cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stochastic modelling and optimization of water resources systems

Abstract This work involves the simultaneous optimization of the initial design and operating policy over the life of multipurpose multireservoir water resources systems receiving stochastic inflows. The approach is based on the division of the reservoir into two imaginary water storage pools, namely, the conservation and flood pools. Based on this treatment, the optimization problem is stated using the concepts of Lagrange multipliers and parameter optimization. Two nonlinear programming techniques, namely, the generalized reduced gradient technique and the gradient projection technique, combined independently with Markovian decision are proposed to solve such a problem. To illustrate the use of the proposed techniques, the Walnut River Basin in southeastern Kansas, is employed in this work.
When tumor repopulation starts? The onset time of prostate cancer during radiation therapy.

AbstractPurpose. To analyze published clinical data and provide a preliminary estimate of tumor repopulation rate and its onset time during radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Methods. Data on prostate cancer treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) by Perez et al. (2004), Amdur et al. (1990) and Lai et al. (1991) were analyzed in this study. The stage-combined pelvic control rate from Perez et al. was calculated to be 0.95±0.01, 0.87±0.02, and 0.72±0.04 for patients treated ≤7 weeks, 7.1–9 weeks, and >9 weeks respectively. Based on the Linear-Quadratic model, extended to account for tumor repopulation, the least χ2 method was used to fit the clinical data and derive the onset time (Tk) and effective doubling time (Td) for prostate cancer. Similar analysis was performed for the other two datasets. Results. Best fit was achieved with onset time Tk=34±7 days and doubling time Td=12±2 days. These parameters were independent of the choice of the α/β values currently published in the literature. Analy...
Myo4p and She3p are required for cortical ER inheritance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Myo4p is a nonessential type V myosin required for the bud tip localization of ASH1 and IST2 mRNA. These mRNAs associate with Myo4p via the She2p and She3p proteins. She3p is an adaptor protein that links Myo4p to its cargo. She2p binds to ASH1 and IST2 mRNA, while She3p binds to both She2p and Myo4p. Here we show that Myo4p and She3p, but not She2p, are required for the inheritance of cortical ER in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Consistent with this observation, we find that cortical ER inheritance is independent of mRNA transport. Cortical ER is a dynamic network that forms cytoplasmic tubular connections to the nuclear envelope. ER tubules failed to grow when actin polymerization was blocked with the drug latrunculin A (Lat-A). Additionally, a reduction in the number of cytoplasmic ER tubules was observed in Lat-A-treated and myo4Delta cells. Our results suggest that Myo4p and She3p facilitate the growth and orientation of ER tubules.
Structure-Transport Relationships in Fast Ion Conducting Alkali Borate Glasses

The effect of CaO substitutions (between 1 and 10% (CaO) 2 /Li 2 O) on the transport and physical properties of two fast ion conducting lithium borate glass systems (37.3 mol % Li20, 62.7 mol % Li 2 O 3 and 50 mol % Li 2 O, 50 mol % Li 2 O, 50 mol % B 2 O 3 ) are investigated. Measurements of electrical conductivity, density and glass transition temperature are reported. The influence of strain effects on carrier mobility is examined. Measurements of electrical conductivity and molar volume are extended to a K 2 O·2B 2 O 3 glass and compared with existing data for corresponding lithium and sodium diborate glasses.
Evaluation and improvement in sensor performance and durability for structural health monitoring systems

For aerospace applications, the successful transition and use of integrated structural health monitoring systems will require durable sensors that can perform in their intended environment for many years. For legacy aircraft the primary means of implementing a sensor system will be through surface mounting or bonding of the sensors to the structure. Previous work has shown that the performance of surface-bonded piezo sensors can degrade due to environmental effects such as vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and substrate flexure motions. This performance degradation included sensor cracking, disbonding, and general loss of efficiency over time. In this activity, the bond and piezo material characteristics of a typical surface-bonded piezo sensor system were studied to understand and improve the long-term durability and survivability of the sensor system. Analytic and computational models were developed and used to understand stress-strain relationships for the bonded sensor system, with a special emphasis being place on coefficient of thermal expansion issues. Accelerated environmental testing was accomplished for simple bonded piezo sensor systems, where a displacement-field imaging technique was used to understand the piezo sensor performance. Future activities will focus on identifying the optimal bond conditions and piezo material type, with the ultimate goal of improving the robustness of health monitoring systems through improved sensor system design and packaging.
An adaptive Gauss-Newton algorithm for training multilayer nonlinear filters that have embedded memory

We describe herein a new means of training dynamic multilayer nonlinear adaptive filters, orneural networks. We restrict our discussion to multilayer dynamic Volterra networks, which are structured so as to restrict their degrees of computational freedom, based on a priori knowledge about the dynamic operation to be emulated. The networks consist of linear dynamic filters together with nonlinear generalized single-layer subnets. We describe how a Newton-like optimization strategy can be applied to these dynamic architectures and detail a newmodified Gauss-Newton optimization technique. The new training algorithm converges faster and to a smaller value of cost than backpropagation-through-time for a wide range of adaptive filtering applications. We apply the algorithm to modeling the inverse of a nonlinear dynamic tracking system. The superior performance of the algorithm over standard techniques is demonstrated.
Evidence nitric oxide mediates the vasodepressor response to hypoxia in sino-denervated rats

