cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The N-terminal Amphipathic α-Helix of Viperin Mediates Localization to the Cytosolic Face of the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Inhibits Protein Secretion

Viperin is an evolutionarily conserved interferon-inducible protein that localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and inhibits a number of DNA and RNA viruses. In this study, we report that viperin specifically localizes to the cytoplasmic face of the ER and that an amphipathic α-helix at its N terminus is necessary for the ER localization of viperin and sufficient to promote ER localization of a reporter protein, dsRed. Overexpression of intact viperin but not the amphipathic α-helix fused to dsRed induced crystalloid ER. Consistent with other proteins that induce crystalloid ER, viperin self-associates, and it does so independently of the amphipathic α-helix. Viperin expression also affected the transport of soluble but not membrane-associated proteins. Expression of intact viperin or an N-terminal α-helix-dsRed fusion protein significantly reduced secretion of soluble alkaline phosphatase and reduced its rate of ER-to-Golgi trafficking. Similarly, viperin expression inhibited bulk protein secretion and secretion of endogenous α1-antitrypsin and serum albumin from HepG2 cells. Converting hydrophobic residues in the N-terminal α-helix to acidic residues partially or completely restored normal transport of soluble alkaline phosphatase, suggesting that the extended amphipathic nature of the N-terminal α-helical domain is essential for inhibiting protein secretion.
Input filter design for TRIAC dimmable LED lamps

This paper presents input EMI filter and damping circuits for phase dimmable LED lamps. An input EMI filter is implemented as part of LED lamp power supplies to comply with conducted emission standards set by regulatory agencies. The use of conventional EMI filter configurations are limited in this application due to the absence of earth (chassis) connection and the presence of stringent mechanical size constraints. This paper describes alternative EMI filter topologies suitable for 2-wire input connections present in Edison or Bayonet sockets. Criteria for achieving dimmer compatibility are introduced and the impact of an EMI filter on phase dimming operation is studied. The influence of different damping networks on transient performance of systems is analyzed using pole-zero mapping techniques and minimum damping requirements are established. A step-by-step procedure for EMI filter and damping network design is outlined and verified for a 16 W, 230 VAC LED power supply example based on a discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) Flyback topology.
Skull preparation using the enzyme‐active detergent technique

With the increasing use and need for macerated skulls and bony structures in medical research and resident and medical student studies, an economical, easy, and efficient method of obtaining cleaned and bleached specimens has been developed. The process requires short-term skeletal simmering in a 10% solution of commercially available enzymatic detergent and water. Over 50 skulls have been macerated in our laboratory resulting in substantial saving in research money, time, and effort.
On Abel's Identity, Part II: The Integration Of A Non-linear, Non-conservative System

Abstract The extension of Abel's Identity presented in the companion paper is used to construct the general solutions to some non-linear, autonomous systems. It is shown that only one first integral is required for the construction, and that one first integral naturally leads to a second independent integral for these systems. Several non-linear systems are considered as examples of the application.
The Social Perspective and Pedagogy in Technical Communication.

As teachers integrate social theory into the technical communication classroom, it is clear that they interpret the connection between writing and culture in different ways. The result is a range of socially based pedagogies rather than a single paradigm for writing instruction. This essay describes four of these social pedagogies—the social constructionist, the ideologic, the social cognitive, and the paralogic hermeneutic—distinguishing them by their pedagogic aims and classroom practices. The essay closes by discussing the implications of the differences among socially based pedagogies for both _ teachers and programs in technical communication.
Method optimization for quantitative analysis of octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

Abstract A simple, sensitive LC-ESI-MS method was optimized for quantitative analysis of octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) in environmental samples. Under negative ionization mode, HMX can form adduct ions with various organic acids and salts, including acetic acid, formic acid, propionic acid, ammonium nitrate, ammonium chloride, sodium nitrite, and sodium nitrate. Acetic acid was chosen as additive and the ion, [M + CH3COO]− with m/z = 355 was used for selective ion monitoring (SIM) in this study. Good sensitivity was achieved with low acetic acid concentration in the mobile phase and relatively low capillary temperature. The method detection limit was 0.78 pg for HMX in standard solution. Linearity (R2 > 0.9998) was obtained at low concentrations (0.5–50 μg/L). This method has been used to determine HMX concentrations in water samples and lizard egg samples from an animal exposure study.
A Eulerian PDF scheme for LES of nonpremixed turbulent combustion with second-order accurate mixture fraction

