cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Late Glacial and Holocene Paleolimnology of two temperate lakes inferred from sediment organic δ13C chronology

The stable carbon isotope (δ13C) and elemental C/N ratios in Total Organic Carbon (TOC) extracted from radiometrically dated cores from two Midwestern USA lakes were determined to investigate the factors that control these values in temperate lakes. The range of δ13C values (-26 to -32%) and C/N ratios (mean value ∼10.8) are typical of values reported for other temperate lake organic matter in this region. In the core from Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin, a negative correlation was seen between the TOC and δ13C, which can be interpreted in terms of a re-mixing and consumption of sedimented organic carbon along with rapid equilibration throughout the water column. No correlation was seen between the TOC and δ13C in the record from Ladd Lake, Ohio, implying that in this latter lake productivity alone was not a singular process controlling the isotope ratio. Here, it is suggested that equilibrium conditions are maintained such that the DIC of the water is never depleted of aqueous CO2 during high organic production and the resulting δ13C of the organic carbon lacks correlation with the TOC. Further, in this lake a fine resolution analysis was carried out which indicated a possible anthropogenic influence on the isotope ratio around times when human settlement (∼300 yrs ago) and enhanced agricultural practices (∼80 yrs ago) were significant. The study shows that carbon isotope studies are useful in paleolimnologic investigations.
The Effects of Commitment to Performance Goals on Effort1

The laboratory experiments were designed to examine the effects of commitment to a performance goal on the level of effort exerted to achieve the goal. In both experiments, college students worked on two memorization tasks and, after receiving performance feedback on the first task, commitment to either an easy or a more difficult goal for the second task was varied. In the first experiment, goal commitment was manipulated either by giving the students perceived choice over setting their goal or by assigning them to one of the two goal levels. In the second experiment, goal commitment was manipulated by publicly identifying students' goals or by keeping the goals private. To assess effort, participants were allowed to spend as little or as much time as they desired studying for the second task. In both experiments, the commitment manipulations (high choice or public identification) led to significantly greater persistence in studying, regardless of the goal level. In addition, high-commitment subjects tended to be more successful in reaching their goals than low-commitment subjects. These experiments suggest that commitment to a goal has motivational properties that prompt an increase in effort.
Narrow-band spatial mechanisms in apparent contrast matching

Abstract Suprathreshold contrast matching experiments produced narrow spatial frequency bandwidth estimates similar to estimates from analogous subthreshold additivity experiments. A simple grating contrast standard was fixed on one half of a split-screen CRT display at 0, 10 or 30 × threshold contrast. On the other half the subject adjusted either one or both components of two-frequency composite gratings to match the apparent contrast of the standard. Composites of 5 and 15 c/deg had the same apparent contrast as the larger component presented alone. With closer frequencies in the composite the effect persisted for both the blank and 10 × threshold standards to the same small frequency ratios found in earlier detection experiments.
Flux pinning by 211 precipitates in melt-processed YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub x/

Magnetic hysteresis data have been taken at 4.2 and 50 K over a wide range of magnetic fields on melt-textured (MT) and quench-melt-growth-processed (QMGP) YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub x/ samples with 6 vol.% of Y/sub 2/BaCuO/sub x/
COPPER(II) COMPLEXES OF BIS-2,6-(METHYLTHIOMETHYL) PYRIDINE AND THE DITHIA(2,6)PYRIDINOPHANES

Abstract A series of tridentate macrocycles, the dithia(2,6)pyridinophanes, react with copper(II) to form five coordinate complexes of the form [Cu(tridentate)X2] where X=Cl−, Br−, or NCS−. Available evidence suggests that 2,9-dithia[10] (2,6)pyridinophane coordinates in a folded manner while it is uncertain whether 2,10-dithia[11](2,6)pyridinophane and 2,11-dithia[12](2,6)pyridinophane coordinate in a folded or a planar fashion. These geometries result from the presence of varying lengths of the non-coordinating methylene chain present in each macrocycle. The effect of the methylene bridge on the structure and stability of the various complexes is discussed. The acyclic analogue, bis-2,6(methylthiomethyl)pyridine, also forms pentacoordinate complexes of the type [Cu(tridentate)X2] as well as 2:1 ligand to metal complexes, [Cu(tridentate)2](BF4), Electronic spectra of the latter complex indicate that the copper(II) is in a slightly distorted octahedral environment in the solid state.
Preparation and characterization of n-pentafluorosulfanylimine derivatives

Abstract Reactions of SF5NCCl2 with sodium methoxide and phenoxide have produced both the mono- and disubstituted derivatives SF5NC(Cl)OR and SF5NC(OR)2. The monosubstituted derivative SF5NC(Cl)N(C2H5)2 was the sole product produced in a 2:1 molar reaction of diethylamine with SF5NCCl2. Further reaction of this chloroimine with diethylamine gave the disubstituted derivative SF5NC[N(C2H5)2]2. Other mixed disubstituted compounds SF5NC(R)N(C2H5)2, where R=CH3, CF3, C6H5, and OCH3, were also prepared. Each of the new N-pentafluorosulfanyl derivatives was characterized by IR, 1H, 19F and 13C NMR, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis where possible.
Structure of Normally Deformed States in 80Sr

