cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A neurosecretory hormone-releasing factor from ovaries of mosquitoes fed blood.

Abstract In mosquitoes, a hormone (egg development neurosecretory hormone or EDNH), produced by the medial neurosecretory cells and stored in the corpus cardiacum soon after eclosion, is released after a blood meal, and vitellogenesis begins a few hours later. When either the ovaries or the neurosecretory cells and corpus cardiacum are removed before the blood meal, vitellogenin is not synthesized. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that the release of EDNH from the corpus cardiacum is dependent on the secretion of a releasing factor from the ovaries. Using a bioassay for EDNH in the corpus cardiacum, we found that the gland of an ovariectomized female remained active after blood feeding, and therefore, has not released EDNH. When an ovary was implanted before the blood meal, the corpus cardiacum was inactive, and therefore, had released EDNH. We concluded that the ovaries secrete an EDNH-releasing factor, and that this factor and EDNH must both be in circulation before vitellogenesis can begin. Although releasing factor alone did not stimulate vitellogenesis, it was the rate limiting process that controlled the onset of vitellogenesis. Using a bioassay for the EDNH-releasing factor from the ovaries and using rocket-immuno-electrophoresis, we showed that a Culex ovary, but not an Anopheles ovary, could replaces Aedes ovaries as a source of the releasing factor. In Ae. aegypti, EDNH-releasing factor was required again after oviposition in order to reinitiate the vitellogenic process in females that took a second blood meal. Thus, the releasing factor is part of the mechanism regulating cyclic egg maturation in mosquitoes.
Time-dependent post-trial changes in the localization of amnestic electrical stimulation sites within the amygdala in rats

This experiment examined the effects, on memory, of unilateral subseizure electrical stimulation of the amygdala. Rats were trained in a one-trial inhibitory (passive) avoidance task; retention performance was tested 24 hr after training. If administered either 30 sec or 10 min, but not 4 hr, after training, post-trial amygdala stimulation impaired later retention performance. However, histological examination of effective stimulation sites within the amygdala indicated that the specific electrode placements which effectively impaired later retention differed following stimulation at the 30-sec or 10- min training-treatment intervals. Electrical stimulation administered 30 sec after training impaired later retention in those animals which had electrodes terminating in an amygdala region, which included the basomedial nucleus and the dorsomedial portion of the amygdala. Stimulation of this area 10 min after training did not significantly impair later retention. However, after a 10-min training-stimulation interval, those animals which had electrodes terminating in the basolateral nucleus displayed impaired retention performance. Thus, the amygdala region in which post-trial electrical stimulation modulates later retention performance varies with time after training.
Leaf puncturing, feeding and oviposition behavior of Liriomyza trifolii

The leaf puncturing, ovipositional and feeding behavior of Liriomyza trifolii was investigated on a preferred and non-preferred host (chrysanthemum and tomato, respectively). The sequence of leaf-puncturing behavior was stereotypic on both hosts, with a high probability of transition from one event to the next once the sequence is initiated. Two types of leaf punctures were made: a large fan-shaped puncture without an egg and tubular-shaped punctures with or without an egg. Regardless of the type of leaf puncture created, the female always backed over the puncture to feed. Therefore, all leaf punctures can be considered as feeding punctures. Fewer slow abdominal thrusts were noted for flies during oviposition compared to leaf puncturing only on chrysanthemum and tomato. The major differences noted between hosts were that L. trifolii fed for a significantly shorter period and spent less time during the leaf puncturing sequence on tomato vs. chrysanthemum. This suggests a repellent/antifeedant present in the former host which is detected through gustatory mechanisms. The deposition of an epideictic pheromone during oviposition was not detected. RESUME Comportements de piqure des feuilles, d'alimentation et de ponte de Liriomyza trifolii L'etude des comportements de piqure, de ponte et d'alimentation de Liriomyza trifolii a ete realisee sur hotes preferes ou non (Chrysantheme ou tomate). Les sequences du comportement de piqure de feuilles sont stereotypees sur les deux plantes, avec une forte probabilite de transmission d'une sequence a la suivante quand le comportement a debute. Il y avait deux types de piqures de feuilles: de larges piqures coniques sans oeufs et des piqures tubulares avec ou sans oeuf. Sans consideration du type de piqure, la femelle retourne sur la piqure pour s'alimenter. Ainsi, toutes les piqures peuvent etre considerees comme des piqures alimentaires. Moins de lentes contractions abdominales ont ete observees chez les mouches pondant que chez celles piquant uniquement, tant sur chrysantheme que tomate. Les principales differences observees entre hotes ont ete que L. trifolii s'alimentait pendant moins longtemps et passait moins de temps pendant la perforation sur tomate que sur chrysantheme. Ceci suggere la presence d'un repulsif/dissuadant chez la tomate qui serait decele par la gustation. Aucun depot de pheronome epideictique n'a ete mis en evidence pendant la ponte.
French Nuclear Arms: Program Calls for Atomic Force by mid-1964 and Hydrogen Capacity at End of Decade

