cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“Dataveillance” in the Classroom: Advocating for Transparency and Accountability in College Classrooms

Surveillance studies have begun to shift from emphasizing privacy and security and towards ethical aspects of “privilege, access, and risk” [1]. The college classroom is one site where power, technology, and bodies intersect. In the classroom, surveillance is normalized through student/instructor engagement of technological interfaces such as Learning Management Systems (LMS). Drawing from a survey of college instructors across the United States, this study uses the metaphor of the Panopticon [1, 2, 3, 4] to analyze the relationship between instructors and students in college classrooms. Of particular interest is the normalization of educational technologies that support surveillance, thereby enhancing institutional disciplinary power and regulation of bodies. We refer to this regulation as “dataveillance,” which “refers to the systematic monitoring of individuals and/or groups through personal data systems in order to regulate or govern behaviours” [3, 5]. Key preliminary takeaways determine that our role as technical communicators is to address and communicate with public audiences such as college instructors, exploring how surveillance strategies may be used to counter or resist rather than compound dominant modes of “dataveillance.”
Heat Waves at Conception and Later Life Outcomes

This paper explores whether heat waves at conception, while in utero, or after birth cause better educational and health outcomes as adults. Using Census and DHS data from sub-Saharan Africa, we show that individuals conceived during heat waves have higher educational attainment and literacy, fewer disabilities, and lower child mortality. However, we find no effect of temperature at other times in utero. We then explore several channels through which this effect may occur, including heat-induced changes in sexual behavior, differences in parental characteristics, and intensified fetal selection. We show that fetal selection is the most likely mechanism driving our result.
Osseous and chondromatous metaplasia in calcific aortic valve stenosis

Abstract Background Aortic valve replacement for calcific aortic valve stenosis is one of the more common cardiac surgical procedures. However, the underlying pathophysiology of calcific aortic valve stenosis is poorly understood. We therefore investigated the histologic findings of aortic valves excised for calcific aortic valve stenosis and correlated these findings with their associated clinical features. Results and Methods We performed a retrospective analysis on 6685 native aortic valves excised for calcific stenosis and 312 prosthetic tissue aortic valves with calcific degeneration at a single institution between 1987 and 2013. Patient demographics were correlated with valvular histologic features diagnosed on formalin-fixed, decalcified, and paraffin embedded hematoxylin and eosin stained sections. Of the analyzed aortic valves, 5200 (77.8%) were tricuspid, 1473 (22%) were bicuspid, 11 (0.2%) were unicuspid, and 1 was quadricuspid. The overall prevalence of osseous and/or chondromatous metaplasia was 15.6%. Compared to tricuspid valves, bicuspid valves had a higher prevalence of metaplasia (30.1% vs. 11.5%) and had an earlier mean age of excision (60.2 vs. 75.1 years old). In addition, the frequency of osseous metaplasia and/or chondromatous metaplasia increased with age at time of excision of bicuspid aortic valves, while tricuspid aortic valves showed the same incidence regardless of patient age. Males had a higher prevalence of metaplasia in both bicuspid (33.5% vs. 22.3%) and tricuspid (13.8% vs. 8.6%) aortic valves compared to females. Osseous metaplasia and/or chondromatous metaplasia was also more common in patients with bicuspid aortic valves and concurrent chronic kidney disease or atherosclerosis than in those without (33.6% vs. 28.3%). No osseous or chondromatous metaplasia was observed within the cusps of any of the prosthetic tissue valves. Conclusions Osseous and chondromatous metaplasia are common findings in native aortic valves but do not occur in prosthetic tissue aortic valves. Bicuspid valves appear to have an inherent proclivity for metaplasia, as demonstrated by their higher rates of osseous metaplasia and/or chondromatous metaplasia both overall and at earlier age compared to tricuspid and prosthetic tissue aortic valves. This predilection could be due to aberrant hemodynamic forces on bicuspid valves, as well as intrinsic genetic changes associated with bicuspid valve formation. Aortic valve interstitial cells may play a central role in this process. Calcification of prosthetic tissue valves is most likely a primarily dystrophic phenomenon.
Development of NEUI500kA Family High Energy Efficiency Aluminum Reduction Pot (‘HEEP’) Technology

Based on the successful development and application experiences of NEUI400kA family high energy efficiency aluminum reduction pot (‘NEUI400 family HEEP’) technology, through the physical field measuring & analysis and with the proprietary ‘Physical Field Numerical Simulation and Analysis Software Package for Aluminum Reduction Pots’, by continuously following its own high amperage reduction pot development mode of incorporating the numerical simulation technology with experiences, NEUI has developed the NEUI500kA family high energy efficiency aluminum reduction pot (‘NEUI500 family HEEP’) technology. Comparing with NEUI400 family HEEP, the simulation results showed that the technical parameters that affecting the MHD stability, current balance, pot lining structure, gas collection system and the superstructure etc. are more excellent.
The immune response in aged C57BL/6 mice: I. Assessment of lesions in the B-cell and T-cell compartments of aged mice utilizing the Fc fragment-mediated polyclonal antibody response

