cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
II. Temporal patterns of longitudinal change in aging brain function

Time-dependent changes in brain activity were assessed in a group of older adults who maintained good physical and cognitive health at years 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging neuroimaging study. Each year, these participants underwent PET scans during rest and delayed verbal and figural recognition memory conditions. While memory performance remained stable over the 8 years, both generalized and modality-specific patterns of time-dependent changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were found. Many brain regions showed steady, progressive changes in rCBF over the 8 years while others maintained rCBF for a number of years before showing incremental declines or increases in activity. These temporal patterns of change were observed in many regions of the brain, particularly in the frontal and temporal lobes, suggesting that there are distinctive patterns of age-related functional decline and compensatory activity over time. The precise patterns of regional involvement and the temporal dynamics of rCBF change within specific regions vary based on cognitive processing demands.
Radical Unionism in the Midwest, 1900–1950

Radical Unionism in the Midwest, 1900–1950 ROSEMARY FEURER, 2006 Urbana, University of Illinois Press, 360 pages, $25.00 (pbk) Rosemary Feurer offers a fresh perspective on 1930s unionism by tellin...
Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) of facilitated ion transfer at the liquid|liquid interface

A new mode of the scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) operation is presented. A micropipette-based electrode is used as an amperometric microprobe (tip). The tip current is produced by facilitated transfer of ions from the aqueous solution inside the pipette into the organic solvent, e.g., the transfer of K+ into 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) assisted by dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6). A positive feedback current is observed when the tip approaches the water|DCE interface due to the transfer of potassium into the aqueous layer and regeneration of DB18C6 species. Good agreement with the SECM theory can be demonstrated. Negative feedback is observed when the tip approaches a glass insulator. The dependence of the SECM response on the shape of the liquid meniscus formed at the micropipette tip is discussed. The technique developed can be used for studies of ion transfer processes at the liquid|liquid and liquid|membrane interfaces and for high resolution electrochemical imaging.
Use of laparoscopic techniques improves outcome from adrenalectomy

Background Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a promising alternative to open approaches but safety and efficacy remain unproven. Methods A recent experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy at the University of Washington was analyzed for efficacy, complications, evolution of technical steps, and clinical outcome. Results Ninteen adrenalectomies were performed in 16 patients with a mean age of 52 years. Indications included pheochromocytoma (4), functional adenoma (12), and uncontrolled Cushing's disease (3). All patients had computed tomography scans. Meta-iodo-benzyl-guanidine (MIBG) or iodocholesterol scans were done in selected patients. Three patients had bilateral procedures, 7 were on the left and 6 on the right, all via a transperitoneal flank approach. There were no conversions and all procedures were successful. Complications included subcapsular liver hematomas (2), one transfusion, and a bleeding port site requiring repeat laparoscopy. Except for 1 patient with COPD, the mean length of stay was 2.9 days. Conclusions Laparoscopic adrenalectomy in appropriate patients is safe and effective. For endocrine surgeons with advanced laparoscopic skills, it should be considered a new standard therapy for benign adrenal tumors.
HDBR (hybrid distributed Bragg reflector) for WDM and OTDM applications

HDBR (Hybrid Distributed Bragg Reflector) laser (also called FGL - Fiber Grating Laser), has been recently demonstrated as low-chirp and potentially low cost lasers emitting at predetermined (ITU-T grid) wavelengths, as well as high quality picosecond pulses laser source. WDM transmission of three densely spaced directly modulated HDBR lasers at 2.6 Gbit/s over 117 km of standard fiber and the direct modulation at 10 Gbit/s have been demonstrated. By using appropriate cavity and grating design, we have realized, for DWDM applications, an HDBR laser that can be directly modulated at 10Gbit/s, while for OTDM systems, we have recently demonstrated a Mode-Locked HDBR laser source, for picosecond optical pulse generation at 10 GHz repetition rate.
Longitudinal vibrations of a circular cylinder coupled with a thermal field

Abstract In this paper the longitudinal vibration of a circular infinite cylinder in presence of a temperature field has been studied. The frequency equation has been obtained for two particular cases, namely constant temperature and zero heat flux on the surface of the cylinder. The resulting equations have been solved for small radii and weak coupling between fields. For the former case no first order thermal effect has been observed. In the latter, expressions have been found for the velocity of propagation and damping factor, which indicate the effect of thermal field on the elastic waves and which coincide, if the lateral contraction is neglected, with those found earlier by Sneddon for the very short and very long wave lengths.
Transformation of a quasicrystalline state to a crystalline state by ion-beam bombardment

Abstract Heating that occurred during argon-ion bombardment of a thin film of a quasicrystalline phase of an Al─Li─Cu alloy resulted in distortion and subsequent phase transformation. The distortion causes staggering of the diffraction spots in the fivefold symmetry as well as contraction and expansion of the systematic rows parallel to the axis of the symmetry of the distortion which is one of six fivefold axes. The results support the quasicrystalline model of the icosahedral phase which transforms possibly to a cubic phase through an intermediary metastable configuration corresponding to the distorted phase.
Survival and Reproduction of Gammarus spp. (Amphipoda) Following Short-Term Exposure to Elevated Temperatures'

