cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Classical Diffusion in Strong Random Media

We study classical diffusion of particles in random media. Although many of our results are general, we focus on the case of an ion in a three-dimensional medium with random, quenched charge centers obeying bulk charge neutrality. Within a functional-integral framework, we calculate the effective diffusion coefficients by first-order and second-order self-consistent perturbation theory (with a Gaussian reference in both cases). We also carry out a one-loop order momentum space renormalization group calculation. The self-consistent methods are complicated numerically and fail beyond intermediate disorder strengths. In contrast, the renormalization group calculation gives an analytical result that appears valid even to high disorder strengths. The methodology, generally applicable to a quantitative calculation of effective diffusion coefficients in disordered media, resolves deficiencies in self-consistent perturbation theory approaches to this class of problems.
Similarities between l-Phenylalanine and m-Fluorophenylalanine as Substrates for l-Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase

The ability of l-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (E.C. 4.3.1.5) to metabolize dl-m-, dl-o- and dl-p-fluorophenylalanine in Avena sativa has been examined. Although all three amino acid analogues served as substrates for this enzyme, there was a marked difference in the behavior of the meta isomer from that of the para and ortho species. The Michaelis constant for the meta analogue was similar to that obtained for the natural substrate, l-phenylalanine, but distinct from the kinetic data for the para and ortho isomers. In addition, in vivo analyses demonstrated that both l-phenylalanine and the meta-fluoro-derivative served to protect against chlorogenic acid loss, whereas previous studies have shown that the para and ortho species depressed levels of this phenolic derivative. Finally, treatment of coleoptile apices with either the meta isomer or l-phenylalanine reversed dl-p-fluorophenylalanine stimulated growth and attendant reduction in chlorogenic acid content. These findings provide further clarification of the effects of fluorophenylalanines upon l-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase mediated biosynthesis of low molecular weight phenols in Avena.
Theranostic effect of serial manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of human embryonic stem cell derived teratoma

Although human embryonic stem cell (hESC) hold therapeutic potential, teratoma formation has deterred clinical translation. Manganese (Mn(2+)) enters metabolically active cells through voltage-gated calcium channels and subsequently, induces T(1) shortening. We hypothesized that serial manganese-enhanced MRI would have theranostic effect to assess hESC survival, teratoma formation, and hESC-derived teratoma reduction through intracellular accumulation of Mn(2+). Firefly luciferase transduced hESCs (hESC-Lucs) were transplanted into severe combined immunodeficient mouse hindlimbs to form teratoma. The chemotherapy group was injected with MnCl(2) intraperitoneally three times a week. The control group was given MnCl(2) only prior to manganese-enhanced MRI. Longitudinal evaluation by manganese-enhanced MRI and bioluminescence imaging was performed. The chemotherapy group showed significant reduction in the teratoma volume and luciferase activity at weeks 6 and 8. Histology revealed increased proportion of dead cells and caspase 3 positive cells in the chemotherapy group. Systemic administration of MnCl(2) enabled simultaneous monitoring and elimination of hESC-derived teratoma cells by higher intracellular accumulation of Mn(2+).
Assessing the effects of behavioral marital therapy: Assumptions and measurement strategies☆

Abstract An important consideration in examining the effects of behavioral marital therapy (BMT) is the measurement strategies that are used to assess treatment outcome. The present paper identifies and evaluates several important assumptions underlying the two primary means of assessing BMT outcome, viz., the use of self-report measures alone and the use of self-report measures in combination with behavioral observation. Based upon this analysis, it is concluded that (a) contrary to common practice, the use of both self-report and observational measures is the more appropriate of the two alternatives for assessing BMT outcome; (b) currently used self-report measures are not optimal for assessing marital satisfaction; and (c) greater attention should be given in future outcome research to assumptions and models underlying assessment strategies.
Early mammals: Teeth, jaws and finally … a skeleton!

Abstract Suprising new fossils – a skeleton and a jaw – give us a much clearer picture of mammals that lived during the time of non-avian dinosaurs; the new finds illuminate the early evolution of the lineage leading to modern mammals, and challenge traditional understanding of placental mammal evolution and biogeography.
Synthesis and Solution Properties of Norbornene Based Polybetaines

Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) was used to synthesize novel norbornene based polycarboxy- (d-Poly 3a and d-Poly 3b) and polysulfobetaines (Poly 3c) using the third generation Grubbs’ catalyst (G3) as the initiator. Hydrophobicity of the polycarboxybetaines was varied by changing the bridging group of the norbornene backbone. A protective group approach was utilized to prevent any possible retardation in the polymerization due to interactions of the carboxylate functionality with the catalyst and to provide ease of characterization. The tert-butyl ester protected precursor polymers (Poly 3a and Poly 3b) were deprotected under acidic conditions to yield the corresponding polycarboxybetaines with very narrow polydispersity indices, ranging from 1.03 to 1.15. This method allowed excellent control over the molecular weight distributions compared to the direct polymerization approach. When molecular weight was plotted against the theoretical degree of polymerization (DP), linear relationships wer...
Communities of interest and minority districting after Miller v. Johnson

