cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF AN INSECTICIDE ON AMPHIBIANS IN LARGE-SCALE EXPERIMENTAL PONDS

We examined the effects of the insecticide carbaryl on larval amphibian communities in large-scale experimental ponds. Tadpoles of two anurans, Woodhouse's toad (Bufo woodhousii) and southern leopard frog (Rana sphenocephala), were reared in ponds (800 m3 volume) to determine the effects of tadpole density and carbaryl exposure on mass at metamorphosis and on time and survival to metamorphosis. Exposure to carbaryl significantly affected toads at metamorphosis, but not leopard frogs. Carbaryl exposure nearly doubled toad survival compared to controls; this effect may be attributable to an indirect effect of carbaryl increasing algal food resources. The competitive environment (i.e., density) and carbaryl exposure significantly affected the trade-off between mass and time to metamorphosis for toads. Our study is the first to demonstrate that in pond communities where predation and competition may be strong, short-lived insecticides can significantly alter the community dynamics of amphibians.
Exploring perceptions of technology’s impact on academic misconduct

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore faculty and students’ perceptions on the issue of technology-facilitated academic misconduct contemporaneously; to gain insight as to how current technologies contribute to academic misconduct, and how perceptions influence policy and practice. Design/methodology/approach – An interpretive qualitative approach was used to explore participants’ perceptions. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and document analysis. Findings – Results suggest that while faculty restrict technology in order to decrease opportunity for students to engage in academic misconduct, such technology restrictions may contribute to an increase in student rationalization. Faculty perceive that the restrictions reduce the instances of academic misconduct by reducing the opportunity technology affords. Student perceptions reflect an increase in rationalization that may result in an increase in academic misconduct that seems to be a student response to restrictive polici...
Predicting early and intermediate-term outcome of coronary angioplasty in the elderly.

BACKGROUND Although the technical success rate of coronary angioplasty in the elderly in high, very old patients have increased risk of procedure-related death and late recurrence of severe angina. We proposed to determine baseline variables that predict early and intermediate-term failure of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in patients more than 65 so we could effectively stratify risk. METHODS AND RESULTS We studied 982 patients at least 65 years old who had urgent or elective PTCA (1980 through 1990). Follow-up (mean, 25 months) was obtained for all patients. Multiple baseline variables were analyzed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression to select independent ones to fit predictive models for in-hospital death or myocardial infarction (overall rate, 6.3%), total in-hospital adverse outcome (overall rate, 18.7%), cumulative survival free of myocardial infarction (overall rate, 15% at 3 years), and cumulative survival free of late nonfatal myocardial infarction, bypass surgery, repeat PTCA, or recurrent severe angina (overall rate, 47% at 3 years). The most heavily weighted parameter in the probability regression equation for each end point was the number of diseased coronary artery segments with at least 70% stenosis. Advanced age was less important. The number of concomitant medical illnesses was predictive of late outcome but not early in-hospital events. Lowest risk quintile versus highest risk quintile event rate was 2.9% versus 14% for acute myocardial infarction or death and 17.2% versus 29% for cumulative in-hospital events. For posthospital events at 3 years9 follow-up, lowest risk quintile death or myocardial infarction rate was 4% versus 33% for highest risk quintile. For cumulative late adverse events at 3 years, the event rate was 28% versus 63% for the highest risk quintile. CONCLUSIONS These results stratify patients at high and low risk of early and intermediate-term success after PTCA and identify elderly patients in whom PTCA is most appropriate.
Infrared spectroscopy of biofluids: from the research lab to the clinical lab

Infrared spectroscopy is well established as an analytical technique in various applications. We have undertaken a series of studies to establish the suitability of mid infrared spectroscopy in various clinical analytical applications, focusing on various urine, serum and whole blood assays. The initial work demonstrated that six common serum analyses are possible, namely glucose, urea, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, and albumin, with accuracy comparable to standard clinical methods (Hitachi 717), and more recently HDL and LDL cholesterol have been quantified separately. Herein, we summarize our progress in transferring this technology to the clinical laboratory, focusing on the new methods and hardware that have enabled this transition, assessing the accuracy of the mid IR based analytical methods using these innovations, and reporting an exploratory study assessing the transferability of methods between spectrometers.
The number of pure strategy Nash equilibria in random multi-team games

Abstract We show that in random multi-team games, large numbers of pure strategy Nash equilibria are highly probable when the number of teams, the size of teams, or pure strategy set cardinalities are large.
The impact of electronic journals and aggregate databases on interlibrary loan: a case study at Ball State University Libraries

Reports the results of a series of studies conducted at Ball State University Libraries to examine the impact electronic journals and aggregate databases have on interlibrary loan activities. Borrowing and lending were monitored intermittently over a two‐year period to determine the number of requests that could be filled from available electronic journals or aggregate databases. The findings were not significant enough to justify changing current interlibrary loan procedures for searching requests before ordering. Among several follow‐up studies suggested is a recommendation to investigate whether there might be a correlation between recent decreases in the number of interlibrary loan borrowing and lending requests and the increasing amount of full text information researchers have available online.
Breakpoints: An analysis of potential hypervisor attack vectors