Abstract The Fc fragment-mediated polyclonal antibody response was utilized to assess B-cell, T-cell, and macrophage reactivity in aged C57BL/6 mice. Spleen cells from aged (28–30 months) mice were found to be deficient in their capacity to proliferate and produce polyclonal antibody in response to Fc fragments when compared to adult (2–3 months) controls. Since T cells are required for the Fc-induced polyclonal antibody response, T cells from aged mice were assessed for their ability to restore the polyclonal antibody response in T-cell-depleted adult spleen cell populations. Aged T cells were not as effective as adult T cells in restoring the antibody response. The T-cell requirement in the Fc-induced polyclonal response has been shown to be replaceable by the Fc-stimulated T-cell replacing factor (Fc)TRF. T cells derived from aged mice were unable to produce (Fc)TRF to the level of adult cells. In addition to a defect in the T-cell compartment a lesion exists in the B-cell compartment of aged mice as well. Adult T cells were not capable of restoring the polyclonal antibody response of aged B cells any higher than aged T cells indicating a B-cell defect. Moreover, when a direct B-cell activator, Fc subfragment, was employed, the aged B cells were not stimulated to the level of adult controls. To test the ability of aged macrophages to function as accessory cells in the polyclonal response, macrophage-depleted adult spleen cells were mixed with aged or adult macrophages and the response measured. The results indicate that aged macrophages restore the polyclonal antibody response as efficiently as their adult counterpart.
Cloning and expression of Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 acetoacetyl-coenzyme A:acetate/butyrate:coenzyme A-transferase in Escherichia coli.

Abstract Coenzyme A (CoA)-transferase (acetoacetyl-CoA:acetate/butyrate:CoA-transferase [butyrate-acetoacetate CoA-transferase] [EC 2.8.3.9]) of Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 is an important enzyme in the metabolic shift between the acid-producing and solvent-forming states of this organism. The purification and properties of the enzyme have recently been described (D. P. Weisenborn, F. B. Rudolph, and E. T. Papoutsakis, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 55:323-329, 1989). The genes encoding the two subunits of this enzyme have been cloned by using synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide probes designed from amino-terminal sequencing data from each subunit of the CoA-transferase. A bacteriophage lambda EMBL3 library of C. acetobutylicum DNA was prepared and screened by using these probes. Subsequent subcloning experiments established the position of the structural genes for CoA-transferase. Complementation of Escherichia coli ato mutants with the recombinant plasmid pCoAT4 (pUC19 carrying a 1.8-kilobase insert of C. acetobutylicum DNA encoding CoA-transferase activity) enabled the transformants to grow on butyrate as a sole carbon source. Despite the ability of CoA-transferase to complement the ato defect in E. coli mutants, Southern blot and Western blot (immunoblot) analyses showed that neither the C. acetobutylicum genes encoding CoA-transferase nor the enzyme itself shared any apparent homology with its E. coli counterpart. Polypeptides of Mr of the purified CoA-transferase subunits were observed by Western blot and maxicell analysis of whole-cell extracts of E. coli harboring pCoAT4. The proximity and orientation of the genes suggest that the genes encoding the two subunits of CoA-transferase may form an operon similar to that found in E. coli.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
African‐American and White Caregivers of Older Adults with Dementia: Differences in Depressive Symptomatology and Psychotropic Drug Use

Objectives: To examine relationships between race and psychotropic drug use (antidepressant, antianxiety, sedative/hypnotic agents) in informal caregivers with symptoms of depression who provide care for elderly relatives with progressive dementia. Whether racial differences in medication use relate to racial differences on predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with use of these agents was also examined. Design: National survey. Setting: Community-based population of informal caregivers of elderly male U.S. veterans with dementia living throughout the 48 contiguous states and Puerto Rico. Participants: Two thousand thirty-two African-American and white female caregivers of elderly male veterans diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia. Measurements: Depressive symptoms were measured using a modified version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Antidepressant, antianxiety, and sedative/hypnotic agents were indexed using the Veterans Affairs medication classification system. Results: Of caregivers with depressive symptoms, 19% used antidepressants, 23% antianxiety agents, and 2% sedative/hypnotics. African-American caregivers with depressive symptoms were significantly less likely than whites with depressive symptoms to be using antidepressants and antianxiety medications. Caregivers who reported higher levels of social support and more physician visits during the previous 6 months were significantly more likely than others to be taking antidepressants. Conclusion: This study found that 81% of caregivers with depressive symptoms were not taking antidepressant medication and that African-American caregivers were less likely than whites to be taking antidepressants. Results suggest that routine screening for depression in dementia caregivers may identify unmet needs for antidepressant therapy. Particular care should be taken to ensure that African-American caregivers are made aware of the potential benefits of such therapy.
Innovation, firm size and corporate finance: An initial inquiry

Abstract The empirical results presented here suggest that asset-specificity as measured by innovation may be significantly related to corporate capital structure.
Form deprivation myopia in mature common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus).

