cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perceived experiences of anti-bisexual prejudice: Instrument development and evaluation.

This research describes the development and psychometric evaluation of the Anti-Bisexual Experiences Scale (ABES). Items were developed on the basis of prior literature, revised on the basis of expert feedback, and submitted to psychometric evaluation. Exploratory factor analysis of data from 350 bisexual participants yielded 3 factors of reported experiences of prejudicial treatment reflecting (a) Sexual Orientation Instability, (b) Sexual Irresponsibility, and (c) Interpersonal Hostility. This structure emerged with bisexual persons' reported experiences of prejudice from heterosexual people as well as from lesbian and gay people. Confirmatory factor analysis of data from a separate sample of 349 bisexual individuals supported the stability of this 3-factor structure. The data offered evidence of acceptable reliability (i.e., Cronbach's alphas of .81 to .94), convergent validity (i.e., with stigma consciousness, r = .37 to .54; with awareness of public devaluation, r = .28 to .41), and discriminant validity (i.e., for impression management, r = -.00 to .09). Relative levels of the various types of perceived experiences of anti-bisexual prejudice and the role of such experiences within the minority stress framework were also explored. With a separate sample of 176 bisexual individuals, data on the final 17-item version of the ABES yielded 2-week test-retest reliability coefficients of .77 to .89 and Cronbach's alphas of .86 to .96 across subscales.
Differential myelinogenic capacity of specific developmental stages of the oligodendrocyte lineage upon transplantation into hypomyelinating hosts

The capacity of oligodendrocytes (OLs) and their progenitors to migrate, proliferate, and differentiate in vivo was evaluated by transplanting highly enriched populations of sequential stage of the OL lineage (A2B5+ O4−, O4+ GalC−, and GalC+) into the telencephalon of the hypomyelinating mouse, shiverer. The shiverer mouse neither expresses the major myelin basic protein (MBP) nor makes normal myelin due to a large deletion in the gene for MBP. Thirty days after transplantation, serial 225 μm sections of the host brain were immunostained with antiserum to MBP and analyzed by confocal microscopy. The presence of MBP+ patches of myelin in the otherwise MBP− host brain allowed a retrospective analysis of the myelinogenic activity of the transplanted progenitors cells. Both the extent of MBP+ myelin and the location of MBP+ structures relative to the initial site of cell deposition were highly dependent on the developmental stage of the transplanted cells. Specifically, A2B5+ O4− OL progenitors migrated distances of ≥ 600 μm and produced MBP+ patches in nearly every slice of the host brain. An average of over 250 separate patches were found per host brain, some of which had cross-sectional areas of > 250,000 μm2 containing as many as 60 MBP+ OL cell bodies, and with densities of myelination rivaling that of normal brain. In marked contrast, transplantation of O4+ GalC− cells produced only small (1,000–25,000 μm2), scattered (25–40 per brain) patches of MBP+ myelin containing one to five cell bodies, all of which were within 50 μm of the needle track or the nearest ventricular surface. GalC+ cells produced MBP+ myelin at a level similar to that of O4+ CalC− cells. These data suggest that the developmental transition of OL progenitors from the O4− to the O4+ pheno-type is accompanied by a dramatic reduction in the innate capacity of the cells to migrate and survive in vivo. The use of developmentally identified, enriched populations of OL progenitor cells offers the opportunity for more precise analyses of transplantation and remyelination behavior, and relates to clinically relevant studies indicating that contaminant cell types can seriously interfere with the stable integration of donor tissue into the host. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pros and cons of gynecologic tumor markers

The use of a tumor marker not only depends upon its sensitivity and specificity, but also upon its ability to influence decisions between alternative plans for patient management. Use of beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for monitoring gestational trophoblastic neoplasia has set the standard to which other assays must be compared. Beta hCG and alphafetoprotein have provided useful markers for ovarian germ cell tumors. Recently, a monoclonal antibody-based immunoassay for CA 125 antigen has been used to monitor the treatment of epithelial ovarian carcinomas. Persistent elevation of CA 125 in serum has generally reflected persistence of disease at second look surveillance procedures. CA 125 levels can, however, return to within normal limits and residual disease can be found at laparoscopy or laparotomy. CA 125 shows promise for distinguishing benign from malignant pelvic masses. Trials are currently underway to evaluate the potential of CA 125 in combination with other markers to facilitate earlier detection of occult ovarian cancer.
A meta‐analytic review of the effect of adjunct pictures on reading comprehension

Overall findings of this meta-analysis reveal small effects of adjunct pictures on reading comprehension. No advantage was found when traditional vs. nontraditional text settings were compared. Generally small effects were found for nontraditional text settings at both public school and university levels. On the other hand, a large effect was noted for university-level subjects in traditional text settings. Additionally, line drawings seem to facilitate comprehension more than do shaded drawings or photographs, and color pictures seem to have a greater effect than black and white pictures. Finally, only a slight difference between immediate vs. posttests was found.
Study of neutron transfer through inelastic excitation in the reaction 124Te(12C, 14C)122Te☆

Abstract The pick-up reaction 124 Te( 12 C, 14 C) 122 Te at E lab = 70 MeV produces an angular distribution for the transition to the 2 1 + state in 122 Te which is strikingly forward-peaked compared to the bell-shaped angular distribution for the transition to the 0 g + ground state. A CCBA calculation using finite-range transfer form factors based on QRPA wave functions fits the data well and describes the transition to the 2 1 + state as due to an almost pure two-step transfer mechanism, two-neutron transfer followed by inelastic excitation (and the inverse). Inclusion of a state dependence in the 2 1 + optical potential is shown to be of importance for the description of the transfer reaction and of associated inelastic scattering data.
Embryotoxic effects of benzo[a]pyrene, chrysene, and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in petroleum hydrocarbon mixtures in mallard ducks.

