cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Active Reading Documents (ARDs): A Tool to Facilitate Meaningful Learning through Reading.

Presented here is a practical tool called the Active Reading Document (ARD) that can give students the necessary incentive to engage with the text/readings. By designing the tool to incrementally develop student understanding of the material through reading using Marzano's Taxonomy as a framework, the ARD offers support through scaffolding as they build content knowledge (and reading comprehension skills) in an intentional and concrete way prior to engaging in the classroom. The scaffolded nature of the ARD is intended to make class time more productive as well as to promote deeper understanding and higher order thinking skills which are more likely to transfer to other settings or later courses.
Reply to Patla et al.: Amphibian habitat and populations in Yellowstone damaged by drought and global warming

Patla et al. (1) suggest that loss of amphibian habitat is distinct from amphibian status, and they claim that we (2) wrongly define populations. Ours is a functional definition of population that serves as a biologically relevant metric of species presence. We demonstrate that this amphibian metapopulation is being destabilized as habitat is lost.
The r0 structural parameters, vibrational spectra, ab initio calculations and barriers to internal rotation and linearity of methylisocyanate

Abstract The infrared (3500–300 cm −1 ) and/or Raman (3500–50 cm −1 ) spectra of gaseous, liquid and solid of methylisocyanate, CH 3 NCO, have been recorded. Fine structures of the nearly free internal rotation of the methyl rotor has been observed for the pseudodegenerate CH 3 stretch and deformation from which the band centers and Coriolis coupling constants have been determined. Ab initio calculations with full electron correlation by the perturbation method to second order and hybrid density functional theory calculations by the B3LYP method utilizing the 6-31G(d), 6-311+G(d,p), and 6-311+G(2d,2p) basis sets have been carried out. From these calculations, force constants, vibrational frequencies, infrared intensities, Raman activities, depolarization ratios, and structural parameters have been determined and compared to the experimental quantities. Several differences are noted between the predicted and experimental values. By combining the three previously reported rotational constants for CH 3 NCO with the ab initio MP2/6-311+G(d,p) predicted structural values, adjusted r 0 parameters have been obtained. The r 0 values for the distance (A) are: r (C N) = 1.447(3); r (N C) = 1.215(3); r (C O) = 1.166(3); r (C H a ) = 1.089(2); r (C H s ) = 1.093(2), and for the angles (degrees): ∠ CNC = 135.8 ( 5 ) ; ∠ NCO = 172.6 ( 5 ) ; ∠ NCH a = 108.6 ( 5 ) ; ∠ NCH s = 110.8 ( 5 ) . Several of these parameters are significantly different from those previously reported from the latest microwave study. Predicted barriers to internal rotation and linearity as well as values of the centrifugal distortion constants are given and compared to experimental values when available. The results of these spectroscopic and theoretical studies are discussed and compared to the corresponding results of some similar molecules.
Availability of phosphorus and trace elements in low-phytate varieties of barley and corn for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Approximately two-thirds of phosphorus in various grains is present as phytate, which is not well-utilized by fish and other monogastric species. Besides its low availability of phosphorus, phytate is reported to reduce the availability of other dietary nutrients to animals. Single-gene, non-lethal low phytic acid (lpa) mutations in corn and barley cause the seed to store most of the phosphorus as inorganic phosphorus instead of as phytate phosphorus. Theoretically, using these mutant grains containing lower levels of phytate in animal feeds should reduce phosphorus excretion by the animals, provided that available phosphorus levels in feeds containing these grains are appropriately adjusted downward. This study was conducted as a first step to determine if the biological availability of phosphorus in the low-phytate mutants of barley, dent corn and flint corn differed significantly from that in ordinary grains for fish. Also of interest was the effect, if any, on the availability of other minerals in formulated feeds containing the low-phytate grains. Feeding trials demonstrated that the apparent availability of phosphorus in low-phytate grains was significantly higher than that in ordinary grains when they were combined with low-ash ingredients. Fecal phosphorus content (on average) decreased 50.2% (in phytate-phosphorus) or 42.9% (in total phosphorus) by replacing ordinary grains with low-phytate grains in the low-ash diets. The apparent availabilities of calcium, iron, zinc and strontium also were significantly higher in the low-ash diet containing low-phytate dent corn than that containing ordinary dent corn. However, no such increase was observed with low-phytate barley or low-phytate flint corn over their counterpart grains in either calcium, iron or zinc. The apparent availabilities of copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium and sodium were not significantly different between ordinary and low-phytate grains. The apparent digestibility of dry matter also was not significantly different between ordinary and low-phytate grains. The results of this study suggest that a substantial reduction of phosphorus discharge from fish, poultry and animal farms could be achieved simply by replacing ordinary grains with low-phytate mutant grains in low-ash feeds.
Risk factors for perinatal group B streptococcal disease after amniotic fluid colonization

