cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of sintering temperature on the dimensional stability of a new ceramic coping.

S hrinkage of dental porcelain is undesirable because the forces created distort the ceramometal substructure.’ This shrinkage also makes the fabrication empiric since the contraction of the porcelain body on sintering (firing) must be compensated by overcontouring the prefired mass.2 With a porcelain collar or complete porcelain crowns, the shrinkage results in unsatisfactory margins.j The strength of a complete porcelain veneer crown is also adversely influenced by shrinkage.4 The shrinkage is restricted by a platinum matrix or the crown will not fit the complex three-dimensional configuration of the prepared tooth. Unfortunately, the restraint of the normal 10% to 15% linear firing shrinkage results in induced stresses and cracks within the porcelain that increase chances of failure. A new available ceramic coping material (Cerestore; Coors Biomedical, Lakewood, Colo.) has been reported to overcome the shrinkage associated with the sintering of porcelain5 In this technique a matching veneer porcelain is applied to the ceramic coping for natural esthetics. However, only the coping material is shrinkfree. The replacement of metal copings with dimensionally stable ceramic copings has several advantages including decreased thermal conductivity and improved esthetics. The density and radiographic appearance of ceramic material approximates the natural tooth. Furthermore, the rigidity of the ceramic coping substructure reduces flexure and distortion during subsequent veneer applications. Finally, the reduced shrinkage should improve the fit and increase the strength over the conventional porcelain jacket. This study evaluates the linear dimensional change of a new ceramic material from sintering.
Notes on neotropical vaccinieae (Ericaceae). V. Five new species from South America

Descriptions and diagnoses are given for five new Ericaceae—Themistoclesia flexuosa, Disterigma dumontii, Thibaudia croatii, Cavendishia dodsonii, andOrthaea rusbyi.
A method for consistent precision radiation therapy

Using a meticulous setup procedure in which repeated portal films were taken before each treatment until satisfactory portal verifications were obtained, a high degree of precision in patient positioning was achieved. A fluctuation from treatment to treatment, over 11 treatments, of less than +/- 0.10 cm (S.D.) for anatomical points inside the treatment field was obtained. This, however, only applies to specific anatomical points selected for this positioning procedure and does not apply to all points within the portal. We have generalized this procedure and have suggested a means by which any target volume can be consistently positioned which may approach this degree of precision.
Active Plasmonic Metamaterials

Optical loss and a need for active control are among major challenges of nanoplasmonic systems and plasmonic metamaterials. We will review recent efforts aimed at the reduction of loss and stimulated emission in nanoplasmonic systems.
Using time-lapse video photography to assess dairy cattle lying behavior in a free-stall barn.

The objectives of this observational study were to use time-lapse video photography to document dairy cow behavioral patterns, examine factors affecting lying behavior, and to develop guidelines for visual assessment of free-stall usage during summer conditions in a high producing dairy. Four video cameras were placed in a free-stall pen containing 144 stalls and 129 high producing cows. The videos were recorded over a 6-d period in July 1999 and then were reviewed using 60-min scan sampling techniques. Cows were counted as lying, standing in alley without eating, standing in free stalls, or eating in each of the four sections of the pen. Temperature probes were placed on the feedline, free stalls, on both ends of the pen, and at an outside location. Relationships between proportion eligible lying and ambient temperature, feeding time, and time since milking were examined. Proportion eligible lying was equal to number of cows lying divided by total number of cows lying or standing but not eating. Cattle showed a significant pattern of temporal cyclicity in their lying behavior, with the highest average proportion of eligible cows lying at 6:00 a.m. (85%) and the lowest at 9:00 p.m. (53%). Increasing environmental temperatures and time elapsed since milking negatively impacted proportion of eligible cows observed lying when evaluated using 60-min scan sampling techniques.
Motions of single molecules and proteins in trehalose glass.

The fluorescence intensity−time records of individual metal-free porphyrin cytochrome-c and Zn porphyrin cytochrome-c molecules whose translational motions are restricted by encapsulation in trehalose are examined by single-molecule spectroscopy by means of a two-channel confocal microscope that records transient fluorescence signals in two orthogonal polarization directions. Large angular motions often occur on time scales ranging to many seconds. Measurements of the photobleaching time distributions indicate that the trehalose glass restricts the accessibilty of the fluorescent molecules to oxygen.
Nanolithography based on patterned metal transfer and its application to organic electronic devices

We demonstrate a patterning method capable of producing features of submicron scale based on the transfer of a metal film from a stamp to a substrate assisted by cold welding. The patterned metal film can be used as an etch mask to replicate the pattern on the substrate, or the film itself can serve as contact electrodes for a wide range of electronic devices. We demonstrate the versatility of the technique by fabricating a polymer grating on SiO2 with lateral dimensions <80 nm and a pattern resolution approaching 10 nm, and by fabricating organic solar cells and pentacene channel organic thin-film transistors with channel lengths as short as 1 μm.
Convergent and Discriminant Validity of the Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory—II:

