cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensory Quality Evaluation of Clothes Washing Machine Selector Knobs

The present study sought to expand upon the traditional role of human factors in assessing the efficiency with which users interact with controls to include the sensory quality of controls, in this case, clothes washing machine rotary selector knobs. Thirty seven participants operated and compared the selector knobs on nine clothes washing machines, providing similarity judgments, pleasantness ratings, and verbal comments regarding most liked and least liked features. A multidimensional scaling analysis revealed that participants perceived differences among knobs along two sensory dimensions: tactile feel (smooth versus distinct detents) and the loudness of the detent. Pleasantness was optimized at a medium value of detent loudness, but was constant across levels of tactile feel. Tactile feel, therefore, defines an ideal dimension along which to perceptually differentiate knobs for branding purposes without negatively impacting perceived pleasantness.
Traumatic Disruption of the Developing Incisor in Rats

Physical trauma to the developing rat incisor caused impaction of the incisor and a complete loss of the ameloblastic layer. No ankylosis was observed, but the incisor did not erupt. Anomalous tooth formation resulted and cysts developed.
Basal forebrain lesions alter stimulus-evoked metabolic activity in rat somatosensory cortex

Acetylcholine (ACh) has been suggested to play a crucial role in normal cortical functioning. To assess the impact of cortical ACh depletion on metabolic activity in the barrel field of rat somatosensory cortex, unilateral lesions of the basal forebrain were made. One to 9 weeks later, a 2-deoxyglucose experiment was conducted. Stimulus-evoked metabolic activity in the barrel field ipsilateral to the lesion was significantly reduced compared with the contralateral side. These results suggest that ACh plays a significant role in processing stimulus-evoked sensory information.
Socratic Teaching: a critical assessment

Abstract This paper scrutinises “Socratic teaching”, with special attention to the alleged desirability of the purposes that typically animate it, the probable effectiveness of the strategy that is supposed to help the Socratic teacher to realise these purposes and the ethical status of this strategy. The account offered of Socratic teaching highlights the teacher's effort to guide the student from complacently held but not yet adequately examined opinion to a state of humility and perplexity, in the belief that this will contribute to the student's development. This is to be accomplished through a process of questioning, or cross‐examination, through which the student is brought to recognise that his or her belief‐system is riddled with inconsistencies. Critical examination of various empirical and moral assumptions that typically enter into this approach to teaching leads to an articulation of some of its limits and to an interpretation of the kinds of situations in which a Socratic approach to teaching...
Enhanced Fluoride Uptake in Enamel with a Fluoride-Impregnated Prophylactic Cup

A series of in vitro studies were conducted with an experimental fluoride-containing prophylactic cup. The results of these studies indicated that the cups released significant amounts of tin and fluoride during a prophylaxis and served to increase the fluoride content of enamel when used with either pumice or fluoride-containing prophy pastes with a low pH.
Fault-tolerant adaptive FIR filters using variable detection threshold

Adaptive filters are widely used in many digital signal processing applications, where tap weight of the filters are adjusted by stochastic gradient search methods. Block adaptive filtering techniques, such as block least mean square and block conjugate gradient algorithm, were developed to speed up the convergence as well as improve the tracking capability which are two important factors in designing real-time adaptive filter systems. Even though algorithm-based fault tolerance can be used as a low-cost high level fault-tolerant technique to protect the aforementioned systems from hardware failures with minimal hardware overhead, the issue of choosing a good detection threshold remains a challenging problem. First of all, the systems usually only have limited computational resources, i.e., concurrent error detection and correction is not feasible. Secondly, any prior knowledge of input data is very difficult to get in practical settings. We propose a checksum-based fault detection scheme using two-level variable detection thresholds that is dynamically dependent on the past syndromes. Simulations show that the proposed scheme reduces the possibility of false alarms and has a high degree of fault coverage in adaptive filter systems.
Response of Turkey Breeder Hens to Vigofac and Fermacto Supplementation

Abstract Two commercial fermentation products, Vigofac and Fermacto-500, were tested in diets for turkey breeder hens to determine if they would have any influence on reproductive performance. These were tested in separate studies and were used to supplement both corn-soy diets and diets containing 5% fish meal. Vigofac at 1% of the diet supported a significantly higher rate of hatchability when added to corn-soy diets and a numerical but non-significant improvement when added to diets with fish meal. Fermacto-500, fed at 0.075% of the diet, significantly increased the number of eggs per hen when added to diets with fish meal with a numerical but non-significant improvement in production when added to corn-soy diets. The use of these or similar types of commercial fermentation products may be of value in supplementing the diets of breeder hen turkeys.
Hydrolysis of α-d-glucosamine-1-phosphate

