cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using both emotional responses and sensory attribute intensities to predict consumer liking and preference toward vegetable juice products

Abstract Our previous research found that a combination of sensory attribute intensity and emotional responses helps in achieving better understanding of consumer acceptance and preference for basic taste solutions. By applying this finding to beverage samples, this study aimed to develop an optimum model of predicting either overall liking or preference of vegetable juice products based on sensory attribute intensities and emotional responses. One hundred participants (50 females) were asked to look at, smell, and taste five vegetable juice samples. Their emotional responses to each sample were measured through a combination of self-reported emotions, facial expressions, and autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses. Their overall liking and perceived intensities of sensory attributes were also measured. After a break, participants re-tasted all samples and ranked them according to preference. The results showed that emotional responses measured using a self-reported emotion questionnaire and facial expression analysis, along with perceived sensory intensities, performed best in predicting overall liking, while ANS measures made only limited contribution. However, the amount of overall variation attributed to these independent predictors was low in terms of preference rank. Finally, a majority of independent predictors showed neither differences between test and retest sessions nor interactions between session and test product over a period of two weeks. In conclusion, our findings provide empirical evidence that a combination of sensory intensities and emotional responses can better predict consumer acceptance of commercially-available vegetable juice products.
Considerations and approaches to revision discectomy

Abstract Recurrent disc herniation is the most common complication following operative treatment for lumbar disc herniation. Surgical indications for recurrent disc herniation are similar to those for primary disc herniation, but the surgical decision-making process is complicated by several factors including the anatomic location of the disc herniation, the amount of bone removed in the index procedure, the presence of radiographic instability, and the degree of axial lower back pain versus radicular pain that drives the need for revision surgery. The surgeon must consider the unique aspects of revision laminectomy and discectomy when both planning for and carrying out this procedure.
Development and testing of the KnowGene scale to assess general cancer genetic knowledge related to multigene panel testing

Abstract Purpose To develop and evaluate a measure of cancer genetics knowledge relevant to multigene panel testing. Methods The instrument was developed using systematic input from a national panel of genetics experts, acceptability evaluation by patient advocates, and cognitive testing. Twenty-four candidate items were completed by 591 breast or gynecological patients who had undergone genetic counseling and multigene panel testing in the past 18 months. A unidimensional item response theory model was fit with a mix of 2-parameter logistic nested response (2 plnrm) and 2-parameter logistic (2 pl) items. Results Key domains addressing cancer genetics knowledge were found to be overlapping. Of the 24 candidate items, 8 items were removed due to poor discrimination or local dependence. The remaining 16 items had good fit (RMSEA = 0.045, CFI = 0.946) and discrimination parameters ranging from 0.49 to 1.60. The items specified as 2 plnrm distinguish between those answering incorrect versus don’t know, with discrimination ranging from 0.51 to 1.02. Information curves were highest among those with lower knowledge. Conclusion KnowGene is a rigorously developed and effective measure of knowledge after cancer genetic counseling and multigene panel testing. Practice Implications Measuring knowledge in a systematic way will inform practice and research initiatives in cancer genetics.
Substrate-based chemical probes for Alzheimer’s γ-secretase

The membrane-embedded γ-secretase complex carries out hydrolysis within the lipid bilayer in proteolyzing nearly 100 different membrane protein substrates. Among these substrates, the amyloid precursor protein (APP) has been the most studied, as generation of aggregation-prone amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) is a defining feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Mutations in APP and in presenilin, the catalytic component of γ-secretase, cause familial AD, strong evidence for a pathogenic role of Aβ. However, in human trials γ-secretase inhibitors not only failed to slow AD progression, they worsened cognitive function. More in-depth study of γ-secretase and how AD-causing mutations alter its structure and function is clearly needed. Substrate-based chemical probes have been critical to unraveling the complexity of γ-secretase. Such synthetic peptides and peptidomimetics will be reviewed here, including recently reported structural and functional probes.
Vac8 determines phagophore assembly site vacuolar localization during nitrogen starvation-induced autophagy.

Macroautophagy/autophagy is a key catabolic process in which different cellular components are sequestered inside double-membrane vesicles called autophagosomes for subsequent degradation. In yeast...
Uncertainty Reduction Through Data Management in the Development, Validation, Calibration, and Operation of a Hurricane Vulnerability Model