Monte Carlo simulations of joint probability density function (PDF) approaches have been developed in the past largely with Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) applications. Current interests are in the extension of PDF approaches to large eddy simulation (LES). As LES resolves accurately the large scales of turbulence in time, the Monte Carlo simulation and the flow field need to be tightly coupled. A tight coupling can be achieved if the consistency between the scalar field solution obtained via finite-volume (FV) methods and that from the stochastic solution of the PDF is ensured. For nonpremixed turbulent flames with two distinct streams, the local reactive mixture is described by the mixture fraction. A Eulerian Monte Carlo method is developed to achieve a second-order accuracy in the instantaneous filtered mixture fraction that is consistent with the corresponding FV. The performances of the proposed scheme are extensively evaluated using a one-dimensional model. Then, the scheme is applied to tw...
Densities and dielectric constants for some LPG components and mixtures at cryogenic and standard temperatures

Abstract Measured dielectric constants and molar densities are reported for a number of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) components and mixtures at cryogenic temperatures (220–250 K) and at standard temperature 15.6° C). A tabulation of consistent component properties is presented. Volume changes on mixing are found to be less than about 0.1% of the mixture molar volumes for all systems studied at cryogenic conditions (c., 228 K). Somewhat larger contractions on mixing were observed for some propane-rich binary mixtures at 288.71 K (60°F). Results for all mixtures studied confirmed that a mole-fraction average of component Clausius-Mossotti function values can be used as an accurate estimate of the mixture CM value. Molar densities calculated under this rule agree with measured values within 0.2%.
Influence of Compression and Shear on the Strength of Composite Laminates With Z-Pinned Reinforcement

The influence of compression and shear loads on the strength of composite laminates with z-pins is evaluated parametrically using a 2D Finite Element Code (FLASH) based on Cosserat couple stress theory. Meshes were generated for three unique combinations of z-pin diameter and density. A laminated plate theory analysis was performed on several layups to determine the bi-axial stresses in the zero degree plies. These stresses, in turn, were used to determine the magnitude of the relative load steps prescribed in the FLASH analyses. Results indicated that increasing pin density was more detrimental to in-plane compression strength than increasing pin diameter. Compression strengths of lamina without z-pins agreed well with a closed form expression derived by Budiansky and Fleck. FLASH results for lamina with z-pins were consistent with the closed form results, and FLASH results without z-pins, if the initial fiber waviness due to z-pin insertion was added to the fiber waviness in the material to yield a total misalignment. Addition of 10% shear to the compression loading significantly reduced the lamina strength compared to pure compression loading. Addition of 50% shear to the compression indicated shear yielding rather than kink band formation as the likely failure mode. Two different stiffener reinforced skin configurations with z-pins, one quasi-isotropic and one orthotropic, were also analyzed. Six unique loading cases ranging from pure compression to compression plus 50% shear were analyzed assuming material fiber waviness misalignment angles of 0, 1, and 2 degrees. Compression strength decreased with increased shear loading for both configurations, with the quasi-isotropic configuration yielding lower strengths than the orthotropic configuration.
Who's afraid of not completely positive maps?

The arguments that are often put forward to justify the singular importance given to completely positive maps over more generic maps in describing open quantum evolution are studied. We find that these do not appear convincing on closer examination. Positive as well as not positive maps are good candidates for describing open quantum evolution.
Prolonged alendronate treatment prevents the decline in serum TGF-β1 levels and reduces cortical bone strength in long-term estrogen deficiency rat model

Introduction While the anti-resorptive effects of the bisphosphonates (BPs) are well documented, many questions remain about their mechanisms of action, particularly following long-term use. This study evaluated the effects of alendronate (Ale) treatment on TGF-β1 signaling in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and osteocytes, and the relationship between prolonged alendronate treatment on systemic TGF-β1 levels and bone strength.
The Role of Theory and Culture in Child and Adolescent Prevention Science: Introduction to the Special Section

The 2009 Institute of Medicine's (IOM's) report on Preventing Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Disorders among Young People concluded that there is strong and consistent evidence supporting the pr...
Individual Autonomy and Comprehensive Education

Abstract The welfare states in developed societies have led to significant individuali‐sation of social experience. The relative success of the welfare state programme has mitigated the determining effects of social structure on life chances (even though not by any means eradicating these effects). In reaction to this, citizens of these states have sought to exercise greater agency in determining their social lives. The specifically educational aspects of the changing role of social structure are illustrated in detail for the instance of comprehensive education in Britain, a collective reform which has had as one of its main effects a strengthening of individual agency. The process of individualisation cannot, therefore, be interpreted as straightforwardly associated with either a conservative or a progressive politics: strengthening individual choice was an original aim of social democracy. A comparison of England and Scotland provides a particularly revealing instance of the complexity of the political ...
James F. Luhr (1953–2007)

Volcanologists worldwide were shocked to learn of Jim Luhr's sudden death at age 53 on 1 January 2007, at the zenith of his career. Jim was director of the Global Volcanism Program at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. He lived in University Park, Md., with his wife, Karen, and two daughters.
Design and Analysis of a Transversal Filter RFIC in SiGe Technology