Gammarus spp. (G. daiberi and G. tigrinus) experienced no increased latent mortalities for periods up to 10 days after being exposed to an 8.3 C ΔT above an ambient temperature of 25.5 C for periods up to 60 minutes. An 11.1 C ΔT above an ambient temperature of 26.5 C resulted in significant reductions in survival in groups ofGammarus spp. exposed for 30 and 60 minutes. No significant mortalities were observed, however, following a 5-minute exposure to the 11.1 C ΔT. At an ambient temperature of 11.7 C,Gammarus spp. exposed to 16.7 C ΔT’s for periods up to 180 minutes displayed no increased mortalities 10 days after exposure. A sustained 17-day exposure ofGammarus spp. to a 15.6 C ΔT at ambient temperatures of 11.2 to 7.1 C resulted in no increased mortalities and stimulated reproductive behavior. Subsequent reproductive activities were not affected by up to 60-minute exposures of matureGammarus spp. to an 8.3 C ΔT at an ambient temperature of 26.0 C. The same exposure also did not affect the release of young by ovigerous femaleGammarus spp. An 11.0 C ΔT for 30 minutes resulted, however, in almost no release of young from ovigerous females.
Urine proteomic profiling of pediatric nephrotic syndrome

The prognosis of pediatric nephrotic syndrome (NS) correlates with the responsiveness to glucocorticoid therapy. Steroid-resistant NS (SRNS) patients progress to end-stage renal disease, while steroid-sensitive NS (SSNS) and steroid-dependent (SDNS) patients do not. We have performed proteomic profiling of urine samples from a cross section of pediatric and adolescent subjects with SSNS, SRNS, and orthostatic proteinuria (OP) to identify urinary biomarkers of steroid resistance. We performed surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS) on urine from 19 subjects with SSNS/SDNS in remission, 14 with SSNS/SDNS in relapse, 5 with SRNS in relapse, and 6 with OP. Genetic algorithm search of principal component space revealed a group of five peaks distinguishing SRNS subjects, with mass/charge (m/z) values of 3,917.07, 4,155.53, 6,329.68, 7,036.96, and 11,117.4. Our analyses identified the peak at m/z 11,117.4 with an accuracy of 95% for classifying SRNS. Multidimensional protein fractionation and mass spectrometric analysis of SRNS urine samples combined with immunodepletion identified the 11,117.4 protein as β2-microglobulin (B2M). Using an unbiased protein profiling approach, we have validated previously reported findings of B2M as a biomarker associated with SRNS. Prospective studies are warranted to establish additional biomarkers that would be predictive of SRNS.
Auxin Physiology of Dwarfism in Pisum sativum

Similar levels of diffusible auxin are measured for the apices of both Little Marvel (dwarf) and Alaska (normal) cultivars of the pea when grown in sunlight and darkness. In sunlight, however, diffusible auxin disappears in the subtending internode of the Little Marvel plant but remains at 50 per cent of the level of the apex in the subtending internode of the Alaska plant. The enzyme preparation from the apex of the dwarf plant converts tryptophan and tryptamine to IAA more readily than that from the normal plant. Indoleacetyl aspartate synthetase activity is also higher in the dwarf plant than in the normal plant and the dwarf plant contains four times as much conjugate as the normal plant with or without treatment with gibberellic acid. Gibberellic acid (GA) does not affect the induction of the synthetase enzyme nor the enzymatic formation of indoleacetyl aspartate. The growth induced by GA is the result of an increased synthesis of auxin.
Role Markers of Adulthood and Young Adults' Ties to Grandparents

This study investigates the implications of residential independence, enrollment in postsecondary education, employment, marital status, and parenthood for contact with and closeness to grandparents. Data come from 1,507 young adults interviewed in Wave 3 of the National Survey of Families and Households. Findings suggest that adult roles can be either negatively or positively associated with grandparent-grandchild ties depending on specific configurations among such factors as the adult role in question, a particular dimension of intergenerational solidarity, lineage, and grandchild's and grandparent's gender. Young adults' ties to parents can mediate the adverse consequences of residential independence for contact with grandparents.
Selective Promoter Recognition by Chlamydial σ28 Holoenzyme

The sigma transcription factor confers the promoter recognition specificity of RNA polymerase (RNAP) in eubacteria. Chlamydia trachomatis has three known sigma factors, sigma(66), sigma(54), and sigma(28). We developed two methods to facilitate the characterization of promoter sequences recognized by C. trachomatis sigma(28) (sigma(28)(Ct)). One involved the arabinose-induced expression of plasmid-encoded sigma(28)(Ct) in a strain of Escherichia coli defective in the sigma(28) structural gene, fliA. The second was an analysis of transcription in vitro with a hybrid holoenzyme reconstituted with E. coli RNAP core and recombinant sigma(28)(Ct). These approaches were used to investigate the interactions of sigma(28)(Ct) with the sigma(28)(Ct)-dependent hctB promoter and selected E. coli sigma(28) (sigma(28)(Ec))-dependent promoters, in parallel, compared with the promoter recognition properties of sigma(28)(EC). Our results indicate that RNAP containing sigma(28)(Ct) has at least three characteristics: (i) it is capable of recognizing some but not all sigma(28)(EC)-dependent promoters; (ii) it can distinguish different promoter structures, preferentially activating promoters with upstream AT-rich sequences; and (iii) it possesses a greater flexibility than sigma(28)(EC) in recognizing variants with different spacing lengths separating the -35 and -10 elements of the core promoter.
Conversion of vinyl to ethylidyne on Pt(111)

