cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hyperhomocyst(e)inemia Is Associated With Impaired Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation in Humans

Background Hyperhomocyst(e)inemia is a risk factor for atherosclerosis and is prevalent in the elderly. The objective of this study was to determine whether hyperhomocyst(e)inemia is associated with impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation in humans. Methods and Results High-resolution vascular ultrasonography was used to study endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation in a nonatherosclerotic peripheral conduit artery of 26 elderly hyperhomocyst(e)inemic subjects and 15 age- and sex-matched subjects with normal homocysteine levels. Flow-mediated, endothelium-dependent (nitric oxide–mediated) vasodilation was assessed by measuring the percent change in brachial artery diameter during reactive hyperemia. Endothelium-independent vasodilation was assessed after the administration of 0.4 mg sublingual nitroglycerin. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was significantly impaired in the hyperhomocyst(e)inemic subjects compared with control subjects (3.7±0.6% versus 8.1±1.2%; P =.004), whereas endothelium-independent vasodilation was not different between the two groups (10.1±1.6% versus 9.3±1.5%; P =NS). In a linear regression analysis with serum homocysteine concentration, folic acid, age, sex, cholesterol (serum total, LDL, or HDL cholesterol), mean arterial blood pressure, use of antihypertensive medication, and baseline brachial artery diameter included as covariates, serum homocysteine concentration emerged as the only significant predictor of flow-mediated vasodilation. Conclusions These data indicate that hyperhomocyst(e)inemia is associated with impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation in humans and suggest that the bioavailability of nitric oxide is decreased in hyperhomocyst(e)inemic humans. ( . 1997;95:1119-1121.)
Effects of focused ion beam milling on austenite stability in ferrous alloys

Abstract The susceptibility of fcc austenite to transform to bcc during focused ion beam milling was studied in three commercial stainless steels. The alloys investigated, in order of increasing austenite stability, were: (i) a model maraging steel, Sandvik 1RK91; (ii) an AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel; and (iii) AL-6XN, a super-austenitic stainless steel. Small trenches were milled across multiple austenite grains in each alloy using a 30 kV Ga + ion beam at normal incidence to the specimen surface. The ion beam dose was controlled by varying the trench depth and the beam current. The factors influencing the transformation of fcc austenite to bcc (listed in order of decreasing influence) were found to be: (i) alloy composition (i.e., austenite stability), (ii) ion beam dose (or trench depth), and (iii) crystallographic orientation of the austenite grains. The ion beam current had a negligible influence on the FIB-induced transformation of austenite in these alloys.
Determination of galvanomagnetic coefficients by a one-point method

Abstract A new measurement geometry is proposed to determine the local galvanomagnetic coefficients in semiconductors by measuring ΔR R 0 , the relative change in spreading resistance of a low resistivity ohmic point contact due to the magnetic field. The potential problem is solved in the weak-magnetic-field limit and an explicit expression is given for ΔR R 0 vs. galvanomagnetic coefficients and crystal orientation. In the ideal case (semi-infinite crystal) it is an important feature of this geometry that neither the contact diameter nor the Hall field (the first order term in the magnetic field) enter into the result. The method is verified by measurements made on n-type gallium arsenide and n-type germanium. The experiments show that this is a quick and accurate method to determine the Hall mobility on high mobility materials. The effect of different factors on the measurement accuracy is considered, and it is shown that the errors caused by finite sample dimensions are about 1%, if the ratio of contact diameter to the sample dimension is of the order of 1:20.
Membrane Permeability of Hydrocarbon-Cross-Linked Peptides

Schafmeister, Po, and Verdine (another study) introduced a method using a hydrocarbon linker (staple) to stabilize a peptide in a helical configuration. One intended goal of this scheme is to facilitate the delivery of peptide drugs into target cells. Here, we investigate whether stapled peptides are intrinsically membrane permeable, by performing a case study on a stapled 12-mer peptide named NYAD-1. We found that the native peptide CAI (an HIV-1 inhibitor) does not bind to lipid bilayers, however NYAD-1 indeed permeates through lipid bilayers even at low solution concentrations. To understand the reason for the membrane permeability, we investigated the physical properties of NYAD-1 as a function of bound peptide/lipid molar ratio P/L. We found that NYAD-1 spontaneously binds to a lipid bilayer. At low P/L, the peptide primarily binds on the polar-apolar interface with its helical axis parallel to the bilayer, which has the effect of stretching the membrane area and thinning the membrane. The membrane thinning reaches its maximum at P/L ∼1/15–1/12 in DOPC bilayers. Additional bound peptides have little thinning effect and their helical axes are normal to the plane of bilayers. Thus, the stapled peptide has a membrane interaction behavior similar to helical antimicrobial peptides, such as magainin and melittin. We emphasize that not all peptides that bind to lipid bilayers in the α-helical form behave this way.
Subjective cognitive decline: Self and informant comparisons

