cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recycling issues facing target and RTL materials of inertial fusion designs

Abstract Designers of heavy ion (HI) and Z-pinch inertial fusion power plants have explored the potential of recycling the target and recyclable transmission line (RTL) materials as an alternate option to disposal in a geological repository. This work represents the first time a comprehensive recycling assessment was performed on both machines with an exact pulse history. Our results offer two divergent conclusions on the recycling issue. For the HI concept, target recycling is not a “must” requirement and the preferred option is the one-shot use scenario as target materials represent a small waste stream, less than 1% of the total nuclear island waste. We recommend using low-cost hohlraum materials once-through and then disposing of them instead of recycling expensive materials such as Au and Gd. On the contrary, RTL recycling is a “must” requirement for the Z-pinch concept in order to minimize the RTL inventory and enhance the economics. The RTLs meet the low level waste and recycling dose requirements with a wide margin when recycled for the entire plant life even without a cooling period. While recycling offers advantages to the Z-pinch system, it adds complexity and cost to the HI designs.
Major depressive subtypes and treatment response

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between depressive subtypes and response to fluoxetine treatment in a large cohort of outpatients. We studied 294 outpatients with major depressive disorder who were then treated with fluoxetine 20 mg/day for 8 weeks. Treatment outcome was evaluated with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)-17, the Clinical Global Impressions-Severity, and with the HDRS-8; the latter is proposed to be a relatively more specific measure of depression severity than the HDRS-17. We assessed the relationships between degree of treatment response and several depressive subtypes (melancholic, atypical, hostile, and anxious depression, double depression, and depression with comorbid personality disorders), after adjusting for baseline depression severity. We found that nonanxious depressives (patients without any comorbid anxiety disorder) improved slightly but significantly more during treatment than anxious depressives on all outcome measures. Melancholic depression was associated with slightly less improvement on the HDRS-17 only, whereas the other subtypes of depression were not associated with differences in treatment outcome.
More Issues in the Wavelength-Dispersive Spectrometric Characterization of YBa2Cu3O7-δ

Development of the techniques for microscale analysis of oxygen in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ (Y123) is important for determining the quality of bulk and thin film Y123 used in devices. The only characteristic X-ray for oxygen (Kα) is generated by an atomic 2p→1s transition and the “2p” electrons in oxygen are actually involved in bonding and have a range in energies. The oxygen Kα peak therefore changes shape and position according to the density of electron states. Careful consideration of this for a number of oxides shows that few of these materials have O Kα peak heights (or positions) that are compatible with each other. Conventional electron microprobe analysis that employs peak centroid height as a proxy for the peak area must, therefore, produce systematic errors for many sample-standard pairings. Some of these are documented. O Kα peak areas were also documented by step counting over the entire peak and integrating. Although a greater number of consistent sample-standard pairings were obtained by this method, the overall consistency of peak area and oxygen contents is still weak. Furthermore, Y123 has a peak that is not consistent with those of any oxide standard (including other yttrium barium copper oxides). Decomposition of the scanned peaks into a series of pseudo-Voigt peaks did not produce satisfactory results as scans could only be fitted using large numbers of small peaks. This suggests that another phenomenon is influencing the peak shape. The most likely is oxygen self-absorption which is expected to be very different for different oxides with different densities of states. The oxygen self-absorption spectrum was determined for optimally doped Y123 and has a distinct shape insofar as there are no actual peaks in the spectrum but a gentle slope over about 10 eV. High-quality analyses of O in Y123 require further development of the database for O soft X-ray emission and absorption.
From Activism to Pro Bono: The Redirection of Working Class Altruism at Harvard Law School

Although a substantial proportion of incoming working class students at Harvard Law School plan careers in public service law, few actually pursue this course after graduation. Through a survey and in-depth interviews with 23 working class students we illustrate some of the ways they are rechannelled toward careers in high status commercial law firms and the ways they deal with the internal contradictions caused by their resocialization.
Synthesis of cyclic prodrugs of Aggrastat and its analogue with a modified phenylpropionic acid linker.

The objective of this work was to synthesize cyclic prodrugs 1a and 1b from Aggrastat 2a and its analogue 2b, respectively, to improve their membrane permeation. Cyclic prodrugs 1a and 1b were formed using an ester bond between the -COOH group of Aggrastat or its analogue and the phenylpropionic acid linker 3 and an amide bond between the piperidinylamine and the -COOH group of the linker 3, respectively, as outlined in Scheme 4.
Alpha-receptor mediated inhibition of A2 noradrenergic neurons.