PURPOSE. Experimental manipulations of visual experience are known to affect the growth of the eye and the development of refractive state in a variety of species including human and nonhuman primates. For example, it is well established that visual form deprivation causes elongation of the eye and myopia. The effects of such manipulations have generally been examined in neonatal or juvenile animals. Whether adolescent common marmosets (a new world primate) are susceptible to form deprivation myopia was studied. METHODS. Five adolescent marmosets were used in this study. Monocular form deprivation was induced by lid closure for 12 to 20 weeks, starting between 299 and 315 days of age. The effects of deprivation were assessed with keratometry, A-scan ultrasonography, and cycloplegic refractions. Both eyes (treated and fellow control) were measured before lid-closure, at the end of the deprivation period, and several times over the following 8 to 12 weeks. RESULTS. Adolescent marmosets are susceptible to visual form deprivation myopia. The experimental eyes showed significant axial elongation and myopia relative to the fellow control eyes. These changes were smaller, however, than those observed in younger eyes deprived for comparable periods. Like juvenile animals, the adolescent marmosets did not show recovery from myopia over the period monitored. CONCLUSIONS. The period for susceptibility to form deprivation myopia in the marmoset monkey extends beyond the early developmental period when ocular growth is rapid and emmetropization normally takes place. Visual form deprivation in adolescent marmosets with adult-sized eyes results in increased ocular growth and myopia. These data suggest that visual factors may influence the growth and refractive development of the human eye after puberty and may be involved in late-onset myopia. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2000;41:2043‐2049)
Addicted to the drug war: The role of civil asset forfeiture as a budgetary necessity in contemporary law enforcement

Abstract Civil asset forfeiture is no stranger to criticism, in part because law enforcement agencies can share in the proceeds obtained from forfeitures. Critics claim that this potential for “profit” in law enforcement is the driving force behind civil asset forfeiture; that the noble goals of controlling crime and curbing illicit drug use are not high priorities. The research reported in this article partially substantiates critics' claims that pecuniary concerns guide civil asset forfeiture activities. Results from a survey of 1400 municipal and county law enforcement executives revealed that a substantial proportion of law enforcement agencies are dependent on civil asset forfeiture as a necessary budgetary supplement. In an attempt to explain the “addiction,” evidence is offered that dependence on civil asset forfeiture is positively associated with revenues generated from past forfeiture activities and inversely related to fiscal expenditures. The primary implication tied to these findings is that a conflict of interest between effective crime control and creative fiscal management will persist so long as law enforcement agencies remain dependent on civil asset forfeiture.
Eine APL2-Programmschnittstelle für ein Datenbanksystem mit erweiterten NF2-Relationen

Heutige Datenbanksysteme weisen Schnittstellen sowohl fur den Ad-hoc-Zugriff vom Bildschirm als auch fur den Zugriff aus Anwendungsprogrammen auf. Programmiersprachen groser Machtigkeit, wie etwa APL2, bieten fur den Anwendungsprogrammzugriff gewichtige Vorteile, da Datenmodell und Operatoren der Programmiersprache und des Datenbanksystems nicht allzuweit voneinander entfernt liegen. In dem Beitrag wird auf die Konzepte und Realisierung einer APL2-Programmschnittstelle fur ein NF2-Datenbanksystem eingegangen. Sowohl APL2 als auch das Datenbanksystem sind in der Verarbeitung mengenorientiert und unterstutzen komplexe, geschachtelte Objektstrukturen. Im folgenden wird aufgezeigt, wie eine Schema- und Datenabbildung zwischen APL2 und dem erweiterten NF2-Datenmodell (eNF2) erfolgen kann, wie mit komplexen eNF2-Datenbankobjekten in der Programmiersprache umgegangen wird und wie sich ein effizienter APL2-Zugriff auf die Datenbank in einer Workstation-Server-Umgebung realisieren last.
The effect of inverter ripple on solid oxide fuel cell performance

The effect of inverter ripple (feedback on a fuel cell from the DC to AC inverter) current on solid oxide fuel cell performance is not well understood. At NETL, both models and experimental work are being pursued to try and understand the effect of inverter ripple on cell performance. The modeling work has led us to speculate that large oscillations in voltage due to the inverter may have deleterious effects on cell performance and lifetimes. Results showed the behavior of the reactant concentrations within the stack electrodes under inverter loads with frequencies between 60 Hz and 1250 Hz. The conclusion was that due to the fluctuating reactant concentrations, temporary conditions (on the order of the frequency of ripple) would occur where the concentration of H 2 at the anode/electrolyte interface varied significantly from the average value. Since much work in the development of fuel cells relies on steady state test data, concern is raised that final operation on an inverter would have significantly different performance results. Here we report the results of experimental tests of the effect of ripple on solid oxide fuel cells. Data was acquired over several weeks on the performance of an individual cell while being exposed to 30% ripple current at a frequency of 60Hz. No degradation that could be attributed to inverter ripple was detected over the period of testing.
Effect of Alanine, Leucine, and Fructose on Lysyl-Transfer Ribonucleic Acid Ligase Activity in a Mutant of Escherichia coli K-12

