cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Air-Breathing Launch Vehicle Concept for Single-Stage-to-Orbit

The "Trailblazer" is a 300-lb payload, single-stage-to-orbit launch vehicle concept that uses air-breathing propulsion to reduce the required propellant fraction. The integration of air-breathing propulsion is done considering performance, structural and volumetric efficiency, complexity, and design risk. The resulting configuration is intended to be viable using near-term materials and structures. The aeropropulsion performance goal for the Trailblazer launch vehicle is an equivalent effective specific impulse (I*) of 500 sec. Preliminary analysis shows that this requires flight in the atmosphere to about Mach 10, and that the gross lift-off weight is 130,000 lb. The Trailblazer configuration and proposed propulsion system operating modes are described. Preliminary performance results are presented, and key technical issues are highlighted. An overview of the proposed program plan is given.
Instability indices for the Cyprus area

In this paper, forecasts of thunderstorms for the Cyprus area, are examined, by using various instability indices. In addition, some combinations of the indices are proposed since they proved more successful in thunderstorms forecasting. A statistical method pointed out that the Pickup index (PI) and the suggested combination of the humidity index (HI) with cyclonic curved flow at 500 hPa are more successful than the other ones examined in this study.
Intrinsic time scaling in survival analysis: Application to biological populations

A method of dimensionless time-scaling based on extrinsic expectation of life at birth but intrinsic to a system generating a survival distribution is introduced. Such scaling allows the survival fraction function and its associated mortality function to serve as Green's functions for their generalized equivalents. i.e. a “population” function and a “death” function. The analytical mechanics of utilizing these concepts are formulated, applied to the classical Gompertz and Weibull survival models, and discussed with respect to biological relevance.
Transport extremum through Denmark Strait

[1] A single layer of fluid with thickness h(x) and geostrophic velocity u = (g′/f)∂(h + M)/∂x is conventionally used to model the flow of a density current over a sill/contraction, where M(x) is the cross-stream (x) bottom elevation, g′ = gΔρ/ρ is reduced gravity, and f is the Coriolis parameter. The interface [h] intersects the parabolic bottom at two points x = ξ,L, with M(L) = H given. A new extremum for the volume discharge Q is obtained which is approximately half that of the Killworth-Whitehead upper bound, and which agrees with measurements in the Denmark Strait.
Explicitly correlated Gaussian functions with r 2 n 12 factors for calculations of the ground state of the helium atom

Explicitly correlated Gaussian functions with r exp( − βr) factors have been used in variational calculations of the ground state of the helium atom. Additional correlation factors in the form of even powers of rij were introduced to the Gaussian functions with exponential correlation components by differentiating these functions with respect to the correlation exponent β. The algorithm of this method and its computational implementation is described. A number of calculations were performed for the ground state of helium atom to test the performance of the basis sets comparising different numbers of the Gaussians with the exp( − βr) and r exp( − βr) correlation factors. The numerical results indicate that including functions with r factors does not lead to improved results, contrary to what was anticipated initially. © 1994 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Immunogenetics of dermatitis herpetiformis

The observation that major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-linked immune response genes were responsible for several immunoregulatory functions in mice by McDevitt and Benacerraf (1) stimulated many investigators to establish the role of MHC products in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. During the past 20 years, associations between MHC products and many autoimmune diseases have been found. Among them, dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) and gluten-sensitive enteropathy (GSE) have been well studied. The human major histocompatibility complex is a cluster of genes located in the short arm (p) of chromosome 6. It spans about 4000 kb and encodes class I (HLA-A, -B, and -C) and class II (HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP) antigens (2,3). The class I antigens are expressed on all nucleated cells, and consist of an cx chain of 43to 44-kd transmembrane glycoprotein associated with a non-MHC-encoded p chain, &nicroglobulin, of about 12 to 13 kd (2). Class II antigens, expressed mainly on B cells, activated T cells, and macrophages, are transmembrane glycoproteins consisting of noncovalently associated heterodimers of 33to 34-kd nonpolymorphic (Y and 28to 29-kd polymorphic p chains (2,3). A third group of genes, called MHC class III genes, encode four complement proteins (C2, BF, C4A, and C4B) (4) and an expressed gene and a pseudogene for the adrenal enzyme steroid 21-hydroxylase (5).
The vaccinia virus HindIII F fragment: nucleotide sequence of the left 6.2 kb

The nucleotide sequence of the left 6.2 kb of the 13.2-kb HindIII F fragment of vaccinia virus was determined. Translation of the sequence revealed nine closely spaced, tandemly oriented open reading frames (ORFs), all reading leftward. The transcriptional organization of this region was determined by Northern blot and S1 nuclease mapping. The analysis suggested that ORFs 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 are transcribed early in infection, whereas ORFs 3 and 9 are probably late genes. Two of these ORFs have been reported previously. ORF F4L encodes the small subunit of ribonucleotide reductase and ORF F2L is homologous to a retroviral protease-like gene.
Interactive Data Analysis Tool by Augmenting MATLAB with Semantic Objects