A series of adrenergic agonists and antagonists was applied by iontophoresis in the vicinity of noradrenergic neurons in the nucleus commissuralis of the rat. Alpha-2 receptor-mediated inhibition of these neurons was observed with single-unit recording techniques. The excitatory effects of the α-2 receptor antagonist piperoxane provided evidence that these receptors are of functional significance in vivo.
Slushflows: science and planning considerations for an expanding hazard

Slushflows are natural hazards that pose considerable danger to communities across the globe. These events are characterized by the rapid mass movement of water-inundated snow downslope, and they cause economic damage as well as fatalities in many different climates and regions. As the global climate changes and human populations and industries potentially expand to higher latitudes, it will be important to fully understand the slushflow hazard since an anticipated increase in the frequency of rain-on-snow events and an earlier spring thaw would likely increase the probability of slushflows. This article: (1) summarizes the factors that favor the development of slushflows; (2) discusses the hazard management implications of slushflows; (3) examines the policies employed to prevent and mitigate slushflow damage; and (4) sets out the need for modifications in hazard management systems. Conclusions drawn hope to address future research needs in an effort to create policies that better suit the needs of at-risk communities.
Plasma Heat Transfer in Verneuil Crystal Growth

The heat transfer processes in the growth of single crystals in a verneuil plasma torch were investigated. Heat transfer from the plasma to the crystalline boule was enhanced to a substantial degree by recombination of dissociated diatomic gases in the region of the boule tip. Boule tip temperatures were affected by the location of the boule in the plasma, distance of the boule from the powder probe, the feed rate and grain size of the powder being fed, the rf plate power of the generator, and the powder gas flow rate. Boule temperatures depended critically on heat loss by radiation from its side. It is predicted that refractory crystals require higher plasma input power as the boule becomes longer, if crystal growth rate is to be maintained.
A fast multiplier based on the modified Booth algorithm

In the conventional modified Booth algorithm (MBA), three-bit segments of the multiplier are scanned and appropriate operations effected on the multiplicand. This scheme generates N/2 rows of partial products where N is the size of the multiplier. An extension of the MBA involves scanning of four-bit segments in which appropriate operations are effected on the multiplicand to generate N/3 rows of partial products. In using this version of the MBA algorithm there is a non-trivial operation, namely, a multiplication of the multiplicand by three. We show that this operation can be accomplished by pre-computing three times the multiplicand by using a carry look-ahead adder that adds the multiplicand with the left-shifted version of the multiplicand. This has resulted in a multiplier that has a lower area x time complexity than the multiplier using the MBA in which three-bit segments are scanned.
Study of Interfacial Bonding in Fiber Reinforced Absorbable Composites

A simple fiber reinforced composite model, a matrix droplet on fiber, was used to study the interfacial bonding of a typical absorbable system. Specifically, the changes in the interfacial bond strength as a result of changes in certain key processing variables were documented for the poly(glycolic acid) (PGA)/poly(p-dioxanone) (PDS) absorbable composite system. The processing conditions under observation were processing time, post-processing annealing temperature, and exposure to a buffered aqueous environment. The interfacial bond strength was measured using a mechanical pull-out test. A change in post-processing annealing temperature had a nonsignificant effect on bond strength; however, changes in processing temperature were significant for dry strength values.
Plasma Dopamine‐β‐Hydroxylase Activity in Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Subjects

Summary: Plasma Dopamine-β-Hydroxylase activity (DBH) has been determined in a group of healthy controls and sixteen patients with spinal cord injury. The mean value for the activity of the enzyme was found to be significantly lower in the patient population. It is suggested that the reduced DBH activity in the paraplegics and quadriplegics is a reflection of their disordered sympathetic nerve function.
Thinking Outside the Big Box: Municipal and Retailer Innovations in Large-scale Retail

This study explores innovations in big-box retail development driven by both public and private sector initiatives. It includes a survey of planners in US cities asking about the presence and extent of big-box developments, how the cities approached regulating them, and innovations that retailers are undertaking. The results revealed that many cities have big-box retail, and they have typically adopted various regulations (such as limiting design standards, design review and size caps) to control it. Some cities reported that they were utilizing innovative techniques, such as dark-box ordinances, to ensure that big boxes will make positive contributions to their communities. Respondents reported that these regulations had only moderate success. Respondents also reported on innovations undertaken by retailers. As big-box retail continues to spread, communities will need to develop more effective mechanisms to ensure that big box retail is appropriately integrated.
A community-based public health initiative integrating a traditional war canoe culture within today's contemporary lifestyles: the 'C.E.D.A.R.' project.