High-spin states were populated in Sr-80 With the reaction Ni-58(Si-28,alpha 2p), using a 130 MeV Si-28 beam from the 88-Inch Cyclotron at LBNL. Gamma rays were detected with Gammasphere. and evaporated alphas and protons were detected with the Microball. The level scheme has been extended, and angular distributions of many of the transitions have been measured. A portion of the data was taken using a backed target, allowing lifetime measurements. No evidence for band termination was found in the spin range studied, but a cranking model analysis indicates possible shape evolution at higher spin.
A pen-and-paper human analogue of a monkey prefrontal cortex activation task: spatial working memory in patients with schizophrenia

In order to pursue the hypothesis that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is a source of cognitive deficit in schizophrenia, we developed an easily administered pen-and-paper human analogue of a visuospatial working memory task that in non-human primates activates the neurons of Walker area 46 (Goldman-Rakic, 1987). Compared to normal controls, schizophrenic patients made significantly greater errors in identifying where a visuospatial stimulus had been presented to them 30 and 60 seconds earlier, and these differences were significantly greater than in an immediate recall condition. These data suggest that schizophrenic patients have visuospatial working memory deficits that are sensitive to pen-and-paper versions of the tasks that activate the Walker area 46 in non-human primates. The availability of an easily administered test that may be associated with the functioning of the prefrontal cortex may enable more specific assessment of this brain region in humans.
An investigation of the mechanisms of production of Ar + emission using Doppler shifted Fourier transform spectroscopy

Abstract Use of high resolution Fourier transform spectroscopy has allowed the study of the Doppler shifts of 4p Ar + emission lines found in Ar + lasers, as a function of polarity and pressure of a Ar/He discharge. The results indicate that the emitting 4p states can be distinctly divided into low and high energy groups, which are populated respectively by He metastable excitation of ground state Ar ions and electron impact on ground state neutral Ar.
Effect of Poor Solvent Ratio on Rheological Behavior of Alumina Suspension and Properties of Green Sheets

The influence of solubilization of the solvents for PVB binder on the rheological behavior and properties of alumina green sheets was investigated. Suspensions of alumina particles were prepared with various ratios of toluene (poor solvent) and n-butanol (good solvent) including PVB binder. Binder solutions of concentration 20 wt% were opaque at less than 5 wt% of n-butanol ratio, where turbidities, viscosities, TI values and thread-forming properties of binder solutions were large. These results indicate that the binder molecule exhibits a thread-like shape in poor solvent.The amount of binder adsorbed on alumina particles in suspension increased with decreasing the ratio of n-butanol, suggesting that binder at the adsorbed state on alumina particles is more stable than at the state of drifting in the poor bulk solvents. And this result suggests that occupation area of thread-like binder is small in poor solvent.Viscosities, TI values, sedimentation volumes and thread-forming properties of suspensions increased with decreasing the n-butanol ratio. Bulky cohesion structures of alumina particles in suspension with high TI values are supposed to be maintained in sedimentation cakes. However, the packing degree of green sheet after drying was high. The number of binder segments expanding into bulk solution is expected to be fewer, because hydroxyl groups in PVB binder are adsorbed on alumina particles via hydrogen bonding in poor solvent. Expanding binder segment is easy to shrink while drying. Distance between alumina particles decreases, and, as a result, it is thought that the packing degree of alumina particles became high.
Utilization of DICOM GSDF to Modify Lookup Tables for Images Acquired on Film Digitizers

Film digitizers are used to transfer hardcopy x-ray transmission films into a PACS environment. Variability between digitizers is primarily due to a lack of an acquisition standard. By utilizing the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) Part 14 Grayscale Standard Display Function (GSDF) as basis from which to judge and modify digitizer output, a methodology using Just Noticeable Differences (JND) can be established that will create custom lookup tables for film digitizers. These modified images can then be judged against the original films using the GSDF to determine if the original films' contrast is preserved. Results based on JND indicated that relative contrast of the original image is preserved.
Exploring earth's atmosphere with radio occultation: contributions to weather, climate and space weather

Abstract. The launch of the proof-of-concept mission GPS/MET (Global Positioning System/Meteorology) in 1995 began a revolution in profiling Earth's atmosphere through radio occultation (RO). GPS/MET; subsequent single-satellite missions CHAMP (CHAllenging Minisatellite Payload), SAC-C (Satellite de Aplicaciones Cientificas-C), GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment), METOP-A, and TerraSAR-X (Beyerle et al., 2010); and the six-satellite constellation, FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC (Formosa Satellite mission {#}3/Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate) have proven the theoretical capabilities of RO to provide accurate and precise profiles of electron density in the ionosphere and refractivity, containing information on temperature and water vapor, in the stratosphere and troposphere. This paper summarizes results from these RO missions and the applications of RO observations to atmospheric research and operational weather analysis and prediction.
Sociology in an era of fragmentation: From the sociology of knowledge to the philosophy of science, and back again