Abstract Using pre-dosed oxygen temperature programmed desorption (POTPD), we find evidence that the conversion of vinyl (CHCH2), derived from thermal dissociation of vinyl iodide, to ethylidyne (CCH3) on Pt(111) is not a simple 1,2-H-atom shift reaction, but rather involves transient HPt bond formation. POTPD shows that this conversion process starts at about 130 K, confirming earlier temperature programmed static secondary ion mass spectroscopy (TPSSIMS) results of Liu et al. We estimate an effective activation energy of 2.4 ± 0.2 kcal/mol and a pre-exponential factor of 101.4±0.2 s−1 for this conversion.
Time resolved fluorescence tomography of turbid media based on lifetime contrast

A general linear model for time domain (TD) fluorescence tomography is presented that allows a lifetime-based analysis of the entire temporal fluorescence response from a turbid medium. Simulations are used to show that TD fluorescence tomography is optimally performed using two complementary approaches: A direct TD analysis of a few time points near the peak of the temporal response, which provides superior resolution; and an asymptotic multi-exponential analysis based tomography of the decay portion of the temporal response, which provides accurate localization of yield distributions for various lifetime components present in the imaging medium. These results indicate the potential of TD technology for biomedical imaging with lifetime sensitive targeted probes, and provide useful guidelines for an optimal approach to fluorescence tomography with TD data.
Shifts in substrate utilization potential and structure of soil microbial communities in response to carbon substrates

Abstract The Biolog assay is a popular tool for estimating carbon (C) substrate utilization potentials of microbial communities of natural habitats, but its ecological relevance has been questioned. In this study, impacts of simple and complex C substrates on microbial community Biolog activities were assessed to determine if the resulting utilization potentials reflected the amended substrates. A silt loam soil was amended on an equal C-basis with glucose, cellulose, lignin, hydroxyproline, gelatin, or residues from either triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) or Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum L.) and incubated for 80 days. Mean utilization of Biolog carbohydrates, amino acids, and polymers were determined at 3, 7, 21, 35, 49 and 80 days following incorporation of each substrate to soil. In addition, microbial biomass C (MBC) and community fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles were determined at each sampling point to assess community size and structure. Soil amended with lignin maintained similar levels of MBC, Biolog activities, and FAME profiles relative to a non-amended control soil. Soil amended with glucose had higher MBC levels relative to non-amended soil and soils amended with cellulose, lignin, and plant residues. Communities from glucose-amended soil utilized Biolog carbohydrates at high rates but exhibited low utilization potentials for amino acids and polymers. Principal components analysis of FAME data revealed greater amounts of fungal markers in soil amended with glucose during the first 21 days of the incubation. In contrast, soils amended with plant residues had relatively high Biolog activities for all three types of substrates and contained a greater diversity of FAMEs compared to communities from the glucose treatment. Hydroxyproline and gelatin amendments had the greatest impact on the microbial parameters measured. Highest values for MBC, Biolog activity, FAME richness, and diversity were found in either or both treatments at most sampling dates. Biolog polymer utilization was particularly elevated in soil amended with gelatin, which was similar in structure to the Biolog polymer collagen. Positive impacts of hydroxyproline and gelatin on microbial communities may be due to the N content of these treatments; however, triticale and winter pea residues had very similar impacts on soil communities, despite winter pea legume having 1.5 times more N compared to the triticale residue. Together, the Biolog and FAME data revealed successional patterns in microbial communities over time. For example, an increase in carbohydrate utilization in cellulose-amended soil at day 49 corresponded to increases in FAME richness and diversity, with elevated amounts of the fungal fatty acids 18:1ω9c and 18:3ω6c detected in this soil.
Trade Integration, Neoliberal Reform, and Environmental Protection in Mexico: Lessons for the Americas

Among Latin American countries Mexico is a model of neoliberalism's environmental promise and pitfalls. Since entering the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), it has undertaken extensive e...
Rare earth precipitation and coprecipitation behavior: The limiting role of PO43− on dissolved rare earth concentrations in seawater

Formation of rare earth phosphate coprecipitates, (ΣMi)PO4(s), may set limits on the maximum REE concentrations observed in seawater. Examination of rare earth phosphate solubility products, as well as oceanic {M3+} {PO43−} activity products, indicates that below approximately 300 m, the oceans are at saturation with respect to fresh rare earth phosphate coprecipitates and supersaturated with respect to aged coprecipitates. Removal of REEs from seawater through formation of mixed REE precipitates, (ΣMi)PO4(s), influences REE solution concentrations in a manner which closely resembles scavenging (adsorptive removal from solution). Laboratory observations demonstrate that rare earth coprecipitation preserves the odd/even abundance pattern derived from source materials and enriches HREEs in solution compared to the LREEs. Our observations indicate that phosphate and carbonate concentrations, in addition to pH, should be considered as essential parameters requisite to an understanding of environmental rare earth distributions.
Further Studies of Overlearning and Position Reversal Learning