Abstract How many people have experienced the thrill of a competition that spans generations upon generations and is distinetly unique to the Northwest Coastal Salish Tribes. War canoe racing still exists today and is a constant reminder of a way of life that is quickly vanishing, almost as fast as the ancient forests of cedar — the tree of life for the Northwest Tribes. The C.E.D.A.R. Project's overall mission is ‘to improve the health of the Lummi community.’ The goals of the workplan seek collaboration of the partners and institutional change; increased health related education and health professions opportunities; and empowerment of the community partners to assure the sustainability of the Community-Based Public Health Initiative.
Denitrification in a Restored Riparian Forest Wetland

Groundwater nitrate moving from upland areas toward streams can be removed by denitrification in mature riparian forests, but denitrification in restored riparian forests has not been quantified. We determined denitrification rates in a restored riparian wetland below a liquid manure application site. A riparian forest buffer consisting of hardwoods along the stream and pines above the hardwoods was established according to USDA specifications. Denitrification was measured monthly using the acetylene inhibition technique on intact soil cores for 2 mo before manure application began and for 24 mo after manure application. Groundwater movement of NO 3 - -N and total Kjeldahl N were estimated biweekly. Average annual denitrification rate was 68 kg N 2 O-N ha -1 yr -1 . Denitrification was significantly higher in a grassed area than in either of the forested areas. Denitrification did not differ significantly between the hardwood and pine areas. Denitrification was greater than a conservative estimate of groundwater input of total N. Denitrification rates were higher in April and May 1992 and 1993, after manure application to the upland began, compared with April and May 1991, before manure application began. These results indicate that a riparian wetland, which has not undergone hydrologic modifications, can have denitrification rates comparable to mature riparian forests. Higher denitrification rates in an adjacent grassed wetland and lack of differences in denitrification in hardwood and pine zones indicates that the high denitrification rates were due to factors other than the reforestation itself. Compared with groundwater inputs of N, denitrification was an important sink for N moving from the upland management system.
Hypereosinophilia, neurologic, and gastrointestinal symptoms after bee-pollen ingestion

A patient developed hypereosinophilia (13,440 cells per cubic millimeter) 6 weeks after beginning the ingestion of bee pollen. Symptoms included generalized malaise, headache, nausea, abdominal pain diarrhea, generalized pruritus, and decreased memory. Evaluation revealed no other known cause for the patient's hypereosinophilia, which resolved after bee-pollen ingestion was stopped. The product contained a mixture of entomophilous and anemophilous pollens to which the patient was skin test positive. An open challenge with the bee pollen later reproduced the presenting symptoms with a concomitant rise of the eosinophil count from 207 to 890 cells per cubic millimeter. The patient has since remained well avoiding bee pollen. This study strongly suggests that hypereosinophilia with attendant pathophysiologic disturbances may be an adverse reaction to bee-pollen ingestion in atopic individuals.
Introduction of futures and options on a stock index and their impact on the trading volume and volatility: Empirical evidence from the DJIA components

Futures and options on the Dow Jones Industrials Average (DJIA) index have been trading on the Chicago Board of Trade since 6th October, 1997. As the most widely quoted and followed benchmark in the US stock market, the DJIA contains 30 blue chip stocks that have a total market value of more than $2 trillion and represent roughly one-fifth of the total market value of all US stocks. (These estimates are made by the Chicago Board of Trade based on the market values of the Dow 30 stocks at the time when the index futures and options were introduced.) One of the major concerns for both practitioners and academics alike is how the introduction of the index futures and options would affect the volatility of the underlying stock. The effect of stock index futures and options on the stock market has long been a subject of debate, and DJIA futures trading may help spark a new round of debate on this old issue. The different views on this issue can be no better illustrated than by the article published in the ‘Abreast of the Market’ column of the Wall Street Journal on the first trading day of the index futures and options. The front page article reported that Michael Schwartz, Chief Options Strategist at Oppenheimer & Co., believed that the volatility would increase tremendously. Patrick Catania, Executive Vice President at Chicago Board of Trade, argues otherwise, saying that volatility would not increase and the opposite was likely to be true.
Note on carbonate reservoir rocks, no. 6: Determination of porosity of some dolomitized carbonate rocks from matrix density of drill chips and grains

The porosity of dolomitized carbonate rocks can sometimes be determined from the matrix grain density of drill chips. This is shown for the Asmari Limestone of Iran. In this case, the grain specific gravity of 2.87 corresponds to a porosity of about 13%.
Abstract 3322: Downregulation of XIAP by cord blood stem cells is associated with inhibition of heat shock protein 90 in glioblastoma

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is highly expressed under stressful conditions in eukaryotic cells showing chaperone activity including the suppression of protein aggregation and signaling pathways. HSP90 is upregulated in various human tumors, including glioblastoma, and targeting its function might provide new therapeutic opportunities. Previously, we have shown that human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCBSC) downregulate XIAP in glioblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we report that downregulation of XIAP by hUCBSC is associated with inhibition of HSP90. Under in vivo conditions, hUCBSC induce apoptosis by downregulation of XIAP in which XIAP migrates from the cytosol to the nucleus in mice brain xenografts. Immunoprecipitation experiments proved that SMAC is associated with Cytochrome C and XIAP in the mitochondria, indicating mitochondrial apoptosis. Simultaneously, cytosolic HSP90 is downregulated and co-localized with TNFR2 in hUCBSC-treated tumors, proving that TRAIL-mediated apoptosis is taking place in hUCBSC-treated tumor xenografts. Also, expression of mitochondrial HSP90 (TRAP-1) is downregulated in glioma cells. The downregulation of XIAP by hUCBSC is shown to be under the transcriptional control of SP1 under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. These results have been confirmed by using shRNA for XIAP. Taken together, these results prove that hUCBSC are efficient in the inhibition of HSP90, and hUCBSC have the potential to be therapeutic tools for the treatment of glioblastoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3322. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3322
Environmental variability and thermal acclimation of metabolism in tropical anurans

