cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of intralysosomal proteolysis in mouse liver and kidney phagolysosomes by zinc.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that cadmium ions cause disruption of albumin-filled phagolysosomes in vitro , and that cadmium and mercuric salts inhibit intralysosomal proteolysis and phagolysosome formation in vivo in mice after intraperitoneal injections [ Biochem. Pharmac. 22, 373 (1973) and 24, 1227 (1975)]. Cupric, stannous, lead, mercuric and zinc salts also inhibited proteolysis when added to phagolysosome suspensions in 1 mM concentrations, and all of these substances caused phagolysosome disruption except zinc. Reduced rates of intralysosomal proteolysis were noted in liver and kidney phagolysosomes from mice injected intraperitoneally with zinc at less than ld 50 doses, but the metal had no inhibitory effect of phagolysosome formation in the liver as measured by the uptake of labeled protein into osmotically releasable form. The inhibitory effects of zinc on intralysosomal proteolysis were evident in liver phagolysosomes up to about 6hr after injections, but effects on kidney phagolysosomes were more prolonged. The results suggest that zinc may he taken up into phagolysosomes where it inhibits cathepsins B and C.
Clozapine markedly elevates pregnenolone in rat hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and serum: candidate mechanism for superior efficacy?

Clozapine demonstrates superior efficacy in patients with schizophrenia, but the precise mechanisms contributing to this clinical advantage are not clear. Clozapine and olanzapine increase the GABAergic neuroactive steroid (NS) allopregnanolone, and it has been hypothesized that NS induction may contribute to the therapeutic actions of these agents. Pregnenolone administration improves learning and memory in rodent models, and decreases in this NS have been associated with depressive symptoms in humans. These pregnenolone characteristics may be relevant to the actions of antipsychotics. We therefore investigated potential pregnenolone alterations in rat hippocampus and cerebral cortex following clozapine, olanzapine, and other second generation agents as a candidate NS mechanism contributing to antipsychotic efficacy. In the first set of experiments, intact, adrenalectomized, and sham-operated male rats received vehicle or clozapine (20 mg/kg) IP. In the second set, male rats received vehicle, olanzapine (5 mg/kg), quetiapine (20 mg/kg), ziprasidone (10 mg/kg) or aripiprazole (5 mg/kg) IP. Pregnenolone levels were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Clozapine markedly elevates pregnenolone in rat hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and serum; hippocampal levels were strongly correlated with serum levels (r = 0.987). Olanzapine also elevates pregnenolone levels, but to a lesser degree than clozapine. Pregnenolone induction may contribute to the clinical actions of clozapine and olanzapine.
Faculty Productivity and Carnegie Institutional Characteristics within AEJMC Programs

This article reports the results of a content analysis of faculty vitae from eighteen ACEJMC programs drawn using stratified random sampling by Carnegie Classification. The findings indicate that faculty members differ by Carnegie Classification on research productivity, highest earned degrees, professional experience, time assignments (for research, teaching, and service), contact and credit hours, and external grants.
Lenten cell: ultrastructure, absorptive properties, and enzyme expression of a novel type of cell in the newborn and suckling pig intestinal epithelium.

Background: The small intestinal epithelium is made up of columnar absorptive enterocytes and a smaller number of specialized non- absorptive cells, including goblet cells, enteroendocrine cells, M cells, cup cells, and tuft cells. During a study on milk protein absorption in newborn pigs, we identified an enterocyte that showed no uptake of milk proteins and that could be found only in the jejunum and ileum of pigs during the first 2 weeks of life. We call this previously undescribed enterocyte the lenten cell. Methods: We used light microscopy and transmission electron micros- copy in conjunction with immunolabelling and cytochemical techniques to determine the occurrence, ultrastructure, absorptive properties, and brush border hydrolase expression of lenten cells. Results: Lenten cells constituted - 1-2% of the villous epithelium. They were seen in newborn and suckling pigs 1-9 days of age, but were not found in weaned pigs. Morphologically, lenten cells were spindle- or wineglass- shaped, with a ventrally sited nucleus and an electron-dense cytoplasm with numerous cytokeratin filaments. Lenten cells had a normal brush bor- der with microvilli that were slightly thicker than those of absorptive en- terocytes, but they did not express the brush border hydrolases lactase, aminopeptidase N, and alkaline phosphatase. Lenten cells did not endocy- tose milk proteins or horseradish peroxidase, but contained some en- docytic or secretory vacuoles and a few dense granules. Conclusions: No role for lenten cells has been identified in this study, but presence of these cells during the neonatal period, when growth and dif- ferentiation of the gastrointestinal tract is at a peak, clearly suggests that lenten cells may play a role in this process.
Immunophenotypic evaluation of the Bone Marrow in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Immunophenotypic evaluations of the bone marrow (BM) are reported on 69 aspirates from 58 patients who had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia involving the BM. Using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy on density gradient isolated BM mononuclear cells, the neoplasm could be identified and characterized in 59 aspirates (86%) from 49 patients (84%). Using International Working Formulation guidelines the neoplasms were classified on the basis of prior or subsequent histopathology of lymph node, spleen, skin, or other soft tissue site, or by evaluation of peripheral blood in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In nine cases the lymphoma could not be completely classified according to International Working Formulation guidelines because only BM was available for evaluation. The neoplasm in the BM was identified and characterized immunophenotypically in all 29 cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/well-differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma (WDLL) (100%), in 11 of 12 cases of low-grade lymphoma other than WDLL (92%), in 11 of 15 cases of intermediate-grade lymphoma (73%), and in two of four cases of high-grade lymphoma (50%). Six of the nine cases not classified by International Working Formulation guidelines could be characterized immunophenotypically. In 10 cases immunophenotypic studies revealed negative findings, although the concurrent core biopsy specimens were positive. In two cases immunophenotypic studies with positive findings accompanied a negative core biopsy specimen. A panel of immunohistochemical reagents reactive with fixative/paraffin-resistant antigens was used for a retrospective evaluation of the 69 core biopsy specimens. When compared with the immunophenotypic data obtained from the marrow aspirates these results proved to be only moderately reliable in B-lineage neoplasms and unreliable in T-cell neoplasms. Thus, immunophenotyping of aspirated marrow by flow cytometry was found to be the most reliable method for determining the antigenic profiles of BM-based lymphomas.
Design and Performance of a 2 to 18 GHz Medium Power Ga As Mesfet Amplifier

