cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electron microscopical and histochemical observations on melanized sperm and spermatophores of pond-cultured shrimp, Penaeus vannamei

Abstract Black spermatophores were collected by manual ejaculation of pond-cultured Penaeus vannamei males and were prepared for light and electron microscopical study. Light microscopy revealed varying numbers of individual and aggregated yellow-brown to black polymorphic pigment droplets measuring 2 to 400 μm in diameter in spermatophore capsules. Some black spermatophores contained mostly degenerate sperm, while others contained mixtures of normal-appearing unistellate sperm, abnormal spikeless sperm, and degenerating sperm. Yellow-brown to black oval pigment droplets measuring 1 to 2.5 μm in diameter were encountered in the nuclei both of normal-appearing unistellate sperm and of abnormal spikeless sperm. Degenerating sperm exhibited no spikes and no pigment droplets in the remains of the sperm cell bodies. Oval pigment droplets occurred also among sperm in the extracellular matrix of spermatophores. Capsular, matrical, and intranuclear pigment droplets all gave histochemical reactions characteristic of melanin; i.e., pigment droplets were bleached by acidified permanganate, gave positive Schmorl and methenamine silver reactions, and adsorbed ferrous ions. Acid phosphatase activity was not detected in the sperm or spermatophores. Electron microscopy revealed oval, electron-dense droplets within sperm nuclei of both unistellate and spikeless sperm. These droplets corresponded in size to the pigment droplets seen in sperm by light microscopy. Intranuclear droplets were bounded by a single membrane, exhibited fairly homogeneous internal contents, and were frequently enmeshed in strands of intranuclear chromatin threads. Spikeless sperm, in addition to containing oval electron-dense intranuclear droplets, exhibited arrays of small, electron-dense particles packed in the region of the sperm where one would expect to have encountered the spike, suggesting that these particles play a role in sperm spike depolymerization. It is suggested that the melanized condition reduces fecundity in this species by promoting the depolymerization of sperm spikes and the degeneration of sperm. The mechanism by which sperm and spermatophores become melanized is unknown and remains to be determined. No bacteria and no hemocytes were encountered in either light or electron microscope preparations of melanized spermatophores.
Evolving Role of Flucytosine in Immunocompromised Patients: New Insights into Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Antifungal Therapy

Flucytosine is an antifungal agent useful in combination with amphotericin B in the treatment of several deeply invasive mycoses. The potentially dose-limiting, hematologic, gastrointestinal, and hepatic toxicities of flucytosine lead to a reluctance to use it in myelosuppressed patients. To investigate the safety and tolerability of flucytosine in this setting, we evaluated its use in 17 patients with cancer or aplastic anemia during a 2 1/2-year period at our institution and reviewed the literature describing mechanisms of action, resistance, in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity, clinical antifungal activity, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity. The combination of amphotericin B plus flucytosine eradicated the mycosis in 12 (71%) of 17 patients, whereas 3 (18%) of 17 died of progressive fungal infection. Serial serum levels of flucytosine measured by a creatinine iminohydrolase assay permitted reliable dosage adjustment. During therapy, only 2 (12%) of 17 patients had elevated mean serum levels of flucytosine (> 100 micrograms/mL) and 3 (18%) other patients had transiently elevated levels. Paired serum samples (n = 45) obtained at steady state during therapy with orally administered flucytosine showed similar peak and trough levels. Adverse effects of flucytosine therapy included one case each of reversible nausea, diarrhea, elevated transaminase levels, and thrombocytopenia. No cases of bone marrow aplasia, enterocolitis, hepatitis, or death due to flucytosine toxicity were encountered. We conclude that flucytosine in combination with amphotericin B is well tolerated in myelosuppressed patients when serum flucytosine levels are serially monitored.
Development of a protein sensing device utilizing interactions between polyaniline and a polymer acid dopant

Human disease processes are often characterized by a deviation from the normal physiological concentration of critical biomarkers. The detection of disease biomarkers requires the development of novel sensing methods which are sensitive, specific, efficient and low-cost. To address this need, the ability of a device, which incorporates a film of polymer acid doped polyaniline, to respond to proteins at physiological pH and ionic strength was assessed. The conductive polymer was found to respond by changing conductivity in the presence of biomolecules, demonstrating a direct chemical to electronic transduction method. In future work, specificity can be incorporated into the system by integrating the conductive polymer with a protein selective film. The demonstration of a conductive polymer which is responsive to proteins at physiological conditions is a step towards the integration of these materials into implantable sensing systems.
Do soldiers reevaluate trust in their leaders prior to combat operations

A study conducted in the Iraqi combat zone investigated whether soldiers reconsidered trust in their leaders prior to combat operations. Seventy-two soldiers, assigned to an Army division that was ...
Knowing about Environmental Knowing: The Current State of Theory and Research on Environmental Cognition