Catastrophe models estimate risk at the intersection of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. Each of these areas requires diverse sources of data, which are very often incomplete, inconsistent, or missing altogether. The poor quality of the data is a source of epistemic uncertainty, which affects the vulnerability models as well as the output of the catastrophe models. This article identifies the different sources of epistemic uncertainty in the data, and elaborates on strategies to reduce this uncertainty, in particular through identification, augmentation, and integration of the different types of data. The challenges are illustrated through the Florida Public Hurricane Loss Model (FPHLM), which estimates insured losses on residential buildings caused by hurricane events in Florida. To define the input exposure, and for model development, calibration, and validation purposes, the FPHLM teams accessed three main sources of data: county tax appraiser databases, National Flood Insurance Protection (NFIP) portfolios, and wind insurance portfolios. The data from these different sources were reformatted and processed, and the insurance databases were separately cross-referenced at the county level with tax appraiser databases. The FPHLM hazard teams assigned estimates of natural hazard intensity measure to each insurance claim. These efforts produced an integrated and more complete set of building descriptors for each policy in the NFIP and wind portfolios. The article describes the impact of these uncertainty reductions on the development and validation of the vulnerability models, and suggests avenues for data improvement. Lessons learned should be of interest to professionals involved in disaster risk assessment and management.
Tumor Involvement of the Nipple in Total Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Strategies for Management

Background Despite a growing body of literature on oncologic and reconstructive outcomes after total skin-sparing mastectomy (TSSM), some questions related to this approach remain unanswered, including strategies for managing tumor involvement of the nipple while maintaining the aesthetic benefits of TSSM.
This is Depressing: The Emotional Labor of Teaching During the Pandemic Spring 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic affected teachers and students worldwide. In March 2020, more than 5,000 teachers reported feeling overwhelmed, sad, fearful, anxious, and worried. We evaluated those feelings...
Self-aligned sequential lateral field non-uniformities over channel depth for high throughput dielectrophoretic cell deflection

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) enables the separation of cells based on subtle subcellular phenotypic differences by controlling the frequency of the applied field. However, current electrode-based geometries extend over a limited depth of the sample channel, thereby reducing the throughput of the manipulated sample (sub-μL min-1 flow rates and μL min-1 flow and >106 cells per mL) using heterogeneous samples of healthy and glutaraldehyde-fixed red blood cells, with single-cell impedance cytometry showing that the DEP collected fractions are intact and exhibit electrical opacity differences consistent with their capacitance-based DEP crossover frequency. This geometry can address the vision of an "all electric" selective cell isolation and cytometry system for quantifying phenotypic heterogeneity of cellular systems.
Plantar Melanoma: An Investigation of Its Incidence

Melanoma accounts for more than 100,000 new cancer cases each year, and a minority (3%-15%) involve the foot and ankle. Case studies and isolated data set analyses report infrequent plantar melanomas, with these tumors more commonly encountered in non-whites. The absolute incidence of plantar melanoma is approximately the same in all races, but it is a more common type of cutaneous melanoma in non-white populations. Plantar melanoma is more prevalent in women, potentially a result of increased inflammation from uncomfortable shoes. When presenting on the plantar surface of the foot, features atypical of classic cutaneous melanoma are often present.
Area-Based Urban Renewal Approach for Smart Cities Development in India: Challenges of Inclusion and Sustainability

Cities in the Global South face rapid urbanization challenges and often suffer an acute lack of infrastructure and governance capacities. Smart Cities Mission, in India, launched in 2015, aims to offer a novel approach for urban renewal of 100 cities following an area-based development approach, where the use of ICT and digital technologies is particularly emphasized. This article presents a critical review of the design and implementation framework of this new urban renewal program across selected case-study cities. The article examines the claims of the so-called “smart cities” against actual urban transformation on-ground and evaluates how “inclusive” and “sustainable” these developments are. We quantify the scale and coverage of the smart city urban renewal projects in the cities to highlight who the program includes and excludes. The article also presents a statistical analysis of the sectoral focus and budgetary allocations of the projects under the Smart Cities Mission to find an inherent bias in these smart city initiatives in terms of which types of development they promote and the ones it ignores. The findings indicate that a predominant emphasis on digital urban renewal of selected precincts and enclaves, branded as “smart cities,” leads to deepening social polarization and gentrification. The article offers crucial urban planning lessons for designing ICT-driven urban renewal projects, while addressing critical questions around inclusion and sustainability in smart city ventures.
Personality engineering: Applying human personality theory to the design of artificial personalities

Abstract To understand and explain our world, we often resort to“anthropomorphism,” attributing human characteristics to things that are not human. For example, intelligence and friendliness are often perceived-in varying degrees and by various definitions-in computers and other machines. This perception of human traits in nonhumans can be interpreted as“artificial personality.” Because anthropomorphic systems have proven controversial, more research is required to give us the insights needed to develop more compatible and effective artificial personalities. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of“personality engineering” to enable us to better understand artificial personalities and ultimately to improve the interaction between human and artificial personalities. To accomplish this, personality psychology is recommended as a framework within which to design, develop, and evaluate any system or product. A brief example is given to illustrate how one human personality theory could be adapted for the study of artificial personalities.
MlrA, a novel regulator of curli (AgF) and extracellular matrix synthesis by Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium

Production of curli (AgF) adhesins by Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. typhimurium) is associated with extracellular matrix production and is optimal at low temperature during stationary phase. Curli and extracellular matrix synthesis involves a complex regulatory network that is dependent on the CsgD (AgfD) regulator. We have identified a novel regulator, termed MlrA, that is required for curli production and extracellular matrix formation. Two cosmids from a genomic library of avian pathogenic E. coliχ7122 conferred mannose-resistant haemagglutination (HA) and curli production to E. coli HB101, which is unable to produce curli owing to a defective regulatory pathway. The rpoS gene, encoding a known positive regulator of curli synthesis, and the E. coli open reading frame (ORF) of unknown function, yehV, identified on each of these cosmids, respectively, conferred curli production and HA to E. coli HB101. We have designated yehV as the mlrA gene for MerR-like regulator A because its product shares similarities with regulatory proteins of the MerR family. HA and curli production by strain χ7122 were abolished by disruption of rpoS, mlrA or csgA, the curli subunit gene. Both csgD and csgBA transcription, required for expression of curli, were inactive in an mlrA mutant grown under conditions that promote curli production. An mlrA homologue was identified in S. typhimurium. Analysis of mlrA–lac operon fusions demonstrated that mlrA was positively regulated by rpoS. mlrA mutants of wild-type S. typhimurium SL1344 or SR-11 no longer produced curli or rugose colony morphology, and exhibited enhanced aggregation and extracellular matrix formation when complemented with the mlrA gene from either S. typhimurium or E. coli present on a low-copy-number plasmid. However, inactivation of mlrA did not affect curli production and aggregative morphology in an upregulated curli producing S. typhimurium derivative containing a temperature- and RpoS-independent agfD promoter region. These results indicate that MlrA is a newly defined transcriptional regulator of csgD/agfD that acts as a positive regulator of RpoS-dependent curli and extracellular matrix production by E. coli and S. typhimurium.
Correlation between shunt series and scoliosis radiographs in children with myelomeningoceles.

Object Over 85% of patients with myelomeningoceles require placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus, and between 25% and 85% of these patients develop scoliosis. Although most patients undergo repeated shunt series radiography to evaluate for device malfunction, scoliosis radiographs are less consistently obtained. The authors sought to determine if a correlation exists between these 2 radiographic techniques for a given patient, as shunt series are obtained with the patient supine, whereas scoliosis radiographs are acquired with the patient standing upright. The authors also endeavored to study if shunt series radiographs can reliably detect significant scoliosis. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed a single institution's series of 593 patients with myelomeningoceles and identified all patients in whom a shunt series and scoliosis radiographs were obtained within a 6-month period. They reviewed the medical records and radiographs of these patients for demographic and radiograp...
Asymmetries and household insurance: A note

Abstract Complete insurance purchases in the presence of premium loadings are empirically observable but inconsistent with the standard insurance model. This note examines asymmetric probability estimates and discount rates as possible explanations of this phenomenon.
A software implementation of SLI arithmetic

An implementation of the symmetric level-index (SLI) system, some of its special features, and some computational experience with it are described. The particular implementation discussed was developed for use on IBM-compatible PC machines and is written in Turbo Pascal. This allows many of the attractive features of a potential hardware implementation of SLI arithmetic to be readily incorporated. The ease of performing extended computational operations, such as scalar products and evaluation of polynomials, is evident from the package. The computational experiments reported also show the great simplicity of program structure which this robust arithmetic permits. >
Sputtering Calculations with the Discrete-Ordinates Method

The purpose of this work is to investigate the applicability of the discrete-ordinates (S/sub N/) method to light ion sputtering problems. In particlar, the neutral particle discrete-ordinates computer code, ANISN, is used to calculate sputtering yields. No modifications to this code are necessary to treat charged particle transport. However, a cross-section processing code is needed for the generation of multigroup cross sections; these cross sections include a modification to the total macroscopic cross section to account for electronic interactions and small-scattering-angle elastic interactions. The discrete-ordinates approach enables calculation of the sputtering yield as functions of incident energy and angle and of many related quantities, such as ion reflection coefficients, angular and energy distributions of sputtering particles the behavior of beams penetrating thin foils, etc. The results of several sputtering problems as calculated with ANISN are presented.
Micromechanics-based dynamic modulus prediction of polymeric asphalt concrete mixtures