Abstract The hydrolysis of α- d -glucosamine-1-phosphate at 100 °C from pH 3 to 6 demonstrates a pH behavior and stability similar to that observed for α- d -glucose-1-phosphate. The observed rate is due to the hydrolysis of the neutral species, IIa ( k = 4 × 10 −5 sec −1 ) and one of the negatively charged zwitterions, IIIb ( k = 3.4 × 10 −5 sec −1 ). The rapid hydrolysis in more acidic solutions is attributed to the ease of unimolecular cleavage of the positively charged species, I ( k = 2.46 × 10 −4 sec −1 at 60 °). It is suggested that this cleavage is facilitated by intramolecular acid catalysis by the 2-NH 3 + function.
An electrophysiological study of infants' sensitivity to the sound patterns of English speech

The study explores 10- to 11-month-old infants' sensitivity to the phonological characteristics of their native language. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were obtained for tones that were superimposed on two versions of a story: an Unmodified version containing normal English function morphemes, and a Modified version in which the prosodic and segmental properties of a subset of function morphemes were changed to make them atypical. The 11-month-olds exhibited significantly lower amplitude ERPs to the tones during the Modified story than to the Unmodified story, whereas the 10-month-olds showed no differences. These results suggest that the 11-month-olds discriminated the two versions of the story based on their representations of the phonological properties of English. Further, the tone-probe ERP method can successfully be used to study the development of speech perception in the pre-linguistic infant.
Barx2 functions through distinct corepressor classes to regulate hair follicle remodeling

The hair-growth cycle, a complex biological system requiring coordinate alterations in gene expression and cellular behavior, provides a challenging model for investigating the interplay of specific transcriptional regulation events. Here we report that the Barx2 homeodomain factor serves as a regulator of hair follicle remodeling (catagen), and loss of Barx2 in mice causes a defect both in the initiation and progression of catagen, resulting in a protracted first catagen, and later, causing short hair in adult gene-deleted mice. Barx2 negatively regulates its own promoter, and our study highlights the role of Barx2 as a repressor in the skin that can, unexpectedly, functionally interact with two WD40-domain factors distantly related to the yeast corepressor Tup1. These two corepressors, transducin-like enhancer of split and transducin β-like 1, function through distinct and independent interactions with Barx2 for the repression of gene targets, including the Barx2 gene itself, emphasizing the roles of complementary repression strategies in engrailed homology-1 motif-containing homeodomain factors. Together, our data suggest that the hair-remodeling defect of Barx2 mutant mice could be explained, in part, by failure to repress one or more critical target genes.
The role of phosphorylation in human estrogen receptor function.

Abstract We have studied the role of phosphorylation of the human estrogen receptor (hER) at serine 118, which has been previously identified as a site important for transactivation. We have tested this transactivation in yeast and cell-free transcription assays, and have shown that mutation of serine 118 to alanine results in a 30–40% decrease in hER-dependent transcription. Furthermore, we investigated the functional significance of phosphorylation at this site by hormone binding and DNA binding. The mutation of serine 118 to alanine in the hER caused no decrease in its affinity for either estradiol or an ERE. The mutant receptor had an altered phosphorylation pattern when expressed in COS-1 and Sf9 cells, but not in HeLa cells. Our findings indicate that phosphorylation of serine 118 of the hER plays a role in regulating its transcriptional activity.
Floral visitation patterns of two invasive ant species and their effects on other hymenopteran visitors

1. Floral nectar of the native Hawaiian ‘ōhi’a tree, Metrosideros polymorpha, is an important food source for several native honeycreepers and yellow-faced bees, Hylaeus spp., but is also attractive to invasive ants. 2. I undertook this study to compare floral visitation patterns of two widespread invasive ants, the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile, and the big-headed ant, Pheidole megacephala, and to determine their effects on nectar volume and floral hymenopteran visitors. 3. In the first year of the study, Argentine ants visited inflorescences more frequently than big-headed ants at mid-day and in the afternoon, but did not occur in higher densities than big-headed ants at any time of day. In the following year, Argentine ants visited inflorescences both more frequently and in higher densities than big-headed ants. Argentine ant density had a stronger association with nectar concentration than big-headed ant density. 4. Nectar volume did not differ between ant-excluded and ant-visited inflorescences for either ant species. However, ant density was negatively associated with nectar volume for both species. 5. Hylaeus spp. never visited inflorescences with big-headed ants, while non-native honeybees visited inflorescences with and without ants of either species in equal frequency. 6. Most studies of the effects of invasive ants on native arthropods have focused on interactions on the ground. Flowers should not be overlooked as microhabitats from which native arthropods may be displaced by invasive ants.
Distinct regulators control the expression of methanol methyltransferase isozymes in Methanosarcina acetivorans C2A

