cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vulnerability of Dreissena polymorpha Larvae to Predation by Great Lakes Calanoid Copepods: the Importance of the Bivalve Shell

Abstract Dreissena polymorpha larvae were vulnerable to predation by three different species of calanoid copepods, Diaptomus sicilis, Limnocalanus macrurus , and Epischura lacustris, when presented to these copepods in bottle experiments. The degree of vulnerability was dependent upon the stage of the larva and the type of predator: trochophore larvae (without shells) were much more vulnerable than D-stage larvae (with shells). D. sicilis and L. macrurus were offered algae as alternate food, and each cleared trochophore larvae at a higher rate than algae. However, the clearance rate for D. sicilis feeding on D-stage larvae was not significantly different from zero, suggesting that this suspension-feeding omnivore-herbivore was not able to ingest D-stage larvae. Of the three species, the large cruising predator, L. macrurus , had the highest clearance rate for trochophore larvae (55.8 mL • animal −1 • d −1 ), but had a significantly lower clearance rate for D-stage larvae, only one eighth of that for trochophores. The smaller predator, E. lacustris , was more adept than L. macrurus or D. sicilis at preying on D-stage larvae: its clearance rate for D-stage larvae (17.9 mL • animal-1 • d −1 ) was about one half of its clearance rate for trochophore larvae. Since bivalve larvae, including Dreissena , and copepods co-occur in many aquatic environments, our results suggest that copepod predation may have been a selective force for production of a protective shell early in the larval development of bivalves.
Bernoulli Trials and Family Planning.

(2000). Bernoulli Trials and Family Planning. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 73, No. 3, pp. 212-216.
Measurements of Structural and Quadrupolar Coupling Parameters for Chloroferrocene Using Microwave Spectroscopy.

Rotational spectra for two isotopomers of chloroferrocene were measured using pulsed-beam Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. Transitions were observed for (35)Cl and (37)Cl isotopomers in the 4-10 GHz range. Chlorine quadrupole coupling strengths and rotational constants were obtained from the data. The rotational constants and quadrupole coupling strengths for (35)Cl are A = 1370.009(8) MHz, B = 767.342(1) MHz, C = 634.8834(6) MHz, eQq(aa)() = -9.06(4) MHz, and eQq(bb)() = -28.43(6) MHz and for (37)Cl are A = 1362.23(2) MHz, B = 751.623(2) MHz, C = 622.324(1) MHz, eQq(aa)() = -8.78(18) MHz, and eQq(bb)() = -20.76(9) MHz. These measured rotational constants were used to determine the following structural parameters of chloroferrocene: r(Fe-(C(5)H(5))) = 1.594(20) A, r(Fe-(C(5)H(4)Cl)) = 1.699(13) A, r(C-Cl) =1.7204(9) A, and r(C-C) = 1.4329(7) A. No evidence for internal rotation was observed in the microwave spectrum.
Gay and Lesbian Themes in Latin American Writing

Gay and Lesbian Themes in Latin American Writing. David William Foster Austin: University of Texas Press, 1991. ix +178 pp., bibliography, index. $27.50 (cloth), $11.95 (paper). ISBN 0-292-77646-2,ISBN 0-292-77647-0.
Ontogeny of persistence: immediate extinction effects in preweanling and weanling rats.

In Experiment I rats were trained for 21÷2 days under partial (PRF) or continuous reinforcement (CRF) conditions starting at 18, 22, 28, or 36 days of age and were then subjected to immediate extinction. At all ages there was a strong partial reinforcement extinction effect (PREE), and absolute size of PREE was greatest in the youngest rats. Rate of extinction increased as a function of age following both CRF and PRF. In Experiment II the youngest and oldest age groups of Experiment I were run under the two reward conditions of Experiment I and in a third condition, PRF with number of rewards rather than trials equated to CRF (PRF-R). The PRF-R and PRF groups were not different in extinction, and both were more persistent than CRF. The youngest rats were again more persistent than the oldest, particularly after PRF training. In Experiment III it was shown that the well-known paradoxical effect, greater reward in CRF acquisition leads to faster extinction, operates in our youngest and oldest animals, but is more pronounced in the oldest. The results are discussed in terms of whether they require different explanations than those often applied to extinction data from adult rats.
SU-E-J-21: Verification of a Monte Carlo Model of CBCT Flat Panel Detector Using BEAMnrc/EGSnrc Code