Abstract The 1990s have witnessed growing controversy over the issues of minority districting and representation. These controversies have revolved around competing conceptions of the community of interest standard in redistricting. One conception, the transcendent community of interest, suggests that minority groups, in and of themselves, represent a community of interest that transcends space as a result of the group's shared history, culture and legacy of discrimination and segregation. A second view, the traditional geographic community of interest, defines the concept as a formal and/or functional region which can cut across racial and ethnic group divisions. In the early 1990s, the US Department of Justice displayed the transcendent community of interest concept in maximizing majority-minority districts across the South. In the mid-1990s, however, the US Supreme Court and Federal District Courts in invalidating some of these districts have strongly enunciated the traditional geographic conception. This article examines these issues and their potential impact on minority districting and representation by examining the case of Georgia, subject of the US Supreme Court's June 1995 decision in Miller v. Johnson which declared Georgia's 11th congressional district unconstitutional. The last part of the article considers the future impact of this decision by examining how Georgia's congressional districts were redrawn by a Federal District Court in December 1995 based on the concept of traditional, geographic community of interest districts.
THEORY AND MODELS IN ECOLOGY: A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

Abstract Many widespread criticisms of ecological theory, especially theory relying on mathematical models, are based on misunderstandings the role of models in theory and of theory in the larger discipline of ecology. The naivete of some of these misunderstandings suggests that they are too seldom examined. In this paper, I address what I consider to be the most ill-conceived criticisms of ecological theory. I propose that the parallels between theoretical and empirical research are more profound than most people realize. Appreciation of these parallels will go a long way towards bridging the gap between empiricists and theoreticians in ecology
Molecular targets for the rational design of drugs to inhibit SARS coronavirus

Despite years of research, the precise determinants of coronavirus replication and pathogenesis remain unidentified. What is known of the pathogenesis of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is limited, but clinical observations suggest that both viral-induced cytotoxicity and host immune-mediated destruction contribute to the severity of disease. This summary discusses recent advances in coronavirus research that will facilitate the identification of crucial molecular targets for the rational design of SARS therapeutics.
Changing patterns of carnivore modification in a landscape bone assemblage, Amboseli Park, Kenya

This study compares the landscape-scale taphonomic signal of carnivore modification to the surficial bone assemblage in Amboseli Park, Kenya as it was in 1975 and 2002-2004. Change in predator abundances over time provides a means of assessing the taphonomic signal of carnivore-mediated bone consumption and destruction under differing ecological conditions and varying levels of conspecific competition for resources. The landscape assemblage indicates taxonomic variation in the patterning of carnivore modification to ungulates of different size classes as well as within equivalent size classes. Analyses of long bone elements indicate that the differential destruction of limb ends and the strength of the correlation between limb end abundance and bone mineral density provide an indication of the intensity of carnivore modification to a faunal assemblage. The ability to infer levels of carnivore modification based on limb elements can provide faunal analysts with the tools to determine whether the taphonomic signals in the fossil record relate to carnivore modification, hominin transport of appendicular elements, or both.
Bacterial vaginosis-associated microflora and effects of topical intravaginal clindamycin

Objectives: The goals of this study were as follows: (1) to further define the microbiologic characteristics of bacterial vaginosis in nonpregnant women, (2) to evaluate the in vivo activity of topical intravaginal clindamycin and reference this activity to clinical cure, and (3) to evaluate for clindamycin-related emergence of species. Study Design: Vaginal microflora was identified and quantified from 33 women with bacterial vaginosis at enrollment and 4 to 7 days after treatment with placebo or three different dosages of clindamycin administered twice daily for 5 days in a double-blind, randomized trial. Results: Clindamycin eradicated and/or decreased counts of major bacterial vaginosis-associated microflora such as Gardnerella , gram-negative and gram-positive anaerobes, and Mycoplasma hominis; this was correlated with cure in 22 of 24 (92%) women. Altered flora (nonlactobacilli) among some of the women who received clindamycin appeared to be transient and without apparent adverse effects. Conclusion: Microbial (and clinical) results support use of clindamycin as effective treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
Rhetoric in the economy: consumption and audience

Abstract Consumption is rhetorical. The argument is based on an analogy between discourse in economics and the actual economy. Any chosen bundle of consumption makes a statement. The understanding of the statement requires a rhetorical inquiry into the speaker, audience, and speech situation (e.g., history, language). To understand consumption behavior, I propose to shift attention away from the logic of choice and focus instead on the rhetoric of choice (which includes the logic of choice as a part).
Color constancy and color rendering: Concomitant engineering of illuminants and reflectances

A strategy for cooperative illumination and reflectance design to produce color-stable environments includes reduction of metamerism and paramerism, followed by attempts at color constancy. Given a model of color constancy based on linear basis-function expansions of illuminant and reflectance spectra, all these goals could be served by designing reflectances and illuminants to inhabit certain compatible subspaces of spectral functions. Such linear models suggest two new indices of metamerism, one for designing illuminants and the other for designing reflectances. Implications are noted for designing color atlases. Finally, a physiological model of color constancy is described that is nonlinear and hence may add challenge to the concomitant design.
Complementary finite-element method for finite deformation nonsmooth mechanics