Cloud computing is rapidly transforming the delivery of information services. It offers a scalable, reliable platform to dynamically provision computing resources for geographically distributed users. Despite the benefits of low-cost computing and infrastructure on-demand, the risk of compromised clouds detracts many potential adopters. Cloud services are rendered by virtualized operating systems called virtual machines. Virtual machines reside on specialized servers called hypervisors. Hypervisors provide a conduit to the underlying hardware and resources. Because of their important role, they also represent a prime target for attack. They not only contain virtual machines, but also grant access to hardware resources. The growing number of publicized vulnerabilities indicates that attackers have set their sights on the hypervisor. This research considers vulnerabilities in the ESXi 5.0 hypervisor platform. It focuses on attacks which escalate permissions to exploit host metadata. Four potential attacks vectors are identified and analyzed. Recommendations for coping with these increasing threats are suggested.
Direct Observation in Medical Education: A Review of the Literature and Evidence for Validity

In 2000, the Accreditation Council for Medical Education introduced a new initiative that substantively changed the method by which residency programs are evaluated. In this new competency-based approach to residency education, assessment of performance became a main area of interest, and direct observation was offered as a tool to assess knowledge and skills. Despite being an inherent part of medical education as faculty and learners work together in clinical experiences, direct observation has traditionally been an informal and underused assessment method across all specialties. Residents and students report rarely being observed during their educational process, even though they value the experience. Reasons for this include a lack of faculty time, a lack of faculty skills, a potential stressful effect on the learner, and a perceived lack of validation of the assessment. This article examines the literature regarding the use of direct observation in medical education with a focus on validity evidence. We performed a PubMed search of articles pertaining to direct observation, using key words such as direct observation, performance observation, clinical observation, students, and residents. A subsequent search was conducted in known articles, focusing on variations of the term observation in the titles of articles and introducing the concept of clinical competence. In conclusion, direct observation is a unique and useful tool in the assessment of medical students and residents. Assessing learners in natural settings offers the opportunity to see beyond what they know and into what they actually do, which is fundamentally essential to training qualified physicians. Although the literature identifies several threats to its validity as an assessment, it also demonstrates methods to minimize those threats. Based on the current recommendations and need for performance assessment in education and with attention paid to the development and design, direct observation can and should be included in medical education curricula.
Reversible carbon-hydrogen bond oxidative addition across a W—W multiple bond

As previously reported, the reaction between W 2 (NMe 2 ) 6 and 2,2′-methylenebis(6- tert -butyl-4-methyl-phenol), HO-CH 2 -OH, in hydrocarbon solvents leads to W 2 ( μ -H)( μ -NMe 2 )( η 2 -O-CH 2 -O)( η 3 -O-CH-O)(HNMe 2 )(NMe 2 ), 1 , by oxidative cyclometallation to the ditungsten center. Upon heating 1 to greater than 60°C under dynamic vacuum W 2 (NMe 2 ) 2 ( η 2 -O-CH 2 -O) 2 , 2 , is formed with elimination of HNMe 2 . Compound 2 is proposed to have an ethane-like O 2 NW∖WO 2 N core based on NMR data. Addition of HNMe 2 to 2 at room temperature converts 2 to 1 . The addition of other neutral ligands (pyridine, PMe 3 ) to hydrocarbon solutions of 2 promotes the C-H oxidative addition to the W 2 center and the pyridine adduct W 2 ( μ -H)( μ -NMe 2 )(NMe 2 )(py)( η 2 -O-CH 2 -O)( η 3 -O-CH-O), 3 , has been fully characterized by an X-ray study. Addition of PMe 3 to 2 at low temperatures reveals that Lewis base association occurs prior to C-H activation. There is no evidence for an agostic interaction for 2 by NMR or IR spectroscopy.
Semipositone problems with falling zeros on exterior domains

Abstract We study boundary value problems of the form { − Δ u = λ K ( | x | ) f ( u ) , x ∈ Ω u = 0 if | x | = r 0 u → 0 as | x | → ∞ , where λ is a positive parameter, Δ u = div ( ∇ u ) is the Laplacian of u , Ω = { x ∈ R n ; n > 2 , | x | > r 0 } , K belongs to a class of C 1 functions such that lim r → ∞ K ( r ) = 0 , and f belongs to a class of C 1 functions which are negative at the origin and have falling zeros. We discuss the existence and uniqueness of nonnegative radial solutions when λ is large.
Carbene-carbene rearrangements in the acenaphthylcarbene-phenalenylidene system