A group of 1031 parturient women at high risk for intraamniotic infection were studied. Women in whom group B streptococci grew from cultures of the amniotic fluid did not differ in clinical risk factors when compared with similar parturient women without group B streptococcal colonization of amniotic fluid. Patients who had perinatal group B streptococcal disease (maternal or neonatal bacteremia) did not differ from those without disease, by maternal or neonatal acute antibody levels or antibody response, inoculum size, or serotype of the colonizing strain.
Amount of Log-Square-Hoyt fading in a satellite optical transmission system: Models and solutions

In a recent work we derived the Log-Square-Hoyt fading model for an optical inter-satellite communication system. In the present work, we conduct the analysis on the amount of fading (AF) of this system. First, we show that the AF has a closed-form expression. Then we show that the corresponding optimization model can be reduced to a quartic equation. Numerical results are provided to gain more insights of the system's performance.
Ethical issues regarding caring for dermatology patients in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates the largest integrated health care system within the United States. VA budgets continue to escalate in an environment of heightened financial prudence and accountability. Despite having received many awards in areas from patient satisfaction and safety to product innovations, like any health care system, the VA is not immune to ethical conflict that requires exploration and evaluation. Several VA dermatologists, including section chiefs, were interviewed, and their responses to ethical complexities encountered or anticipated were analyzed in fictional case scenarios. Five morally concerning issues were highlighted. These include (1) providing care in a teaching setting with limited resources to a patient population with few other health care alternatives; (2) stereotyping patients, altogether an uncommon act, is possibly easier to do in the VA and has the potential to negatively affect patient care; (3) service-related disability claim cases often include medical opinion and findings documented in the medical record when judgments are made, thus the VA physician can have a significant effect on the outcome of these claims; (4) whether the VA provides a setting for apathetic physicians to thrive or instead allows for a more meaningful work experience and then how to manage the subpar performer; (5) except for the treatment of HIV lipodystrophy with injectables, primary cosmetic procedures are prohibited at the VA and can lead to difficulties for the VA dermatologist attempting to comply in a era where dermatology is being more closely associated with cosmesis.
Soils from the pensacola mountains, antarctica: Physical, chemical and biological characteristics

Abstract Additional information on the physical, chemical and microbiological properties of soils from the Pensacola Mountains, Antarctica is presented. The soils in this region, like those elsewhere in the frigid desert oases of Antarctica, were formed by physical and chemical weathering of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Soils from several collection sites contained primary clays. Free phosphate was undetectable at all sites but significant concentrations of N compounds, especially nonbiogenically formed NO − 3 , were present. Extractable chlorophyll a and adenosine triphosphate concentrations were below detection limits at all seven sites. All sites contained viable microorganisms: seven contained yeasts, six aerobic heterotrophic bacteria and four had algae. While some have suggested that Antarctic soils may be abiotic, this assertation needs re-evaluation in the light of new and improved techniques to culture and isolate viable microorganisms.
Towards the identification of autologous blood transfusions through capillary electrophoresis

The use of autologous blood transfusions by endurance athletes has remained one of the most difficult doping practices to detect. The implementation of the Athlete’s Biological Passport by some sporting bodies has proved to be effective; however, the analysis relies on the long-term monitoring of numerous biological markers, looking for abnormal variations in a number of biological markers to indicate doping. This work introduces an approach to identify autologous blood transfusions by examining the red blood cells (RBCs) directly. By using high-speed capillary electrophoretic separations, the relative distribution of the sizes of the RBCs in a sample can be established in under 3 min, following the preparation of the cells. As RBCs that have been stored for transfusions undergo vesiculation, the relative size of the transfused cells differs from the native cells. The capillary electrophoretic separation allows for a rapid examination of this distribution and the changes that are seen when transfused RBCs are mixed with native cells. In this work, the effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated in the identification of simulated (in vitro) autologous blood transfusions performed with blood samples from three highly trained cyclists; it was possible to rapidly identify when as little as 5 % of the RBCs in the sample were from a simulated autologous transfusion.
Subjective Well-Being in Pediatric Oncology Patients

Using negative and positive measures of subjective well-being (SWB), we compared reports of 29 youth with cancer to a matched control sample of 29 youth. Youth with cancer did not differ from healthy controls on self-report measures of life satisfaction, hope, positive affect, or negative affect. Scores on measures of hope were positively correlated with time since diagnosis; none of the other SWB variables was significantly related to time since diagnosis. Except for negative affect, moderate correlations were found between parents’ reports of their own SWB and their youths’ self-reported SWB. Parents’ estimates of their youths’ SWB were also moderately associated with youth self-reports, except for negative affect. Parents of youth with cancer and their youth may use different criteria for reporting the nature and frequency of negative affect, but use similar criteria for reporting positive affect and other positive measures (hope, life satisfaction). Implications for more comprehensive assessments of the well-being of pediatric oncology patients are discussed.
NERVE GROWTH FACTOR IN HUMAN UMBILICAL CORD SERUM: DEMONSTRATION OF A VENO-ARTERIAL GRADIENT.

