cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some remarks on interpolation of analytic functions and logarithmic derivatives

Proof. Let f be the function obtained in Lemma I, and let ~ be the Blaschke product with zero-set (bn)~. It is easily seen that I .~(an) l ~ C31b n -anlF1 -bnan! -z, and further 11 -bnan I ~ 3-2-n,~whence I ~ (an)[ ~ 2n-IC3[bn -Cn ]. Moreover, f(a n) -Wnl < If(a n ) -f(bn)[ + [f(bn) -Wnl ~ 2n+icz[b n -anl + 2nlbn -an[ < 2n+icllbn -anl. Hence, by Lemma I there exists h, analytic for Izl < I, such that f(an)-~(an)h(an)=~, IhI<24C~C["; we take g = f § ~h, C2 = C~ + 24C~CF ~ Now we choose bn so that bn--an]~C. 4-n-l(l-~-pn) -~, and write ~ h : , .~ for the Blaschke products with zero-sets (an)n## U (h~)n=k , respectively, while ~ is the complete product with zero-set (aT~)~ LI (bn)~. LE~A 3. ~'(a~)=--~'(bn)exp~ ~, with l~l~C~2nlb~--a~[.
The morphologic features of diversion colitis: studies of a pediatric population with no other disease of the intestinal mucosa

Studies of diversion colitis have not shown a consistent pattern of histopathologic features, and many descriptions are difficult to interpret because of the presence of underlying intestinal mucosal disease. To define the histologic changes in patients free of other mucosal inflammatory disease, we studied the resected segments of bypassed colorectum from 37 patients with Hirschsprung's disease treated by a two-stage procedure, using rectal biopsy specimens taken for initial diagnosis and trimmings from proximal to the stoma as controls. Biopsy specimens from a further 14 patients of similar age but without colorectal mucosal disease were used as additional controls. The histology of the bypassed segment was abnormal in all patients. Twenty-six had diversion colitis characterized by diffuse follicular lymphoid hyperplasia; lamina propria expansion by plasma cells, lymphocytes, and some neutrophils; cryptitis; reactive epithelium; and mucin depletion. Crypt abscesses, aphthous ulcers, mild architectural distortion, and Paneth cell metaplasia were noted in more severe cases. The remaining 11 patients had mild follicular lymphoid hyperplasia and an increase in lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, with absence of neutrophils, epithelial injury, and other changes seen in diversion colitis, a pattern we term "diversion reaction." Diversion colitis is common in children with a bypassed colorectum. It can be distinguished histologically from other mucosal diseases in most cases. We hypothesize that diversion reaction may be an inevitable consequence of colonocyte nutrient deficiency and that diversion colitis may be superimposed by a second insult, such as a low-grade pathogen.
Lasting neuron depression induced by high potassium and its prevention by low calcium and NMDA receptor blockade.

Abstract Spreading depression-like neuron depolarization was induced in CA1 of hippocampal tissue slices by irrigation with artificial cerebrospinal fluid containing 133.5 mM K+ for 8–40 min. Evoked responses disappeared during irrigation with high-K+ solution. Following 8–20 min irrigation orthodromic responses showed a triphasic recovery cycle: early partial return with evidence of neuron hyperexcitability, then secondary depression and finally slow partial recovery. After 30 min or more of high-K+ exposure, ortho- and antidromic responses remained severely depressed for at least 5.5 to 6.5 h. When, however, the tissue was deprived of calcium, or N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptors were blocked by 10 μM3-((±)-2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP), then evoked responses recovered partially after a 30- or 40-min high-K+ exposure. Post-exposure hyperexcitability was not prevented by CPP. We conclude that prolonged depolarization by elevated K+ causes irreversible neuron damage, which is triggered or accelerated by influx of calcium ions into neurons, mediated in part by NMDA receptor activation.
Regional waste treatment with monolith disposal for low-level radioactive waste

An alternative system is proposed for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste. This system, called REgional Treatment with MOnolith Disposal (RETMOD), is based on integrating three commercial technologies: automated package warehousing, whole-barrel rotary kiln incineration, and cement-based grouts for radioactive waste disposal. In the simplified flowsheet, all the sludges, liquids, resins, and combustible wastes are transported to regional facilities where they are incinerated. The ash is then mixed with special cement-based grouts, and the resulting mixture is poured into trenches to form large waste-cement monoliths. Wastes that do not require treatment, such as damaged and discarded equipment, are prepositioned in the trenches with the waste-cement mixture poured on top. The RETMOD system may provide higher safety margins by conversion of wastes into a solidified low-leach form, creation of low-surface area waste-cement monoliths, and centralization of waste processing into a few specialized facilities. Institutional problems would be simplified by placing total responsibility for safe disposal on the disposal site operator. Lower costs may be realized through reduced handling costs, the economics of scale, simplified operations, and less restrictive waste packaging requirements.
Arginine vasopressin inhibition of cytochrome P450c17 and testosterone production in mouse Leydig cells.