Purpose: Cone beam computed tomography(CBCT) provides wide scan coverage per rotation; however, its image quality is compromised due to large amounts of scatter. In this study, we performed detailed Monte Carlo(MC) simulations of a CBCT flat panel detector to characterize scatter for the purposes of scatter correction. Methods: An amorphous silicon (aSi) flat panel detector (Varian MedicalSystems) of an On‐Board Imager (Varian MedicalSystems) was modeled using BEAMnrc/EGSnrc code system based on detailed geometric information provided by the manufacturer. Layers from the proximal Al cover to the light reflector encompassing the 10:1 anti‐scatter grid were simulated using the block component module (BLOCK_CM) in BEAMnrc. Layers from the cesium iodide (CsI) detector to the proximal Pb electronics protection cover were modeled in DOSXYZnrc to create a voxelized representation of the detector layer. Various scatter properties were elicited from phase space files within the grid and detector layers. A two‐dimensional (2‐D) cone‐beam image “in‐air” (without the phantom) was acquired (125 kVp, 80 mAs). 2‐D and 1‐D pixel intensities were compared to the simulated projection to verify the accuracy of MC simulation of the entire detectorsystem. Results: 2‐D pixel intensities of the computed image agreed well to the measured image as the difference map showed values within +−10%. However, given the large number of histories required for detector simulation, the MC uncertainty was quite high, up to 10% in some regions. The central axis profile also showed good agreement between simulation and measurement within 3% on average, except in the regions where the statistical uncertainty was larger (1sigma=7.5%). Conclusions: A CBCTimager has been modeled in detail using the BEAMrnc/EGSnrc code system. Additional verification of the MC‐based modeling is warranted to for the purposes of scatter characterization.
The adaptive response in radiobiology: evolving insights and implications.

The first of the regularly reproducible experiments to show that very low doses of ionizing radiation, like very low doses of chemical agents, could induce mechanisms whereby cells become better fi...
Escherichia coli γ-Glutamylcysteine Synthetase: TWO ACTIVE SITE METAL IONS AFFECT SUBSTRATE AND INHIBITOR BINDING *

Abstract γ-Glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS, glutamate-cysteine ligase), which catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step in glutathione biosynthesis, is present in many prokaryotes and in virtually all eukaryotes. Although all eukaryotic γ-GCS isoforms examined to date are rapidly inhibited by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), most reports indicate that bacterial γ-GCS is resistant to BSO. We have confirmed the latter finding with Escherichia coliγ-GCS under standard assay conditions, showing both decreased initial binding affinity for BSO and a reduced rate of BSO-mediated inactivation compared with mammalian isoforms. We also find that substitution of Mn2+ for Mg2+ in assay mixtures increases both the initial binding affinity of BSO and the rate at which BSO causes mechanism-based inactivation. Similarly, the specificity of E. coli γ-GCS for its amino acid substrates is broadened in the presence of Mn2+, and the rate of reaction for some very poor substrates is improved. These results suggest that divalent metal ions have a role in amino acid binding to E. coli γ-GCS. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies carried out with Mn2+ show that E. coli γ-GCS binds two divalent metal ions;K d values for Mn2+ are 1.1 μm and 82 μm, respectively. Binding ofl-glutamate or l-BSO to the two Mn2+/γ-GCS species produces additional upfield and downfield X-band EPR hyperfine lines at 45 G intervals, a result indicating that the two Mn2+ are spin-coupled and thus apparently separated by 5 A or less in the active site. Additional EPR studies in which Cu2+ replaced Mg2+ or Mn2+ suggest that Cu2+ is bound by one N and three O ligands in the γ-GCS active site. The results are discussed in the context of the catalytic mechanism of γ-GCS and its relationship to the more fully characterized glutamine synthetase reaction.
Preparation of polyfunctional diorganomercurials and their transmetallation to diorganozincs. Applications to the preparation of optically active secon

Abstract Two new methods of preparation of functionalized diorganomercurials have been developed. The first method involves a substitution reaction of (ICH2 Their transmetallation with zinc dust (toluene, 80°C, 3–5 h) affords dialkylzincs which add enantioselectively to aldehydes in the presence of a ca
Children's theories of intelligence: beliefs, goals, and motivation in the elementary years

The authors tested a developmental model of children's theories about intelligence in kindergarten, second grade, and fourth grade children by using paper-and-pencil maze tasks. Older children were more likely than younger children to espouse learning goals (e.g., that they preferred difficult mazes to improve their skill), and less likely to espouse performance goals (e.g., that they preferred easy mazes to be successful). Children in all 3 age groups reported stronger beliefs in the malleability of intelligence than the stability of intelligence. In general, the results supported the authors' hypotheses about developmental change in children's theory-like conceptions of intelligence: Beliefs, goals, and motivation were related in expected ways for second and fourth graders more than for kindergartners. The authors discussed contextual influences on children's beliefs and the development of children's conceptualizations of intelligence.
Medullary thyroid carcinoma: importance of serial serum calcitonin measurement.

Thirty-two patients with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (MCT) were studied before and after therapy. Sixteen patients had familial and 16 had the sporadic type of disease. The groups differed in several features: Patients with sporadic disease were older at diagnosis and presented with enlargements in the thyroid or lymph nodes, and one patient had neuromata; in the familial group the disease was more often bilateral and was associated at times with the MEA syndrome (parathyroid adenoma or pheochromocytomas, or both). The immunoreactive serum calcitonin (CT) level was measured before and after some form of therapy in all 32 patients. Our investigations showed: 1) Delaying treatment was clearly detrimental in this progressive disease; 2) The most effective therapy was surgery, while radiotherapy and chemotherapy were less effective; 3) Postoperatively, the CT level usually fell sharply, when the disease was thought extirpated, but the lowest nadir might be reached at from 1 month to 6 years; 4) In all such patients the CT level eventually rose from the postoperative nadir; 5) Patients with no clinical or radiological evidence of disease, had high CT levels for a mean of 3 years of observation; 6) A marked rise of CT levels in three patients preceded metastases and death; 7) Patients with abdominal, particularly liver disease had the highest CT levels; and 8) Patients who died had relatively high CT levels, corresponding in general with the extent of disease. Cancer 43:825–837, 1979.
Pharmacological evaluation of early afterdepolarisations induced by sea anemone toxin (ATXII) in dog heart.