Studies with different avian species have revealed that surface applications of microiiter amounts of some crude and fuel oils that coat less than 10% of the egg surface result in considerable reduction in hatching with teratogenicity and stunted growth. Other studies have shown that the embryotoxicity is dependent on the aromatic hydrocarbon content, further suggesting that the toxicity is due to causes other than asphyxia. In the present study the effects of three polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons identified in petroleum were examined on mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) embryo development. Addition of benzo[a]‐pyrene (BaP), chrysene, or 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) to a synthetic petroleum hydrocarbon mixture of known composition and relatively low embryotoxicity resulted in embryotoxicity that was enhanced or equal to that of crude oil when 10 μl was applied externally to eggs at 72 h of development. The order of ability to enhance embryotoxicity was DMBA > BaP > chrysene. The temporal pattern of e...
Tacit coordination in anticipation of small group task completion.

Group members may tacitly coordinate their actions by predicting others' behaviors and adjusting their own behavior accordingly to meet the perceived demands of their collective task. Subjects read and recalled political candidate statements while anticipating either a group decision-making or collective recall task. When anticipating collective recall, they remembered more statements about topics outside of other members' expected expertise, whereas they recalled more statements associated with others' expected expertise when anticipating group choice. In a follow-up study, the bias toward duplicating others' expected expertise under a choice set occurred when participants anticipated discussion followed by private choice but not when they anticipated having to satisfy an explicitly assigned group decision rule. These results are discussed in terms of a model of anticipatory tacit coordination.
Mutations in the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor identifying C- terminal amino acids required for transcriptional activation that are functionally dissociated from hormone binding, heterodimeric DNA binding, and interaction with basal transcription factor IIB, in vitro

To investigate a potential ligand-dependent transcriptional activation domain (AF-2) in the C-terminal region of the human vitamin D receptor (hVDR), two conserved residues, Leu-417 and Glu-420, were replaced with alanines by site-directed mutagenesis (L417A and E420A). Transcriptional activation in response to 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) was virtually eliminated when either point mutant was transfected into several mammalian cell lines. Furthermore, both mutants exhibited a dominant negative phenotype when expressed in COS-7 cells. Scatchard analysis at 4 degrees C and a ligand-dependent DNA binding assay at 25 degrees C revealed essentially normal 1,25-(OH)2D3 binding for the mutant hVDRs, which were also equivalent to native receptor in associating with the rat osteocalcin vitamin D responsive element as a presumed heterodimer with retinoid X receptor. Glutathione S-transferase-human transcription factor IIB (TFIIB) fusion protein linked to Sepharose equally coprecipitated the wild-type hVDR and the AF-2 mutants. These data implicate amino acids Leu-417 and Glu-420, residing in a putative alpha-helical region at the extreme C terminus of hVDR, as critical in the mechanism of 1, 25-(OH)2D3-stimulated transcription, likely mediating an interaction with a coactivator(s) or a component of the basal transcriptional machinery distinct from TFIIB.
Optimal jamming strategies in digital communications — Impact of modulation

Jamming attacks can significantly impact the performance of wireless communication systems, and can lead to significant overhead in terms of re-transmissions and increased power consumption. This paper considers the problem of optimal jamming over an additive white Gaussian noise channel. We derive the optimal jamming signal for various digital amplitude-phase modulated constellations. We show that it is not always optimal to match the jammer's signal to the victim signal in order to maximize the error probability at the victim receiver. Connections between the optimum jammer obtained in this analysis and the well-known pulsed jammer, popularly analyzed in the context of spread spectrum communication systems are illustrated. Further, we evaluate the value of the knowledge of the victim's modulation schemes by comparing the performance of the optimal jamming signals with conventional additive white Gaussian noise jamming. Numerical results are presented in order to validate the theoretical inferences presented.
Voltage Dependent Anion Channel-3 (VDAC3) is the Major Isoform Contributing to Mitochondrial Metabolism in HepG2 Cells and is Regulated by Free Tubulin and Erastin