The traditional data analysis tools support strong computational capabilities and numerous standard visualization techniques. However, they provide little visual interactions due to the fact that the tools maintain a wide applicability to diverse data domains, and thus any inherent meanings associated with the data domains are hardly allowed. To cover these limitations, we propose to augment Matlab, one of the widely used data analysis tools and computational languages, by imposing the capabilities of handling semantic objects so that diverse essential interaction capabilities could be allowed such as brushing-and-linking, details-on-demand, and dynamic interactive updating on visualization. In our demonstration, we will show our audience how to import semantic data, how visual interactions are occurred, and how these functionalities are convenient using the movie similarity graph data set.
Prospects for prophylaxis of parasitism

Abstract The turmoil in agriculture is relevant to our assessment of prospects for prophylaxis as a whole. The driving forces for innovation are economic, and it is not hard to trace the paths which spectacular advances in agriculture in the industrialized western world have taken towards their application in both human and animal health in the third world. Research on parasitic diseases, whether publicly or privately supported, must hold some promise for improving the lot of livestock producers and people, and erosion of these prospects in agriculture will have far-reaching implications for antiparasite prophylaxis in general. There is a clear need for our research programs to focus on and adjust to the demands of real-world problems at field level, and for a much greater awareness of the challenges involved in translating biological research breakthroughs into practical, implementable, measures that can eventually affect the lives and livelihoods of the intended beneficiaries.
St. John’s Wort Has Metabolically Favorable Effects on Adipocytes In Vivo

In addition to serving as a storage site for reserve energy, adipocytes play a critical role in whole-body insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. St. John’s Wort (SJW) is a botanical supplement widely used as an over-the-counter treatment of depression and a variety of other conditions associated with anxiety and nerve pain. Previous studies in our laboratory demonstrated that SJW inhibits insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and adipocyte differentiation in cultured murine and mature human adipocytes. To investigate the effects of SJW on adipocyte function in vivo, we utilized C57BL/6J mice. In our studies, mice were administered SJW extract (200 mg/kg) once daily by gavage for two weeks. In contrast to our in vitro studies, mice treated with SJW extract showed increased levels of adiponectin in white adipose tissue in a depot specific manner . SJW also exerted an insulin-sensitizing effect as indicated by a significant increase in insulin-stimulated Akt serine phosphorylation in epididymal white adipose tissue . Food intake, body weight, fasting blood glucose, and fasting insulin did not differ between the two groups. These results are important as they indicate that SJW does not promote metabolic dysfunction in adipose tissue in vivo.
Synthesis of Aliphatic and Aromatic Poly(S-Dithiocarbonates) Using a Phase-Transfer Catalyst

Abstract A series of aliphatic and aromatic polydithiocarbonates was prepared using a novel low temperature “one-pot” synthetic procedure employing a phase-transfer catalyst. The starting reagents were a dihalide, a diol, and an excess of carbon disulfide. The effects of the phase-transfer catalyst and reaction conditions on yield are reported. The structure and composition of the polymers were determined from infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy and elemental analyses. The polymers were further characterized by viscosity measurement and thermogravimetric analysis.
Influence of Pregnancy and an Oxidized Lipid Diet on the Fatty Acid Composition of Blood and Tissues

RECENTLY it has been shown that a diet which is low in vitamin E and which contains 5 per cent of oxidized lipid is capable of producing the generalized Shwartzman reaction in pregnant rats1,2. This reaction is characterized by an episode of disseminated intravascular coagulation and, in the past, has only been produced experimentally by intravenous injection of bacterial endotoxin. The fact that the only variant in the diet which was responsible for its lethal effect was the oxidized lipid plus the fact that an increase in stainable lipid could be demonstrated in the kidney, liver, and placentas of some animals led to an investigation of the distribution of fatty acids in the blood and tissues of these animals. It seemed appropriate to compare the fatty acid compositions of tissue lipids of pregnant and non-pregnant female rats fed the oxidized lipid diet (20 per cent casein, 61 per cent corn starch, 10 per cent brewers' yeast, 4 per cent salt mixture, and 5 per cent of the ethyl esters of a molecularly distilled fraction of oxidized cod liver oil) with those of similar rats fed a pellet stock diet containing approximately 5 per cent fat.
Quantitative Subcellular Imaging of Glucose Metabolism within Intact Pancreatic Islets

Studies of dispersed β cells have been used to infer their behavior in the intact pancreatic islet. When dispersed, β cells exhibit multiple metabolic glucose-response populations with different insulin secretion properties. This has led to a model for glucose-dependent insulin secretion from the islet based on a step-wise recruitment of individual β cells. However, previously reported synchronous and uniform Ca2+ activity and electrical responses indicate that β cell behavior within intact islets is more uniform. Therefore, uncertainty remains whether β cell metabolic heterogeneity is functionally important in intact islets. We have used two-photon excitation microscopy to measure and compare the glucose-induced NAD(P)H autofluorescence response in dispersed β cells and within intact islets. Over 90% of β cells in intact islets responded to glucose with significantly elevated NAD(P)H levels, compared with less than 70% of dispersed β cells. In addition, all responding β cells within intact islets exhibited a sigmoidal glucose dose response behavior with inflection points of ∼8 mM glucose. These results suggest that β cell heterogeneity may be functionally less important in the intact islet than has been predicted from studies of dispersed β cells and support the role of glucokinase as the rate-limiting enzyme in the β cell glucose response.
Thalidomide Inhibits Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Production and Antigen Presentation by Langerhans Cells