Abstract 1. 1.|Capacity for thermal acclimation of oxidative metabolism was examined in five species of tropical anurans. Animals were acclimated at 20 or 30°C, and their routine rates of oxygen consumption determined at 20 and 30°C. 2. 2.|Acclimation had little effect on oxygen consumption in four of five species; by contrast, Rana erythrae showed significant inverse acclimation of metabolism and a remarkably high temperature coefficient (Q10) of metabolism. 3. 3.|Prolonged acclimation (27 days) did not affect oxygen consumption of Bufo marinus. 4. 4.|Of 29 species of amphibians examined to date (7 tropical, 22 temperature zone), all temperate-zone species show significant acclimation of metabolism; all but one tropical species show no acclimation.
Structural implications of small-angle light scattering from cornea.

Abstract Small angle light scattering (SALS) patterns are recorded from the central region of rabbit and bovine corneas. These measurements differ from those of other investigators in that an applied transcorneal pressure maintains the cornea's curvature. The experiment shows, for the first time, that rabbit and bovine SALS have the same essential features and the same behavior with increasing pressure. We also fixed corneas under an applied transcorneal pressure for electron microscopy and confirmed that this treatment flattens the usually undulating lamellae. Thus, we explain the form of the SALS patterns and their behavior with pressure in terms of scattering from corrugated lamellae which become straight upon application of a differential hydrostatic pressure. The wavelength of the corrugations is approximately constant as their amplitude decreases and a small amount of waviness remains even at normal intraocular pressure. The experiments show that the collagen fibrils are optically anisotropic, with their polarizability at 45° with respect to the fibril axis. The results also suggest that the orientation directions of the corneal lamellae are not random; rather there are either: one preferred direction or two preferred directions which are orthogonal, although some lamellae are evidently oriented in every direction. The preferred directions are correlated with the overall corneal geometry and do not vary among different corneas.
The nature of transcription selectivity of bacteriophage SPO1-modified RNA polymerase.

Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis RNA polymerase have almost identical transcription specificities on bacteriophage SPO1 DNA when assayed in a coupled transcription-translation cell free system. SPO1-modified B. subtilis RNA polymerase has altered transcription specificity. It is shown that rifampicin-inhibited E. coli RNA polymerase can completely block transcription of SPO1 DNA by rifampicin resistant B. subtilis enzyme, whereas it has no effect on transcription by SPO1-modified B. subtilis RNA polymerase. We conclude that the new transcription by SPI1-modified RNA polymerase results from newly recognized promoters, rather than by elongation of transcripts which could also be made by B. subtilis vegetative RNA polymerase.
Use of tablet-based kiosks in the emergency department to guide patient HIV self-testing with a point-of-care oral fluid test:

Despite successes in efforts to integrate HIV testing into routine care in emergency departments, challenges remain. Kiosk-facilitated, directed HIV self-testing offers one novel approach to address logistical challenges. Emergency department patients, 18-64 years, were recruited to evaluate use of tablet-based-kiosks to guide patients to conduct their own point-of-care HIV tests followed by standard-of-care HIV tests by healthcare workers. Both tests were OraQuick Advance tests. Of 955 patients approached, 473 (49.5%) consented; 467 completed the test, and 100% had concordant results with healthcare workers. Median age was 41 years, 59.6% were female, 74.8% were African-American, and 19.6% were White. In all, 99.8% of patients believed the self-test was "definitely" or "probably" correct; 91.7% of patients "trusted their results very much"; 99.8% reported "overall" self-testing was "easy or somewhat easy" to perform. Further, 96.9% indicated they would "probably" or "definitely" test themselves at home were the HIV test available for purchase; 25.9% preferred self-testing versus 34.4% who preferred healthcare professional testing (p>0.05). Tablet-based kiosk testing proved to be highly feasible, acceptable, and an accurate method of conducting rapid HIV self-testing in this study; however, rates of engagement were moderate. More research will be required to ascertain barriers to increased engagement for self-testing.
ICOADS RELEASE 2.1 DATA AND PRODUCTS