Abstract Background It is unclear whether self- or informant-based subjective cognition better distinguishes emotional factors from early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods Healthy members (n = 447) of the Arizona apolipoprotein E ( APOE ) cohort and their informants completed the self and informant paired Multidimensional Assessment of Neurodegenerative Symptoms questionnaire (MANS). Results Decline on the MANS was endorsed by 30.6% of members and 26.2% of informants. Self- and informant-based decliners had higher scores of psychological distress and slightly lower cognitive scores than nondecliners. Over the next 6.7 years, 20 developed mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Converters were older at entry than nonconverters (63.8 [7.0] vs 58.8 [7.3] years, P = .003), 85% were APOE e4 carriers ( P Conclusions Self- and informant-based subjective decline correlated with greater psychological distress and slightly lower cognitive performance. Those with incident MCI generally self-endorsed decline earlier than informants.
Pointwise convergence of ergodic averages for polynomial actions of $\mathbb{Z}^{d}$ by translations on a nilmanifold

Generalizing the one-parameter case, we prove that the orbit of a point on a compact nilmanifold X under a polynomial action of $\mathbb{Z}^{d}$ by translations on X is uniformly distributed on the union of several sub-nilmanifolds of X . As a corollary we obtain the pointwise ergodic theorem for polynomial actions of $\mathbb{Z}^{d}$ by translations on a nilmanifold.
Psychopathology of Expression and the Therapeutic Value of Exhibiting Chronic Clients' Art: A Case Study

(1994). Psychopathology of Expression and the Therapeutic Value of Exhibiting Chronic Clients' Art: A Case Study. Art Therapy: Vol. 11, No. 3, pp. 219-224.
The influence of nickel sulfamate operating parameters on the impurity content and properties of electrodeposits

Abstract As part of a program encompassing the high temperature ductility losses of electrodeposited nickel, items other than sulfur were evaluated. These included variation of the plating solution temperature, agitation, variation of the current density and plating in a solution containing no wetting agent. Although elimination of a wetting agent from the plating solution reduced the carbon and hydrogen content of the deposits, high temperature properties, specifically ductility, were no better than those for deposits produced in solutions containing a wetting agent. The use of a low plating temperature (27°C) resulted in highly stressed deposits because of a higher gas content than in samples plated at the normal operating temperature of 60°C. Deposits obtained at low temperature would be unsuitable for structural or electroforming applications. The use of ultrasonic agitation as a means of reducing gas content and of improving properties provided no beneficial effect. Optimum mechanical properties in terms of current density were obtained in the range 250– 350 A m -2 .
A Cretaceous Shark Tooth in Glacial Debris of Middle Missouri

Fossil Crow shark teeth, extinct genus Squalicorax, are widespread and are reported from the Late Cretaceous of Europe, northern Africa and North America. In the spring of 2011 a fossil tooth of Squalicorax kaupi was discovered in glacial debris of north-central Missouri. The tooth is fairly worn. It is about 1.5 cm tall and 1.6 cm at its widest point. Both cutting edges show evidence of heavy serrations though they are preserved well only at the distal notch. Portions of the enamel are missing and the broken edges are worn smooth. There are two likely sources for the fossil shark tooth of this study. It could have arrived in Missouri by fluvial and glacial movements from formations of the Western Interior Seaway of Kansas, Nebraska or Iowa or from the north northwest by glacial movements from the Hudson Seaway. There are no marine deposits of the Late Cretaceous in this part of Missouri, but Late Cretaceous marine formations and fossils are abundant from Kansas and Nebraska and lesser so from Iowa.
High-power vacuum window in WR10

Results are presented in this paper for fabrication and test of a WR10 waveguide window for use in ultrahigh vacuum at 91.4 GHz. Low-power bench measurements are compared with analytic and simulation results. Operation at /spl ap/4-kW peak power, duty factor 10/sup -6/, and 10/sup -9/-scale vacuum is noted.
The genetics of plant lipids.

Article de synthese presentant tout d'abord les voies de synthese des lipides (glycerolipides et triglycerides) chez les vegetaux superieurs, puis l'etude des genes et proteines permettant leur stockage, transport et elaboration, chez les vegetaux superieurs et cyanobacteries (biosynthese, specificite tissulaire, regulation, analyse de mutants, de plantes transgeniques, organisation des genes)
Specialized organizational patterns within the nucleus reticularis thalami of the cat.

Abstract Structural analysis of the nucleus reticularis thalami in the adult cat, using variations of the rapid Golgi method, reveals significant differences between anterior pole and dorsolateral portions of the nucleus. The former is characterized by a dense presynaptic neuropil plexus and long, pleomorphic appendages on most of the dendrites. The latter is notable for its smooth-surfaced dendrites, a large proportion of which are arranged in tightly packed bundles, reminiscent of similar structural complexes previously noted in the spinal ventral horn. These structural differences underline the heterogenic nature of the nucleus reticularis and suggest the possibility of more than one functional role for this nuclear complex. We suggest that the dendrite bundles may represent a structural motif causally related to the burst type discharges characteristic of reticularis neurons.
Mood influences on acute smoking responses are independent of nicotine intake and dose expectancy.

