cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of particle -matrix adhesion on the mechanical behavior of glass filled epoxies. Part 2. A study on fracture toughness

Abstract The static fracture toughness behavior of glass filled epoxies was studied using single-edge-notched 3 point bend (SEN-3PB) tests. Three different types of glass reinforcements, large glass spheres (LGS), small glass spheres (SGS), and glass fibers (GF), were examined. The surface of each type of filler was treated to either promote or inhibit particle–matrix adhesion. The volume fraction of filler studied ranged from 10 to 30 vol%. Special attention was given to the effect of particle surface treatment and/or moisture exposure on fracture toughness. Interestingly, moisture exposure resulted in improved toughness in the case of poor adhesion at the matrix–particle interface for LGS and GF filled epoxies. Transmission optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine the process zone in SEN-3PB specimens. These observations along with yield stress measurements suggest that the improved toughness was due to enhanced shear yielding of the matrix due to poor adhesion at the matrix–particle interface and increased matrix ductility due to the plasticizing effect of the absorbed moisture.
Memory access pathway: role of adrenergic versus cholinergic neurons.

Abstract A temporary depletion of brain norepinephrine in rats produced by injection of a dopamine beta-hydroxylase inhibitor, diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), 30 min prior to testing, prevented performance of a trained passive avoidance response 1, 3, 5 or 7 days after training. Subsequent recovery in performance indicated that the memory itself was not destroyed, but rather that the process of memory retrieval was affected. Anticholinesterase treatment produced a similar retrieval amnesia, but the effect was dependent upon the age of the memory at the time of drug injection [11]. In both cases, when the animals were presented a recall trial prior to injection, the normally observed amnesia was blocked. Animals treated with DDC up to 3 hr before training were capable of learning the passive avoidance task and of avoidance performance for a few minutes after training. However, these animals failed to produce a long-term memory of the trained response. Anticholinesterase treatment had no effect on memory formation. These results suggest different roles for adrenergic and cholinergic neurons in a pathway associated with memory storage and retrieval.
On Discrete Memoryless Relay Channels with Designable Transmitter Side Information

In a relay channel with channel states, channel state information at transmitter (CSIT) can significantly improve performance. While perfect CSIT is hard or impossible to obtain, partial CSIT obtained through finite-rate feedback from the receivers is practical. The problem is how to design such feedback jointly with the transmission strategy to optimize the performance. For discrete memoryless relay channel employing decode-and-forward, we prove the maximum achievable rate and show that the optimal feedback and transmission strategy are both memoryless and deterministic, thus, proving that an obvious intuition is indeed optimal.
Experienced secondary science teachers' perceptions of effective professional development while pursuing National Board certification

Reports such as Rising Above the Gathering Storm and Europe Needs More Scientists exemplify the international community’s concern about the state of public science education. With a lack of scientific literacy for all students and insufficient numbers of individuals choosing to pursue careers in science, the situation is seen as a threat to the sustainability of a robust national economy. Continuing professional development for science teachers is considered a key reform strategy for addressing the problem. As nations invest considerable funds towards improving the quality of science teachers (and consequently student learning) it is reasonable to explore science teacher perceptions regarding the most effective professional learning opportunities. This descriptive study surveyed 118 candidates for National Board certification in Adolescent and Young Adult Science from 42 states about their professional learning experiences. The survey intended to answer the question: ‘How do candidates perceive the relati...
Solubility of pure taxol in supercritical carbon dioxide

Abstract The solubility of taxol in supercritical carbon dioxide was measured using a high-pressure ultraviolet–visible-light-transmission static cell at pressures from 3000 psia to 7000 psia and temperatures 35°C to 45°C. The solubility of taxol increased by a factor of seven from 0.7×10 −7 to 5.0×10 −7 mole fraction from 3000 psia to 7000 psia. The experimental data were modeled using the Peng–Robinson equation of state and the Chrastil method. The Peng–Robinson equation of state method utilizing k 12 optimum did not provide an adequate fit. The Chrastil method provided a good fit with average absolute relative deviations of 4.6%, 3.6%, and 2.8% for 35°C, 40°C, and 45°C, respectively.
Early Detection of Possible Outbreaks from Electronic Laboratory Reports

Positive laboratory test results are required to confirm over 80% of communicable diseases and they are often the first indication of a disease. The space-time permutation scan statistic only requires disease counts, event date and disease location, which are available from an electronic laboratory reporting system for early detection of potential disease outbreaks. The timeliness in identifying clusters from data submitted by clinical laboratories to the NY statewide electronic laboratory reporting system was earlier than using the traditional method for selected communicable diseases.
Broker Fixed: The Racialized Social Structure and the Subjugation of Indigenous Populations in the Andes

Responding to calls to return racial analysis to indigenous Latin America, this article moves beyond the prejudicial attitudes of dominant groups to specify how native subordination gets perpetuate...
Controls on the carbon-isotope compositions of compounds in Peru surface waters