The mechanism of arginine vasopressin (AVP) action in Leydig cells was investigated, and compared to the effects of phorbol-13-myristate-12-acetate (PMA) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Previous reports suggested that AVP inhibits Leydig cell testosterone production at the level of 17α-hydroxylase/C17-lyase activity. The present study confirms and extends these observations, and contrasts the effects of AVP to IL-1. In all experiments, macrophage-depleted Leydig cells were isolated from mice and maintained in primary culture for 5 d prior to initiation of treatments. Leydig cells were treated with 8-Br-cAMP plus increasing concentrations of AVP or IL-1β. AVP caused a significant and dose-dependent inhibition of cAMP-stimulated test-osterone production and P450c17 mRNA expression. IL-1β completely inhibited cAMP-stimulated testosterone production and P450c17 mRNA expression. PMA is a known activator of protein kinase C (PKC) and has been reported to inhibit Leydig cell steroidogenesis. Leydig cells express type V1 vasopressin receptors, which are coupled to PKC activation. The mechanism of IL-1 action in Leydig cells is not understood, but activation of the PKC pathway has been suggested for IL-1 action in other systems. Therefore, the effects of PMA on cAMP-stimulated steroidogenesis were compared to AVP and IL-1. Similar to the effects of AVP, PMA inhibited cAMP-stimulated testosterone production and P450c17 mRNA expression. To assess the possible involvement of PKC in AVP and IL-1 action in Leydig cells, the PKC inhibitor Calphostin C was tested. cAMP-stimulated testosterone production and P450c17 mRNA expression were significantly inhibited by 10 nM AVP (p < 0.05), and this inhibition was reversed by treatment with Calphostin C. Analogous experiments were performed to assess the role of PKC in IL-1 action. In contrast to the results for AVP, Calphostin C did not reverse the inhibitory effects of IL-1 on cAMP-stimulated P450c17 mRNA expression. To assess further PKC activation, myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) phosphorylation was analyzed. Only AVP and PMA, but not IL-1β, caused an increase in MARCKS phosphorylation. These results confirm that AVP and PMA activate PKC and indicate that IL-1 likely does not activate PKC in Leydig cells. The implications of AVP-mediated inhibition of steroidogenesis and potential role of MARCKS phosphorylation are discussed.
Stellar winds, fast rotators, and magnetic acceleration

The assumption that observed mass outflow from a star is due to a magnetically driven wind implies an upper bound on the surface magnetic field strength from regions where the wind originates. Evidence is reported that corroborates Rosendhal's observation of an abrupt change in the velocity-gradient-luminosity relationship for B8 and later supergiants. The smallest upper bounds correspond to later spectral types, for which radiation would be a relatively inefficient mechanism for driving wind; these winds may in fact be magnetically driven. Be stars are prime candidates for magnetically accelerated winds due to large rotation rates and small mass loss rates. Observed flows can be driven by 0.1-10 gauss surface fields. Intense field in fast rotators can lead to dramatic mass loss rates and large terminal velocities; sigma Ori E may be such an object. Finally, the effect of magnetic acceleration on the dispersal of solar nebula is considered. The increased velocities allow the wind to disperse a mass of 90 times the initial outflowing mass in the wind.
Stability of solid-phase selenium species in fly ash after prolonged submersion in a natural river system

Abstract Selenium (Se) chemistry can be very complex in the natural environment, exhibiting different valence states (−2, 0, +4, +6) representing multiple inorganic, methylated, or complexed forms. Since redox associated shifts among most of known Se species can occur at environmentally relevant conditions, it is important to identify these species in order to assess their potential toxicity to organisms. In June of 2009, researchers from the US Army Engineer Research & Development Center (ERDC) conducted investigations of the fly ash spilled 6 months previously into the Emory River at the TVA Kingston Fossil Plant, TN. Ash samples were collected on site from both the original ash pile (that did not move during the levee failure), from the spill zone (including the Emory River), and from the ash recovery ditch (ARD) containing ash removed during dredging cleanup operations. The purpose of this work was to determine the state of Se in the spilled fly ash and to assess its potential for transformation and resultant chemical stability from its prolonged submersion in the river and subsequent dredging. Sequential chemical extractions suggested that the river environment shifted Se distribution toward organic/sulfide species. Speciation studies by bulk XANES analysis on fly ash samples showed that a substantial portion of the Se in the original ash pile had transformed from inorganic selenite to a mixture of Se sulfide and reduced (organo)selenium (Se(-II)) species over the 6-month period. μ-XRF mapping data showed that significant trends in the co-location of Se domains with sulfur and ash heavy metals. Ten-d extended elutriate tests (EETs) that were bubbled continuously with atmospheric air to simulate worst-case oxidizing conditions during dredging showed no discernible change in the speciation of fly ash selenium. The enhanced stability of the organo- and sulfide-selenium species coincided with the mixture of the ash material with humic materials in the river, corresponding with notable shifts in the ash carbon- and nitrogen-functionality.
Simulation of Normal Annual and Diurnal Temperature Oscillations in Non-Mointainous Mainland United States