This paper discusses the design and performance of a multi-stage wideband GaAs MESFET amplifier. The amplifier had a small signal gain of 12 to 20 dB in the frequency range of 2 to 18 GHz. The l-dB gain-compression point of the amplifier was 13 dBm and the saturated power output exceeded 16 dBm. The wideband matching techniques used and the trade-offs involved are discussed. Also discussed are the device parameters and their relationships to the performance of the amplifier.
Human Papillomavirus Infections in Children

Human papillomavirus infections in children, particularly when occurring as condylomata acuminata, present a difficult and often puzzling problem. The possibility that the lesions were acquired through sexual contact mandates a careful and thorough evaluation. Even then, the source of the infection may be elusive because of a long latency between inoculation and the development of lesions, the secretive milieu of childhood sexual abuse, and lack of data about modes of transmission. New molecular techniques of HPV DNA detection and typing have not proven to be helpful in determining the source of the infection but may assist in identifying children who are at risk for the development of carcinoma. Various treatment modalities have been attempted with a significant percentage of recurrences. Many unanswered questions remain regarding the biology and epidemiology of HPV in children and adults. Clinical and basic science research specifically designed to address the concerns of the pediatric age group is urgently needed.
In situ metabolism of an oyster reef

Abstract The in situ metabolism of an oyster reef in North Inlet, South Carolina, was observed for 1 yr using a portable plastic tunnel technique. The fluxes of oxygen, Chl a and ammonium to and from the reef were determined every 10.2 days (33 tidal cycles) for 1 yr and the technique of regression estimation was used to compute annual estimates. The oyster reef took up 6.5 kg·m−2 of oxygen and 23.7 g·m−2 of Chl a over the year. Ammonium release was 124.8 g·m−2 for the same period. The O:N ratio of the fluxes on the reef was ≈ 30:1, indicating carbohydrate and lipid catabolism. Because of the high rates of Chl a and oxygen uptake and ammonium release observed with the in sity tunnel technique, oyster reefs should be considered even more important components in estuarine processes than previously thought.
An Anova Methodology to Identify Biased Test Items That Takes Instructional Level Into Account

The methodology suggested in this paper employs a selection rule for identifying group members that generates groups that have a range of achievement within groups but equal distribution of raw scores between. An ANOVA procedure on arcsin transformed item difficulties, followed by an investigation of strength of association lend practical significance to significant items by groups interaction. A follow-up procedure that identifies items contributing to the items-by-groups interaction is described.
Domain structures in single crystal magnetite below the Verwey Transition as observed with a low-temperature magnetic force microscope

The magnetic domain structures on the {110} plane of magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) below the Verwey transition (T V =120K) were studied using a Low-Temperature Magnetic Force Microscope (LTMFM). At 298K, domain structures consisted of arrays of 180°, 109° and 71° walls, typical for magnetite with cubic anisotropy. At 77K (below T V ), the cubic style patterns disappeared and transformed into uniaxial patterns consistent with the uniaxial magnetocrystalline symmetry of the low-temperature monoclinic phase of magnetite. We also observed two distinct styles of domain patterns below T V : (1) wide domains separated by straight 180° walls along the in-plane [100] easy axis ; and (2) intricate wavy walls with reverse spike domains characteristic of out-of-plane easy axes. This intimate mixture of domain styles within adjacent areas of the crystal reflects variations in the direction of the magnetic easy axes in different regions produced by c-axis twinning of the crystal below T v . The thermal dependence of planar and wavy-wall patterns show little change from 77K until 110K, where patterns disappear. Upon cooling back to 77K, domain structures are different from the initial 77K states, indicating that renucleation of different domain states occurs by cycling near T V .
Invasion of Polygyne Fire Ants Decimates Native Ants and Disrupts Arthropod Community

