cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Taste fiber responses during reinnervation of fungiform papillae.

Crushing or transecting the chorda tympani nerve of the gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) caused ipsilateral degeneration of taste buds in the fungiform papillae. In less than two weeks some taste fibers regenerated into the tongue and formed new taste buds and receptor cells. The recovery process was evaluated electrophysiologically in 53 gerbils by acute recording proximal to the nerve injury site. Initially the chorda tympani was electrically silent. In gerbils tested at later times spontaneous activity appeared. This was followed by responses to pressure on the tongue. Taste responses returned as early as dasy 11. The receptive field of regenerated taste fibers was limited to a small number of fungiform papillae. Taste responses were always associasted with the presence of one or more taste buds in the receptive field. Taste buds identified as responsive to chemicals contained some fusiform cells. We found thast the taste responses of single fiber, few-fiber and multi-unit preparations reflected the diversity of responses found in normal taste axons as determined by recording from 26 normal single fibers and 27 normal whole nerves. The early emergence of a variety of fiber types and responses to many chemicals in regeneration is inconsistent with the proposition that the relative chemical responsiveness of a receptor cell is strictly a function of its age; the response of a given young taste receptor is not necessarily limited to a few of the standard taste stimulants.
Associations between Nonverbal Behaviors and Initial Impressions of Instructor Competence and Course Content in Videotaped Distance Education Courses

This study investigates the relationship between nonverbal behavior and initial impressions of instructor competence and course content within the context of instructional videotapes used in distance education courses. Four 10‐minute segments of introductory lectures from videotaped distance education courses were shown to 8 undergraduate classes in speech communication, with 2 classes viewing each videotape. After watching the videotapes, the 180 students rated the instructor's involvement/enthusiasm, expressiveness/warmth, fluency/ composure, articulation/clarity, and eye contact. Students also judged the instructor's competence (in terms of likability and trustworthiness) and the course content (in terms of interest and value). In line with our hypotheses, results indicated that instructors who are viewed as expressive, warm, and involved are most likely to be judged as highly competent. In addition, when instructors are expressive, warm, involved, and articulate, their course content is likely to be j...
Crystal growth of intermediate-molecular-mass poly(ethylene oxide) fractions from the melt

Abstract Linear crystal growth rates of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) fractions crystallized from the melt have been measured in an intermediate-molecular-mass range (MW = 23 000−105 000). Regime phenomena have been observed during crystallization. Regime II/III transitions occur at ΔT = 17.5±0.5 K and regime I/II transitions appear at ΔT = 10±0.5 K for those fractions for which the equilibrium melting temperature of 342.2 K for PEO crystals is used. Interestingly, we have found that in these PEO fractions reversion from regime I back to regime II exists even at a lower supercooling of 8.5±0.5 K. Detailed kinetic analyses of the data demonstrate the suitability of the present nucleation theory. The molecular-mass dependence of the PEO fraction has also been discussed. Morphological changes can be observed along with regime transitions of PEO crystal growth.
NO may prompt calcium leakage in dystrophic muscle.

A remote, downstream event in the pathology of muscular dystrophy may have a key role in the disease (pages 325–330). It seems that induction of nitric oxide synthase causes calcium to leak inside the cell through ryanodine receptors. The findings provide new options for therapeutic interventions.
Differential role of the carboxy-terminus of the A2B adenosine receptor in stimulation of adenylate cyclase, phospholipase Cβ, and interleukin-8

In human mast cells and microvascular endothelial cells, the A2B adenosine receptor controls at least three independent signaling pathways, i.e., Gs-mediated stimulation of adenylate cyclase, Gq-mediated stimulation of phospholipase Cβ, and Gs/Gq-independent upregulation of IL-8. Functional analysis of cells transfected with full-length and truncated receptor constructs revealed that the A2B receptor C-terminus is important for coupling to Gs and Gq proteins. Removal of the entire cytoplasmic portion in the A2B receptor C-terminus rendered it incapable of stimulating adenylate cyclase and phospholipase Cβ. Conversely, removal of the distal 16 amino acids facilitated signal transduction from the receptor to the downstream Gs but not Gq proteins. However, the A2B receptor C-terminus is not essential for upregulation of IL-8. Analysis of chimeric A2A/A2B receptors demonstrated that only chimeras containing the third intracellular loop of the A2B receptor mediated agonist-dependent IL-8 reporter stimulation, suggesting that this domain is important for upregulation of IL-8.
The saturated methyl branched fatty acids of adult human skin surface lipid