The International Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (ICOADS), release 2.1 (1784-2002), is the largest available set of in situ marine observations. Observations from ships include instrument measurements and visual estimates, and data from moored and drifting buoys are exclusively instrumental. The ICOADS collection is constructed from many diverse data sources, and made inhomogeneous by the changes in observing systems and recording practices used throughout the period of record, which is over two centuries. Nevertheless, it is a key reference data set that documents the long-term environmental state, provides input to a variety of critical climate and other research applications, and serves as a basis for many associated products and analyses. The observational database is augmented with higher level ICOADS data products. The observed data are synthesized to products by computing statistical summaries, on a monthly basis, for samples within 2° latitude x 2° longitude and 1° x 1° boxes beginning in 1800 and 1960 respectively. For each resolution the summaries are computed using two different data mixtures and quality control criteria. This partially controls and contrasts the effects of changing observing systems and accounts for periods with greater climate variability. The ICOADS observations and products are freely distributed worldwide. The standard ICOADS release is supplemented in several ways; additional summaries are produced using experimental quality control, additional observations are made available in advance of their formal blending into a release, and metadata that define recent ships' physical characteristics and instruments are available.
Correlations of NMR Relaxation Time with Viscosity, Diffusivity, and Gas/Oil Ratio of Methane/Hydrocarbon Mixtures

Viscosity, diffusivity, relaxation time and gas/oil ratio are important properties in the characterization of reservoirs by NMR well logging and in prediction of production performance. For the past few years, NMR well logging has been used to estimate the formation properties and hydrocarbon liquid/vapor characterization. Previous work has shown that pure alkanes, alkane mixtures, viscosity standards and stock tank crude oils have NMR relaxation times which vary linearly with viscosity/temperature and diffusivity on a log-log scale. However, pure methane at some temperatures and pressures does not follow the same trend. Thus, the linear correlation may not be valid for live crude oils that contain significant amount of methane. Therefore, the study of methane-hydrocarbon mixtures is of interest. An NMR spectrometer equipped with a high-pressure probe was used to study the relationship between NMR T 1 relaxation time and viscosity/temperature, diffusivity and gas/oil ratio of methane-hydrocarbon mixtures. Relaxation time and diffusivity measurements of three mixtures were made, methane-n-hexane, methane-n-decane and methane-n-hexadecane. It was found that unlike stock tank oil, relaxation times do not depend linearly on viscosity/temperature on a log-log scale. Each of the mixtures forms a different curve. Generalized correlations between viscosity, diffusivity, gas/oil ratio and NMR relaxation times were developed. First, the relaxation time mixing rule was developed by studying the theory of NMR relaxation mechanism From the mixing rule, it was found that departure of relaxation times of methane-n-alkane mixtures from linear correlations on a log-log scale can be correlated with the proton fraction of methane, expressed as gas/oil ratio. Thus, correlations between relaxation time, viscosity/temperature and gas/oil ratio were developed. Correlations between relaxation time, diffusivity and gas/oil ratio were also developed. There is a linear relation between diffusivity and viscosity/temperature that is independent of composition. From these correlations, viscosity and gas/oil ratio can be estimated from NMR T 1 relaxation time and diffusivity.
Pivoting Health Promotional Efforts Among Fathers: A New Generation, a New Set of Rules

The ideas of “father” and “family” as they are traditionally defined may possibly limit the effectiveness of parenting interventions among certain groups of contemporary fathers. Strongly held normative beliefs portraying men as daft caregivers and/or characterizing most families as traditional with mother serving as primary caregiver may not be appropriately addressing the needs of many modern American families. Each father has his unique needs and sets of skills that must be taken into consideration when developing health outreach programs. Essentially, effective parenting curriculum should be tailored to specific types of fathers. Health promotion and health education professionals need to become aware of these newly emerging fathers in order to create more relevant and effective educational programs. This discussion is an attempt to bring awareness to this issue and help facilitate a transition from a singular approach to fatherhood outreach rooted in traditional characterizations of “family” and “fat...
High Accuracy In-Silico Sulfotransferase Models

Abstract Predicting enzymatic behavior in−silico is an integral part of our efforts to understand biology. Hundreds of millions of compounds lie in targeted in-silico libraries waiting for their metabolic potential to be discovered. In−silico ″enzymes″ capable of accurately determining whether compounds can inhibit or react is often the missing piece in this endeavor. This problem has now been solved for the cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs). SULTs regulate the bioactivities of thousands of compounds − endogenous metabolites, drugs and other xenobiotics − by transferring the sulfuryl−moiety (−SO3) from PAPS (3′−phosphoadenosine 5′−phosphosulfate) to the hydroxyls and primary amines of these acceptors. SULT1A1 and 2A1 catalyze the majority of sulfation that occurs during human Phase II metabolism. Here, recent insights into the structure and dynamics of SULT binding and reactivity are used to develop in−silico models of 1A1 and 2A1 that are used to identify substrates and inhibitors in a structurally diverse set of 1455 high-value compounds − the FDA−approved small molecule drugs. The SULT1A1 models predict 76 substrates. Fifty three of these were known substrates. Twenty one of the remaining 23 were tested and all were sulfated. The SULT2A1 models predict 22 substrates, fourteen of which are known substrates. Of the remaining eight, four were tested and all are substrates. The models proved to be 100% accurate in identifying substrates and made no false predictions. In total, 23 ″new″ drug substrates were identified and new linkages to drug inhibitors are predicted. It now appears to be possible to accurately predict Phase II sulfonation in−silico.
Creeping bentgrass response to zinc in modified soil

