity compared to so-called “direct measures” of student learning, the analysis of this study reveals the SERU survey design has many advantages, especially in large, complex institutional settings. Without excluding other forms of gauging learning outcomes, we conclude that, designed properly, student surveys offer a valuable and more nuanced alternative in understanding and identifying learning outcomes in the broad tapestry of higher education institutions. We discuss the politics of the learning outcomes race, the validity of standardized tests like the Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA), and what we can learn from student surveys like SERU-S. We also suggest there is a tension between what meets the accountability desires of governments and the needs of individual universities focused on self-improvement.
Pan‐glacial—a third state in the climate system

Radiative energy-balance models reveal that Earth could exist in any one of three discrete climate states—‘non-glacial’ (no continental ice-sheets), ‘glacial-interglacial’ (high-latitude ice-sheets) or ‘pan-glacial’ (ice-sheets at all latitudes)—yet only the first two were represented in Phanerozoic time. There is mounting evidence that pan-glacial states existed at least twice in the Cryogenian (roughly 750–635 Ma), the penultimate period of the Neoproterozoic. Consensus is lacking on whether the world ocean was fully glaciated (‘snowball’ model) or largely unglaciated (‘slushball’ model). The first appearances of multicellular animal fossils (diapause eggs and embryos in China, and sponge-specific biomarkers in Oman), being closely associated with the last pan-glacial state, revive speculation that environmental forces had a hand in the origin of metazoa.
Fluorescence studies of laser vaporized aluminum: Evidence for A 3Πu ground state of aluminum dimer

Abstract Two different electronic transitions of Al2 are observed in the fluorescence excitation spectra of the products of laser vaporization of aluminum. Analysis of the spectra provides experimental evidence that the 3Πu state is the ground state of the dimer, and not the 3Σg− as previously suggested. The ground state molecular constants show a very good agreement with the theoretically predicted values.
Monte Carlo derived absorbed fractions for a voxelized model of Oncorhynchus mykiss , a rainbow trout

Simple, ellipsoidal geometries have long been the standard for estimating radiation dose rates in non-human biota (NHB). With the introduction of a regulatory protection standard that emphasizes protection of NHB as its own end point, there has been interest in improved models for the calculation of dose rates in NHB. Here, we describe the creation of a voxelized model for a rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), a freshwater aquatic salmonid. Absorbed fractions (AFs) for both photon and electron sources were tabulated at electron energies of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 4.0 MeV and photon energies of 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.03, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 4.0 MeV. A representative set of the data is made available in this publication; the entire set of absorbed fractions is available as electronic supplementary materials. These results are consistent with previous voxelized models and reinforce the well-understood relationship between the AF and the target’s mass and location, as well as the energy of the incident radiation.
Liver and Onions: DNA Extraction from Animal and Plant Tissues

This activity, which allows students to extract DNA from plant and animal cells, serves as a spectacular example of the complexity of biochemical structure and function and fits well with a discussion of nucleic acids, hydrogen bonding, genetic coding, and heredity. DNA extraction can also be used in conjunction with a discussion of polymers and their properties. This activity can be used to complement a diffraction experiment illustrating how the double helix structure of DNA was determined.
Discussion of PARP inhibitors in cancer therapy

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) are a family of enzymes that play a very important role in preserving the integrity of the genome. Recently, PARP inhibitors have been shown to enhance the therapeutic ratio in cancer patients due to their specific targeting of homologous recombination repair-defective tumors, through a synthetic lethal interaction. Researchers are also presently investigating novel strategies for the treatment of sporadic cancers by combining PARP inhibitors with other DNA-damaging agents. This review will focus on recently patented PARP inhibitors and literature that supports the reported claims presented in these patents. The patents reviewed were categorized into two groups: PARP inhibitors as a single-agent or in combination with other agents for the treatment of various types of cancer. These compounds are currently in clinical trials and, if successful, can greatly impact therapeutic index in cancer therapy.
Hypervelocity nuclear interceptors for asteroid disruption

Abstract A direct intercept mission with nuclear explosives is the only practical mitigation option against the most probable impact threat of near-Earth objects (NEOs) with warning times much shorter than 10 years. However, state-of-the-art penetrating subsurface nuclear explosion technology limits the penetrator's impact velocity to less than approximately 300 m/s because higher impact velocities prematurely destroy the nuclear fusing mechanisms. Therefore, significant advances in hypervelocity nuclear interceptor/penetrator technology are required to enable a last-minute nuclear disruption mission with intercept velocities as high as 30 km/s. This paper briefly describes both the current and planned research activities at the Iowa State Asteroid Deflection Research Center for developing such a game-changing space technology to mitigate the most probable impact threat of NEOs with a short warning time.
The dynamic turnover and functional roles of α-actinin in dendritic spines