The correct address for the publisher of the new journal, Ethnology [Science 138, 3536 (1962)], is University of Pittsburgh Press, 3309 Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh 13, Pa.
Energy management for buildings and microgrids

Intelligent consumer energy management systems will become important elements at the delivery points of the smart grid inside homes, buildings, and industrial plants. The end users will be able to better monitor and manage their energy consumption, while utilities will gain more flexible mechanisms for management of peak demands that will extend beyond demand response initiatives as they are implemented today. With a broader use of distributed generation many buildings and campuses will become microgrids interconnecting multiple generation, storage, and consumption devices of one or several end users. We discuss how energy management and control for such facilities can be viewed as a large-scale optimization problem. Specific supply-side and demand-side aspects include on-site renewable generation, storage technologies, electric cars, dynamic pricing, and load management. Technical challenges related to the optimization formulation are noted - in general, mixed-integer, nonlinear, constrained optimization is needed. We also describe an implementation of optimization-based energy management solution for a hospital in the Netherlands, providing economic details and an analysis of the savings achieved.
CONCURRENT-SCHEDULE PERFORMANCE IN DAIRY COWS : PERSISTENT UNDERMATCHING

Performance of dairy cows responding under concurrent variable-interval variable-interval schedules of food delivery was examined, with results analyzed in terms of the generalized matching equation. In Experiment 1, bias measures indicated that crushed barley was preferred over meatmeal when these foods were available under the alternative schedules. For whole-session data, substantial undermatching of response and time-allocation ratios to obtained reinforcement ratios was evident. Postreinforcement pause time ratios approximately matched obtained reinforcement rates. Subtracting these times from total time-allocation values yielded net time-allocation ratios that undermatched obtained reinforcement ratios to a greater degree than did whole-session time-allocation ratios. In Experiment 2, substantial undermatching was evident when the same foods (hay for 2 cows, crushed barley for 2 others) were available under the alternative schedules. Food-related activities and other defined behavior not related to food were quantified by direct observation, and were found to occupy a substantial proportion (roughly 40% to 80%) of experimental sessions. Subtracting the time spent in these activities from the time allocated to each component schedule did not reduce the degree of undermatching obtained. Across all conditions in both experiments, slopes of regression lines relating behavioral outputs to environmental inputs characteristically were below 0.6, which agrees with prior findings and suggests that, contrary to suggestions in the literature, undermatching in dairy cows is not the result of using different foods under alternative schedules or differential pausing under those schedules.
Preface to the Discussion of the ORSA Guidelines

The September 1971 issue of Operations Research contains an ORSA committee's report entitled “Guidelines for the Practice of Operations Research.” The issue also contains other material relating to a dispute concerning a specific operations research project. It occurred to me that members of The Institute of Management Sciences might well have an interest, not in the dispute, but in the Guidelines, since these are obviously closely related to the significance of the practice of applied management science. Many of the members of The Institute of Management Sciences over the years have had an intense interest in the meaning of “the scientific method” as it relates to management science, not only in the model building aspects of the science, but in the broader concerns which occur in applications.
Calpain-mediated proteolysis of GluR1 subunits in organotypic hippocampal cultures following kainic acid treatment

The present study examined changes in GluR1 subunits after kainic acid (KA) treatment of organotypic hippocampal cultures. Immunoblots labeled with antibodies directed at the C-terminal domain of GluR1 revealed a large decrease in GluR1 immunoreactivity at 6 h and 24 h, while immunoblots labeled with antibodies directed at the N-terminal domain indicated that KA treatment produced changes in structure but not amount of GluR1 protein. Changes in GluR1 subunits were significantly reduced by the calpain inhibitor, calpeptin. These results indicate that KA-induced changes in GluR1 properties are mediated by calpain activation.
A method to detect polysialic acid in polymers of 10 or more sialyl residues synthesized in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract An immunoaffinity column has been used to detect polysialic acid containing 10 or more sialyl residues. Antibodies specific for colominic acid were purified from horse serum by immobilized colominic acid and were bound to CH-Sepharose-4B. The immunoaffinity column was used to assay the activity of CMP-NeuNAc:polyα2→8-sialosylsialyltransferase by detecting the products which were synthesized in vitro by an extract from rat brain and CMP-[ 14 C]NeuNAc. In addition, polysialic acid was demonstrated in a fraction of glycoproteins from human neuroblastoma cells, labeled metabolically with [ 3 H]GlcN. The column was further characterized by binding of 3 H-colominic acid and by treatment of the bound polymers with endoneuraminidase, specific for the degradation of polysialic acid. The method can be used for rapid detection of polysialic acid synthesized in vivo and in vitro .
Cigarette smoking and the onset and persistence of depression among adults in the United States: 1994-2005.