In this article we revisit Alvin Gouldner's The Coming Crisis of Western Sociology (1970). In part, this article is an attempt to apply Gouldner's own lessons about the sociology of knowledge to hi...
Is experience the best teacher? A multilevel analysis of teacher characteristics and student achievement in low performing schools

The study investigated several teacher characteristics, with a focus on two measures of teaching experience, and their association with second grade student achievement gains in low performing, high poverty schools in a Mid-Atlantic state. Value-added models using three-level hierarchical linear modeling were used to analyze the data from 1,544 students, 154 teachers, and 53 schools. Results indicated that traditional teacher qualification characteristics such as licensing status and educational attainment were not statistically significant in producing student achievement gains. Total years of teaching experience was also not a significant predictor but a more specific measure, years of teaching experience at a particular grade level, was significantly associated with increased student reading achievement. We caution researchers and policymakers when interpreting results from studies that have used only a general measure of teacher experience as effects are possibly underestimated. Policy implications are discussed.
Soil crust formation by dust deposition at Shaartuz, Tadzhik, S.S.R.

Abstract The shrub-steppe area near Shaartuz, Tadzhik, S.S.R., is shown to be a net accumulator of dust despite being an occasional source of dust. For the accumulation of the dust to form the observed surface crust, a net deposition of about 290–490 g m−2 yr−1 of particles smaller than 20 μm is required, depending on the duration of the deposition period. The particles smaller than 20 μm are mixed with particles brought up from the sandy material below the surface crust by bioturbation and are incorporated into the surface crust. Measurements during the 16 and 20 September 1989 dust storms provided a total deposition of 41.1 g m−2 of particles smaller than 20 μm. Because 10–30 dust storms are observed at Shaartuz, the measured average dust storm deposition would yield 206–617 g m−2 yr−1. This range of deposition is of the order of that needed to provide a mass balance for the observed crust formation. Cryptogams (including algae, lichen, and moss) and rainwater are the main agents of incorporation of the aeolian dust into a stable soil crust. The role that the vascular plants played at the Shaartuz site was to reduce the rate of soil movement to levels where the cryptogamic crusting was possible. the observed mechanisms of dust deposition followed by crust incorporation are possibly an important processes in loess formation in Central Asia.
It's the Thought that Counts: The Mediating Effects of Information Processing in Virtual Team Decision Making

Previous research shows that although collaboration technology can improve the exchange of information during team decision making, one of the challenges is that this better discussion often does not lead to better decisions. In this paper, we investigate the impact of individual information processing on team decision making. We investigated the effects of two types of collaboration technology when participants were either the member of a team majority or a team minority. There was little impact due to the majority/minority, but the use of collaboration technology that required users to categorize the comments they received from others resulted in increased information processing, which in turn led to better decisions and more satisfied participants.
Polyanion-mediated mineralization — mineralization in coccolithophore ( Pleurochrysis carterae ) variants which do not express PS2, the most abundant and acidic mineral-associated polyanion in wild-type cells

Highly acidic macromolecules are postulated intermediates in biomineralization because they sequester large numbers of calcium ions and occur in high concentrations at mineralizing foci in distantly related organisms. The mineral-associated polyanions in the coccolithophorePleurochrysis carterae are acidic polysaccharides which surround calcite elements on mineralized scales called coccoliths. PS2 is the most abundant and acidicPleurochrysis polyanion, containing four carboxyl groups per disaccharide repeat. This study examines the mineralizing function of PS2 by analysis of calcium carbonate deposition in PS2-deficient cells. Mineral-deficientPleurochrysis variants were separated from wild-type cells by density gradient centrifugation and analyzed for PS2 expression. Three independent low-density variants (two spontaneous and one chemically-induced) not expressing PS2 (ps2−) were isolated. The mineral content of each ps2− variant was less than 5% of the wild-type level. Most ps2− coccoliths were unmineralized, but when crystals were present, they occurred on the coccolith rim as in wild-type cells. When ps2− rim elements were adequately large and numerous, they displayed the alternating A and B anvil shapes characteristic of wild-type rim elements. Although ps2− cells may have defects which affect the expression of cellular components in addition to PS2, correlation of PS2 nonexpression with mineral deficiency in three independent variants supports the hypothesis that PS2 is a functional intermediate in mineral deposition. PS2 may affect the level ofPleurochrysis mineralization by (a) controlling the amount of calcium ions available for mineralization, (b) accelerating the rate of calcite nucleation, or (c) both. However, PS2 does not influence crystal morphology, since the more mature crystals in ps2− cells exhibit the anvil-shaped morphology of wild-type crystals.
Recent performance improvements for the Large Binocular Telescope primary mirror system

Over the last several years the primary mirror cell systems for the Large Binocular Telescope have been upgraded to improve on-sky performance and observing efficiency. We describe improvements made to the support actuators and mirror positioning system and explain how those changes have led to better performance and contributed to increased reliability. Both systems have been substantially redesigned and remanufactured to allow the LBT primary mirror systems to meet extremely precise performance requirements over a very broad temperature range. We also discuss the mirror ventilation and thermal monitoring system and review its current status and potential upgrades to improve its performance.
On the neurobiological investigation of language understanding in context.