As a part of a continuing investigation of the interconversion of arylcarbenes and aromatic carbenes, we have studied phenalenylidene (l_) and acenaphthylcarbene (2). Originally the results of this work left much to be desired due to the abnormal properties of phenalenylidene (1) and the small yield of carbene products detected; however, the recent report of carbene 1 and its reactions' prompts a report of our results. Phenalen-l-one tosylhydrazoneL (3) was prepared from commercial phenalen-3 one (Aldrich) by the standard method3 and had properties identical to those reported previously. 134 Acenaphthylene-1-carboxaldehyde2 was synthesized from acenaphthylene by the Vilsmeir-Hack reaction. 5 In our hands this aldehyde was obtained in 24% yield as a solid (mp 55.5-57') which formed a semicarbazone with mp 241-243' (lit.5 240') and was oxidized to 1,8-naphthalic anhydride in the reported manner. 5 Acenaphthylene-l-carboxaldehyde tosylhydrazone2 (4) was obtained in the standard way. 3 Tosylhydrazones 2 and 1 were converted to sodium salts 3' and 4' with sodium hydride employing a method similar to that described previously. 3
Measurements of total scattering cross sections for low-energy positrons and electrons colliding with helium and neon atoms

Total scattering cross sections have been measured for 0.3--31 eV positrons colliding with helium atoms and for 0.25--24 eV positrons colliding with neon atoms using a beam-transmission technique. These measurements have resulted in the first direct observations of Ramsauer-Townsend effects for positrons colliding wih helium and neon, and also provide clear indications of the onset of positronium formation in each of these gases. As an over all check of the reliability of the experimental approach for measuring total scattering cross sections for positrons, electron-atom scattering cross sections have been measured in the identical apparatus, using the same target gases, and the same technique as was used for the positron measurements.
The Logical Structure of Scientific Explanation and Prediction: Planetary Orbits in a Sun's Gravitational Field

We present a logically detailed case-study of explanation and prediction in Newtonian mechanics. The case in question is that of a planet's elliptical orbit in the Sun's gravitational field. Care is taken to distinguish the respective contributions of the mathematics that is being applied, and of the empirical hypotheses that receive a mathematical formulation. This enables one to appreciate how in this case the overall logical structure of scientific explanation and prediction is exactly in accordance with the hypotheticodeductive model.
The rue theorem-proving system: The complete set of LIM+ challenge problems

In this paper we discuss the successful execution of the LIM+ challenge problems as proposed by Bledsoe. This problem set ranges from a 12-step nonequality proof to a complex 41-step paramodulation proof. Our theorem prover is based on RUE resolution, which incorporates the axioms of equality into the definition of resolution. We apply hyperresolution as a restriction strategy and produce RUE hyper-refutations without the use of paramodulation. We present an extensive treatment of the heuristics applied to find proofs, both standalone and interactive.
The investigation of double-minimum potentials in molecules

Abstract A three parameter double-minimum potential function is expressed in convenient form for general application. The energy levels and wave functions of this potential have been calculated for 360 different sets of the parameters. The energy levels are presented in tables. Specific wave functions are available on request. If three independent properties of a double-minimum potential are spectroscopically observed, these tables permit the determination of a good approximation to this potential. Then the energy levels and wave functions of the double-minimum potential may be obtained directly from tables. As illustrations, the double-minimum potentials of the normal state of ammonia and the excited states 1A2 and 3A2 of formaldehyde are determined. Also a potential is determined for cyclopentene.
Equipartition of energy in a one-dimensional model of diatomic molecules. II. Maximal Lyapunov exponent and phase-space trajectory separation.

The Lyapunov instability is studied numerically for a one-dimensional model of diatomic molecules with harmonic intramolecular and hard intermolecular interactions. Previous results are extended to characterize the equipartition regime in terms of the two parameters of the system, the number of molecules n and the vibrational frequency \ensuremath{\omega}. When the system is in equipartition, we find the existence of a thermodynamic limit for the maximal Lyapunov exponent and a power-law behavior ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}$, in analogy with the Fermi-Pasta-Ulam model. The separation of trajectories in phase space, investigated by considering the time dependence of the distance of initially close trajectories and by averaging over the phase space, is related to the maximal Lyapunov exponent and shown to be an alternative way to compute it when n is not too large. Multiple-precision arithmetic analysis for the model and its link to Lyapunov instability are also discussed.
The Association's “Geometry”

As the President of the Association for the Improvement or Geometrical Teaching did me the high honour to mention with special approval my work on geometry in his remarks before the Association, printed in the tweleth Annual Report, 1886, I feel impelled, on at length receiving to-day, at this frontier outpost of scientific civilisation, a copy, long ordered, of the Association's “Plane Geometry,” Part 2, to say a few words suggested by it, favouring accord in these fundamental matters.
On the mechanics of delamination and spalling in compressed films

Abstract The mechanics of the delamination and spelling of compressed films or coatings has been analyzed using a combination of fracture mechanics and post-buckling theory. It is demonstrated that the delamination of pre-compressed films only occurs if the film buckles, whereupon a stress intensification develops at the buckle perimeter. The associated stress intensity depends on the magnitude of the prestress and the film thickness. Conversely, the delamination of indented coatings occurs without buckling and the stress intensity in this instance depends on the indentation volume, the film thickness and the radius of the delamination. Preliminary attempts have also been made to predict critical spall conditions, following the incidence of buckling.
Grey systems theory applications to wireless communications