We sampled suspended organic matter from two east–west transects across the Peru upwelling region and determined the taxonomic and regional variability of the relationships between photosynthetic fractionation (ep) and environmental conditions for diatoms, dinoflagellates, and total photosynthate. We also examined controls on the δ13C values of zooplankton-derived sterols and suspended particulate organic carbon (SPM). Ratios of chlorophyll-a (chl-a) to SPM suggest that light limited diatom growth rates along the northern transect, while nutrients apparently limited growth along the southern transect. In the southern transect, three different diatom-derived sterols exhibit similar ep–growth rate relationships, consistent with previous results indicating that diatoms in Peru waters employ active transport of bicarbonate and were growth-limited by silicate. Phytol, largely synthesized by primary producers, and zooplanktonic sterols exhibited relationships similar to the diatom sterols, but correlation coefficients between their respective ep values and environmental conditions were significantly lower. Values of ep calculated from particulate organic carbon (POC) did not correlate with specific environmental variables, possibly due to the overprint of spatial variations in phytoplankton assemblages on δ13CPOC. These results suggest that the quality of environmental interpretation based upon carbon-isotopic composition decreases as particulate organic matter and target biomarkers become less taxon-specific due to contributions from multiple sources.
In Situ Ru LII and LIII Edge X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure of Electrodeposited Ruthenium Dioxide Films

The electronic properties of electrodeposited Ru oxide films supported on Au have been examined in situ by Ru LIII and LII edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) in acid media. The results obtained are consistent with the main voltammetric peak centered at 0.7 V vs RHE as being attributed to a redox couple involving formally Ru3+ and Ru4+ sites in the lattice. A linear correlation was found between the extent of oxidation of the film as derived from a deconvolution of the spectral features and the charge as determined from coulomteric analysis of the voltammetric curves. This observation suggests that only two Ru-based redox states are involved in this electrochemical process.
Lower Extremity Orthotic Management for the Spinal-Cord-Injured Client

The desire to ambulate following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is ever present. However, the practicality of walking for most complete SCI clients is minimal to none due to the energy requirements. On the other hand, people with incomplete injuries, both tetraplegia and paraplegia, are much more likely to regain some ambulation ability. These clients usually require walking aids and orthotic devices. This article summarizes the use of, and need for, a variety of lower extremity orthoses and the energy required to use them. The article also takes a closer look at the component parts of lower extremity orthotic devices. Last, this article gives a brief summary of functional electrical nerve stimulation (FES) as it is used in this client population for standing and stepping.
G- AND C-BANDING CHROMOSOMAL STUDIES OF BATS OF THE FAMILY EMBALLONURIDAE

Extent and nature of chromosomal change among nine species representing six genera (Saccopteryx, Rhynchonycteris, Diclidurus, Balantiopteryx, Cormura, and Taphozous) were examined using data from G- and C-banded chromosomes. Heterochromatin was restricted to centromeric regions in most taxa; extensive additions of C-positive material occurred in Bal- antiopteryx and Cormura. Comparisons of G-bands of euchromatic arms revealed considerable variation in G-band pattern and imply extensive chromosomal evolution among emballonurid species. Outgroup comparisons of G-band karyotypes proposed as primitive for several families of bats failed to reveal conserved G-band patterns, thus limiting the usefulness of differentiall y stained chromosomal data for resolving phylogenetic relationships of the Emballonuridae. The karyotype of Cormura brevirostris includes an extraordinarily large X chromosome that is mostly euchromatic. Evolution of the X chromosome and the nature of the sex-determining system in Cormura are unclear, but the species appears to possess a unique sex chromosome mechanism.
Tactual picture identification by blind and sighted people: Effects of providing categorical information

Four experiments examined the influence of categorical information and visual experience on the identification of tangible pictures, produced with a raised-line drawing kit. In Experiment 1, prior categorical information aided the accuracy and speed of picture identification. In a second experiment, categorical information helped subjects when given after the examination of each picture, but before any attempt at identification. The benefits of categorical information were also obtained in another group of subjects, when the superordinate categories were named at the start of the experiment. In a third experiment, a multiple-choice picture recognition task was used to eliminate the difficulty of naming from the picture-identification task. The multiple-choice data showed higher accuracy and shorter latencies when compared with identification tasks. A fourth experiment evaluated picture identification in blindfolded sighted, early, and late blind participants. Congenitally blind subjects showed lower performance than did the other groups, despite the availability of prior categorical information. The data were consistent with theories that assume that visual imagery aids tactual perception in naming raised line drawings. It was proposed that part of the difficulty in identification of raised line pictures may derive from problems in locating picture categories or names, and not merely in perception of the patterns.
Speculation Regarding the Posing of Freud in the Group Photograph at the Third International Psychoanalytic Congress