In adult human skin surface lipid, the saturated branched fatty acids are made up of the same type of compounds present in vernix caseosa lipid but in different amounts. This implies that these compounds are truly endogenous products of the adult human being. The basic carbon skeletons of these compounds are normal even, normal odd, iso even, iso odd and anteiso odd (‘even’ and ‘odd’ referring to the number of C-atoms in the chain). The internal portion of each type of chain can contain additionally mainly one but sometimes two and rarely even three methyl branches all located on the even numbered C-atoms from the carboxyl group. The 4-methyl position is favored. These internal methyl branched acids are most likely biosynthesized by substitution of an occasional methylmalonyl-CoA for malonyl-CoA by the appropriate starter after the chain has been begun to yield the five basic carbon skeletal types of chain listed above. Thus, by varying the starter, the chain length, and the position of the internal methyl branch, numerous acids are formed even though they constitute only about 11% of the total saturated acids of AHSSL. It is postulated that these acids are made in slightly different amounts for each individual and constitute a part of his ‘chemical signature’.
FURTHER STUDIES ON ROLE OF REPETITION IN ASSOCIATIVE LEARNING

Several studies were run utilizing a single test for recall after the presentation of paired-associates. Three exposures of the pairs, prior to rest, produced significantly better recall than one exposure, with total time held constant. The facilitating effect of frequency was enhanced when the list was repeated as a block, compared to exposing each of the pairs three times in succession. In addition, the superior recall produced by such block presentation was not altered by either fixing or varying the order of the pairs within the list. Finally, the additional rehearsal time afforded by repetition positively affected learning of items but had no influence upon the associative process.
The Actions of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on Transforming Growth Factor-β2Promoter Activity Are Localized to the TATA Box Binding Region and Controlled through a Tyrosine Kinase-Dependent Pathway

Abstract 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a widespread environmental contaminant and suspected human carcinogen, is believed to act by altering expression of a number of genes involved in cell growth control. In a previous study, we demonstrated the transcriptional down regulation of transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2) by TCDD. To identify the region of the TGF-β2promoter necessary for the observed down-regulation by TCDD, we studied the effect of TCDD on a series of TGF-β2gene promoter deletions ranging from 1391 to 64 base pairs upstream of the transcription start site. We demonstrate that the effect of TCDD on TGF-β2promoter activity is localized to the TATA box sequence. The effect of TCDD on TGF-β2transcription is dose-dependent, exhibiting saturation kinetics maximal by 10 n M . Time course experiments show that the maximum decrease (30–50%) in promoter activity by a 10 n M dose of TCDD is complete by 24 hr. DNAase I footprinting and gel shift experiments indicate a single shifted protein complex in this region that we conclude is the transcription initiation complex. TCDD does not appear to significantly alter this complex suggesting that gross alterations in the proteins associated with this sequence do not occur. Treatment of the cells with various protein kinase inhibitors had no significant effect on the TCDD-induced decrease in promoter activity with the exception of genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Genistein reverses the effect of TCDD on TGF-β2promoter activity back to control levels. Thus, TCDD can modulate gene transcription by acting at the transcription initiation complex via a tyrosine kinase-dependent pathway.
Flux through silicone and human skin fitted to a series/parallel model.

Background: Recent reports of the good correlation between maximum flux through human skin in vitro from water, JMHAQ, and maximum flux through silicone from water, JMPAQ, demand that the mechanism of maximum flux across these two apparently quite different membranes be compared to understand the bases of the correlation. Results/discussion: A n = 70 log JMPAQ database and a matched n = 55 log JMHAQ database of molecules were found to fit well to a series/parallel model where three parallel solubility dependent pathways existed: a lipid pathway, an aqueous pathway, and a series pathway of alternating lipid and aqueous phases. Conclusion: The results of this analysis surprisingly suggest that the architecture of the two membranes present similar solubility based pathways through which drugs diffuse.
An evaluation of the lap-shear test for Sn-Rich Solder/Cu couples: Experiments and simulation

The lap-shear technique is commonly used to evaluate the shear, creep, and thermal fatigue behavior of solder joints. We have conducted a parametric experimental and modeling study, on the effect of testing and geometrical parameters on solder/copper joint response in lap-shear. It was shown that the farfield applied strain is quite different from the actual solder strain (measured optically). Subtraction of the deformation of the Cu substrate provides a reasonable approximation of the solder strain in the elastic regime, but not in the plastic regime. Solder joint thickness has a profound effect on joint response. The solder response moves progressively closer to “true” shear response with increasing joint thickness. Numerical modeling using finite-element analyses were performed to rationalize the experimental findings. The same lap-shear configuration was used in the simulation. The input response for solder was based on the experimental tensile test result on bulk specimens. The calculated shear response, using both the commonly adopted far-field measure and the actual shear strain in solder, was found to be consistent with the trends observed in the lap-shear experiments. The geometric features were further explored to provide physical insight into the problem. Deformation of the substrate was found to greatly influence the shear behavior of the solder.
Cholesterol induces renal vasoconstriction and anti-natriuresis by inhibiting nitric oxide production in anesthetized rats

Although hypercholesterolemia is implicated in the pathophysiology of many renal disorders as well as hypertension, its direct actions in the kidney are not yet clearly understood. In the present s...
An Analysis of the Treatment of Corporate Influence on Government by United States History and American Government High School Textbooks