BACKGROUND: VDAC controls the flux of hydrophilic metabolites into mitochondria. In vitro, tubulin closes VDAC and in situ free tubulin dynamically modulates ΔΨ. Erastin, a ligand for VDAC, increases ΔΨ in HepG2 cells. Here, we hypothesize that VDAC regulates mitochondrial metabolism and that free tubulin decreases and erastin increases VDAC conductance. Our AIM was to determine ΔΨ, ATP, NADH, and response to free tubulin and erastin after VDAC knockdown (KD). METHODS: HepG2 cells were transfected with siRNAs (5 nM, Ambion) against VDAC1/2/3. At 48 h after transfection, ΔΨ was assessed by fluorescence of tetramethylrhodamine methylester (TMRM) and NADH by autofluorescence using confocal/multiphoton microscopy. Fluorescent beads were fiduciary markers. Adenine nucleotides were determined by HPLC. RESULTS: siRNA decreased mRNA and protein for each VDAC isoform by ∼90%. Double KD of VDAC1/2, VDAC1/3 and VDAC2/3 decreased TMRM fluorescence by ∼20, 55 and 73%, respectively, compared to 100% for non-target siRNA. In reconstituted bilayers, VDAC from HepG2 formed typical anion selective and voltage-gated channels reversibly blocked by dimeric tubulin. Nocodazole decreased ΔΨ by ∼61% in non-target cells and 43, 14 and 17% after KD of VDAC1/2, VDAC1/3 and VDAC2/3. VDAC3 KD decreased ATP by ∼48%, total adenine nucleotides by ∼45%, NADH by ∼33% and the NADH/NAD ratio by ∼60%. Erastin increased ΔΨ by ∼46-48% in non-target and VDAC1/2 KD cells but failed to return ΔΨ to baseline levels after VDAC1/3 and VDAC2/3 KD. Erastin also blocked and reversed depolarization induced by nocodazole. CONCLUSION: VDAC3, the least abundant isoform, contributes most to maintenance of mitochondrial metabolism in HepG2 cells. Erastin antagonizes the inhibitory effect of free tubulin. These results indicate that VDAC, especially VDAC3, regulates mitochondrial metabolism in hepatoma cells.
ILLUMINATION PREFERENCE OF ALBINO RATS IN A CLOSED HEXAGONAL MAZE.

Ss were allowed to choose among 6 illumination conditions by altering their location in a maze. For a choice among 0 (darkness), 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 ft.-candles in Exp. 1, preference decreased with increasing intensities. Ss tested during the dark portion of their cycle showed a stronger preference for darkness than Ss tested during the lighted portion of their cycle. In Exp. 2, preference for 0, .01, .1, 1.0, 10.0, and 25.0 ft.-candles was again inversely related to intensity, except that there was no difference between preference for darkness and .01 ft.-candles.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Structure of Neutral and Anionic Complexes Containing Octahedral W(6)Te(8) Cluster Units.

The first examples of molecular telluride complexes, W(6)Te(8)L(6) [L =pyridine (py), piperidine (pip), and PEt(3)], and the reduced salt [Na(py)(6)](+)[W(6)Te(8)(py)(6)](-) were discovered. The amine complexes were prepared by reaction of W(6)Cl(12) with Na(2)Te or a Na(2)Te/Na(2)Te(2) mixture in the amine solvents, whereas W(6)Te(8)(PEt(3))(6) was established by displacement of pyridine in W(6)Te(8)(py)(6) by PEt(3). The cluster unit, W(6)Te(8), showed characteristic T(1u) W-Te stretching vibrations around 180-200 cm(-)(1). From XPS the W4f(7/2) binding energy of 30.8 eV for W(6)Te(8)L(6) compared favorably with values of 30.5 and 30.8 eV for the sulfide and selenide analogues, respectively. Crystallographic data for the three compounds on which structure analyses were performed are as follows: W(6)Te(8)(pip)(6).6pip, hexagonal, Rt, a = 17.738(6) A, c = 24.318(10) A, Z = 3; W(6)Te(8)(PEt(3))(6), monoclinic, C2/c, a = 24.724(6) A, b = 19.716(4) A, c = 13.543(9) A, beta = 108.56(3) degrees, Z = 4; [Na(py)(6)](+)[W(6)Te(8)(py)(6)](-).py, triclinic, Po, a = 12.433(3) A, b = 12.760(2) A, c = 12.882(2) A, alpha = 96.78(1) degrees, beta = 100.03(1) degrees, gamma = 98.58(1) degrees, Z = 1. The average W-Te bond distance of 2.753 A is very close to the average W-W bond distance of 2.748 A in these telluride clusters. For the anionic complex, both the small distortion of the octahedral cluster unit and the shortening of the average W-W bond distance confirmed addition of the extra electron to a bonding orbital in the reduced 21e cluster unit. Extended Huckel MO calculations indicate that the structural distortion of the [W(6)Te(8)(py)(6)](-) anion arises from the Jahn-Teller effect on the (2)E(g) ground state. The unique cationic unit [Na(py)(6)](+) is the first documented example of a sodium ion octahedrally coordinated with six pyridine molecules.
THE CELLS OF ORIGIN OF ACTH IN MAN