An heterologous radioreceptor assay (RRA) for nerve growth factor (NGF) has been developed to measure NGF in human umbilical cord serum. The RRA uses mouse NGF (mNGF) as iodination material and as standard and a rat pheochromocytoma clonal line of cells (PC-12) as a source of NGF receptor (KD =3.8 × 10¬9M). Human cord serum exhibited parallel displacement of radiolabeled NGF in the RRA. Umbilical vein and artery NGF concentrations were measured in 22 healthy, full-term infants. The mean and (SEM) umbilical vein NGF concentration (30.4 ± 3.2 pM⁄ml) significantly exceeded the mean umbilical artery NGF concentration (22.4 ± 3.3 pM⁄ml) (p<0.05). Cord serum also produced a positive bioassay response (neurite outgrowth) in PC-12 c e l l s, and this response was inhibited by anti-hNGF antiserum. These results are compatible with placental synthesis and secretion of NGF and suggest the possibility that NGF may play a role in autonomic and perhaps central nervous system maturation in the human fetus.
Organizing for the effective delivery of management technology

Abstract There have been several recent proposals to improve the manner in which computer technology is made available to managers and other end users. These proposals, however, do not completely consider the nature of management technology nor do they fully recognize the role of technology in the decision-making process. This article addresses such issues and presents an organizational strategy for effectively delivering the required technology to management. First, the article identifies the nature of the technology. Next, it examines the relationship between the technology and information resource management. Then, the article studies traditional and proposed information system approaches to manage this relationship. Finally, the article identifies some short-comings of these approaches, and it presents an alternative strategy for providing managers and other end users with effective computer support.
Activation of the BMP canonical signaling pathway in human optic nerve head tissue and isolated optic nerve head astrocytes and lamina cribrosa cells.

Purpose Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta superfamily that controls multiple functions in a variety of cells. We have previously shown that human optic nerve head (ONH) astrocytes and lamina cribrosa (LC) cells express BMP and BMP receptor mRNA and proteins. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether human ONH tissues express the canonical BMP signaling pathway and whether ONH cells secrete BMP-4 and respond to exogenous BMP-4 through this pathway. Methods Well-characterized human ONH astrocytes (N = 2) and LC cells (N = 3) were treated with exogenous BMP-4 (20 ng/mL) for various times. Western immunoblot analysis was used to detect secreted BMP-4 in serum-free conditioned media of ONH cells and in human ONH tissues (N = 4) and Smad proteins in total cell lysate of ONH cells and tissues. Intracellular colocalization of p-R-Smad1 with Co-Smad4 and localization of inhibitory Smads (e.g., I-Smad6 and I-Smad7) were studied through immunocytochemistry. In addition, coimmunoprecipitation was used to verify the interaction of p-R-Smad1 with Co-Smad4. Results ONH astrocytes and LC cells secrete BMP-4 and synthesize R-Smad1, R-Smad5, I-Smad6, I-Smad7, and Co-Smad4 proteins. Exposure to BMP-4 for either 10 or 60 minutes resulted in increased p-R-Smad1 and p-R-Smad1/5/8 protein levels that declined after 12 hours of treatment. Immunocytochemistry and coimmunoprecipitation studies revealed that p-R-Smad1/5/8 and Co-Smad4 interact and colocalize in the nucleus. BMP-4 treatment resulted in increased coprecipitation of p-R-Smad1/5/ 8 and Co-Smad4. I-Smad6 and I-Smad7 are localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm of ONH astrocytes and LC cells. Proteins for BMP-4, p-R-Smad1/5/8, R-Smad1, R-Smad5, R-Smad8, and Co-Smad4 are present in human ONH tissues. In addition, phosphorylated Smad1 and Smad5 colocalize with Smad4 in the nuclei of ONH tissues. Conclusions These results indicate that BMP-4 and Smad signaling proteins are present in human ONH tissues, isolated ONH astrocytes, and LC cells. In addition, exogenous BMP-4 treatment of ONH astrocytes and LC cells results in downstream signaling through the canonical Smad pathway. Thus, cells within the human ONH may respond to locally released BMP through paracrine or autocrine mechanisms.
Linguistic Production Abilities of 3-Year-Old Children Born Premature with Low Birth Weight:

Using norm-referenced and informal language sample analyses, this study describes the language production abilities of 30 children born premature with low birth weight. Only four of the subjects demonstrated clinically significant language problems at 3 years of age. The language problems of these four children did not appear to be related systematically to their birth weight, gestational age, length of neonatal hospitalization and severity of respiratory illness, socioeconomic status, family structure, or cognitive level and were best characterized by circumscribed expressive syntax difficulties.
Stimulation of Insulin Release in the Absence of Extracellular Calcium by Isobutylmethylxanthine and Its Inhibition by Somatostatin

It has been suggested that somatostatin may inhibit insulin release by interfering with pancreatic islet calcium uptake. To further investigate this hypothesis, the effect of somatostatin on insulin release was examined under conditions where islet uptake of calcium would be unlikely to occur. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor, isobutylmethylxanthine (0.75 mm), was found to stimulate biphasic insulin release from rat pancreases perfused in vitro in the absence of added extracellular calcium on a background of 0.3 mm EGTA and 8 mm glucose; these results support previous suggestions that methylxanthine phosphodiesterase inhibitors may stimulate insulin release by increasing islet cytosol free calcium through translocation of bound (stored) intraislet calcium. Somatostatin (1.0 μm) completely inhibited both phases of isobutylmethylxanthine-stimulated insulin release. Since uptake of extracellular calcium by islets was unlikely under the present experimental conditions, these results suggest that somatostatin i...
Ca++ fluxes in resealed synaptic plasma membrane vesicles.