The fire ant Solenopsis invicta Buren invaded southeastern United States from South America >50 yr ago. Urban and agricultural consequences of this invasion are well documented; however, ecological effects are still poorly understood. Increasing frequencies of polygyne or multiple—queen fire ants in Texas and other areas of the Southeast are disturbing because nest densities of this new form are often ten times as great as those of the more familiar monogyne form. We studied the ecological impacts of a polygyne fire ant invasion on ants and other surface—active arthropods at a field station in central Texas. Arthropod abundance and species richness were assessed using a combination of baits, pitfall traps, and litter samples. This invasion decimated the indigenous ant fauna. Competitive replacement appears to be the primary mechanism behind this effect. Species richness of ants in infested areas dropped by 70%, while the total number of native individuals dropped by 90%. Of 35 species of ants collected in this study, 23 were either significantly less common or absent from infested sites; only S. invicta was more common at infested sites. The most dramatic effect of the invasion was a 10—30 fold increase in the total number of ants at infested sites–of which >99% were the imported fire ant S. invicta. The impact of this invasion on other surface—active arthropods was less severe, but still substantial. The abundance of isopods, erythraeid mites, and tumblebug scarabs declined significantly, while the abundance of ground crickets, a brachypterous roach, and a symbiotic scarab increased significantly. Overall, the species richness of non—ant arthropods was 30% lower in infested sites, and individual numbers were 75% lower. Total arthropod species richness (including ants) was 40% less at infested sites. These data indicate that polygyne fire ants pose a substantial threat to the biodiversity of native arthropod communities.
Resonance constants and the activities of indolealkylamines on stomach muscle.

INDOLES in nature display an extraordinary variety of biological actions1. We describe here a correlation between the resonance constants of a series of indoleakylamines and their potency in causing contraction of stomach.
Antagonizing corticotropin-releasing factor in the central nucleus of the amygdala attenuates fear-induced reductions in sleep but not freezing.

Study objectives Contextual fear is followed by significant reductions in rapid eye movement sleep (REM) that are regulated by the central nucleus of the amygdala (CNA). Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays a major role in regulating the stress response as well as arousal, and CRF in CNA is implicated in stress-related behavior. To test the hypothesis that CRF regulation of CNA is involved in fear-induced alterations in REM, we determined the effects of microinjections into CNA of the CRF1 antagonist, antalarmin (ANT) on fear-induced reductions in REM. We also evaluated c-Fos activation in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), locus coeruleus (LC), and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) to determine whether activation of these regions was consistent with their roles in regulating stress and in the control of REM. Design On separate days, rats were subjected to baseline and 2 shock training sessions (S1 and S2). Five days later, the rats received bilateral microinjections of ANT (4.8 mM) or vehicle (VEH) prior to exposure to the fearful context. Sleep was recorded for 20 h in each condition. Freezing was assessed during S1, S2, and context. Separate groups of rats received identical training and microinjections or handling control (HC) only, but were sacrificed 2 h after context exposure to assess c-Fos expression. Setting NA. Patients or participants NA. Interventions NA. Measurements and results Compared to baseline, S1 and S2 significantly reduced REM. Exposure to the fearful context reduced REM in VEH treated rats, whereas REM in ANT treated rats did not differ from baseline. ANT did not significantly alter freezing. Fear-induced c-Fos expression was decreased in PVN and LC after ANT compared to VEH. Conclusions The results demonstrate that CRF receptors in CNA are involved in fear-induced reductions in REM and neural activation (as indicated by c-Fos) in stress and REM regulatory regions, but not in fear-induced freezing.
Investigation of a breathing surrogate prediction algorithm for prospective pulmonary gating