This article reports on an investigation to explore the possibility that ideology might be expressed in the treatment of corporate influence on federal government by social studies textbooks. Two textbooks were examined in the study—United States history and American government. Corporate influence involves activities that affect election and appointment of officials and policy decisions. Textbook content was analyzed for bias on the subject. Findings reveal ideological judgments and beliefs in the texts that provide support for corporate activities and economic arrangements conducive to corporate interests. Bias renders these textbooks inadequate for developing students’ understanding of corporate influence on government.
Correlation of greenhouse bioassay with field response to fertilizer by paper birch

Bulk soil samples were collected from the top 15 cm of untreated areas adjacent to field fertilizer trials at 2 locations. Amounts of N, P, K, and lime equivalent to the field treatments were mixed with the soil in 15-cm diameter pots. Paper birch (Betula papyrifera March.) trees were grown from seed for a greenhouse bioassay. Height and dry weight of the bioassay seedlings were significantly correlated with 3-year volume growth of 10-year-old paper birch seedlings in the field. Correlation coefficients were 0.88 for height growth and 0.91 for dry weight growth on one site, and 0.72 and 0.63 on the other. With further refinements and observations on a larger number of sites, this bioassay technique should be a valuable tool for estimating potential response to fertilizer by young paper birch in the field, and for ranking the relative productivity of different soils.
Preparation and thermal stabilities of some metal chelate polymers of naphthazarin

Abstract Metal chelate polymers have been prepared from naphthazarin and the divalent metal ions: cobalt, nickel, zinc, copper and beryllium. The chelates are fine deliquescent powders which are insoluble in a wide variety of polar and non-polar solvents. The metal to ligand ratio is one to one for all chelates, except for the copper chelate which has a ratio of three to four. The cobalt, nickel and zinc chelates are hydrates, while the copper and beryllium chelates are not. Thermal stabilities of the chelates were determined using a manually-operated thermobalance, which was constructed from readily available equipment. The order of thermal stability of the chelates based on procedural decomposition temperatures is: Be > Ni > Zn > Co > Cu. Static heating showed the beryllium and nickel chelates to be stable up to 316°C. An attempt is made to account for the observed order of stability. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to prepare a beryllium-naphthazarin (1:2) complex and also a platinum(II)-naphthazarin complex.
Modified kolmogorov-smirnov tests of goodness of fit

The Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K–S) one-sided and two-sided tests of goodness of fit based on the test statistics D+ n D− n and Dn are equivalent to tests based on taking the cumulative probability of the i–th order statistic of a sample of size n to be (i–.5)/n. Modified test statistics C+ n, C− n and Cn are obtained by taking the cumulative probability to be i/(n+l). More generally, the cumula-tive probability may be taken to be (i−δ)/(n+l−2δ), as suggested by Blom (1958), where 0 less than or equal δ less than or equal .5. Critical values of the test statis-tics can be found by interpolating inversely in tables of the proba-bility integrals obtained by setting a=l/(n+l−2δ) in an expression given by Pyke (1959). Critical values for the D's (corresponding to δ=.5) have been tabulated to 5DP by Miller (1956) for n=1(1)100. The authors have made analogous tabulations for the C's (corresponding to δ=0) [previously tabulated by Durbin (1969) for n=1(1)60(2)100] and for the test statistics E+ n, E− n and En correspo...
A network access control mechanism based on role and behavior

Current Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) can't assign permissions dynamically and can't update access control policies automatically. In this paper we present a new network access control (NAC) mechanism based on role and behavior (RB-NAC) which enhances role-based access control by establishing clusters of behavior to limit permissions of user dynamically and incorporating an incremental-learning algorithm to update the policies without manual intervention. RB-NAC as an enhanced access control mechanism shows its efficient flexibility and scalability in access control.
Focus of attention and locus of control as moderators of fraternal justice effects

The influence of a colleague's performance outcomes on individual's own subsequent performance was investigated. Internal and external locus of control subjects were given information about another person's outcome which indicated two things about organizational standards: how easy or difficult they were to meet and how stringently they were applied. An attentional focus manipulation was employed to influence how subjects used this information. Half of the subjects received a group-focus manipulation and the other half a self-focus one. We proposed that perceived difficulty of standards and stringency of application would interact with attentional focus and subject locus of control to alter subject's own subsequent performances. This expectation was supported by the data. Theoretical and applied implications of this result are discussed.
Abstract A04: HOXB13 regulates androgen receptor expression in prostate cancer