The evidence from ACTH-producing tumors, from the morphologic effects of excess glucorticoids on the hypophysis, and from immunocytochemistry all points to the predominant "basophils" of the human anterior lobe, the intensely PAS-possitive beta(R) cells, as the source of ACTH. Similar cells often also occur, sometimes in large numbers, in the pars nervosa. beta(R) cells can be immunostained with antibodies against alphaMSH and betaMSH, but it is likely that they actually contain the precursor molecule(s) of betaMSH, betaLPH (and may be gammaLPH). Once this is satisfactorily documented, the functional term corticolipotrops should replace the provisional name beta(R) cells. Electron microscopically, these cells contain randomly arranged granules with a maximum diameter of 300-500 nm, and occasionally small amounts of filamentous material, which increases dramatically in response to excess glucocorticoids. In the beta (R) cells of adults, a single set of granules stains for ACTH and with antibodies to betaMSH. In fetal life, ACTH cells appear early and material reactive with anti-betaMSH accumulates in them (and possibly also in cells not containing ACTH) only later. The posterior lobe beta(R) cells can be immunostained with both anti-betaMSH and antibodies against the COOH-terminal portion of ACTH, but the presence of bioactive ACTH in them remains to be shown.
Nonlinear Resonator With Interacting Flexural-Torsional Modes for Mass Sensing

We explore the use of a pedal shaped nonlinear microresonator designed with torsion and flexural modes in 1:2 internal resonance for mass sensing. The higher natural frequency in-plane flexural mode of the resonator is coupled nonlinearly through inertial coupling to the out-of-plane torsional mode with one-half natural frequency. When the flexural mode excited resonantly has response above a threshold, the torsional mode is excited. This response in torsional mode is highly sensitive to any mass perturbation that results in mistuning the two modes away from 1:2 resonance. The mistuning can drastically change the nonlinearly excited torsional response from non-zero amplitude to zero amplitude. The required increase in the actuation strength to reactivate the torsional motion can serve as a measure for the attached mass.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Processing and Microstructural Characterization of TiB2 Liquid Phase Sintered with Ni and Ni3Al

An Analytical Electron Microscopy investigation of TiB/sub 2/ hot-pressed and pressureless sintered with Ni revealed the presence of Ni/sub 3/B and tau intergranular phase, respectively. Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction (CBED) was used to crystal structure determination and compositions were determined by quantitative x-ray Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS). The phase analyses were compared with phase diagram data. An evaluation was also made of TiB/sub 2/ hot pressed with Ni/sub 3/Al. Quantitative EDS and EELS microanalysis indicated a Ni, Al type boride tau (Cr/sub 23/C/sub 6/ type) intergranular phase. 8 references, 4 figures.
Interactions of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria Ca 2+ stores with capacitative calcium entry

Thiamine dependent enzymes are diminished in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thiamine deficiency in vitro and in rodents is a useful model of this reduction. Thiamine interacts with cellular calcium stores. To directly test the relevance of the thiamine dependent changes to dynamic processes in AD, the interactions must be studied in cells from patients with AD. These studies employed fibroblasts. Mitochondrial dysfunction including reductions in thiamine dependent enzymes and abnormalities in calcium homeostasis and oxidative processes occur in fibroblasts from Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients. Bombesin-releasable calcium stores (BRCS) from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are exaggerated in fibroblasts from patients with AD bearing a presenilin-1 (PS-1) mutation and in control fibroblasts treated with oxidants. ER calcium regulates calcium entry into the cell through capacitative calcium entry (CCE), which is reduced in fibroblasts and neurons from mice bearing PS-1 mutations. Under physiological conditions, mitochondria and ER play important and interactive roles in the regulation of Ca(2+) homeostasis. Thus, the interactions of mitochondria and oxidants with CCE were tested. Inhibition of ER Ca(2+)-ATPase by cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) stimulates CCE. CPA-induced CCE was diminished by inhibition of mitochondrial Ca(2+) export (-60%) or import (-40%). Different aspects of mitochondrial Ca(2+) coupled to CPA-induced-CCE were sensitive to select oxidants. The effects were very different when CCE was examined in the presence of InsP3, a physiological regulator of ER calcium release, and subsequent CCE. CCE under these conditions was only mildly reduced (20-25%) by inhibition of mitochondrial Ca(2+) export, and inhibition of mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake exaggerated CCE (+53%). However, t-BHP reversed both abnormalities. The results suggest that in the presence of InsP3, mitochondria buffer the local Ca(2+) released from ER following rapid activation of InsP3R and serve as a negative feedback to the CCE. The results suggest that mitochondrial Ca(2+) modifies the depletion and refilling mechanism of ER Ca(2+) stores.
“A Hidden Part of Me”: Latino/a Students, Silencing, and the Epidermalization of Inferiority

Using Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Latino/a Critical Race Theory (LatCrit) as analytical tools, this article examines the experiences of a seven Latino/a high school students at various points of engagement with the school-to-prison pipeline. Building on and extending Franz Fanon's (1952) concept of the epidermalization of inferiority, the authors demonstrate the nuanced ways that institutional racism and other interrelated forms of oppression function to contribute to a sense of internalized oppression among Latino/a youth. We critically examine the ways in which dialogue and collaborative research undertaken in a supportive classroom atmosphere can help students move from feeling shame and guilt to having an enhanced critical understanding of their experiences with incarceration, including an analysis of their own involvement with the school-to-prison pipeline.
Bright phase-stable broadband fiber-based source of polarization-entangled photon pairs