This paper reviews the 15 years of concentrated research on environmental cognition, including recent developments in theory construction. Included are discussions on the content of environmental representations, cognitive mapping, environmental meaning and symbolism, individual and group differences, eplanatory variables, differences due to characteristics of the physical environment, and the role of environmental cognition in urban spatial behavior. It is argued that people remember buildings less for their architectural form than for their use significance, that people conceive of cities in terms of basic dichotomies of human experiences, that environmental meaning and symbolism are more im-portant in experience than concrete aspects of orientation and cognitive mapping, that developmental changes occur in a stage-sequence pattern, that with increasing mobility peoples images of the environment shift from social and physical conceptions to symbolic conceptions, and that a complete explanation of enviro...
Viscous Fingering in Size Exclusion Chromatography: Insights from Numerical Simulation

A two-dimensional hybrid finite difference/particle-tracking simulation has been used to study the flow nonuniformities induced by the viscous fingering instability during size exclusion chromatography of proteins. The numerical simulation faithfully reproduces the morphology and dynamics of viscous fingering observed in magnetic resonance images of sample migration through operating chromatography columns. In addition to sample intrinsic viscosity, solute molecular diffusivity and packing heterogeneities are found to have a significant impact on finger dynamics. More so than in chromatography of solutes which do not enhance viscosity, packing heterogeneities lead to considerable increases in HETP for viscous samples. Where intraparticle mass transfer resistances are small, the effect of fingering on HETP is almost independent of velocity.
Generalized Stiffness Gear-Mesh Matrix Including EHD Stiffness

This paper presents a method to compute gear mesh stiffness based on the EHD behavior by combined finite element solution of the Reynolds Equation with the elastic contact model. It is shown that this solution requires iterative procedure to balance the computed pressure profile with the external nominal transmission load. This mesh stiffness is load dependent and therefore is a nonlinear phenomenon. The nominal stiffness value is utilized to model a full (12×12) gear mesh matrix for a linear dynamic model of rotor bearing systems including gears to evaluate system dynamics and coupling between lateral/torsional vibrations.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
A Solid-State Converter for Measurement of Aircraft Noise and Sonic Boom

A solid-state converter, used in a system of instrumentation for measuring aircraft noise and sonic boom, features a dualgate FET mixer and an output stage designed for compatibility with a zero drive amplifier of MB Electronics, Inc. With a half-inch condenser microphone the converter itself has an operating frequency range from dc-28 kHz (-3 dB), dynamic range of 72 dB, and noise floor of 50 dB in the band 22.4 Hz-22.4 kHz; the system requires no impedance matching networks and is insensitive to cable length up to at least 3000 ft.
Sialic acid metabolism in regenerating rat liver.

Abstract Sialic acid metabolism was investigated in control rat liver, in regenerating liver at 24 h and 48 h after partial hepatectomy and in the liver of sham-operated animals. High levels of membrane-bound neuramindase, with no detectable changes in the soluble enzyme, were observed in regenerating rat liver. The neuraminidase activities in the liver of sham-operated rats were identical to those present in control liver. High levels of CMP- N -acetylneuraminic acid synthetase and sialyltransferase were observed both in regenerating liver as well as in the liver of sham-operated rats. The sialic acid content of regenerating rat liver, which was lower than that found in the liver of control and sham-operated rats at 24 h, returned to normal values 48 h after surgery.
An SH3-binding Site Conserved in Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase and Related Tyrosine Kinases Mediates Specific Protein Interactions in Vitro and in Vivo(∗)

Mutations in Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) have been associated with immunodeficiencies in man and in the mouse. Btk and two related proteins, Itk and Tec, are members of a distinct family of tyrosine kinases. These kinases are believed to function in various receptor-mediated signaling pathways, but their specific functions are as yet undefined. Btk and its homologues share extensive sequence similarity, including a conserved region, the Tec-homology (TH) domain, that has been proposed to mediate specific intermolecular or intramolecular interactions. The TH region of Btk contains a functional SH3-binding site at residues 189-192. SH3 binding is selective: Btk is retained by the SH3 domain of Fyn but not by that of Blk, another Src-type kinase. TH-SH3 binding in vitro is abolished by specific, single amino acid substitutions within the Btk TH domain or the Fyn SH3 domain. We provide two lines of evidence that the SH3-binding site in the Btk TH domain mediates protein interactions in intact cells. First, treatment of cells with pervanadate induces an increase in the phosphotyrosine content of kinase-inactive Btk; this response is substantially reduced by a mutation that inactivates the SH3-binding site in the Btk TH domain. Second, in cell lysates Btk is found in association with an as yet unidentified 72-kDa phosphotyrosine-containing protein; this interaction requires a functional SH3-binding site in the TH domain. The TH domain may therefore interact in vivo with other proteins that regulate the phosphorylation state of Btk.
Assessing mean and median filters in multiple testing for large-scale imaging data