This paper discusses grey systems theory (GST) applications in wireless communications and highlights its potential to cognitive radio. GST consists of information theory concepts and practical algorithms developed to address situations where information is incomplete and affected by random uncertainties. Two GST concepts, grey relational analysis (GRA) and grey model (GM) prediction theory are discussed. GRA provides a method to quantify the similarity between a reference data series and set of data while GM is used for modeling time series data and enables prediction of future values with limited data points and unknown probability distributions. These two techniques are surveyed with respect to their applications to wireless communications. Their application to predictive Cognitive Radio and as a similarity measure for case based reasoning cognitive engines is highlighted. A GRA based Automatic Modulation Classification (AMC) algorithm is applied to digital communications signals with preliminary results shown in simulation.
Ethanol Inhibition of Phagocytosis and Superoxide Anion Production by Microglia

Abstract Ethanol consumption has been associated with aberrant immune responses resulting in increased susceptibility to infection including opportunistic infections of the central nervous system. We have investigated the effects of chronic ethanol treatment on phagocytosis and production of superoxide anion by microglia. Phagocytosis of radiolabeled opsonized E. coli was markedly suppressed by treating microglia with ethanol. The unstimulated synthesis of superoxide anion was not altered by ethanol treatment of microglia, but ethanol treatment effectively suppressed phorbol-12 myristate-13 acetate-stimulated microglia superoxide anion production. The results indicate that ethanol inhibition of microglia function may play a role in increased susceptibility for central nervous system infections, particularly in immunocompromised subjects.
Efficient Peak Power Estimation Using Probabilistic Cost-Benefit Analysis

Estimation of peak power consumption is an essential task in order to design reliable systems. Optimistic design choices can make the circuit unreliable and vulnerable to power attacks, whereas pessimistic design can lead to unacceptable design overhead. The power virus problem is defined as finding input patterns that can maximize switching activity (dynamic power dissipation) in digital circuits. In this paper, we present a fast and simple to implement power virus generation technique utilizing a probabilistic cost-benefit analysis. To maximize switching activity, our proposed algorithm iteratively enables transitions in high fan-out gates while considering the trade-off between switching of new gates (benefit) and blocking of gate transitions in the future iterations (cost) due to switching of the currently selected one. Extensive experiments using both combinational and sequential benchmarks demonstrate that our approach can achieve up to 64% more toggles (30.7% on average) for zero-delay model and improvements of up to 319% (109% on average) for unit-delay model compared to the state-of-the-art techniques.
Leisure time, sunlight exposure and cataracts

Leisure time sunlight exposure is a small or insignificant portion of total sunlight exposure experienced by most people at high risk for cataract. Few studies have been undertaken to evaluate a possible causal relationship, and these have largely been in Western countries. Analyses of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1971–1972) failed to confirm a relationship between leisure time exposure and cataract, but suggested that total exposure to sunlight was significantly related to cataract. A case-control study of cataract in Iowa suggested that controls were more likely to have shielded their eyes from sunlight than cases. A study in Italy suggested a positive relationship between leisure time sunlight exposure and lens opacities. In the large population-based Beaver Dam Eye Study population, we evaluated estimates of sunlight exposure and cataracts. We did not find that more leisure time sunlight exposure was associated with lens opacities. However, in men, estimates of lifetime exposure to ultraviolet-B were associated with cortical cataract. In summary, there is evidence to suggest that sunlight exposure may be related to cataract in diverse populations. Leisure time sunlight exposure is probably responsible for a small portion of that exposure.
A network of Rails a graph dataset of Ruby on Rails and associated projects

Software projects, whether open source, proprietary, or a combination thereof, rarely exist in isolation. Rather, most projects build on a network of people and ideas from dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of other projects. Using the GitHub APIs it is possible to extract these relationships for millions of users and projects. In this paper we present a dataset of a large network of open source projects centered around Ruby on Rails. This dataset provides insight into the relationships between Ruby on Rails and an ecosystem involving 1116 projects. To facilitate understanding of this data in the context of relationships between projects, users, and their activities, it is provided as a graph database suitable for assessing network properties of the community and individuals within those communities and can be found at https://github.com/pridkett/gitminer-data-rails.
Provider imposed restrictions to clients’ access to family planning in urban Uttar Pradesh, India: a mixed methods study

Background Medical barriers refer to unnecessary policies or procedures imposed by health care providers that are not necessarily medically advised; these restrictions impede clients’ access to family planning (FP). This mixed methods study investigates provider imposed barriers to provision of FP using recent quantitative and qualitative data from urban Uttar Pradesh, India.
Photon-induced near-field electron microscopy