The effects of extensive overtraining on position reversal were studied in 2 experiments in which the stimulus complex associated with the choice response was manipulated. In Exp. I a visual cue (brightness) was correlated with the position response. In Exp. II the stimulus consequences of an incorrect response were made highly discriminable by associating an abrupt illumination change with an incorrect choice. Despite these modifications the overlearning reversal effect failed to occur in both experiments, verifying a number of previous reports.
WebGIS for Monitoring “Sudden Oak Death” in coastal California

Abstract Tanoak ( Lithocarpus densiflorus ), coast live oak ( Quercus agrifolia ), black oak ( Q. kelloggii ), and some shreve oak ( Q. parvula var. shreve ) trees in coastal California are affected by a new disease called “Sudden Oak Death.” These tree communities are extremely important for habitat provision, recreation, and aesthetics. Research of and community interest in this new disease is very high. We have developed a monitoring strategy that is both informative and interactive, while also having an effective educational component. This paper introduces the monitoring strategy developed by the monitoring committee of the California Oak Mortality Task Force. The overall monitoring strategy is multi-scale, multi-source, flexible, and geographically organized. It uses an Internet-based GIS (“webGIS”) software, and has collected information about trees suspected of having Sudden Oak Death from a wide community of users. This paper describes in detail how the webGIS application was developed, implemented, and used, and discusses some of the common application problems associated with the project, as well as the larger societal issues of Internet access, quality control, and privacy.
Analysis of Fractals, Image Compression, Entropy Encoding, Karhunen-Loève Transforms

The purpose of this paper is to show that algorithms in a diverse set of applications may be cast in the context of relations on a finite set of operators in Hilbert space. The Cuntz relations for a finite set of isometries form a prototype of these relations. Such applications as entropy encoding, analysis of correlation matrices (Karhunen-Loeve), fractional Brownian motion, and fractals more generally, admit multi-scales. In signal/image processing, this may be implemented with recursive algorithms using subdivisions of frequency-bands; and in fractals with scale similarity. In Karhunen-Loeve analysis, we introduce a diagionalization procedure; and we show how the Hilbert space formulation offers a unifying approach; as well as suggesting new results.
Splenic norepinephrine depletion following acute stress suppresses in vivo antibody response

Abstract Exposure to an intense acute stressor immediately following immunization leads to a reduction in anti-KLH IgM, IgG, and IgG2a, but not IgG1. Stress also depletes splenic norepinephrine (NE) content. Immunization during pharmacological (α-methyl-p-tyrosine) or stress-induced splenic NE depletion results in antibody suppression similar to that found in rats immunized prior to stressor exposure. Prevention of splenic NE depletion during stress by tyrosine, but not pharmacological elevation (mirtazapine) of NE, resulted in normal antibody responses. These data support the hypothesis that splenic NE depletion is necessary and sufficient for stress-induced suppression of antibody to a T-cell dependent antigen.
Ductal carcinoma in situ in a 16-year-old adolescent boy with gynecomastia : a case report

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the male breast is rare. Even more rare is the finding of DCIS in association with gynecomastia. After an extensive literature search, only two cases have been reported in the literature, both in adults. Here we present the case of a 16-year-old adolescent boy who presented with pubertal gynecomastia that was treated with bilateral subcutaneous mastectomies. A DCIS focus was found in the right breast specimen, and the patient underwent bilateral completion total mastectomies uneventfully. Despite its rarity, surgeons should be aware of the possibility of the breast of adolescents with gynecomastia harboring a neoplastic focus.
Sleep Quality in Asthma: Results of a Large Prospective Clinical Trial

Rationale. Previous studies have suggested that asthmatics have an increased incidence of sleep disturbances. However, these studies have been limited by reliance on population surveys or small numbers of participants. Objectives. We sought to measure sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in a cohort of symptomatic asthmatics and to measure the effects of improved asthma control on sleep quality. Methods. Data were collected in sub-study of a large multi-center randomized double-masked controlled trial of mild-moderate asthmatics evaluating the effect of low-dose theophylline on asthma control in comparison to montelukast and placebo. Each participant was administered sleep symptom questionnaires at randomization and at the final visit (6 months after randomization). These included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Measurements and main results. Data were available for 487 participants. Baseline mean values were: age 40 ± 15 years, 74% female, forced ...
Gas chromatography chemical ionization mass spectrometric analysis of diminazene in plasma

A quantitative and sensitive method was developed for the determination of diminazene in plasma. The assay involves the reduction of diminazene to 4-aminobenzamidine and 4-hydrazinobenzamidine. The latter is further reduced to give an additional mole of 4-aminobenzamidine which is extracted, acetylated and condensed with hexafluoroacetylacetone to form a volatile derivative that is subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography chemical ionization mass spectrometry. 4-Aminobenzylamidine was synthesized and used as an internal standard. The method is reproducible and its sensitivity limit using 1 ml of plasma is 0.1 microgram diminazene ml-1. This sensitivity limit is sufficient to detect plasma levels in cattle following therapeutic doses of the drug.
Simultaneous low-density lipoprotein-C lowering and high-density lipoprotein-C elevation for optimum cardiovascular disease prevention with various drug classes, and their combinations: a meta-analysis of 23 randomized lipid trials.

