cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stimulus Correlates of Visual Pattern Discrimination by Monkeys: Pattern Complexity

14 rhesus monkeys were presented 2-choice simultaneous visual pattern discrimination problems which were designed to provide estimates of the extent to which 3 physical dimensions of metric patterns determine discriminability. The results replicated our previous reports that discriminative performance was directly related to Element Disparity (ED) and Contour Disparity (CD), and that the ED and CD effects were independent. Performance was inversely related to a trichotomous dimension of Pattern Complexity (PC), but a more detailed analysis revealed that the effect of PC could be attributed solely to the effect of the Sides Level (SL) dimension identified previously.
Permission to Hate: Delaware, Lynching, and the Culture of Violence in America

On June 15, 1903, authorities in Wilmington, Delaware, apprehended a Black man named George White for the assault and rape of Helen S. Bishop, a White woman. The following afternoon, the charges against White were upgraded to murder after the victim expired due to injuries she sustained during the attack. White was found guilty the same day by a coroner's jury, which committed him to the newly erected state workhouse to await a formal trial in September. Despite demands that White face immediate sentencing, authorities decided that there was no need to call for a special session of the court. Over the next several days, a lynching hysteria began to build in the city. At the height of the tumult, on Sunday, June 21, the Reverend Robert A. Elwood of the Wilmington Olivet Presbyterian Church delivered an ominous sermon. Brandishing blood-stained leaves from the site of the Bishop assault, the reverend declared the city deficient in its responsibility to protect its citizens from such criminal atrocities and dilatory for not delivering speedy justice onto White. The next evening a mob stormed the workhouse. They marched White to the scene of his alleged crime, demanded a confession, and then lynched him by burning him alive. The lynching of White in Wilmington, Delaware, was typical of such occurrences in the early 20th century. Between 1882 and 1921, the United States was the scene of more than 3,405 lynchings. Most of the victims were African American men, women, and children. Described alternatively as unofficial executions, the
New condensation-type monomer combinations as ashless antiwear compositions

Abstract Environmentally acceptable antiwear additives should preferably not contain more elements than carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen; compounds composed of these elements can be selected or designed to be biodegradable. Most recently, lactam compounds were found to be very effective antiwear additives towards ceramic materials as well as metals. Lactam compounds are referred to as cycloamides. This paper aims at (i) describing compounds of a new antiwear additive group of lactams; particular emphasis is on caprolactam, the monomer used to synthesize Nylon 6; (ii) demonstrating the large synergistic antiwear effect observed when caprolactam is mixed with another condensation-type monomer, i.e. C36 dimer acid/glycol monoester; and (iii) showing one example of possible practical applications of such mixtures as specific running-in lubricants. Tribological tests carried out on a high-speed/high-load pin-on-disk machine demonstrated that caprolactam is an extremely effective antiwear additive for alumina-on-alumina as well as steel-on-steel systems. Similar antiwear effectiveness was also achieved for higher molecular weight cycloamides, e.g. laurolactam. Compositions of the monoester and caprolactam were tested using the T-11 pin-on-disk tester developed by the Institute for Terotechnology in Radom, Poland. This apparatus allows one to run tests at elevated temperatures up to around 300°C. It also continuously records the coefficient of friction and linear displacement due to wear. Combinations of the monoester and caprolactam showed a striking synergistic antiwear effect and reduced friction coefficient. A new small engine running-in lubrication approach is also described. This approach not only provides excellent and most impressive running-in performance but also results in substantial economic savings in labor and materials.
Impaired ability of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger from the Dahl/Rapp salt-sensitive rat to regulate cytosolic calcium.

We previously cloned Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX1) from mesangial cells of salt-sensitive (SNCX = NCX1.7) and salt-resistant (RNCX = NCX1.3) Dahl/Rapp rats. The abilities of these isoforms to regulate ...
An introduction to the special issue on marketing of high-technology products, services and innovations

We are pleased to introduce this special issue on marketing of high-technology products and innovations. High-technology industries are distinguished by increasing turbulence, and time-and information-intensive environments (Mohr, Sengupta, & Slater, in press). Additionally, issues related to unique characteristics like network effects, dominant design, and technological standards increase complexity in identifying, implementing, and evaluating marketing strategies in such environments (Hills & Sarin, 2003). This special issue features papers that contribute theoretically, methodologically, and substantively to enhancing our understanding of marketing strategies in high-tech environments. The articles in this special issue address a wide array of macroand micro-level issues ranging from:
Truncating Cross-Sectional Groundwater Models under Wetlands