In materials science and biology, optical near-field microscopies enable spatial resolutions beyond the diffraction limit, but they cannot provide the atomic-scale imaging capabilities of electron microscopy. Given the nature of interactions between electrons and photons, and considering their connections through nanostructures, it should be possible to achieve imaging of evanescent electromagnetic fields with electron pulses when such fields are resolved in both space (nanometre and below) and time (femtosecond). Here we report the development of photon-induced near-field electron microscopy (PINEM), and the associated phenomena. We show that the precise spatiotemporal overlap of femtosecond single-electron packets with intense optical pulses at a nanostructure (individual carbon nanotube or silver nanowire in this instance) results in the direct absorption of integer multiples of photon quanta (nhomega) by the relativistic electrons accelerated to 200 keV. By energy-filtering only those electrons resulting from this absorption, it is possible to image directly in space the near-field electric field distribution, obtain the temporal behaviour of the field on the femtosecond timescale, and map its spatial polarization dependence. We believe that the observation of the photon-induced near-field effect in ultrafast electron microscopy demonstrates the potential for many applications, including those of direct space-time imaging of localized fields at interfaces and visualization of phenomena related to photonics, plasmonics and nanostructures.
Nakienones A-C and nakitriol, new cytotoxic cyclic C11 metabolites from an okinawan cyanobacterial (Synechocystis sp.) overgrowth of coral

Abstract Nakienones A-C and nakitriol, a series of reactive cytotoxic metabolites, were isolated from dead and necrotic branches of stony coral ( Acropora sp.) which were completely covered with a gray-black mat of cyanobacteria ( Synechocystis sp.). Their structures were determined spectroscopically by interpretation of 2D-NMR experiments, including HMBC and NOESY, and by comparison with model compounds.
Radiology faculty evaluation: Bi-institutional implementation of an experimental appraisal instrument

Rationale and Objectives. The authors evaluated the reliability and validity of an experimental radiology faculty appraisal instrument. Materials and Methods. Residents from the University of Wisconsin (UW) and Indiana University (IU) were asked to use a previously developed behaviorally based, 53-item experimental faculty appraisal instrument. Twenty UW residents evaluated 29 UW faculty members and 37 IU residents evaluated 31 IU faculty members by using the experimental instrument. Residents also evaluated faculty by using their institution's existing appraisal instrument. Results. Correlations between existing and experimental forms were .69 and .87 for UW and IU, respectively. Existing form reliabilities were .89 and .94 and experimental form reliabilities were .98 and .98 for UW and IU, respectively. Experimental form length was reduced to 30 items by eliminating the questions that correlated the least with section scores. Reliabilities of scores on the shortened form were .97 and .98 and correlated .65 and .88 with scores on the longer form for UW and IU, respectively. Conclusion. Ratings obtained with the existing forms correlated substantially with the experimental form, attesting to the experimental form's validity. Shortening the experimental form had a minimal effect on the reliability and validity of the data obtained. The behavior-based form was used to rate behaviors that residents believed discriminated between effective and ineffective instructors, enabling an objective and relevant assessment to be made.
Delayed fusion and altered gene expression contribute to semicircular canal defects in Chd7 deficient mice

Proper morphogenesis of inner ear semicircular canals requires precise regulation of cellular proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and fusion of epithelial plates. Epigenetic regulation of these processes is not well understood, but is likely to involve chromatin remodeling enzymes. CHD7 is a chromodomain-containing, ATP dependent helicase protein that is highly expressed in the developing ear and is required for semicircular canal development in both humans and mice. Here we report that mice with heterozygous loss of Chd7 function exhibit delayed semicircular canal genesis, delayed Netrin1 expression and disrupted expression of genes that are critical for semicircular canal formation (Bmp2, Bmp4, Msx1 and Fgf10). Complete loss of Chd7 results in aplasia of the semicircular canals and sensory vestibular organs, with reduced or absent expression of Otx1, Hmx3, Jagged1, Lmo4, Msx1 and Sox2. Our results suggest that Chd7 may have critical selector gene functions during inner ear morphogenesis. Detailed analysis of the epigenetic modifications underlying these gene expression changes should provide insights into semicircular canal development and help in the design of therapies for individuals with inner ear malformations.
Characterization of N-CBz-glycyl-glycyl-arginyl peptidase and glycyl-prolyl peptidase of Bacteroides gingivalis.

Bacteroides gingivalis produces large amounts of proteolytic enzymes which may play a role in its virulence. These enzymes may participate in the tissue destruction of the inflammatory process. In this study, the characteristics of two such enzymes, N-CBz-glycyl-glycyl-arginyl peptidase (N-CBz-Gly-Gly-Arg peptidase) and glycyl-prolyl peptidase (Gly-Pro peptidase) were investigated. The enzymes eluted in different peaks from an anion exchange column. N-CBz-Gly-Gly-Arg peptidase was associated with cells up to 48 h in culture. If cultured longer, it also released in the supernatant. It exhibited optimal activity between pH of 7.0 and 7.5 and was readily inactivated by heat treatment (45°C for 15 min). The enzyme activity was inhibited by p-chloromercuribenzoic acid (PCMB), leupeptin and antipain, suggesting that it is a thiol protease. The B. gingivalis N-CBz-Gly-Gly-Arg peptidase was different from the serum enzyme that digests the same substrate. The serum enzyme was more resistant to heat treatment and was inhibited by diisopro-pylfluorophosphate (DFP). B. gingivalis also produced Gly-Pro peptidase that is released in the supernatant. The enzyme has an optimal pH range between 7.5 and 8.0. The B. gingivalis Gly-Pro peptidase was inhibited by DFP, suggesting that it represents a serine protease. The serum Gly-Pro peptidase did not differ from the bacterial enzyme with respect to its sensitivity to inhibitors; however, they were markedly different in heat sensitivity. The bacterial enzyme was completely inactivated at 60°C for 30 min, whereas the serum enzyme was not inactivated even at 1 h at 60°C.
Digital generation of acoustic stimuli