Excitatory synapses are located on actin-rich protrusions known as dendritic spines. alpha-Actinin is an actin binding protein enriched in the postsynaptic density (PSD) of excitatory synapses. Because it also binds to NMDA receptors and other PSD components, alpha-actinin has been proposed to link NMDA receptors and the PSD to the underlying actin cytoskeleton of the dendritic spine. Although alpha-actinin has been implicated in modulation of NMDA receptor activity, the cell biological function of alpha-actinin in neurons is unknown. We report here that alpha-actinin is concentrated in spines. Both the actin binding domain and the spectrin repeat region (which interacts with NMDA receptors) of alpha-actinin2 are required for spine targeting. In live imaging experiments, Venus-tagged alpha-actinin2 in dendritic spines showed faster turnover than PSD-95, as determined by fluorescent recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), and individual spines often showed marked fluctuations in alpha-actinin content over a time-scale of minutes. Overexpression of alpha-actinin2 increased the length and density of dendritic protrusions in cultured hippocampal neurons, an effect that requires the actin binding domain and the spectrin repeats of alpha-actinin. These results suggest that alpha-actinin regulates spine morphology and density.
An infrared study of the effect of solvated electrons in liquid ammonia on wood surfaces

Abstract The chemical changes that occur on the surface of Douglas Fir wood when it is reacted with solvated electrons in liquid ammonia have been investigated using FT-IR spectroscopy. Some of the observed effects of this highly reactive reagent include removal of the absorptions caused by ester, ketone and aldehyde carbonyl groups, reduction in intensity of absorptions arising from aromatic groups, and removal of the “aromatic” absorptions in the components extracted from the wood by the solvent.
Scenario-based Usability Engineering

This tutorial introduces scenario-based development, an approach to usability engineering that relies on user interaction scenarios as a central representation. The course format includes a mix of overview lecture, group analysis and design activities, and general discussion.
The Schizosaccharomyces pombe rhp3+ gene required for DNA repair and cell viability is functionally interchangeable with the RAD3 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract The RAD3 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is required for excision repair and is essential for cell viability. RAD3 encoded protein possesses a single stranded DNA-dependent ATPase and DNA and DNA.RNA helicase activities. Mutational studies have indicated a requirement for the RAD3 helicase activities in excision repair. To examine the extent of conservation of structure and function of RAD3 during eukaryotic evolution, we have cloned the RAD3 homolog, rhp3+, from the distantly related yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. RAD3 and rhp3+ encoded proteins are highly similar, sharing 67% identical amino acids. We show that like RAD3, rhp3+ is indispensable for excision repair and cell viability, and our studies indicate a requirement of the putative rhp3+ DNA helicase activity in DNA repair. We find that the RAD3 and rhp3+ genes can functionally substitute for one another. The level of complementation provided by the rhp3+ gene in S.cerevisiae rad3 mutants or by the RAD3 gene in S.pombe rhp3 mutants is remarkable in that both the excision repair and viability defects in both yeasts are restored to wild type levels. These observations suggest a parallel evolutionary conservation of other protein components with which RAD3 interacts in mediating its DNA repair and viability functions.
Potentiation by supernatant of Ca2+ uptake in rabbit aortic microsomes: Effect of pretreatment of animals with reserpine

Abstract The effect of 105,000 g supernatant on Ca 2+ uptake by rabbit aortic microsomes was studied to determine if a membrane-cytosol interaction exists, and to determine whether it is modified by pretreatment of animals with reserpine, which induces postjunctional supersensitivity in this tissue. Aliquots of supernatant from aortae of control and pretreated animals potentiated ATP-dependent microsomal Ca 2+ uptake nearly equally but had no effect on total ATPase. Uptake-potentiation in control microsomes was significant only in the presence of 5 mM oxalate, whereas uptake-potentiation in reserpine-pretreated microsomes was significant both in the absence or presence of oxalate. A cytosolic factor in smooth muscle cells may be involved in Ca 2+ transport in a manner reported for erythrocytes. Its action appears to be unmodified by reserpine-pretreatment. Instead, an alteration in the microsomes affects the interaction of the Ca 2+ transport mechanism with the cytosolic factor.
CNS stimulation: Effects of stimulus parameters on cardiovascular changes and behavior in the rabbit

In previous experiments of centrally elicited cardiovascular changes in rabbits, relatively high pulse frequencies and short train durations resulted in heart rate (HR) decreases and blood pressue (BP) increases at a variety of diencephalic sites. In the present experiment, stimulus intensity, train duration, and pulse frequency were varied to determine whether other kinds of changes might be obtained with different parameters. The results indicated that, even at low frequencies of stimulation (10 Hz), the HR response in the rabbit is a deceleration while BP and respiration rate show concomitant increases. Moreover, as pulse frequency was increased (to about 200 Hz), autonomic responses increased in magnitude. HR decelerations and BP increases were obtained at all diencephalic placements regardless of site unless striate activity occurred. Data from behavioral experiments suggested that ESB, which elicited autonomic changes, was either ambiguous or aversive.
A Low-Noise Dual-Stage a-Si:H Active Pixel Sensor