Purpose: A major challenge of four dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) in treatment planning and delivery has been the lack of respiration amplitude and phase reproducibility during image acquisition. The implementation of a prospective gating algorithm would ensure that images would be acquired only during user-specified breathing phases. This study describes the development and testing of an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model for human respiratory phase prediction under quiet respiration conditions. Methods: A total of 47 4DCT patient datasets and synchronized respiration records was utilized in this study. Three datasets were used in model development and were removed from further evaluation of the ARMA model. The remaining 44 patient datasets were evaluated with the ARMA model for prediction time steps from 50 to 1000 ms in increments of 50 and 100 ms. Thirty-five of these datasets were further used to provide a comparison between the proposed ARMA model and a commercial algorithm with a prediction time step of 240 ms. Results: The optimal number of parameters for the ARMA model was based on three datasets reserved for model development. Prediction error was found to increase as the prediction time step increased. The minimum prediction time step required for prospective gating was selected to be half of the gantry rotation period. The maximum prediction time step with a conservative 95% confidence criterion was found to be 0.3 s. The ARMA model predicted peak inhalation and peak exhalation phases significantly better than the commercial algorithm. Furthermore, the commercial algorithm had numerous instances of missed breath cycles and falsely predicted breath cycles, while the proposed model did not have these errors. Conclusions: An ARMA model has been successfully applied to predict human respiratory phase occurrence. For a typical CT scanner gantry rotation period of 0.4 s (0.2 s prediction time step), the absolute error was relatively small, 0.06±0.02 s at peak inhalation and 0.05±0.04 s at peak exhalation. The application of the ARMA model for prospective pulmonary gating has been demonstrated.
A model of trade and growth for the developing world

The SIMLINK model borrows components from recently developed country models, commodity models, and world trade models. By taking the growth expectations of the OECD countries and the price of petroleum as a starting point, this block recursive model estimates the price and volume of a series of commodities important in LDC exports. The export earnings for seven LDC regions are estimated from the commodity projections and combined with a predetermined estimate of capital inflows to calculate import capacity. In the SIMLINK approach, the rates of growth of output and prices in the developed world are taken to be exogenously determined and outside the scope of the model. Commodity models are developed or adapted for the major primary exports of the developing world to project prices and volumes for these products. Exports of LDC manufacturers and services are projected on the basis of historically estimated elasticities with respect to OECD growth. A simple growth model that relates growth of imports to growth of output and investment is developed for each LDC group. These models are then solved for the level of growth that equates total imports to total exports and an exogenously specified level of the capital inflow.
Shell structure and phase relations in electronic properties of metal nanowires from an electron-gas model

The electronic and dynamic properties of metal nanowires are analyzed by using a minimal electron-gas model (EGM), in which the nanowire is treated as a close system with variable Fermi energy as a function of nanowire radius. We show that the planar surface energy and the curvature energy from the EGM are reasonably consistent with those from previous stabilized-jellium-model calculations, especially for metals with low electron densities. The EGM shell structure due to the fillings of quantum-well subbands is similar to that from the stabilized jellium model. The crossings between subbands and Fermi energy level for the metal nanowire correspond to cusps on the chemical-potential curve versus nanowire radius, but inflection points on the surface-free-energy curve versus the radius, as in the case of metal nanofilms. We also find an oscillatory variation in electron density versus radius at the nanowire center with a global oscillation period which approximately equals half Fermi wavelength. Wire string tension, average binding energy, and thermodynamic stability from the EGM are in good agreement with the data from previous first-principles density-functional theory calculations. We also compare our model with those from previous reported free-electron models, in which the nanowire is treated as an open system with a constant Fermi energy. We demonstrate that the fundamental thermodynamic properties depend sensitively on the way that the potential wall is constructed in the models.
Bilateral kainic acid lesions in the rat hilus induce non-linear additive mossy fiber neoinnervation

Kainic acid (KA) lesions of the rat hilus model hippocampal sclerosis and temporal lobe epilepsy. Unilateral hilar cell loss denervates the associational afferents normally projecting to the inner molecular layer (IML) granule cell dendrites, followed by ipsilateral mossy fiber (MF) sprouting. Hilar neurons also project through the hippocampal commissure to the contralateral IML. This study compared densities of IML MF sprouting following unilateral versus bilateral low dose KA lesions, using Neo-Timm stain 30 days later. Unilateral KA (0.4 μg) caused only dense ipsilateral MF sprouting. Bilateral lesions with lower doses of KA (0.1 with 0.2 or 0.3 μg) induced dense bilateral MF sprouting. However, the same low doses of KA injected unilaterally did not induce significant sprouting ipsilaterally or contralaterally. These data show that denervations of both associational and commissural afferents to the same IML dendritic zones of granule cells induce non-linear, additive bilateral MF neoinnervations.
Executive Functions in Children: Associations with Aggressive Behavior and Appraisal Processing

This study investigated whether and how deficits in executive functioning and distortions in appraisal processing are related to subtypes of aggressive behavior. The sample included 83 boys assessed using multi-informant reports and performance measures. Deficits in two executive functions, response inhibition and planning ability were related primarily to reactive aggression. Hostile attributional biases moderated relations between planning ability and proactive and reactive aggression subtypes, with minimal relations between planning deficits and aggression at low levels of hostile attributional bias. As the level of hostile attributional bias increased, the relation between planning deficits and reactive aggression became increasingly large in a positive direction whereas the relation between planning deficits and proactive aggression became increasingly negative. Additionally, hostile encoding moderated the relation between behavioral inhibition and reactive aggressive behavior. Results also suggested a mediational role for response inhibition in the relation between planning ability and reactive aggression.
EPR study of phase transitions in the langbeinite Rb2Cd2(SO4)3