Systemic hypoxia, produced in deeply anesthetized, paralyzed rats in which arterial chemoreceptors were denervated, elicited a decrease in arterial pressure (AP) averaging {minus}47 mmHg. Systemic administration of N{sup G}-nitro-L-arginine (L-NO{sub 2}Arg), inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, attenuated the hypoxic depressor response by 79% and elevated AP by 21 mmHg. The effects of L-NO{sub 2}Arg on the hypoxic depressor response and arterial pressure were reversed by systemic administration of L- but not D-arginine. Elevation of AP with arginine-vasopressin or reduction of AP with nitroprusside to the pre-L-NO{sub 2}Arg levels did not modify the fall of AP to hypoxia. Endogenous NO synthesized in vivo from L-arginine, mediates most of the hypoxia depressor response.
National level intentional change: a story of two countries

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an insight, through an examination of the American Civil Rights Movement and the Anti‐Apartheid Movement in South Africa, into how desired change occurs at a national or cultural level of social organization.Design/methodology/approach – The words and actions of two key figures in these national change movements are analyzed through the use of intentional change theory, and its constituent elements of discontinuous change, reference groups, the ideal self and emotional attractors.Findings – The findings lead to the suggestion that great leaders, at times of national change, articulate a shared ideal or national vision and are primarily grounded in the positive emotional attractor. Furthermore, they appeal to their followers' cognition and affect.Research limitations/implications – While these two figures are prominent historical figures in their respective change movements, it is naive to suggest that they were solely responsible for the change. Future res...
Négocier l’accès à la santé au niveau mondial : Processus, concrétisation et défis de la diplomatie sanitaire mondiale

De nombreuses questions de sante, telles que le vih/sida, les risques lies a la consommation de tabac et d’alcool, le cancer ou encore les resistances therapeutiques, sont desormais considerees comme des questions de sante mondiale, car elles menacent la sante a la fois des populations des pays industrialises et de celles qui vivent dans les pays en developpement. Devant ces defis sanitaires mondiaux, un nombre croissant d’acteurs locaux, nationaux et internationaux ont depuis deux decennies fait entendre leurs voix et ont participe a des negociations de portee mondiale dont l’objectif est de s’accorder sur des solutions adaptees et durables pouvant repondre aux defis actuels de la sante. De ces interactions complexes et multiniveaux a emerge un nouveau type de diplomatie connue sous le nom de diplomatie sanitaire mondiale qui est certes a l’origine d’initiatives sanitaires innovantes et efficaces permettant l’acces local a la sante, mais qui a egalement pu deboucher sur des situations de statu quo, voire sur des echecs.
Fractional Cloudiness and Cloud-Top Entrainment Instability

Abstract Temperature and moisture profiles from soundings obtained over the central Atlantic during the Atlantic Trade-Wind Experiment were used to determine if cloud-top entrainment instability can explain observed variations in cloudiness. Differences in temperature and moisture across the trade inversion associated with fractional cloudiness near 100% were nearly the same as those associated with less than 25% cloud cover. NO correlation between fractional cloudiness and boundary layer mixing-line slopes was found.
Baygon-Induced Pulmonary Edema

A 39-year-old black woman was in coma with propoxur (Baygon)-induced pulmonary edema. Vigorous supportive therapy resulted in prompt clinical resolution. A cuffed endotracheal tube and mechanical ventilation are especially important in propoxur-induced pulmonary edema because of the marked bronchorrhea requiring frequent suctioning and the danger of respiratory failure. Propoxur presence and toxicity are best revealed by determination of its metabolite 2-isopropoxyphenol in the gastric aspirate and/or the urine.
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide stimulates nonovarian progesterone secretion in rabbits.

Abstract Recent experiments conducted in this laboratory have shown that intravenous infusions of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) induce significant increases in plasma progesterone (P) in female rabbits. The purpose of this study was to determine the organ source of this P and to clarify the mechanisms by which it is induced. Intravenous infusions of VIP (37.5, 75, and 150 pmol/kg per min for 60 min) produced acute dose-dependent increases in plasma P in intact estrous rabbits. In ovariectomized (OVX) animals, VIP infusion (75 pmol/kg per min) produced a P increase of the same magnitude. In animals both OVX and adrenalectomized (ADX), this VIP effect was eliminated. The only significant change noted in luteotropic hormone (LH) or follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was a decrease in FSH immediately following VIP infusion (150 pmol/kg). VIP infusion significantly increased plasma cortisol in intact and OVX animals, but not in OVX/ADX animals. It is concluded that VIP primarily stimulates the adrenal component of P secretion in the rabbit, via mechanisms independent of LH or FSH.
An initiation-promotion model of tumour prevalence from high-charge and energy radiations