The complementary finite-element programming method and algorithm for solving finite deformation problems in nonsmooth mechanics are presented. This method provides a dual approach for the numerical solutions of the mixed boundary-value problem governed by nonsmooth physical laws. Application to non-smooth plastic flow is illustrated.
Synchronization of transport and supply in beach-dune interaction:

This review considers the role of nearshore processes and morphological change as a flexible and dynamic constraint on the supply and transport of sediment between beach and dune. It is argued that...
Real Time 3-D Object Recognition From A Range Or Visible Light Image

This paper presents a solution to the problem of recognition and location estimation of complex three dimensional objects in a robotic workspace. We initially assume 3-D data is available in the form of a range image measured by an active triangulation system. The system was designed to meet three criteria: hardware implementation, optimality and real-time execution speed. The assumptions are that a scene contains several objects which may be at any position and orientation and may be arbitrarily overlapping. Each object consists of planar and slowly curving surfaces. The design criteria lead to an approach distinguished by the use of windows. One system using this approach was designed to meet the optimality criterion. Then simplifying approximations were made to improve speed, while maintaining similar performance. The basic approach to segmentation is to divide the range image into windows, classify each window as a particular surface primitive, and group like windows into surface regions. Segmented surface regions are matched with surfaces in an object model using a simple search constrained by a geometric similarity measure. Finally, we describe another system which uses a similar approach with visible light images of the same type of scene.
CONGRESSIONAL PREEMPTION OF STATE POLICY: INTERPRETING THE GARCIA DECISION

It has been more than a decade since the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision in National League of Cities (NLC) v. Usev (1 976), setting aside the extension of federal regulations concerning wages and hours to employees of state and local governments. Federal intrusion into the organization and structuring of such basic functions, NLC had argued, threatened not only the immediate fiscal viability of state and local budgets but, more fundamentally, seriously eroded the independence of states as political entities. The Court majority ruled that the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protected states as sovereign entities against federal intrusions under the Commerce clause, a judgment widely acclaimed by state and local officials as a constitutional declaration of independence from federal regulations that directly affected their basic service functions. Naturally, its advocates presumed that the NLC ruling would serve as a benchmark in the constitutional definition of state sovereignty in the American federal system, at minimum a statement of fundamental constitutional principle that states enjoy a core level of immunity from federal intrusion into basic state functions. But it never achieved the status of accepted judicial doctrine. It was consistently rejected as a compelling argument in most lower court cases involving issues of state sovereignty, was significantly narrowed in its application by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) v. Wyoming in 1983, and was ultimately overturned altogether in Garcia v. San Antonio Metropolifan Transit Authority in 1985. The Garcia decision indicated that we have reached an important transition in the constitutional definition of the rights of states in the American federal system. The transition does not, however, necessarily involve a judicial redefinition of the constitutional relationship between states and the federal government, or (as some lamented) an abandonment of traditional judicial responsibility in balancing the sovereign interests of state and federal governments. Rather, it involves a frank reassertion by the Supreme Court of the fundamental and primary responsibility of the Congress in protecting the integrity of the American federalist system. This article outlines the critical elements of the NLC decision and how they failed to provide viable constitutional precedent in subsequent federal court
Developmental selenomethionine and methylmercury exposures affect zebrafish learning.

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and has been shown to affect learning in vertebrates following relatively low exposures. Zebrafish were used to model long-term learning deficits after developmental MeHg exposure. Selenomethionine (SeMet) co-exposure was used to evaluate its role in neuroprotection. Embryos were exposed from 2 to 24h post fertilization to (1) MeHg without SeMet, (2) SeMet without MeHg and (3) in combination of MeHg and SeMet. In case (1), the levels of MeHg were 0.00, 0.01, 0.03, 0.06, 0.10, and 0.30 microM. In case (2), the levels of SeMet were 0.00. 0.03, 0.06, 0.10, and 0.30 microM. In case (3), co-exposure levels of (MeHg, SeMet) were (0.03, 0.03), (0.03, 0.06), (0.03, 0.10), (0.03, 0.30), (0.10, 0.03), (0.10, 0.06), (0.10, 0.10), and (0.10, 0.30) microM. Learning functions were tested in individual adults, 4 months after developmental exposure using a spatial alternation paradigm with food delivery on alternating sides of the aquarium. Low levels of MeHg ( 0.01 microM MeHg. SeMet co-exposure ameliorated but did not prevent changes in telencephalon cell body density. In summary, MeHg affected both learning and brain structure, but SeMet only partially reversed the latter.
Topics of marital disagreement among African-American and Euro-American newlyweds.