Background The present study investigated the relationship between daily cigarette smoking and risk of onset and persistence of major depressive disorder (MDD) over a 10-year period among adults in the United States and whether successful smoking cessation reduced the risk for MDD.
Abstract 225: Overexpression of truncated Ron augments benzyl isothiocyanate-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Phytochemicals from edible plants remain attractive for prevention of breast cancer, which is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. We have shown previously that benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), a small-molecule found in edible cruciferous vegetables such as garden cress, confers significant protection against mammary cancer development in MMTV-neu transgenic mice. BITC-mediated prevention of mammary carcinogenesis in MMTV-neu mice in vivo is associated with tumor cell apoptosis induction and elimination of breast cancer stem cells (bCSC). In cultured human breast cancer cells, BITC-induced apoptosis is accompanied by activation of multidomain proapoptotic protein Bax whereas inhibition of bCSC self-renewal is significantly attenuated by overexpression of truncated Ron (recepteur d’origine nantais) tyrosine kinase. Ron expression is very low in normal human breast epithelium but its overexpression has been reported in about 50% of primary breast cancers. In addition, mammary-specific overexpression of wild-type Ron as well as its constitutively active form induces highly metastatic breast tumors in mice. The present study was undertaken to study the role of truncated Ron (sfRon) in BITC-induced apoptosis using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-361 human breast cancer cells. Overexpression of sfRon resulted in statistically significant augmentation of BITC-induced apoptotic cell death in both cell lines as judged by flow cytometry after staining with Annexin V and propidium iodide, analysis of histone associated DNA fragment release into the cytosol, and/or cell proliferation assay. On the other hand, sfRon overexpressing MCF-7 cells were resistant to BITC-mediated G2/M phase cell cycle arrest when compared with parental cells. Increased apoptosis following BITC treatment in sfRon overexpressing cells was due to enhanced activation of Bax and/or Bak. Taken together, these findings indicate that overexpression of sfRon sensitizes human breast cancer cells to BITC-induced apoptosis. This investigation was supported by the NCI grant CA129347-06. Citation Format: Anuradha Sehrawat, Shivendra V. Singh. Overexpression of truncated Ron augments benzyl isothiocyanate-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 225. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-225
Full-Thickness Mucous Membrane Grafts from the Vestibular (Oral Labial) Mucosa of the Lip

BACKGROUND. Full thickness mucous membrane coverage is desired for a variety of reconstructive tasks involving the oral cavity and vermilion area of the lips. OBJECTIVE. This article will inform the readership that the vestibular (oral labial) mucosal area of the lower lip close to the sulcus may provide adequate full-thickness mucous membrane graft tissue for such purposes. METHODS. A series of photographs from a number of representative cases with accompanying commentary will enable the surgeon to easily incorporate this technique into his/her practice. CONCLUSION. The lips vestibular mucosa will be found to be an invaluable ally in accomplishing non-deforming coverage of superficial mucosal defects without unnecessary surgical invasion of visible lip/chin structures
Selection for components of reproduction in swine

Abstract The response per generation to 10 generations of mass selection for ovulation were 0.49 ova, −1.6% in embryo survival and 0.06 piglets per litter at birth. Line differences (select-control) in generation 9 and 10 gilts and sows ranged from 3.4 to 5 ova. Control line gilts and sows had 5.4 to 10.6% higher embryo survival to days 30 and 70 of gestation than did select line females. One generation of random selection followed by four generations of litter size selection, selection for decreased age at puberty or relaxed ovulation rate selection in the high ovulation rate line has resulted in lines that differed from the control line in litter size at birth by 0.78 ± 0.22, 0.37 ± 0.39 and 0.84 ± 0.52 pigs per litter at first, second and third parity, respectively. These results were used to derive a selection index to increase litter size by selection for its components (ovulation rate, OR, and embryo survival, ES). A technique of selection based on laparotomy to increase the number of females tested with a given set of farrowing places is presented. Rate of response in LS from use of the selection index, I = 10.6 OR + 72.6 ES, in a population of 40 farrowing females and 15 males per generation, is expected to increase litter size 2.5 times faster than selection on LS due to higher selection intensity and optimum emphasis on the component traits.
Comparisons of nipple attachment and incisor growth among four species of voles (Microtus)

Patterns of nipple attachment and incisor growth were compared between four species of voles (Microtus). Offspring of two highly social species, prairie voles (M. ochrogaster) and pine voles (M. pinetorum). were shown to cling tightly to the nipples of their dams on Days 2, 6, and 10. This pattern contrasted to weak nipple attachment displayed by two less-social species, meadow voles (M. pennsylvanicus) and montane voles (M. montanus). Lengths of the upper (maxillary) and lower (mandibular) incisors of the four species were recorded throughout the first 10 days of age and in adults. Incisors of the pine and prairie voles typically erupted earlier and grew longer than those of the meadow or montane voles during the first few days of development. Incisors grew at a substantial rate in the latter two species, such that they equalled or surpassed the incisor lengths of the former two species as Day 10 and weaning approached. Patterns of incisor growth, in part, reflected those for nipple attachment, but do not appear to account substantially for differences in nipple attachment. 0 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Introduction to the new editorial series, notes of allergy watchers.