Study objective — ATXII is a polypeptide toxin isolated from the sea anemone, Anemonia sulcata, known to delay sodium inactivation markedly and to induce early afterdepolarisations. The aim was to investigate the mechanism of its action. Design and materials — The mechanism of ATXII induced early afterdepolarisations was investigated in vitro in canine endocardial preparations using standard microelectrode techniques. Measurements and main results — ATXII (2 × 10−7 M) induced cycle length dependent prolongation of plateau, more marked in Purkinje than in muscle fibres, and early afterdepolarisations in Purkinje fibres only. The calcium channel antagonists verapamil (10−6 M, 10−5 M) and cobalt (2-4 mM), and drugs that block calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, ryanodine (10−6 M, 10−5 M) and caffeine (10 mM), did not antagonise the ATXII effects. However, tetrodotoxin (5 × 10−6 M) and lignocaine (4 × 10−5 M) shortened the action potential and suppressed early afterdepolarisations. The effects of lignocaine were seen at concentrations that did not significantly affect Vmax. Conclusions — ATXII induced early after depolarisations are due to the effects of ATXII on Na+ entry, probably via a slowly inactivated Na+ channel population. Calcium entry through the sarcolemmal Ca2+ channels and cyclic Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum are not required for the genesis of early afterdepolarisations in this model.
Isolation and characterization of ribonucleoprotein substructures from Rous sarcoma virus

Abstract A combination of velocity and isopycnic density centrifugation in sucrose gradients has been employed to isolate ribonucleoprotein substructures (cores) from Rous sarcoma virus. The cores band at a density of 1.27–1.29 g/cc in sucrose gradients, compared with the density of 1.16–1.18 g/cc for intact virus. The cores contain the viral RNA and one of the structural proteins of the virion. This core-associated protein has an estimated molecular weight of 11,000 daltons. In addition, there are up to nine minor proteins in core preparations. Some of these represent trace amounts of major virion proteins; however, there are some proteins which differ in electrophoretic mobility from any of the major virion proteins. The cores contain no detectable phospholipid and are noninfectious in a focus-forming assay.
Structural studies of the tRNA domain of tmRNA.

tmRNA is a small, stable prokaryotic RNA. It rescues ribosomes that have become stalled during the translation of mRNA fragments lacking stop codons, or during periods of tRNA scarcity. It derives its name from the presence of two separate domains, one that functions as a tRNA, and another that serves as an mRNA. We have carried out modeling and transient electric birefringence studies to determine the angle between the acceptor stem and anticodon stem of the tRNA domain of Eschericia coli tmRNA. The results of the modeling studies yielded an interstem angle of 110 degrees, in agreement with the lower end of the range of angles (111 degrees -137 degrees ) determined experimentally for various solution conditions. The range of experimental angles is greater than the angles observed for any of the tRNA crystal structures, in line with the presence of a shortened D stem. The secondary structure of the tRNA domain is conserved for all known tmRNA sequences, so we propose that the angle is also conserved. These results also suggest that the region of tmRNA between P2a and P2b may interact with the decoding site of the ribosome.
Diagenesis of Upper Cretaceous Teapot Sandstone, Powder River Basin, Wyoming: ABSTRACT

The Upper Cretaceous Teapot sandstones of Well Draw field, Converse County, Wyoming, are turbidite fan deposits bounded stratigraphically by marine shales. They presently occur from 6,360 to 7,200 ft (1,920 to 2,195 m), dipping to the northwest. Cored samples selected from nonbioturbated A bedsets show that the sandstones are fine to very fine-grained feldspathic litharenites. Major authigenic minerals include carbonate cement, quartz overgrowths, and clay minerals. The clay minerals originated either as alteration rims on detrital silicates or as precipitates from pore fluids. Alteration rims typically consist of illite, smectite, mixed layer illite/smectite, and lesser chlorite. Feldspars are altered to kaolinite. Precipitated clays occur as (1) thin, unoriented, grain coating chlorite and kaolinite, (2) pore lining mixed layer illite/smectite and lesser chlorite oriented with (001) normal to the pore wall, and (3) unoriented, poorly crystalline, pore filling chlorite. The diagenetic sequence is (1) compaction and limited quartz overgrowth development, (2) complete calcite cementation and precipitation of grain-coating clays, (3) dissolution of carbonate cement, (4) precipitation of pore lining and later pore filling clays, and (5) development of second stage quartz overgrowths. Development of silicate alteration rims occurred throughout the diagenetic history. Dissolution of carbonate cement produced the majority of present-day porosity; however, this secondary porosity was reduced by precipitation of clay minerals. In the downdip sandstones, hydrodynamic flow and an increase in the abundance of detrital labile grains have caused an increased abundance of clay mineral precipitates, reducing the reservoir potential. The pore fluids which controlled sandstone diagenesis were likely provided by dewatering and diagenesis of enclosing shales. End_of_Article - Last_Page 465------------
The acoustic signature for a surface-breaking crack produced by a point focus microscope