The third international Psychoanalytic Congress was held at the Erbprinz Hotel in Weimar, Germany on the twenty-first and twenty-second of September of 1911 and was attended by fifty-five individuals, from a number of Euro- pean countries and America (1) McGuire. Ernest Jones (2), a participant, reports that conference presentations were of a "high order," and the conference itself was "most successful." A key factor contributing to the positive atmosphere was the absence of Alfred Adler and his supporters, who, after a bitter struggle with Freud, had recently withdrawn from the psychoanalytic movement.
Proteolysis of insoluble porcine gastric mucus

1. 1. Gastric mucus of the pig (Sus scrofa L.) has been separated into two distinct components in guanidine: urea:phosphate. 2. 2. The insoluble gelatinous phase has been solubilized by reduction in bicarbonate buffer. 3. 3. Gel filtration chromatography suggests the presence of a high molecular weight (1.92 × 106) and a low molecular weight (6.25 × 105) mucoprotein. 4. 4. Proteolytic digestion with trypsin, papain and pronase yielded glycopeptides whose molecular weights ranged from 2.6 × 105 to 6.25 × 105. 5. 5. Amino acid analysis of each mucoprotein fragment was determined. 6. 6. Notable differences when compared to soluble mucus glycoproteins lie in the conservation of those amino acids likely to be involved in the O-glycosyl linkage.
Sustainable value stream mapping (Sus-VSM) in different manufacturing system configurations: application case studies

Abstract Achieving sustainability in manufacturing requires a holistic view spanning product design, manufacturing processes, manufacturing systems, and the entire supply chain. Such an approach must be taken to ensure the economic, environmental and societal goals of sustainability are achieved. Value stream mapping (VSM) is an important technique used in Lean manufacturing to identify and visualize waste. However, conventional VSM does not directly consider the environmental or societal performance of production lines. Sustainable VSM (Sus-VSM) is a proposed extension of conventional VSM that incorporates metrics for sustainability. The ability to visually assess manufacturing sustainability through VSM increases its usefulness as a tool to identify potential areas of improvement. This paper will examine in detail three case studies to demonstrate the breadth of applicability of the Sus-VSM tool. The findings from the case studies will be used to further examine the aptness and limitations of the tool in assessing and visualizing sustainability performance in different manufacturing system configurations. Potential avenues to overcome the noted issues are discussed for each case. The presented discussions act to validate the proposed methodology, highlighting its flexibility for use in many manufacturing contexts.
The effects of pretreatment demand characteristics on verbally reported fear

Two studies are reported in which subjects filled out fear questionnaires under instructional conditions manipulating demand characteristics. In the first study subjects reported more fear when filling out questionnaires with a pretherapy assessment versus research set, while subjects in the second study showed greater fear when an extraneous incentive (research credits) was associated with treatment participation.
Exceptionally stable, hollow tubular metal-organic architectures: synthesis, characterization, and solid-state transformation study.

An effective solvothermal procedure has been developed to synthesize the new three-dimensional metal−organic framework, [ZnF(AmTAZ)]·solvents, using either 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (AmTAZ) or 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole-5-carboxylic acid (AmTAZAc) and a choice of several Zn(II) salts as starting materials. The three-dimensional structure displays open-ended, hollow nanotubular channels that are formed by hexanuclear metallamacrocyclic Zn6F6(AmTAZ)6 rings. The framework integrity is maintained to 350 °C, at which point most of the guest solvent molecules have been removed, as evidenced by single-crystal X-ray analyses, 1H solid-state NMR, and TGA measurements. At higher temperatures, the framework is converted either to zinc oxide (ZnO) when heated in air or to zinc cyanamide (ZnCN2) when heated in an inert atmosphere. In both cases, the as-grown, rodlike crystal shape is maintained during the solid-state transformation, suggesting a possible route for preparing one-dimensional crystalline nanomaterials.
Evidence for a triplicate set of glucosephosphate isomerase structural genes in hexaploid wheat.

The glucosephosphate isomerase (GPI) zymogram phenotypes of 46 aneuploid derivatives of the cultivar Chinese Spring of hexaploid wheat were determined. Variation was observed among the strains in the relative level of expression of three GPI isozymes. The relationships observed between chromosomal constitution and zymogram phenotype support the hypothesis that the three GPI isozymes are dimers composed of protomers encoded by a minimum of three homoeologous structural genes located one each in the short arms of chromosomes 1A, 1B, and 1D. The relative levels of expression per dose of chromosome arm of the products of the three arms differ in a manner consistent with the presence of a two-fold greater quantity of the product of 1BS than of the product of 1AS and of 1DS, indicating that 1BS may contain duplicate GPI structural genes.
Feedback control of stochastic noise in the yeast galactose utilization pathway

