cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving Learning Maps Using an Adaptive Testing System: PLACEments

Several efforts have been put forth in finding algorithms for identifying optimal learning maps for a given cognitive domain. In (Adjei, et. al. 2014), we proposed a greedy search algorithm for searching data fitting models with equally accurate predictive power as the original skill graph, but with fewer nodes/skills in the graph. In this paper we present PLACEments, an adaptive testing system, and report on how it can be used to determine the strength of the prerequisite skill relationships in a given skill graph. We also present preliminary results that show that different learning maps need to be designed for students with different knowledge levels.
Transcriptional Regulation of Thymus Organogenesis and Thymic Epithelial Cell Differentiation

Transcriptional regulatory networks are the central regulatory mechanisms that control organ identity, patterning, and differentiation. In the case of the thymus, several key transcription factors have been identified that are critical for various aspects of thymus organogenesis and thymic epithelial cell (TEC) differentiation. The thymus forms from the third pharyngeal pouch endoderm during embryogenesis. Organ development progresses from initial thymus cell fate specification, through multiple stages of TEC differentiation and cortical (cTEC) and medullary (mTEC) formation. Transcription factors have been identified for each of these stages: a Hoxa3-dependent cascade at initial fate specification, Foxn1 for early (and later) TEC differentiation, and NF-kappaB for mTEC differentiation. As important as these factors are, their interrelationships are not understood, and many more transcription factors are likely required for complete thymus organogenesis to occur. In this chapter, we review the literature on these known genes, as well as identify gaps in our knowledge for future studies.
Effect of Early Immunization on Antibody Response to Reimmunization with Measles Vaccine as Demonstrated by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

A measles epidemic in San Antonio, Texas provided a population of children who were immunized at less than or equal to 10 months of age and reimmunized at greater than or equal to 15 months of age. Of these children, 302 were evaluated for measles antibody by the sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and their responses were compared with those of 300 children who had been immunized at the customary time (greater than or equal to 15 months) with a single immunization. There were only five seronegative findings in each group. The children immunized at the customary time did have significantly higher (P less than .001) antibody titers than the children immunized at less than or equal to 10 months and reimmunized at greater than or equal to 15 months. These results indicate that early immunization followed by reimmunization may be indicated when young infants are at significant risk of measles exposure. This approach should not create an increased number of serologically nonresponsive children when reimmunized at greater than or equal to 15 months.
Existence and Properties of the ϕ Meson

This experiment is part of a continuing study of the K--p interaction at 2.23 Bev/c. The data were collected in two exposures at the 20 in. BNL hydrogen chamber at Brookhaven's AGS, one taken in February 1962, and the other in January 1963.
Practical computer graphics for scientific users: Philosophy and implementation

Abstract The scientific computer user presents a unique challenge to the graphics system designer. If the graphics system is properly designed and implemented, computer graphics becomes a vital research tool for the scientific user. These users' desires and expectations play an important role in every phase of the design process. This paper describes the philosophy of the graphics system at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and its implementation. Details of algorithms are not presented; rather the purpose has been to describe a successful computer graphics system which may serve as a guide for other designers who desire to provide practical computer graphics. This graphics system operates under a batch-mode computer system without using interactive terminals.
c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibits TNFα-induced NF-κB activation through endosomal Nox1 in vascular smooth muscle cells (1096.4)

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, can cause either vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis (JNK-dependent) or proliferation (NF-κB-dependent). We hypothesized that J...
Characterization of Naturally Occurring Atrazine-Resistant Isolates of the Purple Non-Sulfur Bacteria

Six isolates of the purple non-sulfur bacteria, which upon primary isolation were naturally resistant to the herbicide atrazine, were characterized with respect to their taxonomic identity and the mechanism of their resistance. On the basis of electron microscopy, photopigment analysis, and other criteria, they were identified as strains of Rhodopseudomonas acidophila, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, or Rhodocyclus gelatinosus. These isolates exhibited degrees of atrazine resistance which ranged from 1.5 to about 4 times greater than that of cognate reference strains (American Type Culture Collection) tested. Furthermore, all of the reference strains tested were more intrinsically resistant to atrazine than was Rhodobacter sphaeroides. No unique plasmids which might encode for herbicide degradation or inactivation were found in these isolates. Resistance to the herbicide in these isolates was not the result of diminished binding of the herbicide to the L subunit of the bacterial reaction center. Differences in herbicide resistance among the various species of this group may be the result of compositional and chemical differences in the individual reaction centers. However, the increase in atrazine resistance for the isolates characterized in this study probably occurs by undefined mechanisms and not necessarily by changes in the binding of the herbicide to the L subunit of the photosynthetic reaction center.
The Dynamics of Price, Revenue, and System Utilization