Cross-sectional models, which represent two-dimensional flow in the vertical plane, tend to have problematic aspect ratios since the aquifer thickness is often small compared to the lateral extent of the flow domain. For that reason, the model domain is usually limited to the immediate area of interest, for instance the aquifer section underneath a dam. We propose a Cauchy boundary condition to represent flow from remote wetlands that are left out of the truncated model. The resistance to flow inherent to such a boundary depends on the aquifer properties and the resistance to flow through the wetland bottom. While the Cauchy boundary condition is based on the Dupuit-Forchheimer approximation to flow underneath the remote wetlands, the error appears to be negligible (less than 0.6%) for most practical cases, including flow in stratified aquifers. For the case of multiple aquifers underneath the wetlands, the total flow in the truncated model can be a few percent in error, which is typically acceptable for ...
Solving the problems with chirality as a biomarker for alien life

The basis for chiral biomarkers that have been increasingly proposed to obtain evidence for life is reviewed. Specific problems in accepting them and other biomarkers as proof of life are cited. A new chiral method is offered to overcome these difficulties, a method that can make an unambiguous determination of extant microbial life.
Observation of Bulk Susceptibility Effects in High-Resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Abstract The phenomenon of multiple echoes following a two-pulse stimulated-echo experiment in highly polarized systems is reinvestigated and explained using the Bloch equations. A semiquantitative formalism based on the nuclear contributions to the magnetic susceptibility throughout a multiple-pulse sequence is outlined and used to understand the formation of the echoes. This theory is used to direct the design of phase-cycled and pulsed-field-gradient experiments to control the echo formation. The theory also suggests a means of indirectly detecting a heteronucleus contained in a different molecule. This kind of detection is accomplished by modifying the static magnetic field with a stimulated-echo experiment on one set of the spins. Heteronuclear experiments show that this classical semiquantitative formalism is a useful tool in the understanding of spin dynamics in highly polarized systems.
The genetics of acute functional tolerance and initial sensitivity to ethanol for an ataxia test in the LSxSS RI strains.

Background: It has been proposed that development of tolerance to the behavioral effects of ethanol depends on the degree of impairment produced by the drug; that is, more sensitive individuals should develop greater tolerance. Tests of this hypothesis with respect to acute functional tolerance have produced contradictory results. We tested the hypothesis by examining the genetic relationship between initial sensitivity and acute functional tolerance in the LSXSS recombinant inbred mice. Methods: We tested mice for initial sensitivity to the ataxic effects of 1.75 g/kg of ethanol in a stationary dowel balance test by determining blood and brain ethanol concentrations at fall. Acute tolerance to the ataxic effects of ethanol was determined by measuring blood ethanol concentration (BEC) at regain of dowel balance ability after the first injection (BEC1RB) and after a second ethanol injection of 2.0 g/kg (BEC2RB). Acute tolerance was quantified by the difference in ethanol concentration at the two regains of balance (BEC2RB − BEC1RB) or by the difference between the second regain and one of the initial sensitivity measures (BEC2RB − initial sensitivity). Results: Four different measures of initial sensitivity were taken: two that used BEC values and two that used forebrain or hindbrain ethanol concentrations. We calculated acute tolerance values by using each of these initial sensitivity measures plus BEC2RB. No evidence of a genetic relationship between initial sensitivity and acute tolerance was found, which suggests that these are two independent phenomena with respect to stationary dowel balance. Conclusions: Three conclusions can be drawn from this work: (1) Orbital sinus BEC at early time points (<5 min postinjection) may or may not accurately reflect brain EC in mice, dependent on genotype; (2) there is no genetic relationship between initial sensitivity and acute tolerance to stationary dowel ataxia in the LSXSS RIs; and (3) sex-specific factors affect low-dose ethanol responses on the stationary dowel.
Capacitive RF discharges modelled by particle-in-cell Monte Carlo simulation. I. Analysis of numerical techniques

Particle-in-cell Monte Carlo simulation has become a very effective tool in exploring processing plasmas and in particular capacitive RF discharges. We describe the conventional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation and its limitations in terms of computational efficiency, review the implicit subcycling methods used to improve computational efficiency for many problems, and analyse conventional and implicit subcycling PIC simulation performances on an RF discharge model. Implementation of the implicit subcycling scheme in our bounded one-dimensional electrostatic code, PDP, resulted in an order of magnitude reduction in the simulation run time when the accuracy conditions were satisfied.
Pharmacokinetics of RheothRx Injection in Healthy Male Volunteers

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the safety and tolerability of RheothRx (poloxamer 188) Injection administered as an intravenous (iv) infusion to healthy male volunteers and to determine the pharmacokinetic profile of poloxamer 188. Thirty-six healthy male volunteers were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation trial for RheothRx Injection. The volunteers were randomized to three treatment groups (12 per treatment group, with eight receiving active therapy and four receiving placebo). In each treatment group, volunteers received RheothRx Injection or placebo as an iv infusion on two occasions at least 3 weeks apart to make a total of six doses being studied (10, 30, and 45 mg/kg/h for 72 h, 60 mg/kg/h for 43.3 to 72 h, 60 and 90 mg/kg/h for 24 h). Serial plasma samples were collected during and up to 36 h after the end of the infusions; urine was collected over intervals from the start of the infusion until 36 h after the infusions were terminated. Plasma and urine samples were assayed for poloxamer 188 by gel-permeation chromatography. Pharmacokinetic parameter values were calculated by noncompartmental and compartmental methods. Poloxamer 188 was eliminated primarily by renal excretion. Estimates of clearance, elimination rate constant, and apparent volume of distribution at steady state values were independent of infusion rate. Poloxamer 188 displayed no apparent infusion rate dependence in its pharmacokinetics.
Legal liability as poison center consultant.

