cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cholecalciferol attenuates perseverative behavior associated with developmental alcohol exposure in rats in a dose-dependent manner.

Abstract Alcohol is a known teratogen that is estimated to affect 2–5% of the births in the U.S. Prenatal alcohol exposure can produce physical features such as facial dysmorphology, physiological alterations such as cell loss in the central nervous system (CNS), and behavioral changes that include hyperactivity, cognitive deficits, and motor dysfunction. The range of effects associated with prenatal alcohol exposure is referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Despite preventative measures, some women continue to drink while pregnant. Therefore, identifying interventions that reduce the severity of FASD is critical. This study investigated one such potential intervention, vitamin D 3 , a nutrient that exerts neuroprotective properties. The present study determined whether cholecalciferol, a common vitamin D 3 nutritional supplement, could serve as a means of mitigating alcohol-related learning deficits. Using a rat model of FASD, cholecalciferol was given before, during, and after 3rd trimester equivalent alcohol exposure. Three weeks after cholecalciferol treatment, subjects were tested on a serial spatial discrimination reversal learning task. Animals exposed to ethanol committed significantly more errors compared to controls. Cholecalciferol treatment reduced perseverative behavior that is associated with developmental alcohol exposure in a dose-dependent manner. These data have important implications for the treatment of FASD and suggest that cholecalciferol may reduce some aspects of FASD. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ‘Vitamin D Workshop’.
Vibrational circular dichroism studies of the A-to-B conformational transition in DNA.

The vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra of several natural DNAs as well as tRNA, poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC), and poly(dA-dT).poly(dA-dT) are reported for the base deformation modes in the IR region from 1700 to 1550 cm-1 for the polymers in D2O as well as in high alcohol dehydrating conditions. Spectra of both the B- and A-forms were identified. The A-form DNA VCD, not previously reported, has characteristics that can be found in the VCD spectra of RNAs as would be expected from the similarity of their structures. The VCD is sequence-dependent. Under the dehydrating conditions studied, poly(dA-dT)poly(dA-dT),poly(dA).poly(dT), and a high-A-T fraction natural DNA had a different bandshape from the other DNAs, which was similar to that of poly(rA).poly(rU). Poly(dG-dC).poly-(dG-dC) did not form an A-form in high-alcohol conditions but instead had a VCD spectrum much like that of its high-salt-induced Z-form. Qualitative differences seen experimentally between A- and B-form DNA VCD were suggested by the differences in the coupled oscillator VCD calculated for the two forms.
Separation of the enantiomeric intermediates of some platelet-activating factor analogues on a naphthylalanine-type Pirkle column.

Abstract A chiral high-performance liquid-chromatographic separation method was developed for the analysis of some glycerol-based, ether-linked platelet-activating factor precursors. Using a d -naphthylalanine-type Pirkle-column and tetrahydrofuran—hexane eluents, the retention—structure relationships were determined for a large number of glycerol ether derivatives. The derivatives leading to the highest chiral selectivity factors in the analytical separations were surveyed for their applicability in large-scale isolation of chiral synthetic intermediates.
Importance of closely spaced vertical sampling in delineating chemical and microbiological gradients in groundwater studies

Abstract Vertical gradients of selected chemical constituents, bacterial populations, bacterial activity and electron acceptors were investigated for an unconfined aquifer contaminated with nitrate and organic compounds on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Fifteen-port multilevel sampling devices (MLS's) were installed within the contaminant plume at the source of the contamination, and at 250 and 2100 m downgradient from the source. Depth profiles of specific conductance and dissolved oxygen at the downgradient sites exhibited vertical gradients that were both steep and inversely related. Narrow zones (2–4 m thick) of high N 2 O and NH 4 + concentrations were also detected within the contaminant plume. A 27-fold change in bacterial abundance; a 35-fold change in frequency of dividing cells (FDC), an indicator of bacterial growth; a 23-fold change in 3 H-glucose uptake, a measure of heterotrophic activity; and substantial changes in overall cell morphology were evident within a 9-m vertical interval at 250 m downgradient. The existence of these gradients argues for the need for closely spaced vertical sampling in groundwater studies because small differences in the vertical placement of a well screen can lead to incorrect conclusions about the chemical and microbiological processes within an aquifer.
Probiotic guideline for necrotizing enterocolitis prevention in very low-birth-weight neonates.