Filters are a critical component of every high-speed data communications system. Die area, power consumption, and RFIC integration are primary concerns for filter designers. The authors of this article have designed and fabricated a low-power analog filter with greatly reduced die area compared to passive delay lines. This transversal filter design has been realized in 47-GHz SiGe process technology.
Migrainous infarction with appearance of laminar necrosis on MRI

Although there is accepted criteria for migrainous infarction, the pathophysiology of this disease process remains poorly defined. Delineation of MRI characteristics of migrainous infarction may improve our understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and prognosis of this disorder. We present a case of a migrainous infarction that involved apparent laminar necrosis of a "cortical ribbon" of the right temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes.
Microwave Holographic Imaging-Prospects For A Real-Time Camera

The principles and applications of microwave holography are reviewed to establish the need for a high resolution microwave camera. The realization of such a camera requires solving several problems stemming from: (a) the economical constraints associated with the construction of microwave imaging apertures with large numerical apertures needed for high resolution and (b) the desirability of real-time processing and image retrieval. Recent advances made in the solution of these problems are discussed with attention given to a new method of swept frequency synthesis of an imaging aperture and real-time optical computing of the collected data. (Scanned holography microwave imaging, optical computing, aperture synthesis by frequency diversity, super-resolution).© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
University medical center participation in residency training programs for graduates of foreign medical schools.

Two types of residency training programs are found in U.S. hospitals: There are those programs staffed by graduates of U.S. medical schools (USMGs) and those staffed by graduates of foreign medical...
Growth hormone secretion in young rats after partial or total interruption of neural afferents to the medical basal hypothalamus.

By means of a small, bayonetshaped knife the neural connections of the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) were partially or totally interrupted, and body growth, plasma and pituitary growth hormone (GH) levels of young rats studied. Three types of deafferentation of the MBH were performed: complete deafferentation; incomplete deafferentation, with only the anterior connections of the MBH left intact; frontal cut, with only the anterior connections severed. Body weight, naso-anal and tail lengths were measured weekly for 7 weeks following surgery. Plasma GH levels were determined by radioimmunoassay 4 and 7 weeks, and pituitary GH 7 weeks, after operation. Complete deafferentation of the MBH was found initially to retard body growth slightly, while no consistent effect of partial interruption of the neural afferents to the MBH was noted. While total pituitary GH content was significantly less than the controls in the complete deafferentation and frontal cut groups at the end of 7 weeks, there were no signific...
Defining the role of laminin-332 in carcinoma.

The deadly feature of cancer, metastasis, requires invasion of cells through basement membranes (BM), which normally act as barriers between tissue compartments. In the case of many epithelially-derived cancers (carcinomas), laminin-332 (Ln-332) is a key component of the BM barrier. This review provides a historical examination of Ln-332 from its discovery through identification of its functions in BM and possible role in carcinomas. Current understanding points to distinct roles for the three Ln-332 subunits (α3, β3, γ2) in cell adhesion, extracellular matrix stability, and cell signaling processes in cancer. Given the large number of studies linking Ln-332 γ2 subunit with cancer prognosis, particular attention is given to the crucial role of this subunit in cancer invasion and to the unanswered questions in this area.
Animal Welfare Beyond the Cage … and Beyond the Evidence?

In “Laboratory Rodent Welfare: Thinking Outside the Cage,” Balcombe (2010/this issue) suggests that laboratory cage housing is damaging to rats and mice because it does not meet their evolved needs and may damage their psychological and physical health. The article also indicates that larger and more enriched spaces reduce aggression and mortality and improve the health and friendliness of rodents in the laboratory. Remarkably, many of the studies cited as supporting these assertions fail to provide data bearing on the issues involved or may even report findings opposite to those described by Balcombe, whereas many studies that are highly relevant to these issues are not cited or described. Moreover, although the “evolved needs” of rats and mice are presented as the basis for an analysis of rodent welfare, the important and well-documented changes in needs- or motivation-related behaviors of a rodent in the laboratory (due to human selection over hundreds of generations) is ignored. This pattern of discon...
"Stakeholder" attitudes over time toward the closing of a state hospital.

For four groups—patients (N=80), their families or lay caregivers (N=120), hospital workers (N=124), and the public (N=108)—attitudes toward the decision to close the only long-term, urban state hospital are traced over time. Initially, patients were most supportive of the closing decision (65.4%), followed by family members (39.8%), the general public (27.8%), and workers (10.4%). A majority of all groups favored fixing the hospital. Almost half of the clients and more than half of other stakeholders expressed concerns about homelessness. Most attitudes were consistent despite respondents' sociodemographic characteristics. The overall profile of group attitudes remained remarkably stable, although there was a good deal of change in individuals' positions. Public support for fixing the hospital decreased significantly, and differences among stakeholders regarding homelessness disappeared. These findings reinforce the importance of ascertaining different constituencies' positions and recognizing the slowly changing response of stakeholders even under massive and successful policy change.
Electrostatic Charging of the Pathfinder Rover