The acoustic signature of a crack, breaking the surface of an otherwise homogeneous, isotropic elastic material, produced by a point focus scanning acoustic microscope is constructed theoretically. This work is patterned after a similar calculation carried out for the line focus microscope. The incident axisymmetric focused beam is constructed as a Fourier integral that produces a specified profile in the focal plane. The wavefields scattered from the specimen are also represented as Fourier integrals. Because the lens of the acoustic microscope is characterized by a large Fresnel number and an F number of order one, the Fourier integrals can be asymptotically approximated to obtain explicit expressions for the incident wavefield and for the wavefield scattered from a defect-free surface. The latter wavefield contains the leaky Rayleigh wave that is incident to the surface-breaking crack. The surface­-breaking crack is characterized by assigning it reflection and transmission coefficients. The wavefield scattered from the crack is estimated by tracing the leaky Rayleigh rays reflected and transmitted by the crack. The net wavefield scattered from the surface is then constructed by adding this crack scattered wavefield to that calculated for a defect-free surface. Lastly, the acoustic signature is calculated by using the appropriate incident and scattered wavefields in an electromechanical reciprocity identity that links the voltage measured at the microscope’s transducer to the scattered acoustic wavefields at the surface of the specimen. Expressions for acoustic signatures made using the line focus and point focus microscopes are compared. Moreover, from the expression for the acoustic signature, the Rayleigh wave reflection and transmission coefficients can be partly extracted.
On the dependence of albedo on cloud microphysics over marine stratocumulus clouds regimes determined from Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) data

[1] The dependence of the top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) albedo A on cloud microphysical properties was investigated for the three largest maritime stratocumulus clouds regimes: off California, Southeast Pacific (Chile-Peru), and southwest Africa (Namibia-Angola). Absolute S and relative SR albedo susceptibilities to perturbations in cloud droplet number concentrations Nd, defined as dA/dNd and dA/dln(Nd) respectively, were calculated for the season having maximum cloud cover during the period 2006–2010. Satellite-based susceptibilities were computed by combining an adiabatically based Nd estimate and liquid water path (LWP) derived from Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) retrievals matched with TOA A from the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System. Empirical susceptibility maps were calculated for three constant LWP intervals at 25, 50, and 90 g−2. It was found that S increases with LWP, with small and spatially homogeneous values for low LWP, and a contrasting increase far offshore for larger LWP values. An overall increase of SR with LWP was also observed, with larger values near the coast for LWP = 25 and 50 g−2. A relatively homogeneous spatial pattern of maximum SR values covered most of each regime's domain for a LWP of 90 g−2. These results highlight the importance of LWP in modulating the albedo susceptibility. The dependencies of S and SR on LWP are mostly explained by variations in the mean Nd and cloud optical thickness (τ), with an increase of S with LWP linked to a decrease in Nd, whereas SR increased with τ and A, until reaching a maximum for A and τ near 0.36–0.4 and 12–14 respectively, and decreasing thereafter, consistent with expectations based on two-stream estimates. Larger SR values in the Southeast Pacific are thought to be the consequence of a drier and more pristine atmosphere. Radiative transfer simulations with realistic values of above-cloud water vapor path and aerosol optical thickness showed that differing atmospheric compositions could explain why the Chile-Peru regime was the marine stratocumulus cloud deck most susceptible to change its TOA albedo due to fractional changes in Nd.
Identification of a maize endosperm-specific cDNA encoding farnesyl pyrophosphate synthetase

Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthetase (FPS; EC 2.5.1.10) produces the 15-carbon farnesyl pyrophosphate which is utilized in the synthesis of sterols, carotenoids, dolichols, coenzyme Q, heme a and farnesylated proteins. We have cloned this mRNA sequence from a maize endosperm cDNA library and determined the 1378-nucleotide (nt) sequence of the DNA fragment. This sequence specifies an open reading frame of 1050 nt encoding FPS. The deduced amino acid sequence shows a high degree of similarity to FPS from a wide range of organisms. Southern blot analysis indicated that there are at least two FPS gene copies in the maize genome. The cloned FPS is expressed preferentially in maize endosperm and is up-regulated in the endosperm mutants, o2 and fl2.
Adolescent predictors of young adult and adult alcohol involvement and dysphoria in a prospective community sample of women.

