cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A randomized controlled trial of a point-of-care computerized intervention to improve family knowledge of environmental triggers for children with asthma

Introduction Asthma affects 1 in 11 children in the United States. Patients can control their asthma with appropriate medications and by avoiding exposure to environmental triggers. Successful interventions to improve asthma control in children often include interventions to reduce asthma triggers in the home. These interventions face challenges including lack of trained educators, high costs, and difficulties arranging home visits with families. The aim of this study was to trial a point-of-care version of the home-based education using a computerized, tailored intervention to …
Pornography and Sexual Aggression: Can Meta-Analysis Find a Link?:

Whether pornography contributes to sexual aggression in real life has been the subject of dozens of studies over multiple decades. Nevertheless, scholars have not come to a consensus about whether ...
Towards Coinductive Models for Natural Language Understanding. Bringing together Deep Learning and Deep Semantics.

This article contains a proposal to add coinduction to the computational apparatus of natural language understanding. This, we argue, will provide a basis for more realistic, computationally sound, and scalable models of natural language dialogue, syntax and semantics. Given that the bottom up, inductively constructed, semantic and syntactic structures are brittle, and seemingly incapable of adequately representing the meaning of longer sentences or realistic dialogues, natural language understanding is in need of a new foundation. Coinduction, which uses top down constraints, has been successfully used in the design of operating systems and programming languages. Moreover, implicitly it has been present in text mining, machine translation, and in some attempts to model intensionality and modalities, which provides evidence that it works. This article shows high level formalizations of some of such uses. Since coinduction and induction can coexist, they can provide a common language and a conceptual model for research in natural language understanding. In particular, such an opportunity seems to be emerging in research on compositionality. This article shows several examples of the joint appearance of induction and coinduction in natural language processing. We argue that the known individual limitations of induction and coinduction can be overcome in empirical settings by a combination of the the two methods. We see an open problem in providing a theory of their joint use.
Single-Stranded DNA Curtains for Single-Molecule Visualization of Rad51-ssDNA Filament Dynamics

Homologous recombination (HR) is a highly conserved DNA repair pathway required for the accurate repair of DNA double-stranded breaks. DNA recombination is catalyzed by the RecA/Rad51 family of proteins, which are conserved from bacteria to humans. The key intermediate catalyzing DNA recombination is the presynaptic complex (PSC), which is a helical filament comprised of Rad51-bound single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Multiple cellular factors either promote or downregulate PSC activity, and a fine balance between such regulators is required for the proper regulation of HR and maintenance of genomic integrity. However, dissecting the complex mechanisms regulating PSC activity has been a challenge using traditional ensemble methods due to the transient and dynamic nature of recombination intermediates. We have developed a single-molecule assay called ssDNA curtains that allows us to visualize individual DNA intermediates in real-time, using total internal reflection microscopy (TIRFM). This assay has allowed us to study many aspects of HR regulation that involve complex and heterogenous reaction intermediates. Here we describe the procedure for a basic ssDNA curtain assay to study PSC filament dynamics, and explain how to process and analyze the resulting data.
Abstract P153: Dose-Response Associations Between Physical Activity And All-Cause Mortality Among A Multi-Ethnic Sample With Diabetes: NHANES 1999-2006

Introduction: Emerging evidence has suggested that those identifying as non-Hispanic white (NHW) or non-Hispanic black (NHB) have consistent and similar all-cause mortality risk reductions across d...
A high-throughput pipeline for design and selection of peptides targeting the SARS-Cov-2 Spike protein.

Rapid design, screening, and characterization of biorecognition elements (BREs) is essential for the development of diagnostic tests and antiviral therapeutics needed to combat the spread of viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To address this need, we developed a high-throughput pipeline combining in silico design of a peptide library specific for SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein and microarray screening to identify binding sequences. Our optimized microarray platform allowed the simultaneous screening of ~ 2.5 k peptides and rapid identification of binding sequences resulting in selection of four peptides with nanomolar affinity to the SARS-CoV-2 S protein. Finally, we demonstrated the successful integration of one of the top peptides into an electrochemical sensor with a clinically relevant limit of detection for S protein in spiked saliva. Our results demonstrate the utility of this novel pipeline for the selection of peptide BREs in response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and the broader application of such a platform in response to future viral threats.
A Retrotranslocation Assay that Predicts Defective VCP/p97-Mediated Trafficking of a Retroviral Signal Peptide