The androgen receptor (AR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-regulated transcription factors, plays a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer. HOXB13, a prostate-specific homeodomain-containing transcription factor, interacts with AR to regulate the cellular response to androgens (Norris et al. Mol Cell 2009). The overexpression of HOXB13 in LNCaP and VCaP cells led to an increased expression of AR at the mRNA and protein levels; upon the reduction of endogenous HOXB13 by siRNA in LNCaP cells and VCaP cells, the amount of AR decreased at the mRNA and protein levels. Conversely, when AR was knocked down with siRNA in LNCaP cells, the level of HOXB13 proteins increased but not mRNA level, indicating that HOXB13 promotes the expression of AR, and AR promotes HOXB13 degradation. HOXB13 promoting AR expression might be one of the mechanisms by which HOXB13 regulates AR function. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Shuangling Chen, William B. Isaacs. HOXB13 regulates androgen receptor expression in prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Third AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; Sep 18-22, 2013; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(19 Suppl):Abstract nr A04.
The goals behind performance goals

Despite decades of research on achievement goals, there is still relatively little known about differences among individuals in their conceptualizations of performance goals and reasons for pursuing them in academic settings. The purpose of the present investigation was to use participants' own words, rather than survey measures or experimental manipulations, to examine the variety of reasons students gave for pursuing performance goals. Fifty-three high school seniors with relatively high scores on a survey measure of performance-avoidance goals were interviewed. Analysis of the interviews revealed that students' reasons for pursuing performance goals could be divided into 4 categories: appearance-approach, appearance-avoidance, competition-approach, and competition-avoidance. Within each of these 4 categories, students mentioned a wide variety of purposes behind their goal pursuits such as wanting to please parents, to silence nay-saying peers, and to prove something to one's self. Implications for achievement goal theory and research methodology are discussed.
Formation of poly(1,1,2,2-tetrahydroperfluorodecyl acrylate) submicron fibers and particles from supercritical carbon dioxide solutions

Rapid expansion from supercritical solution (RESS) of a crystalline fluoropolymer, poly(1,1,2,2-tetrahydroperfluorodecyl acrylate) or poly(TA-N), in carbon dioxide produces submicron to several micron sized particles and fibers. The understanding of the RESS mechanism has been clarified by careful design of experimental variables and procedures. The concentration of the poly(TA-N)/CO 2 solution was held constant (at 0.5 and 2.0 wt %), the solution cloud point curves were obtained, the pre-expansion temperature was varied above and below the cloud point, and the length to diameter (L/D) ratio of the nozzle was varied from 8.5 to 508. The morphology is explained in terms of the location of phase separation within the expansion nozzle. The L/D is the most influential variable for achieving a transition from particles or fibers. In most cases, manipulation of the solution concentration and the pre-expansion temperature did not produce this transition but did have a large effect on the sizes of the particles and fibers. These results are an important step in demonstrating CO 2 -based spray processes which do not require any volatile organic solvents
Microstructural and mechanical characterization of a superplastic 6xxx aluminum alloy

Abstract A new thermomechanical process has been developed which produced a fine grain structure in an Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy. The alloy under investigation falls within the composition limits of both 6013 and 6111. The refined microstructure has an average grain diameter of approximately 10 μm and an average aspect ratio near 1.6. Superplasticity was investigated using ambient pressure, uniaxial tensile tests and cone tests with backpressure. The refined material exhibits superplasticity above 500°C. Uniaxial tests indicated a strain rate sensitivity of 0.5 at 540°C, where the elongation reached 375% for a flow stress of 680 psi (4.7 MPa). Cone tests revealed excellent overall formability, and the suppression of cavitation with backpressure. The effects of strain on grain size and porosity were determined.
Need for better severity indexes of acute myocardial infarction under diagnosis-related groups

Clinical, demographic and administrative data, including length of stay and institutional charges, were examined for 219 patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Neither length of stay nor charges differed among AMI patients with or without cardiovascular complications as defined by Medicare's diagnosis-related group (DRG) categories (DRG 121 and 122, respectively) for patients who are discharged alive. Myocardial enzyme peak levels are the best predictors of hospital resource consumption for patients with AMI when considered alone or in combination with other factors. The "cardiovascular complications" designated by discharge diagnoses did not reflect resource consumption in our patient population. Sixteen percent of the patients studied underwent cardiac catheterization during hospitalization. These patients stayed in the hospital longer and incurred 70% higher charges; nevertheless, they were grouped with the remaining AMI patients in the current DRG formulation. Clinical evaluations such as cardiovascular complications are subject to interpretation, and are therefore less credible than enzyme measurements for recognizing the severity of a patient's AMI. Reimbursement based on objective measurements may avoid payment inequities.
Structure and regulation of the gene encoding avian inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B-alpha