Abstract Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a gastrointestinal emergency that leads to inflammation and intestinal necrosis. Although probiotics can decrease the incidence of NEC, consistent recommendations for probiotic administration to very low-birth-weight (VLBW) neonates are lacking. Here, the best available evidence is reviewed and a practice guideline for probiotic administrations to VLBW neonates is described. A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE, and the strength of evidence was classified using the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine classification schema. Probiotics for VLBW neonates may decrease the incidence of NEC. Providers may choose to give probiotics to VLBW neonates at risk of acquiring NEC in facilities with a high NEC incidence. Clinicians must monitor infants for possible adverse effects. Contraindications for probiotic use include extremely low birth weight, clinical instability, abnormal abdominal examination, the presence of congenital abnormalities, post-NEC, stage III asphyxia, and umbilical catheters.
Supergroups and superalgebras in physics

Abstract Useful results of the theory of superalgebras and supergroups and their representations are given.
Fast static analysis of power grids: algorithms and implementations

Large VLSI on-chip power delivery networks (PDN) are challenging to analyze due to sheer network complexity. In this paper, three power grid solvers developed in our group: a direct solver using Cholesky decomposition, a GPU-based multigrid preconditioning solver, and a partitioning-based solver using spatial locality, are reviewed. Following the requirements of TAU 2011 Power Grid Simulation Contest, single-threaded versions of these solvers are implemented and their performances are evaluated in terms of runtime, memory, maximum error and average error. The experimental results show that for the published IBM power grid benchmarks, the direct solver has the best overall performance among the three.
CHRONIC DRUG INTOXICATION CAUSING PSEUDORETARDATION IN A YOUNG CHILD

The psychiatric literature contains many descriptions of the various damaging effects resulting from intoxication with sedative, stimulant, narcotic, and psychedelic drugs. The nature of the intoxicated state produced by these drugs has been well delineated, as have the additional effects of chronic intoxication (Isbell et al., 1950; Isbell, 1971; Unwin, 1969). I could find no description in the literature, however, of the effects of intoxicating drugs in young children when administered over an extended period of time. Ordinarily this is a rare occurrence, but sedative drugs are sometimes administered to children in intoxicating doses for long periods for the purposes of controlling convulsive seizures. This paper will describe the rather profound ill effects which resulted from the administration of phenobarbital to a young girl for 2~ years during some of the most critical stages in her maturation and development. How to label these ill effects is a problem, since there was no evidence of any physiological damage to the child, and the damage done to her seemed to be wholly the result of the impairment of psychic functioning caused by longterm maintenance of the intoxicated state. In an adult, it could be
Photon-density wave fluctuation correlation spectroscopy: study of coherence in the brain and muscles

Using photon-density-wave fluctuation-correlation-spectroscopy, we studied the fluctuations of the optical signal measured in the brain and skeletal muscles. We investigated the autocorrelation power spectra at specific tissue locations, and the coherence between different tissue regions in the frequency band 0-0.3 Hz. We found specific dominant frequency components that can be assigned to vasoconstriction activity. In a measurement protocol involving voluntary motor stimulation (right hand finger movements), we found that the optical fluctuations observed in the left forearm muscle and in the left cerebral motor cortex show different coherence features at rest and during stimulation. These changes are particularly significant at the frequencies associated with vasoconstriction activity. A power-spectrum analysis of the optical fluctuations revealed a resonance-like dependence of the optical signal at the motor cortex on the period of the motor stimulation sequence.
High-power actuators in intelligent rotor application

ABSTRACT In this paper the use of Terfenol-D magnetostrictive rods for actuation of an intelligent rotoris being addressed. The challenge in the use of these actuators in intelligent rotor applications is housing them in the structure of the rotor. The packaging of the Terfenol rod actuators, considered in this work, inside the structure of the rotor blade is based on lining the actuatorsinside the spar along the axis of the blade. This is possible due to the fact that most blades havea hollow D or box spar. The two ends of each actuator is sandwiched between two plates which,for flapwise actuation of the spar, are attached to the top and bottom of the spar, alternatively. This arrangement translate the actuator force to two point moments on the blade, at the plate locations.In a numerical study a robust controller using mu-synthesis was designed for a rotating 5Maluminum cantilever beam having a box cross-section. Dimensions of the box is similar to a typicalspar. The beam, rotating at 280 RPM, was equipped with only two actuators (providing point
Three-dimensional flow in highly-loaded axial turbomachines

Three-Dimensional Flows through axial compressor blade rows are analyzed by new techniques, similar to wing theory, which generalize earlier, strictly linear, perturbation analysis. The major advance is accomplished by treating the three-dimensional aspects of the flow as perturbations about the axi-symmetric mean flow, which can be treated exactly. The non-linear feature of the θ-averaged flow are retained, thereby allowing study of three-dimensional effects in highly-loaded turbomachinery, with pressure ratios and swirl taken at values consistent with actual practice. In the present paper, two quite different examples of practical analysis of this type are given, showing the effects of different kinds of vorticity, both present in the wakes of the blades. The flow fields induced by these various types of vorticity are determined. It is shown that for operating conditions of present practical interest, significant changes in the flow angles and the pressure field are likely. Methods are suggested for determining the downstream shapes of wake surfaces, with significant improvement of accuracy, as compared with earlier analyses. The acoustic field associated with compressor blade rows, first discussed by N. Rott can, in certain cases, be modified significantly by the swirl induced by working compressor stages.
Structural disorder and phase transitions in ZrO2-Y2O3 system