A new multiple testing procedure, called the FDR L procedure, was proposed by Zhang et al. (Ann Stat 39:613–642, 2011) for detecting the presence of spatial signals for large-scale 2D and 3D imaging data. In contrast to the conventional multiple testing procedure, the FDR L procedure substitutes each p-value by a locally aggregated median filter of p-values. This paper examines the performance of another commonly used filter, mean filter, in the FDR L procedure. It is demonstrated that when the p-values are independent and uniformly distributed under the true null hypotheses, (i) in view of estimating the resulting false discovery rate, the mean filter better alleviates the “lack of identification phenomenon” of the FDR L procedure than the median filter; (ii) in view of signal detection, the median filter enjoys the “edge-preserving property” and lends support to its better performance in detecting sparse signals than the mean filter.
Virtual agents in retail web sites: Benefits of simulated social interaction for older users

This study investigates the benefits of simulated social interaction (social presence) through virtual agents for older users' experience in retail Web sites, particularly with respect to age-related barriers to the adoption of online retailing. In Study 1, through four focus group interviews, we identified six social-psychological barriers to the adoption of online shopping among older users (mean age of 73years). These included barriers relating to perceived risks, trust, social support, familiarity, experience, and search. In Study 2, a laboratory experiment with older users (mean age of 69years) demonstrated that embedding a virtual agent that serves search and navigational/procedural support functions in the online store leads to increased perceived social support, trust, and patronage intention for the online store. Mediational analyses further revealed that the effect of virtual agents: (1) on trust is mediated by perceived social support; and (2) on patronage intentions is mediated in part by trust and perceived risks. The study provides important implications on the design of virtual agents for older users of e-commerce applications, and on building online trust and e-service patronage through virtual agents.
Integration of Diverse Data Sources for Prediction of Adverse Drug Events

The rapid evolution of large biological, pharmacological, and chemical databases has led to optimism that such data resources can be leveraged for prediction of drug action based on molecular descriptors of the drug. Challenges to realize this possibility include organization of each type of database in a manner that allows extraction of information across disparate data sources and the linkage of information across the biological, pharmacological, and chemical domains.
The Cold War Economy: Opportunity Costs, Ideology, and the Politics of Crisis

Abstract This paper is an analytical survey of the Cold War economy of the United States during the period 1948-1989, with special attention being given to the macroeconomic dimensions of the Cold War and to the related political economy. Suggestions are offered for further research.
Effect of urea fertilizer and environmental factors on CH4 emissions from a Louisiana, USA rice field

Methane emissions from a flooded Louisiana, USA, rice field were measured over the first cropgrowing season. Microplots contained the semidwarf Lemont rice cultivar drill seeded into a Crowley silt loam soil (Typic Albaqualfs). Urea fertilizer was applied preflood at rates of 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg N ha−1. Emissions of CH4 from the plots to the atmosphere were measured over a 86-d sampling period until harvest. Methane samples were collected in the morning hours (07∶30–09∶30) using a closed-chamber technique. Emissions of CH4 were highly variable over the first cropping season and a significant urea fertilizer effect was observed. Two peak CH4 emission periods were observed and occurred about 11 d after panicle differentiation and during the ripening stages. Maximum CH4 emmissions from the 0, 100, 200 and 300 urea-N treatments were 6.0, 8.9, 9.8 and 11.2 kg CH4 ha−1 d−1, respectively. These flux measurements corresponded to approximately 210, 300, 310 and 360 kg CH4 evolved ha−1 over the 86-d sampling period for the 4 treatments.
Atomic scattering factor for a spherical wave and near-field effects in x-ray fluorescence holography

A formula for calculating the atomic scattering factor for spherical x-ray waves is derived and used to solve the near field effects problem in x-ray fluorescence holography theory. A rigorous formalism to calculate the x-ray fluorescence hologram is then given so that quantitative structural information can be obtained from these holographic measurements.
Prenatal Assessment for Childhood Discipline Experiences

purpose.:To explore relationships between pregnant womens' childhood experiences with discipline and 1) prenatal plans for disciplining own child and 2) later maternal-infant interactions design. Prospective correlational study setting. Prenatal clinics and home visits participants. Low-income pregnant women (N = 205) with a mean educational level of 12 years main outcome measures. Adapted Ways of Handling Irritating Behaviors (Mother and you) Scales, NCAST Teaching Scale, Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment Scale results. Correlations between childhood experiences with discipline and 1) plans for later discipline strategies with own child and 2) infant components of maternal-infant interactions, including clarity of cues and responsiveness to the mother conclusions. Prenatal assessment for childhood experiences with discipline may uncover factors associated with a break in the trajectory for optimal maternal-child interactions described by Barnard's theoretical framework.
Seasonal Variations in Milk and Fat Production

Summary Data was presented showing that the average monthly decrease in milk production for all breeds is very uniform, the production during the twelfth month being approximately 50 per cent of the production during the best month. The principal variations in milk production, aside from that due to the advance of lactation, were found to be largely due to the changes in pasture during the spring and summer months. The fundamental reason for the variation in milk is probably one of nutrition. This in turn being affected to some extent by atmospheric temperature. Cows on test being well fed are probably less affected, either favorably or unfavorably, by pasture than those not being pushed for maximum production. From the standpoint of total milk production, cows calving in the fall and winter months equal or exceed the average production while those calving during the summer months are generally below the average.
Reptilian (Chrysemys picta) hepatic progesterone receptors: Relationship to plasma steroids and the vitellogenic cycle