The mtaCB1, mtaCB2 and mtaCB3 operons encode isozymes of methanol methyltransferases in Methanosarcina acetivorans C2A and are among the most highly regulated genes known in Archaea. Here we identify cis and trans acting elements that affect the expression of these operons. In vivo reporter gene constructs expressed from sequentially truncated promoters show that the mRNA transcripts for these operons have large 5' untranslated regions. Regions upstream of the transcription start site (TSS) are important for induction of the mtaCB1 and mtaCB2 operons and for repression of the mtaCB3. Regions downstream of the TSS are important for expression of the mtaCB2 and mtaCB3 operons, but are dispensable for mtaCB1 expression. Proteins encoded by the MA0459 and MA0460 loci are required for induction of the mtaCB1 operon, while those encoded by MA4383, MA4397 and MA4398 are required for induction of mtaCB2. Proteins encoded by MA4397 and MA4398 are also required for methanol-specific repression of the mtaCB3 operon and, thus, are the first archaeal examples of regulatory proteins that simultaneously act in both repression and activation. We refer to these genes as methanol-specific regulators and designate MA0459, MA0460, MA4383, MA4397 and MA4398 as msrA, msrB, msrC, msrD and msrE respectively.
Non-uniform expression of α subunit isoforms of the Na+/K+ pump in rat dorsal root ganglia neurons

Abstract Tissue sections and antibodies selectively recognizing isoforms of the α subunit of the Na + /K + pump were used to determine the expression of α 1 , α 2 and α 3 pump isoforms in the plasma membrane of adult rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. There was no detectable membrane signal from DRG neurons that were probed with antibodies to the α 2 isoform of the Na + /K + pump. The α 1 isoform of the Na + /K + pump was found in most (77±4%) studied DRG neurons, regardless of cell size. Only 16±7% of the neurons expressed a detectable level of the α 3 Na + /K + pump and all were apparently from a subpopulation of large DRG neurons. Comparison of cell size distributions and a study of neurons identified in serial sections suggested that of the α 3 positive DRG neurons about 75% coexpressed the α 1 isoform of the Na + /K + pump. These data show that the expression of the protein of the α subunit isoforms of the Na + /K + pump is not uniform throughout the population of DRG neurons and that α 1 is the predominant isoform in the plasma membrane of these neurons.
IS THERE A MORTALITY BENEFIT WITH RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM (RAS) INHIBITION IN AFRICAN AMERICANS (AA) WITH HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION (HFPEF)?

RAS inhibitors (RASIs/ACE inhibitors & ARBs) have reduced mortality in SHF (EF 45p) in randomized controlled trials. Since, AAs are underrepresented in these trials, whether these results are applicable to AAs with HFPEF is uncertain All cause mortality was
N.M.R. relaxation time studies in liquid methyl iodide

The spin-lattice relaxation times of the various nuclei in methyl iodide, methyl iodide-d 3, and carbon-13 methyl iodide (13C, 1H, 2D) were measured between 210 and 350 K. The separation of the proton-proton intermolecular relaxation was accomplished by a dilution study in methyl iodide-d 3; the resulting intermolecular contribution agreed well with the existing theories for this mechanism. It was found that the spin-rotation interaction contributed significantly to the intramolecular relaxation of both the protons and the carbon-13. For both nuclei the separation of the spin-rotation interaction from the intramolecular dipole-dipole interaction was accomplished without making any assumptions about the temperature dependence of the spin-rotation relaxation time. The resulting spin-rotation relaxation times for both carbon-13 and protons offer evidence that the large spin-rotation effects are due to the methyl group reorientation.
A characterisation of mist generated from minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) compared to wet machining

Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) is a new machining method in which an oil mist in a compressed air stream, rather than a flood coolant, is applied to the machining area. Three types of MQL systems exist today: external; internal, single channel; and internal, dual channel. Mist is applied differently with each type of MQL. However, the characteristics of the mist (concentration and particle size) have never been studied. Some studies have stated that MQL results in zero airborne mist levels since the oil mist either vaporises or clings to the workpiece or chips. In this research, we monitored the mist from wet fluid application and from each type of MQL system and we considered the pros and cons of each MQL type.
Structure and Replication of yDNA: A Novel Genetic Set Widened by Benzo-Homologation

In a functioning genetic system, the information-encoding molecule must form a regular self-complementary complex (for example, the base-paired double helix of DNA) and it must be able to encode information and pass it on to new generations. Here we study a benzo-widened DNA-like molecule (yDNA) as a candidate for an alternative genetic set, and we explicitly test these two structural and functional requirements. The solution structure of a 10 bp yDNA duplex is measured by using 2D-NMR methods for a simple sequence composed of T-yA/yA-T pairs. The data confirm an antiparallel, right-handed, hydrogen-bonded helix resembling B-DNA but with a wider diameter and enlarged base-pair size. In addition to this, the abilities of two different polymerase enzymes (Klenow fragment of DNA pol I (Kf) and the repair enzyme Dpo4) to synthesize and extend the yDNA pairs T-yA, A-yT, and G-yC are measured by steady-state kinetics studies. Not surprisingly, insertion of complementary bases opposite yDNA bases is inefficient due to the larger base-pair size. We find that correct pairing occurs in several cases by both enzymes, but that common and relatively efficient mispairing involving T-yT and T-yC pairs interferes with fully correct formation and extension of pairs by these polymerases. Interestingly, the data show that extension of the large pairs is considerably more efficient with the flexible repair enzyme (Dpo4) than with the more rigid Kf enzyme. The results shed light on the properties of yDNA as a candidate for an alternative genetic information-encoding molecule and as a tool for application in basic science and biomedicine.
Urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroid and cortisol excretion in childhood.

Urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) and cortisol have been determined in children with normal and abnormal adrenocortical function and a sample of adults. Mean values (±SD) for mg 17-OHCS/gm creatinine were 4.7 ± 1.4 in 30 normal children, 4.1 ± 2.2 in 4 obese children and 4.4 ± 1.7 in 11 adults. Mean values (± S D) for μg cortisol/g creatinine were 75 ± 18, 54 ± 17 and 68 ± 15, respectively. Neither 17-OHCS nor cortisol excretion was significantly different between the groups. Mean values (± SD) of 10.4 ± 3.1 mg 17-OHCS/g creatinine and 234 ± 94 ng cortisol/g creatinine were found in S children subjected to stress and values decreased following dexamethasone administration to 2 of the group. In a child and an adult with Cushing's syndrome, 17-OHCS were 17.7–37.7 mg/g creatinine and cortisol, 206–1313 M-g/g creatinine. In a child with Addison's Disease, 17-OHCS were 0.9–2.2 mg/g creatinine and cortisol, 7–9 μg/g creatinine. Results of the study suggest that urinary excretion of 17-OHCS and cortiso...
Salutary effect of nifedipine in pacing-induced angina: relation to afterload reduction.

To determine the mechanisms responsible for beneficial effects of nifedipine in pacing-induced angina pectoris, 20 patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization were studied. Following left ventriculography and coronary arteriography, right atrial pacing was performed before and 30 min after administration of 20 mg of nifedipine sublingually. Heart rate was increased by 10-beat-per-minute (bpm) increments every 90 sec until angina occurred. Electrocardiogram, central aortic pressure, and pulmonary arterial occlusive pressure were monitored continuously. Mean paced heart rate at the onset of angina was increased from 107 +/- 12.6 bpm to 140.6 +/- 19.9 (P less than .001) after nifedipine. Systolic arterial pressure at the time of angina declined from 143 +/- 20 mm Hg to 112 +/- 23 mm Hg (P less than .001). Consequently, the double product heart rate X systolic blood pressure was not changed significantly at the onset of chest pain (149 +/- 28 mm Hg X 10(-2) vs. 142 +/- 28 mm Hg X 10(-2) ). Pulmonary arterial occlusive pressure also did not change significantly (10.4 +/- 4.4 vs. 10.5 +/- 5.9 mm Hg). Thus, nifedipine decreased myocardial oxygen demand at a given heart rate by reducing left ventricular afterload, but did not increase the rate pressure product threshold for ischemic pain. These results indicate that peripheral arterial vasodilator effects of nifedipine, with a resultant decrease in myocardial oxygen requirements, account for its antianginal effect in this setting in patients with fixed obstructive coronary artery disease.
Temperature Dependence of Young's Modulus of Beta-Brass Single Crystals

Young's modulus of seven single crystals of beta-brass has been measured as a function of temperature from 25\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C to 505\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C for the purpose of studying the order-disorder phenomenon. The method used is that of the composite piezoelectric oscillator. The reciprocal of Young's modulus is linearly related to the orientation function at all temperatures. The maximum and minimum values of the reciprocal of Young's modulus, 1/${\mathrm{E}}_{[100]}$ and 1/${\mathrm{E}}_{[111]}$, are 3.881 and 0.475\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}$ at room temperature and 4.970 and 0.583\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/dyne at the critical temperature (468\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C). The elastic anisotropy, given by ${\mathrm{E}}_{[111]}$/${\mathrm{E}}_{[100]}$, has the value, 8.2, at room temperature, decreases to a minimum, 7.2, at 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, and again increases to 8.6 at the critical temperature. Plots of the reciprocal of Young's modulus in three principal directions, [100], [110], and [111], show that the effect of disorder is mainly felt in the first two directions, while in the third direction the elasticity shows an approximately linear increase with increasing temperature. Before disorder sets in the elasticity in the [100] direction decreases with increasing temperature, contrary to the usual behavior of elastic materials.
Structural and functional characterization of the first intracellular loop of human thromboxane A2 receptor.

Abstract The conformation of a constrained peptide mimicking the putative first intracellular domain (iLP1) of thromboxane A 2 receptor (TP) was determined by 1 H 2D NMR spectroscopy. Through completed assignments of TOCSY, DQF-COSY, and NOESY spectra, a NMR structure of the peptide showed a β-turn in residues 56–59 and a short helical structure in the residues 63–66. It suggests that residues 63–66 may be part of the second transmembrane domain (TM), and that Arg60, in an exposed position on the outer surface of the loop, may be involved in signaling through charge contact with Gq protein. The sequence alignment of Lys residue in the same position of other prostanoid receptors mediates different G protein couplings, suggesting that the chemical properties of Arg and Lys may also affect the receptor signaling activity. These hypotheses were supported by mutagenesis studies, in which the mutant of Arg60Leu completely lost activity in increasing intracellular calcium level through Gq coupling, and the mutant of Arg60Lys retained only about 35% signaling activity. The difference between the side chain functions of Lys and Arg in effecting the signaling was discussed.
Use of the signal-averaged ECG to predict maximum ventricular tachycardia rate.