To the Editor, We appreciated the article by Curtis and Greenberg: “Legal liability of medical toxicologists serving as poison control center consultants: A review of relevant legal statutes and survey of the experience of Medical Toxicologists” published in September [1]. We conducted a similar review using Westlaw instead of Lexus-Nexus searching state statutes and common law decisions that define poison center indemnification and immunity via search terms (“poison control,” “immunity,” “indemnification”, and “medical director”) [2]. We found similar results of the states that specifically indemnify or limit the liability of poison control center consultants: California, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Illinois, Arkansas, Florida, and Washington [1, 2]. In addition, we found that several states (North Carolina, Missouri, Connecticut, and Georgia) have common law or statutory “public immunity” doctrines which could hypothetically cover state-created Poison Control Centers (PCCs), but such doctrines do not specifically include PCCs within their scope. We agree with their statement that almost all states have “Good Samaritan” and/or volunteer statutes that potentially exempt volunteers providing emergency consultation through PCCs. These Good Samaritan or sovereign immunity doctrines may protect PCCs to the extent they are state-created, funded, and operated. This area of law, however, remains undefined and no reported cases exist litigating the issue. We also agree with the authors that it is essential that PCC consultants should be aware of specific laws affecting poison control practice in their state, and that other centers can use this information when attempting to initiate legislation in their state.
Geotextile Response to Common Index Property Tests

Pavement engineers must design for marginal materials while simultaneously minimizing construction and design costs and extending the pavement design life. The inclusion of geotextiles in pavement structures is a common method of accounting for these apparently incompatible goals. However, the attempt to provide a cost-effective design often forces engineers to design on the basis of a minimal amount of geotextile index property data. The objective of this investigation was to quantify the variability of geotextile index tests to provide engineers with a means of estimating material variability for reliability-based engineering. A wide variety of geotextiles was obtained from manufacturers to represent a broad cross section of available geotextile products. The geotextiles were subjected to a battery of index property tests. The experimental manufacturer's average roll value (MARV) was computed from the limited number of replicates in the laboratory and compared with the manufacturer's reported MARV. Gene...
Multiplexed Bragg grating fibre-laser strain sensor system with mode-locked interrogation

A technique for the detection of wavelength shifts in wavelength-encoded fibre Bragg grating sensors, which is capable of interrogating several sensors on a common fibre path using a mode-locked laser principle, is described. Preliminary results obtained using two sensor elements are presented.
Microtubules are mobilized in the lactating rat anterior pituitary gland during suckling.

Microtubules in the lactating rat anterior pituitary gland were depolymerized into their constituent tubulin dimers by exposure of the pituitary to 4 C. The tubulin then was quantified with the [3H]colchicine binding assay, which was adapted for use with individual rat pituitary glands. The binding of [3H]colchicine to the tubulin fraction contained in high speed supernatants of lactating rat pituitary glands proved to be specific and saturable, and was pH, temperature, and time dependent. The amount of [3H]colchicine bound was linear over the range of protein concentrations tested (2–22 μg). To determine whether suckling affected the levels of microtubules in the anterior pituitary, tubulin levels were measured in groups of lactating rats after they were suckled (six pups per litter) for 0, 5,10,15, and 30 min following 4–5 h of nonsuckling. The tubulin concentration in the anterior pituitary progressively increased from 4 to 22 μmol during the 30 min of suckling; the increase was statistically significa...
Note---A Note on Least Squares Fitting of Functions Constrained to be Either Nonnegative, Nondecreasing or Convex

Hudson [Hudson, D. J. Least-squares fitting of a polynomial constrained to be either non-negative, non-decreasing or convex. J. R. Statist. Soc. B.31 113--118.] has described a complicated algorithm for least-squares fitting of polynomials constrained to be either nonnegative, nondecreasing, or convex. Alternate quadratic programming formulations which approximate general functions not necessarily polynomials by polygonal segmentation are presented here. The technique is simpler, more general and of wider applicability than that proposed of Hudson.
Development Of An Accurate Mirror Fiducial System Compatible With Computer-Controlled Polishing Methods

A precision mirror fiducializinq system for use in large optics fabrication has been developed and demonstrated. The arrangement is compatible with Perkin-Elmer's Computer Controlled Polishing (CCP) facility and Coaxial Reference Interferometer (CORI). The absolute position of figure errors on the mirror surface can be determined through measurements on the interferogram to within lmm on mirrors in the 1-2 meter diameter range.
Cortical Spreading Depression: A Model for Understanding Migraine Biology and Future Drug Targets