This paper presents a low-noise and low-current autozeroed (AZ) dual-stage active-pixel-sensor circuit with a noise figure of 830 input-referred rms electrons and compares its performance with the conventional pixel with a figure of 1950 electrons. Through the analysis, we show how the dual stage can increase the photoinduced signal transconductance gain while keeping the relative output-referred noise low by using lower bias currents. From the analysis and verified-via-noise measurements, we report a 55% reduction in the input-referred noise using the optimized readout. The new design performs reset autozeroing, which stabilizes the gain every reset period. Using a subthreshold-mode a-Si:H TFT photodetector, the designed AZ dual stage provided the maximum gain with transient light. The dual stage is also less sensitive to electrical degradation induced by stressing but increases the overall pixel size.
A latent class analysis of injury patterns among rear-seated, seat-belted children

BACKGROUND:: The objective of the study was to determine the constellation of injury patterns in rear-seated, seat-belt-restrained children using data-driven latent class methodology novel to injury prevention research. METHODS:: A cross-sectional probability sample of rear-seated, belt-restrained children aged 5 to 15 years in crashes was obtained via insurance claims records and a telephone survey. Eight body regions of AIS 2 or greater injury (concussion, nonconcussive head injury, face, chest, abdomen, neck/spine/back, upper extremity, lower extremity) were determined, and a latent class model was fit to determine whether underlying "injury clusters" were present. RESULTS:: A three-class model appears to best fit to observed data: an "abdominal/spine" cluster that contained 11% of the population, a "concussion" cluster that contained 56% of the population, and a residual "mixture" cluster that contained the remaining 33% of the population. When compared with the mixture cluster, the abdomen/spine cluster was associated with 4 to 8 year old children, lap-only belt restraint, frontal impacts, and minivans. The concussion cluster was also more common among 4 to 8 and 9 to 12 year olds, with side or rear impact crashes, and with pickup trucks. CONCLUSIONS:: Latent class analysis allows injury clusters to be estimated from the data, not predetermined by the investigator, and suggests that distinct mechanisms of abdominal injury and concussive head injury exist in a population-based sample of children in motor vehicle crashes. Language: en
Quantitating exposure to chemical carcinogens: in vivo alkylation of hemoglobin by benzo[a]pyrene.

Mild acid hydrolysis of globin preparations from erythrocytes of mice, previously exposed topically to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), releases tetrols which are detectable by HPLC/fluorescence analysis. If the mouse is exposed to radiolabelled BaP, radioactivity can be found in the acid-releasable tetrols. Treatment of the globin preparations prior to acid hydrolysis with proteolytic enzymes, but not enzymes that degrade nucleic acids, followed by dialysis, reduces the amount of tetrols that can be detected. Because the procedure used for the isolation of globin preparations from mouse blood precludes the presence of non-covalently bound BaP or its cellular metabolites, it is concluded that prior to acid hydrolysis, the tetrols were covalently attached to the hemoglobin, most probably as a result of the metabolic conversion of the applied carcinogen to the chemically reactive anti-diol epoxide. There is a dose response relationship between the amount of BaP applied to the skin of the mouse and the occurrence, 24 h later, of BaP adducts to hemoglubin, while the adduct, once formed, disappears with a half-life of 6 days. The amount of anti-benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide (anti-BaPDE) binding to DNA and hemoglobin at various doses of BaP appears to be qualitatively similar.
CO2 Laser-Induced Photodesorption of Physisorbed Ammonia from Cu(100) Single Crystal

Infrared laser-induced photodesorption of physisorbed NH3 from Cu(100) single crystal is achieved via resonant pulsed CO2 laser excitation of the symmetric deformation mode δ3 and-detected by time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Photofragmentation and photoionization at increased laser intensities are also observed.
Separate domains of MBP-1 involved in c-myc promoter binding and growth suppressive activity

Abstract We previously demonstrated that exogenous expression of MBP-1 induces rapid cell death in murine fibroblasts, and alters loss of anchorage-independent growth and tumorigenicity in human breast carcinoma cells. Here, we investigated the functional role of two different domains of MBP-1. A DNA-protein interaction study suggested that the amino-terminal half (amino acids 1–178) of MBP-1 possesses the c-myc P2 promoter binding activity. The same domain of MBP-1 also showed transcriptional repressor activity on c-myc promoter by in vitro transient expression assay. On the other hand, the carboxy terminal half (amino acids 190–335) of MBP-1 induced cell death in murine fibroblasts similar to full length MBP-1. Furthermore, exogenous protein expression from the carboxy terminal half of MBP-1 in human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cells showed suppression of colony formation and loss of anchorage-independent growth. Results from this study suggest that MBP-1 exerts its biological effect through different functional domains.
Implementation of transit signal priority and predictive priority strategies in ASC/3 software-in-the-loop simulation