Content delivery is a growing enterprise in the Internet. Critical to the management of content delivery systems is understanding customer behavior, its impact on the consumption of system resources and how together, these affect revenue. We believe that price dictates overall customer behavior and that understanding the relationship between price and customer behavior is the key to effective system management. To this end, we study the impact of price on revenue and system utilization. Our service model is based on customers being able to refuse content basedon their capacity to pay and their willingness to pay the price quoted. We quantify the effects of such customer behavior on revenue andsystem utilization. Since customer behavior and characteristics are highly varying and not known a priori, we develop an adaptive pricing model which tracks user behavior as well as the arrival process to maximize revenue. We validate it using simulation. Our simulation results indicate that the adaptive pricing scheme generates nearly the same revenue as the theoretical expectation under very dynamic workloads.
Material properties and applications of blended organic thin films with nanoscale domains deposited by RIR-MAPLE

Resonant-infrared, matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (RIR-MAPLE) has been used to deposit blended, organic thin-films with nanoscale domain sizes of constituent polymers, small molecules, or colloidal nanoparticles. In the emulsion-based RIR-MAPLE process, the target contains a nonpolar, organic solvent phase and a polar, water phase. The emulsion properties have a direct impact on the nanoscale morphology of single-component organic thin films, while the morphology of blended, organic thin films also depends on the RIR-MAPLE deposition mode. In addition to these fundamental aspects, applications of blended organic films (organic solar cells, anti-reflection coatings, and multi-functional surfaces) deposited by emulsion-based RIR-MAPLE are presented. Importantly, domain sizes in the blended films are critical to thin-film functionality.
The Minnesota Child Development Inventory ad an aid in the assessment of developmental disability

Parents' reports on their children's functioning were obtained from the Minnesota Child Development Inventory (MCDI) during a review of 132 cases. These data were found to be highly correlated (r = .92) with mental ages obtained during formal psychometric evaluation. The data support the use of the MCDI as an additional tool in the assessment of clinical population of children suspected of having developmental disabilities.
A 10-YEAR LONGITUDINAL FOLLOW-UP OF PARTICIPANTS IN A FAST-PACED MATHEMATICS COURSE

Students who participated in a fast-paced mathematics course for highly mathematically talented students were surveyed 10 years later, at approximately age 23. Areas considered were (a) undergraduate experience, (b) graduate experience, (c) attitudes toward mathematics and science, and (d) self-esteem. Participants attended more prestigious undergraduate colleges than did nonparticipants. Participants were more likely to attend graduate school than were nonparticipants; this finding stemmed from differences among females. Self-esteem ratings, although high for both groups, were found to be higher for students who qualified for the class but did not participate. Attitudes toward math and science were equivalent between the two groups. Overall, participation in the fast-paced mathematics classes of the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth (SMPY) was associated with stronger undergraduate education for all students and with more advanced education among females. The fast-paced classes caused gifted students no harm. Although not all youths who reason exceptionally well mathematically can be expected to become eminent mathematicians and scientists, it seems reasonable to believe that such children's talent would make them especially well qualified for high achievement in such areas (Horowitz & O'Brien, 1986; Kuhn, 1970; Mumford & Gustafson, 1988). Feldhusen (1989) has argued, however, that if gifted children spend too much time in school encountering new material at too slow a pace or being instructed in things they already know, they will lose the motivation to achieve. Whitmore (1980) and Zilli (1971) have also reported that boredom, poor classroom
On the potential theory of symmetric Markov processes

On reprend des resultats de Dynkin et on considere un processus de Markov fort, symetrique, continu a droite. On etudie la relation existant entre le cone de mesures (positives) d'energie finie et la capacite
Why do dislocations assemble into interfaces in epitaxy as well as in crystal plasticity? To minimize free energy

Dislocations commonly form planar arrays that minimize the free interfacial energy between relatively mismatched crystal volumes. In epitaxy and phase transformations, the causative misfit is that between differences in lattice structure and/or orientations of different phases. In deformed homogeneous crystalline materials, the planar dislocation arrays are grain and mosaic block boundaries that accommodate relative misorientations within the same crystal structure. Thus, overwhelmingly, planar dislocation arrays have a basically common origin, namely minimization of interfacial energies. Consequently, they are all subject to the low-energy dislocation structures (LEDS) hypothesis. While the specific applications of the underlying general theory are well advanced in terms of epitaxy, phase, and grain boundaries, in connection with plastic deformation that very basis is widely overlooked, if not denied. The present article aims to (a) document the fact that, while being formed, dislocation structures due to plastic deformation are in thermodynamical equilibrium, (b) firmly establish the outlined connection between planar dislocation arrays of all types, and, thereby, (c) establish the kinship between epitaxy and plastic deformation of crystalline materials.
Similarity based method for manufacturing process performance prediction and diagnosis