Thalidomide is an effective treatment for several inflammatory and autoimmune disorders including erythema nodosum leprosum, Behcet's syndrome, discoid lupus erythematosus, and Crohn's disease. Thalidomide is believed to exert its anti-inflammatory effects, at least in part, by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production by monocytes. We studied the effects of thalidomide on epidermal Langerhans cells (LC). LCs are epidermal antigen-presenting dendritic cells that play important roles in skin immune responses. Using the murine epidermis-derived dendritic cell lines, XS106A from A/J mice and XS52 from BALB/c mice as surrogates for LC, we found that thalidomide inhibited TNF-α production in a concentration-dependent manner. Northern blot analysis revealed that thalidomide significantly decreased the peak-induced mRNA level of TNF-α in XS106A cells and XS52 cells. We then examined the effect of thalidomide on fresh LC enriched to ∼98% using positive selection of Ia+ cells with antibodies conjugated to magnetic microspheres. TNF-α production was reduced by 67.7% at a thalidomide concentration of 200 μg per mL. Thalidomide also had a profound inhibitory effect on the ability of LC to present antigen to a responsive TH1 clone. Thalidomide inhibits TNF-α production and the antigen-presenting ability of epidermal LCs. These mechanisms may contribute to the therapeutic effects observed with this agent.
The Status of the Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF)

Early in the history of studies on the release of ACTH by stress there were indications that ACTH might be released by multiple factors. But the neurohumoral theory, as formulated by G. W. Harris, suggested that every hypophysial hormone had its unique hypothalamic controlling agent and a search for the unique ACTH-releasing hormone went on for about 20 years. This review reexamines the case for multiple releasers of ACTH.
Mortality consequences of the 1959-1961 Great Leap Forward famine in China: debilitation, selection, and mortality crossovers.

Using retrospective mortality records for three cohorts of newborns (1956-1958, 1959-1961, and 1962-1964) drawn from a large Chinese national fertility survey conducted in 1988, this article examines cohort mortality differences up to age 22, with the aim of identifying debilitating and selection effects of the 1959-1961 Great Leap Forward Famine. The results showed that the mortality level of the non-famine cohort caught up to and exceeded the level of the famine cohort between ages 11 and 12, suggesting both debilitating and selection effects. Multilevel multiprocess models further established a more direct connection between frailties in infancy and frailties at subsequent ages, revealing the underlying dynamics of mortality convergence between the famine and the non-famine cohorts caused by differential excess infant mortality. These results provide important new insights into the human mortality process.
Further characterization of a photosystem II particle isolated from spinach chloroplasts by triton treatment. Delayed light emission.

Abstract Delayed light emission from the Triton-fractionated Photosystem II subchloroplast fragments (TSF-IIa) was measured between 0.5 and 10 ms after the termination of illumination. The delayed light emission was diminished by Photosystem II inhibitors, DCMU and o-phenanthroline, which act between the reduced primary acceptor and the plastoquinone pool. Secondary electron donors to Photosystem II, diphenylcarbazide, phenylenediamine, Mn2+, and ascorbate inhibited delayed light emission. Secondary electron acceptors such as ferricyanide, dichlorophenol indophenol, and dimethyl benzoquinone enhanced delayed light emission. The addition of secondary electron acceptors to TSF-IIa particles containing Mn2+ restored delayed light emission to almost the control level. The plastoquinone antagonist, 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl p-benzoquinone, increased delayed light emission at low concentrations but decreased it at higher concentrations. Silicomolybdate enhanced the delayed light emission of TSF-IIa particles markedly, and reversed the inhibition by DCMU. Silicomolybdate showed a similar stimulatory effect on the delayed-light intensity in broken spinach chloroplasts at shorter times after the termination of illumination. Carbonyl cyanide m-chloro (or p-trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazones inhibited the delayed light emission, but NH4Cl had no effect.
Canine and feline nasal and paranasal sinus tumors

Tumors involving the nasal cavity and nearby sinuses are relatively rare in the dog and cat. Although the most common cause of unilateral epistaxis, facial deformity, and epiphora in the aged dog and cat is a malignant nasal or paranasal tumor, differentials must be considered. In each case, a definitive diagnosis is made on the basis of the signalment, history, physical examination findings, radiographs, and histologic evidence of malignant neoplasia. Although many treatment options exist, radiation therapy, with or without surgery, has been considered to be most effective.
Environmental toxicology of PCB substitutes for capacitors.

Abstract The regulatory ban on the manufacture of PCB-containing capacitors has resulted in the continuous replacement of PCB equipment with newer capacitors containing PCB substitutes. Four PCB substitutes which are currently available for use in power capacitors are examined with respect to their acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, and environmental effects. General recommendations on product acceptability are made based on the data currently available. All the PCB substitutes appear to be acceptable from an environmental toxicology standpoint. However, the di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate/trichlorobenzene mixture appears to have a greater potential for significant environmental impact than the other fluids currently available.
If "good managers" are masculine, what are "bad managers"?