Abstract The phase transitions in the ZrO2-YzO3 system have been investigated as a function of temperature using Raman scattering. The cubic phase was found to be structurally disordered and the spectrum has been compared with a one phonon density of states derived from a rigid ion model. The frequencies and symmetries of the modes were obtained for the cubic, tetragonal and monoclinic phases and comparisons have been made between the various temperatures and compositions.
Shifts in plant dominance control carbon-cycle responses to experimental warming and widespread drought

Global climate change is predicted to increase the intensity and frequency of future drought, which in turn may be expected to induce a range of biogeochemical climate feedbacks. A combination of model simulations and observational studies of a recent wide-scale drought, suggested that the drought induced substantial terrestrial ecosystem carbon loss, but hypothesized mechanisms could not be evaluated via comparison to a control. Here, we investigated carbon-cycle responses to climate changes by combining results from a controlled 15-year ecosystem warming experiment in montane grassland with observational data from before and during the recent drought. We found that both experimental warming and real-world drought induced substantial soil carbon loss in our study system, and that the same mechanism, a drying-induced shift in plant species composition and an associated decline in community productivity, provides a common explanation for these declines in soil carbon.
Interstitial cystitis is an etiology of chronic pelvic pain in young women.

Abstract Study Objective The prevalence of interstitial cystitis (IC) in young women, especially in those 18 years old or younger, is not well defined. This case series was performed to investigate IC as a cause of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in young women. Design Case series. Setting University medical center. Participants Twenty-eight women with CPP, ages 13 to 25, who underwent concomitant laparoscopy and cystoscopy. Interventions All subjects underwent concomitant diagnostic laparoscopy and cystoscopy with hydrodistension for evaluation of CPP. Charts were reviewed to discern preoperative symptoms, operative findings, and postoperative diagnoses. Main Outcome Measure Diagnosis of IC based on symptoms and cystoscopic findings. Results All 28 women had CPP, 23 (82%) had dysmenorrhea, and 12 of 25 (48%) sexually active subjects had dyspareunia. Twenty-six subjects (93%) had urinary symptoms including frequency (75%), nocturia (32%), urgency (25%), and dysuria (18%). Eleven (39%) subjects were diagnosed with IC and 18 (64%) with endometriosis, including 7 (25%) subjects with both IC and endometriosis. Laparoscopic findings were normal in 6 (21%) subjects. Of the 26 subjects with urinary symptoms, 21 (81%) had findings on laparoscopy or cystoscopy. In this cohort of young women with chronic pelvic pain, urinary frequency and dyspareunia were significantly associated with the diagnosis of IC. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that interstitial cystitis is an etiology of CPP in young women. Evaluation of the bladder as an origin of pelvic pain is warranted in young women with CPP and urinary frequency or dyspareunia.
Transfer of Nerve Branch to the Brachialis to Reconstruct Elbow Extension in Incomplete Tetraplegia: Case Report

We undertook a brachialis to triceps nerve transfer to restore elbow extension in a 53-year-old man 5 months after he sustained a spine injury that resulted in a central cord syndrome. Within 3 months of surgery, the patient had recovered active elbow extension and had M3 level strength, which increased to M4 and 5 kg of strength by 12 months postoperatively. Despite transferring an antagonist nerve for triceps reinnervation, the patient had no problems controlling active elbow flexion-extension. Harvesting the brachialis nerve caused no permanent decrease in elbow flexion strength.
Inequalities induced by network connections II. Hybrid connections

Abstract It has been found that interesting mathematical relationships arise from a vectorial generalization of Kirchhoff's and Ohm's laws, in which the “resistors” become Hermitian positive semidefinite (PSD) linear operators. In analogy to the parallel connection of resistors Anderson and Duffin studied the parallel sum R : S of two PSD operators on a finite dimensional space, defined by R : S = R(R + S) † S . Duffin and Trapp then studied the hybrid connection. This paper generalizes some of their results to a much broader class of electrical connections.
Soluble Reactive Phosphorus Measurements in Lake Michigan: Causes of Method-Specific Differences

Method-specific differences in soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) determinations are thought to be caused in part by differences in acid strengths and exposure times. This premise was tested by comparing SRP concentrations measured in water from Lake Michigan and the Grand River by three methods differing in acid strength, exposure time, and molybdate concentration. Although longer exposure times often result in higher SRP values, more PO4–P can be released from bound sources in lake water with 0.16 N HCl than with 0.4 N HCl. Method-specific differences in SRP values, therefore, rarely are proportional to differences in acid strength or exposure time and will vary with changes in the chemical composition of the SRP pool.
Generation of fractionated goal response by differential activity at the goal-box.