This paper presents an application of the ASC/3 Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) simulation in Transit Signal Priority (TSP) implementation and analysis. Two options of the ASC/3 controller software were examined: built-in TSP features, and the controller logic processor as a means to develop custom-defined Predictive Priority Strategies (PPS). The study is using a VISSIM simulation model of a planned transportation network with a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line in West Valley City, UT. The results show big possibilities for SIL simulation for transit priority analysis. Since the logic processor is not available in simulation software's traffic control emulators, SIL simulation can offer many options for custom-defined traffic control strategies beyond the standard operations. All of the described strategies can be implemented in the field controllers, without the need for new hardware or software.
Modulation of type-IV procollagen and laminin production in A431 human squamous epidermoid carcinoma cells by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and epidermal growth factor (EGF).

The effect of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on type-IV-procollagen (basement-membrane collagen) and laminin synthesis, turnover, and secretion was studied in human A431 squamous epidermoid carcinoma cells. Type-IV procollagen and laminin were biochemically and immunologically identified in the medium and cell extracts using immuno-precipitation followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. EGF or TPA produced a sixfold increase in type-IV-procollagen and laminin secretion within 2 h; this was accompanied by a three- to fourfold increase in the levels of cell-associated type-IV procollagen and laminin, respectively. The level of type-IV-procollagen and laminin synthesis and secretion remained elevated for at least 16 h after the administration of either EGF or TPA. A combination of EGF and TPA was more effective than either agent alone in promoting the secretion of laminin but not of type-IV procollagen. EGF and/or TPA did not, however, produce a selective increase in the synthesis of collagen and laminin, since total protein synthesis was also increased to the same degree by these agents. As determined by labeling and chase studies, neither EGF nor TPA had any appreciable effect upon type-IV-procollagen or laminin degradation. These results indicate that the synthesis of components associated with the basement membrane in A431 cells (i.e., type-IV procollagen and laminin) can be rapidly modulated by EGF and a tumor promoter, i.e., TPA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A MINIMAL PAIR OF RECURSIVELY ENUMERABLE DEGREES

Our principal result is that there exist two incomparable recursively enumerable degrees whose greatest lower bound in the upper semilattice of degrees is 0. This was conjectured by Sacks [5]. As a secondary result, we prove that on the other hand there exists a recursively enumerable degree a < 0(1) such that for no non-zero recursively enumerable degree b is 0 the greatest lower bound of a and b. The proof of the main theorem involves a method that we have developed elsewhere [8] to deal with situations in which a partial recursive functional may interfere infinitely often with an opposed requirement of lower priority. A different method of handling such problems has been previously introduced by Sacks [5] and used by him to prove that the recursively enumerable degrees are dense [6]. In the definition of two recursively enumerable degrees which are merely incomparable, as in the original papers of Friedberg [1] and Mucnik [3], each partial recursive functional eventually ceases to interfere with the construction, although there is no effective procedure for deciding at which state in the construction this occurs. Our second theorem provides another variation on this theme. ' All the necessary background material may be found in [2] and [5]. If e is a number and A is a set, then we define the partial function (' by setting:
Greener Child Care: Parents' Pro‐environmental Values, Beliefs, Behaviors, and Knowledge and Their Child Care Preferences

This study explores the disconnect between the limited existence of green child care environments, attributed to lack of sufficient parent demand, and literature documenting they can provide children with the best start in life. In light of the value-belief-norm (VBN) theory, the ability of parents, prime consumers of child care services, to discern quality criteria was questioned, and their values and beliefs about the environment, their environmentally significant behaviors, and their understanding of green design practices were brought to bear on their preference for green child care options. The study was exploratory, survey based, and used a two-part survey including closed and open-ended questions based on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system categories cross-referenced with values/beliefs, behaviors, and knowledge dimensions adapted to the existing conditions of two study sites. Statistical treatment of collected data from a sample size N = 66 relied on the ordinary least squares (OLS) method from three sequential linear regression models. A relationship of mutual influence was found between parents' pro-environmental values and beliefs and their environmentally significant behaviors. Similar influences were found regarding their green design knowledge and their preference for green design in child care. The model (R2 = .4473) established associations with 99% confidence levels for the pro-environmental values and beliefs, and 95% for the environmentally significant behaviors and knowledge. Although thought to be inaccurate child care evaluators with limited understanding of green design in child care environments, parents demonstrated significant understanding of and preference for green design features. Additional and mutually complementary issues are discussed to address the absence of green child care design in the future.
Media Ethics in Education

Two major publications in 1980 established the most recent phase of media ethics history in the United States. The MacBride Commission's Many Voices, One World and the Hastings-Carnegie studies of professional ethics in the U.S. (Teaching of Ethics in Higher Education) were both published in 1980. This productive academic period from 1980 to the present revolves around five major areas: theory, social philosophy, religious ethics, technology, and truth. The history of scholarship in these five domains sets the agenda for the study of media ethics today.
Seasonal Variations in Outcomes After Kidney Transplantation: UNOS Review of 336,330 Transplants