Full realization of all the potentials of predictive maintenance highly depends on the accuracy of long-term predictions of the remaining useful life of manufacturing equipments. In this paper, we propose a new method that is capable of achieving high long-term prediction accuracy by comparing signatures from any two degradation processes using measures of similarity that form a match matrix (MM). Through this concept, we can effectively include large amounts of historical information into the prediction of the current degradation process. Similarities with historical records are used to generate possible future distributions of features indicative of process performance, which are then used to predict the probabilities of failure over time by evaluating overlaps between predicted feature distributions and feature distributions related to unacceptable equipment behavior. The analysis of experimental results shows that the proposed method can yield a noticeable improvement of long-term prediction accuracy in terms of mean prediction errors over the Elman Recurrent Neural Network (ERNN) based prediction, which was shown in the past literature to predict well behavior of highly non-linear and non-stationary time series.
Protection against Aflatoxin B1-Induced Hepatic Toxicity as a Short-Term Screen of Cancer Chemopreventive Dithiolethiones

Abstract Dithiolethiones are an important class of cancer chemopreventive agents. More than 50 new dithiolethione analogs were synthesized for structure–activity studies. Using selected dithiolethiones, studies were designed to measure protection against the hepatotoxicity of aflatoxin B1(AFB1) and relate it to the protection against carcinogenicity. Young male F344 rats were pretreated with 0.1 or 0.3 mmol dithiolethiones/kg body wt and challenged with toxic doses of AFB1(50 μg/100 g rat/day) on 2 successive days. One day later, the protection from hepatotoxicity was assessed by measuring serum hepatic enzymes, hepatic necrosis, and degree of bile duct cell proliferation. The ability of these dithiolethiones to prevent AFB1-induced tumorigenicity was assessed by quantifying the hepatic burden of putative preneoplastic lesions [placental glutathioneS-transferase (GST-P)-positive foci]. Significant correlations (p
Microwave radiometer sensor technology research for Earth science measurements

A research program has been initiated at NASA Langley Research Center to investigate the critical technologies for developing advanced microwave radiometers suitable for Earth science observations. A significant objective of this research is to enable microwave measurements with adequate spatial resolutions for a number of Earth science parameters, such as sea ice, precipitation, soil moisture, sea surface temperature, and wind speed over oceans. High spatial resolution microwave sensing from space with reasonable swath widths and revisit times favor large real aperture radiometer systems. However, the size requirements for such systems are in conflict with the need to emphasize small launch vehicles. This paper describes a tradeoff between the science requirements, basic operational parameters, test configurations, and expected sensor performance for a satellite radiometer concept. The preliminary designs of real aperture systems utilizing novel light-weight compact-packaging techniques are used as a means of demonstrating this technology.
Theoretical study of nucleophilic substitution at the disulfide bridge of cyclo-l-cystine.

The reaction of cyclo-l-cystine with thiolate is examined at the B3LYP/6-31+G* level. The two isomers of cyclo-l-cystine differ in their dihedral angle about the disulfide bond; the M isomer (with dihedral angle of −90.1°) is found to be slightly lower in energy. The nucleophilic substitution reaction at sulfur follows the addition−elimination mechanism, exemplified by the hypercoordinate sulfur intermediate on the reaction surface. The reaction is exergonic (ΔG = −6.16 kcal mol-1), and both the entrance and exit transition state lie below the reactant energies.
Campaign Context and Preference Dynamics in U.S. Presidential Elections

Previous scholarship finds that campaigns “matter” in that these enterprises have the capacity to influence voter preferences. Insights about how campaigns exert effects on preferences are less abundant, however. In this paper, we elaborate a theory of campaign effects that proposes campaigns matter, at least in part, because they function as a filter to mediate the impact of events. By amplifying and reinforcing the impact of relevant events, campaigns help voters process campaign developments, permitting citizens to form, crystallize or update candidate preferences. In quadrennial presidential contests, active campaigns are generally limited to battleground states, setting up natural experiments that allow scholars to investigate the claim that competitiveness influences campaign dynamics by generating vigorous campaigns that intensify the impact of events. We examine this hypothesis by comparing the dynamics of voter preferences for U.S. president in battleground and non-battleground states in the fall...
Statistical options: Crash resistant financial contracts based on robust estimation

Abstract We propose a class of European-type options, which is named here as statistical options, utilizing robust location estimators from the statistics literature. The main motivating objective is to protect the buyer of a call option against a sudden drop in the security price or a put option against a sharp upward move. The vast literature on the asymptotics for the location estimator can be called upon to accurately approximate the prices of these options, when the price formulae are not obtainable in closed form. The statistician's eternal quest for robust estimators which are highly efficient under normality finds here another reason. A notion of limit loss option emerges as a special case, possessing practical appeal. The pricing of the options is carried out under the popular Black–Scholes model. A theory based on the jump diffusion processes ascertains that these robust options manage to nullify the effect of jump arrivals (or that of just the negative ones) in a limiting sense. Finally, a notion of ratio hedging is proposed for the statistical options.
Local triviality of the restriction map for immersions with normal crossings: An extension of a result of R. Palais

Abstract Let B, Y be smooth manifolds with dim B=dim Y and let Imm(B, Y) be the space of smooth immersions of B into Y. Let M be a smooth submanifold of B and let r : Imm (B, Y)→ Imm (M, Y) be the map induced by restriction. The question of when r is a fibration is now of interest in Continuum Mechanics. Let Immx(M, Y) denote the immersions with normal crossings, and let S= r −1 ( Imm x (M, Y)) . Using the stability of Immx(M, Y) in C∞(M, Y) under a group action, we show that r :S→ Imm x (M, Y) is a locally trivial fibration. The result indicates that any obstruction to r being a locally trivial fibration lies at the fibers of those immersions of M into Y which violate a transversality condition.
Transscleral iontophoretic and intravitreal delivery of a macromolecule: study of ocular distribution in vivo and postmortem with MRI.