It is my great pleasure to introduce our series, Notes of Allergy Watchers, with a very timely book review on the autobiography of Professor Alain de Weck. The new series will cover viewpoints and recollections concerning the science and practice of allergy and immunology. Authors will provide a look backward and also observations and speculations concerning the science of our discipline and projections for potential changes within our field in the future. It is also timely and appropriate that Professor Johannes Ring, our Executive Editor and the prior Editor in Chief, provides this review in the first of the series. Professor Alain de Weck is a titan in our field; he has been involved in allergy and immunology for over 60 years and has experienced the growth of our discipline both clinically and scientifically from its humble beginnings to its present state. Trained by Doctor Arthur Eisen at Washington University in St. Louis in basic immunology, and then extending his rigorous scientific background to clinical and translational issues and to basic science, Alain de Weck’s experience has been broad and illuminating. He has been an integral part of a variety of organizations in academic societies that have had a tremendous effect on our current organization including the World Allergy Organization. Alain de Weck has been an important contributor in a wide variety of venues, and his perspective has been quite broad and entertaining. This review by Johannes Ring expertly identifies the breadth of Alain de Weck’s contributions, and it is a pleasure to have this review and our distinguished colleagues, Professors Ring and de Weck, highlighted in the inaugural Notes of Allergy Watchers.
Effects of Hypoxia on β-Endorphin and β-Lipotropin Release in Fetal, Newborn, and Maternal Sheep

Plasma β-endorphin immunoactivity was measured in chronically catheterized fetal, newborn, and maternal sheep before, during, and after periods of controlled hypoxia induced by having the pregnant ewe or newborn lamb breathe a gas mixture of 10% oxygen in nitrogen for 30 min. In 13 fetuses, mean (±SEM) β-endorphin immunoactivity increased from 125 ± 24.9 to 503 ± 73 pg/ml at 30 min of hypoxia (P < 0.001); simultaneous mean maternal β-endorphin immunoactivity did not rise during hypoxia. In contrast to the fetal lamb, no change in β-endorphin immunoactivity was noted in 3 newborn lambs, 1–11 days old, in response to breathing 10% oxygen. Sephadex G-50 chromatography of plasma extracts from 7 fetuses (6 before and during hypoxia) showed that the increase in total β-endorphin immunoactivity in response to hypoxia consisted of increases in both β-endorphin and β-lipotropin (β-LPH) concentrations. The mean β-endorphin to β-LPH molar ratio of 0.80 in the fetus in the baseline state was significantly higher than...
COMPARISON OF DEVELOPMENT AND PHOTOSYNTHETIC GROWTH FOR FILAMENT CLUMPS AND REGENERATED MICROPLANTLET CULTURES OF AGARDHIELLA SUBULATA (RHODOPHYTA, GIGARTINALES)

Two axenic, in vitro liquid suspension cultures were established for Agardhiella subulata (C. Agardh) Kraft et Wynne, and their growth characteristics were compared. This study illustrated how reliable routes for the development of suspension cultures of macrophytic red algae of terete thallus morphology can be achieved for biotechnology applications. Undifferentiated filament clumps of 2–8 mm diameter were established by induction of callus-like tissue from thallus explants, and lightly branched microplantlets of 2–10 mm length were established by regeneration of filament clumps. The filament clumps were susceptible to regeneration. Adventitious shoot formation was reliably induced from 40% to 70% of the filament clumps by gentle mixing at 100 rev min−1 on an orbital shaker. The specific growth rate of the microplantlets was higher than the filament clumps in nonagitated well plate culture (4%–6% per day for microplantlets vs. 2%–3% per day for filament clumps) at 24° C and 8–36 μmol photons·m−2·s−1 irradiance (10:14 h LD cycle) when grown on ASP12 artificial seawater medium at pH 8.6–8.9 with 20%–25% per day medium replacement. Oxygen evolution rate vs. irradiance measurements showed that relative to the filament clumps, microplantlets had a higher maximum specific oxygen evolution rate (Po,max= 0.181 ± 0.035 vs. 0.130 ± 0.023 mmol O2·g−1 dry cell mass·h−1), but comparable respiration rate (Qo= 0.040 ± 0.013 vs. 0.033 ± 0.017 mmol O2·g−1 dry cell mass·h−1), compensation point (Ic= 3.8 ± 2.4 vs. 5.7 ± 1.2 μmol photons·m−2·s−1), and light intensity at 63.2% of saturation (Ik= 17.5 ± 3.9 vs. 14.9 ± 2.6 μmol photons·m−2·s−1). The microplantlet culture was more suitable for suspension culture development than the filament clump culture because it was morphologically stable and exhibited higher growth rates.
Isolation and Characterization of Two Adenosine 3′,5′- Monophosphate-Dependent Protein Kinases from Bovine Adrenal Cortex*

Bovine adrenocortical cytosol contains two cAMP-dependent protein kinases separable by diethylaminoethyl- cellulose chromatography. The kinases exhibit behavior characteristic of type I and type II enzymes i.e. the enzyme eluting at 80 mM NaCl is activated by NaCl and histone, whereas the enzyme eluting at 140 mM NaCl is not. In addition, a third cAMP-binding protein eluting from DEAE at 120 mM NaCl has been isolated and tentatively identified as type I regulatory subunit. A method is described for the isolation of the catalytic and regulatory subunits of both enzymes from the same starting material using cGMP to dissociate the enzyme subunits and elute the regulatory subunits from N6-aminoethyl-cAMP-Sepharose 4B. The isolated proteins were homogeneous, as judged by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide electrophoresis. Using this technique, molecular weight values of 44,000 for the catalytic subunits, 51,000 for the cAMP-binding protein and type I regulatory subunit, and 56,000 for the type II regulatory...
R. H. Goddard and solar power 1924-1934