Studies of viral replication have provided critical insights into host processes, including protein trafficking and turnover. Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is a betaretrovirus that encodes a functional 98-amino acid signal peptide (SP). MMTV SP is generated from both Rem and envelope precursor proteins by signal peptidase cleavage in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. We showed that SP functions as an HIV-1 Rev-like protein that is dependent on the AAA ATPase VCP/p97 to subvert ER-associated degradation (ERAD). SP contains a nuclear/nucleolar localization sequence (NLS/NoLS). To directly determine the SP regions needed for membrane extraction and trafficking, we developed a quantitative retrotranslocation assay with biotin acceptor peptide (BAP)-tagged SP proteins. Use of alanine substitution mutants of BAP-tagged MMTV SP in retrotranslocation assays revealed that mutation of amino acids 57 and 58 (M57-58) interfered with ER membrane extraction, whereas adjacent mutations did not. The M57-58 mutant also showed reduced interaction with VCP/p97 in co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Using transfection and reporter assays to measure activity of BAP-tagged proteins, both M57-58 and an adjacent mutant (M59-61) were functionally defective compared to wild-type SP. Confocal microscopy revealed defects in SP nuclear trafficking and abnormal localization of both M57-58 and M59-61. Furthermore, purified GST-tagged M57-58 and M59-61 demonstrated reduced ability to oligomerize compared to tagged wild-type SP. These experiments suggest that SP amino acids 57-58 are critical for VCP/p97 interaction and retrotranslocation, whereas residues 57-61 are critical for oligomerization and nuclear trafficking independent of the NLS/NoLS. Our results emphasize the complex host interactions with long signal peptides.
Performance and preferences: interactive refinement of machine learning procedures

Problem solving procedures have been typically aimed at achieving well defined goals or satisfying straightforward preferences. However, learners and solvers may often generate rich multiattribute results with procedures guided by sets of controls that define different dimensions of quality. We explore methods that enable people to explore and express preferences about the operation of classification models in supervised multiclass learning. We leverage a leave one out confusion matrix that provides users with views and real time controls of a model space. The approach allows people to consider in an interactive manner the global implications of local changes in decision boundaries. We focus on kernel classifiers and show the effectiveness of the methodology on a variety of tasks.
Swift's Angers

Introduction: not Timons Manner Part I. Ireland: 1. Swift, Ireland and the paradoxes of ethnicity 2. The injured lady and the drapier: a reading of Swift's Irish tracts Part II. Fiction: 3. The mock-edition revisited: Swift to Mailer 4. Gulliver's Travels 5. Swift's 'I' narrators Part III. Poetry: 6. Rage and raillery and Swift: the case of Cadenus and Vanessa 7. Vanessa as a reader of Gulliver's Travels 8. Swift's poetry: an overview 9. 'I The Lofty Stile Decline': vicissitudes of the 'heroick strain' in Swift's poems 10. Savage indignation revisited: Swift, Yeats, and the 'cry' of liberty.
Infinitary Methods in the Model Theory of Set Theory

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the infinitary methods in the model theory of set theory and also presents the study of the end extensions of models of Zermelo-Fraenkel (ZF) set theory. The theorem of Keisler-Morley, which states that every countable model of ZF has a proper elementary end extension, is focussed. It is shown that if ZF is consistent then there are uncountable models of ZF with no end extensions. The necessary preliminaries are described. All the results are proved using methods and results from infinitary logic. Some of the result on collapsing cardinals used the compactness theorem to prove the theorem of Friedman.
Baseball’s Accidental Racism: The Draft, African-American Players, and the Law

Major League Baseball has recently experienced two puzzling upheavals. First, the number of foreign players has grown, to twenty-eight percent of all players. At the same time, the fraction of African-American players has declined, and is now at its lowest level in more than thirty years. The solution to the puzzle lies within the league itself. In 1965, MLB instituted two regulations that penalized domestic players: the draft and age minimums. Because the regulations applied only to U.S. players, teams shifted their scouting and development resources to foreign countries. Our empirical analysis, using a new data set, shows that the shift has caused growth in the numbers of foreign MLB players and a decline in U.S. players, especially harming disadvantaged groups such as African-Americans. The regulations violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in two ways. First, because they explicitly burden only U.S. players, they constitute intentional discrimination based on national origin. Second, because the regulations’ impact falls disproportionately on African-Americans, the league has engaged in unlawful racial discrimination. The appropriate remedy is that the draft and age limits should be eliminate.
CO chemisorption on RuSiO2: The influence of coadsorbates☆

Abstract The adsorption of CO at room temperature on SiO2-supported Ru was studied in a static system by Fourier transform-infrared. Three bands were observed in the infrared spectra at ca. 2030, 2080, and 2140 cm−1. Isotopically mixed CO adsorption suggests that the bands at 2030 and 2140 cm−1 are the result of Ru(CO)n, n $ = 1 . The relative band intensities varied with pretreatment (oxidation, reduction, and evacuation). When a second element like O or Cl was coadsorbed with CO on the Ru surface, the band at 2080 cm−1 was the strongest. The band at 2030 cm−1 dominated the spectra when CO was adsorbed alone on a reduced surface. It was broad and comprised of multiple bands assigned to Ru(CO)n, n $ = 1. The bands at 2080 and 2140 cm−1 are assigned to Ru(CO)Xm and Ru(CO)Xm, where X represents H2O (or OH), O, or Cl. Isotope labeling experiments show that the CO(a) corresponding to the band at 2030 cm−1 was the easiest to exchange with gas-phase molecules, suggesting it is the least tightly held.
Ionization and charge transfer in He 2 + –rare-gas collisions. II