The distribution and clearance of macromolecules in ocular delivery are not well understood. It has been hypothesized that iontophoresis can enhance transscleral delivery of macromolecules. The objective of this study was to investigate the ocular distribution of a macromolecule after transscleral iontophoretic delivery and intravitreal injection in vivo using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to compare these results. Experiments of constant current transscleral iontophoresis of 4 mA or intravitreal injection were performed on New Zealand white rabbits in vivo. Iontophoresis experiments were also performed on rabbits postmortem. Galbumin™ (Gd-labeled albumin) was the model permeant surrogate to clinical therapeutic agents. MRI was used to monitor the distribution of the molecule in the eye after ocular iontophoresis and intravitreal injection. In addition, the conjunctiva, sclera, choroid, and retina were extracted in the transscleral iontophoresis study to determine the amounts of Galbumin™ in these tissues using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The results show that iontophoresis enhanced the ocular delivery of Galbumin™. The macromolecule was mainly delivered into the conjunctiva and sclera in microgram quantities and then diffused towards the posterior section in the upper hemisphere of the eye in vivo. Both in vivo and postmortem studies show that the iontophoretic delivery of Galbumin™ into the vitreous was below the detection limit. In the intravitreal injection study, the diffusion coefficient of Galbumin™ in the vitreous humor was estimated to be close to that of free aqueous diffusion.
Interactions of CCCH zinc finger proteins with mRNA: tristetraprolin-mediated AU-rich element-dependent mRNA degradation can occur in the absence of a poly(A) tail.

The CCCH family of tandem zinc finger proteins has recently been shown to promote the turnover of certain mRNAs containing class II AU-rich elements (AREs). In the case of one member of this family, tristetraprolin (TTP), absence of the protein in knockout mice leads to stabilization of two mRNAs containing AREs of this type, those encoding tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. To begin to decipher the mechanism by which these zinc finger proteins stimulate the breakdown of this class of mRNAs, we co-transfected TTP and its related CCCH proteins into 293 cells with vectors encoding full-length TNFα, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and interleukin-3 mRNAs. Co-expression of the CCCH proteins caused the rapid turnover of these ARE-containing mRNAs and also promoted the accumulation of stable breakdown intermediates that were truncated at the 3′-end of the mRNA, even further 5′ than the 5′-end of the poly(A) tail. To determine whether an intact poly(A) tail was necessary for TTP to promote this type of mRNA degradation, we inserted the TNFα ARE into a nonpolyadenylated histone mRNA and also attached a histone 3′-end-processing sequence to the 3′-end of nonpolyadenylated interleukin-3 and TNFα mRNAs. In all three cases, TTP stimulated the turnover of the ARE-containing mRNAs, despite the demonstrated absence of a poly(A) tail. These studies indicate that members of this class of CCCH proteins can promote class II ARE-containing mRNA turnover even in the absence of a poly(A) tail, suggesting that the processive removal of the poly(A) tail may not be required for this type of CCCH protein-stimulated mRNA turnover.
Optimal PMU placement for fault location in a power system

This paper presents a method for placing minimum number of phasor measurement units (PMUs) in a power system in order to locate any fault in the system. A procedure using integer linear programming framework is proposed. Modeling of zero injection bus is also considered. Simulation results for the IEEE 14 bus and 30 bus systems are reported.
Alkynylatlon of aldehydic CH bonds via reaction with acetylenic triflones

Abstract Reaction of aldehydes with acetylenic triflones affords acetylenic ketones and alkylated acetylenes via the intermediacy of acyl radicals, the product ratio being highly dependent upon aldehyde structure and reaction conditions.
Acetylcholinesterase-rich neurons of the human cerebral cortex: Cytoarchitectonic and ontogenetic patterns of distribution