Little research has been conducted on ineffective behavior or “bad” characteristics of managers as contrasted with effective behavior or “good” characteristics. This study examines the perceived characteristics of bad managers as well as good managers. In contrast to a stereotypical view of the good manager as masculine, bad managers were seen by business students as low in both masculinity and femininity, or in nonstereotypical terms. Results were not affected by the relative social desirability of masculine and feminine characteristics.
Evaluation of different methods of leukoreduction of donor platelets to prevent alloimmune platelet refractoriness and induce tolerance in a canine transfusion model

The effectiveness of different methods of leukoreduction in preventing alloimmune platelet refractoriness was evaluated in a canine model. Platelets from a random donor dog were administered for up to 8 weeks or until platelet refractoriness. Standard (STD; unmodified) platelets were accepted by 14% of recipients (n = 7) compared with 14% for centrifuge leukoreduced (C-LR) platelets (n = 21) and 31% for filter leukoreduced (F-LR) platelets (n = 13; no significant differences). Surprisingly, using both F-LR and C-LR platelets was highly effective (87% acceptance, n = 15). Transfusing F-LR/C-LR red blood cells (n = 4) or F-LR/C-LR plasma (n = 4), along with F-LR/C-LR platelets, did not affect platelet acceptance (100% acceptance). Overall acceptance of F-LR/C-LR platelets was 91% (n = 23; P < or = .05 versus STD, C-LR, or F-LR platelets). F-LR/C-LR transfusions also induced tolerance to subsequent STD platelet transfusions from the same donor (82% acceptance, n = 19) as well as to donor skin grafts without recipient immunosuppression (57% acceptance, n = 7). To evaluate mechanisms of tolerance induction, F-LR/C-LR platelets were gamma-irradiated. Although the gamma-irradiated F-LR/C-LR platelets were uniformly accepted (n = 6), tolerance to STD platelets was lost. These data suggest that some allostimulatory white cells are filter adherent, whereas others escape filtration but can be removed by centrifugation and tolerance requires a residual functioning white cell.
Exactly Soluble Spin-Glass Model

An exactly soluble model for a spin-glass phase transition is presented. It is essentially a mean-field theory; but instead of "bond" randomness of the exchange interaction (as used by other authors), a "site" randomness is assumed. This enables one to calculate the "quenched" free energy without any uncertain mathematical procedures. Typical results are given for a variety of interesting cases.
Incompletely Specified Displacements: Geometry and Spatial Linkage Synthesis

The screw axis geometry associated with displacements of points and lines is studied. Analytical expressions are developed for rigid body screw displacements which have one or more free parameters. It is shown how to apply these results to the synthesis of spatial linkages. The theory is illustrated by numerical examples in which Cylindric-Cylindric cranks are designed to guide two points in a rigid body through five and then nine specified positions.
Elevated neointimal endothelin-1 in transplantation-associated arteriosclerosis of renal allograft recipients

Elevated neointimal endothelin-1 in transplantation-associated arteriosclerosis of renal allograft recipients . Background Chronic renal allograft rejection is characterized histologically by transplantation-associated arteriosclerosis and glomerulosclerosis (Tx-AA and Tx-AGS). Recent studies in animal models implicate the mitogenic and pressor actions of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in Tx-AA. In humans, however, a link between elevated ET-1 secretion and Tx-AA or Tx-AGS remains unclear. In this study we analyzed expression of ET-1 in the vasculature of renal transplant patients with chronic or acute rejection and in normal controls. Methods Renal vascular and glomerular ET-1 was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 12 patients with clinically and histologically defined chronic rejection, in 11 patients with acute rejection, and in 5 normal kidneys. ET-1 staining was also correlated with various clinical parameters and with a morphometric index of neointima formation. ET-1 secretion was measured by ELISA in cultured human vascular cell types treated with T cell- and macrophage-associated cytokines. Results We found that renal allografts with chronic rejection and Tx-AA expressed 6.1-fold more ET-1 in the vasculature relative to allografts with acute rejection or to normal kidneys ( P r = 0.82, P Conclusions These results demonstrate that elevated ET-1 in the neointima is associated with Tx-AA and chronic rejection. In addition, these results point to an important role for endothelial dysfunction in chronic renal allograft rejection.
The basic flow equations of electrophysiology in the presence of chemical reactions: I. Development of the equations

