cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antioxidants and eye disease

Oxidative mechanisms are believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of age-related eye disease, in particular, cataract and macular degeneration, the two most important causes of visual impairment in older adults. For this reason, there is considerable interest in determining whether vitamins and trace minerals with antioxidant properties can be of benefit in preventing the onset or progression of disabling eye disease. Basic research studies have shown that antioxidants can protect against the cumulative effects of oxidative stress in animal models of cataract and macular degeneration. Data from observational epidemiologic studies in humans, however, are inconclusive. While results from several studies, primarily cross-sectional and case-control, are compatible with a possible protective role for micronutrients in cataract and macular degeneration, data for specific nutrients or specific disease types have often been inconsistent. Further, these observational studies are limited because of the inherent imprecision of dietary exposure data and the likely effects of uncontrolled confounding. Thus, reliable data regarding a potentially important benefit of vitamin supplementation in eye disease will emerge mainly from well-designed, large-scale, randomized trials. Such data are already being collected in the National Eye Institute-sponsored Age Related Eye Disease Study, as well as in the Physicians' Health Study and Women's Health Study.
Advantages of ferric ferricyanide to detect certain peptides and proteins on chromatograms

Abstract Ferric ferricyanide, under certain conditions, may be superior to ninhydrin, chlorine-tolidine, and to the Pauly and Ehrlich reagents to detect certain peptides and proteins on chromatograms. Ferric ferricyanide is sensitive, nontoxic, and can yield intense spots which can be permanent. This reagent is exceptional for peptides and proteins having tyrosine, tryptophan, and cysteine. For samples of 5 μg of exemplary decapeptides, ferric ferricyanide, but not chlorine-tolidine, revealed traces of peptide contaminants.
Universal classifier and synchroniser

Extracting parameters from a received signal and auto-demodulating based on these parameters without prior information from the transmitter can be beneficial to dynamic spectrum access, cognitive radio and many other applications. Universal classifier and synchroniser (UCS) is conceived as such a self-contained system that can detect, classify and synchronise with a received signal and provide all parameters needed for physical layer demodulation. The accommodated modulations include AM, FM, FSK, MPSK, QAM and OFDM. UCS can be used in different multi-user access schemes. The designed system has been verified by a prototype using GNU Radio in Linux plus a Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP), as well as other software defined radio platforms. Performance for key components and the entire system has been evaluated by theoretical analysis, over the air experiments and computer simulations.
Using Motivational Interviewing to Meet Core Competencies in Psychiatric Resident Training

Objective The authors propose that motivational interviewing (MI), a brief intervention designed to manage ambivalence regarding complex behavior change, is well suited for integration into psychiatric residency training programs.
On the question of homosexuality in actors

There is a belief that a high percentage of male actors are homosexual. The specific linking of actors and homosexuality seems to have first appeared in the Elizabethan Puritan condemnations of the theater. Psychoanalytic theory has tended to further promulgate the linkage between effeminacy, homosexuality, and acting. An analysis of the relevant existing empirical literature indicates that few studies have addressed themselves to evaluating this relationship. Those studies supporting the effeminacy-actor relationship were seriously flawed both in design (e.g., use of indirect measures to infer homosexuality) and interpretation of the data. Only one study used direct measures of sexual orientation. Even though that study had methodological problems, its results indicated that the percentage of homosexuality among actors was not verifiably greater than that found in the general population. It is felt that the current belief of greater homosexuality in actors, as compared to the general population, is a product of our Puritan heritage, the actor's unconventionality, and of public flaunting of the homoerotic behavior of that portion of actors that are homosexual.
Dreams, the Swelling Moon, the sun

I. The etymologies susceptible to simple phonetic formulation and semantically obvious have, for the most part, been discovered long ago. But I cannot say semantically obvious without recording my conviction that semantic science is still in swaddling clothes. Readers of the Classical Quarterly will, I trust, find the following derivations interesting, as well as clear and semantically obvious.
Advances in photoionization and photoelectron studies using third generation synchrotron radiation

Abstract In the past few years, we have established a unique high-resolution photoionization–photoelectron facility at the Chemical Dynamics Beamline of the Advanced Light Source. By combining a 6.65-m off-plane Eagle mounted scanning monochromator with the undulator synchrotron radiation source, we have demonstrated photon energy resolving powers up to E /Δ E =72,000–100,000 in the photon energy range of 6–27 eV. We have also developed novel synchrotron-based pulsed field ionization photoelectron (PFI-PE) detection schemes, achieving resolutions of 1–6 cm −1 (FWHM). Using the specially designed photoelectron–photoion apparatus, which features a supersonic molecular beam source and opposing electron and ion time-of-flight spectrometers, we have recently succeeded in performing synchrotron-based PFI-PE photoion coincidence experiments, attaining resolutions limited only by the PFI-PE measurements. Most recently, we have demonstrated a generally applicable synchrotron-based scheme for PFI-photoion measurements. The PFI-PEPICO and PFI-PI methods are expected to have a significant impact in future reaction dynamics studies involving the preparation of rovibronically state-selected reactant ions.
Optical properties and microstructure of gold-fluorocarbon-polymer composite films