Abstract Hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures are widely used in the surface layer of flexible pavements. HMA mixtures are a kind of polymer matrix composite composed of polymeric asphalt mastic with the inclusion of particulate-filled media and air voids. Nowadays, more and more petroleum-based polymers (epoxy, resin) have been widely used in the HMA mixtures, in which the polymer matrix accounts for around 10–20% by volume. The properties of polymer matrix play a key role in the performance of flexible pavements. Dynamic modulus (∣E∗∣) of HMA mixtures is one of the fundamental engineering properties measured by the simple performance tester (SPT) and has been incorporated as a basic input in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Mechanistic-Empirical Design Guide for flexible pavements. Although direct laboratory testing and empirical equations (such as the Witczak model and the Hirsch model) provide two ways to obtain the values of dynamic modulus of HMA mixtures, a predictive model based on the microstructure of HMA mixtures is more desirable. This paper presents a micromechanical model to predict the dynamic modulus of HMA mixtures. In this model, HMA mixtures are treated as a composite by embedding the mastic-coated aggregate particles into the equivalent medium of HMA mixtures. Based on the proposed model, closed-form equations were derived to predict the dynamic modulus value of HMA mixtures. The equations were able to take into account aggregate gradation and air void size distribution. In addition, laboratory experiments were conducted to verify the developed model. The dynamic modulus values of mastics and HMA mixtures were obtained through direct laboratory testing. The dynamic modulus of mastic was then used to predict the dynamic modulus of laboratory-prepared HMA mixtures with the newly developed model. It was found that the predicted dynamic moduli agreed reasonably well with the measured ones at high frequencies. The reasons for the discrepancy between measured and predicted dynamic moduli and the factors affecting the dynamic modulus were also explored in the paper.
An algebraic multigrid wave–ray algorithm to solve eigenvalue problems for the helmholtz operator

Helmholtz equations with variable coefficients are known to be hard to solve both analytically and numerically. In this paper, we introduce a numerical multigrid solver for one-dimensional Helmholtz eigenvalue problems with periodic potentials and solutions. The solvers employ wave–ray methodology suggested by Brandt, Livshits for Helmholtz equations with constant coefficients. The paper concludes with numerical experiments and the discussion of future efforts for solving two-dimensional problems. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Late-orogenic backfolding and extension in the Brooks Range collisional orogen, northern Alaska

Abstract New structural observations across a crustal section spanning relatively unmetamorphosed fold–thrust belt rocks and epidote–amphibolite grade rocks document the late-orogenic kinematic history of the Brooks Range, Alaska, and provide insight into the character, relative timing, and geodynamic setting of late-orogenic backfolding and extension in collisional orogens. Greenschist-grade rocks on the north flank of a metamorphic culmination display mesoscopic, open-to-close, S-vergent folds (and associated cleavages) and small-displacement normal faults, suggesting a sequence of D 2 backfolding and D 3 extension following the protracted phase of N-directed D 1 . At deeper levels, epidote–amphibolite facies rocks display a pervasive gently N-dipping S 2 crenulation cleavage that is axial-planar to kilometer- and smaller-scale tight to isoclinal recumbent F 2 folds. Porphyroblast–matrix relationships suggest that folds at the deeper levels initiated during synmetamorphic D 2 backfolding. Much of the strain recorded by S 2 and the tightening of folds, however, probably accumulated during post-metamorphic D 3 extension. 40 Ar/ 39 Ar data suggest an early- to mid-Albian age for D 2 backfolding, which may be related to formation of a regional-scale backfold. Backfolding, together with apparently synchronous thrusting near the range front may represent the final stages of Cretaceous contractional deformation in the orogen. Contraction was immediately followed by extension, which, aided by erosion, produced a short-lived period of cooling and exhumation beginning at ∼103 Ma. The available data suggest that extension is post-contractional, and thus is not viewed as a driving force of thrusting in the foreland. Extension was not limited to range-bounding normal faults, but rather was distributed over much of the southern half of the Brooks Range, with character of extensional fabrics being dependent on the geometry of D 2 fabrics. Inasmuch as backfolding and extension are common features within collisional orogenic belts, the conclusions drawn here have implications regarding fundamental processes associated with the late-stages of collisional orogenesis. In particular, the study provides an example of the roles that backfolding and extension have played in the geodynamic development of a collisional orogen.
MEASUREMENT OF L-ASPARAGINE (ASN) LEVELS IN THE PRESENCE OF E. COLI L-ASPARAGINASE (ASNASE) IS IMPROVED BY THE USE OF ASPARTIC β SEMIALDEHYDE (ASA)

The anti-leukemic activity of ASNase is thought to result from depletion of serum ASN. In studies of the pharmacologic effects of ASNase, investigators have reported dramatic prolonged reduction in the serum concentration of ASN after the administration of ASNase. Such measurements, however, have not accounted for the problem of hydrolysis of ASN by ASNase that is present in blood samples. We examined recovery of 14C ASN from blood samples with and without added ASNase at various concentrations. In the presence of ≥0.001 IU/ml of ASNase, the amount of 14C ASN recovered was 90% of control. Blood samples drawn from patients at 1 and 7 days following ASNase injection were collected directly into tubes containing 14C ASN +/- ASA. Recovery with ASA, was 60-110% and 100-110% of control (i.e., no ASNase) on days 1 and 7 respectively. We conclude that: 1) continued hydrolysis of ASN by ASNase can result in falsely low serum ASN measurements; 2) ASA is a potent inhibitor of E. Coli ASNase; 3) ASA present in collection tubes obviates the problem of continued ASNase activity. Thus, for accurate measurements of the rate and degree of ASN depletion by ASNase, ASA should be present in the blood collection system.
Hydration structure and dynamics of B- and Z-DNA in the presence of counterions via molecular dynamics simulations.