(...) An empirical model was developed to simulate both average annual air temperatures and average diurnal oscillations of air temperature, at any location within the USA east of the Rocky Mountains and with elevation below 1500 m above sea level. The target region was divided into four zones according to average annual rainfall and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Annual oscillations of the daily mean, maximum, and minimum temperatures for a given location were simulated with single sine-wave equations. The average and amplitude parameters of these equations are calculated from estimates of the monthly maximum and minimum temperature normals of January and July (...)
FIELDWORK ROTATION: A MODEL FOR EDUCATING SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS FOR GERIATRIC SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE

The Geriatric Social Work Practicum Partnership Program was funded to attract graduate students to the field of aging and to strengthen field education in geriatric social work. Rotation was selected to achieve the program's goals to provide students with exposure to the spectrum of care in geriatric social work services. This paper describes the program's experience with rotation, which is the planned and systematic movement of students between two or more field practicum sites and supervision from more than one field instructor. Implementing rotation required the establishment of a university–community partnership. Students' positive reaction to rotation indicates that it warrants further implementation and evaluation
Challenges of ligand identification for riboswitch candidates

Expanding DNA sequence databases and improving methods for comparative analysis are being exploited to identify numerous noncoding RNA elements including riboswitches. Ligands for many riboswitch classes usually can be inferred based on the genomic contexts of representative RNAs, and complex formation or genetic regulation subsequently demonstrated experimentally. However, there are several candidate riboswitches for which ligands have not been identified. In this report, we discuss three of the most compelling riboswitch candidates: the ykkC/ykkD, yybP/ykoY and pfl RNAs. Each of these RNAs is numerous, phylogenetically widespread, and carries features that are hallmarks of metabolite-binding riboswitches, such as a well-conserved aptamer-like structure and apparent interactions with gene regulation elements such as ribosome binding sites or intrinsic transcription termination stems. These RNAs likely represent only a small sampling of the challenging motifs that researchers will encounter as new noncoding RNAs are identified.
Mucosal immunity in human and simian immunodeficiency lentivirus infections

Overwhelming evidence indicates that distinct pathological phenomenon occurs within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of progressively simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected Asian macaques and HIV-infected humans compared with other anatomical sites. Massive loss of GI tract lamina propria CD4 T cells, alteration in the profile of lymphocytic cytokine production, changes in the landscape of GI tract antigen-presenting cells, and variations to the structural barrier of the GI tract are hallmarks of progressive HIV/SIV infections. The pathology within the GI tract results in translocation of microbial products from the lumen of the intestine into peripheral circulation. These translocated microbial products directly stimulate the immune system and exacerbate immune activation and, thus, disease progression. Initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) does not restore completely the immunological abnormalities within the GI tract. This incomplete restoration within the GI tract may contribute to the increased mortality observed within HIV-infected individuals treated for decades with cART. Novel therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing GI tract anatomy and physiology may improve the prognosis of HIV-infected individuals.
Two spontaneously transformed cell lines derived from the same hamster embryo culture

From a single primary culture of pooled hamster embryos, two morphologically distinct, malignant cell lines have evolved in the absence of experimentally applied selective factors, chemical, physical or viral. The cells of both sublines are male. One subline, designated Nil-1, is extremely pleomorphic with lobulated nuclei and micronuclei. It was tumorigenic at the 35th passage (18 weeks) after initiation of the primary culture. The second subline, designated Nil-2, is fibroblastic and required 30–45 more subcultures than Nil-1 to become tumorigenic. The malignant properties of Nil-1 and Nil-2 were not correlated with any specific chromosome changes. At a time when Nil-2 cells were still sensitive to contact inhibition and were not tumorigenic, they could be transformed by polyoma virus but not by SV40. The parent primary culture, however, was susceptible to transformation by SV40. Neither subline contained SV5 or lymphocytic choriomeningitis viral antigen or specific complement fixing antigen induced by polyoma virus, SV40, Rous sarcoma virus or adenovirus types 7, 12, 18, 21, or 31. No cytopathogenic agent and no mycoplasma could be isolated from the parent culture or sublires; no new transplantation antigen could be demonstrated. The possibilities in the etiology of the transformation are discussed.
Depth limits of breath hold diving(an example of fennology)

Abstract It is generally accepted that the depth to which a breath hold diver can descend is determined by the ratio of the RV to the TLC. If the diver descends farther, it is predicted that he would develop a “thoracic squeeze” as the intrathoracic pressure became less than the ambient pressure. The fact that divers have gone to depths at which the lung volume must have been less than 20% of the surface volume suggests that some mechanism other than a decrease of the thoracic cage to RV must occur. The subject in the present study started each dive after expiring maximally. He was able to go as deep as 4.75 m without the development of a significant difference between the esophageal pressure and the ambient pressure at depth, both measured and recorded directly. These experiments indicated that the gas volume must have been compressed from the subjectś RV of 2.0 litres to 1.4 litre. It is suggested that this change of 600 cc could be due to a shift of blood from the peripheral to the central circulation. This additional mechanism of gas compression would help explain manś demonstrated ability to dive to 65 m.
Enzymic characteristics and effects of testosterone treatment on nucleolar and chromatin-associated histone phosphokinase activity of rat ventral prostate☆