New measurements of absolute cross sections for multiple ionization of helium, neon, argon, and krypton by 50--500-keV/amu ${\mathrm{He}}^{2+}$ impact are presented. By measuring projectile-ion--target-ion coincidences, these cross sections are obtained for the direct ionization as well as the single- and double-electron-capture channels. The present data are combined with previous measurements by the author that covered the energy range between 5 and 67 keV/amu in order to provide a broader description of ${\mathrm{He}}^{2+}$ impact ionization of atomic targets. The earlier measurements were found to require reevaluation in order to correct ion detection efficiencies used in that study. An analysis of the direct-multiple-ionization cross sections demonstrates that a simple impact-parameter, independent-electron model can be used to describe these cross sections over a broad range of low to intermediate impact energies. In particular, this analysis, when applied to fully stripped ion (1\ensuremath{\le}Z\ensuremath{\le}8) impact on helium, yields a single universal curve in the velocity range investigated here.
Single-Stage Fragmentation and a Modern Theory of Star Formation

A basic theory of single-stage fragmentation (or core formation) in magnetic clouds is presented. The decay of hydromagnetic waves due to ambipolar diffusion, not the generation of perturbations, is identified as the cause of such fragmentation. The condition for its onset selects a range of length scales and densities in typical present-day molecular clouds. Protostellar masses 0.1 — 10 M⨀ are selected, with a preference toward the smaller masses. Many independent fragments can form in magnetically supported clouds. The role of three critical natural length scales (Alfven, thermal, and magnetic) is explained. The relation B c = const x (pcTc)1/2 between the magnetic field strength and the gas density and temperature in a contracting cloud’s central flux tubes is reexamined, accounting for the effect of hydromagnetic waves and fragmentation. Key results from recent numerical calculations of the self-initiated collapse (due to ambipolar diffusion) of axisymmetric clouds are summarized. They support the analytical conclusions and, in addition, determine the structure, sizes, masses, and magnetic fluxes of protostellar cores (up to densities 3 × 109 cm−3). A modern theory of star formation is described.
Nucleotide sequence and transcription start point of the phosphoglycerate transporter gene of Salmonella typhimurium.

Abstract We identified the phosphoglycerate transporter gene of Salmonella typhimurium and its polypeptide product and determined the nucleotide sequence of the gene. The predicted translation product was a protein of 406 amino acid residues and was extremely hydrophobic, a feature that is consistent with its role in membrane transport. Hydropathy analysis suggested that there are eight transmembrane segments of at least 20 amino acid residues for the protein. The transcription start point was mapped to lie at position -44 relative to the putative translational initiation start point. Comparison of PgtP with UhpT and GlpT, the membrane-bound proteins involved in the transport of hexose-6-phosphate and glycerol-3-phosphate, respectively, revealed a very high degree of amino acid sequence similarity among them, reflecting not only similar structures and functions among these polypeptides but also a common evolutionary origin for them.
Yield Curve Risk Management

Yield curve risk management pertains to the general discipline of controlling the sensitivity of a portfolio of fixed income securities and derivatives to changes in one or more interest rates, spreads or yield curves. In general, the purpose for wanting this control can be defensive or offensive, strategic or tactical, but in virtually all such cases the sensitivity of the given portfolio is being controlled relative to the sensitivity of a second “target” fixed income portfolio. Independent of the objective of the yield curve risk management program, the first challenge is one of quantifying the interest rate sensitivities of the given fixed income and target portfolios. The second challenge is to develop yield curve models appropriate to the application The final challenge is either one of developing defensive risk management strategies from a longer term model of yield curve movements, or developing opportunistic tactics to capitalize on shorter term expectations. Keywords: yield curve risk management; defensive risk management; single-factor models; Macaulay duration; partial durations; durational leverage; key rate durations; multifactor yield curve models; principal components; immunization; stochastic immunization; spread duration; spread leverage; multivariate duration
A comparison study between two sliding mode based controls for voltage sag mitigation in grid connected wind turbines