Cortical spreading depression (CSD) is an intense and steady depolarization of neuroglial membranes, and cessation of spontaneous or evoked synaptic activity. CSD can be evoked by simultaneous depolarization of a minimum volume of brain tissue, such as during cerebral ischemia, trauma, or cortical drug application. Once triggered, it slowly spreads to contiguous areas regardless of functional cortical divisions or arterial territories. A pathophysiological overlap between CSD and migraine aura has long been suspected. Both migraine aura and headache result from CSD. Neurological symptoms during migraine aura spread, and the speed of spread on retinotopic maps is consistent with the speed of CSD in experimental animals. Migraine headache results from CSD-induced activation of nociceptors in meninges and large blood vessels in concert with modulation of central pain mechanisms. Insights into causes and consequences of CSD have come from studies in animals with genetically modified neuronal Ca2+ channel subtypes that influence CSD threshold; therefore, genetic variations may influence CSD susceptibility in humans. Identification of CSD as an important cause of migraine headache provides new insights into mechanisms leading to an attack, and the potential for development of new prophylactic agents.
Fluorescence Polarization and Fluctuation Analysis Reveals CAMKIIα Catalytic Domain Pair Extension Triggered by Ca2+/Calmodulin

The autoinhibited calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases-II (CaMKII) assembles to form a holoenzyme structure with multiple catalytic domain pairs radiating out from a central core composed of oligomerization domains. Activation of CaMKII upon binding calcium2+/calmodulin (CaM) is known to initiate a biochemical cascade resulting in CaMKII translocation to synaptic spines and the induction of long-term potentiation. Little is known about the structural changes in the intact CaMKII holoenzyme responsible for this activation. Fluorescence polarization and fluctuation analysis (FPFA) microscopy, a method that combines time-resolved anisotropy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), was used to monitor Venus-CaMKIIα (where a Venus fluorescent-protein is tagged onto the N-terminus of CaMKIIα) before and after activation with CaM. FPFA simultaneously monitors brightness (a measure of the number of subunits in the holoenzyme), homo-FRET (a catalytic domain proximity detector) and diffusion time (a parameter sensitive to the mass and hydrodynamic volume of the holoenzyme). Together these measurements can potentially detect an array of different covert structural changes in the CaMKII holoenzyme triggered by CaM. In homogenates prepared from HEK cells expressing Venus-CaMKIIα, the addition of CaM triggered T286 autophosphorylation, an indicator of kinase activation. FPFA revealed a large increase in the holoenzyme diffusion time. Because changes in holoenzyme subunit stoichiometry were not observed, the change in diffusion time most likely indicates a large change in hydrodynamic volume, such as catalytic domain pair extension. This change was not observed in Venus-CaMKIIα-TT305/6DD, a mutant that cannot bind calmodulin. Holoenzyme activation by CaM did trigger a small, dose-dependent biphasic change in anisotropy (homo-FRET between Venus-tagged catalytic domains), but its magnitude was too small to be interpreted as catalytic domain un-pairing. Interpretation of these experiments will be discussed.
Predicting the crest height of a gravel beach

The beach crest is a common morphological feature formed by the deposition of sediment carried up-slope by wave swash. The elevation to which waves can pile gravel is a function of the size and density of the material relative to the hydraulic components of swash velocity, wave frequency and runup height. Two equations ((17) and (21)) that predict the height of the beach crest to the wave forces and the beach material are derived. The first derivation compares the wave force acting to move a stone up the beach face with a weight force acting to hold the stone in place. The second derivation relates the potential energy per unit area of the beach crest to the total wave energy that lifted and deposited the material above a given sea-level datum. As a test of the derived equations, the actual crest height of one natural gravel beach was accurately estimated by both equations derived. Further research and testing on other natural beaches are needed to fully verify Eqs. (17) and (21). A comparison of other equations (Eqs. (2), (3) and (4)) that predict crest height is also made. The poor fit of the other equations are a result of using values for the coefficients that were established in wave tank experiments. Another shortcoming of Eqs. (3) and (4) is that they do not include variables related to the beach material. Hence, they predict that all particle sizes from sand to boulders would be piled to the same elevation by the same wave forcing. Eq. (2) includes a particle size variable but predicts increasingly higher beach crests for larger particles. More realistic results for all three equations (Eqs. (2), (3) and (4)) would be expected with field-tested values for the coefficients, but a range in values for each different beach would be necessary. The advantage of Eqs. (17) and (21) is that equations are not dependent on coefficients whose values come from correlation with other data sets.
Suicidal behavior among inner-city Hispanic adolescent females.