We describe an achromatic, phase-stable, broadband source of polarization-entangled photon pairs with high spectral brightness that uses four-wave mixing in a fiber Sagnac interferometer. We achieved a polarization-entangled two-photon coincidence rate of $7\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{kHz}$ per $0.5\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{THz}$ $(0.9\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm})$ of bandwidth per $300\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}\mathrm{W}$ of average pump power. At this rate, we observed two-photon fringe interference visibilities greater than 97%, over a $10\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{THz}$ $(\ensuremath{\approx}21\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm})$ spectral range. We measured violations of Bell's inequality by more than 22 standard deviations for each of the four Bell states in less than $3\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{minutes}$ per state. The high spectral brightness $(26\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{kHz}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{nm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{mW}}^{\ensuremath{-}1})$, large tunable wavelength range, single spatial mode, and phase stability make this source a promising candidate for a wide range of quantum-information applications.
Low-complexity secure protocols to defend cyber-physical systems against network isolation attacks

This paper studies the network isolation attack, a devastating type of attacks on cyber-physical systems. In this attack, an adversary compromises a set of nodes that enclose a region in order to isolate the region from the rest of the network. Assuming that the compromised nodes wish not to be detected, we propose a solution to defend against the network isolation attack. Our goal is to achieve the following security guarantee: either a legitimate node can successfully deliver a message to another legitimate node, or the network control center can identify a small set of suspect nodes, which are guaranteed to contain a compromised node. Toward achieving this goal, we develop two protocols: one is for secure delivery of messages among nodes and the other is for secure collection of messages from nodes at the network control center. We show that our proposed protocols are provably secure, i.e., attain the aforementioned security guarantee. Further, our protocols achieve this guarantee with overhead that is orders-of-magnitude smaller than existing baseline protocols. Our proposed protocols are thus scalable for large networks.
The olfactory receptor database: web-based resources for the genomics, proteomics and function of olfactory receptors

Olfactory receptors, the largest family in the genome, present an enormous challenge to understanding the molecular basis of how the information contained in odor molecules is transformed into the neural basis of smell perception. The Olfactory Receptor Database (ORDB) was created to support research with this goal. This talk will summarize salient aspects of ORDB as a comprehensive repository that stores and disseminates information related to the genomic, proteomics and functional aspects of olfactory receptors. ORDB is the result of almost two decades of work that has combined the efforts of chemosensory receptor experts, neuroscientists, computational experts, informatics researchers and clinicians, plus a growing community of contributors. Currently containing close to 15,000 olfactory and other chemosensory receptors, ORDB represents the work of more than a 100 laboratories worldwide, and contains receptors information for more than a hundred species. ORDB garners several hundred thousand visits from all over the world every year. ORDB is designed as a web-interface to a database architecture that makes for efficient storage and dissemination of the knowledge. More importantly, it allows the integration of heterogeneous databases within its framework—through a metadata-driven infrastructure. Two companion databases to ORDB—OdorDB (a repository of odor molecule with emphasis on those known to have been experimentally shown to activate ORs) and the new OdorModelDB (a repository of the results of computational modeling experiments on ORs) will also be described. Together, these three component databases aim to provide investigators with a comprehensive framework for understanding odor ligand-olfactory receptor interactions as the initial step in the neural processing of odor information. A fourth component, OdorMapDB, is a resource for investigating how the ligand-receptor interactions lead to representation as spatial activity maps in the olfactory bulb as the nextl step toward the neural basis of smell perception. Also discussed in this presentation will be efforts towards the development of software that not only populates ORDB in an automated manner, but also automatically updates data for relevance and timeliness. The unique infrastructure on which the olfactory databases are based is part of the SenseLab suite of databases. This infrastructure allows the resources to be searched for entries using a multi-parameter search system. These parameters are descriptors of various instances of information stored in ORDB. Such a search system allows the return of few specific and relevant results from several thousand. A live web-demonstration of ORDB, OdorDB and OdorModeDb will be part of the presentation.
Interaction between parallel edge cracks

Abstract In this paper, experimental results for the interaction between two parallel edge cracks are presented. Two cases are considered. In the first, the cracks have equal lengths, while in the second, the two cracks have different lengths. The experimental method of reflected caustics is used. Mixed mode stress intensity factors are obtained and the results are compared to values obtained from using the numerical discontinuity method. The experimental and numerical results are in good agreement. Thin strips made of plexiglas containing two edge slits subjected to tension are studied. The extent of the three dimensional region of the crack tip stress field is investigated.
In vitro multiplication and plantlet establishment of avocado

A procedure is described to regenerate shoots and plants from the embryonic axis of avocado seedlings with benzyladenine or thidiazuron. Explants were grown in the dark for 10 d and then transferred to an 18-h photoperiod to induce multiple shoots. Increased concentrations of benzyladenine or thidiazuron resulted in increased shoot production. Shoots were transferred to shoot promoting media where additional shoots were formed. Under the best conditions, six rooted shoots were produced per original explant. About 80% of the shoots with roots survived in the glasshouse and produced normal phenotypic plants.
Estimating nutritional status of German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae), in the field.