Confirmatory factor analysis with LISREL 7 of data from 1,219 managers on the 28 items of the Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory–II provided support for the convergent and discriminant validit...
The shape of intergranular creep cracks gro′ing by surface diffusion

Abstract A crack-like creep rupture cavity is considered to extend along the interface bet′een t′o grains by diffusive transport of material into the boundary ahead of its tip. The shape of the cavity surfaces is determined here on the assumptions that this is governed by surface diffusion, and that steady state conditions prevail, so that the cavity advances as a profile retaining a constant shape near its tip. A second order non-linear differential e′uation for the profile is derived and a simple approximate solution is given, ′hich is sho′n to be highly accurate by comparison to a numerical solution. This allo′s the crack velocity, the radius of curvature adjacent to the tip, and the rate of matter flux into the boundary ahead of the tip to be related to one another and to material constants. The information is useful as boundary conditions to a coupled analysis of diffusion and stress concentration ahead of the cavity, so as to determine the rate of cavity propagation in terms of applied stress.
Generation of mega‐plumes from the core‐mantle boundary in a compressible mantle with temperature‐dependent viscosity

We have investigated the development of axisymmetric mantle plumes in a compressible mantle with temperature-dependent viscosity, using two different values for the thermal activation energy. Thermodynamic parameters were based on realistic Earth values in the shallow mantle. We assumed a compressible mantle with a phase transition and a two layer viscosity structure (mantle 30 times more viscous beneath the phase change). A dramatic transition in plume dynamics occurred as the thermal activation energy was increased from 250 to 500 kJ mol−1. A “mega-plume” was formed from the merging of small-scale instabilities swept into the plume's axis, rapidly flushing the entire contents of the hot thermal boundary layer into the upper mantle. Hot plume material with a temperature anomaly of 250 K reached the lithosphere for our assumed temperature drop of 500 K across the base of the mantle. Viscous heating over four orders of magnitude greater than chondritic radiogenic sources was observed during the initial plume-lithosphere interaction.
Media Versus Individual Frames and Horizontal Knowledge Gaps A Study of the 2010 Health Care Reform Debate Online

This study explores the relationship between online news coverage, media use, and political knowledge in the contemporary media environment. Using the debate over health care reform legislation in ...
Recovery technique for chirped readout of spectral features

A data processing technique is proposed for use with conventional absorption spectroscopy at arbitrarily fast frequency chirp rates to map spectral features accurately into time-domain signatures. Numerical simulations and experimental results are presented.
III-nitride nanowires: growth, properties, and applications

Nanowires based on the III nitride materials system have attracted attention as potential nanoscale building blocks in optoelectronics, sensing, and electronics. However, before such applications can be realized, several challenges exist in the areas of controlled and ordered nanowire synthesis, fabrication of advanced nanowire heterostructures, and understanding and controlling the nanowire electrical and optical properties. Here, recent work is presented involving the aligned growth of GaN and III-nitride core-shell nanowires, along with extensive results providing insights into the nanowire properties obtained using advanced electrical, optical and structural characterization techniques.
Role of sustained overexpression of central nervous system IGF-I in the age-dependent decline of mouse excitation-contraction coupling

We investigated the effects of exclusive and sustained transgenic overexpression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I in the central nervous system (CNS) on the age-dependent decline in muscle strength, excitation-contraction coupling, muscle innervation and neuromuscular junction postterminal architecture. We found that (1) transgenic IGF-I overexpression in the CNS does not modify the decline in extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscle weight with aging and (2) strength significantly decreases in transgenic (Tg) compared to wild-type mice. The latter finding is consistent with (3) the decreased absolute and specific force measured in the EDL muscle in vitro and (4) the decreased charge movement and peak intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in individual muscle fibers from old IGF-I Tg mice compared to young wild-type mice, which also is associated with (5) decreased dihydropyridine receptor α1-subunit expression in old compared to young IGF-I Tg mice. (6) Tg IGF-I prevents a change in muscle fiber type that is associated with (7) improved muscle innervation and postterminal neuromuscular structure. (8) IGF-I is expressed extensively across the spinal cord gray matter and the lateral motor column. Our results raise questions about the timing and cell location of CNS IGF-I overexpression necessary to prevent or to ameliorate age-dependent alterations in the structure and function of skeletal muscle.
Surface flashover of nanodielectrics with varying electrode architectures in partial vacuum under DC and kHz pulsed fields