Abstract Two reversible phase transitions in the langbeinite Rb 2 Cd 2 (SO 4 ) 3 have been observed by EPR, to occur at 129 ± 2 K and at 102 ± 2 K. The Mn 2+ spin-Hamiltonian parameters in this host, at room temperature, have been evaluated by the use of a rigorous least-squares fitting procedure, numerically, diagnolizing the spin-Hamiltonian matrix, and fitting a large number of resonant line positions simultaneously, observed for several orientations of the external magnetic field.
Channel width assignment using relative backlog: extending back-pressure to physical layer

With recent advances in Software-defined Radios (SDRs), it has indeed became feasible to dynamically adapt the channel widths at smaller time scales. Even though the advantages of varying channel width (e.g. higher link throughput with higher width) have been explored before, as with most of the physical layer settings (rate, transmission power etc.), naively configuring channel widths of links can in fact have negative impact on wireless network performance. In this paper, we design a cross-layer channel width assignment scheme that adapts the width according to the backlog of link-layer queues. We leverage the benefits of varying channel widths while adhering to the invariants of back-pressure utility maximization framework. The presented scheme not only guarantees improved throughput and network utilization but also ensures bounded buffer occupancy and fairness.
Transient Statistics of the First-Order Phase-Locked Loop

The transient behavior of the phase-error probability density function of the first-order phase-locked loop (PLL) in the presence of additive white Gaussian noise is determined using numerical techniques. In addition, the modulo-2π probability density function and cycle-slipping density functions are found. The algorithm used in these calculations involves numerical integration of a modified form of the Fokker-Planck (F-P)equation. Results are shown for cases involving various signal-to-noise ratios (SNR's and initial conditions.
Doubly robust semiparametric estimation for the missing censoring indicator model

Abstract We present a semiparametric analysis of an augmented inverse probability of non-missingness weighted (AIPW) estimator of a survival function for the missing censoring indicator model. Although the estimator is asymptotically less efficient than a Dikta semiparametric estimator, its advantage is the insulation that it offers against inconsistency due to misspecification. We present theoretical and numerical comparisons of the asymptotic variances when there is no misspecification. In addition, we derive the asymptotic variance of the AIPW estimator when there is partial misspecification. We also present a numerical robustness study that confirms the superiority of the AIPW estimator when there is misspecification.
A submersible piezoresistive MEMS lateral force sensor for a diagnostic biomechanics platform

Abstract A submersible lateral force sensor has been developed as part of an integrated microelectromechanical system (MEMS) on a 4 mm by 4 mm chip for the study of cell biomechanics. The development of an integrated platform that combines both force sensing and actuation in order to determine cell stiffness could provide a useful scientific tool for the search for mechanical biomarkers that are related to disease. The piezoresistive elements in this force sensor are defined in a unique geometry by a single etch step on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer without the need for a patterned doping step. This fabrication strategy is especially beneficial for integration of multiple MEMS components onto a single SOI platform. Characterization results from fabricated devices are presented, and a fully characterized force sensor is used to measure the reaction force of a single cell during compression.
Anatomic and physiologic measurements of the internal and external anal sphincters in normal females

Abstract Objective: To assess the correlation between anal sphincter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements and manometric anorectal vectography pressures. Methods: Ten healthy, nulliparous women underwent anal sphincter MRI with examination of sagittal, axial oblique, and coronal planes. Anal manometry was performed with a radial eight-channel catheter. Customary functional measurements were recorded, including anterior and posterior sphincter length, squeeze length, length of the high-pressure zone, and maximal resting and squeeze pressures. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to assess correlation. Results: The manometric squeeze length and the manometric length to maximum squeeze pressure were correlated negatively with the posterior sphincter length by MRI (P = .049 and .044, respectively). The manometric high-pressure zone squeeze length was correlated positively with the posterior sphincter length by MRI (P = .042). The mean ± standard deviation (SD) posterior sphincter length was 27.3 ± 6.0 mm. Anatomically, the cylindric shape of the anal sphincter is characterized by a gradual increase in muscle thickness cephalad. The external striated sphincter was much thicker posteriorly (24.7 ± 4.6 mm) than anteriorly (6.6 ± 1.7 mm) in the proximal or caudal third. The proximal internal smooth muscle sphincter was nearly equal in thickness anteriorly and posteriorly (9.0 ± 1.4 mm and 9.6 ± 1.7 mm, respectively). Although variation in the thickness of both the smooth and striated muscle was found, manometric pressures did not correlate with the muscle thickness along the sphincter. Conclusion: The length of the anal sphincter correlated positively with the functional information, as determined by manometry. An anal sphincter length of 3 cm is consistent, from an anatomic and functional view, in these ten normal women.
THE EVOLUTION OF INFORMATION SOURCES AND THE USE OF INFORMATION‐TECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