Genetic networks are often affected by stochastic noise, due to the low number of molecules taking part in certain reactions. In complex regulatory networks, noise in any one chemical species may induce noise in the rest of the system. In this paper, we analyse the sources of stochastic noise in the yeast galactose utilization pathway at the level of the complete system, by using both computer simulations, and experimental comparisons between wild-type yeast and a modified strain. A computer model was first used to determine the sources of network noise, as well as mechanisms by which noise is controlled. Results from an estimation tool, confirmed by detailed stochastic simulations, show that noise is caused primarily by fluctuations in mRNA concentrations due to their stochastic creation and decay. The noise is controlled by feedback loops which regulate transcription of certain genes. To test the effect of the feedback loops on the rest of the system, a modified strain of yeast was prepared in which regulation of two key genes is eliminated. As predicted by the model, the mutant strain is induced by galactose in a manner similar to that for the wild-type, but with a higher degree of stochastic noise.
Experimental observation of high-brightness microbunching in a photocathode rf electron gun

We report the measurement of very short, high-brightness bunches of electrons produced in a photocathode rf gun with no magnetic compression. The electron beam bunch length and the charge distribution along the bunch were measured by passing the energy chirped the electron beam through a momentum selection slit while varying the phase of the rf linac. The bunch compression as a function of rf gun phase and electric field at the cathode were investigated. The shortest measured bunch is 370{plus_minus}100 fs (at 95{percent} of the charge) with 2.5{times}10{sup 8} electrons (170 A peak current); the normalized rms emittance of this beam was measured to be 0.5{pi} mmmrad and the energy spread is 0.15{percent}. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
The number of polynomials of a given degree over a finite field with value sets of a given cardinality

Let V"f denote the value set (image) of a polynomial [email protected]?F"q[x]. We relate the number of polynomials [email protected]?F"q[x] of degree q-1 such that |V"f|=k to the solutions (x"1,...,x"k) of a linear equation over F"q, with the added restriction that x"i x"j whenever i j. Using this we find a simple formula for the number of such polynomials.
Investigation of shear damage considering the evolution of anisotropy

The damage that occurs in shear deformations in view of anisotropy evolution is investigated. It is widely believed in the mechanics research community that damage (or porosity) does not evolve (increase) in shear deformations since the hydrostatic stress in shear is zero. This paper proves that the above statement can be false in large deformations of simple shear. The simulation using the proposed anisotropic ductile fracture model (macro-scale) in this study indicates that hydrostatic stress becomes nonzero and (thus) porosity evolves (increases or decreases) in the simple shear deformation of anisotropic (orthotropic) materials. The simple shear simulation using a crystal plasticity based damage model (meso-scale) shows the same physics as manifested in the above macro-scale model that porosity evolves due to the grain-to-grain interaction, i.e., due to the evolution of anisotropy. Through a series of simple shear simulations, this study investigates the effect of the evolution of anisotropy, i.e., the rotation of the orthotropic axes onto the damage (porosity) evolution. The effect of the evolutions of void orientation and void shape onto the damage (porosity) evolution is investigated as well. It is found out that the interaction among porosity, the matrix anisotropy and void orientation/shape plays a crucial role in the ductile damage of porous materials.
(Z)‐N‐tert‐Butyl‐C‐(2,3,4‐trimethoxyphenyl)nitrone

The title compound, C14H21NO4, was synthesized in 91% yield by condensation of 2,3,4-trimethoxy­benzaldehyde and N-tert-butyl­hydroxy­lamine acetate in the presence of triethyl­amine as the base and anhydrous magnesium sulfate as the dehydrating agent. The structure features a benzene ring and side chains. The C=N double bond leads to a planar C=N(—O)—C group; this group is not coplanar with the benzene ring. The N=C—Car—Car torsion angle is 10.2 (2)°.
On Being Consumer Educators in the 1980's

Consumerism as a force in our society is maturing. Consumer education as a field of study is also growing up. It is beginning to be recognized as a positive and constructive force in the economy. In the decade of the 80's we can probably place less emphasis on the adversarial and protective issues and more on the rights and responsibilities of consumers in a market economy. A second or “hidden” agenda should be to encourage improvement in the production and delivery system itself. Consumer education belongs to no single discipline. Even economics cannot provide the whole story for a consumer education program. However, consumer education that does not require solid economic understanding is indeed misnamed. Although the primary focus of our efforts should be on the decision making of the individual and the household, our teaching must clearly articulate with the larger economy. We are living in a different economic climate than prevailed a decade or so ago. We must keep abreast of rapidly changing social institutions and market arrangements if our teaching is to be relevant and meet the challenges of the coming decade.
Permeability of periodic arrays of spheres

Abstract For periodic arrays of spheres the permeability is obtained numerically as a function of the dimensionless wave number kD in the flow direction, where D is the sphere diameter, k = 2 π / λ is the wave number, and λ is the distance between the spheres in the flow direction. Our numerical results for the solids fraction of 0.45 show that for kD kD . But, it decreases for ∼6.5 kD kD ∼ 8.5, and then increases again with increasing kD . Since the Fourier spectrum of the area fraction is zero for kD = 8.98, this result suggests that the area fraction plays an important role in determining the dependence of permeability on the distance between the spheres in the flow direction. For smaller solids fractions, the positions of the local maximum and minimum of permeability shift to slightly smaller kD ’s.
Management and nutritional aspects of ketosis.