Abstract There are two significant problems in using functional neuroimaging methods to study language. Improving the state of functional brain imaging will depend on understanding how the dependent measure of brain imaging differs from behavioral dependent measures (the “dependent measure problem”) and how the activation of the motor system may be confounded with non-motor aspects of processing in certain experimental designs (the “motor output problem”). To address these problems, it may be necessary to shift the focus of language research from the study of linguistic competence to the understanding of language use. This will require investigations of language processing in full multi-modal and environmental context, monitoring of natural behaviors, novel experimental design, and network-based analysis. Such a combined naturalistic approach could lead to tremendous new insights into language and the brain.
Using sensor web protocols for environmental data acquisition and management

Abstract Standard interfaces for data and information access facilitate data management and usability by minimizing the effort required to acquire, catalog and integrate data from a variety of sources. The authors have prototyped several data management and analysis applications using Sensor Web Enablement Services, a suite of service protocols being developed by the Open Geospatial Consortium specifically for handling sensor data in near-real time. This paper provides a brief overview of some of the service protocols and describes how they are used in various sensor web projects involving near-real-time management of sensor data.
Hydrolytic Susceptibility of Dithioester Chain Transfer Agents and Implications in Aqueous RAFT Polymerizations

The controlled radical polymerization (CRP) technique reversible addition−fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) has potential for preparing functional (co)polymers directly in an aqueous environment. Hydrolysis and aminolysis can eliminate the active end groups necessary for maintaining “livingness” in water. These reactions have not previously been evaluated with respect to their effect on aqueous RAFT polymerizations. Herein we determine rate constants of hydrolysis and aminolysis for representative water-soluble chain transfer agents (CTAs) cyanopentanoic acid dithiobenzoate (CTP) and the macro-chain-transfer agents (macro-CTAs) of poly(sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate) (AMPSX) and poly(acrylamide) (AMX) at selected pH values. Rates of hydrolysis and aminolysis both increase with increasing pH and decrease with increasing molecular weight of the dithioester. On the basis of these rate constants, mathematical relationships have been developed to predict the number of living chain ends and the ...
Dopamine-induced plasticity, phospholipase D (PLD) activity and cocaine-cue behavior depend on PLD-linked metabotropic glutamate receptors in amygdala

Cocaine-cue associations induce synaptic plasticity with long lasting molecular and cellular changes in the amygdala, a site crucial for cue-associated memory mechanisms. The underlying neuroadaptations can include marked alterations in signaling via dopamine (DA) receptors (DRs) and metabotropic glutamate (Glu) receptors (mGluRs). Previously, we reported that DR antagonists blocked forms of synaptic plasticity in amygdala slices of Sprague-Dawley rats withdrawn from repeated cocaine administration. In the present study, we investigated synaptic plasticity induced by exogenous DA and its dependence on mGluR signaling and a potential role for phospholipase D (PLD) as a downstream element linked to mGluR and DR signaling. Utilizing a modified conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm as a functional behavioral measure, we studied the neurophysiological effects after two-weeks to the last cocaine conditioning. We recorded, electrophysiologically, a DR-induced synaptic potentiation in the basolateral to lateral capsula central amygdala (BLA-lcCeA) synaptic pathway that was blocked by antagonists of group I mGluRs, particularly, the PLD-linked mGluR. In addition, we observed 2–2.5 fold increase in PLD expression and 3.7-fold increase in basal PLD enzyme activity. The enhanced PLD activity could be further stimulated (9.3 fold) by a DA D1-like (D1/5R) receptor agonist, and decreased to control levels by mGluR1 and PLD-linked mGluR antagonists. Diminished CPP was observed by infusion of a PLD-linked mGluR antagonist, PCCG-13, in the amygdala 15 minutes prior to testing, two weeks after the last cocaine injection. These results imply a functional interaction between D1/5Rs, group I mGluRs via PLD in the amygdala synaptic plasticity associated with cocaine-cues.
Superconductivity in finite Fermi systems

Abstract Properties of nuclei with only valence protons or neutrons and their description in terms of the interacting boson model are briefly reviewed. Analogies between nuclei and metallic clusters are pointed out and an interacting boson model of metal clusters is suggested.
Micromachined Si channel width and tortuosity on human osteoblast cell attachment and proliferation