Abstract Histone phosphokinase activity is present in nucleoli and chromatin isolated from nuclei of rat ventral prostate. The activity (utilizing lysine-rich histone as substrate) in each of these subnuclear fractions is maximal at pH 8.0–8.2, is optimally stimulated in the presence of dithiothreitol and NaCl, and requires Mg 2+ . Enzymic properties described for the histone phosphokinase activities are similar for nucleolus and chromatin, but are different from those demonstrated by kinases which readily phosphorylate phosvitin. Histone phosphokinase activity of the nucleolus declines about 18% at 24 h and 45% at 48 h post orchiectomy. This decrease in activity is prevented by testosterone replacement therapy. Chromatin-associated histone phosphokinase activity also declines following orchiectomy (21% at 48 h and 66% by 96 h). Thus, the rates of decline of nueleolar and chromatin-associated histone phosphokinase activity in orchiectomized rats described here are slower compared to the enzymic activity toward acidic protein substrates. This further suggests that changes in androgenic status results in differential effects on the protein phosphokinase reactions associated with the prostatic nucleus.
Suppression of natural killer (NK) cell activity of spleen cells by thymocytes

The in vitro influence of thymus cells on natural killer cell activity of spleen cells against prelabeled target cells (YAC-I and RL♂I) has been studied in syngeneic as well as in allogeneic murine models. In mixing experiments to demonstrate suppression, total thymocytes have been found to have no effect on NK activity of syngeneic or allogeneic spleen cells. Among several thymocyte fractions separated by velocity sedimentation, a relatively faster sedimenting fraction showed remarkable suppression of NK activity by spleen cells against two target cells. The suppressive effect of this particular fraction on NK activity was demonstrated to be proportional to the cell dose. The suppressive function was resistant to irradiation at 1000 or 2000 rad administered in vitro and was not restricted by the major histocompatibility complex. Moreover, the thymocyte fraction which induced suppression was not sensitive to NK-mediated cytolysiś by syngeneic spleen cells. The suppression of NK cytolysis in vitro by certain subpopulations of thymocytes as observed in the present studies may be consistent with a role for the thymus in regulating NK activity in vivo.
The information content of discounts and premiums on closed-end fund shares

Abstract This paper investigates the extent to which discounts and premiums provide information about future expected rates of return on closed-end investment company shares. It is found that discounted fund shares, adjusted for risk, tended to outperform the market in the period 1940 to 1975. Funds selling at a premium appear to have been bad investments over the same time period. On the basis of these results it is argued that the two-parameter capital asset pricing model does not describe the return generating process of closed-end funds. Other potential areas to search for breakdowns in two-parameter pricing are suggested.
Genetic variation in androgen regulation of ornithine decarboxylase gene expression in inbred strains of mice

Previous studies have indicated that androgen regulation of certain gene products in murine kidney is genetically controlled. In the present work, the expression of renal ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) gene(s) was used as a biological marker to study androgen responsiveness of eight inbred strains of mice (A/J, C57BR/cdJ, 129/J, C57L/J, BALB/cJ, SM/J, RF/J, and C57BL/6J). Kidneys of untreated females from these strains did not have significantly different basal ODC activities or ODC mRNA concentrations. However, renal enzyme concentrations in intact male mice exhibited marked strain-dependent variation; three strains (RF/J, SM/J, and C57BR/cdJ) had 5- to 20-fold higher activities than the other five strains. Renal ODC mRNA content showed similar genetic variability in the male mice; animals with highest enzyme activity had higher mRNA levels than those with low activity. These results could not be explained by differences in either serum testosterone levels or renal nuclear androgen receptor content, suggesting that the animals were differentially sensitive to endogenous androgens. To evaluate further the androgen regulation of ODC gene expression, female mice were treated with testosterone-releasing implants for 5-7 days. The two strains (A/J and C57BL/6J) that had low enzyme activity in response to endogenous testosterone in male mice also showed blunted responses to exogenous androgen administration, as measured by the induction of ODC and its mRNA. The relative distribution of the two mRNA species coding for ODC (2.2 and 2.7 kb in size) exhibited strain-dependent variation that did not, however, correlate with the androgen responsiveness. Studies of the mRNA levels in reciprocal F1 hybrids of C57BR/cdJ and C57BL/6J mice suggested that androgen sensitivity of ODC gene expression, at least in these crosses, was inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.
Updated estimates of healthcare utilization and costs among perinatally HIV-infected children