A mutant of Escherichia coli K-12 was examined which has growth medium-dependent lysyl-transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) ligase activity. In minimal medium or 0.5% yeast extract, the activity of the enzyme in the mutant strain was 5 to 10% of wild type. However, when the mutant was grown in a highly enriched medium, such as AC broth (Difco), the activity of the mutant ligase increased 10- to 20-fold. We found that the supplementation of 0.5% yeast extract by l-alanine plus d-fructose replaces the need for the highly enriched medium. Fructose plus l-leucine and fructose plus l-alpha-amino-n-butyric acid were also stimulatory, but not as effective as fructose and alanine. With minimal medium, a combination of carbohydrate (fructose or glucose) plus alanine and leucine was required to replace the enriched medium. The most effective combination was fructose, glucose, alanine, and leucine. Lysyl-tRNA ligase was stimulated 1.5 to 2-fold in the wild-type strain or Hfr H (Hayes) by fructose plus alanine when these strains were cultured in 0.5% yeast extract. Experiments employing the combined technique of density labeling with D(2)O and isopycnic centrifugation in cesium chloride indicated that the increased activity of lysyl-tRNA ligase observed in AC broth or in the presence of fructose, glucose, alanine, and leucine is due to the synthesis of new enzyme.
A Night in the Life of a Rat: Vibrissal Mechanics and Tactile Exploration

The rat vibrissal (whisker) system is an increasingly important model for the study of the sense of touch. This paper describes recent results obtained from high-speed videography of rat exploratory behavior and from modeling studies of vibrissal biomechanics. We review several features of vibrissal touch, including the mechanics of contact versus noncontact whisking, the coordination between head and whisker movements, and the use of information obtained from the whiskers to detect, localize, and extract the spatial properties of objects. This work highlights the idea that mechanics are critical to an understanding of sensory systems and describes some new tools to monitor the spatiotemporal patterns of whisker-object contact during natural tactile exploratory behavior.
Diet and Lifestyle in Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing rapidly in the United States (1) and worldwide (2). It is estimated that the prevalence of diabetes in adults will reach 5.4% and the number of adults with diabetes worldwide will reach 300 million in the year 2025 (2). The diabetes epidemic closely parallels the worldwide epidemic of obesity (3). Whereas genotypes resulting in a thrifty metabolism may have been an advantage in times of nutrient scarcity, in most parts of the world these same genes when combined with an increasingly inactive and hypercaloric lifestyle may now contribute to obesity and diabetes (4).
Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Trigger Loss of Function and Perturbation of Mitochondrial Dynamics in Primary Hepatocytes

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are one of the most highly manufactured and employed nanomaterials in the world with applications in copious industrial and consumer products. The liver is a major accumulation site for many nanoparticles, including TiO2, directly through intentional exposure or indirectly through unintentional ingestion via water, food or animals and increased environmental contamination. Growing concerns over the current usage of TiO2 coupled with the lack of mechanistic understanding of its potential health risk is the motivation for this study. Here we determined the toxic effect of three different TiO2 nanoparticles (commercially available rutile, anatase and P25) on primary rat hepatocytes. Specifically, we evaluated events related to hepatocyte functions and mitochondrial dynamics: (1) urea and albumin synthesis using colorimetric and ELISA assays, respectively; (2) redox signaling mechanisms by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP); (3) OPA1 and Mfn-1 expression that mediates the mitochondrial dynamics by PCR; and (4) mitochondrial morphology by MitoTracker Green FM staining. All three TiO2 nanoparticles induced a significant loss (p < 0.05) in hepatocyte functions even at concentrations as low as 50 ppm with commercially used P25 causing maximum damage. TiO2 nanoparticles induced a strong oxidative stress in primary hepatocytes. TiO2 nanoparticles exposure also resulted in morphological changes in mitochondria and substantial loss in the fusion process, thus impairing the mitochondrial dynamics. Although this study demonstrated that TiO2 nanoparticles exposure resulted in substantial damage to primary hepatocytes, more in vitro and in vivo studies are required to determine the complete toxicological mechanism in primary hepatocytes and subsequently liver function.
The specialized proresolving mediator 17-HDHA enhances the antibody-mediated immune response against influenza virus: a new class of adjuvant?