The paper reviews developments in bibliograhical, statistical and market information sources over the last 25 years, particularly since the application of the computer to information processing and dissemination. It concentrates on bibliographical sources: the evolution of WAERSA from a quarterly abstract journal to a monthly one, now also accessible on-line, as well as discussing some of the other major bibliographical sources, notably the AGECON file on USDA's AGRICOLA (formerly the Bibliography of Agricultural Economics), FAO's AGRINDEX, a title-only service available as a monthly journal and on-line, the Bibliography on Agricultural Marketing from FAO's marketing division, and the information service provided by ESCA. Different methods of ‘packaging’ information are also mentioned, including regular profiles on particular topics (SDI), ‘state-of-the-arts’ reviews, and ‘start’ reports. The paucity of adequate source guides specially tailored to the needs of agricultural economists is discussed. Finally, the availability of farming and market information through videotex is described. A plea is made for greater co-operation between providers and users of information, better knowledge of and guides to sources, and for user education.
Real-time algorithms for human versus animal classification using a pyroelectric sensor

Classification of human and animal targets imaged by a linear pyroelectic array senor presents some unique challenges especially in target segmentation and feature extraction. In this paper, we apply two approaches to address this problem. Both techniques start with the variational energy functional level set segmentation technique to separate the object from background. After segmentation, in the first technique, we extract features such as texture, invariant moments, edge, shape information, and spectral contents of the segmented object. These features are fed to classifiers including Naive Bayesian (NB), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) for human against animal classification. In the second technique, the speeded up robust feature (SURF) extraction algorithm is applied to the segmented objects. A code book technique is used to classify objects based on SURF features. Human and animal data acquired-using the pyroelectric sensor in different terrains, are used for performance evaluation of the algorithms. The evaluation indicates that the features extracted in the first technique in conjunction with the NB classifier provide the highest classification rates. While the SURF feature plus code book approach provides a slightly lower classification rate, it provides better computational efficiency lending itself to real time implementation.
Silatranyl-nucleosides: transition state analogues for phosphoryl transfer reactions

Abstract A novel class of compounds that contain a silatrane moiety attached to or incorporated within a nucleoside is described. These compounds are transition state analogues for phosphoryl transfer reactions and as such have potential antiviral and anticancer properties. The two-step synthesis of 3′- O -(trimethyl)silatranylthymidine ( 1 ) in 17% yield is reported. The aqueous half-life of 1 was determined to be 62 h by 1 H NMR. The syntheses of three 2′,3′-protected-5′- O -silatranyladenosines in 25–55% yields are also described.
Flora of the Canadian Eastern Arctic

IN preparing a flora of the northernmost regions of eastern North America, nowadays generally referred to as the ” Canadian Eastern Arctic”, I am attempting to gather together, revise and record fully all of the more substantial plant collections that have been made within the area concerned from the times of the earliest navigators and pioneer explorers to the present day. This area for the present purpose is to be defined as excluding Greenland, Ellesmere (the flora of which is well known) and Boothia Felix, but otherwise as comprising all the mainland of eastern North America that lies east of long. 95° W. and north of lat. 60° N., and all the islands of the arctic archipelago (including the 1,000-miles long Baffin Land) that lie either wholly or in part within these bounds.
M. S. Tswett and the 1918 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

The general recognition of M. S. Tswett and his achievements are discussed, with special emphasis to his nomination for the 1918 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Near-field gap effects on small microcavity whispering-gallery mode resonators

The near-field gap effects are investigated in planar dielectric microdisc and waveguide coupling structures, emphasizing miniaturization of integrated sensor systems. The simulation results show that the resonance frequency is not obviously affected by the gap dimension when the gap between a microcavity and its coupler is larger than 300 nm. However, the resonance frequency shifts observably with a further decreasing gap to the nanometre level. This shift is generally larger than the cavity resonance linewidth in the 10 µm diameter microdisc system, but is comparable to the cavity resonance linewidth in the 2 µm diameter microdisc system. With increasing gap, the cavity Q increases exponentially until it is saturated at a limit Q factor. An optimal gap dimension exists for maximum light energy transfer and storage. The concept of optimum gap is introduced and defined at the gap dimension where half-maximum energy storage capability is achieved; meanwhile, the cavity Q is high and the resonance frequency remains stable.
Classifying homogeneous continua

Abstract The study of homogeneous continua has been the most active area of continua theory in the 1980's. Earlier in the decade we proposed a classification of homogeneous continua. This paper will review that classification, report some recent progress toward achieving the classification, and suggest areas where breakthroughs appear imminent.
Uranium Logging by the Prompt Fission Neutron Technique