Abstract Rapid ventricular tachycardia is poorly tolerated, and estimation of maximum ventricular tachycardia rate prior to programmed ventricular stimulation is difficult. A method to estimate maximum ventricular tachycardia rate using late potential duration from the signal-averaged ECG and ventricular functional refractory period is described. Late potentials recorded in patients with ventricular tachycardia may represent delayed conduction through arrhythmogenic ventricular myocardium. This delay may be rate limiting in determining the minimum cycle length of reentrant ventricular tachycardia originating from these areas. Using the ratio of ventricular activation time (VAT), which equals QRS plus late potential duration, to unfiltered QRS duration (QRS) as estimate of this delay, the following relationship is proposed: Minimum ventricular tachycardia cycle length = (FRP 400 – 12.5 ms) (VAT/QRS). Twenty patients with late potentials who had sustained, monomorphic ventricular tachycardia at programmed stimulation were evaluated. Predicted cycle lengths ranged from 326 to 214 ms. Predicted and observed cycle lengths were significantly correlated (r = 0.91, SEE = 11.9 ms, p
Red-Headed Woodpecker Density and Productivity in Relation to Time Since Fire in Burned Pine Forests

Red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) populations are declining range wide, and fire is an important process necessary for creating their habitat throughout their range. In order to evaluate the effect of fire on the density and reproduction of this species, we examined nesting activities of red-headed woodpeckers from 2001 to 2005 in landscapes dominated by fires of different ages. We established six 300 ha to 400 ha sites in recently burned sites (i.e., burned in 2000) and two similarly sized old burn sites (i.e., burned in 1988 and 1991). Reproductive success and productivity (number of fledglings per nest) were higher in old burn sites compared to recent burn sites due to low predation rates in the old burn sites. Nest densities of red-headed woodpeckers were higher in the old burn habitats as compared to the recent burn sites. Based upon this productivity and density information, we developed a conceptual model that describes the potential effects of fire severity upon this species. Because our study sites in the Black Hills, South Dakota, are at the western edge of the red-headed woodpecker’s range, it is unknown whether patterns detected in our study will be representative of patterns found throughout its range in other burned habitats. Long term studies conducted in multiple burns will broaden our understanding of how fire severity might influence the density and reproduction of birds nesting within burned pine forests.
Sources of stress in academe: A national perspective

The purpose of the national faculty stress research project was to examine stress experienced by faculty in institutions of higher education. The study sample of 80 institutions was drawn from the population of all U. S. doctoral-granting institutions in the United States. One thousand twenty faculty were selected and stratified by academic rank and Biglan's academic discipline model. The response rate was 75.28 percent. In general, faculty reported 60 percent of the total stress in their lives came from work. The majority of the top 10 stressors related directly to time and/or resource constraints. When faculty stressors were compared across disciplinary groupings, more similarity than difference existed. Also, faculty reported similar degrees of stress associated with the teaching, research, and service functions, with teaching as the most stressful activity.
COSIFIT: an interactive program for simultaneous multioscillator cosinor analysis of time-series data

A BASIC program for the Macintosh family of computers has been developed that provides an iterative nonlinear least-squares analysis of biological rhythm data using Marquardt's modification of the Gauss-Newton algorithm. A cosinor model is used, and multiple cosine functions can be fit simultaneously to any equi- or unequispaced time-series data. The program computes optimal frequency, mesor, amplitude, and phase, with standard errors of measurement and both parametric and nonparametric estimates of goodness-of-fit. Multiple time-series can be analyzed simultaneously, allowing one to test for shared characteristics between series. Statistical differences between parameter values of select curves are ascertained by ANOVA. The program is interactive and designed to be user-friendly for the scientist or clinician.
A taxonomy of capabilities based DDoS defense architectures

DDoS defenses based on network capabilities advocate fundamental changes to the Internet. However, despite the many point solutions, there has not been a rigorous study of the entire solution space for capability architectures. We believe the proposed changes to the Internet will inevitably introduce challenges and tradeoffs. To better understand the tradeoffs and identify challenges, we propose a taxonomy to categorize possible options and map the potential solution space. Our taxonomy identifies key components of capability architectures, separates fundamentals from implementation details, and opens up new directions to explore in these architectures.
Studies of autologous T cell activation in the Kunkel laboratory

T helper cells and their antigen receptors were topics of keen interest in Henry Kunkel's laboratory during the early 1980s. The activation of human T cells by foreign antigen, allogeneic cells and autologous non-T cells had been established, but the most effective stimulator cells in those responses had not yet been identified. Dendritic cells, along with activated B cells, were demonstrated to be important stimulators of autologous T cells, and studies of peripheral blood from patients with SLE supported the conclusion that the non-T cells in those patients were deficient in their capacity to stimulate an autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (AMLR). Subsequent studies have defined the role of apoptotic cells processed by dendritic cells in autologous T cell activation. In view of recent data demonstrating depletion of dendritic cell subsets in SLE peripheral blood and recruitment of those cells to sites of immune system activity, it is proposed that SLE T cells are indeed capable of self-reactivity and that the impaired in vitro proliferative response to autologous non-T cells as assessed in the AMLR may reflect the shift of dendritic cells, with their antigen presenting activity augmented by adjuvant-like factors, from peripheral blood to peripheral lymphoid organs and sites of disease.
Noise Effects on Human Performance: A Meta-Analytic Synthesis