Layers 3 and 5 of the adult human cerebral cortex contain a very large number of pyramidal neurons that express intense acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymatic activity and AChE-like immunoreactivity. The density of these neurons is high in motor, premotor, and neocortical association areas but quite low in paralimbic cortex. These AChE-rich neurons are located predominantly within layer 3 in the premotor and association cortex, within layer 5 in the non-isocortical components of the paralimbic cortex, and are equally prominent in layers 3 and 5 in the motor cortex. Almost all Betz cells in the motor cortex and up to 80% of layer 3 pyramidal neurons in some parts of the association neocortex yield an AChE-rich staining pattern. The existence of a specific laminar and cytoarchitectonic distribution suggests that the AChE-rich enzymatic pattern of these neurons is selectively regulated. The AChE-rich enzymatic reactivity of the layer 3 and layer 5 neurons is not detectable during early childhood, becomes fully established during adulthood, and does not show signs of decline during advanced senescence in mentally intact individuals. The AChE activity (or enzyme synthesis) in these neurons is therefore held in check for several years during infancy and childhood and begins to be expressed at a time when the more advanced motor and cognitive skills are also being acquired. The absence of immunostaining with an antibody to choline acetyltransferase suggests that these AChE-rich neurons are not cholinergic. The regional distribution of these AChE-rich neurons does not parallel the regional variations of cortical cholinergic innervation. Whereas the AChE-rich pyramidal neurons of layers 3 and 5 almost certainly represent one subgroup of cholinoceptive cortical neurons, their AChE-rich enzymatic pattern is probably also related to a host of non-cholinergic processes that may include maturational changes and plasticity in the adult brain.
Electric field effect on superconducting YBa2Cu3O7?? films

Experimental evidence for a significant electric field effect in thin superconducting films of YBa2Cu3O7−δ is presented. MISFET-type structures have been developed which allow the application of electric fields larger than 4×106 V/cm across insulating SrTiO3 barriers into thin cpitaxial YBa2Cu3O7−δ channel layers. The results demonstrate that with these structures the electrical resistivity aboveT c (R=0) and the density of free carriers in the YBa2Cu3O7−δ films can be modified by 1–2% with gate voltages smaller than 50 V.
To have and to hold: exploring the personal archive

The personal archive is not only about efficient storage and retrieval of information. This paper describes a study of forty-eight academics and the techniques and tools they use to manage their digital and material archiving of papers, emails, documents, internet bookmarks, correspondence, and other artifacts. We present two sets of results: we first discuss rationales behind subjects' archiving, which go beyond information retrieval to include creating a legacy, sharing resources, confronting fears and anxieties, and identity construction. We then show how these rationales were mapped into our subjects' physical, social and electronic spaces, and discuss implications for development of digital tools that allow for personal archiving.
Improvement of the Thermostability of Pyruvate Decarboxylase by Modification with an Amylose Derivative

Pyruvate decarboxylase from brewer’s yeast was modified with the N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of an amylose glycylglycine adduct and some properties of the resulting conjugate were studied with regard to thermostability. By this conjugation the optimum temperature of the activity of pyruvate decarboxylase shifted from 35°C to 40°C. The conjugate showed a greater resistance than the enzyme to inactivating by heat treatment. It is suggested that AG-ONSu can be advantageously used for stabilization of the thermolabile enzyme.
The Problems of Beginning Special Education Teachers: Exploring the Contextual Factors Influencing Their Work

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present the preliminary results of a three-year investigation of the problems of practice of beginning special education teachers and the contexts in which they work. Our research study was designed to answer the following research questions: (a) What are beginning special educators' problems of practice? and; (b) What contextual factors facilitate or impede beginning special education Teachers' efforts to solve their problems of practice? The most frequently cited problems were related to insufficient curricular materials, dealing with behavior management/discipline, and obstacles to collaboration with general educators. The most significant sources of support were from other special education teachers; in general, novice special education teachers perceived themselves as segregated from the general education community, isolated from their general education peers and administrative staff. Discussion and implications regarding novice teacher induction programs and ...
Functional-Group Selective Ion/Molecule Reactions: Mass Spectrometric Identification of the Amido Functionality in Protonated Monofunctional Compounds

A mass spectrometric method was developed for the screening of the amido functionality in monofunctional protonated analytes. This method is based on selective gas-phase derivatization of protonated analytes by (N,N-diethylamino)dimethylborane in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) and triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Examination of a series of protonated analytes demonstrated that only the compounds containing the amido functionality react with the aminoborane by the derivatization reaction. The mechanism involves proton transfer from the protonated analyte to the borane, followed by addition of the amide to the boron center, which leads to the elimination of neutral diethylamine. The derivatized analytes are readily identified on the basis of a shift of 40 m/z units relative to the m/z value of the protonated analyte and characteristic boron isotope patterns. Collision-activated dissociation was used to provide support for the structures assigned to the derivatized analytes. The structural information gained from this gas-phase derivatization method will aid in the functional group identification of unknown compounds and their mixtures.
Combined effects of temperature and salinity on embryos and larvae of the northern bay scallop Argopecten irradians irradians