The effect of the monovalent cations Na+, Li+, and K+ on Ca++ fluxes has been determined in resealed synaptic plasma membrane vesicle preparations from rat brain. Freshly isolated synaptic membranes, as well as synaptic membranes which were frozen (−80°C), rapidly thawed, and passively loaded with K2/succinate and 45CaCl2, rapidly released approximately 60% of the intravesicular Ca++ when exposed to NaCl or to the Ca++ ionophore A 23187. Incubation of these vesicles with LiCl caused a lesser release of Ca++. The EC50 for Na+ activation of Ca++ efflux from the vesicles was approximately 6.6mM. exposure of the Ca++-loaded vesicles to 150 mM KCl produced a very rapid (⋍1 sec) loss of Ca++ from the vesicles, but the Na+-induced efflux could still be detected above this K+ - sensitive effect. Vesicles pre-loaded with NaCl (150 mM) exhibited rapid 45Ca uptake with an estimated EC50 for Ca++ of 7–10 μM. This Ca++ uptake was blocked by dissipation of the Na+ gradient. These observations are suggestive of the preservation in these purified frozen synaptic membrane preparations of the basic properties of the Na+Ca++ exchange process and of a K+ - sensitive Ca++ flux across the membranes.
Defense against the cyber dark arts

The perpetrator's intent is often perfectly rational, legal, and, depending how you look at it, good.
Cell cycle control of S phase: a comparison of two yeasts.

The mechanisms responsible for correct timing of DNA synthesis within the cell cycle and for limiting replication to one round per cell cycle are basically similar in the two model yeasts,Saccharomyces cerevisiae andSchizosaccharomyces pombe, despite many differences in detail. In both cases, the timing of initiation and the prevention of additional rounds are controlled by the activity levels of B-type cyclins. These similarities are likely to extend to other eukaryotic organisms.
Characteristics of recently restored wetlands in the prairie pothole region

Between 1987 and 1991, 1892 prairie potholes were restored in northern Iowa, southern Minnesota, and southeastern South Dakota by state and federal agencies, most as part of the Conservation Reserve Program. The total area covered by these restored wetlands is approximately 2714 ha. Most restorations are small (less than 4 ha) wetlands with a seasonal hydrologic regime. Wetlands with an ephemeral/ temporary water regime are under-represented compared to their pre-drainage extent. Information on basin morphometry, hydrology, and vegetation-zone development was collected on 62 wetlands restored in 1988. Earthen dams are installed on most (73%) restorations in the region, increasing the full pool volume but not the mean depth of the basin. Overall, restored wetlands have basin morphometries that are comparable to those of similarly sized natural wetlands. About 60% of the basins had their predicted hydrology or held water longer than predicted. Nevertheless, about 20% of the projects that we examined were hydrologic failures and either never flooded or had significant structural problems. Most restored wetlands had developed emergent and submersed aquatic vegetation zones, but only a few, had developed wet prairie and sedge meadow vegetation zones.
Rapid Resting Heart Rate: A Simple and Powerful Predictor of Osteoporotic Fractures and Mortality in Older Women

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether resting heart rate is associated with several types of osteoporotic fractures, mortality, and cause-specific mortality in older women. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Four communities across the United States. PARTICIPANTS: We prospectively assessed resting pulse rate in 9,702 women aged 65 and older enrolled in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. MEASUREMENTS: Resting pulse was measured in the supine position. Hip, humerus, pelvis, rib, ankle, and wrist fractures were identified by self-report and validated by radiographs. Incident vertebral fractures were assessed by quantitative morphometry. Cause-specific mortality was assessed from death certificates and hospital discharge summaries. RESULTS: Women with resting heart rates of greater than 80 beats per minute (bpm) (n = 1,140 (12%)) had an adjusted 1.6-fold (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2–2.0) increased risk of either a hip, pelvis, or rib fracture and a 1.9-fold (95% CI = 1.4–2.5) increased risk of vertebral fracture. A heart rate of 80 bpm or greater was also associated with 1.4-fold (95% CI = 1.2–1.5) increased all-cause mortality and 1.5-fold (95% CI = 1.2–2.1) increased coronary heart disease mortality. Investigating resting heart rate as a continuous variable, we detected a general pattern of increasing risks with higher heart rate that could not be explained by age, weight, poor health, physical activity, hyperthyroidism, or smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Older women with resting heart rates of 80 bpm or more have an increased risk of several osteoporotic fractures and of mortality that is not explained by other risk factors. Heart rate may be a simple tool for assessing risk of fracture and of death from coronary heart disease in older women. J Am Geriatr Soc 50:455–460, 2002.
Plasticity of the endocranial base in nonsyndromic craniosynostosis.