Abstract Suicidal behavior is disproportionately frequent among inner-city Hispanic adolescent girls. In an attempt to generate a multifactorial set of hypotheses to explain this behavior, 33 such subjects consecutively admitted for suicidal behavior and 15 demographically identical nonsuicidal subjects were assessed by means of a structured interview. Mothers of all subjects were also assessed. Attempts were nearly always impulsive and nonlethal, though often with a stated wish to die. Nearly all were overdoses, and were precipitated by conflicts with mother or boyfriend. Mothers could usually identify the precipitants. Attempters' parents were less often born in the U.S., their mothers seemed medically less healthy, and their extended families were more often supported by public assistance, and had a higher incidence of criminal and psychiatric problems. School performance was poorer among attempters, who had suffered more and earlier losses, especially of biologic fathers, with whom fewer had ongoing relationships. They more often had boyfriends, had begun sexual activity, had recently lost friends, and expressed a mistrustful stance toward friend-ships. Similarly, their mothers had fewer friends and more often expressed a mistrustful stance. Relationships with mothers seemed more intense, desperate, and even violent, and attempters were much more often parentified, i.e., mothering their mothers. Although both groups often assumed caretaking roles in their families, attempters were more negatively described by themselves and by their mothers. While knowledge of suicidal models was common in both groups, attempters' mothers knew of even more models than did their daughters or the nonsuicidal subjects or their mothers. Notably, more attempters' mothers had themselves made attempts. Families of most attempters were usually mobilized by the attempt. These findings permit the construction of a putative profile of risk factors that can be tested more rigorously.
CHOICE OF TISSUE TO ESTABLISH THE DIAGNOSIS OF MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY IN AN ANIMAL MODEL FOR THE HUMAN INFANT

To find the best tissue to assess the magnesium (Mg) status of the sudden infant death victim, male 28-38 g Sprague Dawley rats were fed fed diets containing 100 or 0 mg of Mg/ 100 g and 20 % casein (100-20 or 0-20) for 1 week; others were fed 150 or 5 mg of Mg/ 100 g and 40 % casein for 2 weeks; and selected tissues were analyzed for cations on an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Mg values are presented here. Individual Mg concentrations in vitreous humor and soft tissues overlapped between control and Mg-deficient, groups, but in bone were distinctly separate. One bone should be consistently analyzed. Support: Missouri Heart Assoc. and the Life Seekers, St Louis.
Autoradiographic and biochemical studies of steroid hormone-concentrating cells in the brain of Rana pipiens.

Sex hormone concentration in the brain of Rana pipiens was investigated using autoradiographic and biochemical techniques. After injection of tritiated estradiol, labeled cells were found in a telencephalic complex (nucleus accumbens, ventrolateral septum, rostral amygdala, and ventral striatum), in the anterior preoptic area (APOA), the ventral thalamus, the ventral infundibular nucleus (VIN) and in the laminar nucleus of the torus semicircularis. After injection of tritiated testosterone, labeled cells were seen in the APOA and in the VIN. With respect to hormone-concentration in limbic telencephalon, preoptic area and infundibulum, the pattern of labeled cells seen in Rana pipiens is similar to other vertebrate species30. Cell fractionation studies revealed the greatest hormone concentration per unit protein to be in the pituitary, followed by the ‘limbic block’ of brain tissue and then the remaining brain tissue. After injection of tritiated testosterone, differential metabolism of the steroid was seen in the three regions studied: the hormone appears to be primarily unmetabolized testosterone in the pituitary; estradiol in the limbic block; and there is no one major metabolite in the remaining brain tissue.
Use of neural networks to identify transient operating conditions in nuclear power plants

A technique using neural networks as a means of diagnosing specific abnormal conditions or problems in nuclear power plants is investigated and found to be feasible. The technique is based on the fact that each physical state of the plant can be represented by a unique pattern of instrument readings, which can be related to the condition of the plant. Neural networks are used to relate this pattern to the fault or problem. 3 refs., 2 figs., 4 tabs.
Computerized interpretation of electrochemical data using deviation-pattern recognition

Abstract Nonlinear regression and deviation-pattern recognition are powerful and objective tools for the interpretation of electroanalytical data. They can be used to resolve overlapped i-E curves and in schemes to automatically identify electrode reaction mechanisms.
An investigation of the information content of foreign sensitive payment disclosures

Abstract The study investigates the information content of the foreign sensitive payment disclosures made during the Securities and Exchange Commission's ‘voluntary’ disclosure program. The results of the information content tests and the tests of the relationship between payment size and abnormal security returns imply that investors may have been reacting to the expectation of the loss of future business or to the possibility of future government sanctions.
The construct validity of intrinsic sources of personal relevance: An intra-individual source of felt involvement

Abstract This study explores the construct validity of intrinsic sources of personal (ISPR), an intra-individual source of (felt) involvement. Data relative to the internal consistency and the convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity of ISPR were generated in an experiment and tested using a structural equation methodology. Measures of ISPR were shown to achieve internal consistency and convergent validity, as well as discriminant validity with respect to measures of subjects' domain knowledge. Evidence for the nomological validity of ISPR was obtained by examining the relationships between three theoretically related constructs—ISPR, domain knowledge, and felt involvement.
Young faculty awards