This paper deals with power quality restoration in grid-connected wind turbines subject to voltage sags. Since traditional voltage sag approaches cannot compensate for deep voltage sags, we design two sliding mode based voltage mitigation schemes for the rotor side converter of a DFIG-based wind turbine: an Integral Terminal Sliding Mode Control (ITSMC) and a standard SMC (SSMC). A detailed comparison study illustrating the performance of both methods is carried out under varying sag conditions. The methods are compared in terms of their ability to compensate for voltage sags and restore power quality when such faults occur. While the design aims at mitigating voltage sags with varying depths, a special focus is attributed to deep voltage sags since they represent the most frequent and costly power quality problem in DFIG-based wind turbines.
Young, disadvantaged fathers' involvement with their infants: an ecological perspective.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate fathers' involvement with their children using an ecological model, multiple respondents, and a comprehensive definition of fathers' involvement. The study's primary objectives were: (a) to describe the characteristics of fathers whose infants are born to low-income, urban, African-American adolescent mothers; (b) to describe the ways in which fathers are involved with their children; and (c) to identify factors associated with fathers' involvement. Methods: A total of 181 first-time mothers (aged Results: Three multivariate regression models were used to identify factors associated with paternal involvement, explaining 35% to 51% of the variability in father involvement. Regardless of the respondent (mother, father, or grandmother), paternal involvement was predicted most strongly by the quality of the parents' romantic relationship. The father's employment status, the maternal grandmother's education, and the father's relationship with the baby's maternal grandmother were also associated with paternal involvement. Conclusions: The study confirmed the value of an ecological perspective that uses multiple informants and a comprehensive definition of father involvement that includes multiple role functions. Efforts to increase paternal involvement should help young parents separate the father's relationship with their child from the romantic relationship between the mother and father, address the roles played by maternal grandmothers, and assist fathers to complete their education, and obtain and keep jobs.
Surviving the RF smog: Making Body Area Networks robust to cross-technology interference

Wireless Body Area Networks (BANs) demand for highly robust communication due to the criticality and time-sensitivity of the medical monitoring data. However, as BANs will be widely deployed in densely populated areas, they inevitably face the RF cross-technology interference (CTI) from non-protocol-compliant wireless devices operating in the same spectrum range, which are persistent, high power, and broadband in nature. The main challenges to defend such strong CTI come from the scarcity of spectrum resources, the uncertainty of the CTI sources and BAN channel status, and the stringent hardware constraints. Existing methods fail because of their need for extra spectrum resources or advanced hardware. In this paper, we first experimentally characterize the adverse effect on BAN reliability caused by the non-protocol-compliant CTI. Then we propose a CTI-aware joint routing and power control (JRPC) approach to ensure desired reliability goals using minimum energy resources even under strong co-channel CTI. To cope with channel uncertainty, we propose a passive link quality estimation method which exploits prediction. Through extensive experiments and simulations, we show that our proposed protocol can assure the robustness of BAN even when the CTI sources are in very close vicinity, using little overall energy and spectrum resources, and can be easily implemented on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) devices.
Unanticipated Effects of No Opinion Filters on Attitudes and Attitude Strength

Previous research has found that the use of no opinion filters not only increases the proportion of “don't know” responses but they may also affect substantive response distributions. The latter effect was assumed to occur because the filter removed persons (floaters) from the substantive response distributions who had attitudes different from nonfloaters. This study serendipitously finds that DK filters may affect the substantive responses of nonfloaters, causing them to express different opinions on the filtered question form than they would on the standard form. It also appears that the filter lowers the attitude strength of the nonfloaters. An explanation is offered for these unanticipated findings and an agenda for future research is suggested.
Generalizability theory : 1973-1980

Abstract : This paper reviews the developments in generalizability theory from 1973 to 1980. The first section presents a sketch of generalizability theory. The second section reviews theoretical contributions about (1) problems associated with estimating variance components, including sampling variability and negative estiamtes, (2) fixed facets, (3) criterion-referenced measurement, (4) symmetry, (5) multivariate generalizability, and (6) sampling in observational measurement. The final section presents an illustrative application of generalizability theory, including univariate and multivariate generalizability analyses of balanced and unbalanced designs, and Bayesian estimation of variance components. (Autho)
Noncalcium-Dependent Modulation of in Vitro Atrial Natriuretic Factor Release by Extracellular Osmolality*

Recent reports have described modulation of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) secretion by atrial stretch, increased Na+ concentration, and a variety of hormones and neurotransmitters. One problem in the study of ANF secretion has been the isolation of stimulatory effects from interference due to rhythmic myocardial contraction. To avoid this problem, rat atria were dispersed, the myocytes were suspended in a polyacrylamide gel matrix, and the resulting cell column was perifused with a physiological buffer. The secretion of ANF immunoactivity was markedly stimulated by increases in extracellular osmolality, regardless of the solute (NaCl, KC1, or glucose). This effect did not require extracellular Ca2+, nor could it be mimicked by depolarizing concentrations of K+ in an isotonic medium. Functional viability of this model was demonstrated by significant dose-related increases in ANF release in response to as little as 1 nM epinephrine. The dissociation of ANF secretion from depolarization-induced changes in ...
THE 1982 DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS ACT AND SECURITY RETURNS IN THE SAVINGS AND LOAN INDUSTRY

This paper provides empirical evidence on the market response to the 1982 Garn-St. Germain Depository Institutions Act (DIA), as measured by changes in the prices of savings and loan associations' common stock. The analyses indicate positive, significant abnormal returns in the weeks immediately preceding both the passage of the DIA and the subsequent announcement of the specific terms of money market deposit accounts (MMDAs). No reaction to the surprise announcement of Super NOWs is found. Also, no significant changes in risk for savings and loans is detected surrounding the DIA and MMDA events. Consistent with the primary intent of DIA, this evidence suggests that investors perceived savings and loans to benefit from this legislation.
The function, structure and regulation of E. coli peptide chain release factors.