In non-mammals, estrogen-induced yolk precursors produced by the adult female liver are the main nutritional source for development. Evidence exists that progesterone exerts counter-regulatory effects on estrogen-induced vitellogenesis, and we have used the turtle model (Chrysemys picta) to study changes in hepatic progesterone receptor during the vitellogenic cycle. Using radioligand methods, we show that high and lower affinity binding sites are present in the cytosolic but not nuclear extracts. The lower affinity site is detectable at all times of the year; the high affinity site is mainly observed during non-vitellogenic periods and does not correlate with plasma estrogen. DNA-cellulose chromatography shows that PR-A is present in spring, summer, and winter, and that PR-B is down-regulated except in animals which recently laid eggs. Western blots confirm the presence of PR in all months, but PR-A (88 kDa) is the dominant isoform. PR-B (125 kDa) is well correlated with the luteal phase, winter and fall. Immunocytochemical studies show that PR is nuclear in location, and nuclear heat shock protein 90 (hsp90) is present. Competitive binding studies of both sites reveal that progesterone is the most effective ligand for both, followed by pregnenolone, deoxycorticosterone, and R5020. RU 486 does not bind to the high affinity site but binds moderately well to the lower affinity site. This study suggests that progesterone receptor isoforms are differentially expressed and may be involved as transcriptional regulators of hepatic function outside the periods of active vitellogenesis in the turtle.
Action of two corpus cardiacal peptides on muscles of the hindgut of Periplaneta americana L. (Orthoptera: Blattidae)

1. (1) Two small, basic peptides (Ic and II) which stimulate muscles of the hindgut, but not the heart, have been separated from extracts of the corpora cardiaca by ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. 2. (2) Results obtained with the 5-HT antagonist mianserin hydrochloride suggest that both peptides stimulate contractions of the hindgut by direct action without mediation by an indoleamine such as 5-HT. 3. (3) Extracellular calcium ions are required for rapid contractions of the hindgut stimulated by peptides Ic and II. However, the tonus response to these peptides does not appear to depend on the same inward transmembrane transport of extracellular Ca2+ as rapid contractions. 4. (4) Theophylline (5 mM) potentiated the action of both peptides on hindgut muscle, however, stimulation of hindgut muscle by cardiacal extract did not cause a significant increase in the level of cyclic AMP as compared with controls. 5. (5) These results more clearly define the number, character and possible action of cardiacal peptides stimulating hindgut muscle in P. americana.
Noninvasive assessment of left ventricular performance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the clinical differentiation between dyspnea due to left ventricular dysfunction and that due to pulmonary events is difficult. Invasive techniques have been the only reliable diagnostic approach. To assess the potential value of noninvasive techniques in this context, 27 patients with COPD and with clinically suspected left ventricular dysfunction were studied by echocardiography, radionuclide angiography, and right cardiac catheterization. In 20 (74 percent), adequate echocardiograms were obtained. Of these 20 patients, 17 had normal pulmonary arterial wedge pressures at rest and during submaximal handgrip exercise. Sixteen of these 17 had normal left ventricular performance by all three echocardiographic criteria used; in one patient, two criteria were not interpretable, but the third was normal. Results of radionuclide studies were normal in 15 patients, borderline in one, and not measurable in one. Of the three patients with abnormal wedge pressures, at least one echocardiographic criterion was abnormal in all. Radionuclide data were abnormal in two and not measurable in one. We conclude that left ventricular dysfunction is infrequently present in patients with COPD in whom such dysfunction is clinically suspected, that the two noninvasive techniques described here can be applied successfully to a high percentage of patients with COPD, and that the agreement among echocardiographic, radionuclide, and wedge pressure data is excellent.
Nitrogen requirement of cats during gestation and lactation

Abstract The nitrogen requirements of cats during gestation and lactation were determined. Purified diets containing 200, 250, or 300 g protein (N × 6.25)/kg diet, calculated ME = 20 kJ/g) and ≥ 1.5 times the minimal essential amino acid requirement of the growing kitten were fed for ≥ one month before mating and through gestation and lactation. Results during gestation showed that there were no significant differences among treatments in number and size of kittens at birth and suggested that 200 g protein/kg diet was adequate. Treatments had little effect on kitten weight gains at week one or two. By the third week, kitten weight gains were significantly higher for the higher levels of dietary protein. Queens fed the 200 g protein/kg diet had a lower PCV at 6 weeks lactation than queens fed the 250 or 300 g protein/kg diet. Essential amino acid concentrations in plasma at 3 week lactation indicated that two to five of the essential amino acids may have been limiting, even though they were all added in the diet at 1.5 times that of the kitten growth requirement. Results suggest that the protein requirement of the queen during gestation is not greater than 200 g protein/kg diet and the requirement during lactation appears to be between 250 and 300 g protein/kg diet containing 250 g fat/kg diet.
Paper: Fuzzy controls for maintenance scheduling in transportation systems

Scheduling of periodic maintenance for transportation equipment can often be accomplished by controlling the utilization of individual vehicles. Because of many random effects and due to the complexity of most schedules it is virtually impossible to achieve a precise match between the prescribed and the actual utilization for each vehicle. Instead of asking the dispatcher to do the impossible, the approach described in this paper prescribes only fuzzy targets for vehicle utilization. A feedback loop adjusts the targets periodically based on the actual utilization. A second feedback loop monitors the general performance of the dispatcher and provides a basis for self-learning features of the system. Experimental results about the effectiveness of the fuzzy controls are reported.
Comparison of chitin localization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Malassezia spp.

Wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to colloidal gold was reacted with chitin in whole cell sections of representative ascomycetous and basidiomycetous yeasts. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae chitin was concentrated throughout the bud scar region and was of negligible levels in other regions of the wall. In contrast, chitin was distributed evenly throughout the cell wall of Cryptococcus neoformans and persistent bud scars were not observed. Isolates of Malassezia spp. had obvious bud scars with chitin restricted to the collarette portion of the scar.
Treatment of Diffuse Coronary Artery and Vein Graft Disease With a 60-mm-Long Balloon: Early Clinical Experience

Objective To report our preliminary clinical experience with a new 60-mm-long angioplasty balloon. Design: We reviewed the results in patients who underwent this type of angioplasty between May and October 1993 at our institution. Material and Methods The study group consisted of 14 high-risk patients (57% with rest-related angina) and 19 treated coronary segments—52% in native coronary arteries and 48 % in saphenous vein grafts (mean age, 9 years). Often, long balloon angioplasty was used in conjunction with laser or transluminal extraction atherectomy. Results Angiographic success (40% or more visual reduction in diameter stenosis) was achieved in all patients. Intimal dissection occurred in 4 of the 19 treated segments (21 %), but each was less than 50% obstructive. No patient required intracoronary stenting. Clinical success was achieved in 13 patients (93%). The one death that occurred was from vein graft distal embolization. At a mean follow-up of 9 months, three patients had required reinterventional procedures, and one patient had undergone a coronary artery bypass operation. No myocardial infarction or death occurred during this period. Conclusion Preliminary clinical experience with a 60-mm-long angioplasty balloon to treat complicated coronary lesions in high-risk patients suggests that, when used alone or in combination with other devices, this new balloon results in high initial success and low complication rates. A larger clinical experience is necessary for accurate assessment of the role of this new balloon catheter.
Type 2 Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate Receptor Phosphorylation and Modulation by Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase II

InsP3-mediated intracellular Ca transients can activate Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), a multifunctional Serine/Threonine protein kinase involved in many signaling pathways. Recent results show that InsP3Rs in the heart (InsP3R2) are primarily targeted to the nuclear envelope in ventricular cardiac myocytes. Here it forms a macromolecular complex with CaMKIIδ (Bare et al, 2005, JBC) . Upon stimulation of InsP3 production, Ca2+ released through the InsP3R2 activates CaMKIIδ, allowing it to act on downstream targets, such as histone deacetylases 4 & 5 (HDAC4 & HDAC5) (Zhang et al, 2007, JBC). Additionally, CaMKII activity feedback modulates InsP3R2 function by direct phosphorylation and results in a decrease in the channel's open probability. The results of this study show that in planar lipid bilayers the channel activity of InsP3Rs can be inhibited by CaMKII-mediated phosphorylation, and that effect can be reversed by addition of protein phosphatases. Furthermore, the N-terminal 1078 amino acids of the rat InsP3R2 have been shown to interact with, as well as be phosphorylated by CaMKII in in vitro kinase assays. A smaller fragment spanning amino acids 1-708 of the InsP3R2 has been shown to be phosphorylated in a CaMKII-dependent manner. Conversely, C-terminal regions were not phosphorylated by CaMKII in vitro. We have also shown that the N-terminal region of the rat InsP3R1 spanning amino acids 1-1081 can be phosphorylated by CaMKII. Our results from mass spectrometry and in vitro kinase assays indicate that the putative CaMKII regulatory phosphorylation site lies within amino acids 150-340 of the InsP3R2.This work was supported by National Institutes of Health Grant HL-80101
Calculation of Characteristic Admittances and Coupling Coefficients for Strip Transmission Lines

An integral equation technique is presented which may be used to efficiently compute the Maxwellian capacitance matrix, i.e., the coefficients of capacitance and inductance, for any system of zero-thickness strip conductors located parallel to and between two ground planes, The TEM characteristic admittances for various operating modes and the coupling coefficients can then be obtained from the elements of this matrix. A single computer program based upon this technique can be used to compute the capacitance matrix for any particular strip line configuration desired and would thus be especially valuable to the design engineer who would like to quickly obtain accurate design curves for a previously unstudied configuration of ship conductors. This procedure gives much more accurate results in but a fraction of the computer time required when the more common finite difference equation approach is used, and it avoids the necessity for a separate mathematical analysis for each new strip line configuration, as would be required when using a conformal mapping technique. Illustrative results are given for several different strip-line configurations.
Bighorn hunting, resource depression, and rock art in the Coso Range, eastern California: a computer simulation model