Purpose of reviewOur analysis presents an alternative hypothesis to the prevailing view that low-density lipoprotein-C is the only important target of lipid therapy.Recent findingsTwo recently published studies showed surprising results. In the Armed Forces Regression Study, low-density lipoprotein-
The nonlinear cooling of a semi-infinite solid—implicit Runge-Kutta (IRK) methods

We numerically solve a non-linear Volterra integral equation of the second kind with a weakly singular kernel, which arises in the cooling of a semi-infinite solid, by a simple IRK method. This method does not require short time steps to produce accurate approximations.
Lithium treatment of depression

Abstract Lithium carbonate in high doses was administered to 22 patients hospitalized for endogenous depression. A statistically significant difference in response was observed between bipolar and unipolar patients. All six with a prior history of mania responded to the drug, whereas only 7 of 16, or 44%, of those without such a history showed a favorable response. Among the 13 patients that responded to lithium, a dose of 1800 mg daily was well tolerated despite the development of mild neuromuscular side effects in many. A clinical response that first appeared between the 6th and 13th days of lithium administration generally plateaued by the end of 3 weeks. Following placebo substitution, symptoms reemerged in nine patients. This investigation has again shown that bipolar depressions are more responsive to lithium than are unipolar ones. It suggests that further efforts be made to identify those unipolar depressions having a high probability of responding to lithium.
Development of a Reproducible Method for Determining Quantity of Water and its Configuration in a Marsh Landscape

ABSTRACT Suir, G.M.; Evers, D.E.; Steyer, G.D., and Sasser C.E., 2013. Development of a reproducible method for determning quantity of water and its configuration in a marsh landscape. In: Brock, J.C.; Barras, J.A., and Williams, S.J. (eds.), Understanding and Predicting Change in the Coastal Ecosystems of the Northern Gulf of Mexico, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 63, pp. 110–117, Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Coastal Louisiana is a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. From 1956 to 2010, over 3,734 km2 of Louisiana's coastal wetlands have been lost due to a combination of natural and human-induced activities. The resulting landscape constitutes a mosaic of conditions from highly deteriorated to relatively stable with intact landmasses. Understanding how and why coastal landscapes change over time is critical to restoration and rehabilitation efforts. Historically, changes in marsh pattern (i.e., size and spatial distribution of marsh landmasses and water bodies) have been disti...
A boat‐casting technique for the preparation of very thin plastic films suitable for optical studies

A meniscus coating technique utilizing a Teflon “boat” for dispensing a viscous solution of a polymer in a volatile solvent upon a suitable substrate provides very thin plastic films (>ca. 0.5 μm) which are usually of acceptable optical quality for spectrophotometric measurements.
Characterization of insulin stimulation of the incorporation of radioactive precursors into macromolecules in cultured rat brain cells.

To investigate the direct role of insulin on regulation of brain cell growth, we have measured its effects on precursor uptake and incorporation into macromolecules in primary cultures of fetal (20 days gestation) rat brain cells. Insulin significantly stimulated the rates of [6-3H]thymidine ([3H]- dThd), [5-3H]uridine ([3H]Urd), and L-[3,4-(N)-3H]valine ([3H]Val) incorporation into DNA, RNA, and protein, respectively, each with its own characteristic time and dose response. Significant stimulation of incorporation was achieved with the physiological concentrations of insulin found in the late gestational fetal rat. At higher concentrations of insulin, greater than 200%, 80%, and 30% increases occurred in the rate of [3H]dThd, [3H]Urd, and [3H]Val incorporation, respectively. A unique sequence of responses occurred in the first 24 h of insulin treatment. The rate of [3H]Urd incorporation rapidly increased during the first hour and was maintained at a maximum for 2 h. The rate of [3H]Val incorporation slow...
A least squares finite element solution of the inverse problem of aquifer transmissivity

Abstract This study presents a new finite element formulation for the solution of the inverse problem of aquifer transmissivity. For a known steady state piezometric head, the least squares approximation of the two-dimensional groundwater flow equation is constructed. The properties of the two-dimensional isoparametric elements, the isoparametric line elements and the isoparametric transition elements are then derived by utilizing this least squares approximation. An inherent feature and important aspect of the formulation presented here is that requirement of known flow at a cross-section of the aquifer crossed by all stream lines is eliminated. Thus the formulation permits modelling of multiple sinks (wells) within a single aquifer. The two-dimensional, line and transition elements based on this least squares approach yield symmetric element matrices. The geometry of the line elements and the transmissivity approximations are obtained using the two-dimensional para-linear, cubic-linear, quartic-linear etc. elements without any further assumptions or approximations. In the formulation of the line elements the nodal transmissivities as well as the derivatives of the nodal transmissivities in the direction normal to the element middle surface are retained as primary variables. This permits modelling of sudden changes in aquifer widths. The transition element properties are derived from the properties of the two-dimensional elements as well as the line elements. These elements provide a natural, mathematically accurate and essential connecting link between the two-dimensional elements and the line elements. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and the applications of the elements developed here. The results obtained from the two-dimensional and the line elements are compared with exact solutions as well as those reported by other researchers using the Galerkin approach.
Modified helenanolides from Psilostrophe gnaphaloides and Psilostrophe cooperi