Noise is a pervasive and influential source of stress. Whether through the acute effects of impulse noise or the chronic influence of prolonged exposure, the challenge of noise confronts many who must accomplish vital performance duties in its presence. Although noise has diffuse effects, which are shared in common with many other chronic forms of stress, it also exerts its own specific influences on various forms of cognitive and motor response. We present a quantitative evaluation of these influences so that their harmful effects can be mitigated, their beneficial effects exploited, and any residual effects incorporated and synthesized into selection, training, and design strategies to facilitate human performance capacities. Predictions of single and joint moderator effects were made on the basis of major theories of noise and performance, specifically those explanations based on arousal, masking, or cognitive-resource mechanisms. These predictions were tested through moderator analyses of effects as a function of task type, performance measure, noise type and schedule, and the intensity and duration of exposure. Observed outcome effects (797 effect sizes derived from 242 studies) varied as a function of each of these moderators. Collective findings identified continuous versus intermittent noise, noise type, and type of task as the major distinguishing characteristics that moderated response. Mixed evidence was obtained for the traditional arousal and masking explanations for noise effects. The overall pattern of findings was most consistent with the maximal adaptability theory, a mental-resource-based explanation of stress and performance variation.
On a non-eclipse optical determination of the gravitational deflection of light by the sun

Abstract The reduction process for a photographic determination of the deflection of light by the sun is examined for the purpose of optimizing a non-eclipse measurement. Consideration of photographic detectability of star images provides criteria for instrumental optimization and allows calculation of image positional accuracy as a function of instrumental parameters, background brightness, image steallar magnitude, and sensitivity of the measurement to differences in density. Using plates exposed to various star fields against the daytime sky with a 20 in. astrograph utilizing a narrow bandpass about 6500 A, astrometric reduction provides an experimental determination of positional accuracy in plate to plate comparison. These data are then used to extrapolate to other experimental configurations. Optimization of the ground based experiment indicates using fine grained plates and red filtering with a short focal length, externally occluded coronagraph emplaced at a high altitude observatory. Application to ecliptic star fields shows the observation to be capable of providing a determination of the light deflection to better than 0.019 arcsec. The above considerations are also applied to a similar orbital instrument, limitations being imposed primarily by film and emulsion positional stability and resolution, compensated by greatly decreased background brightness.
Mathematics and academic finance: the role of paradigms

Purpose – Any adequate analysis of the nature of mathematics and its role in sciences necessarily requires fundamental understanding of the world views underlying the views expressed with respect to the nature and role of mathematics. Aims to discuss four general views with respect to mathematics and its role in sciences, corresponding to four broad worldviews.Design/methodology/approach – This paper starts with the premise that any worldview can be positioned on a continuum formed by four basic paradigms: functionalist, interpretive, radical humanist, and radical structuralist. It looks at the current state of mainstream academic finance and notes that it is founded only on the functionalist paradigm. It argues that any view expressed with respect to the nature of mathematics and its role in sciences is based on one of the four paradigms or worldviews.Findings – Emphasizes that the four views expressed are equally scientific and informative; they look at the nature and role of mathematics from a certain ...
Local modes of substitutional transition metal ions in II VI semiconductors

Abstract The 3d transition metal ions (TMI) substituting for the cations in the tetrahedrally coordinated zincblende II–VI semiconductors display a localized mode above the rest-strahlen when introduced in dilute concentrations. The local mode observed in the infrared exhibits a characteristic dependence on the isotopic mass of the TMI. In the wurtzite II–VIs, the local mode undergoes a splitting into two components, one polarized along the optic axis and the other normal to it. The local mode frequency shows a striking non-monotonic dependence on the number of 3d electrons of the TMI.
X-RAY SCATTERING HALOS FROM THE GALACTIC CENTER: IMPLICATIONS FOR DIFFUSE EMISSION AROUND SAGITTARIUS A^*