The adolescent predictors of later alcohol involvement (AI), dysphoria (D), and their shared association (AD) among women have not been adequately established. Three waves of data from an ethnically diverse community sample of women, assessed over 16 years are used to study how various psychosocial factors in adolescence influenced later drinking, depression, and their shared association. Structural equation models revealed that several adolescent ecodevelopmental and social development model variables influenced their later outcome in young adulthood and adulthood. The strongest relation was between adolescent Social Conformity and adult AD (β = −.46) over a 16-year period, emphasizing the impact of this construct. Numerous other relations were revealed. For instance, less satisfaction with school during adolescence predicted adult AI. Having a good bond to the family in adolescence predicted a lower quantity of alcohol consumed during adulthood. Lower satisfaction with “what you want to be” during adolescence predicted young adult D. Higher levels of adolescent relationship satisfaction and school satisfaction predicted less suicidal ideation as an adult. Prevention interventions focusing on increasing socially conforming attitudes and on strengthening relationships both in and out of the home during adolescence are likely to be effective in reducing aspects of AI, D, and AD for women in the general community.
Studies on the peptide corresponding to residues 34–47 of bovine factor X

Calcium binding studies of a 14-residue peptide corresponding to the 37-46 sequence of bovine factor X were performed using calcium ion selective electrode titrations and equilibrium dialysis. The presence of gamma-carboxyglutamic acid residues at positions 36 and 40 coupled with the assumption that the peptide would bind calcium ions also prompted an investigation of possibly secondary conformational changes in the peptide by use of circular dichroism spectroscopy. Equilibrium dialysis revealed a single relatively weak calcium binding site (log Ka = 2.39); an ion selective electrode experiment confirmed this result (log Ka = 2.17). The peptide maintained a random coil conformation throughout the calcium ion titrations as measured by circular dichroism.
Empirically Supported Treatments: the Deconstruction of a Myth

This article summarizes recent findings from analyses and meta-analyses of psychotherapy research that show that so-called empirically supported treatments (ESTs) are no more effective than are tra...
Effect of glucose and acetate in vitro on the incorporation of l-lysine-U-14C into testicular proteins of rat, rabbit, and chicken

1. l. The effect of glucose and acetate on the in vitro incorporation of l-lysine-U-14C into testicular proteins was studied using rats, rabbits and chickens. 2. 2. Glucose stimulated l-lysine-U-14C incorporation by >400 per cent (P<0·001) in rat testis tissue while acetate had no effect. 3. 3. Glucose and acetate showed an additive effect in stimulating (211 per cent; P< 0·025 l-lysine-U-14C incorporation into rabbit testis proteins. 4. 4. Neither glucose nor acetate affected l-lysine-U-14C incorporation into testis proteins of chickens.
SU‐E‐I‐60: Validation of An Optically Stimulated Luminescent (OSL) Dosimeter for Use in Output Exposure Control Verification of Mammography Imaging Systems

Purpose: To develop and validate an Optically Stimulated Luminescent (OSL) dosimeter for exposure control verification of x‐ray projection mammographyimaging systems. Methods: The active detection element of the dosimeter is a strip of OSL material 3.0 mm wide, 0.13 mm thick and 30.0 mm long with an overlying aluminum step wedge with thicknesses of 0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mm Al, encapsulated in a light‐tight plastic enclosure with outer dimensions of 10.0 mm wide, 5.4 mm thick, and 54.0 mm long. The dosimeter is used in conjunction with a breast phantom for the purpose of estimating the half‐value layer (HVL), entrance surface exposure (ESE), and average glandular dose (AGD) in conventional projection mammography. ESE and HVL were computed based on analysis of exposure profiles obtained from exposed strip dosimeters. The AGD was estimated by multiplying the ESE by the appropriate exposure to dose conversion factor for the thickness and % glandular tissue fraction represented by the phantom and target‐filter combination employed. The accuracy and reproducibility of the ESE, HVL and AGD estimates obtained using the dosimeter positioned on the surface of the ACR phantom at the chest wall edge, was evaluated using mammography systems utilizing different imaging receptor technology, i.e. screen‐film (SF), computed radiography(CR) and direct radiography (DR) and compared against results obtained using a calibrated ion chamber fitted with a mammography probe. Results: ESE, AGD and HVL results obtained using the OSLmammography QA dosimeter agreed with results obtained using an ion chamber to within 5–10%, depending on the target‐filter combination used. Repeat readings were highly consistent with a coefficient of variation = 5%. Conclusions: The OSLmammography QA dosimeter has been shown to effectively estimate ESE, HVL and AGD, demonstrating its usefulness for secondary monitoring of output exposure of mammographyimaging systems.
γ-Aminobutyric acid antagonism produced by an organophosphate-containing combustion product☆☆☆

Abstract Results from [35S]t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) binding and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-dependent 36Cl− uptake indicated that the pyrolysis product of liquid trimethylol propane (TMP) containing organic phosphates interacts with the GABA/benzodiazepine receptor chloride ionophore complex (GBRC) producing a receptor-mediated reduction in 36Cl− flux. The pyrolysate-ligand interaction was competitive and directly proportional to the trimethylol propane phosphate (TMPP) content of the combustion product. TBPS displacement demonstrated that TMPP had less affinity than did TBPS and picrotoxin, but greater affinity than GABA, racemic dimethylbutyl barbituric acid (DMBB), clonazepam, and phenobarbital for their respective recognition sites. Addition of exogenous GABA was a necessary condition for demonstrating clonazepam-induced ligand displacement, thus being indicative of an allosteric interaction. The same rank order held for altering GABA-dependent 36Cl− uptake with the caveat of inhibitors vs enhancers, and noting that pentobarbital was less potent than DMBB. Concentration-dependent ligand displacement by GBRC agonists and antagonists quantitatively correlated with alterations in GABA-dependent 36Cl− uptake. The median convulsant dose (CD50) of pyrolysate TMPP was higher than that of synthetic TMPP. The presence of combustion by-products altering the dispositional kinetics of the former is felt to be the reason for this difference. Under our experimental conditions, phenobarbital was the most effective antidote for pyrolysate (TMPP) toxicity. The inhalant convulsant, flurothyl, was found not to displace [35S]TBPS binding, not to affect GABA-dependent 36Cl− uptake, and not to respond to the anticonvulsants in a manner consistent with a strict GABAA receptor phenomenon.
Teaching computer science principles with digital sound and music (abstract only)