In this work, the surface flashover characteristics of nanodielectric materials composed of cast epoxy resin mixed with nano-dielectric particles in partial vacuum are studied. The samples are in cylindrical shape and varying electrode configurations and spacing are used in the study. The cylindrical samples are sandwiched between two parallel plate electrodes, and the voltage, current, and light emission waveforms during the flashover events are recorded and analyzed. Both dc and 20 kHz pulsed-unipolar signals are used separately. For lateral configuration, electrodes placed on the samples' flat surface. Comparisons to the parallel plate case are made.
Seismic evolution of the 1989-1990 eruption sequence of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska

Abstract Redoubt Volcano in south-central Alaska erupted between December 1989 and June 1990 in a sequence of events characterized by large tephra eruptions, pyroclastic flows, lahars and debris flows, and episodes of dome growth. The eruption was monitored by a network of five to nine seismic stations located 1 to 22 km from the summit crater. Notable features of the eruption seismicity include : (1) small long-period events beginning in September 1989 which increased slowly in number during November and early December; (2) an intense swarm of long-period events which preceded the initial eruptions on December 14 by 23 hours; (3) shallow swarms (0 to 3 km) of volcano-tectonic events following each eruption on December 15; (4) a persistent cluster of deep (6 to 10 km) volcano-tectonic earthquakes initiated by the eruptions on December 15, which continued throughout and beyond the eruption; (5) an intense swarm of long-period events which preceded the eruptions on January 2; and (6) nine additional intervals of increased long-period seismicity each of which preceded a tephra eruption. Hypocenters of volcano-tectonic earthquakes suggest the presence of a magma source region at 6–10 km depth. Earthquakes at these depths were initiated by the tephra eruptions on December 15 and likely represent the readjustment of stresses in the country rock associated with the removal of magma from these depths. The locations and time-history of these earthquakes coupled with the eruptive behavior of the volcano suggest this region was the source of most of the erupted material during the 1989–1990 eruption. This source region appears to be connected to the surface by a narrow pipe-like conduit as inferred from the hypocenters of volcano-tectonic earthquakes. Concentrations of shallow volcano-tectonic earthquakes followed each of the tephra eruptions on December 15; these shocks may represent stress readjustment in the wall rock related to the removal of magma and volatiles at these depths. This shallow zone was the source area of the majority of long-period seismicity through the remainder of the eruption. The long-period seismicity likely reflects the pressurization of the shallow portions of the magmatic system.
Ignition of Polydisperse Sprays: Importance of D20

Abstract Ignition of a polydisperse single-component fuel spray is studied. The physical model consists of a mist of air and fuel droplets contained in a tube. The left end of the tube acts as the ignition source. The polydisperse character of the spray is represented by discrete and finite size distribution. Other notable features of the two-phase ignition model are that the temperature in the droplet interior is resolved spatially as well as temporally, that the inter-phase slip is considered, that a one-step reaction scheme with non-unity exponents of fuel and oxygen concentrations is employed, and that the interesting physical phenomenon is resolved on the scale of the spacing between droplets. An Eulerian-Lagrangian hybrid scheme is used to solve the two-phase equations. The one-dimensional unsteady equations are integrated to obtain the ignition time delays and ignition energies. Influence of initial droplet size, size distribution, overall equivalence ratio, fuel type, and the locations of the near...
Axonal transport and axon sprouting in the adult rat dentate gyrus: An autoradiographic study

Abstract In response to an entorhinal lesion, the commissural and associational afferents to the dentate gyrus have been shown to expand beyond their normal terminal zone into the area denervated by the entorhinal lesion. The present study has investigated the axonal transport of [3H]-labeled proteins in the commissural and associational projections following an entorhinal lesion. Injections of [3H]proline, [3H]leucine or [3H]fucose were given in the vicinity of the commissural and associational cells of origin before, immediately subsequent to, or at 5 to 15 days after the entorhinal lesion. The disposition of previously- or newly-synthesized proteins was examined in the commissural and associational terminal field at different times after an entorhinal lesion by light-microscopic autoradiography. The expanded commissural and associational zone was labeled whenever injections were given on, or before, the day of the entorhinal lesion and the width of the expanded zone increased with the time after the lesion. However, in contrast to the expanded associational projection, the expanded commissural projection was usually not labeled when the injections were made near the time that afferent reactivity commences (approximately 5 days after the lesion) and the animals were killed 2–4 days later. The expanded commissural projection was labeled, however, if injections were made at a later stage of afferent reactivity and the animals were killed 1 day later. The selective labeling of the expanding associational zone, when animals receive injections near the period of afferent reactivity and are killed 2–4 days later, appears to be due to the ability of labeled, slowly transported material to mark selectively the sprouting associational axons. The failure to label the expanding commissural zone in this experimental situation, is ascribed to the failure of labeled, fast-axonally transported materials to mark the sprouting commissural axons. Pre-labeling the normal commissural/associational projections several days in advance of the entorhinal lesion did not alter the subsequent labeling pattern of the expanding commissural/associational zone. Thus, proteins present in cells at the time of the lesion participate in the formation of axonal sprouts.
Application of a simplified thermal network model for real-time thermal load estimation