Abstract In this study, influence of coating chemistry, channel width and tortuosity of various two-dimensional micro-channels were explored on micromachined Si using osteoblast precursor cells line 1 (OPC1). The rationale for our study is to delineate the influence of different porosity parameters on bone cell attachment and proliferation in vitro . Channel widths of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 600 μm; channel bends of 0, 1, and 2 right angles; and gold and silicon dioxide coatings on single-crystal Si were studied. Experiments were conducted with channel tops under glass covered and uncovered conditions keeping the channel depth at 220 μm. Independent samples were evaluated using SEM imaging and MTT assay to measure bone cell morphology and quantity. Images were taken of micro-channels and exterior chambers at 50×, 500×, 1000×, and 5000× magnifications. Channel and chamber cell densities were scored as follows: bare (score = 0), scattered (1), limited (2), abundant (3), and overflowing (4). Samples were then scored and statistically analyzed for major differences. In general, OPC1 cells proliferated at least 5% or better based on cell numbers under uncovered conditions than glass covered. Channel widths of 100 μm largely prohibited cell proliferation and diffusion by narrow path inhibition with the lowest average score of 1.17. Among channel bends of 0, 1, and 2 right angles, an increase in micro-channel tortuosity from 0–2 bends amplified OPC1 cell growth upwards of ~ 6.6%. A one-way ANOVA showed significant differences in cell quantity for alternating channel tortuosity at a significance level of p
Design considerations for a scintillating plate calorimeter

Abstract Results of the simulation studies for the design of a scintillating plate calorimeter for an SSC detector are presented. These simulation studies have been carried out with the CALOR89 code. The results show that both lead and uranium can yield good compensation in practical sampling geometries. However, the significant delayed energy release in the uranium systems can lead to a serious pile up problem at high rates. In the energy range under consideration, an iron-scintillator system is not compensating at any absorber to scintillator ratio. An inhomogeneous calorimeter with 4γ of lead-scintillator in a compensating configuration followed by 4γ of iron-scintillator with moderate sampling is found to perform as well as a homogeneous lead-scintillator compensating calorimeter. In such inhomogeneous systems the hadronic signal from different segments are weighted by a scheme based on minimum ionizing d E /d X . We show that, in a properly optimised three segment, compensation and good hadronic resolution can be achieved by appropriately weighting the signal from the segments.
Evaluation of the DSM-5 severity indicator for binge eating disorder in a clinical sample.

Research has examined various aspects of the diagnostic criteria for binge-eating disorder (BED) but has yet to evaluate the DSM-5 severity criterion. This study examined the DSM-5 severity criterion for BED based on binge-eating frequency and tested an alternative severity specifier based on overvaluation of shape/weight. 338 community volunteers categorized with DSM-5 BED completed a battery of self-report instruments. Participants were categorized first using DSM-5 severity levels and second by shape/weight overvaluation and were compared on clinical variables. 264 (78.1%) participants were categorized as mild, 67 (19.8%) as moderate, 6 (1.8%) as severe, and 1 (0.3%) as extreme. Analyses comparing mild and moderate severity groups revealed no significant differences in demographic variables or BMI; the moderate severity group had greater eating-disorder psychopathology (small effect-sizes) but not depression than the mild group. Participants with overvaluation (N = 196; 60.1%) versus without (N = 130; 39.9%) did not differ significantly in age, sex, BMI, or binge-eating frequency. The overvaluation group had significantly greater eating-disorder psychopathology and depression than the non-overvaluation group. The greater eating-disorder and depression levels (medium-to-large effect-sizes) persisted after adjusting for ethnicity/race and binge-eating severity/frequency, without attenuation of effect-sizes. Findings from this non-clinical community sample provide support for overvaluation of shape/weight as a specifier for BED as it provides stronger information about severity than the DSM-5 rating based on binge-eating. Future research should include treatment-seeking patients with BED to test the utility of DSM-5 severity specifiers and include broader clinical validators.
Electromagnetic Mass Differences and Sum Rules in a Lagrangian Model

We find the canonical commutation rules of the Brown-Munczek Lagrangian and evaluate other equal-time commutators of the theory. The fields do not obey a chiral $\mathrm{SU}(2)$ algebra exactly; it is in the time components of the axial-vector field where the algebra fails. We relate these commutators to the pion electromagnetic mass difference and to sum-rule calculations. Using the Bjorken criteria, we conclude that the mass-difference calculation diverges in general, but in the tree-diagram approximation the coefficient of the logarithmic divergence vanishes. This result is analyzed in detail and compared with other models. In particular, even in this model in the tree approximation, the $\ensuremath{\rho}$-mass calculation diverges. The spectral sum rules of the algebra are seen to be equivalent to those due to Weinberg and lead to the same successful predictions if the partially conserved axial-vector current and Kawarabayashi-Suzuki-Fayyazuddin-Riazuddin relations are included in the model. It is also possible to construct an axial-vector current which obeys the chiral algebra of charges.
Isolation and characterization of chelidonic acid from Sorghum vulgare

Abstract Chelidonic acid (4-pyrone-2,6-dicarboxylic acid) (I) was isolated from etiolated Sorghum vulgare seedlings and characterized by IR, MS and UV spectra, elementary analyses and chromatographic properties. The chelidonic acid concentration decreased about 3-fold from 1·7 μmoles/g fresh wt. in 2-day-old seedlings to 0·5 μmoles/g fresh wt. in 4-day-old etiolated seedlings. Although 14 C from exogenous l -tyrosine became incorporated into chelidonic acid most of the chelidonate synthesized was derived from endogenous substrate.
Cardiac remodeling and function following exercise and angiotensin II receptor antagonism.