Abstract Investigation of the aerial parts of Psilostrophe gnaphaloides and reinvestigation of Psilostrophe cooperi afforded in addition to known modified helenanolides several new representatives of this class, all closely related to hymenolide.
Nano‐alumina modified epoxy based film adhesives

Epoxy based film adhesives were developed that contained nano-sized alumina particles of different size and shape. These nano-scale materials were incorporated at 5 and 10 weight percent into an adhesive formulation that was filmed on polyester random mat scrim. Films were applied to composite substrates for fracture testing and aluminum substrates for lap shear and peel testing. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the surfaces of both the aluminum and composite specimens. Results from the bonded aluminum samples showed that in almost all cases the additives increased the peel and shear strength of the adhesives. Composite samples yielded results that were less clear, but still demonstrated that nano-scale additives can increase the fracture toughness of a thermosetting adhesive.
Use of SternaLock Plating System in Acute Treatment of Unstable Traumatic Sternal Fractures

Optimal surgical treatment of unstable sternal fractures is controversial. Wiring provides suboptimal fixation and adaptations of existing non-sternum specific plating systems may be dangerous when rapid sternal reentry is required. We present our experience with the sternal specific fixation system, SternaLock (Biomet Microfixation Inc, Jacksonville, FL), in the acute treatment of transverse sternal body fractures in 2 patients who sustained significant blunt anterior chest wall trauma. SternaLock provides the rigid sternal fixation necessary for reliable fracture healing while offering advantages over other systems with regards to ease of use and safety.
Memory limitations of stimulus-response models.

Patrick Suppes has suggested that just as higher mathematics may be deduced from set theory, so may automata theory be deduced from stimulus-response theory. In other words, he seeks to destroy criticisms of stimulus-response theory based on the need for an internal state to mediate between stimulus and response by showing that finite memory can be conditioned by a suitable schedule of reinforcement. The fundamental axiom of stimulus-response theory is that for each stimulus-response table there is a stimulus-response model that asymptotically becomes isomorphic to it in that there is a reinforcement schedule which will ensure with repeated trials. In fact, finite-memory systems are well studied by some mathematicians and computer scientists under the label "finite automata". Suppes notes that Miller, Galanter, and Pribram objected to the conditioned reflex as the building block for a scientific psychology. They formulated a theory of plans in terms of test-operate-test-exit (TOTE) units, a plan then being defined as a TOTE hierarchy.
Carcinogenicity of diethylnitrosamine in Mystromys albicaudatus (African white-tailed rat).

SummaryA newly introduced laboratory species, the rodent Mystromys albicaudatus, or African white-tailed rat, was subjected to oral administration in the drinking water of the carcinogen diethylnitrosamine at 3 dose levels. Male and female animals developed hepatoma, bile duct tumors and some squamous cell carcinomas in the forestomach with a latent period of 22 to 42 weeks. Control animals up to 138 weeks old had no tumors. This species can tolerate higher dose levels of diethylnitrosamine, but tumors developed after a longer latent period than in other laboratory rodent species used for bioassay of chemical carcinogens. This fact, and also the difficulty in reproduction of this species, due to litter size and length of gestation period, suggest that Mystromys albicaudatus is not as suitable for bioassay of carcinogens as currently used rodent species. Additional investigations with other agents are needed to fully support this conclusion.We thank T. Benjamin, S. Buono and F. Hood for technical assistanc...
Populations of Endogone in strawberry fields in relation to root rot infection

In general, higher numbers of Endogone spores were found, from August to July, in rhizosphere soil of strawberry roots growing in a plot without root rot than in the rhizosphere of roots in a plot with root rot or in the fallow soil of either plot. A large increase in spores occurred from May to July in the rhizosphere of the plot without root rot, with a lesser increase in the rhizosphere of the plot with root rot. The data indicate that early Endogone activity in young roots is not an indirect or direct cause of root rot symptoms, and that as the root becomes aged or diseased from other causes, Endogone reacts by producing numerous spores in the rhizosphere.
Cohort comparisons: social learning explanations for alcohol use among adolescents and older adults

Abstract Some researchers have suggested that theories of delinquency are appropriate to the study of deviant behavior among older adults. This study compares the relative effects of social learning variables on alcohol use and abuse by adolescents and older adults. Two sub-samples–aged 12–17 (N = 17709) and aged 65 and older (N = 2019)–were created from the 2002 National Household Survey of Drug Use and Health, a national probability sample of persons aged 12 and older in the United States. Data show that the frequency of alcohol use for adolescents is positively associated with personal approval of daily alcohol use and the number of peers who get drunk at least once a week, while older adult frequency is positively associated with personal approval of daily alcohol use and number of peers who use alcohol. Alcohol abuse by adolescents is correlated with personal approval of daily alcohol use, the number of peers who drink alcohol, and the number of peers who get drunk at least once a week. Among the older adult sub-sample only personal approval of daily alcohol use and number of peers who use alcohol is significantly associated with abuse. These findings provide evidence for the merits of applying social learning variables to understanding deviance among diverse age cohorts.
Cloning of a cDNA encoding a sequence-specific single-stranded-DNA-binding protein from Rattus norvegicus.