Acute responses to smoking are influenced by nicotine and by nonpharmacological factors such as nicotine dose expectancy and sensory effects of smoke inhalation. Because negative mood increases smoking reinforcement, the authors examined whether these effects may be altered by mood context. Smokers (n = 200) participated in 2 sessions, negative or positive mood induction, and were randomized to 1 of 5 groups. Four groups comprised the 2 × 2 balanced placebo design, varying actual (0.6 mg vs. 0.05 mg yield) and expected nicotine dose (expected nicotine vs. denicotinized [denic]) of cigarettes. A fifth group was a no-smoking control. Smoking, versus not smoking, attenuated negative affect, as well as withdrawal and craving. Negative mood increased smoking reinforcement. However, neither actual nor expected nicotine dose had much influence on these responses; even those smokers receiving and expecting a denic cigarette reported attenuated negative affect. A follow-up comparison suggested that the sensory effects of smoke inhalation, but not the simple motor effects of smoking behavior, were responsible. Thus, sensory effects of smoke inhalation had a greater influence on relieving negative affect than actual or expected nicotine intake.
Xinjiang and the expansion of Chinese Communist power: Kashgar in the early twentieth century

Michael Dillon's study of the growth of Chinese Communist power in Xinjiang in the first half of the twentieth century aptly focuses on the important south-western city of Kashgar. His main objecti...
Comparison of Serum-Free Thyroxine Concentrations Determined by Standard Equilibrium Dialysis, Modified Equilibrium Dialysis, and 5 Radioimmunoassays in Dogs

Measurement of serum-free thyroxine (fT4) concentration provides a more accurate assessment of thyroid gland function than serum thyroxine (T4) or 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3). Techniques for measuring serum fT4 concentration include standard equilibrium dialysis (SED), radioimmunoassay (RIA), and a combination of both (modified equilibrium dialysis [MED]). This study compared results of serum fT4 measurements by means of SED, MED, and 5 RIAs in 30 healthy dogs, 10 dogs with hypothyroidism, and 31 euthyroid dogs with concurrent illness for which hypothyroidism was a diagnostic consideration. Serum fT4 concentrations were comparable when determined by the SED and MED techniques, and mean serum fT4 concentrations were significantly (P < .01) lower in dogs with hypothyroidism than in healthy dogs and euthyroid dogs with concurrent illness. Significant (P < .05) differences in fT4 concentrations were identified among the 5 RIAs and among the RIAs and MED and SED. Serum fT4 concentrations were consistently lower when fT4 was determined by the RIAs, compared with either equilibrium dialysis technique. Serum fT4 concentrations were significantly lower (P < .01) in dogs with hypothyroidism than in healthy dogs for all RIAs; were significantly lower (P < .05) in dogs with hypothyroidism than in euthyroid dogs with concurrent illness for 4 RIAs; and were significantly lower (P < .01) in euthyroid dogs with concurrent illness than in healthy dogs for 4 RIAs. RIAs had the highest number of low serum fT4 concentrations in euthyroid dogs with concurrent illness. This study documented differences in test results among fT4 assays, emphasizing the importance of maintaining consistency in the assay used to measure serum fT4 concentrations in the clinical or research setting.
Russian /Cju/ and “perceptual” vs. “phonological” theories of borrowing: A reply to Paradis (and Thibeault)

Abstract Recent literature contrasts two approaches to phonological adaptation, so-called “phonological” and “perceptual” approaches. Paradis and Thibeault (2004) and Paradis (2006) argue for the “phonological” approach based on a pattern of phonological adaptation employed by Russian in which non-native [y] is rendered as [u] with palatalization of the preceding consonant. The argument depends on the assumptions that /C j u/ is rare in Russian and unnatural. In this reply I show that neither assumption is correct and that this pattern of adaptation does not (at least yet) distinguish between the two approaches to the phenomenon. More generally, it is suggested that progress on this debate will require that the two approaches are further developed so as to make better informed and clearly distinct predictions.
Reply to comment by Roberto Rondanelli and Richard S. Lindzen on “Variations in convective precipitation fraction and stratiform area with sea surface temperature”

[1] Lindzen et al. [2001] reported that cirrus anvil cloud fraction normalized by deep convective core cloud fraction decreases with cloud-weighted sea surface temperature (SST) by about 20%/K, while Su et al. [2008] showed tropical-mean upper tropospheric (UT) cloud fraction normalized by precipitation decreases with cloud-weighted SST more slowly at around 2%/K. Throughout the text, we use ‘‘%/K’’ to indicate the relative change of normalized cloud fraction per degree change of SST. In their comments to Su et al. [2008], Rondanelli and Lindzen [2009] (hereafter RL09) examined several methodological choices that may contribute to the reported fractional decreases. First, they presented a regression analysis of normalized anvil cloud fraction onto SST using binned cloud fraction data within 0.5 C of SST and 1 1 gridded data. Both binned and gridded regressions show that anvil cloud fraction normalized by convective core cloud fraction decreases with SST at a rate of approximately 20%/K. In their analysis, cirrus anvil fraction is based on brightness temperature (BT) from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Visible and Infrared Scanner (VIRS) with values between 220 K and 260 K. Their convective core cloud fraction, which served as a measure of convective mass flux, is based on lower brightness temperature (BT 27 C, but decreases with SST 20 mm/d. This ‘‘saturation’’ behavior of cloud fraction with precipitation may contribute partly to the negative slope of precipitation-normalized cloud fraction versus SST. On the other hand, we notice that there is a high occurrence of large cloud fraction when precipitation is zero or very small. Thus, if one performs a linear least squares fit to the full range of cloud fraction versus precipitation, one obtains a nonzero intercept, corresponding to the fact that some high clouds are present regardless of precipitation. These high clouds may not be of convective origin and complicate the relation between the precipitationnormalized cloud fraction and SST. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, VOL. 115, D06203, doi:10.1029/2009JD012872, 2010 Click Here for Full Article
Ontogeny of the murine glucose-6-phosphatase system.