Abstract Existing evidence favors the concept that the most successful control of the ketosis problem through feeding and management could be obtained by : 1) Providing feeds containing adequate nutrients according to current feeding standards. 2) Offering these feeds at levels as near optimum as possible within the ability of the cow to consume them without going off feed. 3) Following management practices which maximize intake in early lactation and minimize prolonged mobilization of body fat as well as intake of ketogenic materials. Except for the use of ‘glucogenic materials in special situations, there is a lack of conclusive evidence to support special nutrient supplementation beyond present standards. Although there is no known preventive procedure which would guarantee freedom from ketosis, the following specific suggestions are made: 1) Avoid excessive fatness at calving. 2) Increase concentrate feeding to moderate levels in the late dry period and rapidly after calving, using care to prevent the cow from going off feed. 3) Feed high-quality roughage at a minimum one-third of total dry matter intake. 4) Do not make abrupt changes in the ration, particularly to low-quality materials. 5) Feed recommended protein, minerals, and vitamins. 6) Avoid hay crop silage high in butyric acid. 7) Maximize intake by providing for adequate comfort, exercise, and absence of stress. 8) In problem herds, a) monitor the ketotic state by weekly milk tests, and b) feed propylene glycol to susceptible cows. 9) Production being equal, select strong cows with good appetites.
Experiential learning through cross-campus cooperation: simulating and initiating technology transfer

Entrepreneurship class projects investigated market opportunities for a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Center for the Commercial Development of Space. This article describes how a cross-campus project addressed two entrepreneurship education issues and two technology transfer issues important to many universities. First, the projects facilitated interdisciplinary learning and students' understanding of the process of entrepreneurship. Second, the business school and NASA center projects enhanced the management relevance of the MBA experience for participating students. Third, by investigating potential market applications for exotic compound materials manufactured in a low orbit around the Earth, the projects advanced technology transfer of university- and government-sponsored research. Finally, the projects offered an initial step toward commercializing university- and government-sponsored research outputs by emphasizing market applications and commercial development plans. This exa...
3D Animation of Telecollaborative Anthropomorphic Avatars

A high-performance solution offers faster 3D representation of users by avatars without compromising real-time interactivity.
A New North American Species of Bucrates (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae: Copiphorini)

Abstract Bucrates weissmani n.sp. is known from four localities in southern Arizona. It is smaller and more slender than the other four species of Bucrates, making it superficially similar to the Central American copiphorine Caulopsis cuspidata, but more fundamental features refute the notion that it belongs in Caulopsis rather than Bucrates. Four other species of Bucrates are known. Two of these, capitatus (De Geer) and clausus (Scudder), occur in sympatry in Central America and tropical South America; lanista Rehn is known only from southern Brazil; and malivolans (Scudder) is restricted to the southeastern United States. All are easily distinguished morphologically and, for the three for which the songs are known, by their songs. Unlike the two other species of Bucrates for which the habitat is known, B. weissmani occurs on altitudinal islands at the edge of a desert. The calling song of B. weissmani resembles that of numerous species of Neoconocephalus, whereas the songs of B. malivolans and B. capita...
Suppression Dynamics of a Co-flow Diffusion Flame with High Expansion Aqueous Foam

A time-dependent, moving boundary, multiphase Navier—Stokes model is developed to study the effects of aqueous foam with high air-to-water volume ratio (expansion ratio, Ex) on a jet diffusion flame. The flame is formed by combusting a steady flow of propane gas. Both the shape and velocity of the foam surface are affected by evaporation and injection rates, and are obtained by volume of fluid method. The evaporation at the advancing foam front releases water vapor as well as a significant amount of air into the flame. At low foam injection rates, simulations show that the flame spreads along the foam surface and is not extinguished. This is because the injection rate is comparable to the evaporation rate, which causes cooling but prevents the foam from advancing into the flame. However, at high foam injection rates, the simulations show that the flame lifts from the burner lip and the flame is reestablished above the rising foam surface due to the continued supply of the propane gas. Thus, the foam extin...
Pilot study evaluating 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea in the treatment of advanced ovarian carcinoma

Abstract At dosage levels limited by significant side effects, 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea was not an effective chemotherapeutic agent for Stage III or IV ovarian carcinoma. Ten of the 11 patients treated had progression of the disease in one year, and 6 of the 11 had progression within 2 months.
Evaluation of genetic markers for prediction of preharvest sprouting tolerance in hard white winter wheats