Limited in vivo data exist on the dysmorphology of the cranial base in nonsyndromic craniosynostosis. Few studies have documented the effect of calvarial surgery for synostosis on endocranial morphology. Previous work has suggested that the dysmorphology of the endocranial base is diagnostically spe
X-ray crystallography and magnetic studies of a stable macrocyclic tetranitroxide. Intramolecular dimer of nitroxides in a constrained geometry of the upper rim of calix[4]arene.

Synthesis, crystallography, and magnetic characterization of a stable macrocyclic tetranitroxide 1, a calix[4]arene, which is functionalized with four tert-butylnitroxides at the upper rim, is described. In solution, 1 has a 4-fold symmetric fixed cone conformation on the NMR time scale and small, but nonnegligible, exchange interactions between the radicals (30 K > |J/k| ≫1.8 mK). In the solid state, dimerization of one diagonal pair of nitroxides leads to a pinched cone conformation for 1 with strong intradimer antiferromagnetic coupling with |J/k| = 200−300 K (singlet−triplet energy gap, ΔEST ≈ 1 kcal/mol).
Regulation of mammary gland macrophage tumour necrosis factor-α production with interferon-γ

Abstract Recombinant bovine interferon (rBOIFN)-γ was found to modify the production of tumour necrosis factor ( TNF -α) production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated mammary gland macrophages. Alveolar macrophages isolated from bovine mammary glands were incubated with 0, 1, 10, 100 or 1000 U of rBOIFN-γ either three hours before or three hours following stimulation with LPs. The level of TNF-α production was not affected when macrophages were treated with rBoiFN before LPs stimulation. In contrast, macrophages treated with 10,100 or 1000 U of rBOIFN after stimulation with LPs produced significantly lower concentrations Of TNF-α when compared with non-treated cultures and those treated with only 1 U of interferon (IFN)-γ. These results indicate that IFN-γ is capable of down-regulating the production of TNF-α by a local macrophage population. The ability of IFN-γ to modify the production of TNF -α is dependent on the timing of administration relative to LPs exposure. The significance of these findings is that under some circumstances, low dose administration of IFN-γ may be directly responsible for down-regulation of acute phase inflammatory responses which may prevent pathological alterations to host tissues during endotoxaemia.
Decay scheme studies of short-lived isotopes of 69 ≦ A ≦ 88 produced by heavy-ion bombardment

Abstract Sulfur-32 and 16 O ion beams from the Rochester MP tandem Van de Graaff accelerator have been used to produce neutron deficient nucleides in the mass range 69 ≦ A ≦ 88. Halflives and energies ofγ-rays following decay of these isotopes were measured. Isotopic assignments were made by combining cross bombardment techniques with compound nucleus evaporation calculations. Many assignments could be made by measuring the half-lives and excitation functions for individual γ-rays formed with a variety of target-projectile combinations. Several activities were found for which the assignments are ambiguous, although several likely assignments are suggested.
What broadcast managers want educators to teach

(1985). What broadcast managers want educators to teach. Communication Education: Vol. 34, No. 3, pp. 235-241.
Two patients with the von Szily reaction: herpetic keratitis and contralateral retinal necrosis.

Purpose To present two patients with prior unilateral, herpetic keratitis who developed acute retinal necrosis (ARN) in the contralateral eye. These cases have noticeable similarities to the von Szily reaction. This describes the development of a contralateral retinitis subsequent to an anterior chamber injection of herpes simplex virus (HSV). Design Interventional case series. Methods Retrospective chart and literature review. Results The first patient had neonatally acquired herpetic keratitis and developed ARN at age 21. Polymerase chain reaction of a vitreous biopsy detected HSV type-2 (HSV-2). The second patient was clinically diagnosed with ARN contralateral to varicella zoster keratitis. A detailed literature search located seven prior case reports with a von Szily reaction. These resembled our two cases except none had HSV-2 or years of latency from keratitis to retinitis. Conclusions Clinicians need to be cognizant of the von Szily reaction.
New Transformations Involving Squarate Esters. Multi-Channel Rearrangement Options Available To 2-(Dimethoxy-Methyl)-1-Cycloalken-1-Yl Adducts‡

The Vilsmeier-Haack reaction of cyclic ketones with PBr3 and DMF is an effective means for generating β-bromo-α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, which are readily transformed into their dimethyl acetals. These bromides are conveniently amenable to halogen-metal exchange in the presence of tert-butyllithium. The resultant organometallic intermediates, when treated with an equimolar amount of diisopropyl squarate, undergo 1,2-addition to deliver α-hydroxy ketone adducts that have proven to be sensitive to different rearrangements when in the presence of silica gel or boron trifluoride etherate. Although both processes involve net ring expansion of the cyclobutene ring with loss of methanol, the similarity stops there. In the first instance, spirocyclic diketones are produced by 1,2-shift of either of two ring carbons. In the second, extensively conjugated lactones are generated. The behavior of the adduct originating from a lithiated quinone bisketal has also been scrutinized.
Imaging findings of complications affecting the upper extremity in intravenous drug users: featured cases