Abstract Heating and cooling loads are the major reasons for energy use in buildings. Buildings are usually subject to schedules and set-points which are not optimized in response to the dynamic weather conditions, internal loads, and occupancy patterns. The thermal network model has been widely applied for real-time building load estimation, which is crucial for optimizing the operation of the HVAC system. However, there has been limited exploration of the capabilities of the thermal network model due to constraints imposed by the solution method adopted. In this paper, the exponential matrix method was adopted to simplify the state space equations and solve the thermal network model analytically. This enhances the applications of a simplified thermal network model for investigation of multiple scenarios of HVAC system operations and equipment sizing, and for more accurate estimation of heating and cooling loads. This study also proves that the analytical solution method is asymptotically stable regardless of time step. A typical office was used as a case study and the predicted building loads are compared with measured data and numerical results from EnergyPlus. For the case study, the model demonstrated better accuracy and is seen to be robust for thermal load estimation for cooling season.
Heterogeneous remodelling of the ascending and descending aorta with age

Cross-sectional area compliance (CC) and distensibility (DC) in the ascending and descending aorta and the average pulse wave velocity (PWV) along the descending section of the thoracic aorta were studied in a group of young versus old normotensive subjects using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CC and DC correlated stronger with age in the ascending aorta than the descending aorta. Aging-related alteration of the functional properties of the aortic wall, have a different pattern in the ascending versus the descending aorta.
Assessing Forest Vulnerability and the Potential Distribution of Pine Beetles Under Current and Future Climate Scenarios in the Interior West of the US

Abstract The aim of our study was to estimate forest vulnerability and potential distribution of three bark beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) under current and projected climate conditions for 2020 and 2050. Our study focused on the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae), western pine beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis), and pine engraver (Ips pini). This study was conducted across eight states in the Interior West of the US covering approximately 2.2 million km2 and encompassing about 95% of the Rocky Mountains in the contiguous US. Our analyses relied on aerial surveys of bark beetle outbreaks that occurred between 1991 and 2008. Occurrence points for each species were generated within polygons created from the aerial surveys. Current and projected climate scenarios were acquired from the WorldClim database and represented by 19 bioclimatic variables. We used Maxent modeling technique fit with occurrence points and current climate data to model potential beetle distributions and forest vulnerability. Three available climate models, each having two emission scenarios, were modeled independently and results averaged to produce two predictions for 2020 and two predictions for 2050 for each analysis. Environmental parameters defined by current climate models were then used to predict conditions under future climate scenarios, and changes in different species’ ranges were calculated. Our results suggested that the potential distribution for bark beetles under current climate conditions is extensive, which coincides with infestation trends observed in the last decade. Our results predicted that suitable habitats for the mountain pine beetle and pine engraver beetle will stabilize or decrease under future climate conditions, while habitat for the western pine beetle will continue to increase over time. The greatest increase in habitat area was for the western pine beetle, where one climate model predicted a 27% increase by 2050. In contrast, the predicted habitat of the mountain pine beetle from another climate model suggested a decrease in habitat areas as great as 46% by 2050. Generally, 2020 and 2050 models that tested the three climate scenarios independently had similar trends, though one climate scenario for the western pine beetle produced contrasting results. Ranges for all three species of bark beetles shifted considerably geographically suggesting that some host species may become more vulnerable to beetle attack in the future, while others may have a reduced risk over time.
Prosthesis satisfaction outcome measurement in pediatric limb deficiency.

Abstract Objective: To describe the development and initial psychometric properties of a new outcome measure to assess satisfaction with prosthesis in children with limb deficiencies. Design: Parents of children with limb deficiency were surveyed during routine outpatient clinic visits. Setting: Two outpatient pediatric clinics. Participants: Ninety-seven parents of children with limb deficiency aged 1 to 17 years. Main Outcome Measure: The newly developed Child Amputee Prosthetics Project-Prosthesis Satisfaction Inventory (CAPP-PSI). Results: Internal consistency reliability is high. Zero-order correlations with prosthesis wear/use patterns and with parent ratings of prosthesis appearance provide support for the construct validity of the CAPP-PSI. Conclusion: The CAPP-PSI is a promising, brief, parentadministered inventory for the assessment of prosthesis satisfaction in children with limb deficiency. It may be useful in future research for predicting prosthesis wear and use patterns in this population.
Increased Prevalence of Falls Among Elderly Individuals With Mental Health and Substance Abuse Conditions