The purpose of this study was to test the impact of chronic exercise training combined with selective angiotensin II receptor (AT1) antagonism on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and the left-ventricular pressure–volume relationship in normotensive, non-infarcted rat hearts. Wistar rats (N = 19) were randomly assigned to either a sedentary control group (N = 8) or an exercise-trained group (N = 11). Losartan was administered to individually caged rats via the drinking water (10 mg/kg/d). Exercise training consisted of running on a motorized driven treadmill for 6 weeks at 30 m/min, 60 min/day, 5 days/week. Tail cuff SBP was measured weekly. Left ventricular performance was assessed in an ex vivo Langendorff isovolumic mode. One week of losartan treatment significantly reduced SBP in both groups by 13% relative to baseline (P < 0.05). SBP was lower in exercise-trained animals versus sedentary animals in the later weeks of the protocol (P < 0.05) Body weight was significantly lower in exercise-trained animals versus sedentary animals, but heart weight, heart to body weight ratio, atrial weight, and absolute left ventricular mass and length were similar between groups. The LV systolic pressure–volume relationship (PV) and systolic elastance were significantly greater in exercise-trained animals versus sedentary controls (P < 0.05). The left ventricular end-diastolic PV and diastolic stiffness were similar between exercise-trained and sedentary animals. These data suggest that chronic aerobic exercise training can improve the Starling response in the presence of AT1 receptor blockade without altering absolute cardiac size.
MR arthrography made simple: indications and techniques.

This chapter will discuss the indications and technique of direct magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography in childhood joint disorders. Joint injuries in children are common and increasing in the pediatric population particularly as more children become active in year-round high intensity sports. MR arthrography extends the capabilities of conventional MR imaging by detailing joint anatomy and highlighting ligament, tendon, and cartilage injury [1]. MR arthrography is most often requested by pediatric orthopedic surgeons. The test is usually reserved for the evaluation of traumatic or chronic repetitive joint injuries. In experienced hands, the placement of a gadolinium based contrast agent (GBCA) into the joint is a relatively quick procedure (<15 min) to perform. Although patients may be apprehensive about the procedure, most experience less discomfort than expected [2].
Ductile-Phase Toughening of Cr3Si with Chromium

Cr-Si alloys offer important advantages as an aerospace material, including high service temperature and good oxidation resistance. This in-situ composite combines a hard, brittle silicide phase with a softer chromium phase. The soft phase is intended to add damage tolerance. Alloys with high volume percents of the silicide phase had good strength values at temperatures up to 1200C or more. Microhardness indents were used to demonstrate that the chromium phase could act as a crack bridging material. In addition the microstructural stability of these materials was studied with encouraging results.
Persistence of Immunity in Guinea Pigs Immunized with Calcium- and AlumprecipitatedDiphtheria Toxoids

In studies on the preparation of diphtheria toxoid with different concentrations of formaldehyde and purification by adsorption on calcium and alum precipitates,' the antigenic stability of the products after long storage was determined by tests in guinea pigs. The animals survived for a sufficient period so that observations could be made on the persistence of immunity, and in view of recent reports questioning the duration of immunity in the human subject,2 it seems of interest to present these data.
Coherent optical analog-to-digital conversion using a single halftone photograph.

Analog-to-digital (A-D) conversion of intensity transmittance (or reflectance) can be accomplished through nonlinear coherent optical image processing. Theoretically speaking, for any given positive integer N, 2(N) discrete levels of transmittance (or reflectance) can be digitized into binary form simultaneously via pure optical means, involving the proper design and fabrication of a specific halftone screen. The digital outputs of the N bit-planes are selected at the Fourier plane by spatial filtering the (2(n) - 1)th diffraction order, where n = 1, 2, ..., and N, respectively. The specific halftone screen must have (2(N) - 1) gray levels, and it should be emphasized that only a single halftone photograph is required for the optical A-D conversion. The general principle of this new method and a preliminary experimental result of an eight-level A-D conversion are described in this paper.
On splitting up singularities of fundamental solutions to elliptic equations in ℂ2

It is known that the fundamental solution to an elliptic differential equation with analytic coefficients exists, is determined up to the kernel of the differential operator, and has singularities on characteristics of the equation in ℂ2. In this paper we construct a representation of fundamental solution as a sum of functions, each of those has singularity on a single characteristic.
Cerebral atrophy in anorexia nervosa: a pilot study.

Over the past 10 years, cerebral atrophy has been demonstrated in patients with anorexia nervosa by a number of studies utilizing computed tomography (CT) methodology. As shown in Table 1, the majority of authors to date have reported ventricular enlargement, sometimes referred to as a measure of “pseudoatrophy,” due to the reversibility of this phenomenom. enlargement was associated with chronic selfinduced vomiting in the anorectic group.
Gelatinolytic and fibrinolytic activity in fresh-frozen plasma.

Fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) was evaluated for gelatinolytic and fibrinolytic activity. Gelatin zymography revealed that gelatinase A (MMP-2) was constitutively present in FFP whereas gelatinase B (MMP-9) was present at variable levels. The presence of MMP-9 likely represents differential release from neutrophils during FFP collection or processing. Although fibrin matrices generated from FFP or freshly prepared plasma contained characteristic crosslinked γ-γ dimers and β-monomers, matrices generated from FFP were resistant to spontaneous plasmin-dependent fibrinolysis. This observation likely stems from the plasminogen activator instability and could potentially lead to a hypofibrinolytic state. The impact of these in vitro findings to protease balance in patients receiving multiple FFP doses remains to be determined.
First-time mothers preparing for birthing in an electronic world: internet and mobile phone technology

Background: As the twenty-first century moves forward, we are witnessing a surge of self-educating with electronic media (e.g. internet sites, mobile phone technology, television and/or videos). This phenomenon is deeply embedded in perinatal education and warrants an in-depth investigation to uncover the meaning of how mothers self-prepare with electronic media for birthing in hospitals. Methods: A sequential mix of two qualitative designs commenced. A preliminary descriptive design, involving three focus groups (childbirth educators, n = 5; obstetric providers, n = 6; and labour and delivery nurses, n = 1), was conducted to inform researchers of provider perceptions of childbearing women self-preparing with electronic media. Then, a primary hermeneutic (interpretive) design was used to conduct one-to-one in-depth interviews from a purposive sample (n = 7) of young first-time mothers (FTMs). Results: The preliminary descriptive findings suggested that interviewing young FTMs self-preparing for birthing i...
Individual differences in resultant achievement motivation and latency to and persistence at an achievement task

Alternative hypotheses generated from the Atkinson (1957) and Atkinson and Feather (1966) risk-taking model of achievement motivation and the Atkinson and Birch (1970) dynamics of action theory comparing groups high and low in resultant achievement motivation (RAM) on latency to and persistence at an achievement task were tested. Subjects who had made two or more atypical shifts (choice of an easier task following success and choice of a more difficult task following failure) during 21 trials of a target-shooting game the first week were classified as low RAM (n=154), and subjects who had made 0 or 1 atypical shift were classified as high RAM (n=155). In week 2 subjects divided their time among two nonachievement tasks and the very easy, easy, intermediate, difficult, or most difficult levels of the achievement task. No main effects or interactions were found when latency to the achievement task was analyzed in a RAM by Difficulty level × Gender individual difference design. High-RAM subjects persisted significantly longer than low-RAM subjects across all conditions. Results are explained using the dynamic concepts of instigation, inhibition, and consummation. Analyses of sequential choices (week 1) among five difficulty levels did not support the Atkinson (1957) explanation of atypical shifts as avoidance of intermediate challenges for low-RAM subjects. Subjects who avoided the target-shooting game the second week more often persisted at the very easy task following success but not at the most difficult task following failure, results that are partially supportive of Feather's (1961) analysis of persistence.
Hispanic Given Names In Five United States Cities: Onomastics As A Research Tool In Ethnic Identity

Scholars of onomastics and scholars of different ethnic groups have documented the strong relationship between ethnic identity and given names, but social scientists generally have not included onomastics in studies of ethnic identity. This report compares given names for males and females in five Hispanic geographical communities (Miami, Tampa, San Antonio, Denver, and Albuquerque). Names and spellings of names are classified as Spanish, Bicultural, or English. Male and female patterns are similar in each community, but noticeable Spanish-Bicultural-English differences are found in these five communities. This report supports the bicultural theory of adjustment. Even when English spellings or names are used, the tendency is to use names popular in Spanish. In conclusion, it is suggested that more attention should be given to naming patterns as an indication of ethnic identity.
An interactive global optimization algorithm for geological problems

A number of problems in geology can be formulated so that they consist of optimizing a real-valued function (termed the objective function) on some interval or over some region. Many methods are available for solution if the function is unimodal within the domain of interest. Direct methods, involving only function evaluations, are particularly useful in geological problems where the objective function may be strongly nonlinear and constructed from sampled data. In practical problems, the objective function often is not unimodal. Standard optimization routines are not capable of distinguishing between local extrema or of locating the global extremum, which is the point of interest in most cases. The usual approach—trying several different starting points in the hope that the best local extremum found is the global extremum—is inefficient and unreliable. An ancillary algorithm has been developed which avoids these problems and which couples with a variety of local optimization routines. The algorithm first constructs a grid of objective function values over some feasible region. The region dimensions and grid spacings are based on specific problem considerations. First differences are then calculated for successive points along each grid line and monitored in sign only, which rapidly locates extrema. User interaction determines how many of these extrema will undergo further investigation, which is carried out by passing locations to a local optimization subroutine. The algorithm has proved successful on a number of problems. A geological example—determination of benthic mixing parameters in deep-sea sediments via minimization of stratigraphic offset between δ 18 O signals from two different species of planktonic foraminifera—is given. FORTRAN code is provided for the global optimization routine, a golden section search subroutine for one-dimensional objective functions, and a simplex subroutine for multidimensional problems.
ANCESTRAL INBREEDING REDUCES THE MAGNITUDE OF INBREEDING DEPRESSION IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