Abstract The termination of protein synthesis in Escherichia coli depends upon the soluble protein factors RF1 or RF2. RF1 catalyzes UAG and UAA dependent termination, while RF2 catalyzes UGA and UAA dependent termination. The proteins have been purified to homogeneity, their respective genes isolated, and their primary structures deduced from the DNA sequences. The sequences reveal considerable conserved homology, presumably reflecting functional similarities and a common ancestral origin. The RFs are encoded as single copy genes on the bacterial chromosome. RF2 exhibits autogenous regulation in an in vitro translation system. The mechanism of autoregulation appears to be an in-frame UGA stop codon that requires a 1 + frameshift for the continued synthesis of the protein. Frameshifting prior to the inframe stop codon occurs at a remarkably high frequency by an unknown mechanism. Future studies will be directed at understanding how RFs interact with the ribosomal components, and further defining the mechanism of RF2 frameshifting.
3D-rigid motion invariant discrimination and classification of 3D-textures

In this paper we implement a method for the 3D-rigid motion invariant texture discrimination and binary classification for discrete 3D-textures that are spatially homogeneous by modelling them as stationary Gaussian random fields. We use a novel 'distance' between 3D-textures that remains invariant under all 3D-rigid motions of the texture to develop rules for 3D-rigid motion invariant texture discrimination and binary classification of textures.
Dot.com or Dot.bomb? The Unpleasant Tax Surprise of Stock Options in a Volatile Market

This case explores the tax treatment of employee stock options as well as associated tax‐ and financial‐planning issues. The number of employee stock option plans and related option grants has increased dramatically in the last decade. Today, senior management and rank‐and‐file workers alike often own substantial numbers of options and shares of employer stock acquired through the exercise of options. While these holdings can be valuable forms of compensation, exercising options also can be costly and risky. Early in 2000, following the stock market boom and its substantial decline later that same year, many employees who exercised options while the equity markets were at record highs were left with large tax bills. In some cases, the taxes owed exceeded the value of the optioned stock at year‐end. This case details the tax and financial impact of option exercise on one employee that chose to retain optioned stock during the stock market crash of 2000. The educational objectives of the case include: (1) b...
Vibrational Behavior and Structure of Disulfide Dioxides (Thiolsulfonates)

Infrared and Raman spectra of disulfide dioxides were examined to determine whether they possess the thiosulfonate of disulfoxide structure. Strong absorptions identified with the SO2 group support the thiolsulfonate structure. A comparison of infrared spectra of a butyl series of sulfide, sulfoxide, sulfone, sulfinate, sulfonate, disulfide, thiolsulfinate, disulfide dioxide (thiolsulfonate), and α-disulfone confirms the evidence for the thiolsulfonate structure for both the symmetrical and unsymmetrical compounds. With isomeric pairs of mixed disulfide dioxides, the spectra are different in all cases. Where R is CH3, there are strong absorptions at 10.4–10.5 and 20.7–20.8 μ only when the methyl is attached to the sulfur atom presumed by synthesis to be in the oxidized SO2 form. In the reverse isomers, these strong bands, which are associated with CH3SO2-, are absent.
Untangling Inequalities: Gender, Race, and Socioeconomic Differences in Depression1

In their important paper, Link and Phelan (1995) argue that socioeconomic status is a fundamental cause of variation in well-being and that the social resources associated with socioeconomic status constitute the fundamental cause of variation in well-being. In this article, I elaborate on the fundamental cause perspective in three respects: by suggesting an expansion of the definition of resources, by examining how race and gender influence variation in the relationship between resources and mental health, and by developing a model of the relationship between social class, race, and gender that takes account of the potential asymmetry in the influence of resources across race and gender. Using the 2003 National Health Interview Survey and ordinary least squares regression, I find that black and white men are significantly less depressed than black and white women. However, women accrue greater mental health advantage from marriage, home ownership, and education. African-American men experience less depression as a result of being unmarried and non-Hispanic white women experience less benefit from full-time employment, relative to African-American women and men. Results are discussed in terms of implications for future research on race, class, and gender differences in health.
Secondary metabolites of the coelenterate Echinopora lamellosa

The marine coelenterate Echinopora lamellosa (class Anthozoa, family Scleractinidae) was found to contain a number of unprecedented secondary metabolites which were isolated and identified as smilagenin (I), neodunol methyl ether (II), glycyrrhetic acid (III), 3β-acetoxyglycyrrhetic acid (IV), and 3β-acetoxy-11-deoxoglycyrrhetic acid (V). The structure of neodunol methyl ether was confirmed and its absolute configuration determined by the x-ray diffraction method.
An Archaeological Site at Akrotiri, Greece, as a Natural Analog for Radionuclide Transport: Implications for Validity of Performance Assessments