Abstract The extraordinary record of prehistoric rock art depicting tens of thousands of animal images in the Coso Range of eastern California provides an opportunity to study the relationship between aboriginal hunting, forager ecology, bighorn prey population levels, and the production of rock art. We review archaeofaunal evidence that the Coso desert bighorn sheep population was strongly depleted during the Newberry era after 1500 B.C. We discuss the dating of the rock art and show a correlation between bighorn depletion and increased rock art production. These data are consistent with the arrival of Numic foragers ca. A.D. 600 who competed with the Coso Pre-Numics and eventually terminated the Coso rock art tradition. An ecological predator-prey computer simulation of the human populations (Numic and Pre-Numics), the sheep population, and the rock art “population”, demonstrates these proposed interconnections and gives a reasonable fit to the observed rock art production rate.
Computer simulations of “realistic” partially anisotropic microstructures statistically similar to real microstructures

Abstract An image processing based technique is presented for geometric simulations of anisotropic/partially-anisotropic microstructures that have specified morphological anisotropy via its application to the microstructures of TiB whiskers in a Ti–6Al–4V–1.0B alloy. Simulations utilize realistic complex feature morphologies/shapes and generate microstructures having specified volume fraction, size distribution, morphological anisotropy, two-point correlations, and lineal path probabilities. The micromechanical response of microstructures generated through this technique is compared to the corresponding real microstructure using finite element computations. The methodology can be used to simulate rational virtual microstructures of materials that have not been processed.
Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Ti6Al4V Parts Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting and Electron Beam Melting

This work compares two metal additive manufacturing processes, selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM), based on microstructural and mechanical property evaluation of Ti6Al4V parts produced by these two processes. Tensile and fatigue bars conforming to ASTM standards were fabricated using Ti6Al4V ELI grade material. Microstructural evolution was studied using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Tensile and fatigue tests were carried out to understand mechanical properties and to correlate them with the corresponding microstructure. The results show differences in microstructural evolution between SLM and EBM processed Ti6Al4V and their influence on mechanical properties. The microstructure of SLM processed parts were composed of an α′ martensitic phase, whereas the EBM processed parts contain primarily α and a small amount of β phase. Consequently, there are differences in tensile and fatigue properties between SLM- and EBM-produced Ti6Al4V parts. The differences are related to the cooling rates experienced as a consequence of the processing conditions associated with SLM and EBM processes.
Nonreversible Adsorption of Divalent Metal Ions (MnII, CoII, NiII, CuII, and PbII) onto Goethite: Effects of Acidification, FeII Addition, and Picolinic Acid Addition.

Differences in the coordination chemistry of divalent metal ions affect their adsorption onto goethite (a-FeOOH) surfaces and their subsequent release by acidification, Fe II addition, and picolinic acid addition. Equilibrium constants for adsorption onto FeOOH (goethite) decrease in the order : Cu II > Pb II > Ni II Co II > Mn II . Equilibrium constants for picolinic acid complexation follow the Irving-Williams series ; complex formation with Pb II and Mn II is nearly negligible. Divalent metal ion release 24 h following acidification or picolinic acid addition is typically less than the amount predicted using an equilibrium speciation model, indicating adsorption/desorption hysteresis. Experiments performed under strict exclusion of O 2 reveal a slight increase in Co II , Ni II , and Cu II adsorption upon the addition of 1000 μM Fe II . Fe II interferes with the ability of picolinic acid to cause divalent metal ion release.
THE OCCURRENCE OF “WHITE EYE SYNDROME” IN SHRIMP (PENAEUS AZTECUS)

ABSTRACT This report describes eye lesions observed in brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus) which were chronically exposed to low levels of Empire Mix, Nigerian, and Saudi Arabian crude oils in 150 ft × 150 ft × 8 ft estuarine pond ecosystems. In live specimens, the lesions appeared as circular to slightly irregular white spots. In sectioned material, the lesions were characterized by the liquefactive necrosis of the crystalline cones, ommatidia, and all associated structures. Based on the appearance of these lesions in live specimens, this condition has been designated as the “white eye syndrome.”
The influence of field experiences on stages of concern and attitudes of preservice teachers toward science and science teaching

The purpose of the study was to determine whether the field experience component of an undergraduate science methods course influenced teachers' concerns and attitudes toward science and science teaching. Age, grade-point average, openmindedness, and school assignment were examined as factors which might explain some of the variance in the dependent measures. A one-group pretest-posttest design was used. Students were administered the Teacher Concerns Questionnaire, the Science Teaching Attitude Scales, and the Rokeach Dogmatism Scale approximately eight weeks after the pretest. Results indicated that field experiences did not significantly change student concerns about teaching science but significantly improved student attitudes toward science and science teaching. Students differing in age, grade-point average, and openmindedness did not difer significantly in changes in concerns and changes in attitude toward science and science teaching. Students assigned to different schools differed significantly in changes in attitude toward science.
Rubidium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imidate dioxane disolvate.