A technique for digital generation of diverse acoustic waveforms is described. The method is embodied as a complete computer program coded in Fortran. We discuss the operation, implementation, and use of the program and its ease of adaptation for use on any computer.
Development of a wide-field spherical aberration corrector for the Hobby Eberly Telescope

A 4-mirror prime focus corrector is under development to provide seeing-limited images for the 10-m aperture Hobby- Eberly Telescope (HET) over a 22 arcminute wide field of view. The HET uses an 11-m fixed elevation segmented spherical primary mirror, with pointing and tracking performed by moving the prime focus instrument package (PFIP) such that it rotates about the virtual center of curvature of the spherical primary mirror. The images created by the spherical primary mirror are aberrated with 13 arcmin diameter point spread function. The University of Arizona is developing the 4-mirror wide field corrector to compensate the aberrations from the primary mirror and present seeing limited imaged to the pickoffs for the fiber-fed spectrographs. The requirements for this system pose several challenges, including optical fabrication of the aspheric mirrors, system alignment, and operational mechanical stability.
Middle-Class Incomes, Working-Class Hearts

Studies of middle-class marriages dominate sociological findings. Studies of marital patterns at the blue-collar level are less prominent. A neglected area entirely is that of blue-collar marital patterns in middle-class income and residential settings. This study examines a friendship nucleus of five couples, summarizing case studies of each to show how blue-collar patterns are maintained against the resocializing influence of middle-class income and residence.
Effects of a tapeworm parasite on the competition of Tribolium beetles.

The effect of parasites on host community structure and biodiversity is an important issue of community ecology. Both verbal and mathematical models suggest that host species with higher fitness costs associated with parasitism should bear a competitive disadvantage in the presence of parasites. However, few rigorous empirical tests exist. This study examined the effects of a tapeworm parasite (Hymenolepis diminuta) on competition between two flour beetle species (Tribolium confusum and T. castaneum). The flour beetles are the intermediate host of this rat tapeworm parasite. Previous studies demonstrated that T. castaneum is usually the superior competitor in competition with T. confusum in parasite-free environments. However, because T. castaneum is more susceptible to parasitism and shows higher fitness costs when infected than T. confusum, we expected that T. castaneum would bear a competitive disadvantage in the presence of the parasite. In contrast, we found that tapeworm infection significantly increased the likelihood of T. castaneum winning the competition, reduced the time needed for T. castaneum to win, and increased T. castaneum population density compared to parasite-free populations. Therefore, our results suggest that the tapeworm infection confers some advantage to T. castaneum and are in contrast to the expectation based on mathematical studies and verbal arguments. Disagreements between experimental results and the hypothesized predictions probably reflect the effect of parasite-induced changes in intraguild predation. Our results suggest that theories on parasite effects of competition need to consider the complex nature of host–parasite associations, including the effect of parasites on host behaviors.
Longitudinal construct validity: establishment of clinical meaning in patient evaluative instruments.

Objectives Although widely used and reported in research for the evaluation of groups, measures of health status and health-related quality of life have had little application in clinical practice for the assessment of individual patients. One of the principal barriers is the demonstration that these measures add clinically significant information to measures of function or symptoms alone. Here, we review the methods for evaluation of construct validity in longitudinal studies and make recommendations for nomenclature, reporting of study results, and future research agenda. Methods Analytical review. Results The terms "sensitivity" and "responsiveness" have been used interchangeably, and there are few studies that evaluate the extent to which health status or health-related quality-of life measures capture clinically important changes ("responsiveness"). Current methods of evaluating responsiveness are not standardized or evaluated. Approaches for the assessment of a clinically significant or meaningful change are described; rather than normative information, however, standardized transition questions are proposed. They would be reported routinely and as separate axes of description to capture individual perceptions. Conclusions Research in methods to assess the subject's evaluation of the importance and magnitude of a measured change are critical if health status and health-related quality-of-life measures are to have an impact on patient care.
NATURAL HYBRIDIZATION BETWEEN IRIS FULVA AND IRIS HEXAGONA: PATTERN OF RIBOSOMAL DNA VARIATION.