The Mars Pathfinder mission will send a lander and a rover to the martian surface. Because of the extremely dry conditions on Mars, electrostatic charging of the rover is expected to occur as it moves about. Charge accumulation may result in high electrical potentials and discharge through the martian atmosphere. Such discharge could interfere with the operation of electrical elements on the rover. A strategy was sought to mitigate this charge accumulation as a precautionary measure. Ground tests were performed to demonstrate charging in laboratory conditions simulating the surface conditions expected at Mars. Tests showed that a rover wheel, driven at typical rover speeds, will accumulate electrical charge and develop significant electrical potentials (average observed, 110 volts). Measurements were made of wheel electrical potential, and wheel capacitance. From these quantities, the amount of absolute charge was estimated. An engineering solution was developed and recommended to mitigate charge accumulation. That solution has been implemented on the actual rover.
Energy Considerations for Fractional Elements

This paper considers the energy aspects of fractional elements defined by the equation Display FormulaFt=kλDtλ0xt. In contrast to the typically conservative assumption of classical physics that lead to the potential and kinetic energy expressions, a number of important non-conservative differences are exposed. Firstly, the considerations must be time-based rather than displacement or momentum based variables. Time based equations for energy behavior of fractional elements are presented and example applications are considered. The effect of fractional order on the energy requirements and energy return of these systems is shown. Importantly, it is shown that the history, or initialization, has a strong effect on energy requirements. Finally, compact expressions for the work or energy, are developed.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Anomalous g-factors of the diphenylacetylene and diphenyldiacetylene anion radicals

Abstract The g-factors of the diphenylacetylene and diphenyldiacetylene anion radicals were measured and found to be 2.00264 and 2.00216 respectively. The unexpected difference between these values is explained by interaction of the phenyl groups with the acetylene p-orbitals.
Testicular Involvement in Peripubertal Gonadotropin Levels and Accessory Sex Organ Weight of Male Hamsters

AbstractThis study evaluates the influence of testicular secretions during development in male hamsters on peripubertal gonadotropin levels. Castration or sham operations were performed on the day of birth (Day 1), Day 5, 10, or 20 of life. Repeated plasma samples on Days 20–60 at 10-day intervals were taken via orbital sinus puncture. Castrated animals received a subcutaneous testosterone capsule on Day 60 and were killed on Day 70. In addition, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate weights were taken in all animals at Day 70. Castrated animals, regardless of day of castration, had higher gonadotropin levels and suppressed sexual accessory organ weights. Animals castrated on the day of birth had lower luteinizing hormone (LH) levels than animals castrated on other days. Castration on Day 10 resulted in lower follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Males castrated on Day 20 were most sensitive to the negative feedback effect of testosterone on LH secretion, while Day 10 castrates had elevated FSH level...
Lagrange Interpolation on Chebyshev Points of Two Variables

We study interpolation polynomials based on the points in ?1,1]×?1, 1] that are common zeros of quasi-orthogonal Chebyshev polynomials and nodes of near minimal degree cubature formula. With the help of the cubature formula we establish the mean convergence of the interpolation polynomials.
Surface Composition of Biopolymer Blends Biospan-SP/Phenoxy and Biospan-F/Phenoxy Observed with SFG, XPS, and Contact Angle Goniometry

The surface compositions of two biopolymer blends, Biospan-SP/Phenoxy (BSP/PHE) and Biospan-F/Phenoxy (BF/PHE), have been studied using sum frequency generation (SFG), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), and contact angle goniometry. BSP and BF are polyurethanes capped with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and fluoroalkyl (-(-CF{sub 2}-){sub n}-) as end groups, respectively. With contact angle goniometry, the surface tensions of pure BSP, BF, and PHE were found to be 26, 16, and 45 dyne/cm. For each of the blends, the polymer component with a lower surface concentration of the surface-active component increases sharply as its bulk concentration increases. For BSP/PHE (and BF/PHE) in air, the surface of the polymer blend is fully covered by BSP (and BF) at a bulk concentration of 3.5 wt % (and 1 wt %). The contact angle measurements and the XPS studies yield compatible results. Comparison of results for BSP/PHE, BS/PHE (published before), and BF/PHE polymer blends shows that the lower the surface energy of the surface-active component (surface tension: BF < BS < BSP), the easier it is for the component to segregate to the surface (the minimum bulk concentration to saturate the surface is BF (1 wt %) < BS (1.7 wt %) < BSP (3.5 wt %)). Aftermore » exposure to water, SFG spectra indicate that the surface layer of a polymer blend could be restructured. For BSP (3.5 wt %)/PHE, the hydrophobic end groups of BSP submerge while the hydrophilic polyurethane backbone emerges. For BF (1 wt %)/PHE, PHE emerges at the surface after exposure to water, but for BF (5 wt %)/PHE, the BF component dominates the surface in both air and water. Their results demonstrate the bifunctionality of polymer blends and show that the surface chemistry of polymer blends may be dominated by a minor component, while the mechanical stability of the polymer is controlled by the major component.« less
The strength of metal-matrix composite joints