Objectives: This study examined changes in healthcare use among perinatally HIV-infected children and developed new estimates of expected lifetime treatment costs. Methods: The study analyzed longitudinal medical record data from the Pediatric Spectrum of Disease study on perinatally HIV-infected children enrolled in 6 US sites during 1995 and 2001 for enrollee characteristics including healthcare utilization. For the year 2001, costs were assigned to hospitalization, HIV-related drug usage, and laboratory testing. To estimate lifetime treatment costs based on those categories, median survival times of 9, 15, and 25 years were assumed and average annual healthcare utilization costs were applied to each year of survival. Results: From 1995 to 2001, hospitalization rates fell from 0.67 per child-year to 0.23 per child-year (P < 0.05). In 2001, the average cost of healthcare utilization per child was $12,663, including $2164 for hospitalization, $9505 for HIV-related drugs, and $994 for laboratory tests. The discounted lifetime treatment cost, based on those 3 cost categories, was $113,476 for 9 years of survival, $151,849 for 15 years, and $228,155 for 25 years. Conclusions: Hospitalizations among perinatally HIV-infected children decreased significantly from 1995 to 2001. Compared with previously published estimates, lifetime treatment costs for children perinatally infected with HIV have remained relatively stable. However, as years of survival increase for this population, lifetime costs also are likely to increase.
Characterization of a SV40-transformed rheumatoid synovial fibroblast cell line which retains genotypic expression patterns: A model for evaluation of anti-arthritic agents

A chimeric Adenovirus-Simian Virus 40 (AdSV40) containing the large T antigen was used to transform rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts. A rheumatoid synovial fibroblast cell line was established by infection of primary rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fibroblasts at Passage 10 with AdSV40 recombinants followed by selection in semisoft agarose cultures. The transformed cells grew anchor independent, exhibited continuous proliferation (>65 passages) in monolayer culture, and formed multiple visible foci.
Design principles and algorithm development for two types of NextGen airborne conflict detection and collision avoidance

As the aviation community moves toward the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), the current Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II) may become inadequate. This paper describes two types of algorithms that use Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) as the surveillance source for future airborne collision avoidance systems (CASs). The first type, denoted by NextCAS I, estimates the range, range rate, altitude and altitude rate from the ADS-B state vector information but maintains much of the detection and all of the resolution logic structure of the current TCAS. The second type, denoted by NextCAS II, provides a novel approach to detection and resolution of air traffic conflicts in the 3-dimensional (3-D) airspace between two aircraft. The inputs to the detection algorithm are the current 3-D position and speed vector of both aircraft and a cylindrical minimum safety protection zone (PZ) around the conflicting aircraft. For a CAS, the size of the configurable PZ can be assigned values that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) considers as a near mid-air collision (NMAC1) incident. When available, additional inputs, such as measurement uncertainties and intruder type (e.g., manned/unmanned), can be used to alter the default protection zone. The conflict detection takes into account the 3-D encounter (e.g., closure rate, miss distance, relative converging maneuver). The resolution algorithm initially computes a set of six resolution advisories (RAs) and associated resolution alert times that ensure no violation of the protection zone. The six resolutions consist of three sets of two maneuvers related to: ground track (left, right), forward speed (speed up, slow down), and vertical speed (climb, descend). The 1 NMAC - The NMAC is defined by a cylindrical volume with a radius of 500 ft and a height of 200 ft, centered on each aircraft. initial solutions take into account ownship capability (i.e., max climb/descent rate, max turn rate, max speed/stall speed) and ownship pilot response delay (e.g., autonomous vs. manual RA execution). These six solutions are subsequently down-selected in two steps: first, based on the encounter geometry, a single implicitly coordinated, independent solution is selected for each of the three dimensions; then, based on ownship preferences and operational considerations, a final RA solution is selected.
Steady-state heat transfer from slab-on-grade floors with vertical insulation

Abstract The steady-state temperature field distribution beneath a vertically insulated slab is derived using the Interzone Temperature Profile Estimation (ITPE) technique. A water table is considered at a finite depth below the soil surface. The heat flux variation along the slab is discussed as well as the effect of vertical insulation length and value on the total heat losses from the slab-on-grade floor. It is shown that when the depth and/or the thermal resistance of the vertical insulation increases, slab heat loss decreases following the law of diminishing returns. The water table level was found to have a significant effect on total slab heat loss.
Epistemic Similarities between Students' Scientific and Supernatural Beliefs.

The evidential support for scientific claims is quantitatively and qualitatively superior to that for supernatural claims, yet students may not appreciate this difference in light of the fact that both types of claims are learned in similar ways (through testimony rather than firsthand observation) and perform similar functions (explaining observed phenomena in terms of unobservable entities). The present study addressed this issue by comparing students' scientific beliefs with their supernatural beliefs along 4 dimensions of epistemic import: personal confidence, perceived consensus, means of justification, and openness to revision. Participants' scientific beliefs were strongly differentiated from their supernatural beliefs along the dimensions of confidence and consensus but only weakly differentiated along the dimensions of justification and revision, particularly for participants with (a) higher levels of supernatural belief and (b) lower levels of understanding of the nature of science. Moreover, participants' confidence in both types of beliefs was associated with their consensus estimates but not with their ability to cite evidence in support of, or potentially in conflict with, those beliefs. These findings imply that many students' scientific beliefs are qualitatively similar to their supernatural beliefs, despite self-perceptions to the contrary.
Improved Oxygenation of Ischemic Myocardium by Hemodilution with Stroma-Free Hemoglobin Solution