Influenza viruses remain a critical global health concern. More efficacious vaccines are needed to protect against influenza virus, yet few adjuvants are approved for routine use. Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) are powerful endogenous bioactive regulators of inflammation, with great clinical translational properties. In this study, we investigated the ability of the SPM 17-HDHA to enhance the adaptive immune response using an OVA immunization model and a preclinical influenza vaccination mouse model. Our findings revealed that mice immunized with OVA plus 17-HDHA or with H1N1-derived HA protein plus 17-HDHA increased Ag-specific Ab titers. 17-HDHA increased the number of Ab-secreting cells in vitro and the number of HA-specific Ab-secreting cells present in the bone marrow. Importantly, the 17-HDHA–mediated increased Ab production was more protective against live pH1N1 influenza infection in mice. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the biological effects of ω-3-derived SPMs on the humoral immune response. These findings illustrate a previously unknown biological link between proresolution signals and the adaptive immune system. Furthermore, this work has important implications for the understanding of B cell biology, as well as the development of new potential vaccine adjuvants.
GENETIC CONTROL IN GUINEA PIGS OF IMMUNE RESPONSE TO CONJUGATES OF HAPTENS AND POLY-L-LYSINE.

Random-bred Hartley strain guinea pigs which do not respond immunologically to conjugates of hapten and poly- L -lysine mere mated with heterozygous guinea pigs which do. These responders were considered heterozygous for this trait since their mating resulted in at least one nonresponder offspring. Of 31 offspring from 10 breeding pairs (nonresponder x heterozygous responder) 14 were responders. There was no evidence that this trait is sex-linked. This finding confirms the view that, in guinea pigs, development of an immune response to the aforementioned conjugates is a genetically transmitted autosomal, unigenic Mendelian dominant trait.
Estimating the age and structure of forests in a multi-ownership landscape of western Oregon, U.S.A.

Abstract Forests of the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S.A. are part of an ongoing political debate that focuses on the trade-offs between commodity and non-commodity values. A key issue in this debate is the location and extent of closed canopy mature and old-growth forest remaining in the region. Remote sensing can play a major part in locating mature and old-growth forests, but. several challenges must be overcome to do so with acceptable accuracy. Conifer forests of the region have high leaf area indices. Thus, most incident solar energy is absorbed, making these forests difficult targets for discrimination of classes. Additionally, spectral characteristics can be affected more by the effects of steep topography than condition of the closed canopy forest. Experimenting with a number of techniques, we estimated and mapped forest age and structure in 1988 over a 1 237 482 ha area on the west side of the Oregon Cascade Range with an overall accuracy of 82 per cent. Unsupervised classification enabled ...
A structure for sequencing robot activities in machine tending applications

This paper initiates a structure for analysing problems involved in sequencing the operations that must be performed by a robot to tend machines in a cell. The sequence of operations is shown to be important in determining the feasibility of assigning a robot to tend machines and achieve specified production rates. Various cases, defined by the parameters that describe the system, are identified and analysed. Optimal sequencing procedures are described for several fundamental cases. Models are developed to prescribe solutions in more advanced cases, and the computational complexity of these cases is defined.
Dynamics of localized excitons in InGaN/GaN quantum wells

By using a “nanoscale aperture” method, we studied the dynamics of localized excitons in active InGaN layers in an InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (MQW). Local photoluminescence (PL) from local excitation shows very different characteristics from far-field luminescence. PL spectra from these nanoapertures are, in general, blueshifted relative to the spectra acquired in the unmasked regions. The spectra vary from aperture to aperture, reflecting the spatial fluctuation of the In composition in the MQW. In addition, one typically observes spectra with clearly resolved multiple peaks from the small apertures, which may be attributed to compositional and size fluctuations over a length scale longer than the exciton diameter but smaller than the aperture size. The excitation intensity dependence of PL indicates a band-filling effect in the multiple-peak structure. Finally, time-resolved studies reveal a very interesting spectral weight shifting between the higher-energy peaks and the lower-energy peaks.
GaN blue light-emitting diodes

Abstract Blue electroluminescence is obtained at room temperature from avalanche breakdown at i-n transitions produced in GaN grown from the vapor phase.
Nonuniform phase distribution in ultrasound speckle analysis. I. Background and experimental demonstration

In some cases, the statistical properties of the phase of ultrasound speckle in B-scan images differ from the uniform distribution characteristic exhibited by the fully developed speckle. This phenomenon has been noted when examining scattering structures with a somewhat regular spacing using wideband pulse excitation. It is shown by computer simulation and experiments on phantoms that when the mean scatterer spacing is equal to multiples of a half wavelength at the reference frequency of the receiver quadrature demodulator, the center of the echo phase distribution, plotted on the complex plane, will shift away from the origin. When the spacing is equal to an odd multiple of a quarter wavelength, the phase distribution will have a figure '8' shape. By noticing those noncircular phase distributions while changing the demodulation frequency, the mean scatterer spacing can be estimated. >
The effect of electrostatics on factor H function and related pathologies.