To see what issues couples most and least often reported as topics of marital disagreement, survey data were analyzed for 113 African-American and 131 Euro-American couples reporting in the first and third years of marriage. Friedman tests showed that in both the first and third years of marriage, money was most often reported as a topic of marital disagreement; tensions about leisure, each spouse's family of origin, and children were reported significantly less often; and tensions about religion were reported least often. Findings were very similar for African Americans and Euro-Americans, and for husbands and wives. Overall, findings show considerable stability in the relative frequency with which specific topics reportedly evoke tension early in marriage.
Pollen quality for pollinators tracks pollen quality for plants in Mimulus guttatus

Pollen viability ranges substantially among and within plant species, and can be reduced by various factors, including pollution and inbreeding. While it is evident that a reduction in gamete quality reduces the male component of plant fitness, the implications of changes in pollen viability on the nutritional value of pollen for pollinators has not been studied. To test this, we created a greenhouse population of Mimulus guttatus plants that ranged in pollen viability from 17% to 98.5% and related both pollen quantity and pollen protein content to pollen viability. We found that crude protein concentration ranged from 15% to 45% and was positively associated with pollen viability. We also found that pollen mass per flower ranged 5-fold, also positively related to pollen viability. Across experimental plants, there was an 11-fold difference in protein mass per flower between plants of the lowest and highest pollen viabilities. We conclude that conditions that lead to reduced pollen viability, especially early in pollen development, may greatly reduce the awards available to plant pollinators.
Auxin biosynthesis and metabolism in isolated roots of Zea mays

The synthesis and metabolism of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was investigated in isolated roots of corn, Zea mays L. Roots were cultured aseptically in media supplemented with either 14C-tryptophan or 14C-IAA. Exogenously supplied IAA is rapidly and completely metabolized by root tissues. The main site in the root for the synthesis of IAA is in the apex. Removal of either the root cap or the quiescent center, or the root cap and the quiescent center from the apex has no effect on the IAA-synthesizing ability of the apex. Subdividing the terminal 2.1 cm of the root into various segments and culturing them separately stimulates IAA synthesis in these isolated root tissues. Roots in culture maintain relatively constant IAA levels, reflecting the precise controls of the level of this hormone.
Unique Edge‐Sharing Sulfate‐Transition Metal Coordination in Na2M(SO4)2 (M: Ni and Co).

Na2Ni(SO4)2 (I) and Na2Co(SO4)2 (II) are prepared by solid state reaction of Na2SO4 and NiSO4 or CoSO4 (Al2O3 crucible, 580 °C, 72 h).
Therapists' attitudes toward evidence-based practices and implementation of parent-child interaction therapy.

Child abuse and neglect affects many families each year, but evidence-based parent training programs can be instrumental in reducing maltreatment. Parent–Child Interaction Therapy, a parent trainin...
FDG-PET after 1 cycle of therapy predicts outcome in diffuse large cell lymphoma and classic Hodgkin disease.

BACKGROUND. Early prediction of response to therapy may offer the potential to identify patients who will benefit from standard conventional therapy. The objective of this study was to determine the predictive value of FDG-PET as an early response indicator after 1 cycle of chemotherapy for progression-free survival (PFS) in diffuse large cell lymphoma (DLCL) and classic Hodgkin disease (HD). METHODS. FDG-PET was performed before, after 1 cycle, and after completion of chemotherapy in 47 patients. The patients were followed with a median follow-up of 21 months (range, 3–47 months). PFS was compared between PET-positive and PET-negative patients after 1 cycle and after completion of therapy. RESULTS. All PET-negative patients after 1 cycle (n = 31) had sustained complete remission with a median follow-up of 28 months. Fourteen of 16 PET-positive patients after 1 cycle had refractory disease or relapsed (median PFS, 5.5 months). There were 2 false-positive results, 1 with an active infection at the biopsy site and the other in a patient who had been in remission after radiation therapy. There was good agreement between the results obtained after 1 cycle and at completion of therapy (kappa, 0.80); however, the negative predictive value was higher for FDG-PET after 1 cycle than after completion of chemotherapy (100% vs 91.4%), although not statistically different (P = .40). CONCLUSIONS. FDG-PET had a high prognostic value after 1 cycle of chemotherapy, thus it can be a valid alternative for posttreatment evaluation of DLCL and HD and may offer the potential for change in treatment paradigms. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
A Visual Spectrum of Triton from the Hubble Space Telescope

Abstract Observations of Triton were made using the Faint Object Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope in August of 1995. We present a visual spectrum of Triton between 3000 and 8500 A. We compare our measurements with previous observations and find that Triton's color in 1995 is consistent with its color at the time of the Voyager 2 flyby.
Fatty acid oxidation in relation to cholesterol biosynthesis in rats.