Starting from the basic flux equation, it is possible to obtain an integral form relating the current componentsI i at an arbitrary pointr 2 to the distribution of mobilities and concentrationsc i, potential forces $$\bar \mu $$ , and chemical productivityp i without any restrictive assumptions such as constant mobilities, constant field, steady state, or electrical neutrality. The equation is $$\begin{gathered} I_i (r_2 ) = G_i (r_2 )\left[ {\Delta \bar \mu _i - \int_{r_1 }^{r_2 } {z_i } FA\left( {p_i - dc_i /dt} \right)\left( {\frac{1}{{G_i (r)}}} \right)dr} \right]; \hfill \\ G_i (r) = 1/\int_{r_1 }^r {\frac{{dr}}{{z_i^2 F^2 c_i u_i }}.} \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ On the basis of this equation, it is possible to give a more general and systematic development of the basic equations of electrophysiology which clarifies a number of questions concerning the physical interpretation of and the necessary and sufficient conditions for the applicability of some of the standard equations and gives their proper extensions to more general conditions. It is found that the relation between the current components and chemical reactions present arises in a very natural way via the continuity equation and enables one to discuss the incorporation of the metabolic and active transport parameters by assuming a very general physical condition. On the basis of this general integration technique one may then compare the physical interpretation of the differential conductance, the chord conductance and the integral conductance.
Cloning of the rhodopsin-encoding gene from the rod-less lizard Anolis carolinensis

Abstract The rhodopsin (Rh) of the lizard Anolis carolinensis has only been detected in the pineal gland which controls circadian rhythms [Foster et al., J. Comp. Physiol. (1993) 33–45]. In the present study, we isolated and sequenced a genomic DNA clone for the A. carolinensis Rh gene. The deduced amino acid (aa) sequence revealed six A. carolinensis-specific replacements in conserved aa residues among vertebrate Rhs. Four out of these six replacements (S22N, N199H, E232A and T319M) reside outside the transmembrane (TM) domains. Some of these replacements might have been required for Rh to function solely in the pineal gland.
Handheld gaming devices for baby boomers

The endurance of the relationship between people and products is not based on functionality or price alone rather it is an entire experience that tenders pleasure, warmth, and 'fuzzies'. Usability, Cognitive and Sensorial Design theory researched in this study was inspired by Nathan Shedroff's theory of Experience Design. This research is focused on innovation of handheld gaming devices for baby boomers with the goal to create guidelines for future design in this domain. This research is an ongoing project and will continue over several more months beyond this paper. Although generalizations regarding the findings in the study are limited by its scope, this study however does provide evidence for broader and more comprehensive research in this domain.
Thermionic nuclear reactors

The coupling of nuclear reactors with thermionic converters is reviewed. First, the paper discusses principles of operation of thermionic converters, together with present and anticipated advancements. Particular emphasis is given to parameters that influence optimum performance and life of converters; namely, work function of emitter and collector, spacing between the same, temperatures of operation, cesium vapor pressure, and materials. The discussion is illustrated by a series of experimental results and amplified by theoretical analysis.
Effect of calcination temperature of alumina on the adsorption/impregnation of Pd(II) compounds

Abstract A series of alumina supports derived from a common source material was subjected to a range of calcination temperatures and the results of this treatment on the adsorption of Pd(II) compounds were studied. Increasing calcination temperature lead to a decrease in BET surface area and produced a series of alumina samples carrying different inventories of hydroxyl groups. The surface chemistry of these hydroxyl groups was studied using mass and potentiometric titration techniques and from these data the protonation/deprotonation equilibrium constants for the surface hydroxyl groups were obtained. This allowed us to construct the pH-dependent surface charge distribution for each alumina sample. Cationic and anionic Pd(II) complexes were used to titrate the negative and positive surface charge sites. We find that the adsorption mechanism is primarily controlled by electrostatic effects in that saturation capacities of adsorbed complex showed a correlation with the surface charge density evaluated at the pH used for the adsorption/impregnation experiments.
Prevalence and risk factors for LSD use among young women.

Abstract Study Objective: To report the lifetime prevalence of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and to identify unique correlates of using this substance in the last year among a large multiethnic sample of sexually active adolescent and young adult women aged 14 to 26 yrs. Design, Setting, Participants: A cross-sectional survey, administered at university-based ambulatory reproductive health clinics, was completed by 904 women between April and November of 1997 to identify risk factors associated with their use of LSD within the past 12 months. Subjects who reported lifetime, but not past 12 months', use of marijuana, LSD, or other illicit drugs were excluded, leaving a sample of 368 nonusers and 56 users of LSD. In addition, 231 young women who reported only using marijuana in the last year were used as a comparison group to identify unique factors associated with LSD use. Results: Of the total sample (n = 904), 13% (n = 119) reported lifetime use of LSD, and 58% (n = 536) reported lifetime use of marijuana. Logistic regression analyses controlling for age and race/ethnicity found distinct profiles for those who reported using LSD or only marijuana in the last year when compared to those who reported no substance use. Common to both groups was reporting being drunk at least 10 times during the last year, regular smoking of at least half a pack of cigarettes, and identification as a high-sexual-risk taker. However, LSD users as compared to nonusers were more likely to report white ethnicity (as compared to nonwhite), be less than or equal to 17 years of age (as compared to at least 18 years), report a history of physical abuse, and be categorized as having severe depressive symptomatology. In contrast, those who reported only using marijuana were more likely to report single marital status, young age at first intercourse, having half or more of their friends use marijuana, and poor grades. Conclusions: The female LSD user presents a distinct profile that might aid clinicians in identifying potential LSD use in this population as well as alerting clinicians to the relationship between LSD use and high-risk sexual behaviors.
Topical 5-Fluorouracil in Treating Epithelial Neoplasia of the Conjunctiva and Cornea