Introduction The “July effect” is a widely discussed phenomenon of worse patient outcomes at teaching hospitals in July due to inexperienced house staff. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data from Oct 1, 1987 to June 30, 2011, including longitudinal censored data of 360,330 transplantations. Demographic and comorbid variables for donors and recipients were collected. Primary outcomes were graft loss, patient death, and delayed graft function. Secondary outcomes were surgical complications, length of stay, and graft rejection. We compared survival indicators (1-month, 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival and median survival times) for both grafts and patients. We also analyzed death-censored graft survival. Results There were fewer July donors with diabetes (p = 0.003), hypertension (p = 0.000), and extended criteria (p 0.05 for graft, death-censored graft survival, and patient survival). Conclusion We conclude that there is no July effect. Initially identified, superior outcomes in July may be attributed to more conservative allografts selection in the beginning of the academic year.
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) suppression of IGFBP-1 production: evidence for mediation by the type I IGF receptor

Abstract The regulation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) by its ligands, IGF-I and IGF-II, was studied in continuous cultures of HepG2 human hepatoma cells. Both IGF-I and IGF-II in concentrations as low as 1–10 nmol/l caused significant suppression of IGFBP-1 protein levels. This suppression was accompanied by decreased IGFBP-1 mRNA levels occurring within 2–4 h of exposure to IGF-I or IGF-II, and by a significant decrease in IGFBP-1 promoter activity. IGF-I and IGF-II were equipotent in suppressing basal levels of IGFBP-1 protein, mRNA and promoter activity. IGF-I, IGF-II, and IGF-analogs with low IGFBP-1 affinity, (des 1–3)IGF-I and long R3IGF-I, all potently suppressed the previously characterized increase in IGFBP-1 protein levels and promoter activity induced by cAMP and theophylline. In contrast, [Leu-27]IGF-II, which interacts with the type II but not type I IGF receptor, had no effect on IGFBP-1 protein levels or promoter activity. Our data indicate that IGFBP-1 production is inhibited by its ligands, IGF-I and IGF-II, and that this effect is probably mediated at the transcriptional level. The effects of IGF-I and IGF-II apparently occur as a result of binding to the type I IGF receptor, and are similar to the previously characterized suppressive effects of insulin on IGFBP-1 transcription mediated through the insulin receptor. When considered with previous data regarding expression of IGFBP-1 and the type I IGF receptor, our results suggest that IGF regulation of IGFBP-1 may play an as yet undefined role in fetal development and postnatal hepatic regeneration.
Dynamic Plastic Analysis of Impulsively Loaded Viscoplastic Rectangular Plates With Finite Deflections

An energy balance method for the dynamic plastic analysis of thin rectangular plates made of a strain-rate sensitive material, taking into account the influence of finite-deflections, is proposed. The particular case of a fully clamped plate under uniformly distributed dynamic pressure pulse or blast loading is studied in some detail. In addition to the nonaxisymmetric and dynamic nature of the problem, the analysis considers important nonlinearities in the strains, equilibrium equations, and constitutive equations. Nonlinear ordinary differential equations in various regimes of plate deflections and loading histories are derived and solved using a Runge–Kutta method. Comparisons are made with existing experimental data.
The relationship of information science to the social sciences: A co-citation analysis☆

Abstract A co-citation cluster analysis of a three year (1975–1977) cumulation of the Social Sciences Citation Index is described, and clusters of information science documents contained in this data-base are identified using a journal subset concentration measure. The internal structure of the information science clusters is analyzed in terms of co-citations among clusters, and external linkages to fields outside information science are explored. It is shown that clusters identified by the journal concentration method also cohere in a natural way through cluster co-citation. Conclusions are drawn regarding the relationship of information science to the social sciences, and suggestions are made on how these data might be used in planning an agenda for research in the field.
Incorporation and activation of amino acids by disrupted protoplasts of Escherichia coli

Abstract Osmotically lysed protoplasts of E. coli have been examined for synthetic activity. They have been found capable of activating and incorporating a large variety of amino acids. Activation has been observed with virtually every amino acid tested. The L -amino acid is the preferred substrate, the presence of the D -isomer being inhibitory. Optimal incorporating activity requires the presence of : (1) a complete and balanced mixture of amino acids; (2) Mn ++ at a level of 8·10 −3 M ; (3) ATP; (4) a mixture of the four ribonucleoside diphosphates.
SU-C-9A-05: A Medical Physics Approach to the Evaluation of a New Anti-Reflux Catheter