Genetic variation associated with the natural hybridization of Iris fulva and I. hexagona was investigated to test for the occurrence of introgression. These species have been viewed as a classic example of the process of introgressive hybridization (Anderson, 1949). However, more recent studies have concluded that there has not been an exchange of genetic material between I. fulva and I. hexagona (Randolph et al., 1967). Our analysis has involved the examination of both allopatric and parapatric populations of I. fulva and I. hexagona with reference to diagnostic ribosomal DNA markers. The pattern of variation in the parapatric population indicates the presence of the repeated backcrossing necessary to the process of introgressive hybridization. Indeed, in the region of parapatry, we suggest that localized introgression of ribosomal sequences has occurred into both I. fulva and I. hexagona. Significantly, we have also detected the presence of the diagnostic ribosomal markers from each species in allopatric populations of the alternate species. Our findings suggest that not only is introgressive hybridization presently occurring in parapatry between I. fulva and I. hexagona, but that past hybridization between these species has resulted in introgression into areas of allopatry.
Land cover and topography affect the land transformation caused by wind facilities

Land transformation (ha of surface disturbance/MW) associated with wind facilities shows wide variation in its reported values. In addition, no studies have attempted to explain the variation across facilities. We digitized land transformation at 39 wind facilities using high resolution aerial imagery. We then modeled the effects of turbine size, configuration, land cover, and topography on the levels of land transformation at three spatial scales. The scales included strings (turbines with intervening roads only), sites (strings with roads connecting them, buried cables and other infrastructure), and entire facilities (sites and the roads or transmission lines connecting them to existing infrastructure). An information theoretic modeling approach indicated land cover and topography were well-supported variables affecting land transformation, but not turbine size or configuration. Tilled landscapes, despite larger distances between turbines, had lower average land transformation, while facilities in forested landscapes generally had the highest land transformation. At site and string scales, flat topographies had the lowest land transformation, while facilities on mesas had the largest. The results indicate the landscape in which the facilities are placed affects the levels of land transformation associated with wind energy. This creates opportunities for optimizing wind energy production while minimizing land cover change. In addition, the results indicate forecasting the impacts of wind energy on land transformation should include the geographic variables affecting land transformation reported here.
Semiautonomous Mapping System

There is an emerging global market for free swimming undersea robots that are reliable, increase productivity, provide high quality data, and are easy to program and operate. To gain acceptance these robots have to be inexpensive to own and versatile. This paper describes the Semiautonomous Mapping System (SAMS) a UUV designed to survey the ocean from a depth of 10 m to a depth of 6 km. SAMS was developed under a cooperative program involving the Naval Oceanographic Office, the Office of Naval Research, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). The system, including launch and recovery gear, is land, sea, and air shippable in one standard 2.4 by 6 meter ISO container. The system is operable from T-AGS-60 ships and other Oceanographic vessels in sea states up to those generated by Beaufort Scale six winds. The system is operated, maintained, and repaired at sea by trained technician level personnel. SAMS is based on the REMUS UUV, which was also developed at WHOI.
Cyclic nucleotides depress action potentials in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells.

Abstract The effects of cyclic nucleotide analogs and related agents on the Ca 2+ dependent action potentials of cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells (reaggregates) were examined. The action potentials were elicited by electrical stimulation in the presence of tetraethylammonium (TEA, 5–15 mM). Superfusion of the aortic cells with analogs of cyclic AMP (dibutyryl or 8-bromo-cyclic AMP, 1 mM), isoproterenol (1–10 μM) and forskolin (1–10 μm) depressed and abolished the TEA-induced action potentials. Abolition of the action potentials by these agents was reversible and was accompanied by some hyperpolarization of the membrane. Superfusion with 8-bromo-cyclic GMP (0.1–1 mM) also depressed or abolished the TEA-induced action potentials, whereas dibutyryl cyclic GMP (1 mM) and sodium nitroprusside (10 μM) had little effect. Synthetic atrial natriuretic factor (0.01–0.1 μM) had inhibitory effects in most experiments. Thus, depression of membrane excitability may be a contributing factor in the relaxation of aortic smooth muscle produced by some agents that increase intracellular levels of cyclic nucleotides.
Oxidative Stability of Conventional and High-Oleic Vegetable Oils with Added Antioxidants

The oxidative stability of conventional and high-oleic varieties of commercial vegetable oils, with and without added antioxidants, was evaluated using the oil stability index (OSI). Oil varieties studied were soybean (SOY), partially-hydrogenated soybean (PHSOY), corn (CORN), sunflower (SUN), canola (CAN), high-oleic canola (HOCAN), very high-oleic canola (VHOCAN), oleic safflower (SAF) and high-oleic sunflower (HOSUN). One or more commercial antioxidants were added to the four most stable oils at supplier-recommended levels: rosemary extract (RM; 1,000 ppm), ascorbyl palmitate (AP; 1,000 ppm), tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ; 200 ppm), and mixed tocopherols (TOC; 200 ppm). OSI in hours (h) at 110 °C of the conventional oils were 5.2, 7.6, 8.4, 9.8, 10.9 and 14.3 h for SUN, SOY, CAN, CORN, PHSOY and SAF, respectively. OSI of high-oleic variants were 12.9, 16.5 and 18.5 h for HOCAN, HOSUN and VHOCAN, respectively. Maximum OSI values for the four most stable oils when treated with antioxidants, were 40.9, 48.5, 48.8 and 55.7 h for HOCAN, VHOCAN, SAF and HOSUN, respectively. Addition of TBHQ, alone and in combination with other antioxidants, resulted in the greatest increase in oxidative stability of SAF and other high-oleic oils evaluated. AP had a positive synergistic effect when used with TBHQ, while RM decreased TBHQ effectiveness.
Feedback control of liver thermotherapy using optical spectroscopy