A repair/misrepair kinetic model for multiple radiation-induced lesions (mutation inactivation) is coupled to a two-mutation model of initiation-promotion in tissue to provide a parametric description of tumour prevalence in the mouse Harderian gland from high-energy and charge radiations. Track-structure effects are considered using an action-cross section model. Dose-response curves are described for gamma rays and relativistic ions, and good agreement with experiment is found. The effects of nuclear fragmentation are also considered for high-energy proton and alpha-particle exposures. The model described provides a parametric description of age-dependent cancer induction for a wide range of radiation fields. Radiosensitivity parameters found in the model for an initiation mutation (sigma 0 = 7.6 x 10(-10) cm2 and D0 = 148.0 Gy) are somewhat different than previously observed for neoplastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cell cultures (sigma 0 = 0.7 x 10(-10) cm2 and D0 = 117.0 Gy). We consider the two hypotheses that radiation acts solely as an initiator or as both initiator and promoter and make model calculations for fractionation exposures from gamma rays and relativistic Fe ions. For fractionated Fe exposures, an inverse-dose-rate effect is provided by a promotion hypothesis with an increase of 30% or more, dependent on the dose level and fractionation schedule, using a mutation rate for promotion similar to that of single-gene mutations.
The localization of galactosyltransferases in polyacrylamide gels by a coupled enzyme assay.

Abstract A coupled enzyme assay for GlcNAc 1 : UDP-galactose galactosyltransferase has been developed that allows this enzyme to be assayed spectrophotometrically and in nondenaturing polyacrylamide gels. Utilizing three, intermediate enzymes, galactosyltransferase activity has been coupled to the production of NADH with a stoichiometry of 2 mol of NADH produced for each mol of galactose transferred to GlcNAc. The enzyme reactions coupled to the production of UDP by galactosyltransferase can be summarized as follows: The activities of partly purified bovine milk galactosyltransferase and galactosyltransferase in dialyzed fetal calf serum have been determined spectrophotometrically by measuring NADH production at 340 nm. The reaction is dependent on N-acetylglucosamine, UDP-galactose, and Mn2+. For both enzyme sources, activities calculated from NADH production are similar to those determined from assays that use radioactive sugar nucleotide substrates. Both galactosyltransferase activities have been localized on 7.5% nondenaturing polyacrylamide gels after electrophoresis by incubating the gel with an agarose indicator gel containing the coupled enzyme system. Enzyme activity is marked by NADH fluorescence, which is dependent on the presence of N-acetylglucosamine in the indicator gel. The intensity of fluorescence increases with increasing galactosyltransferase activity applied to the gel.
Rapid ballistic readout for flux qubits

We suggest a magnetic flux detector that can be optimized with respect to the measurement back action, e.g., for the situation of quantum measurements. The detector is based on manipulation of ballistic motion of individual fluxons in a Josephson transmission line (JTL), with the output information contained in either probabilities of fluxon transmission and reflection, or time delay associated with the fluxon propagation through the JTL. We calculate the detector characteristics of the JTL and derive equations for conditional evolution of the measured system both in the transmission and reflection and the time-delay regimes. Combination of the quantum-limited detection with control over individual fluxons should make the JTL detector suitable for implementation of nontrivial quantum measurement strategies, including conditional measurements and feedback control schemes.
Dynamics of GreB Interactions with RNA Polymerase: How a Regulatory Protein may Patrol the Genome for Transcription Complexes to Rescue

RNA synthesis in all organisms is regulated throughout transcript initiation and elongation. The secondary channel (SC) of multi-subunit RNA polymerases (RNAPs) allows access to the enzyme active site and is a nexus for regulation. In E. coli, multiple regulatory proteins bind in the SC and reprogram the catalytic activity of RNAP, but how these factors function without interference and the dynamics of their interactions with RNAP are unclear. GreB is an SC protein that promotes endonucleolytic transcript cleavage in elongation complexes that are backtracked by nucleotide misincorporation. Here we used multi-wavelength single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to characterize in vitro GreB effects on transcript elongation and the dynamics of GreB interactions with elongation complexes. Contrary to previous dogma but consistent with structural data, we found that high GreB concentrations substantially slow transcript elongation. During steady-state elongation, GreB binds RNAP at near-diffusion-limited rates, but remains bound for <1s, approaching the duration of the nucleotide addition cycle and much shorter than needed to produce a complete mRNA. To examine whether GreB specifically selects backtracked complexes, we reconstituted static complexes stabilized in backtracked and non-backtracked configurations. By verifying the functional state of each molecular complex measured, we showed that both configurations bind GreB at rates similar to actively elongating complexes, and that backtracking does not kinetically stabilize bound GreB. Our results exclude models in which GreB is selectively recruited to backtracked complexes or is ejected from RNAP by catalytic turnover. Instead, they suggest that GreB binds rapidly and randomly to all elongation complexes to patrol for those requiring nucleolytic rescue, and that its short residence time serves to minimize inhibition of non-backtracked elongation complexes and to prevent interference with the function of other SC factors.
Determining How a Depressed Woman's Personality Affects the Choice of Treatment