Of the 200 science and engineering faculty members who have been selected to receive the first Presidential Young Investigator Awards, roughly one dozen are researchers in geophysics or geophysics-related fields. The awards, which are for up to $100,000 per year for 5 years (a combination of federal and matching private funds) for each recipient, are intended to help universities attract and retain outstanding young Ph.D.'s who might otherwise pursue careers outside academia. More than half of the 200 awards for fiscal 1985 went to engineers. The selection of the 200 was made from 1549 nominations from 232 Ph.D.-granting institutions. The new investigators will conduct research at 74 universities in 35 states. The program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
A SLOPE METHOD FOR CHARACTERIZING CRUDE SHALE OILS

ABSTRACT A correlation was found between the slope of a line from the plot of the log of the cumulative weight percent of n-paraffins versus the n-paraffin's carbon number adjusted for the lack of C4 and lighter n-paraffins. It was found that as the slope of the line decreased, the quality of the shale oil, represented by the initial boiling point, increased. This increase or decrease in oil quality is due to an increase or decrease in the amount of low boiling to mid-distillate fractions in the shale oil. In addition, the effects of carbon dioxide and nitrogen retorting on shale oil quality were investigated. It was found that carbon dioxide retorting, in addition to increasing shale oil yield, also increased shale oil quality. It is thought to increase the quality of the oil by increasing the amounts of components in the low boiling to mid-distillate fractions.
Dark adaptation and spectral sensitivity in the cat.

Abstract Photopic and scotopic spectral sensitivity functions were obtained from dark-adaptation curves using a behavioral tracking procedure. The dark adaptation process is much more rapid following light adaptation with the natural pupils than is the case when the pupils are artificially dilated. Dark-adaptation curves for test stimuli of various wavelengths showed a time course for cone and rod processes not unlike those found for humans but different from curves reported in an electrophysiological study of single retinal ganglion cells. Photopic and scotopic spectral sensitivity curves are compared with those of electrophysiological studies as well as with other behavioral studies of the cat's spectral sensitivity.
Utility of thin-layer preparations in thyroid fine-needle aspiration : Diagnostic accuracy, cytomorphology, and optimal sample preparation

BACKGROUND The efficacy of preparing thyroid fine-needle aspirations (FNAs) as thin-layer slides has not been evaluated extensively. METHODS To evaluate the efficacy of thin-layer cytology, the authors examined thyroid FNAs from 135 unselected palpable lesions that were aspirated using uniform procedures and prepared as air-dried, Diff-QuikR-stained direct smears (DS) and Papanicolaou-stained thin-layer slides (TL). Diagnoses rendered independently on masked slides from each thyroid nodule were compared with the reported final cytologic or histologic diagnoses based on all available pathologic material. Slides were analyzed for diagnostically important cytologic features and the optimal number of TL slides per sample was assessed. RESULTS TL diagnoses agreed with final diagnoses in 85% of cases compared with 96% for DS. All 11 neoplasms were recognized in both preparations. A final diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) was missed in 10 of 26 TL (39%) compared with 2 of 26 DS (8%) (P = 0.013, McNemar's test). Cytologic features appreciated less often in TL than DS (McNemar's test) included diffuse colloid, spherules, tissue fragments, and lymphocytes. Multinucleated giant cells were identified more often in TL than DS. Two TL slides were sufficient for diagnosis in 83% of cases. CONCLUSIONS The diagnostic accuracy of TL was 85% compared with 96% for DS. CLT was diagnosed accurately in 62% of TL compared with 92% of DS. Cytologic features in TL and DS may differ. Preparation of only two TL slides is adequate for definitive diagnosis in most cases.Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 1998;84: 17-25. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
Ceramic-metal reactions in composites, ceramic joining, and electronic packaging

Understanding interfacial reactions generally requires predicting the phases that form, their amounts, their sequence in the reaction zone, and their formation rates. For control of reactions it is necessary to known how the reactants and products vary with changes in process variables such as temperature, time, and atmosphere. Available thermodynamic data can be used to predict feasible reactions. Phase diagrams can be used to predict reaction paths and sequences of phase at reaction interfaces. Kinetic analysis of diffusion-controlled reactions is relatively straightforward in binary systems, but multicomponent systems or those with more complex kinetic laws are difficult to analyze. Because of these complexities, first-principle predictions of multicomponent ceramic-metal reactions are rare. More commonly, reaction interfaces are analyzed to deduce mechanisms. By conducting a number of such analyses it is hoped that common features will be discovered that apply to reactions in general. This paper briefly reviews three cases of reactive ceramic-metal systems. The approach emphasizes compositional and microstructural analyses of interfaces to infer the reactions that occurred. In each case the interfacial reactions are important to the ultimate properties of the material and optimizing properties requires control of those reactions. For some systems, thermodynamic data or phase diagrams may bemore » available to guide interpretation. In other cases, because of the complexity of the system or because the reaction, interface was not at equilibrium, the necessary data are unavailable.« less
Analysis of the genes involved in organizing the tail segments of the Drosophila melanogaster embryo.