Summary.-It was hypothesized that the probabiliry of making a correct response at the choice point of a simple T-maze is increased when goal-box conditions serve to heighten the kind and degree of effector activity demanded in making that response. 60 albino rats were divided equally among each of 5 experimental conditions reflecting differences in effector activity at the goal-box. Predictions suggested that occurrence of the correct response at the choice-point decreases with decreasing amounts of kinesthetic activity generated at the goal-box. The results generally support the contention that varied kinesthetic-interoceptive stimulation from S's own body produces differential learning. Spence (1940) suggested that learning in instrumental reward sequences involves classical conditioning of che goal response to scimulus cues throughout the response chain. The theory (Spence, Bergmann, & Lippitt, 1950) assumes that stimulus cues in the goal-box and from the alley just preceding the goal-box become conditioned to the goal response, R,. Through generalization, scirnulus cues at an earlier point are also assumed to acquire che capacity to elicit R,. The interoceptive stimulus cues, s,, produced by the fractional conditioned response, r,, also become part of the stimulus complex and become conditioned co and, thus, become determiners of, the instrumental locomotor responses. Tolman (1932) predicted that, if rats were shocked in a goal-box where they had been fed a number of times after making a black-white discriminacion, they would not run toward the goal when again placed in the starring position. Even without the full experience of running through the maze and then being shocked, Tolman held that the racs should have the expeccacion of "shock-food box" and should show some signs of this expectation. No such signs were noted, each of the four rats running to the food box exactly as he had before the shock experience. Miller (1935) chen arranged several learning situations in which he predicted that the behavior expected by Tolman would occur. These situations employed goal-boxes which forced the rat into distinctive L-shaped body positions while eacing or drinking. After learning to run a straight-away co one of chese angled reward devices, half of the animals were placed in the goal-boxes, not now attached to the runway, and shocked while eating. The other animals were placed in devices also unattached b~t angled in the opposite direction from that used in
TRILINEAR DIAGRAM REVISITED: APPLICATION, LIMITATION, AND AN ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEET PROGRAM

Abstract. The trilinear diagram has been used extensively in hydrochemical studies. The concept of hydrochemical facies based on the trilinear diagram can effectively characterize the chemical composition of water in a qualitative manner. However, its application is rather limited for quantitative and precise study, because it is difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish various mechanisms that may cause similar change in water chemistry by this diagram alone. This limitation is illustrated with various hypothetical water-rock interactions and mixing trends plotted on the trilinear diagram.
Phase relations in flicker fusion.

The luminance at which the flicker of a white test light was perceived was determined as a function of the phase angle between the light and pulsing white, green, yellow, red, and blue surround fields which were equated for brightness. It was found that the luminance thresholds for perceived flicker increased when the test light and the surround were in phase. The amount of increase varied as a function of the color of the surround, being a maximum for white, less for green, still less for yellow, and a minimum for red and blue. No differences in absolute threshold were found as a function of phase for 1-sec observation periods of the test flash. The results are discussed with reference to the differences in amplitude as a function of the surround wavelength as well as to submaxima found in the luminance functions.
Action of analogues on γ-aminobutyric acid recognition sites in rat brain

With a view to finding potential GABA-mimetics, the effects of a number of structural analogues of GABA were studied on three parameters associated with GABA neural transmission of rat brain. These were (1) the binding of [(3)H]GABA to its receptor, (2) the binding of [(3)H]GABA to its transporter (sodium-dependent binding), and (3) the activity of GABA aminotransferase. Thirteen of the 21 compounds tested competitively inhibited both the low and the high affinity GABA receptor binding components. The most potent inhibitors were morpholinopropane sulphonic acid (MOPS) and aminoethylthiosulphonic acid (AETS). All of the compounds were markedly less effective in inhibiting the high affinity GABA receptor binding system than the low affinity system. The effect of each of the inhibitors was measured on [(3)H]diazepam receptor binding. Only 6-(morpholinomethyl)kojic acid, kojic amine, 1-piperidinepropane sulphonic acid and 4(4?-azido-benzoimidylamino)butanoic acid (ABBA) were able to induce a stimulation of binding. Four of the inhibitors of [(3)H]GABA binding were able to appreciably reduce GABA-induced enhancement of diazepam binding. These were N-(2-nitro,4-azidophenyl)aminopropane sulphonic acid, 8-amino-1-napthalene sulphonic acid, narcotine-N-oxide and 5-phenyl-2-pyrrolepropionic acid. These results demonstrate that MOPS and AETS are good inhibitors of GABA receptor binding although there is no other evidence that they might be agonists since they have no effect on diazepam receptor binding. Based on their ability to block GABA-induced stimulation of diazepam binding ABBA, 8-amino-1-naphthalene sulphonic acid and 5-phenyl-2-pyrrolepropionic acid may possess antagonistic properties. ABBA was the only compound to inhibit sodium-dependent [(3)H]GABA binding. None of the compounds had an effect on the activity of GABA aminotransferase. From this study at least two analogues, MOPS and AETS, have emerged that hold potential as GABA-mimetics. Also, the three GABA recognition sites of rat brain have been shown to possess marked pharmacological differences.
Disinfection action of electrostatic versus steric-stabilized silver nanoparticles on E. coli under different water chemistries