Abstract From 1924 through 1934, Professor Robert H. Goddard, primarily known for his rocket work, engaged in considerable research in solar power and conversion. He was granted five patents and constructed several laboratory test models of his various apparatus. Goddard's principal contributions were his correction of errors in the work of others and his conversion studies. He envisioned his work being applied both to space travel and to supply abundant and cheap terrestrial power.
Magnesium, Calcium and PTH Relationships in Dialysis Patients after Magnesium Repletion

Sixteen end-stage renal disease patients who received hemodialysis for 2.9 years with no magnesium in the dialysate were evaluated for serum calcium, magnesium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) status. El
Migratory Canada geese cause crash of US Airways Flight 1549

In the United States alone, over 7400 bird–aircraft collisions (birdstrikes) were reported in 2007. Most of these strikes occurred during takeoff or landing of the flight, and it is during these flight phases that aircraft experience their highest risk of substantial damage after colliding with birds. Birdstrikes carry enormous potential costs in terms of lives and money. Using feather remains and other tissue samples collected from the engines of US Airways Flight 1549, which crash landed in the Hudson River in New York City on 15 January 2009 after a birdstrike, we apply molecular tools and stable hydrogen isotopes to demonstrate that migratory Canada geese were responsible for the crash. Determining whether the geese involved in this birdstrike event were resident or migratory is essential to the development of management techniques that could reduce the risk of future collisions. Currently, the US civil aviation industry is not required to report birdstrikes, yet information on frequency, timing, and ...
Reducing nitrogen fertilizer application as a climate change mitigation strategy: Understanding farmer decision-making and potential barriers to change in the US

Nitrogen fertilizer use in agriculture is associated with water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. While practices and programs to reduce nitrogen fertilizer application continue to be developed, inefficient fertilizer use persists and little is known about farmer decision-making regarding application rates. The purpose of this study was to explore farmer decision-making in the context of reducing the application of nitrogen fertilizer as a climate change mitigation strategy and to assess barriers to reduced application and participating in a potential offsets program. Research methods included mail surveys, interviews, and focus groups with corn farmers in Michigan, United States (US). Results indicate that potential barriers to increasing nitrogen use efficiency for climate change mitigation include: perceptions about climate change, limited access to information and technological tools, and constraints imposed by the political economy of US agriculture. Education programs, government subsidies or cost-sharing programs, and including influential market and political actors in discussions about fertilizer use and climate change mitigation may address some of these barriers. Policies and programs focused on nitrogen fertilizer use and climate change mitigation in agriculture should be aware of these barriers and how they might be addressed.
Pole Assignment by Periodic Direct Output Feedback

This paper investigates the use of "Sampled Periodic Feedback" (SPF) in the control of linear time-invariant systems. The ideal of SPF is to periodically sample the output of the system, and let t(u) control be a periodic time varying linear combination of the last output sample. This method has several advantages over dynamic controllers: It has the efficacy of state feedback without the requirement of state estimation; it provides the control system designer with substantially more freedom; and it requires very few on-line computations. The problem of simultaneous arbitrary pole assignment of a finite number of systems by one single SPF controller is solved.
Six-helix bundle and triangle DNA origami insulator-based dielectrophoresis.

Self-assembled DNA nanostructures have large potential for nanoelectronic circuitry, targeted drug delivery, and intelligent sensing. Their applications require suitable methods for manipulation and nanoscale assembly as well as adequate concentration, purification, and separation methods. Insulator-based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) provides an efficient and matrix-free approach for manipulation of micro- and nanometer-sized objects. In order to exploit iDEP for DNA nanoassemblies, a detailed understanding of the underlying polarization and dielectrophoretic migration is essential. Here, we explore the dielectrophoretic behavior of six-helix bundle and triangle DNA origamis with identical sequence but large topological difference and reveal a characteristic frequency range of iDEP trapping. Moreover, the confinement of triangle origami in the iDEP trap required larger applied electric fields. To elucidate the observed DEP migration and trapping, we discuss polarizability models for the two species according ...
Testing the stability of carbon pools stored in tussock sedge meadows