Abstract In this paper, we report the isolation of a cDNA clone encoding a sequence-specific single-stranded-DNA-binding protein (SSDP) from rat ( Rattus norvegicus ). The full-length nucleotide sequence was determined and encodes a 361 amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 37.7 kDa. This clone has ∼80% homology to a previously isolated partial cDNA clone for SSDP from chicken ( Gallus gallus ). Northern blot analysis revealed two transcripts of 2.0 and 3.0 kb. The protein appears to be evolutionarily highly conserved with >97% identity between chicken, rat, mouse and human. Chicken SSDP has been proposed to be involved in the transcriptional regulation of the α2(I) collagen gene.
One hundred years of originality, quality and style

My choice of a title for this short lecture on the Carlsberg Laboratory and its impact over the years was made after a lot of thought about why some centers of science become international Meccas and so many others never quite make it. Thousands of scientists ponder the problem of where they might best go to attain professional breadth and skill in their specialty. It is generally fairly easy to give advice to such individuals. At any given time, certain scientific centers stand out in everyone's mind: the MRC lab at Cambridge, with its glittering constellation of stars, the Pasteur Institute in the exciting and fermenting days of JACOB and MONOD at their best, OTTO WARBURG'S laboratory in the twenties and thirties when the machinery of metabolism first began to be studied in detail, and my own institution, the NIH, during the days of the Vietnam doctor draft when we were able to help a large group of bright, young MD's to stay out of a senseless war. To protein chemists (omitting of course X-ray crystallographers who travelled elsewhere), the name of the Carlsberg Laboratory has for many years been synonymous with the initiation, prediction or implementation of research in this particular field. It also happens to be in Copenhagen, which gives an initial advantage. In the days of the first director, JOHAN KJELDAHL, I suppose this did not really apply. International travel grants had not been invented and the level of science in the Western Hemisphere and in Asia had not yet benefited from the individuals and ideas that were subsequently to come from Europe and Great Britain. However, from the time of SORENSEN to the present, almost every protein-oriented laboratory in the world has been flavored with the scientific spices that itinerant students brought home from Copenhagen. As I will try to illustrate to you shortly, using examples from my own scientific career, the conscious or subconscious choice made in research direction or emphasis has frequently been the product of the Carlsberg Laboratory's intellectual flavor. Let me first say a few things about the history of
NEW ENDOLITHIC CYANOPHYTES FROM THE NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN. II. HYELLA GIGAS LUKAS & GOLUBIC SP. NOV. FROM THE FLORIDA CONTINENTAL MARGIN1

A new species of endolithic cyanophyte, Hyella gigas Lukas and Golubic (Order: Pleurocapsales), differs from other species of Hyella by its larger cell and filament dimensions and its laminated, often pigmented sheath. It bores into mollusk shells and other marine carbonate substrates on the east coast of North America, the Bahama Islands and the Northern Mediterranean Sea, where it is found from near mean low water down to 25 m depth. This comparatively shallow maximum depth is probably due to the limited capacity of Hyella gigas to adapt to changing light quality and intensity. We reject the suppression of the genus Hyella as proposed by Drouet and Daily.
Impaired agonist-induced calcium signaling in hepatocytes from chronic renal failure rats.

Impaired agonist-induced calcium signaling in hepatocytes from chronic renal failure rats. Some hormones exert their action by inducing a rise in cytosolic calcium [Ca 2+ ]i (calcium signal), and therefore, a blunting in hormone-induced calcium signal would engender resistance to the action of the hormone. Chronic renal failure (CRF) is associated with resistance to the action of a variety of hormones, a rise in [Ca 2+ ]i and decrease in the amount of mRNA of one hormone receptor, the PTH-PTHrP receptor. We examined the calcium-signal induced by PTH, angiotensin II, vasopressin and glucagon in hepatocytes from CRF animals, evaluated the effect of the basal level [Ca 2+ ]i on the calcium signal and explored the effect of [Ca 2+ ]i on the mRNA of the receptors of these agonists. Hepatocytes from CRF rats have elevated basal levels of [Ca 2+ ]i and display significantly reduced calcium signals induced by all these hormones, while the calcium signals were normal in PTX-CRF animals and those treated with verapamil both of which have normal levels of [Ca 2+ ]i despite CRF. The calcium signals induced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP and G protein activator (GTPγS) were normal in hepatocytes from CRF animals despite the high levels of [Ca 2+ ]i. Northern blotting experiments revealed that the levels of the mRNA of the receptors of PTH-PTHrP, angiotensin II and vasopressin were significantly reduced in hepatocytes from CRF animals but PTX-CRF rats and those treated with verapamil had either significantly greater or even normal amounts of the mRNA of these receptors. The results show that: (1) in CRF there is a reduction in the levels of the mRNA of hormone receptors which would likely lead to decreased production of the receptors protein, that is, down-regulation of receptors; (2) the elevation in [Ca 2+ ]i in CRF plays an important role in this phenomenon; (3) the hepatocyte G proteinadenylate cyclase-cAMP pathway, which is important in mediating the calcium signals of many hormones, is not impaired in CRF; and (4) the reduction in the calcium signal induced by hormones is most likely due to down-regulation of the hormone receptors and may not be affected by the levels of [Ca 2+ ]i per se .
A low-power capacitance measurement circuit with high resolution and high degree of linearity