The Rel/NF-kappa B family of transcription factors exist in the cytoplasm as inactive complexes in association with an inhibitory protein called I kappa B-alpha. We have isolated a clone containing the avian I kappa B-alpha gene from a chicken genomic library. Avian I kappa B-alpha is devoid of any recognizable promoter elements, i.e., TATA and CAAT boxes; however, the 5'-UTR of the gene contains the initiator elements frequently found in TATA-less genes. Avian I kappa B-alpha contains seven putative Rel/NF-kappa B binding sites. A CAT reporter construct containing the 5' upstream region of I kappa B-alpha was expressed when transfected into cells which produce I kappa B-alpha. This construct, however, was not expressed in cells in which I kappa B-alpha activity was not induced, indicating that the regulatory elements which promote I kappa B-alpha expression are contained within 1000 nt of the transcription start site. Southern analysis suggests that I kappa B-alpha is present as a single-copy gene per haploid genome and is expressed in avian hematopoietic tissues, as well as lymphoid cells transformed by avian reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV-T).
Role of Liver Biopsy in the Era of Direct-Acting Antivirals

An accurate assessment of the degree of fibrosis or presence of cirrhosis is critical both for the appropriate management of, and to provide prognosis for, patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. In the new era of direct acting antivirals, large numbers of patients may enter therapy, and although liver biopsy remains the gold standard, it is not practical in all settings. In recent years, a variety of noninvasive methods have been developed that may obviate the need for liver biopsy in most settings. Indirect laboratory formulas, tests, panels of biomarkers and imaging modalities may accurately stage the degree of fibrosis in hepatitis C monoinfection, hepatitis C/HIV coinfection, and post-transplant recurrent hepatitis C.
Telepharmacy in Mental Health Outpatient Case Management

Objective: To describe the use of videophones to augment community-based case management medical services, particularly for in-home pharmacy consultations. Discussion: Despite recent technologic advances, telepharmacy image applications, in which a patient and a pharmacist can see each other, are rather limited in number and variety. However, videophone technology can fill this role well, given its portability, low cost, reliability, privacy, ease of use, and minimal technologic requirements. Videophone deployment in our psychiatry community case-management program has improved both medical and pharmacist access to a population of seriously mentally ill patients. Specifically, the ability to reach a hospital-based pharmacist through videophone, while making home visits, has allowed clarification of medication preparation and authorization of refills as well as improving treatment adherence. In short, despite minor technical limitations, videophones provide a simple and, in our case, reliable solution for in-home care. To date, both patients and case managers have responded with satisfaction to this treatment adjunct. Conclusions: Despite some limitations, videophone technology can increase patient access to health care, particularly pharmacy consultations. Expanded use of this technology would allow for systematic studies to support or refute the successes documented at our institution.
Transcription MRI: A New View of the Living Brain

Altered gene activities are underlying causes of many neurological disorders. The ability to detect, image, and report endogenous gene transcription using magnetic resonance (MR) holds great potential for providing significant clinical benefits. In this review, we present the development of conjugates consisting of gene-targeting short nucleic acids (oligodeoxynucleotides, or sODN) and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION, an MR susceptibility T(2) agent) for reporting gene activity using transcription MRI (tMRI). We will discuss 1) the target specificity of sODN, 2) selection of contrast agents for tMRI, 3) the distribution and uptake, 4) sequence specificity, 5) histology of SPION and sODN, 6) data acquisition and quantitative analysis for tMRI, and 7) application of gene transcript-targeting nanoparticles in biology and medicine. We will also discuss methods of validating the correlation between results from conventional assays (in situ hybridization, PCR, histology Prussian blue stain and immunohistochemistry) in postmortem samples and retention of SPION-sODN using tMRI. The application of our novel contrast probe to report and target gene transcripts in the mesolimbic pathways of living mouse brains after amphetamine exposure will be discussed. Because of the targeting ability in the nucleic acid sequence, the concept of tMRI probes with complementary nucleic acid (antisense DNA or short interfering RNA) allows not only tracking, targeting, binding to intracellular mRNA, and manipulating gene action but also tracing cells with specific gene action in living brains. Transcription MRI will lend itself to myriad applications in living organs.
Prophylactic Topically Applied Ice to Prevent Cutaneous Complications of Nontarget Chemoembolization and Radioembolization

Cutaneous complications can result from nontarget deposition during transcatheter arterial chemoembolization or radioembolization. Liver tumors may receive blood supply from parasitized extrahepatic arteries (EHAs) that also perfuse skin or from hepatic arteries located near the origin of the falciform artery (FA), which perfuses the anterior abdominal wall. To vasoconstrict cutaneous vasculature and prevent nontarget deposition, ice packs were topically applied to at-risk skin in nine chemoembolization treatments performed via 14 parasitized EHAs, seven chemoembolization treatments near the FA origin, and five radioembolization treatments in cases in which the FA could not be prophylactically coil-embolized. No postprocedural cutaneous complications were encountered.
Effects of tillage, weed control method and row spacing on soybean yield and certain soil properties.