The optical transmittance of plasma-deposited composite gold\char21{}fluorocarbon-polymer thin films is analyzed in terms of effective-medium theories. The effect of increasing gold volume fraction is shown to be correctly described by the Sheng model, provided the gold-cluster and polymer-inclusion sizes and shapes analyzed by transmission electron microscopy are properly taken into account. Moreover, good consistency is obtained between the present results and our previous study of the electrical conductivity variation at and above the percolation threshold. An extension of the Sheng model has been developed to deal with three-phase systems and has been applied in this work to test the possible existence of an interfacial carbon layer at the gold-polymer interface. The effects of topological disorder and higher-order multipole interactions between the clusters are discussed. Annealing of the films above the glass transition temperature of the polymer results in a drastic change of the film optical properties which is attributed to an increase of gold volume fraction, due to the collapse of the polymer phase, and above all to a modification of the cluster sizes and shapes by sintering and coalescence of gold particles as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy.
Osmotic effects of ions diffusing in capillary plasma can explain Starling's osmotic force in plasma-ISF exchange

The exchange of water between plasma and interstitial fluid (ISF) along the length of a capillary is attributed to a balancing of the Starling forces, site-specific differences in hydrostatic and osmotic pressures that theoretically determine directional fluid movement. The osmotic forces for water movement are attributed to the osmotic effects of proteins, colloid osmotic pressure (COP). Several physiological inconsistencies question the role of proteins and COP in fluid flux. A reconsideration of Hulett's insights concerning the osmosis of water provides substantial evidence that the effect of COP does not cause osmosis, and therefore another force is needed to explain plasma–ISF exchange. Review of whole-body tissue and blood ion concentrations and/or ion differences across isolated tissue or secretory epithelia from a variety of species indicates that the diffusion of bicarbonate and strong ions within plasma is the dominant osmotic effect returning ISF to the capillary. Conceptually, as these ions diffuse along physiological gradients, they alter the chemical potential of water through which they are diffusing (solute–solvent drag), creating an osmotic effect on plasma water, and explain plasma–ISF exchange. Considering venous–arterial differences, diffusing and strong ions give rise to a net osmotic force (~35 Torr) in venous end capillary plasma water that is coupled to ISF through pores in the endothelium. More importantly, diffusing and strong ions provide an incremental osmotic force (~150 Torr) that is essentially matched to any change in metabolic rate (e.g. muscular work) when CO2 output and water production are increased. The proposed diffusing ion osmotic force does not negate the necessity for colloidal proteins in volume regulation. Proteins can have an essential effect on fluid exchange in plasma when blood flow is intermittent or changes in protein concentration in the ISF such that proteins exert a force against a distensible boundary (i.e. the endothelium and basement membrane) as they are reflected by it or diffuse through the membrane due to changes in permeability.
Fluorescence cystoscopy and bladder surveillance.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Update on new developments in the field of fluorescence cystoscopy. RECENT FINDINGS New agents are being studied to improve the accuracy of fluorescence cystoscopy. Hexyl-5-aminolevulinic acid is an ester form of 5-aminolevulinic acid with improved uptake by tumor cells. It has been shown to have higher specificity than 5-aminolevulinic acid and can possibly play a complementary role to standard cystoscopy. Hypericin is a promising new agent that has excellent sensitivity and specificity. The use of confocal microscopy to examine fluorescent tissue may help improve the accuracy. SUMMARY The addition of newer agents to the armamentarium of fluorescence cystoscopy has great potential with promising results in improving the diagnostic accuracy of bladder cancer and in particular carcinoma in situ. These agents need to be studied in large randomized trials to prove that using these agents can facilitate early diagnosis and improved prognosis in patients with bladder cancer.
A laplace equation approach for shape comparison

In this paper we propose a principled approach for shape comparison. Given two surfaces, one to one correspondences are determined using the Laplace equation. The distance between corresponding points is then used to define both global and local dissimilarity statistics between the surfaces. This technique provides a powerful method to compare shapes both locally and globally for the purpose of segmentation, registration or shape analysis. For improved accuracy, we propose a Boundary Element Method. Our approach is applicable to datasets of any dimension and offers subpixel resolution. We illustrate the usefulness of the technique for validation of segmentation, by defining global dissimilarity statistics and visualizing errors locally on color-coded surfaces. We also show how our technique can be applied to multiple shapes comparison.
Model for using hip-hop music for small group HIV/AIDS prevention counseling with African American adolescents and young adults