Abstract Factor H (FH) contributes to the regulation of the complement system by binding to polyanionic surfaces and the proteins C3b/C3c/C3d. This implicates charge and electrostatic interactions in recognition and binding of FH. Despite the large amount of experimental and pathology data the exact mechanism at molecular level is not yet known. We have implemented a computational framework for comparative analysis of the charge and electrostatic diversity of FH modules and C3b domains to identify electrostatic hotspots and predict potential binding sites. Our electrostatic potential clustering analysis shows that charge distributions and electrostatic potential distributions are more useful in understanding C3b–FH interactions than net charges alone. We present a model of non-specific electrostatic interactions of FH with polyanion-rich surfaces and specific interactions with C3b, using our computational data and existing experimental data. We discuss the electrostatic contributions to the formation of the C3b–FH complex and the competition between FH and Factor Bb (Bb) for binding to C3b. We also discuss the significance of mutations of charged amino acids in the pathobiology of FH-mediated disease, such as age-related macular degeneration, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, and dense deposit disease. Our data can be used to guide future experimental studies.
Tubulin synthesis in sea urchin embryos. II. Ciliary A tubulin derives from the unfertilized egg.

We have determined the fraction of tubulin of the A microtubule of ciliary doublets that is synthesized in sea urchin embryos during cleavage. Cleavage-stage Stronglyocentrotus purpuratus embryos were radiolabeled with leucine; tubulin from isolated ciliary A microtubules was purified by selective extraction and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The specific activity of the tubulin chains was 0.1–0.2 times that of whole-embryo protein. We calculate from this that only 2–4% of ciliary A tubulin is synthesized during cleavage. It remains unresolved whether distinct metabolic compartments exist in the cleavage-stage tubulin pool.
Synthesis of New Ferrocenylenesilylene Polymers by Direct Hydrosilylation/Polymerization of [FC–SiRH], FC = (η 5 -C 5 H 4 )Fe(η 5 -C 5 H 4 ), Using Organometallic Alkenes and Alkynes

Synthesis of new ferrocenylenesilylene polymers was effected by direct hydrosilylation/polymerization of 1,1′-methylsilyl-ferrocenophane [FC–SiMeH] (FC = (η5-C5H4)Fe(η5-C5H4) with acetylenes and organometallic olefins using a Pt0 catalyst. The reaction of [FC–SiMeH] with HC2Ph, HC2SiMe3, CH2=CHSiMe2Fp, Fp = (η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)2 and CH2=CHCH2SiMe2Fp in the presence of a platinum catalyst resulted in high yields of the corresponding hydrosilylated polymers. In the case of the acetylenes only β products were obtained, both E and Z isomers, whereas for the olefins both α and β-isomers were noted. Only in the case of the more bulky allylsilicon material was any unreacted SiH functionality retained in the polymer, an effect also noted when using [FCSiPhH] as the starting ferrocenophane. Cyclic voltammetric studies on these polymers revealed metal–metal interaction with two redox processes associated with the ferrocenylene Fe center along with an irreversible oxidation at higher potential for the Fp Fe atom.
SAFFLOWER: UTILIZATION AND SIGNIFICANCE IN NUTRITION AND ALLERGY.

Abstract The safflower plant is an annual of the composite family. Its seed produces a valuable edible oil with the highest available polyunsaturated-saturated ratio and linoleic acid content. Aside from its increasing importance in human nutrition, the oil is used in alkyd resins, paints, and enamels. Safflower meal is used as a protein feed supplement for cattle, sheep, and poultry. Honey is produced from the safflower blossom. Safflower oil is nonallergenic. Testing with the water-soluble protein fraction of the seed should be performed first by the scratch or puncture method.
Effects of film-forming and silicone antitranspirants on four herbaceous plant species

Effectiveness of antitranspirants in reducing transpiration was studied in the laboratory in an attempt to evaluate their potential for conservation and reallocation of soil moisture. Film-forming antitranspirants caused about a 50% reduction of transpiration and photosynthesis in all species. Effectiveness decayed slowly over 10–14 days. Effectiveness of the silicone antitranspirant was very short-lived. Water use efficiency was slightly improved following film-forming antitranspirant treatment of three species. Mixing antitranspirants altered their effects.
POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS OF THE NEW ENGLAND/MID‐ATLANTIC REGION