Thermotherapies such as radio-frequency ablation achieve necrosis of liver tumors through thermal coagulation and are frequently employed when surgical resection is impossible. Currently, thermotherapy procedures suffer from the lack of an adequate feedback control system, making it difficult to know precisely when to terminate therapy. In vitro and in vivo studies were performed on canine liver tissue to determine the feasibility of using fluorescence and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to provide an objective endpoint for these procedures. The fluorescence and diffuse reflectance spectra of liver tissue exhibited consistent changes over the coagulation process. In vitro results showed a shift in the primary fluorescence peak from 490 nm in the native state to 510 nm in the fully coagulated state; in addition, a three- to four-fold increase in the absolute intensity of the diffuse reflectance spectra was observed upon complete coagulation. Similar spectral alterations were obtained in vivo. Based on our results, fluorescence and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy provide a direct way to assess the biochemical and structural changes associated with tissue thermal damage; hence, they can be developed into a feedback system for thermotherapies.
Ring-Opening Polymerization Behavior of ansa- and Spirocyclic ansa-Zirconocene Complexes

Attempts to develop a ring-opening polymerization (ROP) approach to polymeric zirconocene complexes are reported. A new silicon-bridged [1][1]zirconocenophane, (SiMe2)2(η5-C5H3)2Zr(NEt2)2 (3a), was synthesized by reaction of Zr(NEt2)4 with (C5H4)2(SiMe2)2 (4). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed a highly tilted structure with an angle of 73.1(4)°, a significant increase over the untethered compound (η5-MeC5H4)2ZrCl2 (2), which possesses a tilt angle of 54.2°. This and the related compounds (SiMe2)(η5-C5H4)2MCl2 (1a, M = Ti; 1b, M = Zr) and (SiMe2)2(η5-C5H3)2ZrCl2 (3b) were tested for transition-metal catalyzed ROP behavior in the presence of Pt(0) catalysts but were found to be inactive. The novel spirocyclic silacyclobutane-bridged monomer (CH2)3Si(η5-C5H4)2ZrCl2 (7b) was prepared via a “fly trap” amine elimination reaction between cyclotrimethylenedicyclopentadienylsilane (8) and Zr(NMe2)4; this initially yielded (CH2)3Si(η5-C5H4)2Zr(NMe2)2 (7a), which was converted to 7b by reaction with a slight...
pH-Partition behavior of tetracyclines.

The apparent partition coefficients between n-octyl alcohol and aqueous buffers (ranging from pH 2.1 to 8.5) were determined for several tetracyclines. Using the previously suggested microscopic dissociation constants for tetracycline, the relative amounts of each microscopic ionic form of tetracycline theoretically present at each pH were calculated. The zwitterionic form, −0+ (tricarbonyl methane system ionized, phenolic diketone moiety unionized, dimethylammonium cation postively charged), which was present in highest concentration in the pH range from 4 to 7, appeared to be the most lipid soluble form, its reduced polarity possibly resulting from an intramolecular type of ion-pair formation. Possible relationships between the biological activity of the various tetracycline analogs and their pH-octanol solubility profiles have been discussed.
Using a Localized Fluorescent Dye to Probe the Glass/Resin Interphase

A novel technique has been developed to study the buried polymer/substrate interfacial regions by localizing a fluorescent probe on the substrate surface. Epoxy functional multi-layers of silane coupling agents were deposited on glass and doped with small amounts of a fluorescently labeled silane-coupling agent (FLSCA). When the dye-doped silane layers were immersed in an epoxy/amine cured resin, a blue shift in the emission maximum was measured after resin cure. Silane layers of varying thickness were tested. Thicker layers showed smaller fluorescence shifts during cure, suggesting incomplete resin penetration into these layers. The fluorescence sensitivity to the interfacial reaction was verified with external reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) of the silane layers immersed only in the amine hardener.
Numerical computation of the helical Chandrasekhar-Kendall modes

A new formulation is presented for numerically computing the helical Chandrasekhar-Kendall modes in an axisymmetric torus. It explicitly imposes ??B=0 and yields a standard matrix eigenvalue problem, which can then be solved by standard matrix eigenvalue techniques. Numerical implementation and computational results are shown for an axisymmetric torus typical of reversed field pinch and spherical tokamak.
Sibling Incest: Reports from Forty-One Survivors

ABSTRACT An exploratory study was conducted with a convenience sample of 41 adult survivors of sibling incest using a retrospective survey design. Participants were interviewed about their childhood sexual experiences with a sibling. Most participants reported vaginal or oral intercourse and coercive experiences. Half of the sample reported sexual experiences with family members, as well as other child abuse. Half of the participants showed evidence of distorted beliefs about child sexual abuse. Disclosure of the incest during childhood was rare.