Experiments were conducted in anesthetized open-chest dogs subjected to occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery for three hours. The oxygenation of myocardial tissue was monitored by a polarographic technique capable of recording simultaneously the oxygen tension (Po 2 ) of myocardial tissue and electrograms. Ischemic injury was monitored by means of ST-segment elevations on myocardial and epicardial electrograms. The volume of the myocardial infarct was measured at the end of each experiment by incubation of transverse slices of left ventricle in a solution of nitroblue tetrazolium and by separation of the unstained (ischemic) from the stained (normal) portions. In one group of dogs, hemodilution was performed after 15 minutes of ischemia by exchanging blood with a stroma-free hemoglobin solution (from a hematocrit reading of 45 ± 3 percent to 23 ± 2 percent). Changes occurring in this group were compared with those occurring in dogs that did not undergo hemodilution, underwent hemodilution with dextran 75, or were transfused with whole blood. Hemodilution with hemoglobin reduced aortic and left ventricular filling pressures while increasing coronary blood flow, increased myocardial Po 2 from 2 ± 2 mm Hg to 8 ± 2 mm Hg (P
Advancing Sensor Technology for Aerospace Propulsion

NASA's Stennis Space Center (SSC) and Glenn Research Center (GRC) participate in the development of technologies for propulsion testing and propulsion applications in air and space transportation. Future transportation systems and the test facilities needed to develop and sustain them are becoming increasingly complex. Sensor technology is a fundamental pillar that makes possible development of complex systems that must operate in automatic mode (closed loop systems), or even in assisted-autonomous mode (highly self-sufficient systems such as planetary exploration spacecraft). Hence, a great deal of effort is dedicated to develop new sensors and related technologies to be used in research facilities, test facilities, and in vehicles and equipment. This paper describes sensor technologies being developed and in use at SSC and GRC, including new technologies in integrated health management involving sensors, components, processes, and vehicles.
Multiple projections from the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body in the rat.

Abstract An analysis of the central projections of the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body (VNTB) in the rat, a region of the superior olivary complex known for its neuronal heterogeneity, was made using two anterograde axonal tracers, [ 3 H]leucine and biotinylated dextran amine (BDA). A mixture of these tracers was injected iontophoretically into the VNTB and the results analyzed by first assessing magnitudes of autoradiographic signal in nuclei receiving projections and then identifying the axons and terminals responsible for this signal in parallel sets of sections processed for BDA. Our analysis showed that in addition to its projections to each cochlea via the olivocochlear bundle, the VNTB has 3 major central sites of axonal terminations: (1) the cochlear nucleus, particularly the molecular layer of the contralateral dorsal cochlear nucleus, (2) the contralateral lateral superior olive, and (3) the ipsilateral inferior colliculus. Other sites receiving projections from the VNTB included the VNTB itself and the nuclei of the lateral leminiscus. Significantly, the relative magnitudes of labeling within the nuclei receiving inputs from the VNTB varied consistently as a function of the dorsoventral location of the injection site, confirming previous work showing that there is a partial segregation within this nucleus of neurons according to their projections. Our data also revealed an orderly topographic pattern of projections to the cochlear nuclei, lateral superior olive and the inferior colliculus which is consistent with the known tonotopic organization both of the VNTB and these projection targets. Methodologically, the co-injection of two tracers was advantageous in that patterns of silver grains in autoradiographs could be used to confirm whether axons and terminals labeled with BDA had originated from labeled somata at the injection site or were the result of uptake of BDA by fibers of passage.
Cluster analysis of a regional-scale soil geochemical dataset in northern California

Abstract A regional-scale soil geochemical study was conducted within a 22,000 km 2 area in northern California including the Sierra Nevada, Sacramento Valley, and northern Coast Range. Over 1300 soil samples were chemically analyzed for 42 elements. The distribution of distinct groups of elements demonstrates the interplay of geologic, hydrologic, geomorphologic and anthropogenic factors; however, it is difficult to fully appreciate the complexity of geochemical transport and weathering processes on a landscape-scale in an area of very complex geology with such a large dataset containing more than 40 variables. To examine the data from a perspective of multi-element groupings, cluster analyses were applied to the dataset. The analysis identified several groups of elements whose spatial patterns could be related to specific geologic sources.
Temporal and spatial properties of the time-varying speckles of botanical specimens

Techniques for measuring time-varying biospeckle of botanical specimens are investigated. Experimental evidence on the probability density function is presented. Several applicable techniques, such as power spectral density and correlation, are used for measuring and analyzing the temporal speckle intensity variations. These techniques are shown to exhibit information about the shelf life and aging of some botanical specimens used in our study. We also present a new phenomena related to the spatial properties of time-varying speckles. Theoretical and experimental results on the size of a speckle in a speckle pattern and its relation to the temporal intensity variation are also detailed.
Sulfoconjugation of steroids and the vascular pathway of communication in dogfish testis