Pre-harvest sprouting of wheat results in significant financial loss at all steps in the production and marketing chain. Due to its intermittent nature in many wheat growing regions, direct selection for tolerance to pre-harvest sprouting is difficult. DNA markers linked to genes conditioning tolerance offer a more consistent and reliable approach to genetic improvement in tolerance. This investigation assessed the value of previously identified markers linked to quantitative trait loci contributing to tolerance, across multiple genetic backgrounds. A significant contribution to tolerance was demonstrated for QPhs.pseru-3AS, previously identified from the hard white winter wheat Rio Blanco. Marker alleles for this locus were associated with enhanced tolerance in three of four investigated populations. In addition, positive contributions of QPhs.pseru-2B1 and QPhs.pseru-2B2 also were documented. Simultaneous selection for putative marker alleles at two independent loci resulted in significantly higher mean tolerance scores, usually mediated by additive gene action. DNA markers linked to loci contributing to variation in pre-harvest sprouting tolerance offer an efficient and effective alternative to direct phenotypic selection.
Defective Nodal and Cerl2 expression in the Arl13b(hnn) mutant node underlie its heterotaxia.

Specification of the left–right axis during embryonic development is critical for the morphogenesis of asymmetric organs such as the heart, lungs, and stomach. The first known left–right asymmetry to occur in the mouse embryo is a leftward fluid flow in the node that is created by rotating cilia on the node surface. This flow is followed by asymmetric expression of Nodal and its inhibitor Cerl2 in the node. Defects in cilia and/or fluid flow in the node lead to defective Nodal and Cerl2 expression and therefore incorrect visceral organ situs. Here we show the cilia protein Arl13b is required for left right axis specification as its absence results in heterotaxia. We find the defect originates in the node where Cerl2 is not downregulated and asymmetric expression of Nodal is not maintained resulting in symmetric expression of both genes. Subsequently, Nodal expression is delayed in the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM). Symmetric Nodal and Cerl2 in the node could result from defects in either the generation and/ or the detection of Nodal flow, which would account for the subsequent defects in the LPM and organ positioning.
Aldosterone and Metabolic Syndrome Is Increased Aldosterone in Metabolic Syndrome Patients an Additional Risk Factor

The classic role of aldosterone is to regulate water and electrolyte balance and, therefore, blood pressure homeostasis.1 Apart from that, experimental studies have demonstrated that aldosterone induces structural and functional alterations in the heart, kidneys, and vessels with effects such as myocardial fibrosis, nephrosclerosis, vascular inflammation and remodeling, and disturbed fibrinolysis.2,3 This damage seems to be aldosterone mediated, and aldosterone blockade with mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists, such as spironolactone, may prevent the onset of these effects.4,5 On the other hand, it cannot completely be ruled out that potassium and high blood pressure also play additional key roles in this damage.6,7 This evidence has impressively been supported by clinical studies, such as the Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study and the Eplerenone Post-Acute Myocardial Infarction Survival and Efficacy Study.8,9 For example, increased mortality in patients with chronic heart failure has been associated with elevated aldosterone plasma levels,10 and high circulating plasma aldosterone levels predict the clinical outcome in patients after myocardial infarction.11 Furthermore, primary aldosteronism (PA) has been demonstrated to enhance the risk of cardiovascular events12 and kidney disease.13 In summary, aldosterone is considered a cardiovascular risk factor, promoting disease processes such as cardiac fibrosis, nephrosclerosis, and arteriosclerosis,2,3,14 all of which are increased in patients with obesity and the metabolic syndrome.15,16 The term “metabolic syndrome” (MSyn) has evolved various definitions in recent times; most of the studies introduced here use slight modifications. Nevertheless, all of the definitions used have a common denominator, which is reflected in a definition by the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.17 According to this definition, the MSyn is considered as a constellation of interrelated risk factors of metabolic origin, including arterial hypertension, dyslipidemias, alterations in glucose homeostasis with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and abdominal …
Frames of mind in intertemporal choice

Recent research has demonstrated that choices between gambles are systematically influenced by the way they are expressed. Kahneman and Tversky's Prospect Theory Kahneman, D., A. Tversky. 1979. Prospect theory: An analysis of decision under risk. Econometrica472 363-391. explains many of these "framing" effects as shifts in the point of reference from which prospects are evaluated. This paper demonstrates the applicability of the reference point concept to intertemporal choice. Three experiments demonstrate that when people choose between immediate and delayed consumption, the reference point used to evaluate alternatives can significantly influence choice. The first study elicited relative preference for immediate and delayed consumption using three methods, each of which differently framed choices between alternatives offering identical end-state consumption. The conventional discounted utility model predicts that the three methods of elicitation should yield similar estimates of time preference, but preferences were found to differ in accordance with a reference point model. The second and third studies extend and replicate the results from the first, the third using real rather than hypothetical choices.
EXPERIMENTAL AVIAN PMV-2 INFECTION IN A DOMESTICATED WILD HOST: DAILY BEHAVIOR AND EFFECT ON ACTIVITY LEVELS