The combined effects of temperature and salinity on embryonic development and on larval survival and growth to setting size of the northerm bay scallop Argopecten irradians irradians (Lamarck) were studied in the laboratory. A 6x6 complete factorial design was used; temperatures ranged from 10° to 35°C, at 5C° intervals, and salinities ranged from 10 to 35‰S, at 5‰S intervals. Response-surface contour diagrams were generated to provide estimates of conditions for optimal responses. Normal development of embryos occurred over a very narrow range of temperature and salinity. Survival of larvae occurred over a wider range of temperature and salinity than did embryonic development or growth of larvae. Satisfactory growth (>70% of the maximum observed value) occurred only at high temperature-high salinity conditions; optimal conditions for survival occurred at similar salinities, but at slightly lower temperatures. Temperatures of 35°C or greater and/or salinities of 10‰S or less were lethal for all life stages studied. Both salinity and temperature exerted significant effects on development and survival, but temperature was clearly the dominant factor influencing growth. It is suggested that northern bay scallop embryos and larvae be reared at their respective optimal temperature-salinity levels so as to increase efficiency of aquaculture operations.
100+ GHz transistor electronics; present and projected capabililties

Design principle and the present status of high-frequency transistors and integrated circuits are reviewed. Given presently-demonstrated process and material parameters, bipolar transistors having ∼3 THz power-gain cutoff frequencies are feasible. Demonstration of field-effect transistors having similar bandwidth requires development of high-capacitance-density gate dielectrics of adequately low leakage current, and high-K oxide gate barriers may therefore be necessary. Transistors of such bandwidths would enable e.g. ∼1.5 THz radio transmitters and receivers; classical electron device and circuit techniques are feasible over most of the sub-millimeter-wave (0.3–3 THz) spectrum.
Microsomal P-450 induction by some secondary products from thermal oxidation of dietary lipids: Epidermal hyperplasia, mutagenicity and cytochrome P-450 activities

Abstract Distillable secondary products from roasted fowl were found to be cytotoxic but not mutagenic when assayed with Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100 and TA1537. A crudely separated fraction of the volatiles produced focal hyperplasia and damage to the epidermis of the backs of mice. The volatiles also caused an apparent synthesis of non-constitutive forms of rat hepatic cytochromes P-450 which metabolize benzo[a]pyrene B[a]P differently from the constitutive P-450.
Perspective on development: From PG to GD to OD to HRD to TRU

Abstract Organization development as it is practiced today has emerged from the personal group and group development movement. It is still evolving and its latest form is human resources development, which is slowly but steadily replacing organization development. The futuristic form that will eventually emerge is total resource utilization, which as the term denotes is a humanistic use of all individuals where they are happiest and most productive in the organization.
Ferreting out the dynamics of ferritin expression

Ferritin is a remarkable molecule. A shell-like megapolymer of similar 20-kd light (L) and 21-kd heavy (H) subunits, it mediates a phase transition of soluble iron to solid ferric oxide, incorporating up to 2000 metal atoms into its mineral core. All living organisms exploit some form of this
Dominance and relation to coloration in green sunfish, Lepomis cyanellus.

Six green sunfish were established as residents of a community aquarium, and dominance relationships were observed. Independent judges rated relative coloration of the fish, and comparisons were made with dominance rank. When dominance rank was manipulated by exposing the most dominant fish to larger fish in another tank, then replacing him in the study tank, relative coloration was found to correlate perfectly with dominance rank. “Food dominance” was found to be independent of size, coloration, and spatial dominance.
Influence of natural amenities on residential property values in a rural setting.

Hedonic pricing has been used to identify values of nonmarket natural resource amenities. Most of these studies have been completed in suburban or urban communities rather than rural areas. The hedonic pricing study presented here includes developed residential parcel transactions occurring in a rural county in Michigan. We develop two hedonic pricing models using transaction data for two rural residential parcel types: developed parcels located in subdivisions, and developed parcels not located in subdivisions. Proximity to lakes and subdivision open areas positively affected the values of some parcel types, while proximity to forested land, publicly owned land, streams, and a National Scenic River did not have a positive influence. Results found in this study completed in a rural setting contrast with the results of other studies completed in suburban and urban settings.
Stabilization of the Tl2Ba2Ca2Cu3O10 superconductor by Hg doping

Abstract Hg doping of the triple-CuO 2 layer oxide superconductor Tl 2− x Hg x Ba 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 10 (Tl-2223) is investigated. Modest substitution of Hg 2+ ions for Tl 3+ ions leads to the stabilization of the Tl-2223 structure and an apparently optimized superconducting onset temperature T c =130 K. The situation is reminiscent of partial Bi ions replacement by Pb ions in the lower- T c Bi based oxide superconductors. Overdoping with Hg in Tl-2223 leads again to a decrease in T c .
Discovery of pyrrolopyridazines as novel DGAT1 inhibitors

Abstract A new structural class of DGAT1 inhibitors was discovered and the structure–activity relationship was explored. The pyrrolotriazine core of the original lead molecule was changed to a pyrrolopyridazine core providing an increase in potency. Further exploration resulted in optimization of the propyl group at C7 and the discovery that the ester at C6 could be replaced by five-membered heterocyclic rings. The analogs prepared have DGAT1 IC 50 values ranging from >10 μM to 48 nM.
The Chemisorption of CO on Cu Films on ZnO(0001)-O