Purpose: The Surefire Infusion System (SIS) is a coaxial microcatheter system with a pliant expanding tip designed to limit retrograde flow of administered intra-arterial embolic agents and resultant non-target embolization (NTE). A recent study suggests that the SIS may achieve relative arterial hypotension downstream to the catheter tip when compared to an end-hole catheter, potentially altering microsphere distribution. We have used a physics based approach to evaluate particulate distribution using both the SIS and standard end-hole microcatheter via a two-step same-day injection of Tc-99m MAA as a microsphere surrogate. Methods: Informed patient consent and IRB approval were obtained. Four patients with primary or secondary liver cancer underwent two sequential low-particulate infusions of Tc-99m MAA on the same day using both the SIS and a conventional end-hole catheter. Radiopharmaceutical dosages of approximately 1:8 were utilized in the first infusion relative to the second to eliminate the effect of residual activity on the images acquired after each step. SPECT imaging was obtained following each infusion, and MAA distribution was analyzed and compared. Archived fluoroscopic images confirmed near-identical catheter position for both infusions. Results: SPECT images from all four patients demonstrate qualitatively increased penetration of MAA distal to the site of infusion using the SIS when compared to a standard end-hole catheter. Quantitative evaluations corroborate these findings with some distal regions receiving between 33% to more than 200% greater relative activity when SIS was used. No appreciable NTE was identified in either patient subset. Conclusion: These preliminary data demonstrate the validity of this dual-infusion technique. Both qualitative and quantitative assessment of SPECT images and comparison with baseline contrast enhanced CT and PET/CT images indicate an improvement in MAA penetration into the target lesion with the SIS. However, the degree of improvement is highly dependent on tumor type and size. Financial support provided by Surefire Medical
Revised Periods for QS Geminorum and V367 Geminorum

ABSTRACT We have examined the field around the variable stars QS Geminorum and V367 Geminorum. For the δ Scuti–type variable QS Gem, we determined a revised period of 0.1346116 days, which is close to the originally published period from Hipparcos. For the eclipsing system V367 Gem, we found a period of 0.6992285 days, which is substantially different from the published value. In addition, we report five suspected variable stars in the field: one is a long‐period eclipsing system, one a likely γ Doradus star, and the other three are of unknown type.
Ascorbate oxidase isozymes

The ascorbate oxidase of yellow summer squash (Cucurbita pepo condensa) was separated into five isozymes by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. One of the forms accounted for 70 per cent of the recovered total enzymic activity. A reversible association-dissociation occurs in the isozymes as a result of changes in ionic concentration.
Contact of rough surfaces: A simple model for elasticity, conductivity and cross-property connections

Abstract Two rough plates with multiple contacts of diverse microgeometries are pressed against one another. Two types of contacts can be distinguished: Hertzian ones and “welded” areas. We find that for circular contacts (1) the two types produce the same effect on the incremental stiffness of the interface and on the effective conductivity across it if their contact areas are the same; (2) for both contact types, the compliance and the conductivity are controlled by the same microstructural parameter, ξ = ∑ S k where Sk is the kth contact area; (3) the explicit cross-property connection is established that gives the (incremental) stiffness in terms of the conductivity; it holds for an arbitrary mixture of Hertzian and welded contacts and does not require any knowledge of their microgeometries. Whereas the two types of contacts produce the same effect on the incremental stiffness, the Hertzian contacts cause non-linearities (the incremental stiffness increases with loading). The non-linearity is controlled by the microstructural parameter that is sensitive to contrasts of curvatures of the contacting parts. Model predictions are generally in good agreement with experimental data on conductivities of rough metal surfaces and stiffnesses of rough rock surfaces.
Kinetics of the Formation of Macrocyclic Polyaminocarboxylate Ligand Complexes: A Laser-Excited Luminescence Study of the Eu3+−dtpa-dien System

Excitation spectroscopy of the {sup 7}F{sub 0} {yields} {sup 5}D{sub 0} transition of Eu{sup 3+} is used to detect and characterize a kinetic intermediate in the formation of a complex between Eu{sup 3+} and the macrocyclic ligand dtpa-dien (1,4,7-tris(carboxymethyl)-9,17-dioxo-1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaazacyclooctadecane). Both the long-lived intermediate and the final product, [Eu-(Hdtpa-dien)(H{sub 2}O)]{sup +}, are formed immediately upon mixing the components, as evidenced by separate peaks in the excitation spectrum. The transformation of the intermediate to the final product, monitored by excitation spectroscopy, occurs by both proton-assisted and non-proton-assisted pathways. It is proposed that the intermediate represents a {open_quotes}blind alley{close_quotes} in the pathway to a final nine-coordinate tricapped trigonal prismatic product. The intermediate with an {open_quotes}up, down, up{close_quotes} configuration of carboxylate arms must undergo some decoordination to form the final complex. Molecular mechanics calculations and excited state lifetimes suggest that the intermediate is eight-coordinate with one coordinated water molecule. The stability constant of the final complex is found to be log K = 14.11 {+-} 0.05.
Some characteristics of concurrent discrimination and retention by monkeys