Paramyxovirus type 2 (PMV-2) isolated from wild birds is often considered nonpathogenic, but nothing is known about its effects on overall behavior and fitness of free-flying birds. Domestically bred, African cut-throat finches (Amadina fasciata), a species from which PMV-2 has been isolated in the wild, were inoculated with a Central American field strain of PMV-2. Patterns of behavior were examined before and after viral challenge to quantify inapparent, sublethal effects of the disease. Infected birds demonstrated a significant decrease in activity (P = 0.01) followed by an apparent recovery period. Antibody titers confirmed infection in inoculated birds and indicated that sentinel birds did not become infected.
Chromosome Size in Diploid Eukaryotic Species Centers on the Average Length with a Conserved Boundary

Understanding genome and chromosome evolution is important for understanding genetic inheritance and evolution. Universal events comprising DNA replication, transcription, repair, mobile genetic element transposition, chromosome rearrangements, mitosis, and meiosis underlie inheritance and variation of living organisms. Although the genome of a species as a whole is important, chromosomes are the basic units subjected to genetic events that coin evolution to a large extent. Now many complete genome sequences are available, we can address evolution and variation of individual chromosomes across species. For example, “How are the repeat and nonrepeat proportions of genetic codes distributed among different chromosomes in a multichromosome species?” “Is there a general rule behind the intuitive observation that chromosome lengths tend to be similar in a species, and if so, can we generalize any findings in chromosome content and size across different taxonomic groups?” Here, we show that chromosomes within a species do not show dramatic fluctuation in their content of mobile genetic elements as the proliferation of these elements increases from unicellular eukaryotes to vertebrates. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, notwithstanding the remarkable plasticity, there is an upper limit to chromosome-size variation in diploid eukaryotes with linear chromosomes. Strikingly, variation in chromosome size for 886 chromosomes in 68 eukaryotic genomes (including 22 human autosomes) can be viably captured by a single model, which predicts that the vast majority of the chromosomes in a species are expected to have a base pair length between 0.4035 and 1.8626 times the average chromosome length. This conserved boundary of chromosome-size variation, which prevails across a wide taxonomic range with few exceptions, indicates that cellular, molecular, and evolutionary mechanisms, possibly together, confine the chromosome lengths around a species-specific average chromosome length.
Oxidative and hydrolytic stability of a novel acrylic terpolymer for biomedical applications.

Oxidative and hydrolytic biostability assessment was carried out on a novel acrylic material made of hexam- ethyl methacrylate (HMA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and methacrylic acid (MAA). To simulate the in vivo micro- environment, solutions of H2O2/CoCl2 and buffered solu- tions of cholesterol esterase (CE) and phospholipase A2 (PLA) were used. As controls, film specimens were incu- bated in deionized water. Samples were incubated in these solutions at 37°C for 10 weeks before physical and mechan- ical properties were evaluated by size exclusion chromatog- raphy (SEC), 1 H- nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H-NMR), acid-base titration, and Instron tensile testing. The results from this study indicate excellent biostability of HMA- MMA-MAA terpolymers and thus their potential for use in biomedical devices for long-term implantation. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 74A: 117-123, 2005
"Not my bug!" and other reasons for software bug report reassignments

Bug reporting/fixing is an important social part of the soft-ware development process. The bug-fixing process inher-ently has strong inter-personal dynamics at play, especially in how to find the optimal person to handle a bug report. Bug report reassignments, which are a common part of the bug-fixing process, have rarely been studied. In this paper, we present a large-scale quantitative and qualitative analysis of the bug reassignment process in the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system project. We quantify social interactions in terms of both useful and harmful reassignments. For instance, we found that reassignments are useful to determine the best person to fix a bug, contrary to the popular opinion that reassignments are always harmful. We categorized five primary reasons for reassignments: finding the root cause, determining ownership, poor bug report quality, hard to determine proper fix, and workload balancing. We then use these findings to make recommendations for the design of more socially-aware bug tracking systems that can overcome some of the inefficiencies we observed in our study.
Radicals with a controlled lifestyle.

JoAnne Stubbe discusses the importance of stable and transient amino acid radicals in primary metabolism.
The haptic scissors: cutting in virtual environments

The "haptic scissors" is a device that creates the sensation of cutting in virtual environments. The scissors have two degrees of freedom of motion and force feedback, one for cutting (single blade rotation) and one for translation. An algorithm was developed to simultaneously display translational and cutting forces for a realistic cutting simulation. In previous work, we use filtered data from cutting biological tissues to create "haptic recordings" of the cutting experience. Here, we consider two cutting models: one based on real tissue data and one that is analytical. The model based on real tissue is a segmented linear empirical model of the original data. Experimental results show that users cannot differentiate between these models and the haptic recordings created earlier. The analytical model uses a combination of friction, assumed material properties, and user motion (position and velocity) to determine the displayed cutting forces.
Literature on the Safe and Disruptive Learning Potential of Mobile Technologies.