This paper briefly describes the Sandia prompt fission neutron uranium logging probe and outlines progress on it since 1976. The probe uses a small D-T accelerator to send out a burst of 14 MeV neutrons into the formation around a borehole, and it then detects prompt epithermal neutrons returning from thermal fissioning of 235U in the formation. A NaI detector monitors gamma rays above a 3 MeV threshold produced by capture of thermal neutrons in the formation. Signals from both detectors go to uphole multiscalers which record the number of counts occurring in each 50 ?s interval for 3.2 ms after the neutron burst. Analysis of the epithermal and thermal data can provide assays of uranium concentrations as low as 200 ppm. Various models of the probe have logged hundreds of boreholes in Texas, New Mexico, and Wyoming with improvements being made in reliability, sensitivity, and data analysis. The present models produce about 2-3×108 neutrons per second at 100 pulses per second and can assay at 1 meter per minute.
Negative Regulation of Phagocytosis in Murine Macrophages by the Src Kinase Family Member, Fgr

Ingestion of opsonized pathogens by professional phagocytes results in the generation and release of microbicidal products that are essential for normal host defense. Because these products can result in significant tissue injury, phagocytosis must be regulated to limit damage to the host while allowing for optimal clearance and destruction of opsonized pathogens. To pursue negative regulation of phagocytosis, we assessed the effect of the Src kinase family member, Fgr, on opsonin-dependent phagocytosis by mouse macrophages. We chose Fgr because it is present in high concentrations in circulating phagocytes but is not essential for Fcγ receptor–mediated ingestion by mouse macrophages. Although expression of Fgr both in a macrophage cell line and in primary macrophages significantly attenuates ingestion mediated by Fcγ receptors and CR3, it does not affect macropinocytosis or receptor-mediated endocytosis. This selective effect of Fgr is independent of its tyrosine kinase function. After Fcγ receptor cross-linking, Fgr becomes associated with the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM)–containing receptor, SIRPα (a member of the signal-regulatory protein family, also known as Src homology 2 domain–containing protein tyrosine phosphatase [SHP] substrate 1 [SHPS-1], brain immunoglobulin-like molecule with tyrosine-based activation motifs [BIT], and P84) and potentiates the association of the phosphatase SHP-1 with SIRPα. This association is responsible, at least in part, for decreasing positive signaling essential for optimal phagocytosis. These data demonstrate an important negative regulatory role for this Src kinase family member and suggest that this homeostatic function must be overcome for optimal uptake and clearance of opsonized pathogens.
Meta-stable changes in the output characteristics of high-voltage amorphous silicon thin-film transistors

Abstract We have developed a high-voltage amorphous silicon thin-film transistor by which large drain voltages can be controlled by a low gate voltage. Under certain stress conditions ( V ds high and V gs low), unoptimized devices can undergo a parallel shift in the output characteristics towards higher drain potentials. This “ V x shift” has been studied by comparing numerical computer models to experimental results. Simulations show that the shift is induced by localized negative charge located in the transistor's offset region near the edge of the gate. This charge is the result of extra meta-stable deep traps which are generated by the equilibration of depleted amorphous silicon.
More accurate generalized gradient approximation for solids

We present a nonempirical density functional generalized gradient approximation (GGA) that gives significant improvements for lattice constants, crystal structures, and metal surface energies over the most popular Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) GGA. The functional is based on a diffuse radial cutoff for the exchange hole in real space, and the analytic gradient expansion of the exchange energy for small gradients. There are no adjustable parameters, the constraining conditions of PBE are maintained, and the functional is easily implemented in existing codes.
The effect of Zr on the low-cycle fatigue behavior of NiAl at 1000 K

The effect of a 0.1 at. % alloying addition of Zr on the low-cycle fatigue behavior of polycrystalline NiAl was determined at 1000 K and compared to that of binary NiAl. Samples of binary NiAl and the Zr-doped alloy were processed by either HIP consolidation or extrusion of prealloyed intermetallic powders. The cyclic stress response, cyclic stress-strain behavior, and strain-life relationships were all significantly influenced by the microalloying addition of Zr, regardless of the processing technique. A detailed examination of the post-tested low-cycle fatigue (LCF) samples was conducted by optical and electron microscopy to determine variations in fracture and deformation modes and to characterize any microstructural changes that occurred during LCF testing. Differences in LCF behavior due to the Zr addition are attributed to the strong effect that Zr has on modifying the deformation behavior of the intermetallic.
Microscopy study of the frictional wear of polytetrafluoroethylene

Abstract The tribological failure sequence of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and carbon-fiber-reinforced PTFE was investigated by means of microstructural observation and wear rate measurement under air and water lubricants. A morphological model of the detailed wear processes involved is presented to explain the observed scanning and transmission electron micrographs and the model is correlated with the measured wear rate data.
Integration over a simplex, truncated cubes, and Eulerian numbers