Abstract Tussocks formed by Carex stricta are a relatively large carbon (C) pool in sedge meadows, but the stability of organic matter in these ecosystems is not well understood. We initiated year-long incubation experiments (22.5 °C) to evaluate the CO2 and CH4 production potentials of sedge meadow substrates under field moist and inundated treatments from five sites in the Upper Midwest, USA (4 reference, 1 restored). C mineralization potentials decreased with depth (tussocks > underlying soil), and were positively correlated with macro-organic matter content and negatively with lignin. Across sites, C stored in tussocks and soil at the restoration was the least stable, suggesting that the restoration of C-storage function may take decades. Mineralization potentials were similar between field moist and inundated treatments, but inundation resulted in higher methane production, accounting for 24–51% of total carbon mineralized from tussocks. In the field however, C. stricta tussocks emitted less methane (393 ± 76 mg CH4 m−2 d−1) than tussock interspaces (1362 ± 371 mg CH4 m−2 d−1) early in the growing season; we suggest that tussock tops oxidized methane produced from deeper anoxic horizons. Our results highlight the importance of considering how microtopography modulates greenhouse gas flux from wetlands and suggests that the C stored in the older, more decomposed C. stricta tussock sedge meadow substrates (both within and between sites) is relatively stable.
Tank spawning of grass carp

Abstract Induced spawning of grass carp in indoor tanks without hand stripping of gametes is described. Circular tanks (1.83 m diameter) with biofiltration units were utilized for conditioning and spawning. This method was found to be successful and has several advantages over the dry-fertilization method: (1) preliminary ripening and spawning is conducted in small systems where the environment is controlled; (2) manpower requirements are reduced; (3) handling of brood fish is reduced, thereby minimizing mortalities; and (4) spawning occurs when the fish is physiologically ready, insuring good egg quality.
Supercritical fluid extraction/gas chromatography with thermal desorption modulator interface and nitro‐specific detection for the analysis of explosives

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) can greatly reduce the sample preparation time of analytes in solid matrices. The on-line coupling of SFE with high-speed gas chromatography (GC) can further reduce the total analysis time. SFE has been coupled to GC with a thermal desorption modulator (TDM) interface. A thermal energy analyzer (TEA), a chemiluminescence detector which is specific for nitro and nitroso compounds, has been coupled to the system to analyze explosives in soil samples. The use of organic modifiers to increase the solvation power of carbon dioxide was necessary for the extraction of various explosives, and did not adversely affect the performance of the system. Thermally labile compounds, however, such as the nitrate esters, were shown to decompose in the modulator before the chromatographic separation. This method allows for the rapid analysis of relatively volatile and thermally stable nitro compounds from solid matrices. The system can be used for screening small samples in short periods of time. Total analysis can be completed in less than 10 minutes and requires only 200 mg of soil. The minimum detectable quantity for the analysis of 2,4-DNT was found to be 2.6 ppb in an actual soil sample.
In-Situ Coal Gasification of Bituminous Coals - Development Plan

There are in excess of one trillion tons of bituminous coal resources in the United States mostly concentrated in the Appalachian, Illinois and Western Interior Basins. Approximately 220 billion tons of this bituminous resource, which is comparable to the estimated mineable reserves, can be recovered by Underground Coal Gasification (UCG). A technology that would provide for the economic production of gasoline and SNG in the eastern, high energy use markets would provide an essentially new energy source to these markets. The high rank, thin seam, bituminous coals therefore provide an effective target for the development of an economically viable technology for resource recovery. The only recent field test in these thin-seamed, high rank coals was the Pricetown I Field Test performed at Pricetown, West Viriginia. This test demonstrated the feasibility of gasifying deep (approx. 900 feet), thin seam (approx. 8 feet), swelling bituminous coals. This test provided a 72% energy recovery by utilizing only air injection. While the test was successful in meeting all of its objectives, it was only the first step in the development of eastern UCG technology. The data obtained from the test can be used to develop an effective plan which can lead to a commercialmore » demonstration and subsequently, commercial acceptance of this technology for bituminous coals by the 1990's.« less
Noncontingent footshock attenuation of retrograde amnesia: A generalization effect☆

Abstract Mice were either well trained and rendered amnesic with transcorneal electroconvulsive shock (ECS) or poorly trained on a one-trial inhibitory avoidance task and given a retention test 24 and 48 hr later. Noncontingent footshock administered either 1 hr after the training or 1 hr after the 24 hr test significantly increased retention latencies of groups which had received training and ECS, as well as those of groups which were poorly trained. These findings suggest that animals which are partially amnesic or poorly trained are able to generalize the effects of a subsequent NCFS experience to the inhibitory avoidance training task.
Predictive factors and outcomes of cochlear implantation in patients with connexin 26 mutation: a comparative study.

Abstract Purpose To compare hearing outcomes in patients with connexin 26 (Cx 26) mutations undergoing cochlear implantation to age matched controls and to examine whether age at implantation, gender and type of mutation were correlated with hearing outcome. Materials and methods Retrospective chart review of 21 patients with Cx 26 mutations that underwent cochlear implantation compared to 18 age-matched controls. Patients' characteristics, type of mutation and pre- and postoperative short and long-term hearing thresholds, word and sentence scores were analyzed. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the Cx 26 and control group in the mean short term and mean long term post-operative pure tone averages (PTA), speech reception thresholds (SRT), word and sentence scores. Gender, age at implantation and type of connexin 26 mutation did not predict hearing outcomes. Conclusions In patients with connexin 26 mutation, cochlear implantation provides an effective mean of auditory habilitation. Mutational status, age and gender do not seem to predict hearing outcomes.
Computer analysis of intraoperative cardiac rhythms using esophageal and surface leads.