Worldwide growth in use of mobile phones has fostered the emergence of mobile learning. Mobile technologies are used both in classrooms to support instruction (safe) and as tools that significantly change instructional activities, learner roles, and learning location (disruptive). Learners become less consumers of information and more collaborators, researchers, and publishers on‐the‐go (Stead, 2006). Scholarship in m‐learning is scarce and lacks rigor (McNeal & van't Hooft, 2006). Even with increasing numbers of investigative studies there are still significant gaps in the literature (Litchfield et al., 2007). Little is understood about when m‐technology is most useful and what constitutes good m‐learning. A review of a broad range of investigative cases is presented and critiqued with suggestions for further research. Although both classroom‐based and distance education topics are discussed, the distance education scholar and practitioner may benefit from learning more about these emerging technologies ...
The offloading model for dynein function: differential function of motor subunits

During mitosis in budding yeast, dynein moves the mitotic spindle into the mother-bud neck. We have proposed an offloading model to explain how dynein works. Dynein is targeted to the dynamic plus end of a cytoplasmic microtubule, offloads to the cortex, becomes anchored and activated, and then pulls on the microtubule. Here, we perform functional studies of dynein intermediate chain (IC) and light intermediate chain (LIC). IC/Pac11 and LIC/Dyn3 are both essential for dynein function, similar to the heavy chain (HC/Dyn1). IC and LIC are targeted to the distal plus ends of dynamic cytoplasmic microtubules, as is HC, and their targeting depends on HC. Targeting of HC to the plus end depends on IC, but not LIC. IC also localizes as stationary dots at the cell cortex, the presumed result of offloading in our model, as does HC, but not LIC. Localization of HC to cortical dots depends on both IC and LIC. Thus, the IC and LIC accessory chains have different but essential roles in dynein function, providing new insight into the offloading model.
The design of molecules with large two-photon absorptivities

In recent work we have developed guidelines for the design of both centrosymmetric and dipolar chromophores with large two-photon absorptivities, based upon theoretical, synthetic, and nonlinear spectroscopic studies. We recently found that 4,4'-bis(di-n'-butyl)amino-E-stilbene had a peak two-photon cross section, /spl delta/, of 240/spl times/10/sup -50/ cm/sup 4/ sec/photon, in comparison to stilbene for which the reported value is 12/spl times/10/sup -50/ cm/sup 4/ sec/photon, and is in the range of the largest /spl delta/ values reported for organic compounds. We believe that the large increase in the two-photon absorption for bis(di-n'-butyl)amino-E-stilbene relative to stilbene was related to a symmetrical charge transfer from the amino nitrogens to the conjugated bridge. Therefore, we hypothesized that structural features leading to a significant change in quadrupole moment between the ground and the two-photon state could be beneficial for enhancing the two-photon cross section. We therefore synthesized and studied systems in which: (1) conjugation length was increased by use of pheneylenevinylene groups, (2) the extent of charge transfer from the end of the molecule to the center was increased by substitution of cyano groups on the central ring of a bis-styryl benzene compound, making it a donor-acceptor-donor compound and, (3) the sense of the symmetric charge transfer was reversed by putting alkoxy donors on all three rings bis styryl benzene and the relatively strong dicyano vinyl or thiobarbituric acid accepting groups on both ends, making them acceptor-donor-acceptor compounds. We found that: (1) increasing the length of the molecule leads to an significant increase in /spl delta/, (2) that donor-acceptor-donor or acceptor-donor-acceptor compounds do have enhanced /spl delta/ relative to unsubstituted compounds and bis-donor substituted compounds.
Malignant pleural effusions and the role of talc poudrage and talc slurry: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Malignant Pleural Effusion (MPE) is common with advanced malignancy. Palliative care with minimal adverse events is the cornerstone of management. Although talc pleurodesis plays an important role in treatment, the best modality of talc application remains controversial. Objective: To compare rates of successful pleurodesis, rates of respiratory and non-respiratory complications between thoracoscopic talc insufflation/poudrage (TTI) and talc slurry (TS). Data sources and study selection: MEDLINE (PubMed, OVID), EBM Reviews (Cochrane database of Systematic Reviews, ACP Journal Club, DARE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Methodology Register, Health Technology Assessment and NHS Economic Evaluation Database), EMBASE and Scopus. Randomized controlled trials published between 01/01/1980 - 10/1/2014 and comparing the two strategies were selected. Results: Twenty-eight potential studies were identified of which 24 studies were further excluded, leaving four studies. No statistically significant difference in the probability of successful pleurodesis was observed between TS and TTI groups (RR 1.06; 95 % CI 0.99-1.14; Q statistic, 4.84). There was a higher risk of post procedural respiratory complications in the TTI group compared to the TS group (RR 1.91, 95% CI= 1.24-2.93, Q statistic 3.15). No statistically significant difference in the incidence of non-respiratory complications between the TTI group and the TS group was observed (RR 0.88, 95% CI= 0.72-1.07, Q statistic 4.61). Conclusions: There is no difference in success rates of pleurodesis based on patient centered outcomes between talc poudrage and talc slurry treatments. Respiratory complications are more common with talc poudrage via thoracoscopy.