Currently little attention has been directed, with the exception of peer education efforts, to constructively develop new and innovative ways to promote HIV/AIDS primary prevention among African American (AA) adolescents and young adults. With this in mind, the aim of this conceptual effort is to present a HIV/AIDS preventive counseling protocol developed for use with AA young adults that makes use of hip-hop music, a form of music popularized by young AAs. The author contend that an increased understanding of the relationships that many AA young adults have with hip-hop music may be used by disease prevention personnel to educate these populations about protective factors for HIV. Making use of hip-hop music is one strategy for integrating counseling in prevention and health maintenance. The overall implications of using hip-hop music in health promotion are unlimited. First, this method makes use of cultural relevant materials to address the educational and health needs of the target community. Second, it is grounded in an approach that serves to stimulate cooperative learning based on peer developed content. Moreover, the use of this medium can be applied to other health promotion activities such as violence/harm reduction and substance abuse prevention, upon reviews of songs for appropriate content. The authors contend that such an approach holds heuristic value in dealing with HIV/AIDS prevention among AA young adults. Additional testing of the intervention is warranted in the refinement of this innovative intervention.
Hormonal effects on RNA synthesis by stage 6 oocytes of Xenopus laevis.

Abstract RNA synthesis has been studied in “large” oocytes of Xenopus laevis, both as a function of time after injection of females with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and in relation to the induction of maturation with progesterone in vitro. Rates of RNA synthesis were measured by analyzing the kinetics of incorporation of exogenous [3H]guanosine, and microinjected [3H]- or [14C]GTP, into acid-precipitable material, coupled with measurements of precursor pool specific activity. The kinetics of incorporation into RNA of injected precursor are biphasic, indicating the synthesis of both stable and unstable RNA species. Estimates of the total rate of synthesis (stable and unstable) were derived from fitting a linear function to data over the first 60–90 min, while a linear function fit to the data beyond 90 min represented largely the synthesis of stable RNA species. Exposure of oocytes to progesterone had no effect on initial synthetic rates, but maturing oocytes synthesized stable RNA at 1.4–1.6 times the rate in control oocytes. A comparison of data obtained with oocytes from unstimulated (no prior HCG treatment) and HCG-stimulated females indicated that HCG has no substantial effect on rates of RNA synthesis. The significance of continued RNA synthesis in large full grown oocytes is discussed.
Faculty Internships: : A Means to Bridge the Academician/Practitioner Gap

Faculty internships in business organizations are becoming a popular means to satisfy the criticism that too many business professors lack recent, relevant experience. Offers encouragement to, and reasons for, marketing educators and business people to consider seriously faculty internships as a means to bridge the gulf between marketing education and business practice. Discusses how faculty internships should be structured and implemented and the advantages, as well as problems, of internships for academic institutions, firms, professors and students. Uses the author′s recent experience as a faculty intern in a well‐known package goods company as an example and discusses lessons learned from the experience. Provides observations on differences between the college world and the corporate world.
Imaging of Flame Behavior in Flickering Methane/Air Diffusion Flames

During this study, flow visualization through the use of imaging provided visual data of the events that occurred as the flame oscillated. Imaging was performed in two different ways: 1) the first method was phase-locked imaging to capture a detailed history by simply advancing the phase angle during each image capture, 2) the second method involved high-speed imaging to gather visual image data of a natural or forced oscillating flame. For visualization, two items were considered. The first one was the shape of the flame envelope as it evolved during one oscillation cycle. From the data gathered, it was confirmed that the flame stretched in the vertical direction before quenching in the region near its center. The second consideration was imaging of the oxidizer (air) in the region immediately outside the flame. This was done by imaging the laser light reflected from particles seeded into the flow, which revealed formation of vortical structures in those regions where quenching had occurred. It was noted that quenching took place primarily by the entrainment of fresh non-reacting air into the flame. The quenching process was in turn responsible for the oscillatory behavior.
IMPACT OF PRODUCTIVITY MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS ON MUNICIPAL PERFORMANCE

Recently, a challenge to the use of traditional productivity and performance measurement tools has emerged. The focus of this debate i s whether such tools are instrumental for making critical trade-off decisions or program changes. In a nationwide survey of municipalities on this subject, the authors found that performance measurement systems are used across a number of service-related functions. While their perceived contribution to overall municipal performance tended to diminish for Individual worker productivity and morale concerns, the respondents–on balance-viewed the returns from performance measurement systems as worth the costs. The work concludes with several implications for possible adoption.
Formamidine Pesticides: Octopamine-Like Actions in a Firefly