Natural analog studies provide a means to test assumptions in performance assessment models. Data on the spatial distribution of metals derived from archeological artifacts at Akrotiri, Greece, were used to evaluate performance assessment model assumptions of radionuclide transport through unsaturated volcanic tuffs hosting the proposed repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Processes controlling transport of trace elements from 3600 year old metallic artifacts at Akrotiri are analogous to processes controlling radionuclide transport at Yucca Mountain. Archeological information temporally and spatially constrains the source and chemistry of these trace elements, providing a comparison basis for model validation efforts. Despite these constraints and characterization of the Akrotiri site, the data are open to different interpretations as the extent of the plume emanating from the Minoan artifacts, transport pathways, heterogeneities in parameters, and boundary conditions are uncertain. Rather than validating a conceptual model of flow and transport, the Akrotiri site data indicate that 1-D models of aqueous phase transport in the unsaturated zone are conservative. Different conceptual models, apparently matching site data, produce different predictions illustrating that predictive flow and transport modeling is uncertain due to under-determined parameters and boundary conditions.
Fast green staining of whole embryos for examination and photography

Immersion for 15 seconds in a 1:1 solution of 0.25% fast green and 95% ethyl alcohol facilitates the examination of normal and abnormal embryos for gross surface morphology and renders their surface detail highly photogenic. The method does not interfere with subsequent histological staining when the embryos are sectioned.
Disability in the chronic low back pain patient may be iatrogenic

Society has asked physicians to serve as gatekeepers for certain social welfare benefits through the determination of disability. The medical determination of disability rests on the distinction between medical impairment and social disability. This distinction cannot be established rationally in chronic low back pain patients. Determination of disability therefore rests covertly on nonscientific factors. Attribution of low back pain disability to an underlying disease often magnifies disability. Medical education and compensation programs both need a better understanding of the social origins of disability, if the rising tide of disability due to low back pain is to be stemmed.
Competitive inhibition of carotenoid transport and tissue concentrations by high dose supplements of lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene

Carotenoids may interact differently in their absorption and transport in animals and humans. The simultaneous administration of large amounts of lutein, zeaxanthin and beta carotene would affect not only plasma values but also their concentrations in the retina and other tissues. In this study, we investigated the transport, distribution and interactions of lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene in the plasma, retina and other tissues of chicks fed supplements rich in lutein, zeaxanthin or beta-carotene. Newly hatched male Leghorn chicks were randomly assigned to ten groups. One group provided baseline data (1-day-old group). The other groups were fed one of the following six diets for 14 or 28 days: high lutein diet; high zeaxanthin diet; three high beta-carotene supplemented diets and the control diet. Plasma and tissues including retina were analyzed for lutein and zeaxanthin and beta-carotene at baseline and at 14 and 28 days. All tissues had increased concentrations of lutein after the high lutein diet and had increased concentrations of zeaxanthin after the high zeaxanthin diet. After 28 days, the retinal concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin in the chicks supplemented with lutein (27.2 mg/kg diet) and zeaxanthin (15.3 mg/kg diet) increased 128 and 116%, respectively, compared to the retinas of chicks fed the control diet (lutein 5.2 mg/kg and zeaxanthin 1.7 mg/kg). Lutein was decreased in plasma and other non-retinal tissues when the diet was supplemented with zeaxanthin; likewise, zeaxanthin was decreased in plasma and non-retinal tissues after the lutein supplement. Zeaxanthin increased in the retina after the high lutein supplement, and retinal lutein was maintained after the high zeaxanthin supplement. The high beta-carotene supplement increased the beta-carotene content of plasma and liver very little, and beta-carotene was not found in any other tissue in the chick, including the retina. More importantly, beta-carotene decreased the concentrations of both lutein and zeaxanthin in the plasma and most tissues, including the retina. High dose dietary supplementation of a single carotenoid may alter the assimilation of other carotenoids. The retina appears to have the capacity to preserve accumulation of lutein and zeaxanthin, but this capacity is diminished when intake of beta-carotene is high.
Derivation of a Thin Film Equation by a Direct Approach

A new model of the thin viscous fluid film, constrained between two translating, flexible surfaces, is presented. The unsteady inertia of the film is included in the model. The derivation starts with the reduced three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations for an incompressible viscous fluid with a small Reynolds number. By introduction of an approximate velocity field, which satisfies the continuity equation and the no-slip boundary conditions exactly, into weighted integrals of the three-dimensional equations over the film thickness, a two-dimensional thin film equation is obtained explicitly in a closed form. The lth thin film equation is obtained when the velocity field is approximated by 21th order polynominals, and the three-dimensional viscous film is described with increasing accuracy by thin film equations of increasing order. Two cases are used to illustrate the coupling of the film to the vibration of the structure and to show that the second thin film equation can be applied successfully to the prediction of a coupled film-structure response in the range of most applications.
Effective Gas-Phase Diffusion Coefficients in Soils at Varying Water Content Measured Using a One-Flow Sorbent-Based Technique