The bis­(tri­fluoro­methane­sulfonyl)­imidate anion crystallizes with Rb as the title dioxane 1:2 solvate, Rb+·CF3SO2NSO2CF3−·2C4H8O2, with the anion in a transoid conformation, as opposed to the cisoid form typically seen when there are significant cation–anion interactions. The RbI cation is eight-coordinate, interacting with one anion in a chelating fashion and with two other anions through the remaining sulfonyl O atoms. The latter interactions link ion pairs through the formation of Rb2O2 dimers about inversion centers at (0, {1 \over 2}, 0) and ({1 \over 2}, {1 \over 2}, 0), forming extended columns which run parallel to the a axis of the unit cell. Rb–dioxane bridges crosslink these salt columns in the (010), (001) and (011) directions, resulting in a three-dimensional network solid. One dioxane solvent mol­ecule is disordered over two half-occupancy sites.
Cholecystitis: Diagnosis by MR imaging

Morphologic features which allow the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis by ultrasound and CT have now been observed by MR. When present, thickening of the gallbladder wall, intramural abscess, pericholecystic fluid, and the presence of gallstones may be more specific than MR characterization of gallbladder bile.
Expression of the bmpB Gene of Borrelia burgdorferi Is Modulated by Two Distinct Transcription Termination Events

bmp gene family 36 of Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, comprises four paralogs: bmpA, bmpB, bmpC, and bmpD. The bmpA and bmpB genes constitute an operon. All four genes have been found to be transcribed in cultured spirochetes. Expression from the bmpAB operon results in three distinct transcripts of 1.1, 1.6, and 2.4 kb, and the relative expression of bmpA mRNA is three- to fourfold greater than that of bmpB mRNA. However, thus far only expression of the BmpA protein has been demonstrated. Therefore, in this study we characterized the origins of the three transcripts and compared the relative expression of the BmpA and BmpB proteins. Northern blotting revealed that the three distinct transcripts originated from a single promoter located upstream of bmpA but terminated either 3' to the bmpA (1.1-kb RNA) or bmpB (2.4-kb RNA) gene or, most unusually, within the bmpB gene (1.6-kb RNA). Termination within the bmpB gene was associated with a functional Rho-independent transcription terminator. At the protein level, we also observed a 4.3-fold greater abundance of BmpA compared to that of BmpB. These studies identify a transcription termination mechanism in B. burgdorferi resulting in the disparate expression of the two genes of the bmpAB operon.
Infrared long nanosecond laser pulse ablation of silicon: Integrated two-dimensional modeling and time-resolved experimental study

Abstract Nanosecond (ns) laser ablation may provide good solutions to many industrial silicon micromachining applications. However, most of the previous work is on lasers in ultraviolet (UV) or visible spectral ranges, and ns laser ablation of silicon at the infrared (IR) wavelength has not been well understood, particularly for long ns pulses with durations on the order of ∼100 ns. IR ns lasers often have lower costs and less external energy consumption for the same laser energy output than UV or visible lasers, which is desirable for many practical applications. This paper aims to understand the mechanism of IR ns laser ablation of silicon, by combining time-resolved experimental observations with physics-based modeling study. The observation is through a ns-gated intensified charged-coupled devices (ICCD) camera coupled with a microscope tube, while the model is based on two-dimensional (2D) gas dynamic equations for the gaseous phases coupled with the condensed phase heat transfer equation through the Knudsen layer relations. The research shows that the material removal mechanism under the studied laser ablation conditions is surface vaporization in the early stage (yielding a plasma plume above the target), followed by subsequent liquid ejection. The measured plasma front propagation matches reasonably well with the model prediction. The experimentally observed spatial distribution of the plasma radiation intensity is consistent with and has been understood through the model. The study also shows that the observed liquid ejection is induced by the total surface pressure difference between the near-boundary region of the target melt pool and the other remaining region of the pool. The pressure difference is mainly due to the surface vaporization flux drop after laser pulse ends.
Next generation atmospheric model improves hurricane forecasting

[1] Accurately predicting hurricane development from one season to the next is a problem that crosses multiple temporal and spatial scales. The driving force behind the overall activity level for a year depends on broad climate dynamics, such as the El Nino–Southern Oscillation or the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), while the generation of an individual tropical cyclone is a product of small-scale fluctuations in atmospheric moisture or sea surface temperature. Classically, these broad- or small-scale events have fallen within the realm of climate or weather forecasting models, respectively. However, researchers have recently developed the High-Resolution Atmospheric Model (HiRAM), which can flip between weather forecasting and climate modeling. HiRAM has 25-kilometer horizontal resolution and can properly represent clouds, both important improvements over current models. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2011GL047629, 2011)
Explanation of the Pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA)-stress syndrome with an artificial aldosterone receptor model