Following our previous attempts at understanding the structural and dynamical properties of water and counterions hydrating nucleic acids, we have performed molecular dynamics simulations for B- and Z-DNA. In these simulations, the nucleic acids were held rigid. In the case of B-DNA, one turn of B-DNA double helix was considered in the presence of 1500 water molecules and 20 counterions (K+). The simulations were performed for 4.0 ps after equilibrating the system. For Z-DNA, we considered one turn of the double helix in the presence of 1851 water molecules and 24 counterions (K+). The simulations were carried out for 3.5 ps after equilibration. The average temperature of these simulations was ∼ 360 K for Z-DNA and ∼ 345 K for B-DNA. In these simulations the hydrogen atoms were explicitly taken into account. For both simulations, a fifth-order predictor-corrector was used for solving the translational equations of motion. The rotational motion of the water molecules was represented in terms of quaternion algebra and the rotational equations of motion were solved with a second-order quaternion method using a sixth-order predictor-corrector method. A time step of 0.5 · 10−15 s was used in these simulations. The structural and the dynamical properties of water solvating the counterions, and the phosphate groups of the DNA, were computed to understand the hydration structure. Diffusion coefficients and velocity correlation functions were calculated for both ions and the water molecules. The velocity correlation functions for the ions exhibit a caged behavior. The dipole correlation functions for the water molecules indicate that the water molecules close to the helix retain the memory of their initial orientations for longer periods of time than those away from the helix. During the time period of our simulation (3–4 ps) the ion probability distributions show a well-defined pattern and suggest limited mobility for the ions, being close to the helix.
Systems theory and the anaesthetist.

The application of the various aspects of systems theory has increased steadily over the last 10 years and has proved useful in such diverse fields as surgical services (Spratt et al. 1974), public health (Haas 1974), education (Harrington 1966), nephrology (Bigelow et al. 1973), medical information (Davis 1973), behavior (Shooster 1974), internal medicine (Guyton et al. 1972), metaphysics (Gayer 1972), and sociology (Attinger & Millendorfer 1968). More recently, rystems analysis has been applied to anaesthetic systems in the engineering literature (Smith & Schwede: 1972) and has begun to appear in the anaesthesia literature (Brows 1973). The anaesthetist in the operating room is part of a complex system. In its simplest form the latter involves the anaesthetist, the anaesthesia delivery system, the patient and the surgeon. This discussion is intended to introduce the anaesthetist to some of the terminology and techniques common to the systems analysis approach. Examples have been drawn from biological aystems in man which have proved useful to describe in feedback control terms. Where possible, the examples used are those most relevant to anaesthesiology.
Graphite/Aluminum: An Evaluation of State-of-the-Art Material

The tensile and fracture toughness properties of a unidirectional, 28.3 volume percent graphite/aluminum composite have been measured and compared to boron/aluminum composites. The longitudinal and transverse tensile strengths in four-point bending were determined to be 105.6 ksi (728 MPa) and 7.19 ksi (49.5 MPa), respectively. The longitudinal strength is only slightly lower than that which would be expected from a boron/aluminum composite of similar volume fraction. The low transverse tensile strength was shown to be the result of a very weak filament-matrix interface. The apparent fracture toughness, K'/sub c/, of this graphite/aluminum composite was found to be 23.48 ksi radical in (25.83 MPa radical m) which is considerably higher than the fracture toughness of a boron/aluminum composite with similar volume fraction. While the reason for this unexpectedly high fracture toughness is not definitively identified, the evidence suggests that the source may be the low filament-matrix interface strength.
DX-88 and HAE: a developmental perspective

An example of an approach to the developmental philosophy of novel recombinant products is explored by using the exemplar of Hereditary Angioedema (HAE). Plasma kallikrein is believed to be an important mediator of angioedema in patients with genetic deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor (HAE patients). DX-88, a novel Kunitz domain produced by phage display (a powerful method of generating novel binders to potentially therapeutic targets), is a potent and selective inhibitor of plasma kallikrein which in early clinical studies demonstrates a useful efficacy/safety ratio in the treatment of acute attacks of HAE.
Exploring the Energy Landscape of RNA: A Direct Evaluation of the Counterion Mediated Free Energy

Functional non-coding RNA molecules must assume a specific tertiary structure in order to properly catalyze important reactions in vivo. Due to the intrinsic negative charge of RNA, this folding process is inherently dependent on the interplay between the RNA molecule itself and its surrounding positive counterions which neutralize the overall charge and allow for stabilization of the RNA tertiary structure. We present here a novel algorithmic approach to calculating the divalent-ion mediated free energy of an RNA conformation based on established theory that considers the ions explicitly. By efficiently searching the local energy landscape, the free energy of the system can be evaluated quickly and directly. The speed and accuracy of this direct approach allows for simple integration into preexisting all-atom RNA simulation with which we demonstrate ion-mediated effects on the P4-P6 domain of the Tetrahymena Group I Intron.
It was the night before the interview: perceptions of resident applicants about the preinterview reception.