Nutritional status of German cockroaches from the field (HUD apartments) was estimated using uric acid content to measure amount of protein consumed, and respiratory quotient (RQ) to measure fat and carbohydrate metabolized. Initial trials demonstrated the stability of these two indicators as nymphal cockroaches grow and with timing of meals. Nutrient consumption (and presumed availability) was estimated by comparing uric acid content and RQ of nymphal cockroaches collected from kitchens of HUD apartments with those reared in the laboratory and provided a series of meridic diets. Uric acid content was linearly related to percentage of dietary protein (y=6.2x-32.07, r(2)=0.96) and RQ was linearly related to log(10)(% fat:% carbohydrate) (y=-0.148Log(x)+0.790, r(2)=0.68). Field-collected German cockroaches contained 10.9+/-7.7 to 22.9+/-5.1 mg/mg uric acid and RQ of 0.770+/-0.024 to 0.803+/-0.260. Comparatively, cockroaches provided rodent chow had greater uric acid content (125.1+/-9.6 mg/mg) and RQ (0.878+/-0.022). Employing linear calibration and these regressions, diet consumed by German cockroaches in the field was estimated at 7+/-3% to 9+/-3% protein and equivalent amounts of carbohydrates and fat as an energy source. German cockroaches in the field consume less protein and carbohydrates, and more fat compared to those provided a standard laboratory diet such as rodent chow. Diet available in the field is considered suboptimal, resulting in physiological stress; the biological implications of this stress are discussed.
First Report of Soybean vein necrosis-associated virus Affecting Soybeans in Alabama

Soybean vein necrosis-associated virus (SVNaV) is a relatively new disease of soybeans in the United States. This is the first report of SVNaV in Alabama. The disease was confirmed to be SVNaV by ELISA and sequencing virus specific PCR products. Confirmation of the disease in Alabama is an important step in developing management recommendations for growers.
Silence Isn't Necessarily Golden: Communication Apprehension, Desired Social Choice, and Academic Success among Middle-School Students.

Communication apprehension was found to be significantly negatively related to both middle-school students’ attitudes toward school and final grades. In addition, communication apprehension was found to influence the choice of desired others made by students and their teacher in a classroom communication network. In general, communication apprehensive students were found not to be considered desirable communication choices by their peers.
Random symmetric matrices are almost surely nonsingular

Let Qn denote a random symmetric (n×n)-matrix, whose upper-diagonal entries are independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) Bernoulli random variables (which take values 0 and 1 with probability 1/2). We prove that Qn is nonsingular with probability 1-O(n-1/8+δ) for any fixed δ>0. The proof uses a quadratic version of Littlewood-Offord-type results concerning the concentration functions of random variables and can be extended for more general models of random matrices
Persistence and extinction in Lotka-Volterra reaction-diffusion equations

Abstract This paper analyzes the persistence and extinction behavior of Lotka-Volterra reaction-diffusion equations for a patch-type environment. The system of equations is the discretized version of the familiar random-diffusion model ut=f(u)+Duxx. It is shown that diffusion can alter the persistence or extinction behavior of the Lotka-Volterra system. A competitive or predator-prey system can become extinct, whereas a mutualistic system can persist.
Differential Gene Expression in Motor and Sensory Schwann Cells in the Rat Femoral Nerve

Phenotypic differences in Schwann cells (SCs) may help guide axonal regeneration down motor or sensory specific pathways following peripheral nerve injury. The goal of this study was to identify phenotypic markers for SCs harvested from the cutaneous (sensory) and quadriceps (motor) branches of the rat femoral nerve and to study the effects of expansion culture on the expression patterns of these motor or sensory phenotypic markers. RNA was extracted from SCs harvested from the motor and sensory branches of the rat femoral nerve and analyzed using Affymetrix Gene Chips© (Rat Genome 230 v2.0 Array A). Genes that were upregulated in motor SCs compared to the sensory SCs or vice versa were identified, and the results were verified for a subset of genes using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The expression levels of the “phenotype-specific” genes were then evaluated in SC expansion cultures at various timepoints over 30 days by qRT-PCR to determine the effect of expansion on SC phenotype. Expression levels of the phenotype-specific genes were significantly altered after expansion culture for both the motor and sensory markers compared to fresh nerve tissue. These results indicate that both motor and sensory SC gene expression patterns are disrupted during expansion in vitro and may affect the ability of SCs to express phenotype specific genes after transplantation.
Thoracoscopy-assisted Heller myotomy for the treatment of achalasia: results of a minimally invasive technique

Abstract Background Several surgical methods have been described to treat achalasia with a recent trend toward utilizing minimally invasive techniques to perform a myotomy. Since 1998 our institution has utilized a minimally invasive thoracoscopy-assisted technique (ThAM) that allows a myotomy to be performed under direct visualization. Methods From 1992 to 2002, 57 patients underwent transthoracic Heller myotomy at our institution. Thirty-eight patients (67%) who underwent ThAM were reviewed and compared with 19 (33%) who previously underwent myotomy through a standard open left thoracotomy (OM). Results There were no operative deaths in the ThAM group (n = 38) and 4 patients (11%) experienced minor morbidity. Four ThAM patients required conversion to open thoracotomy and 2 were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 32 patients, 29 have improved postoperative dysphagia scores after a mean follow-up of 17 months. Only 4 patients have required further endoscopic or surgical intervention. Compared with the OM group, ThAM patients experienced significantly shorter average surgery time (97 versus 139 minutes), less blood loss (80 versus 155 mL), less postoperative narcotic requirement (8 versus 20 days), and shorter recovery to normal activity (20 versus 73 days). Conclusions Thoracoscopy-assisted myotomy results in excellent relief of dysphagia in the short term and would be expected to have long-term results similar to OM. Shorter operating and recovery times as compared with OM without the need for an antireflux procedure makes ThAM an attractive minimally invasive technique.
Electrical characteristics of a reduced-area, rhodium-plated, silicon end contact