Groups of male and female rats were fed diets containing (calorie basis) 2% corn oil (low-fat, LF), 42% corn oil (CO) or 2% corn oil plus 40% beef tallow (BT) for 2 weeks. Then rats of each sex and diet group were given an intraperitoneal injection of14C-acetate,- stearate- oleate or linoleate. Acetate incorporation into cholesterol and rate of oxidation of each fatty acid were determined. Specific activity of cholesterol was higher in females than males, higher with 40% lipid in the diet than with 2% corn oil and higher for CO than BT. Linoleate was oxidized more rapidly than oleate which exceeded stearate. An index of dietary lipid oxidation was computed based on fatty acid oxidation rate, per cent of each fatty acid in the diet and per cent of lipid calories in the diet. Serum cholesterol-14C was found to be proportional to dietary lipid oxidation index.
Diagenetic Mineral Reactions Reveal Rates of Fluid Movement and Timing of Oil Emplacement: ABSTRACT

The San Joaquin basin of California is a young, rapidly buried basin in which feldspar alteration has major control over calcite cementation and porosity forming reactions in hydrocarbon reservoirs. The eastern part of the basin includes up to 3,658 m (12,000 ft) of Miocene and younger arkosic marine sand and shale. The Miocene sand is cemented by numerous thin bands of dolomite and calcite, which, as oxygen isotopic studies indicate, formed at burial temperatures between 20° and 90°C (68° and 194°F). Strontium isotopic studies show that the calcium source for the calcite cements is plagioclase feldspar. Calcium in calcite cements forming at shallow burial depths and low temperatures (40°-70°C or 104°-158°F) was derived from plagioclase alteration reactions at deeper levels and higher temperatures (> 80°C or 176°F) in the basin. Time-temperature burial plots indicate that minimum required flow rates from deep to shallow basin levels would have to be about 1 cm/yr (0.4 in./yr). In contrast to the low temperature cements, the calcium source for cements forming at deep burial depths and at high temperatures (70°-90°C or 158°-194°F) was plagioclase dissolving within the reservoir. In addition, aluminum released from the dissolving fe dspar was precipitated as kaolinite in adjacent pore spaces. These diagenetic trends reflect increasingly restricted pore-water mobility during the basin history. Strontium isotopic values in modern pore waters of the basin record increasing feldspar alteration with depth and suggest that present mixing of basin waters is restricted to subregions (10-15 mi or 16-24 km horizontally by 2 mi or 3 km vertically). Helium isotopes also suggest limited mobility of this gas on a scale similar to that of strontium. Plagioclase dissolution (up to 5% of the rock volume) occurred just prior to the incoming of hydrocarbons, which suggests that acids associated with and perhaps moving in front of the hydrocarbons effectively created a substantial part of the reservoir porosity. Modern pore waters in the basin are rich in organic acids that may be responsible for the dissolution reactions. The last calcite cements formed about 2-3 Ma, based on time-temperature burial plots. Thus, hydrocarbons filled the reservoirs (up to 500 million bbl) within less than 3 m.y. This short time for oil emplacement is surprising considering the low permeability of the reservoir rocks (1-10 md). End_of_Article - Last_Page 1521------------
Molecular dynamics simulation of cationic complexation with natural organic matter

Molecular computer modelling of natural organic matter (NOM) and its interactions with metal cations in aqueous solution is a highly effective tool for helping to understand and quantitatively predict the molecular mechanisms of metal-NOM complexation. This paper presents the results of molecular dynamics (MD) computations of the interaction of NOM with dissolved Na + , Cs + , Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ . They show that Na + forms only very weak outer-sphere complexes with NOM, whereas Cs + interacts somewhat more strongly, but also mainly via outer-sphere association. Mg 2+ interacts little with NOM due to its strongly held hydration shell. Ca 2+ has the strongest association with NOM and forms inner-sphere complexes with NOM carboxylate groups. This last result supports the idea of supramolecular, Ca-mediated NOM aggregation. Cation-NOM binding occurs principally with carboxylate groups, and to a lesser extent with phenolic and other -R-OH groups. The contributions of other NOM functional groups are minimal. The diffusional mobility of NOM-bound cations is ∼20% (NOM-Na + outer-sphere complex) to ∼95% (NOM-Ca 2+ inner-sphere complex) less than in aqueous solutions without NOM. The MD simulation results are in good agreement with NMR spectroscopic measurements for Cs-NOM solutions.
Cancer of the thyroid gland in infants and children.

Abstract Carcinoma of the thyroid gland is unusual in children and represents only about 3% of pediatric malignancies. Surgical management is the principal method of treatment, but there is considerable controversy regarding exactly how much of the thyroid gland should be removed for adequate treatment. There also is controversy regarding the use of fineneedle aspiration (FNA) in the evaluation of potentially neoplastic thyroid lesions. In this report, the pertinent literature is reviewed regarding these issues. Moreover, this report will discuss recent discoveries that have elucidated some of the molecular biological events responsible for the development of thyroid cancer.
A direct INT‐dehydrogenase assay (DIDHA) for assessing chemical toxicity

A direct INT-dehydrogenase assay (DIDHA) was developed to measure chemical toxicity as well as toxicant interactions. This test consists of measuring quickly and directly the dehydrogenase activity (i.e., INT reduction) with the aid of a double beam spectrophotometer, thus avoiding formazan extraction and centrifugation steps. The assay was used to determine the toxicity of heavy metals, phenol, α-naphtol, and herbicides (Barban, propanil, swep, BIPC, and CIPC). It was also useful in demonstrating the protective effect of clays and humic acids with regard to herbicide toxicity as well as antagonistic and synergistic interactions among toxicants.
Membrane charge movement in contracting and non‐contracting skeletal muscle fibres