A deficiency in microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) activity causes glycogen storage disease type 1 (GSD-1), a clinically and biochemically heterogeneous group of diseases. It has been suggested that catalysis by G6Pase involves multiple components, with defects in the G6Pase catalytic unit causing GSD-1a and defects in the putative substrate and product translocases causing GSD-1b, 1c, and 1d. However, this model is open to debate. To elucidate the G6Pase system, we have examined G6Pase mRNA expression, G6Pase activity, and glucose 6-phosphate (G6P) transport activity in the murine liver and kidney during normal development. In the liver, G6Pase mRNA and enzymatic activity were detected at 18 days gestation and increased markedly at parturition, before leveling off to adult levels. In the kidney, G6Pase mRNA and enzymatic activity appeared at 19 days gestation and peaked at weaning, suggesting that kidney G6Pase may have a different metabolic role. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that, in addition to the liver and kidney, the intestine expressed G6Pase. Despite the expression of G6Pase in the embryonic liver, microsomal G6P transport activity was not detectable until birth, peaking at about age 4 weeks. Our study strongly supports the multicomponent model for the G6Pase system.
Disordered pyroxene in chondrites.

Abstract A summary of the results on the occurrence of disordered pyroxene in chondrites is presented. Disordered orthopyroxene has been found in 5 of 15 enstatite and 20 of 51 ordinary chondrites. X-ray diffraction studies of Bamle enstatite deformed under shearing stress conditions (29–34 kbars at 500–900°C) and 150 and 450 kbars explosive shock, Papuan clinoenstatite, and synthetic enstatites, produced by arc fusion melting, have also been made, and only synthetic crystals show disorder similar to that found in meteorites.
Noncontact testing of circuits via a laser-induced plasma electrical pathway

Systems using the three most popular probes applied to functional electrical testing, mechanical, electron beam, and laser, are reviewed. A system of noncontact testing that uses a laser-induced plasma 'switch' to provide the electrical pathway for AD and DC measurements on printed wiring boards is presented. With this technique, a DC resistance discrimination of less than 10 Omega and distortion-free AC measurements of a 2.5-MHz oscillator signal were achieved. These results are presented and evaluated. >
Capital accumulation and welfare: a note

Abstract Diamond's neoclassical growth model with National Debt is reconsidered with respect to dynamic welfare considerations. Conditions under which capital deepening implies increasing welfare are dependent upon the stability of the steady state, the interest elasticity of savings, and the relationship between the marginal propensity to save and the elasticity of substitution in production.
Outcomes of P16 positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with surgery and adjuvant IMRT

Objectives This study compares the outcomes of patients with p16+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) treated with surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy (aRT) or chemoradiotherapy (aCRT).
Accessory fibrous band causing anterior mitral valve leaflet restriction

A 20-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis (type I), presented with heart failure due to severe mitral regurgitation. Echocardiography and surgery revealed an accessory fibrous band causing anterior mitral valve leaflet restriction. Resection of the fibrous band and correction of the mitral valve using the accessory fibrous band was performed. The further postoperative course was uncomplicated.
Experimental Characterization of Sheet Metal Deformation During Electro-Hydraulic Forming

Abstract A novel experimental technique, that combines high-speed imaging and digital image correlation techniques, has been developed and applied to investigate the high-rate deformation behavior of aluminum sheet during electro-hydraulic forming (EHF). Aluminum alloy AA5182-O sheets (1 mm thick and ∼152 mm diameter) were EHF deformed by high-energy (up to ∼21 kJ) pressure-pulse and the time-evolution of sheet-displacement, velocity, strain and strain-rate quantified. The data shows that different locations on the sheet undergo unique deformation history that is not apparent from the conventional post-mortem strain measurement (using etched circle/grid pattern) approach. Under the experimental conditions used in this work, the sheets were formed into domes and the maximum strain-rate observed was ∼664/s. Further, this maximum strain-rate was observed at an off-apex location and was ∼2.5 times greater than the maximum strain-rate at the dome apex. The maximum velocity observed was ∼100 m/s and the velocity–time data showed evidence of pressure-wave reverberations during the forming process. We believe that knowledge of such time-evolution of sheet deformation is necessary for a better understanding and accurate modeling of sheet formability that has often been reported to exceed quasi-static forming limits under high-rate forming conditions.
Behavioral and temperature changes induced by clonidine in the developing rat.