This paper focuses on techniques used to measure and predict effective gas-phase diffusion coefficients for volatile organic compounds in soils. Large differences found among the existing correlati...
Startle and Reward-Based Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict:

Summary.-Using 30 male rats in a within-subjects design, the hypothesis was tested that avoidance-avoidance conflia based on the omission of food reward in a two-choice discrimination task would result in 3 more intense acoustic startle reaction than would the absence of such conflia. To maintain a high level of conflict, training days were interspersed between test days. Data showed no differences between conflict and nonconflict conditions. Several previous studies attempted to assess the possible activating or arousing effects of conflict by means of the acoustic stde technique (Guinan, 1962; Bachman & Armus, 1970; Allan & Armus, 1983). Of these, only Bachman and Armus reported enhanced startle with conflict. However, their use of avoidance-avoidance conflict based on shock might have exposed animals to a more intense fear situation when in conflict. If sos the greater stastle found during conflict might have resulted from greater fear rather than from conflict. Allan and Armus (1983) attempted to avoid this problem by using avoidance-avoidance conflict based on an aqueous quinine solution; they reported no effects of conflia. The present study is similar to that of Allan and Armus in that conflict is generated by an avoidance-avoidance situation; however, conflict here stems from the absence of food in both of the available goal boxes. As in Allan and Armus, all subjects were exposed to both conflict and nonconflict test trials on counterbalanced days. A major difference in design was the inclusion of a retraining day between test days. This was done to decrease the presumed loss of intensity of conflict over the four test days. It also made possible four conflict test trials, each after z series of training trials, rather rhan only one such trial. It was assumed that the effects of conflict would be greatest on such test trials.
Transcriptional activation of short interspersed elements by DNA-damaging agents

Short interspersed elements (SINEs), typified by the human Alu repeat, are RNA polymerase III (pol III)-transcribed sequences that replicate within the genome through an RNA intermediate. Replication of SINEs has been extensive in mammalian evolution: an estimated 5% of the human genome consists of Alu repeats. The mechanisms regulating transcription, reverse transcription, and reinsertion of SINE elements in genomic DNA are poorly understood. Here we report that expression of murine SINE transcripts of both the B1 and B2 classes is strongly upregulated after prolonged exposure to cisplatin, etoposide, or gamma radiation. A similar induction of Alu transcripts in human cells occurs under these conditions. This induction is not due to a general upregulation of pol III activity in either species. Genotoxic treatment of murine cells containing an exogenous human Alu element induced Alu transcription. Concomitant with the increased expression of SINEs, an increase in cellular reverse transcriptase was observed after exposure to these same DNA-damaging agents. These findings suggest that genomic damage may be an important activator of SINEs, and that SINE mobility may contribute to secondary malignancy after exposure to DNA-damaging chemotherapy.
Herpes simplex masquerade syndrome: acanthamoeba keratitis

Acanthamoeba is a free-living, fresh-water protozoan that can cause severe corneal disease. Acanthamoeba keratitis can closely mimic epithelial and stromal Herpes simplex keratitis. Three cases of severe keratitis, with a clinical diagnosis of Herpes simplex keratitis, were referred for treatment. One patient presented with a pseudodendritic epithelial lesion that gradually progressed to stromal involvement. A second patient presented with central stromal infiltrate and necrosis, while a third exhibited features of a disciform lesion with the later development of an immune ring. Acanthamoeba was recovered from the cornea in each case. The distinctive characteristics of the history and clinical findings in Acanthamoeba keratitis can aid the clinician in distinguishing between these two clinical entities. Cytopathology and special staining and culture techniques can confirm the diagnosis.
Electron spin relaxation times of phosphorus donors in silicon

Donor electron spins in phosphorus-doped silicon (Si:P) are a candidate two-level system (qubit) for quantum information processing. Spin echo measurements of isotopically purified ${}^{28}\mathrm{S}\mathrm{i}:\mathrm{P}$ are presented that show exceptionally long transverse relaxation (decoherence) times, ${T}_{2},$ at low temperature. Below $\ensuremath{\sim}10\mathrm{K}$ the spin decoherence is shown to be controlled by instantaneous diffusion and at higher temperatures by an Orbach process. ${T}_{2}$ for small pulse turning angles is 14 ms at 7 K and extrapolates to $\ensuremath{\sim}60\mathrm{ms}$ for an isolated spin, over 2 orders of magnitude longer than previously demonstrated.
Problem-based ACLS instruction: A model approach for undergraduate emergency medical education