Abstract Interpretations of soil zinc (Zn) tests for golf course greens vary among testing laboratories, with little information in the literature on which to base these interpretations. Our studies determined the effects of increasing fertilizer Zn on extractable soil Zn and tissue Zn levels for five creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) cultivars, to investigate their potential for Zn toxicity. The effects of Zn concentrations up to 4000 mg/kg were investigated in three greenhouse studies on a potted soil mix of sand, Nicolett (fine‐loamy, mixed‐mesic, Aquic Hapludoll) soil, and Hypnum peat in an 8:1:1 ratio. ‘Penncross’ bentgrass was used in the first two studies, and ‘Penncross’, ‘Penneagle’, ‘Cobra’, ‘Emerald’, and ‘Prominent’ were compared in a third study. Mean DTPA‐extractable soil Zn concentrations increased from 0.6 mg/kg in the controls to 652 mg/kg in the pots treated with 4000‐mg Zn/kg soil. Tissue Zn concentrations increased from a low of 50 mg/kg for grass on the control pots to a h...
Theory and algorithms for mixed Monte Carlo-stochastic dynamics simulations

The recently introduced mixed MC-SD method is a fundamentally new procedure which essentially eliminates the distinction between Monte Carlo and dynamics. Unlike other methods which utilize forces, Brownian motion or dynamical steps to generate new trial configurations in a Monte Carlo search, mixed MC-SD does stochastic dynamics on the cartesian space of a molecule and Monte Carlo on the torsion space of the molecule simultaneously. After each dynamical step, a random deformation of a rotatable torsion is performed and accepted or rejected according to the Metropolis criteria. The next dynamical step is performed from the most recent configuration and the velocities from the previous dynamical step. The smooth merging of Monte Carlo and dynamics requires the use of the stochastic velocity Verlet integration scheme. Here, the velocity Verlet stochastic dynamics method is derived, and the reasons why it can be joined with Metropolis Monte Carlo in a continuous fashion are explored.
German cockroach (Orthoptera: Blattellidae) infestations in low-income apartments.

Interiors of 1,022 low-income apartments in north-central Florida were sampled with sticky traps to determine severity of infestations of German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.). Median catches were 28.3 cockroaches per trap per night ( x _bar, 42.3); 9.4% of apartments had catches of > 100 cockroaches per trap per night. Heaviest infestations were found next to the garbage container (median nightly trap catches = 36.0). Half of all apartments contained >13,000 cockroaches. Although apartment complexes under monthly pest control service (PCS) agreements exhibited median trap catches below the overall median of all complexes, levels were not below those of all complexes without monthly service, and populations were still above levels commonly considered tolerable. Examination of population levels over time suggested that seasonal increases in numbers of German cockroaches can be prevented by monthly PCS. Current control technologies commonly used in apartment complexes are not sufficient to maintain populations at acceptable levels.
Staphylococcus aureus in continuous culture: a tool for the rational design of antibiotic treatment protocols.

In vitro measures of the pharmacodynamics of antibiotics that account for the factors anticipated for bacteria in infected patients are central to the rational design of antibiotic treatment protocols. We consider whether or not continuous culture devices are a way to obtain these measures. Staphylococcus aureus PS80 in high-density continuous cultures were exposed to oxacillin, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, gentamicin, daptomycin and linezolid. Contrary to results from low density retentostats as well as to predictions of traditional PK/MIC ratios, daily dosing with up to 100× MIC did not clear these cultures. The densities of S. aureus in these cultures oscillated with constant amplitude and never fell below 105 CFU per ml. Save for daptomycin “treated” populations, the densities of bacteria in these cultures remained significantly below that of similar antibiotic-free cultures. Although these antibiotics varied in their pharmacodynamic properties there were only modest differences in their mean densities. Mathematical models and experiments suggest that the dominant factor preventing clearance was wall-adhering subpopulations reseeding the planktonic population which can be estimated and corrected for. Continuous cultures provide a way to evaluate the potential efficacy of antibiotic treatment regimes in vitro under conditions that are more clinically realistic and comprehensive than traditional in vitro PK/PD indices.
Inhibition of Cytokine-Driven Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Replication by Protease Inhibitor