1. The single gap voltage clamp technique (Kovacs & Schneider, 1978) was used to monitor membrane charge movement in tendon-terminated short segments of cut frog skeletal muscle fibres.2. Experiments were performed both on fibres able to contract and on fibres in which contraction was eliminated by exposing the open end to a solution containing 20 mm-EGTA. In both cases ionic conductances were minimized by using a predominantly caesium glutamate solution at the open end and a predominantly tetraethyl-ammonium sulphate solution with tetrodotoxin at the closed end.3. Modifications of previously used charge movement analysis procedures included synthesis of a ;mean linear' ON and OFF capacitative transient from the OFFs of several different hyperpolarizing pulses and use of only the first 35 msec of the ;mean linear' transient so that base lines could be fitted to unaltered latter parts of ON and OFF currents for depolarizing pulses.4. Simultaneous two-micro-electrode and gap current recording from gap-clamped fibres with blocked contraction established the validity of gap-recorded charge movement currents.5. For pulses to below about 0 mV in non-contracting fibres the charges Q(ON) and Q(OFF) moved by the non-linear transient currents at pulse ON and OFF were approximately equal. For pulses to between about 0 and +50 mV Q(OFF) exceeded Q(ON), with the charge inequality increasing with both pulse amplitude and pulse duration.6. Use of 20 mm-cobalt in the solution at the closed end eliminated the ON:OFF charge inequality for large depolarizations by decreasing Q(OFF).7. The charge inequality and cobalt effect indicate that, in the absence of cobalt, ionic conductance was being slowly activated during depolarizations to between 0 and +50 mV and that inward calcium current tails were contributing to the measured Q(OFF) values. The small and slowly developing ionic current during large depolarizations was probably removed with the straight sloping base line so that Q(ON) was minimally affected by conductance activation.8. Average Q vs. V results for pulses to at most 0 mV in eighteen non-contracting fibres were well fitted by the two-state Boltzmann model where Q = Q(max)/[1+exp-(V - V)/k] with Q(max) = 26.7+/-0.6 nC/muF, k = 16.7+/-0.6 mV and V = -32.9+/-1.0 mV (least-squares values+/-s.d. obtained from fit).9. In contracting fibres the only apparent artifact produced by contraction in the I(Q) records for pulses to at most 0 mV was a ;bowing' of the OFF base lines for the larger pulses. The ON records appeared to be unaffected by contraction artifacts.10. The average Q vs. V relationship for pulses to at most 0 mV in contracting fibres was virtually identical to the one obtained from fibres in which contraction was blocked.11. The ON portions of I(Q) records for pulses to between about -50 and -25 mV exhibited prolonged tails, plateaux or secondary rising phases whereas the OFF portions decayed smoothly. I(Q) time courses were not noticeably different with or without blockage of contraction by internal EGTA.
Transport properties of nanocrystalline silicon and silicon–germanium

Abstract We report on the minority carrier lifetime, diffusion length and mobility in nanocrystalline Si and (Si,Ge) p + nn + devices. The devices were fabricated on stainless steel using VHF plasma deposition techniques. Minority carrier lifetime was measured using junction reverse recovery techniques. The minority carrier lifetime was found to be well correlated with the inverse of defect density and increased with increasing measurement temperature. Simultaneous measurement of diffusion length and lifetime yielded values for hole mobility.
RESOLVING ECOLOGICAL QUESTIONS THROUGH META‐ANALYSIS: GOALS, METRICS, AND MODELS

We evaluate the goals of meta-analysis, critique its recent application in ecology, and highlight an approach that more explicitly links meta-analysis and ecological theory. One goal of meta-analysis is testing null hypotheses of no response to experimental manipulations. Many ecologists, however, are more interested in quantitatively measuring processes and examining their systematic variation across systems and conditions. This latter goal requires a suite of diverse, ecologically based metrics of effect size, with each appropriately matched to an ecological question of interest. By specifying ecological mod- els, we can develop metrics of effect size that quantify the underlying process or response of interest and are insensitive to extraneous factors irrelevant to the focal question. A model will also help to delineate the set of studies that fit the question addressed by the meta- analysis. We discuss factors that can give rise to heterogeneity in effect sizes (e.g., due to differences in experimental protocol, parameter values, or the structure of the models that describe system dynamics) and illustrate this variation using some simple models of plant competition. Variation in time scale will be one of the most common factors affecting a meta-analysis, by introducing heterogeneity in effect sizes. Different metrics will apply to different time scales, and time-series data will be vital in evaluating the appropriateness of different metrics to different collections of studies. We then illustrate the application of ecological models, and associated metrics of effect size, in meta-analysis by discussing and/or synthesizing data on species interactions, mutual interference between consumers, and individual physiology. We also examine the use of metrics when no single, specific model applies to the synthesized studies. These examples illustrate that the diversity of ecological questions demands a diversity of ecologically meaningful metrics of effect size. The successful application of meta-analysis in ecology will benefit by clear and explicit linkages among ecological theory, the questions being addressed, and the metrics used to summarize the available information.
Low temperature luminescence studies of two polymorphs of bis(urea)- dioxouranium(VI) sulfate