High school and CS0 computer science students often begin class having no computing education beyond studying office suite programs. Teaching digital audio, a ubiquitous application, allows an authentic and engaging context for the teaching of computer science principles as outlined at http://www.csprinciples.org. In particular, it demonstrates the interconnection of computer science with physics, mathematics, and audio engineering. Do you teach digital audio or music technology? Are you interested in teaching these subjects? In this BOF we will discuss digital audio in computer science CS0 classes.
Lesions of the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus disrupt prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex

The purpose of the present studies was to determine the effects of bilateral lesions of the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDTg) on prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex under conditions of varying prepulse intensity and interstimulus interval (ISI) durations. Rats with bilateral ibotenic acid lesions of the LDTg were evaluated for changes in PPI and startle amplitude in comparison with an unoperated group, sham-LDTg lesioned group and a group with bilateral ibotenic acid lesions of the subcoeruleus nucleus, a brainstem nucleus approximately 1 mm ventrolateral to the LDTg. Bilateral lesions of the LDTg produced a robust decrease in PPI with no effect on startle amplitude as compared with the three control groups. In contrast, bilateral lesions of the subcoeruleus produced no effect on either PPI or startle amplitude. The effects of bilateral lesions of the LDTg on PPI were observed across prepulse intensities of 5, 10 and 15 dB above background and ISI durations of 30, 100, 300 and 1000 ms without significantly decreasing startle amplitude in either test paradigm as compared with the sham-LDTg lesioned group. Our data provide evidence for a role of the LDTg in modulating PPI.
Diagnosis of segment delay defects with current sensing

A novel technique based on the current profile of path segments is presented. Certain current profiles can provide significant insights into the delay characteristics of the segments. They can assist in post-silicon diagnosis for delay defects and also determine shifts in the values of process parameters along the segments. A method to excite such current profiles is presented. Experimental evaluation on benchmark circuits shows the effectiveness of the approach.
The effects of a clinically applied program of vestibular stimulation on the neuromotor performance of children with severe developmental disability

The effect of a program of controlled vestibular stimulation on the gross motor, and relax development of 38 severely and profoundly retarded, nonambulatory, developmentally delayed children were investigated employing a pretest/posttest control group design. Data analysis revealed that subjects receiving a combined program of sensor motor therapy and controlled vestibular stimulation make significantly greater gains on measures of reflex integration, gross motor, and fine motor development than control subjects receiving a progression of normal motor development and appeared to be related to the age of subjects and to the presence or absence of identifiable neuromotor spasticity.
Changes in lung ATP concentration in the rat after low-level phosgene exposure.

Inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory activity and decreased lung adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration occur following exposure to 240 ppm.min phosgene. To determine the relationship between energy stores and the onset of phosgene-induced pulmonary edema, we measured the ATP concentration in rapidly frozen rat lung tissue before and during pulmonary edema. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to phosgene for four hours at concentrations of 0.05 to 1.0 ppm (12, 30, 60, 120, and 240 ppm.min). Lung wet and dry weight and ATP concentration were measured immediately after exposure and for three days postexposure. The accumulation of lavage fluid protein (LFP) was also measured as an index of damage or edema due to phosgene. Lung dry weight was significantly elevated one day postexposure to 0.5 ppm phosgene, while the LFP was elevated by 0.2 ppm phosgene. Time course studies at these doses of phosgene showed that decreased ATP levels preceded the onset of edema or increase in lung weight. The ATP values expressed on a per-lung basis showed that ATP levels were significantly lowered immediately following phosgene exposure, suggesting that the ATP changes were not the result of edema. This study is the first demonstration of a biochemical change that occurs following exposure to phosgene at a level significantly below the threshold limit value for this gas.
Factors promoting consistent adherence to safe needle precautions among hospital workers.