Protease inhibitors block virus maturation and prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 in vitro. HIV-1-positive persons produce higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines that up-regulate HIV-1 replication. For the protease inhibitor to be effective in vivo, it must be able to suppress cytokine-induced HIV-1 replication. The in vitro efficacy of protease inhibitor to block tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1alpha, and IL-1beta induction of HIV-1 was investigated. While 100 U/mL of the respective cytokines induced a 208- to 22-fold increase in HIV-1 p24 production, addition of protease inhibitor completely inhibited this virus induction. The kinetics indicated a sustained HIV-1 inhibition despite high levels of endogenous TNF-alpha induction. Dilution of protease inhibitor led to increased HIV-1 replication. These results show that while protease inhibitor can prevent cytokine induction of HIV-1 replication, a continual effective dose is required for the inhibition to be sustained.
Butyrylcholinesterase in the life cycle of amyloid plaques

Deposits of diffuse beta-amyloid (Abeta) may exist in the brain for many years before leading to neuritic degeneration and dementia. The factors that contribute to the putative transformation of the Abeta amyloid from a relatively inert to a pathogenic state remain unknown and may involve interactions with additional plaque constituents. Matching brain sections from 2 demented and 4 nondemented subjects were processed for the demonstration of Abeta immunoreactivity, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme activity, and thioflavine S binding. Additional sections were processed for the concurrent demonstration of two or three of these markers. A comparative analysis of multiple cytoarchitectonic areas processed with each of these markers indicated that Abeta plaque deposits are likely to undergo three stages of maturation, ie, a "diffuse" thioflavine S-negative stage, a thioflavine S-positive (ie, compact) but nonneuritic stage, and a compact neuritic stage. A multiregional analysis showed that BChE-positive plaques were not found in cytoarchitectonic areas or cortical layers that contained only the thioflavine S-negative, diffuse type of Abeta plaques. The BChE-positive plaques were found only in areas containing thioflavine S-positive compact plaques, both neuritic and nonneuritic. Within such areas, almost all (>98%) BChE-containing plaques bound thioflavine S, and almost all (93%) thioflavine S plaques contained BChE. These results suggest that BChE becomes associated with amyloid plaques at approximately the same time that the Abeta deposit assumes a compact beta-pleated conformation. BChE may therefore participate in the transformation of Abeta from an initially benign form to an eventually malignant form associated with neuritic tissue degeneration and clinical dementia.
Commentary on the maximization test

Origins John Draize of the FDA published a procedure for identifying contact allergens, using human volunteers. It became known as the ‘‘repeated insult test’’ and was supposed to be an improvement on the Schwartz-Peck test, also under FDA sponsorship. Though Draize’s method did not have the force of law, it came to be regarded as a quasi-legal regulation which put a manufacturer of a topical drug at risk if the repeated insult test had not been done. To Dr. Kligman’s astonishment, he could not find any published data which validated Draize’s test. He questioned the number of subjects and exposures. Why 200 subjects? Perhaps 100 would suffice? Why ten exposures, instead of 5, or 15 or 100? Subsequently, he learned there was a file in the FDA archives, which on the basis of unpublished experience with many topical agents, justified Draize’s specifications. Dr. Kligman reasoned that the Draize test was ‘‘based not on experimentation but on revelations originating in outer space.’’ Clinical experience had demonstrated that creams containing penicillin were strongly allergenic, forcing them off the market. Also, topical neomycin was known to have an appreciable risk of sensitization. Certain topical bleaching agents, notably monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone, which were effective only when applied daily for many months, could not continue to be used because a substantial percentage of patients became sensitized. The stage was set for the important, and impertinent, question. Would these well-known allergens be detected by the Draize repeated insult test on 200 subjects? Dr. Kligman had available a large population of prisoner volunteers on whom the Draize test could be tested for its validity. The result was stunningly negative. This ‘‘exalted, exaggerated, formidable procedure was incapable of recognizing sensitizers.’’ It almost guaranteed that a formulation would pass with flying colors. In a ‘‘kinky’’ sort of way, this lack of sensitivity may actually have increased the reputation and commercial usefulness of the test. After all, positive results hang a cloud of allergenicity over a product which might be otherwise quite useful. Benzoyl peroxide is an example of a useful drug which is potentially a strong allergen. On the other hand, failure to detect allergenic substances that are used daily can have disastrous effects. For instance, the manufacturers of tetrachlorosalicylanilide claim to have done three separate 200-subject Draize tests in different facilities without discovering that this bacteriostat, incorporated in soaps, was a potent allergen. Had that been known, the calamitous epidemic of photoallergy could have been averted.
On the manifestation of stimulus-directed behavior in the rat

The results of a three-phase autoshaping experiment with rats is reported. In Phase 1, subjects were exposed either to a paired or an unpaired arrangement of a visual CS and food. These treatments produced no differential contact with the visual stimulus, but paired rats were found to display greater approach to the site of food delivery than were unpaired subjects during the CS. In Phase 2, all subjects were given identical discrete-trials (FR 6) training with a different visual stimulus as an SD. In the final test stage, a choice procedure was employed, involving the simultaneous presentation of both CS and SD. Percent responding to the CS was greater for paired than for unpaired rats in this phase. These findings were interpreted as support for the view that the form of terminal contact with a signal for food is dependent upon the nature of the learned or innate behaviors that compose the organism’s normal food-getting sequence.
Value of thrombomodulin immunostaining in the diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma: a comparative study with carcinoembryonic antigen