Abstract The high-resolution photoluminescence of two structurally similar forms of bis(urea) uranyl sulfate have been obtained, and these studies indicate the existence of significant differences between the uranyl ions in each system.
Identification of Endothelial Cell Junctional Proteins and Lymphocyte Receptors Involved in Transendothelial Migration of Human Effector Memory CD4+ T Cells

Human effector memory (EM) CD4+ T cells can rapidly transmigrate across an endothelial cell (EC) monolayer in response either to chemokine or to TCR-activating signals displayed by human dermal microvascular EC under conditions of venular shear stress. We previously reported that the TCR-stimulated transendothelial migration (TEM) depends on fractalkine (CX3CL1), PECAM-1 (CD31), and ICAM-1 (CD54) expression by the EC, whereas chemokine-stimulated TEM does not. In this study, we further analyze these responses using blocking mAb and small interfering RNA knockdown to show that TCR-stimulated TEM depends on CD99 on EC as well as on PECAM-1 and depends on nectin-2 (CD112) and poliovirus receptor (CD155) as well as EC ICAM-1. ICAM-1 is engaged by EM CD4+ T cell LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) but not Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18); nectin-2 and poliovirus receptor are engaged by both DNAX accessory molecule-1 (CD226) and Tactile (CD96). EC junctional adhesion molecule-1 (JAM-1), an alternative ligand for LFA-1, contributes exclusively to chemokine-stimulated TEM and ICAM-2 appears to be uninvolved in either pathway. These data further define and further highlight the differences in the two pathways of EM CD4+ T cell recruitment into sites of peripheral inflammation.
Phosphorylation of p66Shc and forkhead proteins mediates Aβ toxicity

Excessive accumulation of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) plays an early and critical role in synapse and neuronal loss in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Increased oxidative stress is one of the mechanisms whereby Aβ induces neuronal death. Given the lessened susceptibility to oxidative stress exhibited by mice lacking p66Shc, we investigated the role of p66Shc in Aβ toxicity. Treatment of cells and primary neuronal cultures with Aβ caused apoptotic death and induced p66Shc phosphorylation at Ser36. Ectopic expression of a dominant-negative SEK1 mutant or chemical JNK inhibition reduced Aβ-induced JNK activation and p66Shc phosphorylation (Ser36), suggesting that JNK phosphorylates p66Shc. Aβ induced the phosphorylation and hence inactivation of forkhead transcription factors in a p66Shc-dependent manner. Ectopic expression of p66ShcS36A or antioxidant treatment protected cells against Aβ-induced death and reduced forkhead phosphorylation, suggesting that p66Shc phosphorylation critically influences the redox regulation of forkhead proteins and underlies Aβ toxicity. These findings underscore the potential usefulness of JNK, p66Shc, and forkhead proteins as therapeutic targets for AD.
Accuracy of a Reduced Order Model of Induction Machines in Dynamic Stability Studies

Previously published information regarding the accuracy of the eigenvalues calculated from the linearized reduced order model of an induction machine, wherein stator transients are neglected, is shown to be incorrect, nearly opposite to the actual situation. In this paper the error in the previous work is pointed out and the parameters of the induction machine which influence the accuracy of the linearized reduced order model are established analytically. A ratio of parameters is suggested which could be used as an indication of the accuracy of the reduced order model. A salient conclusion is that the accuracy of the linearized reduced order model increases as the horsepower rating of the machine increases. This conclusion is completely opposite to that previously reported.
Rosiglitazone restores renal D1A receptor-Gs protein coupling by reducing receptor hyperphosphorylation in obese rats.

Dopamine D1A receptor function is impaired in obesity-induced insulin resistance, contributing to sodium retention. We showed previously that uncoupling of D1A receptors from G proteins is responsi...
US mesothelioma patterns 1973-2002: indicators of change and insights into background rates.

Mesothelioma rates are declining toward background levels, although estimates of the background rate have varied. We expanded upon earlier analyses and provided a data-based estimate of the background rate. We analyzed US male and female patterns for five age groups using the National Cancer Institu
Relating Motor Cortical Oscillations to Motor γ -Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

The human motor cortex exhibits characteristic beta (15 – 30 Hz) and gamma oscillations (60-90 Hz) in the context of transient finger movement tasks. The functional significance of these oscillations, such as post-movement beta rebound (PMBR) and movement-related gamma synchrony (MRGS), remain unclear. Considerable animal and human non-invasive studies suggest that the networks supporting these motor cortex oscillations depend critically on the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). However, a direct relation between MEG measured motor cortex oscillation power and frequency with resting GABA concentrations in adult human participants has not been demonstrated.
Assessing evacuation rates and spawning abundance of marine fishes using coupled telemetric and acoustic surveys