Abstract Soybean ( Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is an important crop in the southeastern United States, and thus there is a need for additional information on the effects of tillage, weed control methods and row spacing on soybean yields, weed populations and soil properties. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of three weed control methods (none, cultivation, and herbicide) and three row spacings (45, 60 and 90 cm) on soybeans planted in a conventionally prepared seedbed or planted in wheat stubble (no-till (NT)) on a Decatur silty clay loam (Rhodic Paleudult) soil during the 1987 and 1988 growing seasons. Following NT planting, soybean plots produced a seed yield of 3102 kg ha −1 with herbicide, 2911 kg ha −1 with cultivation and 2216 kg ha −1 with no weed control. On a conventionally prepared seedbed, herbicide and cultivation resulted in almost equal seed yields (3898 kg ha −1 and 3954 kg ha −1 respectively) which were significantly higher than those from the no weed control plots (3151 kg ha −1 ). Soybeans in narrow (45 cm) rows (3997 kg ha −1 ) consistently out-yielded those in the wider 60 cm rows (3130 kg ha −1 ) and 90 cm rows (2490 kg ha −1 ) in both growing seasons, results averaged across years showed that conventionally planted soybeans produced higher yields (3668 kg ha −1 ) than NT planted soybeans (2743 kg ha −1 ). The weed infestation was significantly less with herbicide or cultivation than with no weed control and also less in narrow rows (45 cm) than in wider rows (60 and 90 cm). Data on the soil properties (from a depth of 0–15 cm) showed that moisture content, organic matter content and total soil nitrogen were higher in NT plots than in conventional plots. Similarly, disease ratings and infestation of bacterial blight of soybean were significantly higher in NT than in conventional tillage systems.
The influence of the flow field in slurry erosion

Abstract The importance of knowledge of the flow field surrounding impinging particles and target is emphasized for an understanding of slurry erosion. The influence of the flow field on the rate of material loss through erosion in the absence of corrosion by slurries of small particle size (less than 1 mm) and low solids loading is reviewed by examining experimental data on the effect of several factors on the rate of material removal, including liquid viscosity and density, particle size and size range, density and concentration, and target shape and the free stream velocity of the suspension. It is concluded that experimental data on material erosion rates can only be understood if particle impact velocities and trajectories and the numbers of particles impacting the target surface are known. Some comments on slurry erosion test methods in the light of these considerations are presented.
Asymptotic expansions for fixed width confidence interval

Abstract A sequential procedure for setting a fixed width confidence interval for the natural parameter of an exponential family is proposed and studied. Average confidence levels are considered instead of the classical confidence curves. The procedure is shown to perform very well in a simulation study.
Reward-punishment relationships

Response cessation was studied as a function of 16 reinforcement conditions (nine reward-punishment combinations and seven nonrewarded and/or nonpunished controls). Responding was quickly suppressed when every response or every fourth response was punished. When only every 16th response was punished, rats took more shocks and earned a substantial number of pellets. However, infrequent punishment coupled with extinction (no reward) resulted in prompt suppression. The generalization that intermittent punishment suppresses behavior less than continuous punishment may hold only when responding is also currently rewarded.
Golgi complexes in hypogranular platelet syndromes

The white platelet syndrome (WPS) is an autosomal dominantly inherited hypogranular platelet disorder characterized by the presence of fully developed Golgi complexes from parent megakaryocytes in 13% or more of their circulating platelets. The present study has evaluated several other hypogranular platelet disorders to determine if perpetuation of Golgi complexes in circulating cells is a common link in those inherited conditions. Only platelets from patients with the gray platelet syndrome (GPS) and one patient with alpha delta platelet storage pool deficiency (alpha delta SPD) had more Golgi complexes in their cells than were found in normal thrombocytes. Platelets from patients with the Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, two other patients with alpha delta SPD and the individual with Medich giant platelet disorder had the same frequency of Golgi complexes in circulating cells as normal controls. Thus, the presence of large numbers of fully developed Golgi complexes in circulating platelets appears unique to the WPS.
Analysis of fast axoplasmic transport in nerve ligation and adriamycin-induced neuronal perikaryon lesions.

Summary Fast axoplasmic transport was examined in experimental nerve ligation and adriamycin-induced neuronal perikaryon lesions. Animals were sacrificed at precisely 3 and 4 h following the injection of [3H]leucine. In single ligated nerves, the 3 and 4 h down-flow rates, which include the time for neuronal processing of labelled material, were 379.2 ± 23.51and370.8 ± 26.93mm/day, respectively, compared to the calculated rate of fast axoplasmic transport of 345.6 ± 25.22mm/day. In double-ligated nerves the down-flow rates were 364.8 ± 40.32and342 ± 32.2mm/day, respectively, while the fast axoplasmic transport rate was 273.6 ± 36.16mm/day. In contrast, in adriamycin toxicity the down-flow rates were 363.9 ± 21.54and378 ± 14.69mm/day with a normal calculated rate of fast axoplasmic transport of 420 ± 18mm/day. These studies illustrate that evaluation of two (or more) different time intervals can be used to assess the site of impaired delivery of labelled materials to the peripheral portions of the nerve. Furthermore, a single time interval examination of transport should not be equated with axoplasmic transport especially under pathological conditions.
A government perspective on digital data embedding: taking a systems approach