Infections generally occur in intravenous drug abuse (IVDA) patients, most commonly affecting the spine and proximal joints. Numerous serious musculoskeletal complications of IVDA may involve the upper extremity, however. Soft-tissue complications in the upper extremity of IVDA patients include cellulitis, ulceration, abscess, pyomyositis, septic bursitis, tenosynovitis, and necrotizing fasciitis. Foreign bodies in soft tissue due to needle fragments are common findings. Primary bone and joint IVDA complications include osteomyelitis (acute and chronic) and septic arthritis. Other IVDA complications in the upper extremity affecting blood vessels and lymphatics include hematoma, arterial aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, "puffy hand" syndrome, and lymphadenopathy. These complications usually present as urgent issues requiring prompt and accurate evaluation in the acute setting. Diagnostic imaging not only aids in making the correct diagnosis but also permits precise definition of the location and extent of these abnormalities. We review the imaging findings and illustrate a wide range of disabling and even life-threatening complications affecting the upper extremity of IVDA patients that require early diagnosis for optimal outcome.
Contraction numbers for additive correction methods

Abstract Generic contraction numbers are derived for a class of additive correction methods based on orthogonal projection. The only assumption on the range of the projector is that it contains the residual. This generalizes previous work of the authors on positive definite operators and provides convergence results for restarted generalized conjugate gradient methods under a variety of conditions.
A Three-Fund Approach to Incorporating Government, Public and Private Forest Stewards into a REDD Funding Mechanism

SUMMARY The role of tropical deforestation in global climate change is a strong justification for its inclusion in the UN's global climate treaty. In order to successfully address deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, a compensation scheme must include the main actors involved in deforestation and provide incentives for forest stewards who protect forest carbon stores. Since each tropical forest country represents a different mix of public and private tenure of forested land, policies at the UNFCCC level will need to be sufficiently flexible to allow countries to tailor REDD programs to reflect these differences. At the same time, Parties need to negotiate a basic REDD structure that can apply to all countries as a framework under which to build their national programs. We propose an approach that will incorporate the three main actors of deforestation and forest protection in tropical regions: government, private forest owners, and public forest stewards (including indigenous peop...
Removal of hazardous pollutants from wastewaters: applications of TiO 2 -SiO 2 mixed oxide materials

The direct release of untreated wastewaters from various industries and households results in the release of toxic pollutants to the aquatic environment. Advanced oxidation processes (AOP) have gained wide attention owing to the prospect of complete mineralization of nonbiodegradable organic substances to environmentally innocuous products by chemical oxidation. In particular, heterogeneous photocatalysis has been demonstrated to have tremendous promise in water purification and treatment of several pollutant materials that include naturally occurring toxins, pesticides, and other deleterious contaminants. In this work, we have reviewed the different removal techniques that have been employed for water purification. In particular, the application of TiO2-SiO2 binary mixed oxide materials for wastewater treatment is explained herein, and it is evident from the literature survey that these mixed oxide materials have enhanced abilities to remove a wide variety of pollutants.
Diverse and often opposite behavioural effects of NMDA receptor antagonists in rats: implications for "NMDA antagonist modelling" of schizophrenia.

Little attention has been paid to the relative equivalence of behavioural effects of NMDA receptor antagonists in rodents, with different compounds often used interchangeably to “model” aspects of schizophrenia in preclinical studies. To further resolve such conjecture, the present study systematically compared eight different NMDA receptor antagonists: MK-801, PCP, ketamine, memantine, SDZ 220,581, Ro 25-6981, CP 101-606 and NVP-AAM077, in a series of variable interval (VI) schedules of reinforcement. Aspects of motivation as indexed in these tasks may well be impaired in schizophrenia and undoubtedly impact on the capacity to perform more complex, explicit tasks of cognition. An initial locomotor activity assessment demonstrated that all antagonists tested, except the NR2A-subunit preferring antagonist NVP-AAM077, induced hyperactivity, albeit of greatly differing magnitudes, qualities and temporal profiles. Three distinct patterns of antagonist effect were evident from the VI assays used: a uniform decrease in responding produced by (S)-(+)-ketamine, memantine and NVP-AAM077, a uniform increase in responding caused by the NR2B-subunit preferring antagonists Ro 25-6981 and CP 101-606, and variable bidirectional effects of PCP, SDZ 220,581 and MK-801. Despite nominally common mechanisms of action and often presumed biological equivalence, the NMDA antagonists tested produced very diverse effects on the expression of instrumental action. Other aspects of responding were left intact, including switching and matching behaviours, and the ability to respond to conditional stimuli. The implications of such findings with regard to animal modelling of schizophrenic psychotic symptoms are manifold.
Use of estimated breeding value microcomputer programs to improve pork production efficiency

Abstract Estimated breeding value programs provide more accurate estimates of each animal's true genetic merit through the analysis of available individual, sib, progeny and ancestral performance data. Selection based upon ebv 's will result in more rapid genetic progress than previous genetic improvement programs which only utilize individual performance records. Analysis of performance records via on-farm micro-computers allows immediate editing of possible errors and calculation of the ebv 's and selection indexes. Utilization of an on-farm micro-computer estimated breeding value program can lead to more competitive pork production. The program also has potential application to other species.
Imaging methods for evaluating brain function in man