Abstract Changes in core body temperature and the behavioral activation produced by clonidine were measured in 10-day-old rats at 3 different ambient temperatures (25, 30 and 36°C). Behavioral activation after clonidine is comprised of head raising and rotational movements of the limbs which result in locomotion in open areas and wall climbing if the animal is confronted by a vertical surface. Clonidine enhanced locomotion and wall climbing at all environmental temperatures, but a drug-induced hypothermia was found only in the 25 and 30°C testing conditions. This suggests that the clonidine-induced motor changes are not secondary to a fall in body temperature. In a second experiment the open field responses to clonidine at 25°C were observed in 10-day-old rats pretreated with phentolamine (2 and 15 mg/kg), phenoxybenzamine (2 and 15 mg/kg) or naloxone (0.2 and 2 mg/kg). Phentolamine pretreatment at 15 mg/kg reduced locomotion, wall climbing and attenuated the reduction in core temperature. Phenoxybenzamine at 15 mg/kg only affected the clonidine-induced change in temperature. Thus, it is likely that these behavioral and temperature changes are adrenergically mediated and that the clonidine-induced locomotion and temperature effects may be due to different α-adrenergic receptors.
Involvement of nuclear factor-kappa B, Bax and Bcl-2 in induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by apigenin in human prostate carcinoma cells

Involvement of nuclear factor-kappa B, Bax and Bcl-2 in induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by apigenin in human prostate carcinoma cells
Survival of patients with adult medulloblastoma: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND. Adult medulloblastoma accounts for less than 1% of adult intracranial tumors. Previous survival studies have been inconclusive because of small sample sizes and patient ascertainment bias. METHODS. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 17 registries database, released April 2007, was used to assess survival rates and prognostic factors in this disease. SEER*Stat was used to calculate observed and relative 2-, 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year survival and Cox Proportion Hazard Regression modeling was used to evaluate prognostic variables. RESULTS. Four hundred fifty-four patients with adult medulloblastoma were diagnosed from 1973–2004 in the 17 regions covered by SEER. The 2-, 5-, and 10-year relative survival rates were 79.9, 64.9, and 52.1%, respectively. The overall median survival was 127 months (10.6 years). The survival of this disease has improved in the last 3 decades. The median survival of those diagnosed ≤1980 and from 1981–1990 were 39 (3.3 years) and 127 months (10.6 years), respectively, and has not been reached for those diagnosed from 1991–2000 and after 2000. In multivariable regression modeling, diagnoses after the 1980s, age of diagnosis before 20, gross total resection, and radiation were favorable prognostic factors, whereas large cell histology was associated with poor survival. CONCLUSIONS. This is the largest and most representative survival study to date, but further assessments are needed to evaluate the potential of using molecular genetic markers, together with clinical and histopathologic variables, in predicting survival. This may have to take place in the context of a large consortium. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Structural and thermodynamic consequences of removal of a conserved disulfide bond from equine β-lactoglobulin

A disulfide bond between cysteine 66 and cysteine 160 of equine β-lactoglobulin was removed by substituting cysteine residues with alanine. This disulfide bond is conserved across the lipocalin family. The conformation and stability of the disulfide-deleted mutant protein was investigated by circular dichroism. The mutant protein assumes a native-like structure under physiological conditions and assumes a helix-rich molten globule structure at acid pH or at moderate concentrations of urea as the wild-type protein does. The urea-induced unfolding experiment shows that the stability of the native conformation was reduced but that of the molten globule intermediate is not significantly changed at pH 4 by removal of the disulfide bond. On the other hand, the molten globule at acid pH was destabilized by removal of the disulfide bond. This difference in the stabilizing effect of the disulfide bond was interpreted by the effect of the disulfide in keeping the molecule compact against the electrostatic repulsion at acid pH. In contrast to the wild-type protein, the circular dichroism spectrum in the molten globule state at acid pH depends on anion concentration, suggesting that the expansion of the molecule through electrostatic repulsion induces α-helices as observed in the cold denatured state of the wild-type protein. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Tests of ordered hypotheses for gamma scale parameters

Abstract Three distinct alternative hypotheses: θ i > 1, i = 1, 2, …, m ; θ i > θ 1 , i = 2, 3, …, m , and θ 1 θ 2 θ m are considered for scale parameters θ 1 , …, θ m of m independent gamma families with known shape parameters. The null hypotheses are the complements of their respective alternatives. A general result concerning the LRT is proved and used to derive the LRT for these three hypotheses. A test more powerful than the LRT is also derived in the first case.
Degradation of trichloronitromethane by iron water main corrosion products

Halogenated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) may undergo reduction reactions at the corroded pipe wall in drinking water distribution systems consisting of cast or ductile iron pipe. Iron pipe corrosion products were obtained from several locations within two drinking water distribution systems. Crystalline-phase composition of freeze-dried corrosion solids was analyzed using X-ray diffraction, and ferrous and ferric iron contents were determined via multiple extraction methods. Batch experiments demonstrated that trichloronitromethane (TCNM), a non-regulated DBP, is rapidly reduced in the presence of pipe corrosion solids and that dissolved oxygen (DO) slows the reaction. The water-soluble iron content of the pipe solids is the best predictor of TCNM reaction rate constant. These results indicate that highly reactive DBPs that are able to compete with oxygen and residual disinfectant for ferrous iron may be attenuated via abiotic reduction in drinking water distribution systems.
Incisor Microwear and Diet in Three Species of Colobus