Esophageal ECG lead and computer as arrhythmia monitor were evaluated in 6 dogs and 23 patients. In dogs arrhythmias were induced by an epinephrine infusion during halothane anesthesia. The computer identified 1858 irregular beats, a cardiologist 2130. Bigeminy was correctly identified 82% of the time, trigeminy 72%, couplets 29%, and ventricular tachycardia 45%. The false positive rate was .03%. In the operating room the monitor identified an average of 44 abnormal beats per patient. In 5 patients junctional rhythm was correctly identified. This study shows the feasibility of using an esophageal ECG lead for computerized ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmia monitoring in the operating room.
Shp2 signaling in POMC neurons is important for leptin's actions on blood pressure, energy balance, and glucose regulation

Previous studies showed that Src homology-2 tyrosine phosphatase (Shp2) is an important regulator of body weight. In this study, we examined the impact of Shp2 deficiency specifically in proopiomel...
On the wake of a circular cylinder with nodal and saddle attachment

Abstract Flow field of a cylinder with a mid-span curvature was experimentally investigated in a wind tunnel and a water tunnel. The azimuthal orientation of the cylinder was changed to obtain a nodal, saddle and a mixed nodal–saddle type of flow attachment. Surface flow topology suggested that the nature of the attachment strongly influenced the spanwise distributions of foci structures that play a significant role in introducing three-dimensionality in the immediate wake. Flow visualization in the water tunnel revealed that the length of a vortex formation region also followed the changes in the nature of the attachment. A symmetric shedding of vortices was observed with a saddle type of attachment. Wake mean velocity profiles showed that the velocity defect and therefore the drag of a curved cylinder was minimum for nodal, and maximum for saddle type of attachment. Nomenclature of the wake was compared with asymptotic profiles and equilibrium parameters. Approach to self-preservation, similarity and other features are discussed.
Dietary Self-Monitoring, But Not Dietary Quality, Improves With Use of Smartphone App Technology in an 8-Week Weight Loss Trial

Abstract Objective Dietary self-monitoring is linked to improved weight loss success. Mobile technologies, such as smartphone applications (apps), might allow for improved dietary tracking adherence. The authors assessed the use of a popular smartphone app for dietary self-monitoring and weight loss by comparing it with traditional diet counseling and entry methods. Methods Diet tracking and weight loss were compared across participants during an 8-week weight loss trial. Participants tracked intake using 1 of 3 methods: the mobile app “Lose It!”, the memo feature on a smartphone, or a traditional paper-and-pencil method. Results App users (n = 19) recorded dietary data more consistently compared with the paper-and-pencil group (n = 15; P = .042) but not the memo group (n = 13). All groups lost weight over the course of the study (P = .001), and no difference in weight loss was noted between groups. Conclusions and Implications Smartphone apps could represent a novel and feasible dietary self-monitoring method for individuals.
Characteristics of Nocturnal Low-Level Jets Observed in the North Florida Area

The seasonal and interannual variability of the nocturnal low-level jets over the north Florida region are investigated using sodar measurements spanning 540 nights. On average, jets are present in 62% of the nocturnal periods examined. The observed jet speeds range between 3 and 21 m s 21 and heights are between 80 and 700 m. Observations show that the low-level jet occurs more frequently (70% of the nocturnal periods) during the colder months November‐February in contrast with the warmer months June‐August (;47%). The presence of southerly jets dominates the summer months, whereas northerly jets are more frequent during winter. Colder months frequently exhibit jets with speeds exceeding 14 m s 21 , often associated with the passage of frontal systems. The interannual variability observed using the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) wind profile data during a 4-yr period shows only minimal differences in jet characteristics.A comparison of jet heights with NARR planetary boundary layer heights suggests that jets at the north Florida location frequently occur within the planetary boundary layer. The occurrence and speed of observed low-level jets are linked to both the land‐ocean temperature contrast and to the strength and orientation of surface pressure gradients over the region. A high occurrence of large-amplitude oscillations with approximately a 24-h period near the jet height is shown using the Hilbert‐Huang transform analysis, suggesting that inertial oscillations are one possible cause of jet formation in north Florida.
Addressing Teachers' Feelings of Lack of Control over Policy Issues.

This study reports on how an American Education System course, traditionally taught with broad objectives, was contextualized for science teachers. Using pre-assessment data, specific policy issues were targeted with the objective of increasing teachers’ feelings of influence over issues. The approach used was adapted from exposure therapy, a method common in behavioral therapy. This involved providing greater depth of understanding of issues, revisiting issues repeatedly, and developing professional dialogue. After participating in the course, teachers were significantly less likely to list standardized testing and curriculum standards as critical issues. The teachers correspondingly significantly increased their internal locus of control over these issues.
Anorexia nervosa: “Thirty something”

In this report, three cases of eating-disordered women in their thirties are presented to document the occurrence of eating disorders in this age group. The clinical characteristics and associated features are described. Clinicians are reminded to consider the possibility of an eating disorder in patients who present with weight loss regardless of their age.
Characterizing 802.11 wireless link behavior