A method of integrating a function over a simplex is described in which (i) the simplex is first transformed into a right-angled isosceles simplex; (ii) this simplex is dissected into small cubes and truncated cubes; (iii) the integration over the truncated cubes is performed by the centroid method or by Stroud's method, and this requires the use of formulae for the moments of a truncated cube. These formulae are developed and are expressed in terms of Eulerian numbers. In the special case when the truncated cube is itself a right-angled isoceles simplex a new algorithm is given, depending on the discrete Fourier transform, for calculating the moments as polynomials inn wheren is the dimensionality.
Effect of periodontal therapy on spontaneous lymphocyte response and neutrophil chemotaxis in localized and generalized juvenile periodontitis patients

Abstract The etiology and pathogenesis of juvenile periodontitis may involve dysfunctions of the host response. In particular, the neutrophil and the lymphocyte have been implicated in the disease. The purpose of the present study was to examine the in vitro spontaneous lymphocyte response and neutrophil chemotaxis in populations of localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) and generalized juvenile periodontitis (GJP) patients and age- and sex-matched healthy subjects (HS). These laboratory values were also evaluated immediately following and 1 year after periodontal therapy. The results show that spontaneous lymphocyte responses reflecting the autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (AMLR) are depressed for GJP patients. The decreased AMLR in the GJP group appears to represent an abnormal T-cell function which may reflect activity of the periodontal lesion. LJP patients have an increased AMLR response, although h was not statistically significant. I year following active periodontal therapy, spontaneous lymphocyte responsiveness returned to normal in most GJP patients. The increased spontaneous lymphocyte responsiveness of LJP patients was not changed either immediately following active periodontal therapy or 1 year later, LJP and GJP patients exhibited a neutrophil chemotaxis defect when compared lo cells from HS. This neutrophil defect was still observed I year following active therapy.
Impaired Cerebellar Learning in Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Comparative Study of Eyeblink Conditioning in Children with ADHD and Dyslexia

Neuroanatomical and behavioral evidence indicate that the cerebellum is particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. Recent research has shown impairments in eyeblink conditioning in rats following binge-like neonatal ethanol exposure. The neural substrates of eyeblink conditioning have been localized to the cerebellum and related brainstem mechanisms. The present study considered whether heavy prenatal alcohol exposure would result in similar impairments in eyeblink conditioning in children. A related purpose was to determine if eyeblink conditioning could discriminate between children with prenatal alcohol exposure and children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactive disorder or developmental dyslexia. Fifty-three age-matched children [10 prenatal alcohol exposure (FAE), 16 attention deficit hyperactive disordered (ADHD), 14 children with dyslexia (DYS), 13 normal controls] were assessed on eyeblink conditioning in the delay paradigm. Children in the FAE and DYS groups failed to learn the conditioned response, producing longer latencies and poorly timed responses to the conditioning stimulus. Children with ADHD were impaired on measures of adaptively timed responses, although conditioned responses matched normal controls. The results suggest that children prenatally exposed to alcohol have deficits in cerebellar processing similar to those with dyslexia, and that these functional deficits are related to disabilities in learning.
Can the consumption of tomatoes or lycopene reduce cancer risk

Lycopene, a natural antioxidant found predominantly in tomato products, is attracting attention as a cancer prevention agent. Serum and dietary lycopene levels have been found to be inversely related to the incidence of several types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Although the antioxidant properties of lycopene are thought to be primarily responsible for its apparent beneficial effects, other mechanisms may also be involved. We outline the possible mechanisms of action of lycopene and review the current findings of in vitro and in vivo studies in cancer prevention and to some extent treatment. We examine the epidemiologic evidence regarding consumption of tomato and tomato products with the risk of cancer at various sites. Data suggest lycopene may account for or contribute to chemoprevention, but this hypothesis requires further study. Numerous other potentially beneficial compounds are present in tomatoes and complex interactions among multiple components may contribute to the anticancer properties of tomatoes.
EPAR: Energy Performance Augmented Reality models for identification of building energy performance deviations between actual measurements and simulation results

Abstract Building energy performance simulation tools such as EnergyPlus, Ecotect, and eQuest are widely used to model energy performance of existing buildings and assess retrofit alternatives. Nevertheless, predictions from simulations typically deviate from actual measurements. Monitoring actual performance and measuring deviations from simulated data in 3D can help improve simulation accuracy through model calibrations, and in turn facilitate identification of energy performance problem. To do that, this paper presents Energy Performance Augmented Reality (EPAR) modeling that leverages collections of unordered digital and thermal imagery, in addition to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. First, users collect large numbers of digital and thermal imagery from the building under inspection using a single thermal camera. Through an image-based reconstruction pipeline, actual 3D spatio-thermal models are automatically generated and are superimposed with expected building energy performance models generated using CFD analysis through a user-driven process. The outcomes are EPAR models which visualize actual and expected models in a common 3D environment. Within the EPAR models, actual measurements and simulated results can be systematically compared and analyzed. The method is validated on typical residential and instructional buildings. The results demonstrate that EPAR models facilitate calibration of building energy performance models and support detection and analysis of building performance deviations.