The optimal format for teaching advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) to medical students and other groups with little emergency medicine experience has not been studied extensively. We report an ACLS provider course that was taught to sophomore medical students using a self-directed, problem-based learning model. The traditional two-day provider course format was replaced by a series of clinical problems that emphasized various aspects of the ACLS curriculum. Students then met weekly with an ACLS instructor who served as a tutor to discuss the problem. A specific set of learning objectives for the entire ACLS curriculum was developed into a study unit index and given to students at the beginning of the course. Enhanced practice time was offered to students in the form of traditional teaching stations and skills laboratories. Students were tested using standard ACLS criteria. The students in the problem-based course achieved a higher pass rate on the written test and skills stations than senior medical students did in a standard two-day course during the same time period. The problem-based format with enhanced practice time would appear to be an effective alternative for groups that need to acquire the basic skills needed in a resuscitation attempt but have little previous experience in this area.
Erection of a New Onchobothriid Genus (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea) and the Description of Five New Species from Whaler Sharks (Carcharhinidae)

Abstract The onchobothriid Triloculatum n. gen. is erected to house species formerly considered members of Phoreiobothrium, but that bear 3, rather than 5 or more, bothridial subloculi. The species formerly known as Phoreiobothrium triloculatum is designated as its type. This species is redescribed based on 2 syntypes and on voucher material consistent with type material taken from the type host, Carcharhinus obscurus, from the type and 1 additional locality. Examination of the cestode fauna of a diversity of carcharhinid sharks resulted in the discovery of an additional 5 new tri-subloculate species belonging to the genus. These include: Triloculatum andersonorum n. sp. from Negaprion acutidens; Triloculatum bullardi n. sp. from Carcharhinus brevipinna; Triloculatum geeceearelensis n. sp. from Carcharhinus isodon; Triloculatum jodyi n. sp. from Carcharhinus acronotus; and Triloculatum oregontwoae n. sp. from Carcharhinus plumbeus. The new species differ from one another in the number of proglottids, scol...
LOOP-ERASED WALKS INTERSECT INFINITELY OFTEN IN FOUR DIMENSIONS

In this short note we show that the paths two independent loop-erased random walks in four dimensions intersect infinitely often. We actually prove the stronger result that the cut-points of the two walks intersect infinitely often.
Global sensitivity analysis of a process-based model for ammonia emissions from manure storage and treatment structures

The development of process-based models to estimate ammonia emissions from animal feeding operations (AFOSs) is sought to replace costly and time-consuming direct measurements. Critical to process-based model development is conducting sensitivity analysis to determine the input parameters and their interactions that contribute most to the variance of the model output. Global and relative sensitivity analyses were applied to a process-based model for predicting ammonia emissions from the surface of anaerobic lagoons for treating and storing manure. The objectives were to compare global sensitivity analysis (GSA) to relative (local) sensitivity analysis (RSA) on a process-based model for ammonia emissions. Based on the first-order coefficient, both GSA and RSA showed the model input parameters in order of importance in process model for ammonia emissions from lagoon surfaces were: (i) pH, (ii) lagoon liquid temperature, (iii) wind speed above the lagoon surface, and (iv) the concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen in the lagoon. The GSA revealed that interactions between model parameters accounted for over two-thirds of the model variance, a result that cannot be achieved using traditional RSA. Also, the GSA showed that parameter interactions involving liquid pH had more impact on the model output variance than the single parameters: (i) temperature, (ii) wind speed, or (iii) total ammoniacal nitrogen. This study demonstrates that GSA provides a more complete analysis of model input parameters and their interactions on the model output compared to RSA. A comprehensive tutorial regarding the application of GSA to a process model is presented.
Application Of Video Detection To Picosecond Spectroscopy

The use of video detection in picosecond spectroscopy is reviewed briefly. A one dimensional video detection system is described. It includes a simple CCTV camera as the optical detector. A two dimensional video detector which utilizes a silicon intensified detector head is also discussed. This system has a microcomputer as an integral part of the detection system. Finally, two experiments in which video detection have been used are briefly described.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effect of cardiac vagal and sympathetic nerve activity on heart rate in rhythmic fluctuations.

Beat-to-beat changes observed in cardiac vagal and sympathetic nerve activity and their effects on cardiac cycle length were studied during slow wave blood pressure and heart rate fluctuations (third order rhythm) and during respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Recordings were made from both nerves simultaneously in chloralose anesthetized and artificially ventilated dogs. During slow wave fluctuations in heart rate, a linear relationship was found to exist between the number of spikes per pulse interval recorded from vagal and sympathetic nerves and the length of pulse intervals. During respiratory sinus arrhythmia the time course of rhythmic changes in nerve activity and in cardiac cycle length was analyzed. Comparison of time courses indicated that vagal discharges affected the timing of not the following beat, but the one after; while the sympathetic effect was further delayed, affecting the third beat after the discharge. Baroreceptor stimulation, which resulted in lengthening the cardiac cycle, shifted this relationship by one cycle, i.e. vagal discharges affecting the occurrence of the following beat, while sympathetic discharges affecting the beat after. These results provide evidence for the conclusion that in dogs both vagal and symphathetic nerve activity contribute to the control of cardiac cycle length, however, with different time relations and effectiveness.