Since wireless signals propagate through the ether, they are significantly affected by attenuation, fading, multipath, and interference. As a result, it is difficult to measure and understand fundamental wireless network behavior. This creates a challenge for both network researchers, who often rely on simulators to evaluate their work, and network managers, who need to deploy and optimize operational networks. Given the complexity of wireless networks, both communities often rely on simplifying rules, which frequently have not been validated using today's wireless radios. In this paper, we undertake a detailed characterization of 802.11 link-level behavior using commercial 802.11 cards. Our study uses a wireless testbed that provides signal propagation emulation, giving us complete control over the signal environment. In addition, we use our measurements to analyze the performance of an operational wireless network. Our work contributes to a more accurate understanding of link-level behavior and enables the development of more accurate wireless network simulators.
Regulation of the thrombin time in cirrhosis.

Abstract Standard coagulation profiles, plasmin and plasminogen activities, and measurements of antithrombin III and antithrombin II (heparin co-factor) activities were performed on 9 patients with biopsy-proven cirrhosis and on a 10th patient studied over a 30 month period for biopsy-proven cirrhosis associated with persistent hypofibrinogenemia. Prolongation of the thrombin time was observed in all 10 patients and was not correlated with fibrinogen concentrations, plasmin nor plasminogen activity, nor the appearance nor magnitude of fibrin-fibrinogen split product titers. There was a negative correlation between the presence of free plasmin in these patients and the presence or magnitude of fibrin-fibrinogen split product titers. The one patient with persistent hypo-fibrinogenemia demonstrated consistently shorter prolongation of the thrombin time on all occasions despite lower fibrinogen levels, longer prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times, and higher plasmin and fibrin-fibrinogen split product concentrations than the other 9 patients studied. This patient's relative normalization of the thrombin time was most likely related to negligible antithrombin III and heparin co-factor activities, and suggests the significance of these antithrombins as possible regulators of the thrombin time in cirrhosis.
Fiber optic Adaline neural networks

Optoelectronic realization of adaptive filters and equalizers using fiber optic tapped delay lines and spatial light modulators has been discussed recently. We describe the design of a single layer fiber optic Adaline neural network which can be used as a bit pattern classifier. In our realization we employ as few electronic devices as possible and use optical computation to utilize the advantages of optics in processing speed, parallelism, and interconnection. The new optical neural network described in this paper is designed for optical processing of guided lightwave signals, not electronic signals. We analyzed the convergence or learning characteristics of the optically implemented Adaline in the presence of errors in the hardware, and we studied methods for improving the convergence rate of the Adaline.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Systematic investigation of porogen size and content on scaffold morphometric parameters and properties.

A systematic investigation of tissue engineering scaffolds prepared by salt leaching of a photopolymerized dimethacrylate was performed to determine how the scaffold structure (porosity, pore size,...
Gimbal rate loop electrical noise: how much can you stand?

Electrical noise in gimbal control loops can directly impact gimbal drift and Line-of-Sight motion in electro-optic systems. When electrical noise saturates the control loop, the loop operates non-linearly, and changes the loop's ability to reject disturbances. Should the requirement for this loop noise stay below the saturation point for adequate gimbal control? This paper provides an avenue to study Line-of-Sight stabilization performance in the presence of saturating loop noise. The rate feedback device is a two-axis piezoelectric gyro that senses gimbal structural flexure and linear vibrations.
Identification of Propofol Binding Sites in a Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor with a Photoreactive Propofol Analog

Propofol, a widely used intravenous general anesthetic, acts at anesthetic concentrations as a positive allosteric modulator of γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors and at higher concentration as an inhibitor of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Here, we characterize propofol binding sites in a muscle-type nAChR by use of a photoreactive analog of propofol, 2-isopropyl-5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-3H-diazirin-3-yl]phenol (AziPm). Based upon radioligand binding assays, AziPm stabilized the Torpedo nAChR in the resting state, whereas propofol stabilized the desensitized state. nAChR-rich membranes were photolabeled with [3H]AziPm, and labeled amino acids were identified by Edman degradation. [3H]AziPm binds at three sites within the nAChR transmembrane domain: (i) an intrasubunit site in the δ subunit helix bundle, photolabeling in the nAChR desensitized state (+agonist) δM2-18′ and two residues in δM1 (δPhe-232 and δCys-236); (ii) in the ion channel, photolabeling in the nAChR resting, closed channel state (−agonist) amino acids in the M2 helices (αM2-6′, βM2-6′ and -13′, and δM2-13′) that line the channel lumen (with photolabeling reduced by >90% in the desensitized state); and (iii) at the γ-α interface, photolabeling αM2-10′. Propofol enhanced [3H]AziPm photolabeling at αM2-10′. Propofol inhibited [3H]AziPm photolabeling within the δ subunit helix bundle at lower concentrations (IC50 = 40 μm) than it inhibited ion channel photolabeling (IC50 = 125 μm). These results identify for the first time a single intrasubunit propofol binding site in the nAChR transmembrane domain and suggest that this is the functionally relevant inhibitory binding site.