Objective To quantify the increase in the likelihood of a fall injury and medical costs of treating fall injuries among elderly individuals with select mental health (MH), substance abuse (SA), and cognitive disorders compared with the general elderly population. Methods The authors used a random sample (N = 601,922) of claimants in the 2001 Medicare fee-for-service 5% Standard Analytic File. Using logistic regressions, the authors estimated the odds of sustaining a medically attended fall injury as a function of each MH, cognitive, and SA condition and select demographic characteristics. The authors also used an ordinary least squares regression model to compare the increase in costs associated with fall injuries for those with MH/SA conditions compared to those without MH/SA conditions. Results The odds of a fall injury are between 1.5 and 4.5 times greater for those with MH and SA conditions among both elderly men and women. Odds of a fall injury among elderly individuals with Alzheimer disease and other dementias are at least three times greater, and the differential increases with age. The increases in cost resulting from a fall injury are greater among both elderly men and women with MH conditions and Alzheimer disease and other dementias and among elderly women with SA conditions. Conclusion The substantial burden of fall injuries among the elderly with MH/SA conditions suggests the need to direct fall prevention and mitigation strategies specifically toward this vulnerable population.
Imaging phase-separated domains in conducting polymer blend films with near-field scanning optical microscopy

We present high-resolution images with near-field scanning optical microscopy to study phase separation in polymer films of poly(styrene) and poly(3-octyl-thiophene). Transmission and transmitted fluorescence near-field scanning optical microscope images were taken for direct visualization of the intermediate steps of phase separation in a regime where small domain sizes prevent investigation by conventional microscopy. The interpretation of near-field data on samples with large or varying film thickness or topography are also discussed, and a method for recognizing topographically induced artifacts in a quantitative way is suggested.
To Join or Not to Join: Gay-Straight Student Alliances and the High School Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youths

This retrospective study investigates 79 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) college students’ experiences attending high schools with gay-straight student alliances (GSAs). Responses to two, open-ended survey questions were analyzed thematically to identify reasons that underlie GSA non-membership and to model facets of GSAs that may impact the GSA-related experiences of LGBT youths. Three frames of reference for understanding GSA non-membership and perceptions of GSAs emerged. Implications for predicting GSA membership and identifying protective mechanisms of GSAs are outlined. Suggestions to help GSA leaders and advisors enhance specific aspects of GSAs that appear to be associated with positive perceptions of GSAs are also provided.
A computer code for calculating gamma-ray angular correlations for pure or mixed multipolarity transitions connecting states of high angular momenta

Abstract A Fortran IV program is described for calculating theoretical gamma-ray angular correlations for pure or mixed multipolarity transitions connecting states of high angular momenta ( ≦80 h ). The program calculates the correlation coefficients, the anisotropy, and lists the angular distribution function W(θ). Plots of W(θ) versus θ can also be obtained.
Fiber-optic modal coupler using periodic microbending.

An efficient LP01 to LP11 modal coupler using periodic microbends, spaced by a beat length between the modes, was built and tested. The optical-wavelength dependence of the device is investigated, as are the polarization characteristics and the LP mode approximation. Finally, the loss of the modal coupler was measured as a function of wavelength.
The Expanding Horizons of Asparagine-Linked Glycosylation

Asparagine-linked glycosylation involves the sequential assembly of an oligosaccharide onto a polyisoprenyl donor, followed by the en bloc transfer of the glycan to particular asparagine residues within acceptor proteins. These N-linked glycans play a critical role in a wide variety of biological processes, such as protein folding, cellular targeting and motility, and the immune response. In the past decade, research in the field of N-linked glycosylation has achieved major advances, including the discovery of new carbohydrate modifications, the biochemical characterization of the enzymes involved in glycan assembly, and the determination of the biological impact of these glycans on target proteins. It is now firmly established that this enzyme-catalyzed modification occurs in all three domains of life. However, despite similarities in the overall logic of N-linked glycoprotein biosynthesis among the three kingdoms, the structures of the appended glycans are markedly different and thus influence the funct...
Preparation of a Low Carbon Steel with Ultrafine Grained Microstructure through Rare Earth Micro-Alloying

The effects of the rare earth (RE) element on the microstructure of a hot-rolled low carbon steel (B450NbRE) were investigated under different heat treatment conditions. It was found that the B450NbRE steel with ultrafine grained structure could be successfully prepared with a certain content of RE additive under an appropriate heat treatment temperature between A1 (717°C) and A3 (880°C). The corresponding critical temperature increases with decreasing the RE content. For instance, the critical temperature is 800°C for the RE content of 0.0140 wt.%, but it increases to 850°C as the RE content decreases to 0.0075 wt.%
The active combustion mechanism of single Al and Zr strands in oxygen as determined by high speed photography