The metameric organization of the Drosophila melanogaster tail is obscured by developmental events that partially suppress or fuse some of its regions. To better define the developmental origins and segmental identities in the tail of the Drosophila embryo, we documented expression patterns and mutant phenotypes of several genes that play important roles in its morphogenesis. We documented the domains of engrailed (en), Abdominal-B (Abd-B) and caudal (cad) expression in the tail region. The staining pattern of cut (ct) was used to correlate the embryonic sense organs with their respective positions on the larval cuticle. The en patterns in different Bithorax-Complex (BX-C) Abd-B morphogenetic (m) and regulatory (r) mutants demonstrated that Abd-B functions to, among other things, suppress embryonic ventral epidermal structures on the posterior side of A8 to A9. Ventral epidermal structures were not added back into the en pattern in r− or BX-C− mutants, indicating that although the BX-C functions extend through A10, other non-BX-C genes must be required for development of this segment.
Differentiating Behavior Initiation and Maintenance: Theoretical Framework and Proof of Concept

Although many interventions are effective for health behavior initiation, maintenance has proven elusive. Interventions targeting maintenance often extend the duration with which initiation content is delivered or the duration of follow-up without intervention. We posit that health behavior initiation and maintenance require separate psychological processes and skills. To determine the value of operationalizing maintenance as a process separate from initiation, we conducted a pilot study of a telephone-delivered intervention to assist people in transitioning from behavior initiation to maintenance. Participants were 20 veterans who had initiated lifestyle changes during a randomized controlled trial of a cholesterol reduction intervention. After completing the randomized controlled trial, these participants were enrolled in the pilot maintenance intervention, which involved three monthly telephone calls from a nurse interventionist focusing on behavioral maintenance skills. To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention, we assessed recruitment and retention rates as well as 4-month pre-post changes in health behaviors and associated psychological processes. We also conducted individual interviews with participants after study completion. Although not powered to detect significant changes, there was evidence of improvement in dietary intake and of maintenance of physical activity and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol during the 4-month maintenance study. Participants found it helpful to plan for relapses, self-monitor, and obtain social support, but they had mixed reactions about reflecting on satisfaction with outcomes. Participants accepted the intervention and desired ongoing contact to maintain accountability. This pilot maintenance intervention warrants further evaluation in a randomized controlled trial.
Micro-tool characterization using scanning white light interferometry

Micro-electro-discharge machining produces tools for micro-machining processes with diameters down to 3 ?m and lengths up to fifty times their diameter. This paper describes a metrology technique for characterizing the geometry of these tools by the standardized components of roughness, waviness and form. In this technique two-dimensional (2D) profiles are extracted from three-dimensional (3D) surface measurements acquired by scanning white light interferometry with height resolution below 1 nm. The profiles are transformed into the frequency domain and separated into form (wavelengths longer than 100 ?m), waviness (wavelengths between 10 ?m and 100 ?m) and roughness (wavelengths shorter than 10 ?m). Standard height and shape parameters are computed from the roughness, waviness and form profiles for 81 tools, enabling relative comparison of tool geometry in a quantitative and reproducible manner. This approach provides a more comprehensive quantification of geometry than alternatives such as measuring the diameter at a few points along the tool or scanning probe microscopy over small areas. The utility of the technique is demonstrated by characterizing the precision of three micro-tools produced by wire electro-discharge grinding (WEDG).
Reaction: The New Combines Investigation Act

On December 17, 1985, Federal Consumer and Corporate Affairs Minister Michel Cote tabled in the House of Commons a bill to amend Canada's present competition law. Although Mr. Cote claimed that the new legislation will "protect the marketplace" and "give consumers the widest selection of goods at the lowest possible price," this is extremely unlikely. A Combines Investigation Act which interferes with our system of competitive enterprise will instead stifle business rivalry, and lead to economic inefficiency. This, in turn, will reduce the welfare of the Canadian consumer. The main drawback in Mr. Cote's initiative is that it is predicated on an untenable and outmoded economic theory. This is the view that business concentration and rivalrous competition are incompatible. It, in turn, stems from the textbook model of "perfect competition," which declares ideal a scenario in which firms are small and numerous, goods are homogeneous and unchanging, information is costless and profits are always zero. But in the real world which Canada for better or worse inhabits, these conditions are irrelevant to rivalrous business struggle. In the marketplace, large scale enterprises, even gigantic ones, are not exempt from competition. They, too, can fail if they cease to satisfy consumer demands for quality, low price, efficiency, new products, good service and reliability.
Overview no. 57 Morphology, crystallography and kinetics of sympathetic nucleation