Abstract Before and after learning-set training, 12 rhesus monkeys were tested on the acquisition and retention of tasks consisting of eight concurrent object discrimination problems. Training on the concurrent discrimination was administered unitil a fairly stringent acquisition criterion was met. Under these procedures, retention, unlike acquisition, was little influenced by initial object preferences. Excellent retention was observed both before and after learning-set training. In a second experiment, these same monkeys were tested on a series of concurrent tasks which provided different numbers of objects as the sets of correct and incorrect discriminanda. Task solutions depended largely upon acquiring and retaining a list of correct objects despite designation of the large or small sets as the correct one. The animals seemed not to use “exclusion” strategies even when this might have provided an efficient task solution. It was considered that the monkeys' performances were based on stimulus sampling characteristics like those seen in other discrimination testing situations.
Enzymatische Regeneration von 3′‐Phosphoadenosin‐5′‐phosphosulfat mit Aryl‐Sulfotransferase zur präparativen enzymatischen Synthese von sulfatierten Kohlenhydraten

Preiswerter als zuvor konnen Oligosaccharide jetzt praparativ enzymatisch sulfatiert werden. Ausgehend von Adenosin-3′,5′-diphosphat (PAP) kann jetzt der als Sulfatgruppen-Donor dienende, teure Cofaktor 3′-Phosphoadenosin-5′-phosphosulfat (PAPS) 1 mit einer neuen Methode unter Verwendung einer rekombinanten Aryl-Sulfotransferase und p-Nitrophenylsulfat regeneriert werden. Dieses System unterliegt nicht der Produkthemmung durch PAP und kann als kontinuierlicher spektrophotometrischer Assay fur die kinetische Analyse von Sulfotransferasen eingesetzt werden.
The effect of a new anticholinergic drug, heteronium bromide, on basal gastric secretion

p HARMACOLOGISTS AND CLINICIANS have long recognized the desirability of a drug which would inhibit gastric secretion and motility while producing a nlinimum of other anticholinergic effects such as dryness of the mouth, urinary hesitancy, and blurring vision. Although the ideal compound has not been and may never be found, many new drugs have been developed in the hope that they will, at least in part, have selective activity. Recently a potent new anticholinergic drug, heteronium bromide,* has been shown to possess marked antisecretory and antimotor effects. Heteroniurn-~ as the bromide, dl- (I-methyl-3-pyrrolinyl) -a-phenyl-a- (2thienyl) glycolate methobromide, is a white, crystalline solid that is very soluble in water and alcohol. The structural formula is shown in Fig. 1. The effects of heteronium bromide on gastric acid secretion in rats and dogs in which pyloric ligation has been done was carefully evaluated by Lim a The study in rats was carried out according to the method described by Shay et al. At a dose of 20 mg./kg, administered orally, heteronium bromide and atropine sulfate were compared to a placebo. Heteronium bromide significantly inhibited both the vohune of secretion and free hydrochloric acid output. Atropine sulfate significantly inhibited the volume but did not significantly affect free hydrochloric acid output. The effect of heteronium bromide on meal-stimulated gastric acid secretion in dogs was also studied. The method of the study and the dogs' reFrom the Lilly Laboratory for Clinical Research, the Gastro-Intestinal Clinic, Marion County General Hospital, and Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind. The authors express their appreciation to the staff of the Lilly Laboratories for Clinical Research; the nursing staff, for their careful collection of samples; Mr. Jacque Ferguson for the meticulous analysis of the samples; and the medical staff, Mrs. Nellita Sumner. and Mrs. Hilda Banks, for their help and cooperation in this study. *Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Ind. tThe generic name heteronium has recently been assigned to the active principle in heteroninm bromide. There is 0.8 rag. of heteronium in I rug. of heteronimn bromide.
Short term effects of leptin on hepatic gluconeogenesis and in vivo insulin action

Long term administration of leptin decreases caloric intake and fat mass and improves glucose tolerance. Here we examine whether leptin acutely regulates peripheral and hepatic insulin action. Recombinant mouse leptin (0.3 mg/kg·h, Leptin +) or vehicle (Leptin −) were administered for 6 h to 4-month-old rats (n = 20), and insulin (3 milliunits/kg·min) clamp studies were performed. During physiologic hyperinsulinemia (plasma insulin ∼65 microunits/ml), the rates of whole body glucose uptake, glycolysis, and glycogen synthesis and the rates of 2-deoxyglucose uptake in individual tissues were similar inLeptin − and Leptin +. Post-absorptive hepatic glucose production (HGP) was similar in the two groups. However, leptin enhanced insulin's inhibition of HGP (4.1 ± 0.7 and 6.2 ± 0.7 mg/kg·min; p
Evidence of complex positron-ammonia interaction in ammonia gas