Abstract The adsorption of CO on Cu films grown on the oxygen-terminated ZnO(0001)-O surface has been studied with temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and XPS. At 130 K, submonolayer Cu films can be grown which cover about 50% of the surface in two-dimensional islands, in intimate contact with the ZnO. These films adsorb CO very much like the Cu(110) surface, producing strong satellite structure in the C(1s) and O(1s) spectra, and CO TPD spectra dominated by a peak at 220 K. These results imply that this 2D Cu is metallic in character, consistent with earlier measurements of its electronic properties. An explanation for the lack of evidence for CO adsorption by submonolayer Cu in an earlier study is offered. Multilayer Cu films, or submonolayer films which have been forced to form thicker, smaller islands by annealing at high temperatures, show CO TPD spectra with a strong peak at ∼160 K, characteristic of Cu(111)-like sites, consistent with earlier LEED and ARXPS results. The loss in CO adsorption capacity of submonolayer Cu films caused by annealing is not as great as the loss in Cu surface area measured by He+ ion scattering spectra. This is interpreted in terms of a CO-induced redispersion of 3D Cu clusters into 2D islands.
Two Simplified Intelligent Transportation System-Based Lane Management Strategies for Short-Term Work Zones

Intelligent transportation systems–based lane management technologies were introduced to work zones in an attempt to reduce congestion and diminish queue lengths. Two forms of lane merging—the early merge and the late merge—were designed to advise drivers on definite merging locations. This study suggests two SDLMS—early merge and late merge—to supplement the current Florida Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plans. Data were collected in work zones on I-95, Florida using three different traffic maintenance treatments. The first MOT plan treatment was the standard MOT used by the Florida Department of Transportation. The second MOT plan was the early SDLMS, and the third MOT was the late SDLMS. Results showed that the maximum queue discharge rate (or capacity) of the work zone was significantly higher for the early SDLMS compared to the conventional Florida Department of Transportation MOT plans. The late SDLMS did not result in significant increase in the work zone capacity. Moreover, results showed that early...
Evaluating Product Testing Methods: A Theoretical Framework

This article presents a new theoretical framework for evaluating the utility of product testing methods. Use of the framework results in a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of four major factors which determine a method's utility, including its validity, reliability, manageability, and essentiality. Applications of the framework are shown for three contrasting situations, including comparative evaluation of test methods, comparative testing of products, and formulation of public policy.
Introduction to Subduction Zones

Subduction zones present many facades to those that observe them. From obvious features to obscure yet important processes, there are many aspects of subduction zones to observe and explain. Notable examples of obvious features are volcanoes, earthquakes, mountain belts, and deep sea trenches; while on the other hand, the unseen process of sediment subduction can produce long-term effects on the Earth’s geochemical reservoirs. Indeed, most disciplines of the earth sciences have reasons to study subduction zones, and consequently all disciplines can make contributions to our understanding of subduction zones.
Are We Ready for Ecological Commandments

Abstract This article discusses and offers solutions to three basic problems that environmentalists have encountered while teaching environmental ethics. The solutions include interdisciplinary study and research projects, teaching an intuitive understanding of the interrelatedness of the ecosystem, and a general, dynamic code of behavior for living an environmentally ethical lifestyle.
Amplification of the intracavity field in a strongly coupled atom-cavity system driven by a strong resonant pulse

Abstract We investigate the behaviour of the intracavity field in a strongly coupled atom–cavity system (a collection of two-level atoms inside a high-Q cavity) driven by a short strong external resonant pulse. A new effect is predicted, the amplification of the intracavity field appears if the atomic number density in a cavity exceeds the instability threshold which is proportional to the square of the strong driving field. The amplification gain is proportional to the amplitude of the strong driving field. The amplitude of the intracavity field in the vicinity of a critical point above the threshold is time-dependent modulated with harmonics of half of the Rabi frequency of the driving field.
Oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein in mononuclear cells detected by laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy

Hyperlipidemic states are associated with focal accumulations in arterial walls of oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein (LDL) and monocyte-derived liquid-laden macrophages, biochemical and cellular hallmarks of atheromatous lesions. Mechanisms underlying the generation and cellular uptake of oxidized LDL are still incompletely understood. We have used laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy to monitor the formation, intracellular accumulation, and tissue distribution of oxidized LDL. Oxidatively modified LDL excited by a XeCl excimer laser (308 nm) exhibits unique spectral characteristics that distinguish it from native (non-oxidized) LDL. The same spectral characteristics were demonstrated in lipid-rich atheromatous lesions, macrophages after incubation with oxidized LDL, and peripheral blood monocytes from hyperlipidemic, but not normolipidemic subjects. Detection of oxidized LDL in peripheral blood monocytes and arterial tissue may provide information on the atherogenic activity of hyperlipidemic states and serve as a novel risk factor for the assessment of atherosclerosis.
The effects of hedonically acceptable red pepper doses on thermogenesis and appetite