This paper has presented a low-power capacitance read-out circuit which could be used for biomedical sensor applications. The differential structure of the system eliminates even order distortion. The entire system manifests two current sense amplifiers, two diode rectifiers and one instrumentation amplifier. The circuit has been realized using TSMC 0.35 mum bulk CMOS process. The circuit operates with a 3 V power supply and consumes 5.384 mW of power. Simulation results show that the circuit has a sensitivity of 1.32 mV for 1 fF capacitance change. Measurement results for different capacitance variations demonstrate a change of 10.8 mV for 8.8 fF variation.
Mutations in the Gravity Persistence Signal Loci in Arabidopsis Disrupt the Perception and/or Signal Transduction of Gravitropic Stimuli

Gravity plays a fundamental role in plant growth and development, yet little is understood about the early events of gravitropism. To identify genes affected in the signal perception and/or transduction phase of the gravity response, a mutant screen was devised using cold treatment to delay the gravity response of inflorescence stems of Arabidopsis. Inflorescence stems of Arabidopsis show no response to gravistimulation at 4 degrees C for up to 3 h. However, when gravistimulated at 4 degrees C and then returned to vertical at room temperature (RT), stems bend in response to the previous, horizontal gravistimulation (H. Fukaki, H. Fujisawa, M. Tasaka [1996] Plant Physiology 110: 933-943). This indicates that gravity perception, but not the gravitropic response, occurs at 4 degrees C. Recessive mutations were identified at three loci using this cold effect on gravitropism to screen for gravity persistence signal (gps) mutants. All three mutants had an altered response after gravistimulation at 4 degrees C, yet had phenotypically normal responses to stimulations at RT. gps1-1 did not bend in response to the 4 degrees C gravity stimulus upon return to RT. gps2-1 responded to the 4 degrees C stimulus but bent in the opposite direction. gps3-1 over-responded after return to RT, continuing to bend to an angle greater than wild-type plants. At 4 degrees C, starch-containing statoliths sedimented normally in both wild-type and the gps mutants, but auxin transport was abolished at 4 degrees C. These results are consistent with GPS loci affecting an aspect of the gravity signal perception/transduction pathway that occurs after statolith sedimentation, but before auxin transport.
Inorganic nitrogen transformations in the bed of the Shingobee River, Minnesota: Integrating hydrologic and biological processes using sediment perfusion cores

Inorganic N transformations were examined in streambed sediments from the Shingobee River using sediment perfusion cores. The experimental design simulated groundwater‐stream water mixing within sediment cores, which provided a well-defined one-dimensional representation of in situ hydrologic conditions. Two distinct hydrologic and chemical settings were preserved in the sediment cores: the lowermost sediments, perfused with groundwater, remained anaerobic during the incubations, whereas the uppermost sediments, perfused with oxic water pumped from the overlying water column, simulated stream water penetration into the bed. The maintenance of oxic and anoxic zones formed a biologically active aerobic-anaerobic interface. Ammonium (NH ) dissolved in groundwater 1 4 was transported conservatively through the lower core zone but was removed as it mixed with aerated recycle water. Concurrently, a small quantity of nitrate (NO ) equaling ;25% of the NH loss was produced in the upper sedi21 34 ments. The NH and NO profiles in the uppermost sediments resulted from coupled nitrification-denitrification, 12 43 because assimilation and sorption were negligible. We hypothesize that anaerobic microsites within the aerated upper sediments supported denitrification. Rates of nitrification and denitrification in the perfusion cores ranged 42‐ 209 and 53‐160 mg N m 22 day 21 , respectively. The use of modified perfusion cores permitted the identification and quantification of N transformations and verified process control by surface water exchange into the shallow hyporheic zone of the Shingobee River. Nitrogen transformations in soil and sediments have been a focus of research for many years, with nitrification and denitrification most commonly studied. When these reactions co-occur, the result is a net loss of N that can have significant biological consequences in both aquatic and terrestrial systems. The capacity of stream beds to process N has been an area of recent interest, especially in the midwestern United States, where high nitrate (NO ) in agricultural runoff has 2 3 been implicated as a cause of hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico (Turner and Rabalais 1994). Nitrification and denitrification studies have most commonly involved the use of enzyme assays with sediment slurries, revealing ‘‘potential’’ reaction rates (Rysgaard et al.