Objective To examine organizational factors and occupational characteristics associated with adherence to occupational safety guidelines recommending never recapping needles. Design Mail surveys were conducted with healthcare workers (HCWs) and infection control professionals (ICPs). Setting The surveys were conducted at all non-federal general hospitals in Iowa, except one tertiary-care hospital. Survey data were linked to annual survey data of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Participants HCWs were sampled from statewide rosters of physicians, nurses, and laboratory workers in Iowa. Eligible HCWs worked in a setting and position in which they were likely to routinely handle needles. ICPs at all hospitals in the state were surveyed. Results Ninety-nine ICPs responded (79% response rate). AHA data were available for all variables from 84 (85%) of the hospitals. Analyses were based on 1,454 HCWs who identified one of these hospitals as their primary hospital (70% response rate). Analyses were conducted using multiple logistic regression. Positive predictors of consistent adherence included infection control personnel hours per full-time-equivalent employee (odds ratio [OR], 1.03), frequency of standard precautions education (OR, 1.11), facilities providing personal protective equipment (OR, 1.82), facilities using needleless intravenous systems (OR, 1.42), and management support for safety (OR, 1.05). Negative predictors were use of "blood and body fluid precautions" isolation category (OR, 0.74) and increased job demands (OR, 0.90). Conclusion Healthcare organizations can improve staff safety by investing wisely in educational programs regarding approaches to minimize these risks, providing protective equipment, and eliminating the use of blood and body fluid precautions as an isolation policy.
High-average-power cryogenically-cooled picosecond Yb:YAG amplifier seeded by a fiber CPA system

We report on a 300-W-level picosecond laser based on a cryogenically-cooled Yb:YAG amplifier seeded by a fiber CPA system. High-average-power picosecond second harmonic generation is also presented.
Fluid balance and electrolyte distribution in the human body.

This Memorandum presents a conceptual model and a mathematical method for computing the physiological fluid and electrolyte distribution for selected body compartments of an average, young, 70-kilogram human male. The mathematical procedure simulates the physiological subsystems by incorporating all the known chemical reactions and electrochemical relations which seem necessary to establish the fluid and electrolyte distribution. Because the whole body is being considered, the relatively large number of computations required argues that a computer be employed, The construction of the model and the mathematical background is given in heuristic form only, with reference to earlier papers for rigorous development. However, considerable detail is shown regarding the analysis of the computed results for a standard, steady-state, average, young, resting, 70-kg human male. Finally, the results of validation experiments, consisting of chemical stresses applied to the model, are discussed. In some cases, these results are compared with similar experiments in the biological literature, but in others reference is made to a companion paper by G. B. Bradham, et al. (1), in which particular laboratory validation experiments are described in detail. The results of these experiments indicate that the model is a valid supplementary tool for research in the clinical and the research laboratory as well as in theoretical physiology.
Use of radiolabeled monoclonal antibody to enhance vaccine-mediated antitumor effects

Radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies (mAb) have demonstrated measurable antitumor effects in hematologic malignancies. This outcome has been more difficult to achieve for solid tumors due, for the most part, to difficulties in delivering sufficient quantities of mAb to the tumor mass. Previous studies have shown that nonlytic levels of external beam radiation can render tumor cells more susceptible to T cell-mediated killing. The goal of these studies was to determine if the selective delivery of a radiolabeled mAb to tumors would modulate tumor cell phenotype so as to enhance vaccine-mediated T-cell killing. Here, mice transgenic for human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were transplanted with a CEA expressing murine carcinoma cell line. Radioimmunotherapy consisted of yttrium-90 (Y-90)-labeled anti-CEA mAb, used either alone or in combination with vaccine therapy. A single dose of Y-90-labeled anti-CEA mAb, in combination with vaccine therapy, resulted in a statistically significant increase in survival in tumor-bearing mice over vaccine or mAb alone; this was shown to be mediated by engagement of the Fas/Fas ligand pathway. Mice receiving the combination therapy also showed a significant increase in the percentage of viable tumor-infiltrating CEA-specific CD8+ T cells compared to vaccine alone. Mice cured of tumors demonstrated an antigen cascade resulting in CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses not only for CEA, but for p53 and gp70. These results show that systemic radiotherapy in the form of radiolabeled mAb, in combination with vaccine, promotes effective antitumor response, which may have implications in the design of future clinical trials.
Vitamin a Intake of Middle- and Upper-Income Pregnant Women

Abstract While vitamin A is vital for fetal organ development, recent research has reaffirmed the teratogenicity of excessive doses of preformed vitamin A. This study evaluates the adequacy of vitamin A intake from food sources and ascertains whether excess retinol intake from food plus supplements is a concern in middle- and upper-income women during their first trimester of pregnancy. Ninety-four healthy women were enrolled during the initial prenatal visit to a local obstetrician. A 24-hour dietary recall was obtained. Forty-four women (47%) took retinol-containing supplements during this 24-hour period; only eight of the supplements were prescription prenatals. Subjects were separated into two categories: retinol supplement users (n=44) and non-users (n=50). Food records were analyzed using nutrient analysis software. Supplement information was obtained from manufacturers. Retinol intake data were analyzed using the contingency table method to compare two binomial proportions and the unpaired t-test was used to compare energy intakes between groups. Energy intakes were not significantly different between the two groups. Subjects in each group were equally likely to consume less than the RDA (800 RE) of vitamin A from food sources. Vitamin A intake was less than the RDA in 44% of the subjects. Supplement users were more likely to consume excess retinol (defined as two times the RDA in retinol, >1600 RE) from food and supplements combined (36% vs. 0% in supplement user and non-user groups, respectively, p
A Crack Model of a Bone Cement Interface