The capping layer stabilizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) affects its aggregation, dissolution, and net disinfection action, especially under conditions of varying water composition, such as, pH, ionic strength and organic matter content. Herein, we correlate the silver ion (Ag+) release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation rates for AgNPs of varying functionalization to their net disinfection coefficient on Escherichia coli, under conditions of differing water chemistries. For electrostatically stabilized citrate-capped AgNPs, the rate of ROS generation, as measured using a fluorescent dye, is found to dominate over that of Ag+ release, especially for smaller sized AgNP suspensions (∼10 nm) at low pH (∼6.2). For these AgNPs, the ROS disinfection mechanism is confirmed to dominate net disinfection action, as measured by the live/dead assay, especially at low levels of organic matter. Steric stabilization of AgNPs by protein or starch-capped layers enables disinfection through reducing AgNP aggregation and promoting silver dissolution over ROS generation. We suggest the involvement of protons and dissolved oxygen in causing the independent formation of Ag+ and ROS, regardless of the AgNP capping layer. While protein-capping layers effectively stabilize AgNPs, the generated ROS is likely dissipated by interference with the bulky capping layer, whereas the interference is lower with citrate-capping layers. Steric stabilization of AgNPs enables disinfection within a wide range of water chemistries, whereas effective disinfection can occur under electrostatic stabilization, only at low NaCl (<1 mmol/L) and organic matter (<5 mg/L) levels.
Foraging Behavior and Monetary Impact of Wading Birds at Arkansas Baitfish Farms

— We conducted foraging observations, food habits studies, and producer surveys to determine the foraging behavior and monetary impact of great blue herons Ardea herodas, great egrets A. alba, and little blue herons Egrerra caerulea foraging at Arkansas baiffish farms. Although great egrets captured most baitfish/minute, captures/strike were nearly identical among the three wading bird species. American gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum, goldfish Carassius auratus, and giant water bugs Hemiptera: Belostomatidae were collected from the gastro-intestinal tract of great blue herons. Only golden shiners Noremgonus crysoleucas and goldfish were found in great egrets. We found dragonflies Odonata, golden shiners, green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus, and water bugs in little blue herons. In contrast to other birds collected, snowy egrets E. thula were found to contain mosquito fish Gambusia affinis. Among 2,742 teleost otoliths recovered from collected great blue herons, great egrets, and little blue herons, most otoliths belonged to the Cyprinidae family (including the baiffishes). Surveyed farm managers use various auditory and visual stimuli to disperse fish-eating birds from their farms. Surveyed baitfish farmers suggested that the average cost of their annual bird harassment program was $11,580 at relatively small farms (< 202 ha) and $104,560 at relatively large × 202 ha) baitfish aquaculture facilities. We estimated the replacement cost of baitfish consumed by wading buds based upon their daily food requirements, the food habits of herons and egrets at baiffish farms, the hypothetical abundance of wading birds at a particular baitfish farm (relative to survey results), the duration of herons and egrets reported by farm managers, and current baitfish market values.
Enhancement of uranyl adsorption capacity and selectivity on silica sol-gel glasses via molecular imprinting

The properties of sol−gel glasses templated with uranyl ions have been investigated. Techniques have been developed to remove the template uranyl ions from silica matrixes to create uranyl-imprinted sol−gel silica glasses. A significant increase in affinity and selectivity of the imprinted sol−gel sorbents over control blanks has been observed while the surface areas of both remain equal. The enhanced capacity and selectivity are tentatively attributed to the change of the binding constant and the modification of the microporous structure of the sol−gel glasses induced by the imprinting technique.
Adaptive modulation of bilateral filtering based on a practical noise model for streaking and noise reduction in multi-slice CT

We have recently developed a locally-adaptive method for noise control in CT based upon bilateral filtering. Different from the previous adaptive filters, which were locally adaptive by adjusting the filter strength according to local photon statistics, our use of bilateral filtering in projection data incorporates a practical CT noise model and takes into account the local structural characteristics, and thus can preserve edge information in the projection data and maintain the spatial resolution. Despite the incorporation of the CT noise model and local structural characteristics in the bilateral filtering, the noise-resolution properties of the filtered image are still highly dependent on predefined parameters that control the weighting factors in the bilateral filtering. An inappropriate selection of these parameters may result in a loss of spatial resolution or an insufficient reduction of noise. In this work, we employed an adaptive strategy to modulate the bilateral filtering strength according to the noise-equivalent photon numbers determined from each projection measurement. We applied the proposed technique to head/neck angiographic CT exams, which had highly non-uniform attenuation levels during the scan. The results demonstrated that the technique can effectively reduce the noise and streaking artifacts caused by high attenuation, while maintaining the reconstruction accuracy in less attenuating regions.
COMPROC and CHECKNORM : Computer programs for comparing accuracies of diagnostic tests using ROC curves in the presence of verification bias