This talk will focus on the maturity of Digital Data Embedding technologies - watermarking, steganography, steganalysis, and digital data forensics. As individual methods and small systems, these algorithms have shown great potential for application to many commercial and military needs in the areas of information assurance, communication and protection. However, one largely ignored aspect of data embedding development has been the systems perspective - how these technologies will contribute and interact with other critical technologies in the development of large scale system solutions. As the military moves toward network-centric, fully integrated systems it is expected that digital data embedding technologies will play crucial roles. Data embedding provides a range of enabling technologies which can help achieve data-centric, as opposed to application-centric, information assurance.The current state of the art in digital data embedding techniques and how they have matured in recent years will be addressed. The technology will be traced through the development of standalone algorithms to the small, integrated systems that are appearing today. Applications involving digital data embedding technologies integrated with other technologies, such as biometrics and cryptography, provide the first glimpses into the systems of the future. A projection as to how these integrated systems will evolve into the net-centric, system-of-systems will be presented. This challenge will require maintaining a strong connection from research through development and use, to ensure future architectures and the needs of users are addressed. While many open questions remain, the discussion will provide perspective and illustrate some challenges to be investigated as the field moves forward.
Measurement study of peer-to-peer file sharing systems

The popularity of peer-to-peer multimedia file sharing applications such as Gnutella and Napster has created a flurry of recent research activity into peer-to-peer architectures. We believe that the proper evaluation of a peer-to-peer system must take into account the characteristics of the peers that choose to participate. Surprisingly, however, few of the peer-to-peer architectures currently being developed are evaluated with respect to such considerations. In this paper, we remedy this situation by performing a detailed measurement study of the two popular peer-to-peer file sharing systems, namely Napster and Gnutella. In particular, our measurement study seeks to precisely characterize the population of end-user hosts that participate in these two systems. This characterization includes the bottleneck bandwidths between these hosts and the Internet at large, IP-level latencies to send packets to these hosts, how often hosts connect and disconnect from the system, how many files hosts share and download, the degree of cooperation between the hosts, and several correlations between these characteristics. Our measurements show that there is significant heterogeneity and lack of cooperation across peers participating in these systems.
Pancreas allograft rejection: correlation of transduodenal core biopsy with Doppler resistive index.

PURPOSE: To determine the usefulness of sonographically obtained resistive indexes (RIs) in the diagnosis of pancreas allograft rejection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Findings were studied from 78 transduodenal pancreas allograft biopsies that were ultrasound-guided and cystoscopically directed. The 78 biopsies included 40 that were compared directly with baseline RI data. Biopsies were categorized by result and correlated with concurrent RIs (including 26 RIs obtained within 24 hours of biopsy) with the chi2 test for categoric variables and the Student t test for continuous variables. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated with standardized formulas. RESULTS: The mean RIs between the no rejection, mild acute rejection, and moderate acute rejection groups were not statistically significantly different; however, the mean RI associated with chronic rejection was statistically significantly higher (P < .05) than that in the other groups. The sensitivity, specificity,...
Vitamin requirements of uterine fibroblasts, strain U12-79; their replacement by related compounds

Abstract Choline, folic acid, meso -inositol, nicotinamide, pantothenic acid, pyridoxal, riboflavine, and thiamine were found to be required for the serial propagation of human uterine fibroblasts, strain U12-79, in a defined medium supplemented with 5% ( v v ) dialyzed horse serum. The concentration of vitamin which permits one-half optimal proliferation as determined by propagating the cells serially in media containing graded concentrations of each compound ranged from 2.5 to 50 × 10 −5 m M . Six amino acids which are not required for the growth of U12-79 replace pyridoxal under the conditions employed. Of the 16 cofactor derivatives and related compounds tested for their ability to replace the corresponding vitamin, all were active except p -aminobenzoic acid. Flavine adenine dinucleotide and leucovorin promoted a more rapid rate of growth, whereas the other compounds were either equally or less effective than the corresponding vitamin with regard to rate of growth or concentration required.
Psychiatric Consultation in Micronesia: the Question of Organicity

The authors report on 37 referrals seen for psychiatric consultation during visits to various islands in Micronesia. A large number demonstrated either organic mental disorders or con tributory medical illnesses. Observed differences between males and females are examined. In such cross-cultural settings, the authors emphasize the need for psychiatric expertise respon sive not only to the dimension of culture in evaluation and treatment, but also to the impor tance of vigilance for organic processes that may require special attention.
Compliance, deterrent threats, and the need to save face

Deterrent threats have been shown to lead to a high level of compliance in certain situations. But when a person feels strong need to save face, deterrent threats become dramatically less successful in eliciting compliance in these same situations. The data indicate that the S’s perceptions of the situation change when there is a high need to save face and that a threat made by an opponent may be viewed as an assault on the person himself and his self-perceptions.
Impaired pentagon drawing is an early predictor of cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease

The Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) is used commonly in the assessment of mental status and cognitive decline in Parkinson disease (PD). The pentagon drawing task of the MMSE is more impaired in dementia with Lewy bodies than in Alzheimer disease1-3 and PD without dementia.4 Impaired pentagon drawing is also more likely to occur early in the course of dementia with Lewy bodies.5 We therefore examined prospectively whether impaired pentagon drawing might be a predictor of cognitive decline in Parkinson patients with MMSE ≥26. One of us (RJE) examined and diagnosed 729 consecutive patients with PD, according to the UK Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank clinical diagnostic criteria.6 Our examination included the MMSE, and we routinely used WORLD backwards instead of serial sevens in our assessments. Of the 729 patients, 224 had an initial MMSE score ≥26 and were re-examined three or more times (median 7, range 3-20 visits) over a period of at least 2 years (median 6, range 2-23 years), while retaining the diagnosis of PD. Most were referred to our clinic for tremor or suspected PD; 10% were initially diagnosed elsewhere. Two subgroups of these 224 patients were defined. Pentagon-abnormal patients (40 men and 40 women) drew abnormal intersecting pentagons at the time of their initial examination, and the pentagon-normal patients (83 men and 61 women) drew the pentagons correctly. We used a linear mixed-effect regression model with random intercepts and slopes to test our primary hypothesis that the MMSE declined more rapidly in the pentagon-abnormal group, compared to pentagon-normal patients. The pentagon-normal and abnormal patients did not differ statistically in Hoehn & Yahr and Schwab & England scores, but the pentagon-normal patients were slightly older, were followed for slightly less time, and had a higher mean baseline MMSE scores (Table). The rate of decline for the pentagon-normal patients was −0.29 points/year (95% CI −0.46 to −0.11) and was −0.71 points/year for the pentagon-abnormal patients (95 CI −1.17 to −0.25) (p = 0.016). The difference in slopes was statistically significant (p=0.004). These slopes did not change (−0.29 and −0.72) when we excluded 49 pentagon-normal patients with baseline MMSE = 30. Pentagon abnormal patients were twice as likely to be placed on a cholinesterase inhibitor and three times as likely to reach an MMSE <26 (Table). Table Clinical and demographic data In conclusion, Parkinson patients without dementia (MMSE ≥26) exhibited more than twice the rate of decline in MMSE if they drew intersecting pentagons incorrectly at the time of initial examination and were three times as likely to reach a MMSE <26. These results are comparable to those of Williams-Gray and coworkers7 who did not restrict their study to patients with MMSE ≥26. We conclude that early impairment of pentagon drawing is indeed a predictor of faster cognitive decline in patients with Parkinson disease.
Volume effects on strangeness production

A study of the yields of strange particles produced in heavy-ion and elementary collisions is presented using preliminary results from the STAR experiment at RHIC. The strange particle production rates, relative to those of p+p, have been proposed as a means of determining an enhancement of strangeness production in heavy-ion collisions. Analysis of results from STAR shows that this enhancement measure is reduced, or comparable, when contrasted to that at top CERN SPS energies. A smaller suppression in the p+p yields at RHIC energies due to finite volume effects could be the cause of such a result. By studying the yields as a function of centrality, we hope to establish how these effects vary with the correlation volume of the source created.
Release of lysozyme from hemolymph cells of Mercenaria mercenaria during phagocytosis.

Activity of the lysosomal enzyme, lysozyme, has been quantitatively determined in the serum and cells of the hemolymph of Mercenaria mercenaria which had been exposed to known quantities of Bacillus megaterium and also in the serum and cells of hemolymph which had not been exposed to bacteria. The results indicate that the level of enzyme activity is greater in serum of hemolymph that had been exposed to B. megaterium and concurrently, there is an equivalent decrease in the level of activity in the cells. This evidence indicates that the amount of lysozyme released from cells into serum is enhanced during phagocytosis of the bacteria. It has also been demonstrated that the release of lysozyme from cells occurs during the process of phagocytosis and is not a delayed phenomenon. Enzyme release by secondary phagosomes is reflected morphologically by what is commonly referred to as degranulation. This process does not involve the rupture of the plasma membrane of the hemolymph cells since biochemical studies have revealed that there is no release of the cytoplasmic enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase.
Can't stop believing: inhibitory control and resistance to misleading testimony

Why are some young children consistently willing to believe what they are told even when it conflicts with first-hand experience? In this study, we investigated the possibility that this deference reflects an inability to inhibit a prepotent response. Over the course of several trials, 2.5- to 3.5-year-olds (N = 58) heard an adult contradict their report of a simple event they had both witnessed, and children were asked to resolve this discrepancy. Those who repeatedly deferred to the adult's misleading testimony had more difficulty on an inhibitory control task involving spatial conflict than those who responded more skeptically. These results suggest that responding skeptically to testimony that conflicts with first-hand experience may be challenging for some young children because it requires inhibiting a normally appropriate bias to believe testimony.