The measured burning rates of Al and Zr strands at various total oxygen pressures are determined with the use of high speed photography. An expression for the lengthwise burning rate, L 3 , of a single thin metal stand is presented and the calculated values of L 3 are shown to be in good agreement with experiment. The expression for the burning rate is also shown to be consistent with the fact that active combustion goes over into oxidation when the chemical reaction rate becomes much greater than the evaporation rate.
Arginine vasopressin: a novel peptide rhythm in cerebrospinal fluid

Abstract The neuropeptide, arginine vasopressin, exhibits a prominent daily rhythm in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of several mammals. The CSF rhythm is an endogenously generated, circadian rhythm and is entrained to the 24 h period by the daily light-dark cycle. The circadian regulation of vasopressin in CSF is effectively insulated from the osmotic regulation of the peptide in blood. The CSF vasopressin rhythm is produced by a neural system anatomically separate from the classical hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system. The suprachiasmatic nuclei, the site of a hypothalamic circadian pacemaker, are an important component of this newly defined neural system and are necessary for rhythm generation. These findings support the concept that brain vasopressin is both functionally and anatomically compartmentalized for specific actions within the CNS.
Genetic analysis of families with nonsmoking lung cancer probands

As part of a genetic epidemiologic study of lung cancer among nonsmokers, we investigated the role of genetic predisposition in familial aggregation. Cases were identified from the Metropolitan Detroit Cancer Surveillance System. Information on lung cancer occurrence, smoking habits (active or passive), and chronic respiratory diseases in first-degree relatives was obtained for 257 nonsmoking lung cancer probands (71 males, 186 females) diagnosed at ages 40-84 years. Among the 2,021 first-degree relatives, 24 (2.6%) males and 10 (1.1%) females were reported as having lung cancer. The occurrence of lung cancer among smoking and nonsmoking relatives was 4.5% and 1.1% in males and 2.8% and 0.4% in females, respectively. To evaluate the role of a putative Mendelian gene (one locus, two alleles) in the presence of other risk factors, we performed complex segregation analyses on the data using two different regressive model approaches [Segregation Analysis of a Discrete Trait Under a Class A Regressive Logistic Model, V4.0 (REGD) and Segregation Analysis of a Truncated Trait, V2.0, Model I (REGTL)] as implemented in the Statistical Analysis for Genetic Epidemiology (SAGE) program. Using either approach, an environmental model best explained the observed lung cancer aggregation in families ascertained through nonsmoking probands. Based on our final model, only 0.04% of this population had a very high risk and 4.2% had a moderate risk of lung cancer. The rest of the population had virtually no risk of lung cancer during their lifetime unless they have multiple risk factors. Among the high-risk individuals without any risk factor under study, the estimated risks at ages 40, 60, and 80 years in males were 16.7%, 83.6%, and 95.4%, and in females were 14.0%, 72.2%, and 88.0%, respectively. Among at-moderate-risk smokers the estimated risks at the same age and gender groups were essentially the same as in the high-risk nonsmokers. Our results suggest that the pattern of lung cancer occurrence in families of nonsmoking lung cancer patients differs from that in families of smoking lung cancer patients. Despite the profound effect of smoking on the risk of lung cancer, other environmental and/or genetic risk factors need to be identified.
A Sensitive and Robust Enzyme Kinetic Experiment Using Microplates and Fluorogenic Ester Substrates

Enzyme kinetics measurements are a standard component of undergraduate biochemistry laboratories. The combination of serine hydrolases and fluorogenic enzyme substrates provides a rapid, sensitive, and general method for measuring enzyme kinetics in an undergraduate biochemistry laboratory. In this method, the kinetic activity of multiple protein variants is determined in parallel using a microplate reader, multichannel pipets, serial dilutions, and fluorogenic ester substrates. The utility of this methodology is illustrated by the measurement of differential enzyme activity in microplate volumes in triplicate with small protein samples and low activity enzyme variants. Enzyme kinetic measurements using fluorogenic substrates are, thus, adaptable for use with student-purified enzyme variants and for comparative enzyme kinetics studies. The rapid setup and analysis of these kinetic experiments not only provides advanced undergraduates with experience in a fundamental biochemical technique, but also provide...
Empirical evaluation of a model of global psychophysical judgments: IV. Forms for the weighting function

Abstract Understanding the psychological interpretation of numerals is of both practical and theoretical interest. In classical magnitude estimation, respondents match numerals to sensations and in magnitude production they select sensations that stand in a prescribed numerical ratio to a given standard. The present work focusses on evaluating several possible, and related, forms for the function W formulating the distortion of numerals. The main form, of which a power function is a special case, is the Prelec exponential/power representation. Behavioral equivalents to power and to Prelec functions are formulated, tested, and rejected. It is argued that either the mathematical form or the assumption W ( 1 ) = 1 is wrong. Whereas, the axiomatic literature has focussed exclusively on the former inference, we explore the alternate that W ( 1 ) ≠ 1 . Behavioral axioms are formulated in each case and experimentally tested. We conclude that most respondents satisfy a general power function and that those who do not, satisfy the general Prelec function.
Development and implementation of a quality assurance infrastructure in a multisite home visitation program in Ohio and Kentucky.