Examination of incisor microwear in three species of Colobus revealed that the predominantly folivorous C. badius more closely resembles C. satanas, a seed predator/folivore, than C. guereza, another predominantly folivorous species. This demonstrates that species of the same broad dietary category can have very different patterns of incisor microwear, indicative of differences in food procurement behavior and/or the physical properties of dietary items for some portion of the diet. Conversely, species of different categories can have microwear patterns that, superficially at least, are quite similar. The dissimilarity in incisor microwear between C. badius and C. guereza is mirrored to a certain extent in molar microwear, although the differences are not nearly so great on the molars. The differences between C. badius and C. guereza may involve different food items in the major, folivorous portions of their diets, or they may relate to differences in the very minor fruit and bark components. The similar microwear patterns of C. badius and C. satanas demonstrate that incisor microwear by itself is unreliable for assigning fossil species to broad dietary categories. Incisor microwear can be used to infer finer dietary distinctions in fossil species for which dietary category has been determined by other means.
Advocacy Coalitions and Punctuated Equilibrium in the Same-Sex Marriage Debate: Learning from Pro-LGBT Policy Changes in Minneapolis and Minnesota

Policy change to actualize same-sex marriage requires planning and practices that can be most effective to advance marriage equality. This case study examines how building and maintaining strong coalitions aided in attainment and preservation of civil rights and protections for same-sex couples in Minnesota. As a historical policy analysis, it dissects collaborative strategies and events that led to a municipal domestic partner ordinance and state civil rights protections for sexual minorities in Minnesota during 1983–1995. Viewed through the lens of Advocacy Coalition Framework and Punctuated Equilibrium theory, findings support and highlight the importance of strategic planning of developing capable leaders, building strong coalitions, and capitalizing on events to garner public support and advance public policy toward civil rights protections and legal recognition for same-sex couples.
Thermal Behavior and Microstructural Evolution during Laser Deposition with Laser-Engineered Net Shaping: Part I. Numerical Calculations

Laser-engineered net shaping (LENS) is a rapid direct manufacturing process. The LENS process can be analyzed as a sequence of discrete events, given that it is a layer-by-layer process. The thermal history associated with the LENS process involves numerous reheating cycles. In this article, the thermal behavior during laser deposition with LENS is simulated numerically by using the alternate-direction explicit (ADE) finite difference method (FDM). The simulation results showed that deposited material experiences a significant rapid quenching effect during the initial stages of deposition and can attain a very high cooling rate. With an increase in deposit thickness, the rapid quenching effect decreases and eventually disappears. The effects of the processing parameters on the thermal behavior of deposited materials were also simulated and analyzed. The objective of this study is to provide insight into the thermal history during the LENS process, where the ability to correlate process parameters to microstructural evolution is a motivating force.
Meeting sabotage: met and conquered

One of the most valued management skills is the ability to function effectively in such small group decision‐making settings as meetings. Nevertheless, studies admit that little is definitely known about what makes meetings effective, so that meeting leaders often have to operate on assumptions or conflicting evidence even as they recognize that the move toward team‐based organizations has created a special need for meeting facilitation skills. Presents techniques for running meetings based on the results of experience gained working as a meeting consultant at the international headquarters of an insurance corporation in the northeastern USA (referred to as Alifo). Covers a 12‐month period during which 58 managers, supervisors, and executives participated in a meeting analysis survey, attended training sessions, and evaluated meeting simulations. Based, in addition, on meeting observations, minutes, and transcripts, communication reports, and interviews with company managers, several conclusions were reached about the meeting process, leadership behaviors, and group participation at Alifo.
Dynamic mechanical properties of dental amalgams.

Abstract The dynamic mechanical properties of two high-copper amalgams (Tytin and Dispersalloy) and two traditional amalgams (Aristalloy and Aristalloy with Zn) were measured over a temperature range of 0–70°C and at frequencies of 0.1, 1, and 10 Hz by means of a DuPont DMA. Values of storage modulus (E′) for the amalgams were equivalent to the Young's modulus (E) measured from static mechanical test methods, with Dispersalloy demonstrating the highest moduli. Values of E′ decreased with increased temperature. E′ of traditional amalgams decreased more rapidly than did those of the Cu-rich amalgams. Values of loss modulus (E″) for Tytin were smaller than those of Dispersalloy and the two types of Aristalloy. High values of E″ for the traditional amalgams correspond to a greater viscous behavior. Marked differences between the magnitude of tanδ and its temperature coefficients for traditional and high-copper amalgams were observed, which is indicative of differences in visco-elastic behavior between these two amalgam systems.
A note on maximizing a submodular set function subject to a knapsack constraint

In this paper, we obtain an (1-e^-^1)-approximation algorithm for maximizing a nondecreasing submodular set function subject to a knapsack constraint. This algorithm requires O(n^5) function value computations.
The receptor-like kinase FERONIA is required for mechanical signal transduction in Arabidopsis seedlings.