Objective Hosting a reception for prospective interns the evening before the interview has become a well-established expectation. It is thought that these initial impressions significantly influence the ranking process. Despite these well-held beliefs, there has been a paucity of studies exploring the preinterview reception. Design A survey tool was created and piloted to ensure validity. The survey was then administered to a fourth-year class of allopathic medical students immediately after interviews but before Match Day. Setting A university, teaching hospital. Participants Fourth-year allopathic medical students. Results The response rate was 100% ( n = 69). Ninety-six percent of programs hosted an event. Although these events were minimally stressful (86%), the same percent felt that not attending would limit their knowledge of the program, and 66% felt that it would negatively affect their application. Forty percent believe this event to be extremely important to residency programs in selecting interns. Ninety-five percent are attended by residents only, and approximately half were at a casual restaurant. Most applicants (97%) never paid for their own meal, and 69% felt that if they did, it would leave a negative impression of the program. Conclusions Candidates believe the preinterview reception is important in the selection process, that failing to attend would negatively affect their application, and provides insight about the program. Alcohol is often provided but rarely has a negative effect. Applicants prefer an informal setting with unfettered interactions with the residents.
Differential effects of methylphenidate on reticular formation and thalamic neuronal activity.

Intravenous administration of methylphenidate (1 or 2 mg/kg) markedly attenuated the unit discharge rate in the mesencephalic reticular formation of rats and cats. Concurrently this drug enhanced the neural activity in the primary sensory nuclei of the thalamus. The differential effects of methylphenidate on these two neural systems suggest a possible mechanism by which it may improve attentive processes in hyperkinesis.
Letters and People of the Spanish Indies: Sixteenth Century

The public and private letters of merchants which present a lively panorama of early life in Spanish-American society.
Physical, chemical, and morphologic dimensions of human hepatitis. A virus strain CR326

CR326 human hepatitis A virus purified by isopycnic banding from infected marmoset sera was shown to consist of 27 nm spherical particles on electron microscopic examination. The particles were identified as hepatitis A virus by tests for infectivity and by specific neutralization of infectivity with convalescent human hepatitis A serum. Also, indentical 27 nm viruses in liver extracts gave specific reactions with hepatitis A antisera when tested by immune electron microscopy. The bouyant density of the virus in CsCl was 1.34 and it was heat (60 degrees), ether and acid stable but was destroyed by heat (100 degrees), formalin (1:4000) and ultraviolet irradiation. Electron microscopic studies of sections of infected marmoset liver showed intracytoplasmic virus particles, usually in vesicles. Presumptive findings for RNA, together with the intracytoplasmic location of the virus, indicated the virus to be of RNA-type. The attributes of the virus indicate it is closely related to the enterovirus family and not to hepatitis B virus.
Predicting Male Fertilizing Capacity in High and Low Fertility Strains of Chickens

Abstract FERTILITY has been shown to be highly correlated with certain semen measurements in chickens under conditions of artificial insemination (Cooper and Rowell, 1958). Their results indicate that fertility of individual cocks may be predicted relatively well from the semen measurements of motility, percentage of dead spermatozoa, and reduction time. Reduction time is a measure of metabolic activity and is accomplished by the mixing of a given amount of semen with a resazurin solution and recording the time required to reach a pink end point. The technique is described by Cooper and Rowell (1958). Density of live spermatozoa also was significantly correlated with fertility but it had less predictive value. Other studies (Parker et al, 1942; Shaffner and Andrews, 1948; Allen and Champion, 1955; and McDaniel and Craig, 1959) support various aspects of these general results. The present investigation supplies further evidence on the relative magnitude of correlations of resazurin reduction …
Unusual secondary-electron-emission spectra: Surface-exciton sources for Si(111)7×7