To assess relative accuracies of two diagnostic tests, we often compare the areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of these two tests in a paired design. Standard methods for analyzing data from a paired design require that every patient tested has the known disease status. In practice, however, some of the patients with test results may not have verified disease status. Any analysis using only verified cases may result in verification bias. COMPROC is an easy to use program for comparing the effectiveness of two diagnostic tests based on the area under the ROC curve in the presence of verification bias. COMPROC compensates for verification bias by implementing the maximum likelihood (ML) estimation of the areas and covariance matrix of two ROC curves under the missing at random (MAR) assumption as described by Zhou (Biometrics 54 (1998) 349-366). This method assumes normality of the difference of the two ROC curve area estimators. We also describe a program CHECKNORM that does a bootstrap analysis to test this normality assumption (B. Efron, R.J. Tibshirani, An Introduction to the Bootstrap, Chapman and Hall, London, 1993). COMPROC allows for the inclusion of observed covariates that may influence the decision to verify the disease status of a patient. The program computes the estimates of the area under the ROC curve for the two diagnostic tests along with the variance of each area, the covariance between the two areas, a two-sided p-value, and a confidence interval for the difference of the areas. The programs COMPROC and CHECKNORM require the scripting language Perl and the statistical software SAS and can be run on both UNIX machines as well as PCs. The use of COMPROC and CHECKNORM is illustrated in a clinical study designed to compare relative accuracies of MRI and CT in detecting pancreatic cancer.
SU-D-217A-02: Effects of Enegy-Window Width and Spectral Effective Energy on Estimation of Gamma Camera Deadtime Using the Decay Method.

Purpose: Assessment of count‐rate performance (CRP) is part of routine quality assurance (QA) for gamma cameras. Manufacturers often specify deadtime (t) based on the NEMA decay method (NEMA 1‐2007). The spectral conditions prescribed by NEMA are often difficult to duplicate during routine clinical QA testing and the appropriate energy window is poorly defined. The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the effects of energy‐window selection and spectral conditions on estimates of t using the NEMA decay method. Methods: CRP was evaluated intrinsically over a period of 48 hours with Tc‐99m for two Siemens Symbia gamma camera detectors using the NEMA decay method. CRP measurement was repeated with varying amounts of scattering material (0–8 cm of acrylic) placed between the source and detectors to transform the incident spectrum. CRP measurements were also repeated using different photopeak‐window widths (2–75%) as well as an open energy‐window. The CRP data were fit to the paralyzable detector model via non‐linear least‐squares minimization to estimate t. Results: Estimates of t increased linearly with decreasing spectral effective energy. The effective energy was varied from 142‐to‐99 keV, which consequently altered the estimates of t by ∼0.095μs or 21% (p<0.01). Additionally, estimates of t increased as a power‐law when the fraction of measured counts in the photopeak window decreased relative to open‐window (total) counts. The ratio photopeak‐window counts to open‐ window counts were varied from 1‐to‐0.12 which consequently altered the estimates of t by ∼8μs or 180%. The estimated change in t between 15% and 20% photopeak window is —0.13μs or 12.5%. Repeat measurements demonstrated that estimates of t using the decay method are precise to <2%. Conclusions: Deadtime (t) determined using the decay method varied significantly with the spectral effective energy and photopeak‐window width. Careful attention to measurement conditions are imperative when measuring t using the decay method for comparison against manufacturer's specifications or trending as part of routine QA program.
Magnetization of Ocean Basalts

Three magnetic classes of ocean basalts are defined on the basis of thermomagnetic and microscopic analysis. Moderate heating of Class I basalts results in an anomalous increase in Curie point, magnetization intensity, the ratio TRM to NRM, and magnetic susceptibility. The same thermal treatment of Class II rocks results in an anomalous decrease in all magnetic parameters except the Curie point. Class III rocks are stable. Several Class I and II ocean basalts possess the property of self reversal. Class I and II rocks contain metastable magnetic minerals and readily transform into stable Class III rocks when heated. The transformation mechanisms are described and the characteristics of each class are tabled. It is concluded that in situ cores are necessary to discover the composition of the ocean crust, and the distribution of the different magnetic classes of ocean basalts within the ocean crust. Otherwise, little faith can be placed in any interpretation of ocean magnetic anomalies.
Mitochondrial DNA deletions in primate embryonic and adult stem cells

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations occur naturally in skeletal muscle fibers from aged rhesus macaques. In addition, mtDNA mutations have been observed in germinal vesicle oocytes from fertile monkeys. The goal of this study was to determine whether the rhesus macaque mitochondrial common deletion was present in oocytes and embryos generated by in-vitro embryo production (IVP), as well as in rhesus adult and embryonic stem cell lines. The rhesus common deletion was detected in IVP-generated embryos, three IVP-derived embryonic stem cell lines (ORMES 1, 2 and 7), one in-vivo-derived embryonic stem cell line (R4) and multiple passages of an adult bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) line. Mitochondrial DNA from an adult adipose stromal cell (ATSC) line was compared with mtDNA from an immortalized line transfected with a retroviral vector expressing telomerase, ATSC-TERT. Multiple passages of the ATSC line harboured a dramatically higher level of the rhesus common deletion than the immortalized ATSC-TERT line. Accumulation of mtDNA mutations in oocytes, embryos and subsequent embryonic stem cell lines, as well as adult stem cell lines, may contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction, and thereby impair ATP production. The authors believe this information establishes a compelling argument for the parallel development of embryonic stem cell technology in non-human primates and humans.
Increasing Accurate Preference Assessment Implementation through Pyramidal Training.