The influence of natural selection on the magnitude of inbreeding depression is an important issue in conservation biology and the study of evolution. It is generally expected that the magnitude of inbreeding depression in small populations will depend upon the average homozygosity of individuals, as measured by the coefficient of inbreeding (F). However, if deleterious recessive alleles are selectively purged from populations during inbreeding, then inbreeding depression may differ among populations in which individuals have the same inbreeding coefficient. In such cases, the magnitude of inbreeding depression will partly depend on the ancestral inbreeding coefficient (fa), which measures the cumulative proportion of loci that have historically been homozygous and therefore exposed to natural selection. We examined the inbreeding depression that occurred in lineages of Drosophila melanogaster maintained under pedigrees that led to the same inbreeding coefficient (F = 0.375) but different levels of ancestral inbreeding (fa = 0.250 or 0.531). Although inbreeding depression varied substantially among individual lineages, we observed a significant 40% decrease in the median level of inbreeding depression in the treatment with higher ancestral inbreeding. Our results demonstrate that high levels of ancestral inbreeding are associated with greater purging effects, which reduces the inbreeding depression that occurs in isolated populations of small size.
The effect of cortisol on the activity of tyrosine aminotransferase in Trypanosoma brucei brucei

Abstract 1. 1. Trypanosoma brucei brucei showed tyrosine aminotransferase activity virtually identical to that of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. 2. 2. Cortisol injection increased trypanosome tyrosine aminotransferase activity and showed a dose response. 3. 3. Puromycin produced a reactivation of trypanosome tyrosine aminotransferase activity.
Focusing leadership through force field analysis: new variations on a venerable planning tool

This forwards a new version of a tool long used in planned change and organizational development efforts – force field analysis. Existing applications of this technique are critiqued in light of cognitive heuristics known to erode judgment and analytical performance in plan development. A cognitive prompting template is combined with the existing the force field analysis technique to mitigate these problems. As such, the revised technique represents a significant improvement over the traditional application of the force field tool as used by the OD practitioner. Following an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of the revised technique, a case example is offered to illustrate the technique as it was used in a real organization. Finally, practical facilitation guidelines are offered to help leaders and planners conduct force field analysis sessions in multi‐stakeholder change efforts.
Modification of lysyl residues of dihydrofolate reductase with 2,4-pentanedione

Abstract Dihydrofolate reductase (5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate: NADP+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.5.1.3) from an amethopterin-resistant strain of Lactobacillus casei was inactivated by 2,4-pentanedione. The inactivation appears to be due to the specific interaction of 2,4-pentanedione with lysyl residues. Inactivation is concomitant with the modification of three lysyl residues. Both NADPH and dihydrofolate protect the enzyme against inactivation, suggesting that the critical residue(s) lies at or near their binding sites. Unlike native dihydrofolate reductase, 2,4-pentanedione-modified enzyme does not form binary complexes with either NADPH, dihydrofolate or amethopterin which are stable to gel filtration. Treatment of the modified enzyme with nucleophilic reagents such as hydroxylamine, failed to promote reactivation of the enzyme. Reactivation was achieved following gel filtration at pH 6.0 and was found to be dependent on the degree to which the enzyme was inactivated.
In vivo metabolism of D-homotestosterone

Abstract D-Homotestosterone and D-homo-5β-androstane-3α,17aβ-diol were isolated from the urine of a patient after oral administration of D-homotestosterone. That they were isolated only after β-glucuronidase or acid hydrolysis indicates conjugation of a high order. Approximately 5% of the administered steroid was recovered as the unchanged material and another 5% as the identified metabolite for a total recovery of 10%. The previously unknown 5β-dihydro-D-homotestosterone and D-homo-5β-androstane-3α,17aβ-diol were prepared by alkaline catalytic reduction to the 5β-dihydro and subsequent reduction of the ketone by sodium borohydride.
Alterations in cerebral cortex microvessels and the microcirculation in a rat model of traumatic brain injury: a correlative EM and laser Doppler flowmetry study.

Abstract Objectives: We sought to establish the temporal association of fluctuations in cortical cerebral blood flow (CBF) with ultrastructural alterations of microvessels in rat sensorimotor cortex (smCx) following administration of a rodent acceleration impact model of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and electron microscopy (EM) were used in parallel experiments that lasted for up to 48 hours after induction of TBI. Results: Compared to sham-operated control, there was a 37% reduction of cortical CBF between 12 and 24 hours, this reduction remaining unchanged for up to 48 hours post-TBI. Ultrastructural alterations in the lumen and wall of smCx microvessels, including endothelial cell distortion and luminal collapse, were seen at hour 1 and continued up to 48 hours after trauma. Compared to control, there was a 40% decrease in the average microvascular luminal area 4 hours and a trend to recover (21%) by 48 hours after trauma. Smooth muscle (SM) in the wall of reacti...