In many respects electron-beam excited secondary-electron-emission spectra (SEES) from the (111)7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}7 surface of 10-\ensuremath{\Omega} cm n-type silicon are like those from metals: The maximum in the secondary current is observed within a few eV of the threshold, and, with negative potential (with respect to chamber ground) applied to the sample, ${\mathit{V}}_{\mathit{s}}$, the spectra retain their shape while their detected kinetic energy increases by ${\mathit{eV}}_{\mathit{s}}$. The shapes of SEES from 10-\ensuremath{\Omega} cm p-type samples are different in a gross qualitative way: Secondary currents for kinetic energies out to 8 eV above threshold are greatly reduced, with the maximum in the distribution occurring at a kinetic energy of about 12 eV above threshold. With negative potential applied to the sample the shape of the spectra change, until at a value of ${\mathit{V}}_{\mathit{s}}$ of about -12 V the shape observed for the n-type samples is recovered. With more negative values of ${\mathit{V}}_{\mathit{s}}$ this part of the SEES retains its shape, while its detected kinetic energy increases by ${\mathit{eV}}_{\mathit{s}}$, again just like those for metals. In addition to these electrons, for -12${\mathit{V}}_{\mathit{s}}$-300 V another group of secondary electrons is observed to emerge from the sample, but from outside the beam landing area, and with energies close to chamber ground.The observation of secondary-electron emission at two distinct energies indicates that under these conditions this silicon surface is a nonequipotential surface. A model for all of these observations is presented in terms of mobile surface excitons, whose existence was previously demonstrated from angle-resolved energy-loss spectra. These long-lived excitons consist of a selvedge electron bound to a surface-state hole; the selvedge region lying between the bulk crystal and the image potential. A mode of formation of these surface excitons is postulated; electrons impinging on the surface from within the crystal, with energies greater than 1.5 eV above the bottom of the conduction band, can be captured by surface holes to form surface excitons. The unusual SEES is associated with the surface being p type. Bombardment of the (111)7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}7 surface of p-type silicon by electrons with energies between 40 and 300 eV is an effective way of producing long-lived surface excitons. It is suggested that this technique constitutes a source which can produce surface excitons for study by other probes. There is evidence for the formation of surface excitons in scanning tunneling, and in inverse photoemission spectra.
(±)-Octahydro-2-methyl- trans -5 (1 H )-isoquinolone methiodide: a probe that reveals a partial map of the nicotinic receptor's recognition site

A new, semirigid, nicotinic agonist (+-)-octahydro-2-methyl-trans-5 (1H)-isoquinolone methiodide was synthesized. The disposition of this agonist's nitrogen and carbonyl group conforms well to the prevailing notion of a pharmacophore for the nicotinic receptor. Comparing its structure and electrostatic potential surfaces, we predicted that its activity would be similar to that of carbamylcholine at the frog neuromuscular junction. Instead, the potency of the isoquinolone was only 0.015 times as potent as (+)-carbamylcholine. We conclude, after eliminating other possibilities, that the vicinity of the carbonyl group of an agonist must be planar to fit a confined space within the receptor's recognition site. The isoquinolone is a weak agonist because its methylene group beta to the carbonyl intrudes on this space.
Amphetamine increases the phosphorylation of neuromodulin and synapsin I in rat striatal synaptosomes

stimulants ABSTRACT Amphetamine is taken up through the dopamine transporter in nerve terminals and enhances the release of dopamine. We previously found that incubation of rat striatal synaptosomes increases phosphorylation of the presynaptic neural-specific protein, neuromodulin (Gnegy et al., Mol. Brain Res. 20:289-293, 1993). Using a state-specific antibody, we now demonstrate that incubation of rat striatal synaptosomes with amphetamine increases levels of neuromodulin phosphorylated at ser 41 , the protein kinase C substrate site. Phosphorylation was maximal at 5 min at 37°C at concentrations from 100 nM to 10 µM amphetamine. The effect of amphetamine on the phosphorylation of synapsin I at a site specifically phosphorylated by Ca 21 /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (site 3), was examined using a state-specific antibody for site 3-phosphosynap- sin I. Incubation with concentrations of amphetamine from 1 to 100 nM increased the level of site 3-phospho-synapsin I at times from 30 sec to 2 min. The effect of amphetamine on synapsin I phosphorylation was blocked by nomifensine. The presence of calcium in the incubating buffer was required for amphetamine to increase the level of site 3-phospho-synapsin I. The amphetamine-mediated increase in the content of phosphoser 41 -neuromodulin was less sensitive to extrasynaptosomal calcium. The amphet- amine-mediated increase in the content of site 3-phospho-synapsin I persisted in the presence of 10 µM okadaic acid and was not significantly altered by D1 or D2 dopamine receptor antagonists. Preincubation of striatal synaptosomes with 10 µM of the protein kinase C inhibitor, Ro-31-8220, blocked the amphetamine-mediated increases in the levels of both phosphoser 41 -neuromodulin and site 3-phospho-synapsin I. Our results demonstrate that amphetamine can alter phosphorylation-related second messenger activities in the synaptosome.Synapse 26:281-291, 1997. r 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Optimal configuration of telephone answering sites in a service industry