This paper is concerned with the fracture mechanics of a bone-cement interface that includes a cohesive zone effect on the crack faces. This accounts for the experimentally observed strengthening mechanism due to the mechanical interlock between the crack faces. Edge crack models are developed where the cohesive zone is simulated by a continuous or a discrete distribution of linear or nonlinear springs. It is shown that the solution obtained by assuming a homogeneous material is fairly close to the exact solution for the bimaterial interface edge crack problem. On the basis of that approximation, the analysis is conducted for the problem of two interacting edge cracks, one at the interface, and the other one in the cement. The small crack that was observed to initiate in the cement, close to the bone-cement interface, does not affect much the mode I stress-intensity factor at the tip of the interface crack. However it may grow, leading to a catastrophic breakdown of the cement. The analysis and following discussion point out an interdependency between bone-cement interface strength and cement strength not previously appreciated. The suggested crack models provide a framework for quantifying the fracture mechanisms at the bone-cement interface.
A GENERAL VARIATIONAL PRINCIPLE FOR THERMAL INSULATION SYSTEM DESIGN

Abstract The paper proposes a conceptually new method for thermal insulation system optimization. The method, based on minimizing thermodynamic irreversibility, consists of externally controlling the variation of heat leak with temperature across the insulation. It is demonstrated that the useful power savings registered from applying this design philosophy are important. Prime candidates for this method are insulation systems facing high absolute temperature ratios and insulation systems in which the effective thermal conductivity increases with the absolute temperature. Three classes of thermal insulation systems are optimized based on this universal design procedure: one-dimensional continuous insulations, insulations with discontinuous temperature distribution and continuous insulations with internal heat generation.
The SmartFrog configuration management framework

SmartFrog is a framework for creating configuration-driven systems. It has been designed with the express purpose of making the design, deployment and management of distributed component-based systems simpler and more robust. Over the last decade it has been the focus for ongoing research into aspects of configuration management and large-scale distributed systems, providing a platform for experimentation. The paper covers the rationale for the design of the framework, details of its design, plus a description of the further research that is in progress.
Moral, ethical, and caring education for young children

What is the difference between moral education, values education, character education and ethical education when implemented in the classroom? The answer: not much. The focus of moral, values, char...
Hydrodynamic diameters of RNA tumor viruses. Studies by laser beat frequency light scattering spectroscopy of avian myeloblastosis and Rauscher murine leukemia viruses

The diffusion constants of avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV) and murine leukemia virus (MuLV) (Rauscher) suspensions in buffer and in 30% sucrose were determined by laser beat frequency light scattering spectroscopy at a series of temperatures ranging rom 5 to 25 degrees. By the use of the Stokes-Einstein equation, the following hydrodynamic diameters are calculated at 20 degrees: MuLV, 154 plus or minus 3 nm in sucrose and 145 plus or minus 7 nm in buffer; AMV, 144 plus or minus 3 nm in sucrose and 138 plus or minus 4 nm in buffer. While the diameters measured in buffer were temperature independent, the diameters measured in sucrose decreased by about 20% as the temperature was raised from 5 to 25 degrees. The concentration of virus particles in the suspensions ranged from 10 7 to 10 9 particles/ml. The absolute particle concentrations are estimated within plus or minus 30% by determining the dilution needed to reach a concentration sufficiently low that the particle number fluctuation contribution was comparable to that of the interference scattering. Particle weights of 3.9 x 10 8 daltons for MuLV and 4.0 x 10 8 daltons for AMV were calculated from the diffusion constants and from our own experimentally determined sedimentation coefficients. From these particle weights and the hydrodynamic diameters of the viruses, we calculated the per cent of the hydrodynamic volume of the viruses which could be freely penetrated by water, viz., 57% for AMV and 69% for MuLV.
Optimality tests for the fuzzy c-means algorithm

Abstract Because of lack of convexity of the fuzzy c -means (FCM) objective functionals, the FCM algorithm may converge to a local minimizer or a saddle point. In this paper, we present a new scheme for testing the optimality of the fixed points of the FCM algorithm, one which needs much less computation than Kim et al. 's scheme ( Pattern Recognition 21 , 651–663, 1988). We also point out that Kim et al. 's scheme is partly incorrect, and propose a repair of it. Numerical experiments are presented for several sets of data; they compare Kim et al. 's scheme, the repaired scheme, and our scheme.
Determination of critical micelle concentration of surfactant by ultraviolet absorption spectra

A method was investigated for determining the critical micelle concentration (CMC) by the shift of absorption maxima when an organic compound (I) with ultraviolet absorption was added to an aqueous solution of a surfactant. When I was added to the surfactant solution at higher concentrations (above the CMC), λmax of I approached the value inn-octane, since I was solubilized in the hydrocarbon atmosphere of the inner part of the surfactant micelle. At lower concentrations (below the CMC), however, I was present in the water phase and λmax approached the value in water. The curve of λmax vs. surfactant concentration declined from the high concentration values as the CMC was approached and at the CMC, the curve broke upward sharply. Then, it rose for some time and approached the value in water. N,N′-diethylaniline was used because it exhibited larger shifts of λmax. The standard amount used was 0.002 ml/3–10 ml of aqueous solution of the surfactant. The CMC values obtained agreed with those obtained by the electric conductivity method, dye adsorption method and light scattering method, for surfactants such as tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, sodium dodecyl sulfate and polyoxyethylene cetyl ether.