Preference assessments directly evaluate items that may serve as reinforcers, and their implementation is an important skill for individuals who work with children. This study examined the effectiveness of pyramidal training on teachers' implementation of preference assessments. During Experiment 1, 3 special education teachers taught 6 trainees to conduct paired-choice, multiple-stimulus without replacement, and free-operant preference assessments. All trainees acquired skills necessary to implement preference assessments with 90% or greater accuracy during the training sessions and demonstrated generalization of skills to their classrooms or clinic. During Experiment 2, 5 teachers who served as trainees in Experiment 1 trained 18 preschool teachers. All preschool teachers met the mastery criterion following training. Training teachers to implement preference assessments may increase teachers' acceptance and use of behavior-analytic procedures in school settings.
A biophysical analysis of the energy/real GDP ratio: implications for substitution and technical change

Abstract This paper quantifies the factors that caused the energy/real GDP ratio to change during the post-war period in France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Econometric results indicate that changes in the types of fuel used, changes in the energy consumed by the household sector, changes in the types of goods and services produced, and changes in energy prices account for most of the variation in this ratio. Price elasticities estimated from these results are lower than those estimated by neoclassical economists and indicate that the system boundaries used by neoclassical economists overestimate the amount of energy saved by substitution. Analysis of the error term from the regression results indicates that energy-saving technical change has had little effect on the amount of energy used to support economic activity.
Computationally efficient experimental design strategy for reducing gene network uncertainty

In this work, we present a computationally efficient method for selecting experiments that can effectively reduce the uncertainty in gene regulatory networks (GRNs). The proposed method prioritizes potential experiments based on the mean objective cost of uncertainty (MOCU) that is expected to remain after performing the experiments. A network reduction scheme is used to approximately estimate the MOCU at a reduced computational cost without disrupting the ranking of potential experiments. The effectiveness of our method is demonstrated through simulations.
Lipid Composition of Alaska Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) and Alaska Walleye Pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) Byproducts

ABSTRACT In Alaska, over one million metric tons (MT) per year of fish processing byproducts are produced. The objective of this study was to determine the fatty acid profile and quantitate lipid classes in the extracted oils of byproducts from pollock (heads, frames, viscera, skins) and salmon (heads, viscera). In pollock, viscera had the highest percent lipid and in salmon, heads had the highest lipid content. All fish parts from both salmon and pollock were rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which ranged from 25% to 36% in the extracted oils. Differences among byproducts in fatty acid content and percent of lipid classes were detected in both salmon and pollock.
Mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst in infancy

1. Bucci G, Scalamandre A, Savignoni PG, Orzalesi M, and Mendicine M: Crib-side sampling of blood from the radial artery, Pediatrics 37:497, 1966. 2. Adams JM, Rudolph AJ: The use of indwelling radial artery catheters in neonates, Pediatrics 55:261, 1975. 3. Matthews JI, and Gibbons RB: Embolization complicating radial artery punctures, Ann Jntern Med 75:87, 1971. 4. Bedford RF, and Wollman H: Complications of percutaneous radial artery cannulation, Anesthesiology 38:228, 1973. 5. Mathieu A, Dalton B, Fischer JE, and Kumar A: Expanding aneurysm of the radial artery after frequent puncture, Anesthesiology 38:401, 1973. 6. Taylor N: Carpal tunnel syndrome, Am J Phy Med 50:192, 1971. 7. Koenigsberger MR, Curtin J, and Lovelace RE: Motor conduction velocities as a measure of gestational age in premature infants: a study of multiple births, twins, triplets, and quadruplets, Neurology 20:381, 1970. 8. Koenigsberger MR, Driscoll JM Jr, and Curtin J: Peripheral neuropathy in infants receiving intravenous hyperalimentation, proceedings of the Child Neurology Society, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, October, 1975. 9. Thomas JE, and Lambert EH: Ulnar nerve conduction velocity and H-reflex in infants and children, J Appl Physiol 15:1, 1960. 10. Wagner AL, and Buchtal F: Motor and sensory conduction in infancy and childhood reappraisal, Dev Med Child Neurol 14:189, 1972. 11. Schulte FJ, Michaelis R, Linke I, and Nolte R: Motor nerve conduction velocity in term, preterm and small for dates newborn infants, Pediatrics 42:17, 1968. 12. Wigger HJ, Bransilver BR, and Blanc WA: Thrombosis due to catheterization in infants and children, J PEDIATR 76:1, 1970. 13. Nabseth D, and Jones JE: Gangrene of the lower extremities of infants after femoral venipuncture, N Engl J Med 268:1003, ~ 1963. 14. Macon WL, and Futrell JW: Median-nerve neuropathy after percutaneons puncture of the brachial artery in patients receiving anticoagulants, N Engl J Med 288:1396, 1973. 15. Starreveld E, and Ashenhurst EM: Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome in childhood, Neurology 25:234, 1975. 16. Patten BM: Neuropathy induced by hemorrhage, Arch Neurol 21:381, 1969.
Tests of a rational expectations-structural neutrality model with persistent effects of monetary disturbances