Abstract The mechanical performance of model butt joints between Al-matrix composites reinforced with continuous alumina fibers has been investigated. The joints consisted of thin metal interlayers of varying geometries and thicknesses, normal to the fiber direction in the composites. Materials were produced by pressurized metal infiltration into fiber preforms with prescribed discontinuities in them, thus ensuring matrix continuity through the interlayer and minimization of processing defects normally introduced in actual joining operations. Tensile strengths for reference composite specimens with volume fractions in the 60 ± 5 vol.% range were on the order of 700 MPa, compared with a matrix yield strength of σ 0 ≈ 100 MPa. Measured joint strengths were ∼250 MPa for interlayers of uniform thickness (60 and 300 μ m) wherein plane strain conditions predominated, and ∼170 MPa for interlayers of variable thickness (⩽ 6.4 mm) wherein conditions changed from plane strain to plane stress. The predominant mode of failure was interfacial debonding at an estimated local stress of ∼260 MPa. An upper limit to the joint strength was identified as arising from unstable cavitation in the metal interlayer, expected at a stress of ∼4 σ 0 . Possible avenues to increase the joint strength to a level consistent with that of the composite are discussed in light of the understanding of failure mechanisms emerging from these model configurations.
Perturbation of the heat resistance of bacterial spores by sporulation temperature and ethanol

Spores ofBacillus megaterium, B. subtilis, andB. stearothermophilus, harvested from cultures grown and sporulated at different temperatures or in the presence of ethanol, had different thermal resistance. There was a direct relationship between the sporulation temperature and the spore-killing temperature. The spores were more temperature-sensitive when formed in ethanol-supplemented media. Temperature and ethanol are known to perturb the degree of order within membranes and to alter membrane functions. Thus, alteration of spore membranes is an additional factor in the multifactorial nature of heat resistance. Another interpretation may be that heat shock proteins, known to be induced by heat, are formed during sporulation and may increase the thermostability of the spores.
Influence of sorbent concentration on sorption of kepone to solids

Relations entre la decachloro octahydro metheno-1,3,4 cyclobuta [c,d] pentalenone-2 et les particules en suspension dans l'eau
Unique tumor antigens redefined as mutant tumor-specific antigens

The extraordinary specificity of immune responses mediated by T cells against individual syngeneic tumors has led to the concept that many tumor antigens are 'unique'. The recent isolation of several T-cell-recognized unique antigens from various murine and human tumors has shown that the antigenic peptides are caused by somatic mutations and, thus, are truly tumor-specific. The following review summarizes current knowledge about these mutant tumor-specific antigens and their possible role in the development and progression of cancer. It also discusses some functional differences between mutant tumor-specific and shared tumor antigens, which generally represent unaltered peptides, also present on some normal cells.
Learning from Text with Diagrams: Promoting Mental Model Development and Inference Generation.

Two experiments investigated learning outcomes and comprehension processes when students learned about the heart and circulatory system using (a) text only, (b) text with simplified diagrams designed to highlight important structural relations, or (c) text with more detailed diagrams reflecting a more accurate representation. Experiment 1 found that both types of diagrams supported mental model development, but simplified diagrams best supported factual learning. Experiment 2 replicated learning effects from Experiment 1 and tested the influence of diagrams on novices' comprehension processes. Protocol analyses indicated that both types of diagrams supported inference generation and reduced comprehension errors, but simplified diagrams most strongly supported information integration during learning. Visual representations appear to be most effective when they are designed to support the cognitive processes necessary for deep comprehension.
Long-term effects of organic and synthetic soil fertility amendments on soil microbial communities and the development of southern blight

Abstract The effects of tillage and soil fertility amendments on the relationship between the suppressiveness of soils to southern blight and soil physical, chemical and biological factors were examined in experimental station plots in North Carolina. Main plots were either tilled frequently or surface-mulched after one initial tillage. Organic soil amendments including composted cotton gin trash, composted poultry manure, an incorporated rye–vetch green manure, or synthetic fertilizer were applied to subplots in a split-plot design experiment. Incidence of southern blight was lower in surfaced-mulched than tilled soils. Incidence of southern blight was also lower in soils amended with cotton gin trash than those amended with poultry manure, rye–vetch green manure or synthetic fertilizer. Soil water content was negatively correlated with the incidence of disease in both years. Disease incidence was negatively correlated with the level of potassium, calcium, cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation (BS) and humic matter in 2002, and net mineralizable nitrogen in 2001. Although, populations of thermophilic organisms were significantly higher in soils amended with cotton gin trash than the other three fertility amendments in each year, there was no significant correlation between the populations of thermophiles and incidence of the disease. Bacterial community diversity indices based on community-level physiological profiling (CLPP) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) were significantly higher in soils amended with cotton gin trash than those amended with poultry manure, green manure or synthetic fertilizer. There was a significant negative correlation between the incidence of southern blight, and CLPP and DGGE diversity indices. Greater differences in the richness of bacterial functional groups than genotypes were observed. These results demonstrate that organic soil fertility amendments and cotton gin trash in particular, reduced the development of the disease and affected soil physical, chemical and biological parameters.
Family composition and menarcheal age: anti-inbreeding strategies.