This month's guest expert is Dr. Robert Hales, lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Medical Corps and assistant professor of psychiatry in the School of Medicine of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Hales is also chairman of the scientific program committee of the American Psychiatric Association.
Patient Selection for Cardiac Surgery in Left Ventricular Power Failure

Nineteen patients in acute left ventricular power failure following acute myocardial infarction were given support with intraaortic balloon pumping and underwent cardiac catheterization. Hemodynamic response to disastolic augmentation, results of left ventriculography, and observations of selective coronary arteriography were evaluated to determine which patients could survive without operation, which would require operation to survive, and which could be predicted not to survive operation. Of ten patients who underwent operation, three were long-term survivors. Two patients predicted to have a good prognosis without surgery did survive. Of three patients who had been determined to require operation but not undergo it, two died in the hospital and one a month later. The four patients whose conditions were considered inoperable died in the hospital. The results indicate that current methods of predicting the need for corrective surgery are relatively accurate and that the rate of survival in surgically treated patients may be increased.
Boron Nitride Nanoparticles-based thermal adhesives for thermal management of high-temperature electronics

Reliability testing of thermally conductive, high-temperature, high-dielectric strength materials was conducted using newly developed high-temperature thermal conductivity and high-dielectric breakdown voltage characterization instruments based on ASTM Standards. These instruments and tests were used for optimizing thermal conductivity and dielectric breakdown of Bismaleimide Resin (BMI) - Boron Nitride Nanoparticle (BNNP) composites of various weight-percent concentrations for semiconductor packaging. Multiple variations of BMI-BNNP composite samples were fabricated through high-pressure, high-temperature compression molding, and subsequently tested using the developed instruments; it was shown that as the concentration of BN in the composite increased, so did the thermal conductivity and dielectric strength of the material. A near-linear trend was exhibited for thermal conductivity as the BN concentration increased, while the dielectric breakdown voltage showed an exponential increase trend. These thermal conductivity and dielectric breakdown characterization tests were conducted in an effort to develop a high-voltage isolating, high-temperature adhesive that can have tailored thermal conductivity, high dielectric strength, controlled dielectric constant and adhesion to a range of interfaces while retaining mechanical performance and durability.
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Studying Gene-Environment Interactions: From Twin Studies to Gene Identification and Back.

There has been a surge of interest in studying gene–environment interaction; however, research in this area faces a number of challenges. Interdisciplinary collaborations are critical at this juncture. This article reviews studies that illustrate how findings across different literatures can be synthesized to characterize how genetic and environmental influences impact developmental pathways. Developmental scientists are poised to make important contributions to studying gene–environment interaction. However, for this potential to be realized developmental–genetic studies must incorporate the most recent advances in genetics, and bridge the current schism that exists between genetic research being conducted in the fields of psychology and genetics.
Kindergarten Prediction of Reading Skills: A Longitudinal Comparative Analysis

There is considerable focus in public policy on screening children for reading difficulties. Sixty years of research have not resolved questions of what constructs assessed in kindergarten best predict subsequent reading outcomes. This study assessed the relative importance of multiple measures obtained in a kindergarten sample for the prediction of reading outcomes at the end of 1st and 2nd grades. Analyses revealed that measures of phonological awareness, letter sound knowledge, and naming speed consistently accounted for the unique variance across reading outcomes whereas measures of perceptual skills and oral language and vocabulary did not. These results show that measures of letter name and letter sound knowledge, naming speed, and phonological awareness are good predictors of multiple reading outcomes in Grades 1 and 2.
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, Orbital-Mediated Tunneling Spectroscopy, and Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Nickel(II) Octaethylporphyrin Deposited from Vapor

Thin films of vapor-deposited Ni(II) octaethylporphyrin (NiOEP) were studied supported on gold. Thin films thermally deposited onto flame-annealed Au (111) were analyzed by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) using He I radiation and by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) using Mg Ka radiation. Reflectance absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) was used to study NiOEP films on polycrystalline gold. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and orbital-mediated tunneling spectroscopy (STM-OMTS) were performed on submonolayer films of NiOEP supported on Au( 111). The highest occupied π molecular orbitals of the porphyrin ring were seen in both STM-OMTS and in UPS at about 6.4 and 6.8 eV below the vacuum level. The lowest unoccupied π * molecular orbital of the porphyrin ring also was observed by STM-OMTS to be located near 3.4 eV below the vacuum level.
Automatic and attentional processing: An event-related brain potential analysis of semantic priming

Abstract Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) and behavioral measures (reaction time and percentage errors) were measured in a semantic priming lexical decision task. In one block of trials, instructions and the proportion of related word pairs were designed to influence subjects to process the first member of each pair (prime) automatically. In another block, subjects were induced to attend to the meaning of each prime. ERPs to the primes were more positive between 200 and 600 msec and more negative between 750 and 1150 msec when subjects attended to the primes as opposed to when only automatic processing was required. Target word ERP activity between 200 and 525 msec (N400) was more negative in the neutral than in the semantically related condition in both blocks of trials, but more so in the attentional block, while a late ERP positively between 525 and 1100 msec (Slow Wave) was more positive in the unrelated than the neutral condition, but only in the attentional block. The results are discussed in terms of the two-process model proposed by Posner and Snyder, 1975a , Posner and Snyder, 1975b .
Activation of a D2 receptor increases electrical coupling between retinal horizontal cells by inhibiting dopamine release.