Purposes: To evaluate the efficacy of topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in treating conjunctival and corneal epithelial neoplasia. Methods: Three patients underwent surgical excision of bulky disease followed by topical 1 % 5-FU in artificial tear base for 2 to 3 weeks or until epithelial separation occurred. An additional three patients underwent treatment with topical 1 % 5-FU alone. Results: Minimum follow-up was 6 months. In one patient with conjunctival in situ carcinoma and no detectable normal conjunctiva, who had normal findings on conjunctival histologic examination after application of topical 5-FU, a focus of invasive disease requiring orbital exenteration. One patient had a favorable response to 5-FU therapy but required a repeat excision for control of bulky disease. Four patients have remained disease-free for 10, 13, 18, and 30 months after topical 5-FU therapy. Conclusion: With its potential selective toxicity on dysplastic epithelium, topical 5FU shows promise as an adjunctive treatment for managing conjunctival and corneal epithelial neoplasia.
NPC1L1 (Niemann-Pick C1-like 1) mediates sterol-specific unidirectional transport of non-esterified cholesterol in McArdle-RH7777 hepatoma cells.

Recent evidence suggests that NPC1L1 (Niemann–Pick C1-like 1) is critical for intestinal sterol absorption in mice, yet mechanisms by which NPC1L1 regulates cellular sterol transport are lacking. In the study we used a McArdle-RH7777 rat hepatoma cell line stably expressing NPC1L1 to examine the sterol-specificity and directionality of NPC1L1-mediated sterol transport. As previously described, cholesterol-depletion-driven recycling of NPC1L1 to the cell surface facilitates cellular uptake of non-esterified (free) cholesterol. However, it has no impact on the uptake of esterified cholesterol, indicating free sterol specificity. Interestingly, the endocytic recycling of NPC1L1 was also without effect on β-sitosterol uptake, indicating that NPC1L1 can differentiate between free sterols of animal and plant origin in hepatoma cells. Furthermore, NPC1L1-driven free cholesterol transport was unidirectional, since cellular cholesterol efflux to apolipoprotein A-I, high-density lipoprotein or serum was unaffected by NPC1L1 expression or localization. Additionally, NPC1L1 facilitates mass non-esterified-cholesterol uptake only when it is located on the cell surface and not when it resides intracellularly. Finally, NPC1L1-dependent cholesterol uptake required adequate intracellular K+, yet did not rely on intracellular Ca2+, the cytoskeleton or signalling downstream of protein kinase A, protein kinase C or pertussis-toxin-sensitive G-protein-coupled receptors. Collectively, these findings support the notion that NPC1L1 can selectively recognize non-esterified cholesterol and promote its unidirectional transport into hepatoma cells.
Pyrimidine acyclonucleosides, inhibitors of uridine phosphorylase.

Abstract A new class of nucleoside analogs, the pyridimine acyclonucleosides, are competitive inhibitors of uridine phosphorylase but have no effect on thymicline phosphorylase, uridine kinase or thymidine kinase. The most potent of the series is acyclothymidine [5-methyl-1-(2′-hydroxyethoxymethyl)uracil] with a Ki value of 3 μM. Ki values of less than 30 μM were estimated for other analogs substituted at the 5-position of the pyrimicline ring. Extracts of xenografts of six human tumors were assayed for tissue levels of uricline phosphorylase and thymicline phosphorylase and for inhibition of 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine (FUdR) phosphorolytic activity by acyclouridine [1-(2′-hydroxyethoxymethyl) uracil]. FUdR cleavage was inhibited most in those tissues in which the ratio of thymidine phosphorylase to uricline phosphorylase was low. Potential usage of these uricline phosphorylase inhibitors with the chemotherapeutic agent FUdR is discussed.
Imaging high-energy astrophysical sources using Earth occultation

HIGH-ENERGY astrophysical sources can be difficult to image. Photons with energies above ∼5 keV are hard to focus, so experiments usually employ coded masks1–4 or moving collimators5–9 to modulate the flux received by the detectors; the resulting signals are then deconvolved to form the images. Here we demonstrate a new approach which makes use of the large-area, non-collimated detectors of the Burst and Transient Source Experiment on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory. As the spacecraft moves in its orbit, the Earth itself acts as a stable occulting disk. Changes in the measured signal during a single occultation correspond to the integrated intensity of sources positioned along the arc described by the Earth's edge (limb). The low-altitude, moderately inclined orbit of the spacecraft ensures that the angle at which the limb traverses a source region varies between occultations, and thus data from a series of occultations can be transformed into an image. This imaging process is conceptually and mathematically similar to those used in fan-beam aperture-synthesis radio-astronomy10 and medical computer-assisted tomography11, and holds great promise for all-sky imaging with relatively simple (and hence inexpensive) detectors.
Experiments as Reforms: An Analysis of the Implementation of an Educational Experiment