Family composition (e.g., the absence of a father) is associated with pubertal timing in women, although the socioendocrinology of the human primate is poorly understood. To better understand social influences on sexual maturation, retrospective data were collected on menarcheal age and family composition from a sample of approximately 1,938 participants from a college population. Absence of a biological father, the presence of half- and step-brothers, and living in an urban environment were associated with earlier menarche. The presence of sisters in the household while growing up, especially older sisters, was associated with delayed menarche. Menarcheal age was not affected by number of brothers in the household, nor was there an effect of birth order. Body weight and race were also associated with menarche. The present findings advance the literature as they are suggestive of putative human pheromones that modulate sexual maturation to promote gene survival and prevent inbreeding, as occurs in rodents and nonhuman primates. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 18:481–491, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Heat transfer characteristics and pressure variation in a nanoscale evaporating meniscus

Abstract A nanoscale evaporating meniscus is simulated in this work using molecular dynamics. The heat and mass transfer characteristics and pressure variation in the non-evaporating and interline regions are studied. Very high heat and evaporation flux rates of the order of 100 MW/m 2 and 1000 kg/m 2 s, respectively, are achieved. The disjoining pressure increased significantly after the formation of the non-evaporating film. High negative liquid pressure induced due to capillary and disjoining pressures are obtained. Cavitation cannot occur as the film thickness is smaller than the critical cavitation radius, and the meniscus can exist in metastable state. A curve-fitted meniscus boundary condition is developed; a force function of the form F n = An −3 − Cn −2 can be applied at the boundaries of a liquid film to create curvature and form a meniscus.
Airborne laser vibrometer for seismic subsurface inspection

We describe our ongoing research into a laser-seismic system for detecting and identifying buried objects from airborne platforms. We discuss generation of acoustic or high-power microwave sources in the aircraft, coupling of acoustic waves to seismic waves at the ground, frequency and bandwidth for resolution and propagation of seismic waves. Several alternative methods of generating the seismic wave include use of existing earth seismic noise, drop seismic noise makers, high power pulse acoustic source, microwave sources that causes an arc to generate acoustic noise at the earth's surface. A laser scans the region in a vibrometer interferometer configuration to measure the amplitude of the oscillations in the seismic wave at spots along the surface of the ground. The detection and identification of buried objects is determined from the seismic measurements.
Stroke patients' well‐being as a function of caregiving spouses' helpful and unhelpful actions

This study examined the perceptions that 55 older married stroke patients had about themselves and about the motivations of their caregiving spouses when they judged their spouses' actions to be helpful and when they judged them to be unhelpful. It also examined how these perceptions were related to patients' well-being (depression, positive affect, marital satisfaction). Patients had more negative perceptions of themselves and of their spouses when they judged the actions to be unhelpful than when they judged them to be helpful. The hypothesis that perceptions about unhelpful actions would be more strongly related to patients' well-being than would perceptions about helpful actions was only partially supported. Perceptions about unhelpful actions were related to patients' depression, but perceptions about helpful actions were related to positive affect. Both kinds of perceptions were related to marital satisfaction. Findings begin to explicate the complex relationship between perceived helpfulness of actions and well-being.
A mouse model with postnatal endolymphatic hydrops and hearing loss

Endolymphatic hydrops (ELH), hearing loss and neuronal degeneration occur together in a variety of clinically significant disorders, including Meniere's disease (MD). However, the sequence of these pathological changes and their relationship to each other are not well understood. In this regard, an animal model that spontaneously develops these features postnatally would be useful for research purposes. A search for such a model led us to the Phex Hyp-Duk mouse, a mutant allele of the Phex gene causing X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets. The hemizygous male (Phex Hyp-Duk/Y) was previously reported to exhibit various abnormalities during adulthood, including thickening of bone, ELH and hearing loss. The reported inner-ear phenotype was suggestive of progressive pathology and spontaneous development of ELH postnatally, but not conclusive. The main focuses of this report are to further characterize the inner ear phenotype in Phex Hyp-Duk/Y mice and to test the hypotheses that (a) the Phex Hyp-Duk/Y mouse develops ELH and hearing loss postnatally, and (b) the development of ELH in the Phex Hyp-Duk/Y mouse is associated with obstruction of the endolymphatic duct (ED) due to thickening of the surrounding bone. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) recordings at various times points and histological analysis of representative temporal bones reveal that Phex Hyp-Duk/Y mice typically develop adult onset, asymmetric, progressive hearing loss closely followed by the onset of ELH. ABR and histological data show that functional degeneration precedes structural degeneration. The major degenerative correlate of hearing loss and ELH in the mutants is the primary loss of spiral ganglion cells. Further, Phex Hyp-Duk/Y mice develop ELH without evidence of ED obstruction, supporting the idea that ELH can be induced by a mechanism other than the blockade of longitudinal flow of endolymphatic fluid, and occlusion of ED is not a prerequisite for the development of ELH in patients.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENTAL INVESTMENT GUARANTY PROGRAM FOR PRIVATE FOREIGN INVESTMENTS, DEVELOPMENT, AND APPLICATION, 1946–54