Aims: Thrombomodulin (TM) is a surface glycoprotein involved in the regulation of intravascular coagulation that has been reported to be expressed in a variety of tumours. We investigated TM expression in transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and compared the value of TM immunostaining with that of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for differentiating TCC from other tumours with which it may be confused. Methods and results: Immunostaining was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections using the avidin–biotin–peroxidase complex method. TM immunoreactivity was observed in 80 of 91 primary (51/58 urinary bladder, 10/12 renal pelvis, 3/3 ureter, 15/15 prostate, 1/3 ovary), and 18 of 20 metastatic TCCs expressed this marker. Only 37 of the 91 primary (23/58 urinary bladder, 4/12 renal pelvis, 1/3 ureter, 9/15 prostate, 0/3 ovary) and six of the 20 metastatic TCCs reacted for CEA. In order to evaluate the practical utility of TM immunostaining in surgical pathology, 30 adenocarcinomas of the prostate, 18 of the bladder, 12 of the colon, and 22 renal cell carcinomas were also stained for these markers. CEA reactivity was obtained in 12 of 30 adenocarcinomas of the prostate, 12 of 18 of the bladder, and 12 of 12 of the colon, but in none of the 22 renal cell carcinomas. Only three of the 18 adenocarcinomas of the bladder showed focal TM reactivity, but no staining for this marker was observed in any of the other types of tumours. Conclusions: TM is a more sensitive marker than CEA for TCC and, because it has a more restricted reactivity with other tumours, TM has more practical value in separating TCCs from adenocarcinomas of the prostate, colon and bladder, and renal cell carcinomas than CEA.
Dress‐Related Responses to the Columbine Shootings: Other‐Imposed and Self‐Designed

In 1999, two students at Columbine High School (CHS) used gunfire to claim their lives and those of 13 others. Media writers devoted considerable attention to this crime, drawing linkages between the shootings and dress. The purpose of this study was to explore this media dialogue, particularly the dress-related responses proposed and/or adopted in reaction to the shootings, who advanced/opposed these responses, and why. Theories of identity, social power, and symbolic interaction guided the authors' work. An inductive content analysis approach was used to examine dress-related text published in The Denver Post and The Rocky Mountain News concerning the shootings. Analyses revealed two major dress-related responses: (a) other-imposed regulation aimed at protecting students and deterring them from expressing hatred against others and (b) self-designed/selected creative acts of resistance for grieving, memorializing, and unifying. Arguments in support of and against these responses are discussed, and theoretical implications are considered.
Biological methods for the restoration of contaminated aquifers

Contamination of aquifers is a serious threat to groundwater supplies. Once an aquifer is contaminated, it may remain so for many years. Biological methods for restoring aquifers polluted by organic compounds offer a promising solution. Techniques such as in situ treatment by stimulating the indigenous microbial population or withdrawal of the contaminated groundwater and treatment by conventional wastewater treatment processes have been used successfully. Mutant and acclimated microorganisms can be used in these systems in attempts to increase the rate of degradation of recalcitrant compounds. Stimulation of the indigenous microbial population by the addition of oxygen and nutrients has been shown to be effective in the removal of petroleum products, iron and manganese, and organic solvents. Acclimated and mutant strains of bacteria have been inoculated into treatment reactors and into soil to degrade various organic chemicals. Polluted groundwater also has been withdrawn and treated by activated sludge processes. While some of these processes have not been adequately tested under field conditions and may be limited in applicability, biological methods are effective in restoring some contaminated aquifers.
Power System State Estimation Residual Analysis: An Algorithm Using Network Topology

A power system static-state estimator has the ability to detect and purge some measurement errors. This paper develops the theoretical basis for determining the bad measurement detectability properties of the state estimator from the topology of the 1-line diagram and the locations of the measurements. Based on this theory, an algorithm is described that: 1) identifies those measurements that have detectable error residuals; and 2) determines the regions of measurement error residual spread.
Toward a Student-Centered Measure of Learning Management System Utilization.

Colleges and universities have spent significant financial and human resources deploying and promoting educational technologies, including Learning Management Systems (LMS). A large body of research now exists on the impact of technology on student learning, including the roles of blended learning, hybrid classes, and distance learning. Yet, despite all of this work, there are surprisingly few policy-focused tools available to assess whether these investments are paying off in the classroom. This article describes a student-centered measure of LMS utilization, average number of student logins per student, as a primary tool for policymakers. While no single measure of LMS utilization will ever answer all needs, the authors argue that a student-centered empirical measure could help move policy discussions forward in important ways. Complementary to theoretical models that focus on faculty adoption, a student-centered approach provides a basic measure of how often technology is being used by the learner. The...