Abstract Imaging of brain function and neurotransmission is an important bridge between basic and clinical research. Regional cerebral energy metabolism and blood flow are normally coupled to regional cerebral function. Positron tomography (PET) studies of cerebral glucose metabolism and blood flow, single photon tomography (SPECT) and MRI studies of cerebral perfusion, have been used to image cerebral development and aging in man. The sensitivity, temporal resolution, spatial resolution and lack of radiation have led to the widespread utilization of blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) and MRI perfusion techniques. PET and SPECT methods for studying cerebral neurotransmission include studies of dopaminergic, serotonergic, cholinergic, opiate and GABAergic neurotransmission in man. Studies of cerebral neurotransmission in man have helped to delineate the mechanisms of action of antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs, the diagnosis and progression of Parkinson’s disease, and to evaluate neuroprotective drugs. The strengths, limitations, and application of these modalities are reviewed. The application of these methods to cerebral development and aging are briefly discussed.
Natural levels of pollination intensity and effects of pollen loads on offspring quality in females of Thalictrum pubescens (Ranunculaceae)

Females of Thalictrum pubescens produce stamens containing sterile pollen. Earlier studies have shown the presence of stamens does not increase seed set through increased visitation by insects. Insects may, however, increase pollen deposition on stigmas and increase pollen competition. This paper examines: 1) pollen deposition levels in natural populations and 2) whether larger pollen loads lead to higher quality offspring. The majority of stigmas in two populations received less than 15 grains, but a small proportion had large loads. The latter may represent the occasional insect visit. These visits may provide the opportunity for pollen tube competition. In the greenhouse, flowers receiving heavy-pollen loads had higher seed set than flowers receiving light-pollen loads. Seeds from the two treatments were the same mass, had similar germination times, and seedlings had the same mass. In conclusion, it does not appear that pollen tube competition can account for the maintenance of stamens in females of T. pubescens.
Amygdala and emotional modulation of the relative use of multiple memory systems

The basolateral amygdala modulates the cognitive and habit memory processes mediated by the hippocampus and caudate nucleus, respectively. The present experiments used a plus-maze task that can be acquired using either hippocampus-dependent "place" learning or caudate-dependent "response" learning to examine whether peripheral or intra-basolateral amygdala injection of anxiogenic drugs would bias rats towards the use of a particular memory system. In Experiment 1, adult male Long-Evans rats were trained to swim from the same start point to an escape platform located in a consistent goal arm, and received pre-training peripheral injections of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonists yohimbine (2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg), RS 79948-197 (0.05, 0.1, or 0.2 mg/kg), or vehicle. On a drug-free probe trial from a novel start point administered 24h following acquisition, vehicle treated rats predominantly displayed hippocampus-dependent place learning, whereas rats previously treated with yohimbine (2.5, 5.0 mg/kg) or RS 79948-197 (0.1 mg/kg) predominantly displayed caudate-dependent response learning. In Experiment 2, rats receiving pre-training intra-basolateral amygdala infusions of RS 79948-197 (0.1 microg/0.5 microl) also predominantly displayed response learning on a drug-free probe trial. The findings indicate (1) peripheral injections of anxiogenic drugs can influence the relative use of multiple memory systems in a manner that favors caudate-dependent habit learning over hippocampus-dependent cognitive learning, and (2) intra-basolateral amygdala infusion of anxiogenic drugs is sufficient to produce this modulatory influence of emotional state on the use of multiple memory systems.
A Test of Random Versus Systematic Ecological Samplig

Of the numerous published papers pertaining to ecological sampling, most are concerned with the size, shape, and number of plots making the most efficient sample, or yielding the greatest precision for the minimum of work. The problem has been attacked empirically, by use of the species-area curve (Cain 1938) or by statistical methods (Clapham 1932, Ashby 1935, Pechanec and Stewart 1940, Penfound 1945, and others). The present investigation is of quite a different nature in that it compares a systematic sample, commonly used by ecologists, with a random sample, required by statisticians, as obtained in a completely enumerated forest stand. When ecologists have to analyze the vegetation of a forest stand, many take 10 to 20 quadrats of 10 meters per side, evenly distributed along evenly spaced lines, a pattern which constitutes, if properly done, a systematic sample. This kind of sample is preferred for its easy applicability in the field. It is also believed to be more likely to include the variations of the stand, and thus to be more accurate, than any scheme of random sampling. In fact, this has been proved in certain instances (Hasel 1938, Finney 1948). However, Finney (1949) has shown that, when there is a strongly marked pattern of variation over the stand, this might not be true. If that pattern is periodic, systematic sampling can be considerably less accurate than some kinds of random sampling. Additionally, the major draw-back of systematic sampling is that it does not offer in itself the basis for the assessment of error. Statistical treatment of sampling data leading to estimates of error is necessarily based on the assumption that all sampling units have been chosen independently and at random. It it thoroughly unsound to assess the error from the different sampling plots of a systematic set where the position of all other plots is determined by the location of the first one.
Presence and Absence of Bats Across Habitat Scales in the Upper Coastal Plain of South Carolina