An experiment may be easier to design than to carry out. Imperfect execution produces imperfect results.
Methylmercury differentially affects GABAA receptor-mediated spontaneous IPSCs in Purkinje and granule cells of rat cerebellar slices

Using whole-cell recording techniques we compared effects of the environmental cerebellar neurotoxicant methylmercury (MeHg) on spontaneous IPSCs (sIPSCs) of both Purkinje and granule cells in cerebellar slices of the rat. In Purkinje cells, bath application of 10, 20 or 100 microM MeHg initially increased then suppressed the frequency of sIPSCs to zero. In granule cells, the initial increase in frequency was not observed in approximately 50% of cells examined, but suppression of sIPSCs by MeHg occurred in every cell tested. For both cells, time to onset of effects of MeHg was inversely related to the concentration; moreover, the pattern of changes in mIPSCs induced by MeHg in the presence of tetrodotoxin was similar to that in sIPSCs. For ea ch concentration of MeHg, it took 2-3 times longer to block sIPSCs in Purkinje cells than it did in granule cells. MeHg also initially increased then decreased amplitudes of sIPSCs to block in both cells; again the response was more variable in granule cells. In most Purkinje and some granule cells, MeHg induced a giant, slow inward current during the late stages of exposure. Appearance of this current appeared to be MeHg concentration dependent, and the direction of current flow was reversed by changing the holding potentials. Reduction of the [Cl-] in the internal solution caused inwardly directed, but not outwardly directed giant currents to disappear, suggesting that this current is a Cl(-)-mediated response. However, bicuculline and picrotoxin failed to block it. MeHg apparently acts at both presynaptic and postsynaptic sites to alter GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibitory synaptic transmission. GABA(A) receptors in granule cells appear to be more sensitive to block by MeHg than are those in Purkinje cells, although the general patterns of effects on the two cells are similar.
Defining and measuring optical frequencies: the optical clock opportunity--and more (Nobel lecture).

Four long-running currents in laser technology met and merged in 1999–2000. Two of these were the quest toward a stable repetitive sequence of ever-shorter optical pulses and, on the other hand, the quest for the most time-stable, unvarying optical frequency possible. The marriage of ultrafast- and ultrastable lasers was brokered mainly by two international teams and became exciting when a special “designer” microstructure optical fiber was shown to be nonlinear enough to produce “white light” from the femtosecond laser pulses, such that the output spectrum embraced a full optical octave. Then, for the first time, one could realize an optical frequency interval equal to the comb’s lowest frequency, and count out this interval as a multiple of the repetition rate of the femtosecond pulse laser. This “gear-box” connection between the radiofrequency standard and any/all optical frequency standards came just as sensitivity-enhancing ideas were maturing. The four-way union empowered an explosion of accurate frequency measurement results in the standards field and prepared the way for refined tests of some of our cherished physical principles, such as the time-stability of some of the basic numbers in physics (e.g. the “fine-structure” constant, the speed of light, certain atomic mass ratios), and the equivalence of time-keeping by clocks based on different physics. The stable laser technology also allows time-synchronization between two independent femtosecond lasers so exact they can be made to appear as if the source were a single laser. By improving pump–probe experiments, one important application will be in bond-specific spatial scanning of biological samples. This next decade in optical physics should be a blast!
FACTORS THAT PREDICT ELEMENTARY EDUCATORS’ PERCEPTIONS AND PRACTICE IN TEACHING SELF‐DETERMINATION

Promoting self-determination has been suggested as a means for students with disabilities to access the general curriculum. We surveyed 407 elementary educators to examine a) the effects of classroom setting and teaching self-regulation strategies on the perceived importance and frequency of teaching self-determination; and b) the severity level of student disability, teacher primary assignment, teaching experience, and classroom and school setting on self-regulation instruction. Teaching experience and classroom setting predicted the use of self-regulation strategies, but primary assignment, school setting, and student disability did not. Self-regulation instruction predicted the frequency of teaching self-determination, but neither it nor classroom setting predicted the perceived importance of teaching self-determination. Limitations and implications of this study are discussed, and suggestions for future research are offered.
Improving acoustic event detection using generalizable visual features and multi-modality modeling

Acoustic event detection (AED) aims to identify both timestamps and types of multiple events and has been found to be very challenging. The cues for these events often times exist in both audio and vision, but not necessarily in a synchronized fashion. We study improving the detection and classification of the events using cues from both modalities. We propose optical flow based spatial pyramid histograms as a generalizable visual representation that does not require training on labeled video data. Hidden Markov models (HMMs) are used for audio-only modeling, and multi-stream HMMs or coupled HMMs (CHMM) are used for audio-visual joint modeling. To allow the flexibility of audio-visual state asynchrony, we explore effective CHMM training via HMM state-space mapping, parameter tying and different initialization schemes. The proposed methods successfully improve acoustic event classification and detection on a multimedia meeting room dataset containing eleven types of general non-speech events without using extra data resource other than the video stream accompanying the audio observations. Our systems perform favorably compared to previously reported systems leveraging ad-hoc visual cue detectors and localization information obtained from multiple microphones.
Development and Technical Characteristics of a Team Decision- Making Assessment Tool Decision Observation, Recording, and Analysis (DORA)