We consider the absorption and scattering of X-rays observed from the Galactic center. One objective is to characterize the intrinsic X-ray emission from the central black hole, Sgr A*, in its quiescent and flaring states—crucial for our understanding of the accretion physics of supermassive black holes. We correct the fluxes observed by the Chandra and XMM-Newton telescopes for absorption and scattering, but limited knowledge about the properties of the intervening gas and dust causes large uncertainties. We use realistic models for the dust grain size distribution, consistent with many other observational constraints, as well as reasonable models for the gas and dust abundances and spatial distributions. Since much of the intervening dust is relatively close to Sgr A*, the scattered halo of X-ray photons is very concentrated; its intensity can dominate the point-spread function of Chandra inside 1'' and thus affects estimates of the point source flux. It also causes an apparent broadening of the radial intensity profiles of Galactic center sources; observations of this broadening can therefore help constrain models of the line-of-sight distribution of the dust. We estimate that the combined scattering halos from observed Galactic center sources within 10'' of Sgr A* contribute up to ~10% of the observed diffuse emission in this region. Unresolved sources may make an additional contribution. Dust-scattered photons suffer a time delay relative to the photons that arrive directly. For dust that is 100 pc toward us from the Galactic center, this delay is about 1000 s at angles of 1'' and 100 ks at 10''. We illustrate how the evolution of the scattering halo following X-ray flares from Sgr A* or other sources can also help to constrain the dust's line-of-sight distribution. We discuss the implications of X-ray scattering halos for the intensity of diffuse emission that has been reported within a few arcseconds of Sgr A*: in the most extreme, yet viable, model we consider, ~ of it is due to dust scattering of an unresolved source. The remainder results from an extended source of emission.
Estimation of the point of zero charge of simple oxides by mass titration

Abstract A method is proposed to estimate the point of zero charge (pzc) of pure compounds which can be described accurately by the surface ionization model of amphoteric oxides. It is demonstrated that under the limiting conditions of “infinite” mass/volume ratio, the pH of the system will approach pH ∞ = 1 2 ( p K 1 + p K 2 )  pzc . Experimental values of the pH of the oxides of titanium, aluminum, a silicon suspended in a closed aqueous system exhibited the existence of a constant pH at high mass fractions. This limiting pH is found to be a reasonable estimate for the point of zero charge of each oxide.
NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS IN WATERFOWL IN WISCONSIN

Newcastle disease virus was isolated from the cloaca of 1-5% of live-trapped waterfowl in Wisconsin in the fall from 1978-1980. Antibody to NDV was detected in 8% of the birds tested, with no apparent difference between sex and age classes. Experimental infection resulted in persistence of virus shedding for months after exposure. Lack of detectable antibody in some of the experimentally infected birds suggests that reported antibody prevalence may not be indicative of the true prevalence of the infection. Isolation of NDV for the last 9 years as well as the detection of antibody in waterfowl over 25 years ago, suggests a well-adapted host-parasite relationship. Experimental evidence of virus persistence in individual mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) provides a mechanism for maintenance of the virus in the wild population.
The πNN bound-state problem☆

Abstract Bound-state solutions for the system composed of a pion and two nucleons are studied, and it is shown that their existence is essentially determined by the range of the πN interaction in momentum space. The relativistic Faddeev equations are solved to search for bound-state solutions of a negative pion and two neutrons, using the newly constructed πN separable potentials that reproduce the phase shift of the P 33 channel from 0 to 350 MeV, and realistic NN interactions such as the Reid soft-core, Paris, and Malfliet-Tjon potentials. It is found that bound-state solutions are possible for some of the πN interactions that have very long range in momentum space.
A strategy for cross-calibrating U-Pb chronology and astrochronology of sedimentary sequences: An example from the Green River Formation, Wyoming, USA

Abstract Astronomical calibration of the geological timescale has been limited until recently by the precision and accuracy of radioisotopic dates, especially for pre-Neogene records. Uncertainties for radioisotopic dates of older strata were typically much larger than a single precessional cycle, and dates were often sparse, leading to the practice of orbital tuning of cyclic strata in order to astronomically calibrate the desired interval. Ideally, in order to test the assumptions of astronomical calibration with geochronology, it is necessary that the precision of radioisotopic dates be comparable to the period of the cycle being tested. The new U–Pb CA-TIMS (chemical abrasion–thermal ionization mass spectrometry) zircon dates reported here conform to this precision requirement, with 2σ analytical uncertainties from ± 11 000 to ± 52 000 years for seven volcanic ashes from the Wilkins Peak Member of the Green River Formation. The zircon dates have simple distributions with few outliers and allow accurate estimations of the eruption ages with potential inaccuracies of less than precessional cycle. The Eocene Green River Formation (Wyoming, USA) has long been recognized as a record of cyclicly-deposited lacustrine sediments, and the abundant intercalated volcanic ashes make it a suitable place to test new approaches to astronomical calibration of cyclic strata. The abundance of different types of marker beds, including tuffs that are intercalated with the sedimentary cycles, guarantee an unambiguous correlation between sampling locations of dated tuffs on the margins of the basin and the basin center where the cyclicity is best developed, thus reducing any stratigraphic uncertainties to a fraction of (hypothesized) precession cycle. Tuning-based orbital age models, accepted by the previous geochronology, significantly deviate from the new geochronology, whereas a previously rejected model that assumes a short eccentricity period of 125 ky is now allowed. In order to test possible explanations for the apparent 125 ky period, such as changes in orbital periods, or gaps in the sedimentary record, we present an iterative strategy to select future ashes for dating such that the astronomical calibration/testing is optimized. We iteratively contrast two ad-hoc age models that bracket the linear interpolation between the dated ashes. The optimal intervals for further dating are located where the deviations between the models exceed our reported uncertainties. We propose that the iterative approach described here should become the standard for establishing a rigorous orbital calibration of the stratigraphic record where sufficient ashes exist.
Coherence filters and their uses I. Basic theory and examples