Abstract The apparent linear (ohmic) characteristics, exhibited by a high-purity, p -type, single-crystal specimen of silicon of uniform resistivity (ca. 2200 Ω-cm at room temperature), having rhodium-plated end contacts, were changed to rectifying characteristics by formation of a reduced-area contact at one end (the reduced area was attained by grinding down the original contact). The rectification characteristics improved with decreasing temperature, provided that the temperature is not too low. Voltage-profile and resistivity measurements were made at various temperatures ranging from 116°C to −196°C. These curves show that the maximum of the injection fraction, (Δ n )p 0 , and of the resistivity both occur at approximately 90°C. The values of these maxima are respectively 5·5 per cent (total current 10 mA, current density at small-area contact 125 mA/cm 2 ) and 2980 Ω-cm. The low-temperature voltage contours indicate that the plated contacts, with both small and large area, become good barriers below −68°C. The asymmetry between the large- and small-area contact is much greater at −196°C than at −68°C. At room temperature, the transient behavior manifests the characteristic logarithmic injection curve. Solder and rhodium-plated contacts and transient-current studies indicate that a small amount of injection occurs also at the large-area contact.
A new upper bound for a critical anomaly in the dielectric constant of SF6

Abstract The dielectric constant of SF 6 on the critical isochore was measured under conditions of high thermal stability and low gravitational disturbance. No direct evidence of a t 1-α -type anomaly was found, an upper bound for its amplitude is presented.
Growth and characterization of gallium (III) oxide films

Abstract A simple spray pyrolysis technique has been applied to the formation of dense, homogeneous gallium(III) oxide thin films on both silicon and silica substrates. The high quality of these films has been established by transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, optical spectra, and current-voltage measurements.
Trends of Data Path Topologies for Data Acquisition Systems in Positron Emission Tomography

In this paper, we describe current trends in data path topologies for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) data acquisition (DAQ) systems which is used to capture signals from the detector modules and generate coincidence data for a image reconstruction computer. First, the requirements of DAQ systems in PET, such as event throughput, timing resolution, and energy resolution, are analyzed. Then, design issues related to DAQ designs are discussed including multiplexing schemes, DAQ boards interconnection topologies, and transmission protocols to transfer data to the image reconstruction computer. We also discuss how new trends in PET systems, such as time-of-flight (TOF) PET, depth-of-interaction (DOI) information, and PET/MRI, can affect the design of PET DAQ systems.
Characterization of Cardiac Function and Arterial Mechanics During Early Postnatal Development in Fibulin-5 Null Mice

Fibulin-5 is an extracellular matrix protein that interacts with other proteins during a complex process that results in elastic fiber formation from the elastin precursor, tropoelastin [1]. Elastic fibers are an important component of tissues requiring elasticity, including large arteries, lungs and skin. In mice lacking fibulin-5 (Fbln5−/−), these tissues contain disorganized elastic fibers and exhibit decreased elasticity [2]. The phenotype of Fbln5−/− mice is similar to that of humans with cutis laxa, a connective tissue disorder characterized by loose skin and narrow arteries with reduced compliance.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The effects of pancreatic polypeptides and neuropeptide Y on the rat vas deferens

Abstract In order to study the physiological significance of the coexistence of pancreatic polypeptide and norepinephrine (NE) in peripheral noradrenergic nerves, the effects of pancreatic polypeptides of several species were tested on the isolated rat vas deferens. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) was also studied because of its sequence homology to the pancreatic polypeptides. The contractile responses, which were mediated predominantly by activation of noradrenergic nerves following electrical stimulation, were inhibited by bovine pancreatic polypeptide (BPP), human pancreatic polypeptide (HPP), avian pancreatic polypeptide (APP) and NPY in a dose-dependent manner using a constant flow bath. The decreasing order of the inhibitory responses was as follows: BPP=HPP > NPY > APP. The inhibitory responses produced by BPP and HPP lasted more than 1 hr and displayed a marked tachyphylaxis. In contrast, the inhibitory effects induced by NPY and APP usually returned to the control level after 20–30 min and had minimal tachyphylaxis. The inhibitory action of NPY was still present during α-adrenergic blockade. Contractions produced by a single submaximal dose of exogenous NE or serotonin (5-HT) in unstimulated preparations were not affected by pretreatment with NPY. The amplitude of contractions was partially reduced 1 min after pretreatment with BPP or HPP; recovery occurred about 15 min after peptide pretreatment in a constant flow bath. These results suggest that an NPY receptor exists presynaptically in the rat vas deferens and that stimulation of the receptor by NPY inhibits the release of NE from noradrenergic nerves. It is concluded that both BPP and HPP act by a presynaptic inhibitory mechanism on noradrenergic nerve terminals and also have a nonspecific inhibitory action on smooth muscle cells.
Incorporating seismic concerns in site selection for enhanced geothermal power generation