Assessing the spawning abundance of marine fishes is difficult if spawning periods exceed the residency of individual fish on the spawning grounds. For Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), which has a protracted spawning period, we use biotelemetric surveys to estimate the rate at which individual fish vacate the spawning ground and develop a method to adjust multiple acoustic-survey results to account for spawner turnover. Two acoustic surveys conducted one month apart (May and June 1998) on a cod-spawning ground in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland, yielded abundance estimates of 220 000 and 210 000 fish of mean length 63 cm. Rates of evacuation from the spawning ground, observed over two separate spawning seasons, were modelled as logistic decay functions with good fit (r 2 =0.96 in 1998; r 2 =0.88 in 2000). Our method estimated that only 8.8% of the fish counted during the second survey were present during the first, and that between 400 976 and 420 842 fish were actually present over the full spawning season. Coupled telemetric and acoustic surveys could be used to estimate spawning abundance in many marine fishes.
To Unite and Divide: The Polarizing Effect of Presidential Debates

This study analyzes the effect of viewing a presidential campaign debate on political polarization. The results of quasi-experimental debate studies of all presidential general election debates in 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012 as well as vice presidential debates in 2008 and 2012 demonstrate a consistent effect: Viewing a debate increased political polarization. However, predebate levels of polarization moderated this effect such that those viewers with very little polarization experienced the most significant increase and those who were highly polarized prior to viewing a debate experienced no significant change. Overall, our findings contribute to a growing body of research on the polarizing effects of campaign communication and raise important questions about how these effects should be interpreted in future research.
Current theories on the causes of inflammatory bowel disease.

Chronic relapsing and remitting inflammation of the intestinal tract is the hallmark trait of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), collectively termed inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). IBDs are common in the developed countries. 37 Their prevalence is approximately 0.1% to 0.2%, and their incidence rate is about 2 to 4 per 100,000 population. 62 The first clinical signs of disease typically begin between adolescence and the third decade of life. CD is characterized by transmural, patchy, granulomatous inflammation of any part of the gastrointestinal tract, although it is most common in the ileocecal area. 34 The inflammatory infiltrate consists of T and B lymphocytes, macrophages, and plasma cells. UC, in contrast to CD, is limited to the colon, involves mainly the superficial layers of the bowel, is continuous, and is not associated with granulomas. Crypt abscesses consisting of accumulations of polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) cells adjacent to crypts, necrosis of the epithelium, edema, hemorrhage, and surrounding accumulations of chronic inflammatory cells are typical. 34 Although there has been progress in defining the pathogenesis of these diseases, their causes remain obscure. The current most comprehensive hypothesis is that IBD is a heterogeneous group of diseases that have a common final manifestation, which is mucosal inflammation, and that several genetic and environmental factors are implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. 20,21,81 The result of these combinatorial events leads to a disordered immune response to one or more mucosal antigens and implicates commensal bacteria in genetically determined mucosal T-cell dysregulation. 81 The aforementioned notion has been supported by research data from both patients with IBD and animal models of intestinal inflammation. This article outlines understanding of the possible causes and pathogenesis of IBDs in a hypothetical framework and predicts what future directions are most likely to yield useful information and how understanding of these diseases will evolve within the next few years.
Femtosecond pulse delivery through large-core microstructured fibers

Summary form only given. Recently developed microstructured fibers (MF) offer new possibilities for delivery of energetic pulses. Utilization of large-mode-area single-mode MF is not possible due to prohibitively large bend losses, however robust single-mode operation of multimode MF appears attainable. Input pulses centered at 800 nm were generated by a commercial Ti:sapphire laser. The temporal pulsewidth of the output was measured with an intensity autocorrelator based on a two-photon photodiode. The input chirp was adjusted to produce the shortest output pulses at the lowest powers. Maintaining the distance between gratings constant, we measured the duration of the output pulses as a function of power. For 2.5-nanojoules-energy pulses, we measured output pulse widths shorter than 300 fs.
A Classroom Demonstration of Potential Biases in the Subjective Interpretation of Projective Tests

Instructors teaching psychological assessment can use this demonstration to illustrate potential biases when subjectively interpreting responses to projective stimuli. Specifically, the demonstration illustrates how prior expectancies often lead the interpreter to focus on responses that “fit” with the initial impression (i.e., the tendency to collect confirmatory data). The demonstration utilizes active student participation, holds student interest, stimulates subsequent class discussion, and results in generally positive feedback from students.
Dynamic multi-agent coordination: RoboCops

We develop a simulation-based test bed that researchers can use to compare the performance of algorithms for decentralized coordination of autonomous agents. The particular coordination problem that we consider is a pursuit-evasion game known as the robotic cop (or RoboCop) problem. In this game, a group of agents representing the police attempt to capture one or more fleeing suspects. Play is restricted to a (bounded) rectangular grid of cells. Both the cops and suspect are restricted to horizontal and vertical movement to adjacent cells, with the cops enjoying an advantage in movement rate. We assume that centralized control is not possible (so each agent must make decisions autonomously), that communication between agents is not possible, and that protocols for actions have not been established in advance by the agents. We develop some simple heuristics for determining agent movement, and then demonstrate ways in which the test bed can be used to analyze and compare these heuristics.