Summary Among the myriad cues that constantly inform plant growth and development, mechanical forces are unique in that they are an intrinsic result of cellular turgor pressure and also imposed by the environment [1]. Although the key role of mechanical forces in shaping plant architecture from the cellular level to the level of organ formation is well established [1–4], the components of the early mechanical signal transduction machinery remain to be defined at the molecular level. Here, we show that an Arabidopsis mutant lacking the receptor-like kinase FERONIA (FER) shows severely altered Ca 2+ signaling and growth responses to different forms of mechanical perturbation. Ca 2+ signals are either abolished or exhibit qualitatively different signatures in feronia ( fer ) mutants exposed to local touch or bending stimulation. Furthermore, mechanically induced upregulation of known touch-responsive genes is significantly decreased in fer mutants. In addition to these defects in mechanical signaling, fer mutants also exhibit growth phenotypes consistent with impaired mechanical development, including biased root skewing, an inability to penetrate hard agar layers, and abnormal growth responses to impenetrable obstacles. Finally, high-resolution kinematic analysis of root growth revealed that fer mutants show pronounced spatiotemporal fluctuations in root cell expansion profiles with a timescale of minutes. Based on these results, we propose that FER is a key regulator of mechanical Ca 2+ signaling and that FER-dependent mechanical signaling functions to regulate growth in response to external or intrinsic mechanical forces.
Distribution of Inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate Receptor Isotypes and Ryanodine Receptor Isotypes During Maturation of The Rat Hippocampus

Activation of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (InsP3Rs) and ryanodine receptors (RyRs) can lead to the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and propagating Ca2+ waves. Previous studies of these proteins in neurons have focused on their distribution in adult tissue, whereas, recent functional studies have examined neural tissue extracted from prenatal and young postnatal animals. In this study we examined the distribution of InsP3R isotypes 1–3 and RyR isotypes 1–3 in rat hippocampus during postnatal maturation, with a focus on InsP3R1 because it is most prominent in the hippocampus. InsP3R1 was observed in pyramidal cells and granule cells, InsP3R2 immunoreactivity was observed in perivascular astrocytes and endothelial cells, and InsP3R3 immunoreactivity was detected in axon terminals located in stratum pyramidale of CA1 and microvessels in stratum radiatum. RyR1 immunolabeling was enriched in CA1, RyR2 was most intense in CA3 and the dentate gyrus, and RyR3 immunolabeling was detected in all subfields of the hippocampus, but was most intense in stratum lacunosum-moleculare. During maturation from 2 to 10 weeks of age there was a shift in InsP3R1 immunoreactivity from a high density in the proximal apical dendrites to a uniform distribution along the dendrites. Independent of age, InsP3R1 immunoreactivity was observed to form clusters within the primary apical dendrite and at dendritic bifurcations of pyramidal neurons. As CA1 pyramidal neurons matured, InsP3R1 was often co-localized with the Ca2+ binding protein calbindin D-28k. In contrast, InsP3R1 immunolabel was never co-localized with calbindin D-28k immunopositive interneurons located outside of stratum pyramidale or with parvalbumin, typically found in hippocampal basket cells, suggesting that InsP3R1s do not play a role in internal Ca2+ release in these interneurons. These findings should help to interpret past functional studies and inform future studies examining the characteristics and consequences of InsP3R-mediated internal Ca2+ release and Ca2+ waves in hippocampal neurons.
The influence of regulatory fit on persuasion under different military operations: The moderating effects of need for cognition.

On the basis of regulatory focus theory (Higgins, 1997), two experiments were conducted to explore the effects of regulatory fit on persuasion under different military operations. It is proposed that appeals presented in promotion focus frames are more persuasive in promotion focus military operations (e.g., offensive), while prevention focus–framed appeals are more persuasive in prevention focus military operations (e.g., defensive). In study one, 99 military personnel were randomly assigned to either of 2 (messages: promotion vs. promotion focus frame) × 2 (operations: offensive vs. defensive) conditions. No significant results were found. In study two, 53 military cadets were randomly assigned to either of 2 (messages: promotion vs. promotion focus frame) × 2 (operations: offensive with superior forces vs. defensive with inferior forces) conditions. The results indicate that need for cognition (NFC) moderates the effects of regulatory fit on persuasiveness. For high-NFC subjects, promotion focus–framed...
Characterization and Testing of Physical Failures in MOS Logic Circuits

Studies indicate that the conventional stuck-at fault model is inadequate for modeling the effects of physical failures on MOS circuits. The authors illustrate various types of non-stuck-at behavior, such as indeterminate logic levels, timing errors, and alteration of logic functions. They discuss the generation of tests for detecting the failures in simple and complex MOS circuits. An advantage of testing for failures at the circuit level is that in some cases it may be possible to utilize the structural properties of the circuit to design a much simpler test set compared to one that is based on a gatelevel description of the circuit. The authors outline a methodology whereby functional fault models are derived by studying the effects of physical failures at the circuit level for functional modules.
Conceptualization and measurement of the neighborhood in rural settings: a systematic review of the literature