Abstract The phenomenon of sympathetic nucleation was investigated in detail, employing the Widmanstatten α precipitation in Ti-6.6 at% Cr and Ti-8.6 at% Mn alloys as a typical example. Two types of morphological arrangement, resulting from edge-to-edge and edge-to-face sympathetic nucleation are clearly identified. The question of whether or not the latter arrangement is formed by branching in the style of solidification dendrities was considered. By expressing the orientation relationship of precipitates in the form of a matrix, a search was made for the relationships which permit branching with equivalent pairs of conjugate habit planes. From the results of such analyses, carried out on commonly observed orientation relationships among f.c.c., b.c.c. and h.c.p. phases, it is concluded that crystallographic constraints essentially prohibit branching in all of these systems. A comparative theoretical study of the relative nucleation kinetics of homogeneous, grain boundary and sympathetic nucleation demonstrated that the activation barrier associated with these processes become comparable when sympathetic nucleation occurs on the terraces of plate shaped precipitate and the matrix:precipitate interface is replaced by a relatively low energy precipitate: precipitate boundary. TEM examination of regions in which sympathetic nucleation occurred indicated that the interphase boundaries are invariably replaced by small-angle precipitate:precipitate boundaries essentially in accord with theory.
Northern harriers on feeding territories respond more aggressively to neighbors than to floaters

Territory owners often respond less aggressively towards intruding neighbors than towards intruding floaters, an observation termed “the dear enemy phenomenon.” Comparisons of territory owners' responses to intruding neighbors versus their responses to intruding floaters usually have been made for owners of multi-purpose and/or breeding territories. Here, I describe responses of female northern harriers Circus cyaneus (owners) on winter feeding territories towards three types of intruders (female neighbors, female floaters, and male floaters) and show that the dear enemy phenomenon does not occur. Owners' responses towards neighbors were more intense (mostly flights rather than calls) than responses towards female floaters, which in turn were more intense than responses towards male floaters. The greater intensity of owners' responses towards neighbors compared to owners' responses towards male and female floaters may be related to differences in the threat posed by each of the three intruder types in terms of fighting ability (RHP) and potential losses from intrusion. Hence, whether owners respond more aggressively towards neighbors or floaters, and whether the dear enemy phenomenon is observed, may depend upon the relative magnitude of threat presented by neighbors and floaters to owners in terms of fighting ability and potential losses from intrusion.
Nonoperative versus Prophylactic Treatment of Bisphosphonate-associated Femoral Stress Fractures

Background Several studies have identified a specific fracture in the proximal diaphysis of the femur in patients treated with bisphosphonates. The fractures typically are sustained after a low-energy mechanism with the presence of an existing characteristic stress fracture. However, it is unclear whether these patients are best treated nonoperatively or operatively.
Personality and sexual risk taking: a quantitative review.

Findings from a quantitative review of the empirical research literature on normal personality and sexual risk taking are reported. The review focuses on domains identified in major models of normal personality representing the psychobiological and taxonomic perspectives. Focal sexual risk-taking behaviors were number of partners, unprotected sex, and high-risk sexual encounters (e.g., sex with a stranger). A comprehensive search produced 53 studies relevant to the review. A striking feature of the results is the paucity of research on domains of normal personality and sexual risk taking for all domains other than sensation seeking, which accounted for 64% of the effect sizes. The preponderance of studies (81%) took the psychobiological perspective and were published since 1990 (75%). Among the substantive findings were effects for sensation seeking, impulsivity, and agreeableness on all sexual risk-taking behaviors considered. Additionally, there were effects on specific behaviors for neuroticism and conscientiousness. The implications of these findings for future research on normal personality and sexual risk taking are discussed.
An Organically Templated Layered Vanadium Oxide: Hydrothermal Synthesis, Single-Crystal Structure, and Magnetic Properties of (H3N(CH2)3NH3)[V4O10]

Hydrothermal treatment of V2O5 with H2NCH2CH2CH2NH2 in H2O yields (H3N(CH2)3NH3)[V4O10], a layered mixed-valence vanadium oxide with protonated diaminopropane dications in the interlamellar space. The oxide layers are constructed from V5+O4 tetrahedra and pairs of edge-sharing V4+O5 square pyramids. This compound exhibits Curie−Weiss paramagnetism in the higher temperature region (T > 75 K) but undergoes a short-range antiferromagnetic ordering at 25 K.
If you don't know where you are, how can you get where you're going?: A contextual examination of professional development in the early childhood field

Professional development systems for early childhood teachers will be effective only if they participate in its construction. Currently, teachers are not participating in the development of such a system. This article uses contextual theory to examine reasons why current early childhood teachers may not be embracing and guiding the creation of a viable model of professional development. Using Bronfenbrenner's ecological model and examining micro, meso, exo, macro, and chrono level issues illuminates the barriers to teacher participation in and access to professional development systems. Examples of mechanisms to address these barriers are also examined.