Problem solving is fundamental to psychoeducational assessment practices and generally grounded in activities related to identifying problems, developing and refining hypotheses, generating solutions, developing and implementing actions, and evaluating outcomes. While the process is central to response-to-intervention practices as well, little research has addressed the form, content, or outcomes of decision-making teams as they operate in schools. One barrier to building a program of research on team problem solving has been the absence of a credible and feasible measure of team performance. We developed the Decision Observation, Recording, and Analysis (DORA) tool to document problem-solving behaviors during team meetings. We were interested in evaluating problem solving during team meetings that focus on academic and behavior concerns in school. We describe the development and preliminary psychometric data for DORA in this article. Our discussion focuses on the implications of DORA for expanding the study of team processes and for improvement of problem-solving practices in schools.
Studying Users of the Why Files

Science Web sites proliferate, offering users a virtual avalanche of information that ranges widely across topic, message style, and quality of evidence. Users, too, are proliferating. But what kind of people visit these sites, how do they maneuver through the site once they arrive, and do they learn anything about science as a result of their visits? For the past five years, a team of researchers has been trying to answer these questions by focusing on one science Web site, the Why Files (http://whyfiles.news.wisc.edu). Originally created as part of the National Institute for Science Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the site has won industry kudos for its efforts to offer users “the science behind the news.” Most importantly for this discussion, it has also served as a laboratory for examining the characteristics of Why Files users, for tracking their coping strategies on the site itself, and for experiments to assess science learning. This discussion will offer some of the results of th...
Trace sulfate in mid-Proterozoic carbonates and the sulfur isotope record of biospheric evolution

Concentrations of oceanic and atmospheric oxygen have varied over geologic time as a function of sulfur and carbon cycling at or near the Earth's surface. This balance is expressed in the sulfur isotope composition of seawater sulfate. Given the near absence of gypsum in pre-Phanerozoic sediments, trace amounts of carbonate-associated sulfate (CAS) within limestones or dolostones provide the best available constraints on the isotopic composition of sulfate in Precambrian seawater. Although absolute CAS concen- trations, which range from those below detection to 120 ppm sulfate in this study, may be compromised by diagenesis, the sulfur isotope compositions can be buffered sufficiently to retain primary values. Stratigraphically controlled 34 S measurements for CAS from three mid-Proterozoic carbonate successions (1.2 Ga Mescal Limestone, Apache Group, Arizona, USA; 1.45-1.47 Ga Helena and Newland formations, Belt Supergroup, Montana, USA; and 1.65 Ga Paradise Creek Formation, McNamara Group, NW Queens- land, Australia) show large isotopic variability (9.1‰ to 18.9‰, 1.1‰ to 27.3‰, and 14.1‰ to 37.3‰, respectively) over stratigraphic intervals of 50 to 450 m. This rapid variability, ranging from scattered to highly systematic, and overall low CAS abundances can be linked to sulfate concentrations in the mid-Proterozoic ocean that were substantially lower than those of the Phanerozoic but higher than values inferred for the Archean. Results from the Belt Supergroup specifically corroborate previous arguments for seawater contributions to the basin. Limited sulfate availability that tracks the oxygenation history of the early atmosphere is also consistent with the possibility of extensive deep-ocean sulfate reduction, the scarcity of bedded gypsum, and the stratigraphic 34 S trends and 34 S enrichments commonly observed for iron sulfides of mid-Proterozoic age. Copyright © 2005 Elsevier Ltd
Acoustic-gravity waves in the atmosphere generated by infragravity waves in the ocean

Infragravity waves are surface gravity waves in the ocean with periods longer than approximately 30 s. Infragravity waves propagate transoceanic distances and, because of their long wavelengths, provide a mechanism for coupling wave processes in the ocean, atmosphere, and the solid Earth. Here, we present a strict physical justification for the hypothesis that background ocean waves may generate waves in the upper atmosphere. We show that, at frequencies below a certain transition frequency of about 3 mHz, infragravity waves continuously radiate their energy into the upper atmosphere in the form of acoustic-gravity waves. Based on ionospheric observations and estimates of the fluxes of the mechanical energy and momentum from the deep ocean, we conclude that acoustic-gravity waves of oceanic origin may have an observable impact on the upper atmosphere. We anticipate our work to be a starting point for a detailed analysis of global manifestations of the ocean-generated background acoustic-gravity waves.
Elements of Good Route Directions in Familiar and Unfamiliar Environments

Route directions are instructions, primarily verbal, that explain how to get from one place to another. The current study examines several methods for assessing the quality of verbal route directions by characterizing them in terms of the number of elements (such as landmarks, segments or turns) and by subjective ratings of their goodness. Route directions for routes which were both familiar and unfamiliar to the participant were studied. Subjective ratings of the quality of route directions were reliable and consistent across individuals. More complete route directions were rated as being of higher quality. For all routes, inclusion of more segment and turn mentions were correlated with higher quality route directions. Good route descriptions for familiar versus unfamiliar routes differed in terms of the types of landmarks included.