The zonal testis of the dogfish (Squalus acanthias) has proven advantageous to study biochemical changes in relation to stage of spermatogenesis, including information on steroidogenic enzymes and steroid receptors. To investigate whether sulfotransferase is part of a mechanism regulating the availability of biologically active hormone in close proximity to receptors, we measured in vitro conversion of [3H]estrone (E1) to sulfoconjugated metabolites in cytosolic subfractions of testes grossly dissected according to germ cell composition (premeiotic-PrM, meiotic-M, and postmeiotic-PoM stages). Assays were carried out in the presence of adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) at 22 degrees C and optimized for time (60 min) and protein (500 micrograms/ml). Michaelis-Menten kinetics and saturation analysis gave the following reaction constants for [3H]E1: Km = 0.33 microM, Vmax = 2.5 pmol/min/mg; and for PAPS: Km = 33 microM, Vmax = 1.1 pmol/min/mg; competition studies carried out in the absence or presence of 1- or 5-fold excess radioinert steroids indicated that estrogen (E2 > E1) as well as androgens (T = DHEA > 5 alpha dihydrotestosterone, DHT) were effective inhibitors. Sulfotransferase activity was found to be stage-related, being highest in PoM regions (2.31 +/- 0.24 pmol/min/mg protein) when compared to M and PrM regions (1.22 +/- 0.22 and 1.28 +/- 0.21 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively). Sulfoconjugation and the intratesticular distribution of steroid sulfates were also measured in vivo by perfusion of the intact testis with [3H]androgen or -estrogen. The pathway of blood flow via the genital artery was epigonal organ-->PoM-->M-->PrM (mature-->immature). Perfused [3H]E2, T, and DHT were all extensively metabolized in a one-pass, 1 hr perfusion, less than 10% of perfused [3H] steroid being recovered from testicular tissues as unchanged steroid. In general, recovery of polar metabolites was greater than non-polar metabolites from all three substrates. Sequential hydrolysis with glucuronidase and glusulase indicated that sulfoconjugation is a minor component (< 20%) of several "inactivating" pathways, which include glucuronide conjugation, 17-ketosteroid synthesis, and pathways leading to unidentified polar metabolites. No consistent stage-related distribution patterns were observed for any of the metabolite subfractions; however, total recovered radioactive steroid (polar plus non-polar) formed a decreasing concentration gradient from point of entry of perfusate (PoM region) to point of exit (PrM region). These data support the conclusion that access to receptors by steroid ligands may be controlled by a balance between activating and inactivating pathways.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Picogram determination of finasteride in human plasma and semen by high-performance liquid chromatography with atmospheric-pressure chemical-ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract A method based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with atmospheric-pressure positive-ion chemical ionization (APCI)—tandem mass spectrometric (MS—MS) detection for the determination of finasteride (MK-906, I) in human plasma and semen has been developed. The drug and internal standard (II) were extracted from biological matrices using a single solid-phase cyano cartridge. The eluent from the cartridge was injected directly onto the a 33 × 4.6 mm I.D. C 18 , 3-μm column coupled with a base deactivated C 18 20 × 4.6 mm I.D., 5-μm guard column. The column eluate was passed into the corona discharge APCI source by means of a heated nebulizer interface. The analyte and its internal standard were detected using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode for enhanced selectivity and sensitivity. The chromatographic run time was 3 min, and the method had sufficient sensitivity, precision, accuracy and selectivity for the analysis of clinical samples containing finasteride at concentration of 0.2 ng/ml. The assay methodology confirms the versatility of APCI—MS—MS detection, combined with HPLC, for the quantitation of selected drugs in the sub-ng/ml range in biological fluids.
Perinatal exposure to 19-Nor-17α-ethynyltestosterone (norethindrone) influences morphology and aggressive behavior of female mice

Abstract Pregnant mice were injected with 50 or 100 μg of the synthetic progestin 19-nor-17α-ethynyltestosterone (NET) on Days 14 through 17 of gestation. Others received only the vehicle or were left undisturbed. Exposure to NET during the prenatal period increased anogenital distance of the female offspring as measured on Day 60 but did not influence the duration of adult testosterone (T) exposure required to activate male-like intraspecific fighting behavior. In a second experiment, female mice were exposed to NET either prenatally, postnatally (Day 1), or pre- and postnatally. Exposure during both pre- and postnatal periods increased anogenital distance but only the exposure during the postnatal period enhanced later behavioral sensitivity to the aggression-activating property of T. Thus, NET is similar to testosterone in its ability to virilize morphology and behavior, although, at the dosages administered, behavioral alternation only occurred as a result of treatment during the neonatal period.
Novel Changes in Discoidal High Density Lipoprotein Morphology: A Molecular Dynamics Study