Abstract In the fish retina, interplexiform cells release dopamine onto cone-driven horizontal cells. Dopamine decreases the electrical coupling between horizontal cells by activating adenylate cyclase through dopamine D1 receptors. Using intracellular recording, we have studied the effect of dopamine D2 receptor activation on horizontal cell electrical coupling in the intact goldfish retina. Superfusion of the D2 agonist LY171555 (quinpirole; 0.2-10 microM) increased horizontal cell coupling, as indicated by a decrease in responses to centered spots or slits of light. The length constant of the horizontal cell network increased an average of 31%. Although dopamine (0.5-20 microM) uncoupled horizontal cells, lower concentrations (e.g., 0.2 microM) initially uncoupled and then subsequently increased coupling beyond initial control levels. The coupling effect of LY171555 (10 microM) was blocked completely by prior application of the D1 agonist SKF 38393 at saturating (20 microM) or nonsaturating (2.5-5.0 microM) doses. Prior treatment of the retinas with 6-hydroxydopamine, which destroyed dopaminergic neurons, eliminated the coupling effect of LY171555 but not the uncoupling effect of SKF 38393. These results suggest that goldfish horizontal cells contain D1, but not D2, receptors and that dopamine activation of D2 autoreceptors on interplexiform cells inhibits dopamine release onto horizontal cells so that the electrical coupling between horizontal cells increases.
Lansoprazole: a cause of secretory diarrhea

A case of severe diarrhea and hypergastrinemia after 6 wk of lansoprazole therapy is presented. This represents the only fully evaluated report of severe diarrhea due to lansoprazole and comes to the interesting conclusion that it was a secretory diarrhea likely due to lansoprazole and not a gastrinoma or another cause.
University Library Development in the Arab Gulf Region: A Survey and Analysis of Six State University Libraries

Abstract This study examines the development of six state university libraries in the Arab Gulf countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. Despite the relatively short history of higher education in these countries, these libraries have made some significant progress. It should be noted that in terms of library organization, size of collections, number of staff, service activities, and computer applications, these libraries are considered by default the main libraries in their respective countries. At present, only Saudi Arabia has a national library. This study employed a survey questionnaire which was sent to all Gulf university libraries to identify and gather pertinent and current information necessary to establish an accurate profile on each one of these libraries. The study provides basic information on library organization and analysis of collections, services, staffing, budgeting, expenditures, automation, and information technology. The study findings suggest that further research is needed to examine and evaluate collections, service activities and instructional programs, staff development and training, co-operation among Arab Gulf universities, and library education programs in the region.
Choreoathetosis and striopallidonigral necrosis due to sodium azide.

Abstract Intramuscular injections (5 mg/kg) of sodium azide (NaN3) for 8 (7 day/week injection schedule) or 10 (5 day/week injection schedule) weeks produces episodic variable dyskinesia, usually of a choreoathetoid type. When the dyskinesia appears, light microscopy shows no changes in the neuraxis, but mitochondrial abnormalities are visible when electronmicroscopy is employed. These have been found in all gray masses so far examined. The dyskinesia is episodic, the episodes lasting about 15 min and occurring one to three times a day. They disappear in about 2 weeks. Prior to their disappearance perivascular changes appear in the ventrolateral putamina and are succeeded by neurocytic loss and pallor, followed by glial infiltration, and scars or necrotic lesions, or both. After the dyskinetic episodes have disappeared similar changes appear in the caudate nucleus and substantia nigra. Discontinuing injections arrests the progress of morphologic alteration, otherwise the thalamus and mesencephalic tegmentum become involved. The total amount of NaN3 administered to the animals is of less significance than concentration maxima in the blood, the duration, and the consistency of administration. Doses much above 5 mg/kg are incompatible with continued existence. Lower doses produce no obvious morphologic or physiologic changes. If a schedule of less than 5 days a week is employed, the effects are unpredictable. Appearance of dyskinesia is, therefore, correlated with electronmicroscopically detectable mitochondrial changes but since these are widespread the precise cause of the abnormal movements would seem to be striatal damage since the ventrolateral putamen invariably develops the first changes detectable by light microscopy. These putaminal changes are always bilaterally symmetrical. When the substantia nigra becomes involved in the primary process hypokinesis appears. It is believed that the reason why focal changes occur in the corpus striatum is because, in a brain in which enzymatic functions are already widely depressed by a broad-spectrum antimetabolite, regions poorly supplied with oxygen deteriorate progressively in a predictable sequence in accordance with Poiseuille's law.
The effects of hydrated raw materials upon heavy metal fluoride glass quality