THE CLIMATE FOR private foreign direct investments from the United States in the postwar period 1946-54 was characterized by political, social, and economic obstacles emphasized in the minds of investors by unstable world conditions and the fear or threat of war. Governmental programing of economic development appeared as a new postwar deterrent to such investments; the capital flow between governmental and intergovernmental agencies was substituted for the traditional flow of capital between individuals. With the introduction of the European recovery program, a system of governmental investment guaranties for direct investments from the United States was provided for in the Economic Cooperation Act of 1947 and was renewed in subsequent foreign assistance legislation. Through the governmental assumption of the risks of inconvertibility and expropriation under the investment guaranty program, government officials and congressmen expected the investment climate to improve sufficiently to promote United States direct investments abroad. The investigation reveals that investors utilized $48.6 million in guaranties during 1948-54 ($33 million, allowing for reductions due to cancellations, conversion, or returns of the guaranteed investments) for investments in Western Europe; the available guaranty authority was $200 million. In comparison, United States postwar private foreign direct investments averaged some $1.2 billion annually. The investigation reveals that, in addition to small utilization of the guaranties, large internationally well-known corporations rather than small business or firms without foreign investment experience utilized the guaranty protection during 1948-54. The investment guaranty program did not promote new direct investments from this country, nor did it increase significantly the volume of these investments. Private business opposed the guaranty measure partly be-
Time domain and frequency domain conditions for strict positive realness

The author states various time-domain and frequency-domain conditions pertaining to multivariate strict positive real systems and establishes the relationship between these conditions. Their relationship is clarified by means of a three-tier diagram; each tier represents a set of equivalent conditions successively stronger than the lower tier. The main theorem in the present study can be considered as the positive realness lemma for strictly positive real systems. >
Postearthquake relaxation after the 2004 M6 Parkfield, California, earthquake and rate-and-state friction

[1] An unusually complete set of measurements (including rapid rate GPS over the first 10 days) of postseismic deformation is available at 12 continuous GPS stations located close to the epicenter of the 2004 M6.0 Parkfield earthquake. The principal component modes for the relaxation of the ensemble of those 12 GPS stations were determined. The first mode alone furnishes an adequate approximation to the data. Thus, the relaxation at all stations can be represented by the product of a common temporal function and distinct amplitudes for each component (north or east) of relaxation at each station. The distribution in space of the amplitudes indicates that the relaxation is dominantly strike slip. The temporal function, which spans times from about 5 min to 900 days postearthquake, can be fit by a superposition of three creep terms, each of the form βl loge(1 + t/τl), with characteristic times τl = 4.06, 0.11, and 0.0001 days. It seems likely that what is actually involved is a broad spectrum of characteristic times, the individual components of which arise from afterslip on different fault patches. Perfettini and Avouac (2004) have shown that an individual creep term can be explained by the spring-slider model with rate-dependent (no state variable) friction. The observed temporal function can also be explained using a single spring-slider model (i.e., single fault patch) that includes rate-and-state-dependent friction, a single-state variable, and either of the two commonly used (aging and slip) state evolution laws. In the latter fits, the rate-and-state friction parameter b is negative.
Anatomical and behavioral analyses of the inheritance of audiogenic seizures in the progeny of genetically epilepsy-prone and Sprague-Dawley rats