Previous studies suggest consumption of red pepper (RP) promotes negative energy balance. However, the RP dose provided in these studies (up to 10 g/meal) usually exceeded the amount preferred by the general population in the United States (mean=~1 g/meal). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of hedonically acceptable RP doses served at a single meal in healthy, lean individuals on thermogenesis and appetite. Twenty-five men and women (aged 23.0 ± 0.5 years, BMI 22.6 ± 0.3 kg/m(2), 13 spicy food users and 12 non-users) participated in a randomized crossover trial during which they consumed a standardized quantity (1 g); their preferred quantity (regular spicy food users 1.8 ± 0.3 g/meal, non-users 0.3 ± 0.1 g/meal); or no RP. Energy expenditure, core body and skin temperature, and appetite were measured. Postprandial energy expenditure and core body temperature were greater, and skin temperature was lower, after test loads with 1 g RP than no RP. Respiratory quotient was lower after the preferred RP dose was ingested orally, compared to in capsule form. These findings suggest that RP's effects on energy balance stem from a combination of metabolic and sensory inputs, and that oral exposure is necessary to achieve RP's maximum benefits. Energy intake was lower after test loads with 1 g RP than no RP in non-users, but not in users. Preoccupation with food, and the desire to consume fatty, salty, and sweet foods were decreased more (or tended to be decreased more) in non-users than users after a 1 g RP test load, but did not vary after a test load with no RP. This suggests that individuals may become desensitized to the effects of RP with long-term spicy food intake.
High-Accuracy Measurements of OH Reaction Rate Constants and IR Absorption Spectra: CH2═CF−CF3 and trans-CHF═CH−CF3

Rate constants for the gas phase reactions of OH radicals with two isomers of tetrafluoropropene, CH2═CF−CF3 (k1) and trans-CHF═CH−CF3 (k2); were measured using a flash photolysis resonance-fluorescence technique over the temperature range 220 to 370 K. The Arrhenius plots were found to exhibit a noticeable curvature. The temperature dependences of the rate constants are very weak and can be represented by the following expressions over the indicated temperature intervals: k1(220−298K)=1.145×10−12×exp{−13/T}cm3molecule−1s−1 k1(298−370K)=4.06×10−13×(T/298)1.17×exp{+296/T}cm3molecule−1s−1 k2(220−370K)=1.115×10−13×(T/298)2.03×exp{+552/T}cm3molecule−1s−1 The overall accuracy of the rate constant measurements is estimated to be ca. 2% to 2.5% at the 95% confidence level. The uncertainty of the measured reaction rate constants is discussed in detail. The atmospheric lifetimes due to reactions with tropospheric OH were estimated to be 12 and 19 days respectively under the assumption of a well mixed atmosphere. I...
Adaptive Instructional Aids for Teaching a Blind Student in a Nonmajors College Chemistry Course

Adaptive tools and techniques for lecture instruction were developed for a blind student in a nonmajors college chemistry course. These adaptive instructional aids assisted the student in writing and balancing chemical reactions, calculating unit conversions and concentrations, drawing Lewis dot structures, understanding structural representations of molecules with three-dimensional models, and identifying organic functional groups.
Associations of sexual identity or same-sex behaviors with history of childhood sexual abuse and HIV/STI risk in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To measure associations of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) with sexual orientation, behaviors, and attractions and HIV/STI incidence in a nationally representative sample of men and women. METHODS: Data from the 2004-2005 Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) were analyzed, including frequencies of CSA and HIV/STI incidence for five subgroups defined by sexual orientation based on identity, and behaviors and attraction to the same-or opposite-sex. RESULTS: Overall, 14.9% of women and 5.2% of men reported CSA. Among women, bisexuals, lesbians and heterosexuals with same-sex partners had 5.3-times, 3.4-times, and 2.9-times the odds, respectively, for CSA occurring sometimes/more frequently (vs. never) compared with heterosexuals not having same-sex partners or attractions.Among men, bisexuals, gay men, and heterosexuals with same-sex partners had 12.8-times, 9.5-times, and 7.9-times the odds, respectively, for CSA. Men and women sometimes or frequently abused had significant increases in odds for HIV/STI incidence compared to those not abused.Among women, sexual minorities had 3.8-times the odds and heterosexuals had 2.8-times the odds, while among men, sexual minorities had 4.2-times odds and heterosexuals had 1.5-times odds. CONCLUSIONS: Extraordinarily high rates of CSA were observed for sexual minorities and sexual minorities were more likely to have incident HIV or STIs, in this U.S. population survey.Identifying the impact of CSA among heterosexuals and sexual minorities in the US is a crucial first step in examining the sequelae of childhood sexual abuse, including the potential mediators of mental health and substance abuse disorders in the relationship between CSA and sexual risk taking. Language: en