ApoA-I is a uniquely flexible lipid-scavenging protein capable of incorporating phospholipids into stable particles. Here we report molecular dynamics simulations on a series of progressively smaller discoidal high density lipoprotein particles produced by incremental removal of palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine via four different pathways. The starting model contained 160 palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholines and a belt of two antiparallel amphipathic helical lipid-associating domains of apolipoprotein (apo) A-I. The results are particularly compelling. After a few nanoseconds of molecular dynamics simulation, independent of the starting particle and method of size reduction, all simulated double belts of the four lipidated apoA-I particles have helical domains that impressively approximate the x-ray crystal structure of lipid-free apoA-I, particularly between residues 88 and 186. These results provide atomic resolution models for two of the particles produced by in vitro reconstitution of nascent high density lipoprotein particles. These particles, measuring 95 A and 78 A by nondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, correspond in composition and in size/shape (by negative stain electron microscopy) to the simulated particles with molar ratios of 100:2 and 50:2, respectively. The lipids of the 100:2 particle family form minimal surfaces at their monolayer-monolayer interface, whereas the 50:2 particle family displays a lipid pocket capable of binding a dynamic range of phospholipid molecules.
Changing the Rules for Determining Child Custody in Divorce Cases

Mental health professionals who conduct child custody evaluations in divorce face two huge problems. First, available assessment methods are sharply limited. Second and more basically, the legal standard guiding child custody determinations, the best-lnterests-of-the-child test, is a vague directive that presents major, perhaps impossible problems for custody evaluators—and for the judicial system. Given these circumstances, one solution for mental health professionals Is to refuse to participate in the custody decision-making process. In this commentary, I argue for a more positive solution: changing the system rather than working (or refusing to work) under it. Two especially promising ways of changing the system for deciding custody in divorce are to (1) promote divorce mediation and other forms of private dispute resolution, and (2) adopt a new legal standard, the approximation rule.
Mandatory retirement: Ideas in the study of Christian origins whose time has come to go

Historians of ancient Christianity routinely describe its social and religious environment by relying on certain common-sense academic terms. In this essay, the author argues that four of these termis—conversion, nationalism, religio licita ("legit cult") and monotheism—in fact import anachronism and distortion into historical descriptions of the cultural context of Christianity and its origins, in the end obscuring precisely the evidence that they are mobilized to illumine. In making the argument that these terms be dropped, the author also presents a synthetic reconstruction of the ways that Jews, Christians and pagans interacted during the formative centuries of the new movement.
Rapid method for analysis of aspirin-butalbital in serum utilizing a monolithic C18 column

Abstract A fast and sensitive high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay was developed for the simultaneous determination of aspirin–butalbital in human serum. Serum samples were treated with a solid phase extraction procedure. The analytes were separated using a mobile phase of 90:10 (v/v) 0.1 M aqueous potassium phosphate monobasic (pH 4)‐acetonitrile on a monolithic C18 column with UV detection at 220 nm. Benzoic acid was used as the internal standard (IS). The method was validated over the range of 0.5–100 µg mL−1 for each drug. The method proved to be accurate (percent bias for all calibration samples varied from −13 to 6.6%) and precise (range from 0.1% to 10%). The mean percent absolute recoveries were 104 ± 6.3 for aspirin, 92.6 ± 5.5 for butalbital and 106 ± 6.9 for the internal standard. The assay should be applicable for use in pharmacokinetic studies and routine serum monitoring of these drugs.
The low temperature, rapid dissolution of gellan away from root cultures

A buffer system consisting of 50 mM Tris-HCl-TRIZMA base plus 10 mM EDTA was used to rapidly dissolve gellan gels used for maintaining transformed carrot root cultures. The optimum conditions of pH 7.5 in the presence of 10 mM EDTA for dissolving gellan were first worked out on a model test system containing 0.4% gellan, 0.025% MgSO4·7H2O, and blue dye. The conditions were then tested on gellan gels (0.2% gellan plus nutrients) containing carrot roots. This gel dissolution system was rapid (18 to 20 min), did not require heating, and could also be efficiently performed at 4 °C. Furthermore, the buffer system used for gel dissolution is a standard one used for plant cell fractionation studies.
READING DISABILITY: TEACHING THROUGH STIMULATION OF DEFICIT PERCEPTUAL AREAS

A crossover experiment, using the method of stimulation of deficit perceptual areas, is designed to determine whether perception can be modified by training and whether increased accuracy of perception is reflected in improved reading achievement. The method itself is discussed in terms of historical and experimental antecedents. Experimental design, training procedures, and case materials are described.
Graphene and The Advent of Other Layered-2D Materials for Nanoelectronics, Photonics and Related Applications

Carbon-based nanostructures have been the center of intense research and development for more than two decades now. Of these materials, graphene, a two-dimensional (2D) layered material system, has had a significant impact on science and technology in recent years after it was experimentally isolated in single layers in 2004. The recent emergence of other classes of 2D layered systems beyond graphene has added yet more exciting and new dimensions for research and exploration given their diverse and rich spectrum of properties. For example, h-BN a layered material closest in structure to graphene, is an insulator, while NbSe, a transition metal dichalcogenide is metallic and monolayers of other transition metal di-chalcogenides such as MoS2 are direct band-gap semiconductors. The rich variety of properties that 2D layered material systems offer can potentially be engineered on-demand, and creates exciting prospects for their device and technological applications ranging from electronics, sensing, photonics, energy harvesting and flexible electronics in the near future.