Abstract Positron annihilation in ammonia gas at temperatures of −19°C, 22,5°C, and 95°C in the density range 1.76 × 10 −4 g/cm 3 to 6.63 × 10 −3 g/cm 3 is investigated. 1 Z eff for orthopositronium annihilation is 0.58 ± 0.04 Z eff / Z for positrons not forming positronium varies from about 117 to 1329.
Approach for dislocation free GaN epitaxy

The characteristics of confined epitaxial growth are investigated with the goal of determining the contributing effects of mask attributes (spacing, feature size) and growth conditions (V/III ratio, pressure, temperature) on the efficiency of the approach for dislocation density reduction of GaN. In addition to standard (secondary electron and atomic force) microscopy, electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI) is employed to identify extended defects over large (tens of microns) areas. Using this method, it is illustrated that by confining the epitaxial growth, high quality GaN can be grown with dislocation densities approaching zero.
MOEMS device design, development, and integration for interconnect applications

Despite the recent sag in the optical telecom sector, the development and application of Micro-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MOEMS)-based devices for optical interconnects continues to expand. The utility of such fundamental research is finding increasing relevance in a variety of technical and commercial areas. This paper will report on the present status of the diffractive and reflective components and arrays that are being developed at the University at Albany’s Institute for Materials (UAIM) NanoFab 200. Selected examples include the current generation of the patented MEMS Compound Grating (MCG) and an innovative micro-scanner device, both of which are being examined for inclusion in prototype interconnect systems. These devices are based on a dual technology development path which includes decreasing feature size and increasing integration level. The MCG prototypes are currently produced with 1-2 micron feature size in 144 element arrays. The surface topology of these components can be controlled using electrostatic attraction to yield both angular deflection and wavelength separation. The optical and mechanical performance of these devices that use either polysilicon or silicon dioxide as a structural material will be reported. Several prototype MCG array architectures have been interfaced with optical sources including VCSEL arrays to test optical interconnect concepts. In addition, recent work on an innovative micro-scanner will be discussed. The micro-scanner is based on a cantilever design with access electrodes to electrostatically control deflection in multiple planes. Details of the components including simulation, fabrication and initial prototype performance tests will be presented.
Regulation of proliferation of fibroblasts of low and high population doubling levels grown in collagen lattices

While IMR 90 and AG 1519 fibroblasts of low and high population doubling levels grow to confluency when plated on plastic surfaces, they cease to divide within four days when incorporated into collagen lattices. Growth inhibition in the lattices is not due to exhaustion of the medium or isotope, or to contact inhibition; nor is it due to impermeability of the lattice to the materials in the medium. While cells in a lattice arrest in GO, this state is reversible when cells are permitted to leave the lattice and populate a plastic substrate. We conclude that fibroblasts in tissue-like lattices may be responsive to some of the same controls as cells in connective tissues.
Inhalation of Mainstream and Sidestream Cigarette Smoke Retards Embryo Transport and Slows Muscle Contraction in Oviducts of Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

Prior experiments have shown that the functioning of hamster oviducts is impaired by in vitro exposure to cigarette smoke. To determine if cigarette smoke affects oviductal functioning in vivo, an inhalation experiment was done in which hamsters were exposed to doses of smoke similar to those received by human smokers. The effects of mainstream smoke (the bolus of smoke inhaled by active smokers) and sidestream smoke (the main component in environmental tobacco smoke) were compared. Transport of preimplantation embryos through the hamster oviduct was retarded in females inhaling doses of mainstream or sidestream smoke that produced serum cotinine levels within the range reported for women who actively or passively smoke during pregnancy. In addition, hamster oviductal muscle contraction rate decreased significantly during a single exposure of animals to either mainstream or sidestream smoke, and contraction rate failed to return to initial control values during a 25-min recovery period. Both preimplantation embryo transport and muscle contraction were more sensitive to sidestream than mainstream smoke. These data demonstrate that inhalation of doses of mainstream and sidestream cigarette similar to those received by active and passive human smokers adversely affects functioning of the oviduct and may explain the increased incidence of ectopic pregnancies reported in women who smoke.
High dose insulin in toxic cardiogenic shock.

Objective. To report the successful use of high dose insulin (HDI) in previously unreported insulin dosing ranges in a patient with severe myocardial toxicity due to an amitriptyline and citalopram overdose. Case Report. A 65-year-old female presented in respiratory arrest, which was followed by bradycardic pulseless electrical activity after ingesting multiple medications. After a prolonged resuscitation, the patient was maintained only on infusions of norepinephrine (40 mcg/min), vasopressin (4 units/h), insulin (80 units/h), and sodium bicarbonate. Due to a deteriorating clinical condition and limited prognosis, the insulin infusion was titrated incrementally upwards to 600 units/h (6 units/kg/h) over a 5 h time period while simultaneously completely weaning off both vasopressors. She developed brisk pulses and warm extremities, and her cardiac output nearly tripled. After 2 days of stabilization the insulin was slowly tapered, and the patient recovered. Discussion. HDI as a single cardiovascular agent...