Abstract The location of facilities, plants, warehouses, distribution centers and the like has always been an important managerial problem. This paper is concerned with the optimal location of telephone answering sites for a non-competitive service organization within the public sector. The answering site network must service the entire United States. The methodological approach taken to addressing the telephone site location problem was integer programming. While the paper to be described herein presents the problem in a conceptual fashion, the approach adopted was in fact the basis of an actual model within a particular national service organization. For reasons of confidentially, the subject organization has requested to remain anonymous. This model and paper presents a conceptual treatment of a portion of a larger study to encompass all aspects of the telephone site location question; that portion directly related to site location and telecommunications. Non-telecommunications aspects such as staffing, space and property considerations, plus other operating cost and non-cost considerations, the latter including organizational and managerial aspects, were also a part of a larger study of which treatment herein will be excluded. The model discussed and developed provided the principal focus and basis for decision making pertaining to this project, primarily due to the large proportion of total costs involved. The study project is national in scope in that callers from all parts of the country have need for various kinds of technical and non-technical information at all times of the year. The location aspect of the telecommunications portion of the telephone model is itself but one aspect of the total problem. Additional aspects include the optimal number of telephone answering sites as well as the appropriate domain (geography served) of each site and the telecommunications (circuitry) configuration at each site. While results of the modelling effort have not been made officially public by the organization under study, it can be stated that the modelling effort resulted in several organization changes including opening and closing of individual offices, domain realignments of new or existing offices, and significant cost savings primarily due to telecommunication cost reductions and increased utilization of telephone answering manpower.
Mechanisms of elevated temperature fatigue crack growth in Zr–Ti–Cu–Ni–Be bulk metallic glass

Abstract Zr-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are surprisingly susceptible to cyclic fatigue processes. In the present study, the sub- T g elevated temperature fatigue crack growth behavior was examined. The fatigue threshold, Δ K TH , was found to increase from ∼1.1 to ∼1.4 MPa m 1/2 as testing temperature was increased from 100 to 220 °C. Low levels of fatigue crack closure were apparent and not associated with threshold behavior. Regular arrays of micron-sized elongated ridges formed parallel to the crack growth direction in the near-threshold fatigue crack-growth regime at elevated temperatures. A model for ridge formation based upon the planar stability of a Mode I crack was proposed. Ridge wavelengths and amplitudes were accurately predicted with respect to changes in applied stress intensity and temperature, and ridge angles were calculated on the basis of a Mohr–Coulomb yield criterion.
Possible role of confounded taste stimuli in conditioned taste aversions

In many publications, Sjoden, Archer, and their colleagues have studied conditioned taste aversions and found that in addition to taste, the bottle and/or spout containing a solution exerts strong control over the expression of an aversion. For example, Sjoden and Archer claim that this bottle stimulus will support a bottle-illness association even with long delays between the bottle and illness and after only a single conditioning trial. They have interpreted their results as indicating that contextual effects are important in taste-aversion learning. However, a confound in their procedure, stemming from the bottles they used, could explain their results in a simple way. Sjoden and Archer have emphasized that the bottle stimuli they used to distinguish between contexts consisted of one of two different sizes of drinking spouts, the larger of which made a clicking noise when licked. However, the larger spouts were always attached to plastic bottles and the smaller spouts were always attached to glass bottles. If discriminable tastes from the plastic bottles existed, then taste may have been inadvertently manipulated. Support for the likelihood of a plastic taste includes the seminal work on taste-aversion learning that stemmed from the serendipitous use of plastic bottles in the cage that rats were irradiated in and glass bottles in the home cages (see Garcia, McGowan, & Green, 1972). In these early demonstrations, rats learned to avoid the taste of water in the plastic bottles but not the taste of water in the glass bottles.
Cocaine surface contamination and the medico-legal implications of its transfer

Abstract The question posed by this research involves how frequently one can expect to contact cocaine in day-to-day living experiences where drug use may not normally be suspected. Issues concerning contamination are germane to medico-legal investigators who evaluate the significance of drug test results in (1) questioned deaths, (2) public health concerns, (3) drugs crimes, and (4) drug use toxicological tests potentially caused by external contamination, such as hair, sweat, and skin swabs. Previous surface studies focus mainly on currency drug contamination; few have addressed other common surfaces. Public surfaces handled by a large number of people, such as building entrance door handles, bank currency dispensing machines, food store shopping carts, and service station fuel pumps within the New Haven, Connecticut metropolitan area were tested. Socio-economically, the distribution of items tested ranged from working-class to upper-middle class areas. Results were obtained using the Securetec Drugwipe II® which is an immunological, on-site test device. Precautions were taken to avoid carry-over and other potential contamination from handling including single-use latex gloves which were pre-tested as a negative control immediately before swabbing. Analysis was performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and in the laboratory to standardize conditions. Drugwipe II® limit of detection (LOD) is ∼50 ng. Test results revealed 78% positive for cocaine substances as follows: fuel pump buttons for credit card authorization, 100% positive (n = 10 individual locations); ATM machines for currency withdrawal, 100% positive (n = 10 individual locations); grocery store shopping carts, 70% positive; academic building entrance doors, 30% positive (n = 10); and shopping mall entrance/exit doors, 100% positive (n = 5). Forensic scientists and medico-legal investigators responsible for interpreting surface test results are cautioned to consider contamination before ascribing drug activity to a specific individual. For legal proceedings these results are indicative but not conclusive because immunological tests are considered presumptive and may react with the parent substance (cocaine), related compounds (benzoylecgonine, ecgonine methyl ester, ecgonine, nor-ecgonine, and cocaethylene) and immunologically similar materials.