Interest in the effects of neighborhood context on individual wellbeing has increased in recent years. We now know that neighborhood conditions, such as poverty and deprivation, negatively impact residents. However, most of the extant work has taken an urban focus. Less is known about these processes in rural settings. Neighborhood conceptualizations, such as Census tracts and block groups, are standard in the urban neighborhood effects literature. Yet, rural neighborhoods differ from those in urban regions making it unclear how these conceptualizations would fit. This systematic review seeks to summarize how researchers have conceptualized and measured rural neighborhoods. Keyword searches were performed in a variety of databases to compile all relevant peer-reviewed articles. After examination, 19 articles fit the review criteria. Conceptualizations fell into five categories: administrative units, distance from home, town segments, local-actor mapped regions, and nongeographical self-definitions. Discussion of the merits of each for rural community research is provided. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Naloxone and serotonin receptor subtype antagonists: interactive effects upon deprivation-induced intake.

Whereas opiate receptor antagonists generally act to inhibit food intake under a variety of physiological conditions in rats, agonists of some serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtypes appear to stimulate intake, and others appear to inhibit intake. The present study evaluated the effects of the general 5-HT receptor antagonist, methysergide (1–5 mg/kg), the 5-HT2 receptor antagonists, ketanserin (1–2.5 mg/kg) and ritanserin (1–2.5 mg/kg), and the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, ICS 205930 (1–5 mg/kg) upon deprivation (24 h)-induced intake themselves, and upon the hypophagic properties of the general opiate receptor antagonist, naloxone (1–5 mg/kg). Whereas the high doses of methysergide (0.5–4 h, 34%) and ketanserin (0.5 h, 28%) significantly decreased deprivation-induced intake themselves, ritanserin and ICS 205930 were without effect. Naloxone produced dose-dependent reductions in deprivation-induced intake (24–45%). Methysergide (1 mg/kg) significantly potentiated naloxone (5 mg/kg) hypophagia after 0.5 h. Significant potentiations of hypophagia occurred following pairing the 1 mg/kg ketanserin dose with the 1 and 5 mg/kg naloxone doses at 2 and 4 h respectively, and pairing the 2.5 mg/kg ketanserin and 1 mg/kg naloxone doses at 0.5 and 2 h. Whereas the 1 mg/kg dose of ritanserin eliminated naloxone (1 mg/kg) hypophagia over a 2-h time course, ritanserin failed to exert further effects in other dose conditions. The differences between ketanserin and ritanserin in their effects upon deprivation-induced feeding and naloxone hypophagia suggest that the former's antagonistic actions upon alpha-adrenergic receptors may be responsible for its effects. Significant potentiations of hypophagia occurred following pairing the 1 mg/kg ICS 205930 dose with the 1 mg/kg naloxone dose for up to 4 h, and pairing the 5 mg/kg ICS 205930 dose with both naloxone doses for up to 4 h. These data implicate the 5-HT3 receptor in modulating endogenous opioid effects upon intake, and demonstrate the heterogeneous responsivity of 5-HT receptor subtypes in ingestive behavior.
Isotope dilution-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method for the analysis of alkylphenols, bisphenol A, and estrogens in food crops

Abstract A gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)-based isotope dilution technique was developed for determination of environmental estrogens in vegetables and fruits. The isotopically labeled standards of related environmental estrogens were used as the isotope dilution standards (IDS) to form the following analyte/surrogate pairings: octylphenol/ 13 C6-4-n-nonylphenol, 4-n-nonylphenol/ 13 C6-4-n-nonylphenol, 4-nonylphenol/ 13 C6-4-n-nonylphenol, bisphenol A/ 13 C12-bisphenol A, estrone/ 13 C6-estrone, 17-α-estradiol/ 13 C6-β-estradiol, 17-β-estradiol/ 13 C6-β-estradiol, 17-α-ethynylestradiol/ 13 C2-17-α-ethynylestradiol, and estriol/D4-estriol. Plant samples were homogenized and extracted ultrasonically with acetone. Acid pretreatment greatly increased peak intensities for the analytes. Acid hydrolysis pretreatment was important for liberating conjugates of estrogenic contaminants in plant materials. Recoveries of the spiked analytes were greater than 90%. Method limits of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.01 to 0.20 μg kg −1 while limits of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.04 to 0.60 μg kg −1 . Bisphenol, nonylphenol, and natural estrogens were detected in vegetable and fruit samples obtained from local markets, illustrating the feasibility of this method for determining trace estrogenic contaminants in vegetables and fruits. The method has significant environmental implications in terms of the simultaneous analysis of estrogenic contaminants in vegetables and fruit.
Analysis of a high-speed fiber-optic spectrometer for fiber-optic sensor signal processing

A novel high-speed fiber-optic spectrometer has been demonstrated in our previous work. The high-speed spectrum measurement is enabled by translating the spectral-domain signal into a time-domain signal through a dispersion element. We present a mathematical model that accurately describes the relationship between the optical spectrum to be measured and the dispersed time-domain signal. Based on the model, the effects of the key parameters on the performance of the spectrometer are investigated in detail using numerical simulation. The analysis is useful for the design and application of such spectrometers.