SUMMARY As home visitation programs go to scale, numerous challenges are faced in implementation and quality assurance. This article describes the origins and implementation of Every Child Succeeds, a multisite home visitation program in southwestern Ohio and Northern Kentucky. In order to optimize quality assurance and generate new learning for the field, a Web-based system (eECS) was designed to systematically collect and use data. Continuous quality assurance procedures derived from business and industry have been established. Findings from data collection have documented outcomes, and have identified clinical needs that potentially undermine the impact of home visitation. An augmented module approach has been used to address these needs, and a program to treat maternal depression is described as an example of this approach. Challenges encountered are also discussed.
Parallel transitive closure and point location in planar structures

Parallel algorithms for several graph and geometric problems are presented, including transitive closure and topological sorting in planar $st$-graphs, preprocessing planar subdivisions for point location queries, and construction of visibility representations and drawings of planar graphs. Most of these algorithms achieve optimal $O(\log n)$ running time using $n / \log n$ processors in the EREW PRAM model, n being the number of vertices.
Equivalence of kinetic theories of Bose-Einstein condensation

We discuss the equivalence of two nonequilibrium kinetic theories that describe the evolution of a dilute, Bose-Einstein condensed atomic gas in a harmonic trap. The second-order kinetic equations of Walser et al. [Phys. Rev. A 63, 013607 (2001)] reduce to the Gross-Pitaevskii equation and the quantum Boltzmann equation in the low- and high-temperature limits, respectively. These kinetic equations thus describe the system in equilibrium (finite temperature) as well as in nonequilibrium (real time). We have found this theory to be equivalent to the nonequilibrium Green's function approach originally proposed by Kadanoff and Baym and more recently applied to inhomogeneous trapped systems by Imamovi\ifmmode \acute{c}\else \'{c}\fi{}-Tomasovi\ifmmode \acute{c}\else \'{c}\fi{} and Griffin [in Progress in Nonequilibrium Green's Functions, edited by M. Bonitz (World Scientific, Singapore, 2000), p. 404].
Fitness and yield components associated with genetic changes at the aleurone color loci in barley

Genotypic frequency data at two loci governing blue vs. white aleurone color in barley showed that composite cross (CC) populations grown at Davis varied in the changes in allelic frequencies as well as heterozygosity levels. The blue class increased steadily over 20 generations in CC V and CC XXI along with an excess of heterozygotes over expected under high selfing rates, fluctuated without a directional shift in CC XIV, and declined in CC XVI. Utilizing the xenia feature of this character, nearly 100 Bl/bl Bl2/bl2 individuals were randomly drawn from the CC XVI and CC XXI populations and used in a paired-plot study of some yield components for comparing the blue and white isogenic classes within lines in the varied genetic backgrounds of different lines. For seed number blue vs. white isogenic class differences were significant only in one out of four populations (CC XXI-F8) whereas differences among the lines were significant in CC XVI-F12, CC XXI-F3 and CC XXI-F8. Thus, specific locus effects were relatively much smaller than the genetic background component although overall the genotypic frequency changes at the aleurone color loci were found to be consistent with the relative average seed output per plant in the three genotypic classes.
Harmonic saturated spectroscopy for improved atomic detection.

A novel method for improved cw laser-induced atomic fluorescence detection that we call harmonic saturated spectroscopy takes advantage of the nonlinear response of an optically saturated atomic system to reject background sources of interference. A reduction in background and an improved SNR are demonstrated for sodium detection in an air–acetylene flame. The dependence of the harmonic signal on intensity, excitation waveform, and depth of modulation was also investigated.
Governance responses to the fiscal crisis—comparative perspectives

The contemporary economic crisis has forced governments to react, but the manner in which they have reacted has varied markedly. This article examines the range of reactions to crisis by identifying a number of contradictory choices governments may have been making.
Trading Costs in Three U.S. Bond Markets

Newly available transaction data are available for comparison of trading costs in the U.S. Treasury bond market with U.S. corporate and municipal bond markets. The mean bid-ask spread per $100 par value is estimated at 23 cents for municipal bonds, 21 cents for corporate bonds, and 8 cents for Treasury bonds. Maturity, trade size, and credit ratings are key determinants of the bid-ask spread. After controlling for credit risk, the bid-ask spread is not statistically different between corporate and Treasury markets but it is higher for municipal bonds relative to Treasuries.
Biomarker compounds as source indicators for dissolved fulvic acids in a bog