Abstract This paper describes tests of a rational expectations-structural neutrality (RESN) model capable of accounting for the persistent effects of aggregate demand shocks. The model imposes the identifying restriction that only contemporaneous shocks to aggregate demand affect a vector stochastic process of highly cyclic real variables. Tests are performed using a well-known measure of unanticipated monetary change as the demand disturbance. The results suggest that RESN models, observationally inequivalent from Keynesian models, can be constructed in such a way as to account for observable relationships between monetary and real variables.
The Energy Saver/Doubler Quench Protection Monitor System

The microprocessor based system to detect quenches in the superconducting magnets is described. Tests conducted over the past two years using a string of twenty superconducting magnets have yielded results having major impact on the design of this system. A network of twenty-four 16-bit microprocessors will monitor the integrated voltage across magnet protection units every 60 Hz line period using isolated voltage to frequency converters. These measurements are compared with the inductive voltage expected. Under transient conditions, the distributed L-C nature of the magnets delays signal propagation as in a transmission line. To achieve the required sensitivity of resistive voltage detection, the inductive voltage for each magnet cell is calculated using two of the six measured dI/dt signals. Prevention of faults to the magnet system by the monitoring connections, minimization of cabling, and matched transient response of all monitoring channels have been considered together in design of the hardware and software.
The darker side of travel: The theory and practice of dark tourism

foundly affected by social media, the empowerment of consumers, and social networking among consumers. The book also addresses the fact that consumers want to experience brands both virtually and physically, and such experiences need to be satisfying. This is the new direction of place branding, a development placebranding organizations need to acknowledge and adopt, or risk being left behind in the marketplace. Although the book covers a range of subjects, it is coherent and the arguments are easy to follow. The case study approach to the book makes it easy to follow and allows the authors to add details so that the reader fully comprehends the issues surrounding that particular place brand. Nicholas Ind (who wrote a review on Place Branding Glocal, Virtual, and Physical Identities; Constructed, Imagined, and Experience which appears on the Palgrave website) offered the most apt description of the book; he asserts, ‘‘the book brings a new level of intellectual rigour to the often misunderstood subject of place branding’’. This is a valid assessment. The reader will likely find the book to be an intellectually stimulating experience; as noted previously, the depth of research and efforts to validate the claims put forward by the authors make the book enlightening and fascinating.
Interfacial behaviour of various liquid electrode/β″-alumina systems

Three different liquid electrode/sodiumβ″-alumina interfaces were investigated. The NaNO3/β″-alumina interface displays ohmic behaviour although the resistance is somewhat larger than expected. The sodium/β″-alumina interface exhibits asymmetric resistance with respect to d.c. current flow. Cyclic voltammetry results suggest that a Na2O film is being modified electrochemically during the sweeps. When a sodium amalgam electrode is utilized, the film, if it is present, has very little effect. The asymmetric resistance is not observed and there is good agreement between d.c. and a.c. resistances after only a small amount of sodium deposition.
A Test of the Heat Stability of Milk Proteins for Use in Research

Summary A test of the heat stability of milk proteins has been described which is suitable for research purposes. The necessary control of the different variables in the test has been evaluated and the reproducibility of the test established. The possible significance of the results obtained from the test was briefly discussed.
Thermogravimetric characteristics of some salts of violuric acid and 1,3-dimethylviouric acid

Abstract The thermolysis curves of the various salts of violuric acid and 1,3-dimethylvioluric acid with sodium and potassium are described. These salts form hydrates in all cases. 1,3-Dimethylvioluric acid forms 1 : 1 salts with sodium or potassium; violuric acid may form either 1 : 1 or 1 : 2 salts with these metals.
Zinc supplementation of optimal and suboptimal protein diets 2. Responses of young rats fed protein combinations

Abstract The effect of zinc supplementation on the utilization of combination protein sources by and the bioavailability of trace minerals to young rats was studied. Protein combinations included corn meal/soybean meal (CM/SM) and whole wheat/dried egg white solids (WW/EW) formulated to provide protein levels of 7.5% and 15%. Each diet was fed with and without zinc supplements (0, 50, or 100 ppm). Animals were maintained on the experimental diets for 4 weeks, and criteria used for the evaluation included weight gain, hemoglobin concentration, and liver deposition of copper, iron, and zinc. Zinc supplements did not stimulate growth in young rats fed suboptimal levels of either protein combination, and zinc did not appear to be a limiting nutrient in the utilization of a marginal protein level in this study. In this study zinc supplementation had varying effects on the apparent bioavailability of copper or iron, but no general trends were observed. There is the possibility that the effect of zinc on trace mineral availability was influenced by the presences of other dietary factors, such as type and amount of fiber or the presence of phytates, inherent with the types of protein combinations used in the study. As the level of zinc in the diet increased, the amount of zinc accumulating in the liver tended to increase.