Enhanced (or engineered) geothermal systems (EGS) for generating electricity may provide significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, if they can be successfully sited. One potential threat to that siting is induced seismicity, which has led to EGS projects being stopped in Switzerland and Germany. We create and implement a framework for identifying regions with low risk of induced seismicity risk. Using a widely known and used model with high spatial resolution, we find that, to a first approximation, 60% of the best areas for EGS plants based on purely geological considerations meet this standard. Taking advantage of this potential requires two next steps in these regions. One is using the best available tools for local modeling of triggered seismicity, rather than the first-order national model used here. The second is creating a viable social process for securing the informed consent of local communities.
Physical and chemical processes of wintertime secondary nitrate aerosol formation

The UCD/CIT model was modified to include a process analysis (PA) scheme for gas and particulate matter (PM) to study the formation of secondary nitrate aerosol during a stagnant wintertime air pollution episode during the California Regional PM2.5/PM10 Air Quality Study (CRPAQS) where detailed measurements of PM components are available at a few sites. Secondary nitrate is formed in the urban areas from near the ground to a few hundred meters above the surface during the day with a maximum modeled net increase rate of 4 μg·m−3·d−1 during the study episode. The secondary nitrate formation rate in rural areas is lower due to lower NO2. In the afternoon hours, near-surface temperature can be high enough to evaporate the particulate nitrate. In the nighttime hours, both the gas phase N2O5 reactions with water vapor and the N2O5 heterogeneous reactions with particle-bound water are important for secondary nitrate formation. The N2O5 reactions are most import near the surface to a few hundred meters above surface with a maximum modeled net secondary nitrate increase rate of 1 μg·m−3·d−1 and are more significant in the rural areas where the O3 concentrations are high at night. In general, vertical transport during the day moves the nitrate formed near the surface to higher elevations. During the stagnant days, process analysis indicates that the nitrate concentration in the upper air builds up and leads to a net downward flux of nitrate through vertical diffusion and a rapid increase of surface nitrate concentration.
Spatial variability of rain rate and slant path attenuation distributions at 28 GHz in the mid-Atlantic coat region of the United States

Rain rate and corresponding estimated slant-path attenuation distributions derived from two years of measurements are presented for a network of nine rain-gauge sites located in a region whose extent is 70 km north-south and 47 km east-west in the mid-Atlantic coast of the United States in the vicinity of the NASA (US National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, VA. The network average rain-rate distribution was compared with a previously measured six year average at one of the site locations. Agreement in rain rates was found to be within approximately 1 mm/h over the percentage range of 1-0.01% of the year, signifying the constancy of the rain-rate climatology for the region, and implying an ergodic rainfall process. Slant-path attenuation statistics were estimated at 28.56 GHz by interfacing the measured rain-rate distributions at each of nine site locations with Crane's Global Model. >
Slab photonic crystals with dimer cylinder bases

The photonic bandgap properties of centered rectangular dimer cylinder structures are reported. The theoretical model is inspired by a crystalline phase found for colloidal self-assembly of asymmetric dimers. The band structures, as a function of degree of lobe fusion and degree of lobe symmetry, are calculated in accordance with the tunable features resulting from seeded emulsion polymerization synthesis. The parameters are varied incrementally from single circular cross section cylinders to lobe-tangent dimer cylinders. Odd, even, and polarization-independent gaps in the guided modes are found for direct and inverted slab structures. A wide range of shape parameter combinations supported relative gap widths up to 19.1% (3–4 odd gap) and 14.6% (1–2 even gap) in direct structures having low to moderate Brillouin zone distortion from the hexagonal. Slab thickness was tuned to overlap even and odd mode gap frequency ranges, generating a 9.9% polarization-independent gap. The results are compared with those from model centered rectangular slabs having dimer particle bases that limit the slab height. Inverted slab structures yielded a large maximum 40.4% 1–2 even mode gap and for up to 25% Brillouin zone distortion still supported significant gaps (>32%).
Demonstration of 32nm half-pitch electrical testable NAND FLASH patterns using self-aligned double patterning

Self-Aligned Double patterning (SADP) technology has been identified as the main stream patterning technique for NAND FLASH manufacturers for 3xnm and beyond. This paper demonstrates the successful fabrication of 32nm halfpitch electrical testable NAND FLASH wordline structures using a 3-mask flow. This 3-mask flow includes one critical lithography step and two non-critical lithography steps. It uses a positive tone (spacer as mask) approach to create 32nm doped poly wordlines. Electrical measurements of line resistance are performed on these doped poly wordlines to demonstrate the capability of this patterning technique. Detailed results and critical process considerations, including lithography, deposition and etch, will be discussed in this paper.
Simulation of steady compressible flows based on Cauchy/Riemann equations and Crocco's relations. Part II. Viscous flows

An alternative formation of the Navier-Stokes equations is used for steady compressible fluid flows. Two scalar equations are solved for the total enthalpy and entropy respectively, and a system of equations is solved for the velocity components. The latter consists of the continuity equation and the definitions of vorticity. Numerical results for two-dimensional low and high Reynolds number flows are presented and compared with standard calculations. The advantages of the present formulation are briefly discussed