During 2001, we used active acoustical sampling (Anabat II) to survey foraging habitat relationships of bats on the Savannah River Site (SRS) in the upper Coastal Plain of South Carolina. Using an a priori information-theoretic approach, we conducted logistic regression analysis to examine presence of individual bat species relative to a suite of microhabitat, stand, and landscape-level features such as forest structural metrics, forest type, proximity to riparian zones and Carolina bay wetlands, insect abundance, and weather. There was considerable empirical support to suggest that the majority of the activity of bats across most of the 6 species occurred at smaller, stand-level habitat scales that combine measures of habitat clutter (e.g., declining forest canopy cover and basal area), proximity to riparian zones, and insect abundance. Accordingly, we hypothesized that most foraging habitat relationships were more local than landscape across this relatively large area for generalist species of bats. The southeastern myotis (Myotis austroriparius) was the partial exception, as its presence was linked to proximity of Carolina bays (best-approximating model) and bottomland hardwood communities (other models with empirical support). Efforts at SRS to promote open longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) and loblolly pine (P. taeda) savanna conditions and to actively restore degraded Carolina bay wetlands will be beneficial to bats. Accordingly, our results should provide managers better insight for crafting guidelines for bat habitat conservation that could be linked to widely accepted land management and environmental restoration practices for the region.
Coupling of Engineering and Biological Models for Ecosystem Analysis

Robust ecosystem analysis of water resource systems remains elusive. A principle reason is the difficulty in linking engineering models used to simulate physicochemical processes associated with project design or operation with biological models used to simulate biological population attributes. A retrospective shows that each modeling tradition can be generally assigned (with exceptions) into either an Eulerian or Lagrangian reference framework. Eulerian and Lagrangian reference frameworks can be coupled to create a new synthesis, the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian Hybrid Ecological Modeling Concept (CEL Hybrid Concept), capable of simulating different ecosystem processes that range widely in spatial and temporal scale. The foundation of the CEL Hybrid Concept is the coupler, a collection of algorithms based on conservation principles that transform and conserve data in a way that allows the two frameworks to share a common information base. The coupling algorithm allows the simulation to aggregate, disaggregate, and translate information, as required by each framework, so that processes that differ substantially in scale can each be adequately simulated. The coupled system is illustrated by linking a fish swim path selection model with a hydrodynamic and water quality model.
Reliability of the penetration aspiration scale with flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.

Objectives:The Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS), although designed for videofluoroscopy, has been utilized with flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in both research and clinical practice. The purpose of this investigation was to determine inter- and intrarater reliability of the PAS with FEES as a function of clinician FEES experience and retest interval.Methods:Three groups of 3 clinicians (N = 9) with varying FEES experience (beginning, intermediate, and advanced) assigned PAS scores to 35 swallows. Initial ratings were repeated following short-term (ie, 1 day) and long-term (ie, 1 week) retest intervals.Results:Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to assess interrater reliability on the first rating for each group. The coefficients were .91, .82, and .89 for the beginning, intermediate, and advanced clinicians, respectively. Overall interrater reliability across all 9 clinicians, irrespective of experience, was .85. Intraclass correlation coefficients were also calculat...
Using Web‐based Bookmarks in K–8 Settings: Linking the Internet to Instruction

This article (a) explains why teachers should use the Internet as a component of instruction, (b) identifies difficulties that at-risk learners have using Internet resources, and (c) recommends use of Web-based bookmarks as a strategy for linking Internet content to instruction. Through concrete examples, it describes how Web-based bookmarks can be used to support reading instruction in kindergarten through eighth grade, and how they can provide structure and content for students with special needs. The article illustrates the value of Web-based bookmarking as a tool for integrating technology with the classroom, increasing teacher collaboration, adopting a new pedagogy for information delivery, and promoting information literacy among all learners.
Infrared spectral line parameters and absorptance calculations of NO at atmospheric and elevated temperatures for the Δν=1 bands region☆

Abstract Individual spectral line parameters for the Δν=1 transitions of the nitric oxide molecule have been generated for both atmospheric and elevated temperatures. The line parameters compilation includes the 2 Π 1 1 , the 2 Π 3 2 and the satellite bands for the 14N16O, 15N16O, 14N18O and 14N 17O isotopes. Lambda-type splitting has also been included. Line by line spectral absorptance calculations utilizing the calculated line parameters have been compared with experimental quantitative absorption spectra of NO at 800 K. Effects of line splitting on line by line synthetic spectra are discussed.
Intrinsic effects of solvent polarity on enzymic activation energies.

The effect of organic solvents on subtilisin Carlsberg catalysis has been investigated with the aid of a thermodynamic analysis. Saturation solubility experiments were performed to provide a quantitative measure of substrate desolvation from the reaction medium. This enabled calculation of the intrinsic enzymic activation energy and resulted in a linear free energy relationship with respect to solvent polarity. The results indicate that the intrinsic activation energy of subtilisin catalysis is lowest in polar organic solvents, which may be due to transition state stabilization of the enzyme's polar transition state for transesterification.