Our previous studies have shown an increase in the number of GABAergic and total neurons in the inferior colliculus (IC) of the genetically epilepsy-prone rat (GEPR-9) as compared to the non-seizing Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat. To determine whether an increase in neuron number in the IC is genetically associated with seizure behavior, seizing and non-seizing offspring of GEPR-9 and SD progenitor strains were studied as well as offspring from backcrosses made with F1 and either GEPR-9 or SD rats. In addition, the ontogeny of seizure behavior was studied in seizing rats from these same backgrounds. The development of seizure behavior in GEPR-9s was shown to be dependent on age and the number of exposures to sound stimulus up until the age of 9 weeks. The F1 and F2 generations displayed different audiogenic seizure profiles than those of the two progenitor strains. In the F1 generation, the ratio of seizing to non-seizing rats was always greater than 3:1, and the distribution of seizure scores was similar for males and females. In addition, the off-spring from backcrosses made with F1 rats (high or low seizing) and GEPR-9s displayed maximal audiogenic response scores (ARS) of 9, a characteristic of the GEPR-9s used in this study. The results of these genetic studies indicate a polygenetic inheritance of this autosomal dominant trait of audiogenic seizure susceptibility. For the quantitative study of neuronal density in the IC, neurons were counted from cresyl violet-stained preparations from seizing and non-seizing F1 and F2 rats, backcrosses from different categories and age-matched SD rats. Statistically significant increases in the number of both small (70% increase) and medium-sized (14% increase) neurons occurred in the high seizing animals (ARS = 7-9) as compared to either the non-seizing F2 or SD rats. In addition, a significant increase in the number of small neurons (77% increase) occurred in the high seizing offspring of the F1 X GEPR-9 backcross as compared to that of the non-seizing offspring of the F1 X SD backcross. The data from 25 rats generated a 0.9 coefficient of linear correlation between ARS and the number of small neurons. The results from the anatomical studies suggest that the inheritance of audiogenic seizures appears to be closely linked to the increase in cell number. Therefore, the increase in cell number in the IC may be an important determinant of seizure behavior for GEPR-9s.
Hydrocarbon oxidation and aldol condensation over basic zeolite catalysts

Ion-exchanged X zeolites, with and without occluded cesium, were tested as catalysts for hydrocarbon oxidation and aldol condensation. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed that combustion products were formed during the oxidation reactions. The reaction profile of 1-butene or butane oxidation over zeolite X in the range of 473-523 K revealed an induction time followed by a maximum in CO 2 production. Ion-exchanged NaX and CsX exhibited a higher maximum CO 2 production rate than MgX during butene oxidation at 473 K. Addition of Cs to CsX above ion-exchange capacity decreased the CO 2 production rate, indicating that basicity was not important for the reaction. Silica, alumina and Cs-doped alumina were several orders of magnitude less active than NaX and CsX for 1 -butene oxidation at 523 K. In general, the oxidation of butane was slower than that of 1-butene. The high electric field associated with cations in the zeolite pores is suggested to be important for the oxidation reactions. In contrast to hydrocarbon oxidation, the condensation reaction of propionic acid and formaldehyde to form methacrylic acid at 598 K depended on the basicity of the zeolite, with the activity increasing in the order NaX < KX < CsX. Increasing the basicity of CsX by occluding Cs in the pores beyond ion-exchange capacity further increased the activity.
The Effect of the Case Method on Tolerance for Ambiguity

This research examined the effect of the case method of teaching the strategic management course on students' tolerance for ambiguity. Ambiguity tolerance, locus of control, and several demographic variables were assessed at pre- and postcourse intervals to determine if ambiguity tolerance increased with the use of narrative cases. When compared to the control group, the results suggest that case teaching can improve ambiguity tolerance of student participants. Performance in the course was also associated positively with tolerance for ambiguity. Implications of the change in ambiguity tolerance and future research directions are discussed.
The Campanian Terlingua local fauna, with a summary of other vertebrates from the Aguja Formation, Trans-Pecos Texas

ABSTRACT The Terlingua local fauna is a rich assemblage of predominantly terrestrial micro vertebrates from the Upper Cretaceous Aguja Formation of Trans-Pecos Texas. Marine invertebrates (which include elements of both Cretaceous Western Interior and Gulf Coast zoogeographic provinces) from conformably underlying strata suggest that the fauna is of late Campanian age, probably correlative with Judithian assemblages of the Western Interior. A Judithian “age” for the fauna is further supported by its mammal and theropod assemblages, and by the faunas of overlying deposits. The previously reported diversity of the Aguja Formation, which we summarize, is significantly enriched by this new fauna. The fauna also fills a major gap in the biogeography of Campanian terrestrial vertebrates. Notable occurrences in the Terlingua local fauna include the therian mammal Gallolestes, previously known only from Baja California, and a hitherto unrecorded type of primitive ‘tribothere.’ At least 4 marsupial and 6 multitube...
Brownian-motion contributions to relaxation in nematic liquid crystals

Abstract Nuclear spin-lattice relaxation in nematic mesophases is calculated assuming brownian molecular motion in the presence of a time independent anisotropic pseudo-potential. The results give excellent agreement with the experimentally observed temperature dependence of relaxation in both the nematic and isotropic phases of PAA and reproduce the observed discontinuity of T 1 at the nematic-isotropic transition. They suggest that, while the liquid crystal collective modes are probably the principal contributors to the frequency dependence of T 1 , the high frequency molecular motions may be important contributors to the thermal dependence.