Abstract The consequences of using hydrated raw materials for the preparation of ZBLAN glass were qualitatively assessed in terms of effect upon 1) general appearance, 2) hydroxyl content, 3) oxide content and 4) presence of inclusions. Glasses were prepared using ZrF4·H2O and sublimed ZrF4 and dry N2 and dry N2 + CCl4 atmospheres. The resulting glasses were examined with the aid of IR spectroscopy and optical microscopy. It was found that the use of hydrated raw materials did not significantly enhance the OH- or O--concentration of the glass, but did produce a degradation of glass quality.
KINETICS AND MECHANISM OF THE ATMOSPHERIC OXIDATION OF TERTIARY AMYL METHYL ETHER

Tertiary-amyl methyl ether (TAME) is proposed for use as an additive to increase the oxygen content of gasoline as stipulated in the 1990 Clean Air Amendments. The present experiments have been performed to examine the kinetics and mechanisms of the atmospheric removal of TAME. The kinetics of the reaction of OH with TAME was examined by using a relative rate technique in which photolysis of methyl nitrite or nitrous acid was used as the source of OH. The OH rate constant for TAME and two major products (t-amyl formate and methyl acetate) were measured and yields for ten products were determined as primary products from the reaction. Values determined for the rate constants for the reaction with OH were 5.48 × 10−12 (TAME), 1.75 × 10−12 (t-amyl formate), and 3.85 × 10−13 cm3 molec−1 s−1 (methyl acetate) at 298 ± 2 K. The primary products (with corrected yields where required) from the OH + TAME that have been observed include (1) t-amyl formate (0.366), methyl acetate (0.349), acetaldehyde (0.43, corrected), acetone (0.036), formaldehyde (0.549), t-amyl alcohol (0.026), 3-methyoxy-3-methyl-butanal (0.044, corrected), t-amyloxy methyl nitrate (0.029), 3-methyoxy-3-methyl-2-butyl nitrate (0.010), and 2-methoxy-2-methyl butyl nitrate (0.004). Mechanisms leading to these products involve OH abstraction from each of the four different hydrogen atoms of TAME. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Biomedical photoacoustics beyond thermal expansion using triggered nanodroplet vaporization for contrast-enhanced imaging

Since being discovered by Alexander Bell, photoacoustics may again be seeing major resurgence in biomedical imaging. Photoacoustics is a non-ionizing, functional imaging modality capable of high contrast images of optical absorption at depths significantly greater than traditional optical imaging techniques. Optical contrast agents have been used to extend photoacoustics to molecular imaging. Here we introduce an exogenous contrast agent that utilizes vaporization for photoacoustic signal generation, providing significantly higher signal amplitude than that from the traditionally used mechanism, thermal expansion. Our agent consists of liquid perfluorocarbon nanodroplets with encapsulated plasmonic nanoparticles, entitled photoacoustic nanodroplets. Upon pulsed laser irradiation, liquid perfluorocarbon undergoes a liquid-to-gas phase transition generating giant photoacoustic transients from these dwarf nanoparticles. Once triggered, the gaseous phase provides ultrasound contrast enhancement. We demonstrate in phantom and animal studies that photoacoustic nanodroplets act as dual-contrast agents for both photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging through optically triggered vaporization.
Consumer Willingness to Pay for Bird Management Practices in Fruit Crops

Consumer interest in the practices embodied in food production is rising. However, little is known about consumer responses to agricultural management practices, particularly those for controlling bird pests. A national, online survey was used to assess consumers’ willingness to pay for selected bird management practices, as applied to grapes and apples (n = 1,000), via a choice modeling approach. Respondents indicated that they would pay an average of U.S. $0.41–0.76 more for fruit that embodied practices they considered more natural. Results indicate that disclosing production practices consumers consider more natural could elicit modest price premiums for fruit growers.
Refractory sub-micron electron devices

Several kinds of electron devices of sub-micron dimensions, the sole constituents of which are refractory metals and dielectrics, are under development at SRI, with a view toward high reliability and stability in systems containing large numbers of such components. Current work on micron-size tubes with field emission cathodes and on binary storage elements in this size range, accessible with high-resolution electron beams, is described. Also, the film deposition and micromachining techniques for producing such devices are discussed.
A Cross-Validation of Two Differing Measures of Hypnotic Depth

Abstract Several sets of regression analyses were completed, attempting to predict 2 measures of hypnotic depth: the self-reported hypnotic depth score and hypnoidal state score from variables of the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory: Hypnotic Assessment Procedure (PCI–HAP). When attempting to predict self-reported hypnotic depth, an R of .78 with Study 1 participants shrank to an r of .72 with Study 2 participants, suggesting mild shrinkage for this more attributional measure of hypnotic depth. Attempting to predict hypnoidal state (an estimate of trance) using the same procedure, yielded an R of .56, that upon cross-validation shrank to an r of .48. These and other results suggest that, although there is some variance in common, the self-reported hypnotic depth score appears to be tapping a different construct from the hypnoidal state score.
Chemical modification of cytochrome b5, cytochrome c and myoglobin with diethylpyrocarbonate.