Numerous freshwater ecosystems, dense concentrations of humans along the eastern seaboard, extensive forests and a history of intensive land use distinguish the New England/Mid-Atlantic Region. Human population densities are forecast to increase in portions of the region at the same time that climate is expected to be changing. Consequently, the effects of humans and climatic change are likely to affect freshwater ecosystems within the region interactively. The general climate, at present, is humid continental, and the region receives abundant precipitation. Climatic projections for a 2 x CO1 atmosphere, however, suggest warmer and drier conditions for much of this region. Annual temperature increases ranging from 3-5°C are projected, with the greatest increases occurring in autumn or winter. According to a water balance mode!, the projected increase in temperature will result in greater rates of evaporation and evapotranspiration. This could cause a 21 and 31% reduction in annual stream flow in the southern and northern sections of the region, respectively, with greatest reductions occurring in autumn and winter. The amount and duration of snow cover is also projected to decrease across the region, and summer convective thunderstorms are likely to decrease in frequency but increase in intensity. The dual effects of climate change and direct anthropogenic stress will most likely alter hydrological and biogeochemica! processes, and, hence, the flora! and fauna! communities of the region’s freshwater ecosystems. For example, the projected increase in evapotranspiration and evaporation could eliminate most bog ecosystems, and increases in water temperature may increase bioaccumulation, and possibly biomagnification, of organic and inorganic contaminants. Not a!! change may be adverse. For example, a decrease in runoff may reduce the intensity of ongoing estuarine eutrophication, and acidification of aquatic habitats during the spring snowmelt period may be ameliorated. Recommendations for future monitoring efforts include: (1) extending and improving data on the distribution, abundance and effect of anthropogenic stressors (non-point pollution) within the region; and (2) improving scientific knowledge regarding the contemporary distribution and abundance of aquatic species. Research recommendations include: (1) establishing a research centre(s) where field studies designed to understand interactions between freshwater ecosystems and climate change can be conducted; (2) projecting the future distribution, activities and direct effects of humans within the region; (3) developing mathematical analyses, experimental designs and aquatic indicators that distinguish between climatic and anthropogenic effects on aquatic systems; (4) developing and refining projections of climate variability such that the magnitude, frequency and seasonal timing of extreme events can be forecast; and (5) describing quantitatively the flux of materials (sediments, nutrients, metals) from watersheds characterized by a mosaic of land uses. 0 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What makes a manufacturing firm innovative

Executive Overview In the quest for improved competitive position and longevity, domestic manufacturing is undergoing significant transformation. Why then are some manufacturing firms more innovative in both new processing technologies and administrative practice? Part of the answer lies in the experience profile of general managers. The results of a study of domestic manufacturing plants undergoing modernization shows that firms that have CEOs with manufacturing experience also are significantly more likely to implement an aggressive manufacturing technology policy. That is these firms strive to be first to try out new methods and equipment, are more likely to actively recruit new technical talent or develop this talent in-house, are committed to technological forecasting, and make customers aware of how modernizing the firm will benefit them. An aggressive manufacturing technology policy can make a big difference when the company begins its transformation. CEOs take calculated risks when they have manuf...
Multi-emissive difluoroboron dibenzoylmethane polylactide exhibiting intense fluorescence and oxygen-sensitive room-temperature phosphorescence.

Boron difluoride compounds are light emitting materials with impressive optical properties. Though their strong one- and two-photon absorption and intense fluorescence are well-known and exploited in molecular probes, lasers, and photosensitizers, phosphorescence, in contrast, is typically observed only at low temperatures. Here, we report that unusual room-temperature phosphorescence is achieved by combining a classic boron dye, difluoroboron dibenzoylmethane, BF2dbm, with poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a common biopolymer, resulting in a highly sensitive single-component oxygen sensor. Fluorescence quantum yields are enhanced, and temperature-sensitive delayed fluorescence is also observed. Multi-emissive BF2dbmPLA biomaterials show great promise as multifunctional molecular probes and sensors.
CAMEO—Valdez: Charting the Progress of the Spill Cleanup1

ABSTRACT On the morning of March 24, 1989, the tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef in Alaska's Prince William Sound. The vessel was carrying more than 53 million gallons of North Slope crude oil of which almost 11 million gallons were spilled into the water. The immediately impacted area included most of the western part of the sound, but as the time went by the impacted area expanded to include parts of Seward, Homer, and Kodiak. This event became the worst oil spill in the history of this country—identified as a “spill of national significance.” Exxon's major cleanup response was closely monitored by federal, state, and various interest groups. Early in the response it was obvious to the federal on-scene coordinator (FOSC) that a computer-aided management system was necessary to monitor the progress of the spill cleanup operations. CAMEO (computer-aided management of emergency operations)—Valdez then was developed for the FOSC by the scientific support coordinator (SSC) through the efforts of ...
Studies of inspiratory airflow patterns in the nasal passages of the F344 rat and rhesus monkey using nasal molds: relevance to formaldehyde toxicity.

Abstract For highly water soluble and reactive gases, such as formaldehyde, the reported distribution of nasal lesions in rats and rhesus monkeys following inhalation exposure may be attributable, at least in part, to regional gas uptake patterns that are a consequence of nasal airflow characteristics. Inspiratory nasal airflow was studied at flow rates across the physiologic range using a unidirectional dynamically similar water-dye siphon system in clear acrylic molds of the nasal airways of F344 rats and rhesus monkeys. In both species there were complex inspiratory flow streams, exhibiting regions of simple laminar, complex secondary (vortices, eddies, swirling), and turbulent flows, with only minor effects of the volumetric flow rates studied on these flow patterns. There was a precise association between points of dye intake at the nostril with complex but generally coherent streaklines throughout the nose, indicating the potential for sensitive dependence of nasal airflow on nostril geometry. On the basis of these studies, a classification for the major airways (meatuses) in the nasal passages of rats and rhesus monkeys was proposed. The spiral shape of the anterior nasal airway of the rat was considered to play an important role in local mixing of inspired airstreams. In the rhesus monkey, the complex geometry of the nasal vestibule contributed to the formation of secondary flows and turbulence in the anterior nose, which represents a potentially important difference between rhesus monkeys and humans. There was a good correlation between routes of flow, regional secondary flows, turbulence, and impaction of airstreams on the airway wall, with the reported distribution of formaldehyde-induced nasal lesions in rats and rhesus monkeys. These studies support the proposal that nasal airflow patterns play an important role in the distribution of lesions induced by formaldehyde.
MO-E-17A-02: Incorporation of Contrast Medium Dynamics in Anthropomorphic Phantoms: The Advent of 5D XCAT Models