The phenomenon of correlation-induced spectral changes, discovered several years ago and extensively studied since then, is shown to offer the possibility of contructing novel types of spectral filter which have several properties that are not achievable with conventional filters. For example such filters can have different prescribed filtering properties in different directions of observation. In this paper the underlying theory is discussed and is illustrated by a few examples.
Heat Treatment of Some Temperature-Resistant Carburizing Steels

The heat treatment of some Mo-Cr-V secondary hardening carburizing steels was investigated. The compositions selected for study were chosen because 1) they can be readily softened by annealing, and 2) they do not require excessively high temperatures for carburizing. Both of these characteristics are desired for ease of manufacturing. After carburizing these steels at 955° C and oil quenching, the as-quenched core hardness is retained with little change for tempering temperatures up to 600° C, but the case hardness decreases slowly with increasing tempering temperature, reaching values of 52–54 Rc after tempering at 550° C. The case depths, case carbon content, retained austenite content and residual stress resulting from carburizing the experimental alloys were compared with the same properties measured on SA E 8620 steel. It was found that the surface oxides which form on V-bearing steels during heat treatment in endothermic gas-base carburizing atmospheres interfere with carburizing. For this reason, steels with 0.15 wt. pct. V or less are preferred for carburizing. Because of their enhanced resistance to softening at elevated temperatures compared to conventional carburizing steels, carburized secondary hardening steels should provide improved resistance to surface damage under conditions of marginal lubrication.
Absorption lines analysis of laser imploded targets

Abstract The measurement of X-ray absorption spectra from DT-gas-filled, laser-imploded glass targets is shown to be consistent with shell integrity during the implosion. Strong absorption of core radiation by silicon X-ray transitions in the glass shell is measured by both time-resolving and space-resolving spectrographs. The observed absorption implies that an integral region of shell material exists at the time of shell stagnation, although the amount of possible shell-fuel mixing cannot be determined. Such mixing, caused by hydrodynamic shell instability, is required to explain the observed reduction in neutron yield with respect to one-dimensional code predictions. The instability, however, progresses without grossly disrupting the integrity of the imploding shell.
James Platt White, MD (1811-1881): his interesting and remarkable accident.

James Platt White, MD (1811-1881), one of the founders and leading figures of the Buffalo Medical College and a pioneer in American obstetrics and gynecology, suffered an interesting and remarkable accident to his neck at the age of 26 while traveling in a stagecoach in Western New York. He was conf
Demand Management and Exchange Rate Policy: The Italian Experience: Reply to Comments by Gandolfo and Padoan

*Senior Advisor for International Monetary Affairs, Ministry of Budget and Planning, Rome. 'For the basis of the published article, which contains a more detailed discussion of the specification of the model, the empirical results, and the data used, see Giuseppe Tullio, "A Quarterly Disequilibrium Model of the Italian Economy with Endogenous Exchange Rates" (unpublished, June 2, 1980). A copy is available upon request to the author, whose address is Ministero del Bilancio e della Programmazione Economica, Segretaria Generale Della Programmazione, Via XX Settembre 97, 00187 Roma, Italy.
Determination of specific gravity of municipal solid waste

Abstract This investigation was conducted to evaluate experimental determination of specific gravity ( G s ) of municipal solid waste (MSW). Water pycnometry, typically used for testing soils was adapted for testing MSW using a large flask with 2000 mL capacity and specimens with 100–350 g masses. Tests were conducted on manufactured waste samples prepared using US waste constituent components; fresh wastes obtained prior and subsequent to compaction at an MSW landfill; and wastes obtained from various depths at the same landfill. Factors that influence specific gravity were investigated including waste particle size, compaction, and combined decomposition and stress history. The measured average specific gravities were 1.377 and 1.530 for as-prepared/uncompacted and compacted manufactured wastes, respectively; 1.072 and 1.258 for uncompacted and compacted fresh wastes, respectively; and 2.201 for old wastes. The average organic content and degree of decomposition were 77.2% and 0%, respectively for fresh wastes and 22.8% and 88.3%, respectively for old wastes. The G s increased with decreasing particle size, compaction, and increasing waste age. For fresh wastes, reductions in particle size and compaction caused occluded intraparticle pores to be exposed and waste particles to be deformed resulting in increases in specific gravity. For old wastes, the high G s resulted from loss of biodegradable components that have low G s as well as potential access to previously occluded pores and deformation of particles due to both degradation processes and applied mechanical stresses. The G s was correlated to the degree of decomposition with a linear relationship. Unlike soils, the G s for MSW was not unique, but varied in a landfill environment due both to physical/mechanical processes and biochemical processes. Specific gravity testing is recommended to be conducted not only using representative waste composition, but also using representative compaction, stress, and degradation states.