In order to evaluate the sources of DOC in a subalpine bog, we compare the lignin and carbohydrate compositions of aquatic fulvic acid isolated from the bog (BogWFA) with the fulvic acids isolated from water leachates of two local plants, sedge (sedgeL-FA) and willow leaves (willowL-FA), and of the peat in the bog (peatL-FA). The bogW-FA and peatL-FA have similar biomarker compositions and both differ significantly from either of the fulvic acids from the water leachate of the plants. Thus, the biomarker data strongly suggest that the peat, and not fresh leaffall, provides most of the aquatic fulvic acid to the bog at this time of year (Fall). However, additional sources of lignin- and carbohydrate-depleted fulvic acid to the bog are also needed to quantitatively match the relatively low levels of recognizable biochemicals in the aquatic fulvic acid from the bog. The unusual lignin compositions of both plant leachates suggest that nonstructural lignin phenol producing components, such as lignans, are part of the water-extractable component of plants. These extractable plant products could potentially contribute to aquatic fulvic acids in other environments or at different times of the year.
Singlet-triplet mixing in the helium sequence

Accurate variational calculations are presented for the off-diagonal matrix elements of the Breit interaction between the $2^{1}P$ and $2^{3}P$ states of several members of the helium iso-electronic sequence. A comparison is made with recent $Z$-expansion calculations, which are accurate through terms of order ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}{Z}^{3}$. The comparison shows that the $Z$-expansion method for off-diagonal mixing is potentially useful in the theory of many-electron atoms. The effect of singlet-triplet mixing on the $2^{3}P$ excitation cross sections is briefly discussed.
A note on the penetration of a rigid wedge into a nonisotropic brittle material

In the present note an existing wedge penetration theory for isotropic brittle materials is extended to explain some 'bedding plane' effects observed in a series of experi- ments on Indiana limestone. The general features of the theory presented by PAUL and SIKARSKIE (Trans. AIME 232, 372-383 (1965)) are kept here and in order to extend the analysis to the anisotropic case Jaeger's modification of the Coulomb-Mohr failure criteria is used. Two specific cases of bedding plane orientation are considered, namely those in which the bedding planes are parallel and perpendicular to the direction of penetration. The theory presented gives an insight into the anisotropic effects and predicts, in reasonable agreement with the experimental results, the observed differences in specific energies for the different penetration directions.
Inheritance of suppressors of the drug sensitivity of a NSR1 deleted yeast strain.

The NSR1 gene product is involved in ribosomal RNA production and ribosome assembly in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Yeast strains carrying a deletion of the NSR1 gene have a defect in rRNA processing, an aberrant ribosome profile and are sensitive to the drug paromomycin. This paper reports the isolation and characterization of spontaneous suppressors of the paromomycin sensitivity. Such suppressors could be isolated at very high frequency and do not exhibit straightforward single-gene inheritance patterns. The suppressors are not influenced by non-Mendelian factors such as Ψ or ρ. Through a replacement of chromosomal rDNA with a plasmid rDNA system, I show that suppression of paromomycin sensitivity is mediated by rDNA. Swapping wild-type plasmid rDNA for chromosomal rDNA can reverse the suppression, but the effect does not appear to be due to amplification of rDNA or amplification of a pre-existing mutant rDNA copy. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An exploratory study of the nature and extent of nonsuicidal self-injury among college women

This study assessed the extent and nature of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among 165 students attending an all-women’s college. Associations between NSSI behaviors and demographics, borderline personality disorder (BPD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attachment styles were investigated. Statistically significant relationships between the severity of NSSI and demographic characteristics and BPD and PTSD were explored using bivariate analysis. Within this population, presence of NSSI behavior was significantly associated with age, years in college, nonheterosexual orientation, BPD, PTSD, and preoccupied attachment styles. There were also marginally significant associations with race and financial status. Severity of NSSI behaviors was significantly associated with age, years in college, BPD pathology, and primary parent’s level of education. A logistic regression analysis was developed that predicted NSSI behavior with 67% accuracy based on these findings. This study has implications for clinical practice.
Sonoluminescence from a Single Bubble Driven at 1 Megahertz

Measurements of the spectrum of sonoluminescence from an isolated bubble driven at 1 MHz are well fit by assuming thermal bremsstrahlung from a transparent 10(6) degree plasma. According to this interpretation, the photon-matter mean free path is larger than the light-emitting radius of a 1 MHz bubble, but smaller than the light-emitting radius for bubbles driven at approximately 40 kHz, thus accounting for the observed blackbody spectrum at 40 kHz.