Abstract A receptor for aldosterone was studied in the cytosol of rectal mucosa of two sisters (M.A., M.B.) with the clinical manifestations of pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA). Compared to age matched controls the patients showed a decreased affinity for aldosterone (M.A. Kd1: 0.18 nM, Kd2: 4.55 nM; Nmax1: 0.185 fmol/mg cytosol protein (CP), Nmax2: 3.12 fmol/mg CP, respectively). In an attempt to find an explanation for the phenomenon of stress-induced electrolyte imbalance in PHA patients an experimental set up was designed, using aldosterone antibody material as artificial aldosterone receptor. Specific binding was evaluated in addition with and without a 25–100-fold molar excess of dexamethasone (DEX) in order to overcome the glucocorticoid affinity of the aldosterone receptor, a phenomenon proposed to be the cause for the severe consequences of stress in some patients with PHA. The aldosterone antiserum showed two binding sites, similar to the natural receptor (Kd1: 0.15 nM, Kd2: 1.30 nM; Nmax: 30 fmol/mg CP and 130 fmol/mg CP, respectively). Under the influence of DEX the high affinity binding site (Kd1) was occupied by the glucocorticoidanalogon (Kd: 1.30 nM; Nmax: 125 fmol/mg CP). In conclusion, in stress situations, with increased quantities of glucocorticoid circulating, the high affinity binding site of the aldosterone receptor might be occupied by the glucocorticoids, while the low affinity binding site in PHA patients might not have sufficient binding capacity to maintain the electrolyte balance.
The Two Simones

The work of Simone Weil and Simone de Beauvoir is compared along various lines of analysis. Simone Weil's Gravity and Grace is examined, and her penchant for the use of the concept of the void as a point of departure for metaphysical speculation, while Simone de Beauvoir's work Old Age is analyzed, with a view toward setting out her use of the Sartrean concept of project. A brief comparison of the work of Weil and Kierkegaard is made, and some reference is given to sections of Simone de Beauvoir's Second Sex. It is concluded that, from a similar point of departure, the thinkers move in different directions.
SOCIAL POLICY FOR CHILD CUSTODY: A Multidisciplinary Framework

The need for collaboration between mental health professionals and those in the legal system in the development of a preventively-oriented social policy for children involved in custody disputes is discussed. Prior efforts toward this end are examined, and systemic influences that may impede the process are highlighted. Suggestions are offered for improving such efforts, and directions for needed empirical work are elaborated.
Prevalence and Outcomes of Anatomic Lung Resection for Hemoptysis: An Analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database

Background Pulmonary resection for hemoptysis carries an increased risk of death. However, the extent and predictors of risk are poorly characterized and based on institutional case series. We analyzed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to determine the outcome of patients undergoing anatomic pulmonary resection who were admitted with a diagnosis of hemoptysis. Methods We queried the NIS for hospitalized patients who were admitted emergently or urgently with hemoptysis as the principal diagnosis or as a secondary or tertiary diagnosis. We examined the outcomes of those patients who underwent lobectomy or pneumonectomy. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine clinical characteristics that were independent risk factors for death. Results During a 10-year period, 457,523 admissions for the diagnosis of hemoptysis were identified, and 2,671 patients (0.58%) underwent resection, comprising lobectomy in 2,205 and pneumonectomy in 466. The median age was 58 years, and 1,682 (63%) were men. Compared with those patients resected without a diagnosis of hemoptysis, those admitted with a hemoptysis diagnosis had a higher mortality rate after pneumonectomy (15.2% vs 9.7 %, p = 0.320) and lobectomy (6.6% vs 3.0%, p = 0.006). Advanced age, associated bacterial infections, the presence of a lung abscess/necrosis, extent of resection, and associated diagnoses of sarcoidosis and renal failure were multivariable independent risk factors for death. Conclusions Analysis of this national database with its inherent limitations demonstrates that major lung resection can be performed in the setting of hemoptysis with reasonable mortality rate. Advanced age, extent of resection, systemic illnesses such as renal failure, sarcoidosis, and the presence of a lung abscess are independent predictors of death.
Effects of water use on chemical characteristics of cranberry soils

Abstract The long‐term effects of using alkaline water on the chemical properties of sand soils were simulated by treating 36 cm tall, 5 cm diameter columns of soil with water amounts equivalent to that typically applied to cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) during one year (152 cm, 3 liters), two years (304 cm, 6 liters), or three years (456 cm, 9 liters). Columns received either alkaline pond water [148 mg L‐1 calcium carbonate (CaCO3) equivalent, pH 8.0], pond water acidified with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to pH 5.0, or no water. Water was applied to the top of the soil in 15.2 cm increments and allowed to percolate slowly through and out the bottom of the column. The same treatments were applied to an acidic soil (pH 5.6) and a neutral soil (pH 7.1). The equivalent of three years of alkaline water use raised the pH of the acidic soil to 7.5, and that of the neutral soil to pH 7.8. Acidified water did not change the pH of the acidic soil, but decreased that of the neutral soil to 6.2. Use of alkaline...
Preventing Dental Caries: Current and Prospective Strategies

Strategies of caries prevention can be directed at the resistance of the host/teeth, at the diet, at the microflora or all three. The appropriate preventive interventions depend on the level of caries risk.