Cytochrome b5 is required for the cytochrome P-450 LM2 catalyzed oxidation of the anesthetic methoxyflurane. The ability of cytochrome b5 to support methoxyfluorane oxidation is affected by treatment with diethylpyrocarbonate, a reagent that at neutral pH is relatively specific for histidine residues. This inactivation of cytochrome b5 is reversed with hydroxylamine, which also suggests but does not prove histidine involvement. The studies reported in this paper were undertaken to determine whether histidine modification was ivolved in the decrease in effectiveness of cytochrome b5, or whether the inactivation could be attributed to modification of another amino acid. Our experiments demonstrate that diethylpyrocarbonate inactivates detergent-solubilized cytochrome b5 by modifying the axial histidines and displacing the heme. Because of the unexpected ease with which diethylpyrocarbonate displaced the heme from cytochrome b5, this same process was investigated in two other hemoproteins, cytochrome c and myoglobin. Diethylpyrocarbonate could not dissociate the heme from cytochrome c, whereas the heme was lost from myoglobin even more readily than from cytochrome b5.
Far Field Fluorescence and AFM Superposition with 10nm Special Resolution

We have developed a technique which allows us to determine the location of a fluorescent signal to within 10nm accuracy within a topological scan created by AFM. Imaging topological markers that are both fluorescent and resolvable in an AFM scan, we can triangulate the fluorescence of these markers in conjunction with the fluorescence and topology of a sample to within 10nm accuracy. Here we show data from this method in air as well as wet buffers which are ideal for biological sample measurements. This technique will facilitate localization of fluorescent molecules within asymmetric diffraction limited biological samples.
Conversion of cortisol to cortisone by a higher plant

Abstract After administration of cortisol-4-14C to a Mallotus paniculatus plant, radioactive cortisone was isolated by chromatography and shown to be radiochemically pure by crystallization to constant specific activity.
A STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE AMINO ACID COMPOSITIONS OF PROTEINS

Univariate and multivariate analyses are presented which give a descriptive statistical look at the amino acid compositions of proteins. Means, expressed in mole percent, and standard deviations are calculated using a sample of 207 proteins. The distributions of six of the 18 amino acids (Asp, Val, Met, Phe, Ile, and Leu) appear somewhat normal (Gaussian), whereas the distributions of the other 12 amino acids are judged by a chi-squared test and the coefficients of kurtosis and skewness to not be normal. Principal component analysis has revealed the relationships among the amino acids to be quite complex: for example, to account for 70% of the variability in the data an eight dimensional space is needed. Several pairs of amino acids appear to have significant correlation coefficients, but most of the correlations do not have an obvious rationale in terms of the structures of the amino acids. The following pairs of protein sets have mean amino acid compositions that differ significantly, although no one amino acid accounts for the overall difference in any case: (eukaryotic enzymes, eukaryotic nonenzymes), (eukaryotic enzymes, prokaryotic enzymes) and (nonmicrobial enzymes, microbial enzymes).
The Effects of Student Questions and Teacher Questions on Concept Acquisition

Abstract Previous research has failed to define clearly the effects of teacher questions on classroom achievment. Research on student questions has shown that students can be taught to ask questions, but the effects of those questions on achievement have not been determined. The purposes of the present study were to: (a) determine if students could be trained to ask questions which would increase their understanding of a social studies concept lesson; and (b) compare effects of student questions, teacher questions, and no questions. Subjects were 125 fifth- and sixth-grade students randomly assigned to one of four groups. Students in two of the groups participated in a series of small-group lessons on the development of questioning skills. Students in all four groups were taught a social studies concept by either an expository lesson or a lesson which included a series of teacher questions. Students who participated in the training sessions and who were also exposed to teacher questions during the lessons...
Spatial, spectral and temporal adaptation for fast fading MIMO-OFDMA systems

Modern wireless communication systems are designed to operate in diverse propagation conditions. Adaptive transmission techniques are powerful tools for achieving this objective. We propose a new adaptive transmission method for fast fading channels. The new method combines benefits of closed loop and open loop transmission techniques by efficient utilization of resources in time, frequency and spatial domains. In the new approach we consider how to allocate different MIMO schemes and alternative subchannelization methods in a given frame depending on the mobile speed, number of antennas and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Numerical results show effectiveness of the proposed method for a wide range of mobile speeds.
Importance of Classroom Climate for At-Risk Learners

Abstract Although previous research has developed scales that measure the situational variables found in classroom climates, it has failed to address the question of how such climates are created. The purpose of the following case study was to examine how one effective teacher, teaching primarily at-risk learners, created a classroom climate that enhanced learner outcomes. Data, collected through participant observation and interviews, were categorized, analyzed, and interpreted using an analytic induction approach. The major assertion generated from the data analyses was that the normative nature of this particular classroom was intimately entwined with academic learning.
Oxidation of carbon tetrachloride, bromotrichloromethane, and carbon tetrabromide by rat liver microsomes to electrophilic halogens