Purpose: To develop a unique method to incorporate the dynamics of contrast-medium propagation into the anthropomorphic phantom, to generate a five-dimensional (5D) patient model for multimodality imaging studies. Methods: A compartmental model of blood circulation network within the body was embodied into an extended cardiac-torso (4D-XCAT) patient model. To do so, a computational physiologic model of the human cardiovascular system was developed which includes a series of compartments representing heart, vessels, and organs. Patient-specific cardiac output and blood volume were used as inputs influenced by the weight, height, age, and gender of the patient's model. For a given injection protocol and given XCAT model, the contrast-medium transmission within the body was described by a series of mass balance differential equations, the solutions to which provided the contrast enhancement-time curves for each organ; thereby defining the tissue materials including the contrastmedium within the XCAT model. A library of time-dependent organ materials was then defined. Each organ in each voxelized 4D-XCAT phantom was assigned to a corresponding time-varying material to create the 5D-XCAT phantom in which the fifth dimension is blood/contrast-medium within the temporal domain. Results: The model effectively predicts the time-varying concentration behavior of various contrast-medium administration in each organ formore » different patient models as function of patient size (weight/height) and different injection protocol factors (injection rate and pattern, iodine concentration or volume). The contrast enhanced XCAT patient models was developed based on the concentration of iodine as a function of time after injection. Conclusion: Majority of medical imaging systems take advantage of contrast-medium administration in terms of better image quality, the effect of which was ignored in previous optimization studies. The study enables a comprehensive optimization of contrast administration both in terms of image quality and radiation dose, and can be used in different modalities such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound.« less
Sarin and adrenergic-cholinergic interaction in rat brain

Abstract Increased catecholamine stores were found in the locus ceruleus and the zona compacta of the substantia nigra in rats following a one-third LD 50 dose of Sarin. These values returned to normal after 10 days. The data also suggest that catecholamine stores were depleted in the nucleus accumbens septi for more than 10 days. Several mechanisms are discussed to explain these results, which focus on direct versus indirect actions of Sarin. A modified technique with formaldehyde-induced fluorescence was used for this work, featuring cryostatic sectioning of fresh-frozen tissue.
Decentralizing educational decision-making in Peru: Intentions and realities

Abstract The study deals with an attempt to decentralize educational decision-making in Peru and render it participatory. The paper contrasts the intentions and outcomes of the innovation and examines the factors that led to its demise. Political factors such as the reluctance of upper echelons to share power and the teachers' opposition to the reform were significant obstacles. Issues of cultural and technical natures including centralist traditions and lack of clarity about key concepts and new roles were also important. The study shows that the implementation of decentralization is a complex and not always predictable undertaking. It also argues that political accounts of reform failures present a simplified and over-rationalized version of reality.
Growth and sporulation of Oidium begoniae: development of a deterministic model

SUMMARY Growth and sporulation of Oidium begoniae (begonia powdery mildew) on detached leaves was observed daily under a stereomicroscope. A mathematical model of growth and sporulation was constructed based on the patterns observed. The essential components of the model are three genetically fixed components of colony growth and sporulation and six components which changed with environmental and physiological conditions. The genetically fixed components were: the ultimate number of germ tubes, the hyphal growth unit (HGU or mean length supporting one branch), and the diurnal periodicity of sporulation. These components were shown to have approximately the same values at 15 and 21 °C. Components which varied with temperature were: the latent periods of germination, branching and sporulation, the time taken to reach the ultimate germ tube number, and the number of conidiophores per HGU, The derived equations were tested against observed sporulation and resulted in highly significant correlations. Similar results were obtained with published observations for Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei. This colony-level model can be used as units to construct models of disease progress and suggests that it is theoretically possible to model disease in the field from laboratory studies. The model can be used in computer simulations of colony growth as demonstrated by a computer program in the Appendix.
A convenient radiometric assay for flavin-containing monooxygenase activity

A rapid, convenient assay to determine the activity of the flavin-containing monooxygenase is described. The method is based on direct analysis of quenched incubation mixtures by thin-layer chromatography and utilizes tritiated dimethylaniline as the substrate. The synthesis of the radiolabeled substrate is described. The usefulness of dimethylaniline N-oxide formation as a measure of flavin-containing monooxygenase activity was assessed using the purified hog liver enzyme, hog liver microsomes, and liver microsomes from untreated and phenobarbital-pretreated rats.