In order to determine whether CCl4, CBrCl3, CBr4 or CHCl3 undergo oxidative metabolism to electrophilic halogens by liver microsomes, they were incubated with liver microsomes from phenobarbital pretreated rats in the presence of NADPH and 2,6-dimethylphenol. The analysis of the reaction mixtures by capillary gas chromatography mass spectrometry revealed that 4-chloro-2,6-dimethylphenol was a metabolite of CCl4 and CBrCl3 whereas 4-bromo-2,6-dimethylphenol was a metabolite of CBr4. The formation of the metabolites was significantly decreased when the reactions were conducted with heat denatured microsomes, in the absence of NADPH or under an atmosphere of N2. These results indicate that the chlorines of CBrCl3 and CCl4 and the bromines of CBr4 are oxidatively metabolized by rat liver microsomes to electrophilic and potentially toxic metabolites.
Big problems for little people

By George M. Guthrie and Helen A. Guthrie (Pennsylvania State University). Distributed by Pennsylvania State University, Audio-Visual Services, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802. 16-mm color, sound, 23 minutes, rental $14, sale $290.
OPAL: A multiscale multicenter simulation package based on MPI-2 protocol†

By using MPI-2 standard, we designed and implemented a new multiscale simulation architecture OPAL. It requires minimum modification to existing simulation code as maintaining the execution efficiency. The new architecture is capable of dynamical region identification, dynamical process spawning, and is grid-computing friendly. We demonstrated its usage and power with a simple test case: NaCl dissociation in water. The code shows excellent linear scaling capability, and no obvious degradation is observed. The communication time used by OPAL is negligible compared with its execution time, proving its high efficiency. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Effect of a fibril magnetic field on solar p-modes

The dispersion relation is obtained for acoustic plane waves that scatter coherently from an ensemble of parallel magnetic flux tubes when the wave vector is perpendicular to the flux-tube axis. When the magnetic flux tubes are distributed uniformly and possess radii that are small compared with the wavelength, the frequency can be calculated exactly. The waves are damped slightly due to a loss of coherence and are shifted downward or upward in frequency relative to a medium devoid of magnetic fibrils, depending primarily on whether the flux tubes are more or less dense than their surroundings. It is suggested that the influence of the fibril magnetic fields observed at the solar surface cannot be ignored in the interpretation of high-1 surface p-mode data.
Lensless sensor system using a reference structure.

We describe a reference structure based sensor system for tracking the motion of an object. The reference structure is designed to implement a Hadamard transformation over a range of angular perspectives. We implemented a reference structure with an angular resolution of 5° and a field of view of 40°.
Integration of hydrogen/deuterium exchange and cyanylation-based methodology for conformational studies of cystinyl proteins.

Abstract This report documents the feasibility and advantages of integrating hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) methodology with cyanylation (CN)-based methodology to determine the conformation of cystinyl proteins and intermediates during refolding. The CN-based methodology can be used to trap, identify, and preserve the disulfide structure of a given cystinyl protein folding intermediate, while the HDX methodology can be used to assess other conformational features of the intermediate. Specifically, in this study, CN-based methodology was used to trap a 1-disulfide bond and a 2-disulfide intermediate of long Arg3 insulin-like growth factor-I (LR3IGF-I), which was then exposed to HDX using D2O at pD 6.8 and subsequently digested with pepsin before analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. The HDX results show an increasing degree of secondary and tertiary structure as a function of disulfide bond formation. In addition, the HDX results for two overlapping peptic fragments suggest that a segment of the polypeptide exists in two conformations, which can be distinguished by HDX and pepsin. These results from HDX mass spectrometry are in reasonably good agreement with those from nuclear magnetic resonance studies of native LR3IGF-I and IGF-I, in which approximately 5000 times more material was used than in our study. Indications are that the integrated use of HDX and CN-based methodologies will be effective in studying the refolding of cystinyl proteins at the subnanomole level.
A NEW APPROACH TO UROLOGY TRAINING:: A LABORATORY MODEL FOR PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY

ABSTRACTPurpose:: The efficacy of traditional operating room based training of urology residents is being reevaluated. The development of hands-on laboratory practicums to facilitate the acquisition of skills by surgical residents lessens learning curves and hastens familiarity with tissue and instrument handling. We describe an innovative model for simulated percutaneous renal access and nephrolithotomy.Materials and Methods:: Porcine kidneys pre-implanted with artificial stone material were placed within intact chicken carcasses as a model for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Urology residents were taught needle access, tract dilation and renal access sheath insertion using fluoroscopy. Training in percutaneous nephrolithotomy with the nephroscope, graspers and stone fragmentation methods followed.Results:: This simple, cost-effective model closely simulates percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Anonymous evaluations submitted by training session participants revealed a high degree of satisfaction with model effec...