The formamidine pesticide chlordimeform and its N-demethylated metabolites cause the light organ of the firefly Photinus pyralis L. to glow brightly. Monodemethyl chlordimeform is active at doses as low as 5 nanograms per insect when applied topically. This action is postsynaptic and probably involves membrane-bound receptors since cyproheptadine blocks the glows induced by both monodemethyl chlordimeform and octopamine, the putative neurotransmitter in the light organ. The pesticidal and pestistatic properties of the formamidines may result from actions on octopaminergic systems.
Culture of the marine phytoplankter, Dunaliella tertiolecta, with light-dark cycles

Dunaliella tertiolecta was grown in continuous culture, maintained by a single daily dilution to a constant cell concentration, with photoperiods of duration 3 to 18 hours. Illumination was provided with filtered tungsten light having a maximum intensity at 580–590 mμ. Average intensity at the culture surface was maintained at 0.05 cal/cm2xmin. Temperature was regulated at 20° C. Daily cell production and the fraction of cells dividing daily are reported for each of the photoperiods. Cyclic diurnal variations were noted in cell pigment content, cell volume and photosynthetic rate. Corresponding variations in cell carbon/chlorophyll a ratios were small and may be unimportant for the estimation of biomass from chlorophyll a in field work. An equation for calculating daily growth rate in continuous light, from light absorption by cell chlorophyll a, derived previously, was modified to include the influence of providing light in discrete photoperiods.
Survival of spores of Vairimorpha (=Nosema) necatrix (Microsporida: Nosematidae) exposed to sunlight, ultraviolet radiation, and high temperature

Abstract Vairimorpha (=Nosema) necatrix spores sprayed on the upper surfaces of bean leaves and exposed to sunlight lost infectivity rapidly after 24 hr of exposure and were completely inactivated by 78 hr. When the uv protectant, Shade, was added to the spore suspension at 1% (w/v) concentration and sprayed onto leaves, spores retained infectivity for 30–48 hr without an appreciable loss, after which spores lost infectivity. Spores not exposed to sunlight retained a high degree of infectivity up to 120 hr. In laboratory tests, short (254 nm) uv radiation was detrimental to spores suspended in water. Exposure times of 4–10 min completely inactivated the spores. Spores on bean leaves exposed to short uv radiation were not completely inactivated even after 360 min. On the other hand, long (366 nm) uv radiation had no detrimental effect on spores suspended in water up to 360 min of exposure. Exposure of spores on bean leaves held in the dark at 35°C affected infectivity at 144 hr, but no effect was noted for spores held at 25°C.
On optimum root-finding algorithms

Abstract It has been shown that the so-called secant method for finding roots of real-valued functions has the greatest power among all algorithms using the same amount of information and satisfying a smoothness condition.
Blind Bayesian restoration of adaptive optics telescope images using generalized Gaussian Markov random field models

This paper addresses post processing for resolution enhancement of sequences of short exposure adaptive optics (AO) images of space objects. The unknown residual blur is removed using Bayesian maximum a posteriori blind image restoration techniques. In the problem formulation, both the true image and the unknown blur psf's are represented by the flexible generalized Gaussian Markov random field (GGMRF) model. The GGMRF probability density function provides a natural mechanism for expressing available prior information about the image and blur. Incorporating such prior knowledge in the deconvolution optimization is crucial for the success of blind restoration algorithms. For example, space objects often contain sharp edge boundaries and geometric structures, while the residual blur psf in the corresponding partially corrected AO image is spectrally band limited, and exhibits while the residual blur psf in the corresponding partially corrected AO image is spectrally band limited, and exhibits smoothed, random , texture-like features on a peaked central core. By properly choosing parameters, GGMRF models can accurately represent both the blur psf and the object, and serve to regularize the deconvolution problem. These two GGMRF models also serve as discriminator functions to separate blur and object in the solution. Algorithm performance is demonstrated with examples from synthetic AO images. Results indicate significant resolution enhancement when applied to partially corrected AO images. An efficient computational algorithm is described.
Awareness of Text Structure: Is There a Match between Readers and Authors of Second Language Texts?.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate the types of rhetorical structures that beginning-level Spanish students encounter in their textbook reading materials. The intent was to determine if there was a match between the types of structures that English-speaking students are most typically able to demonstrate awareness of and the the types of structures used by authors of reading materials found in Spanish textbooks. Also considered in the investigation was the issue of authentic texts and how they were the same or different than texts specifically written for textbook purposes. Finally, an analysis of words used to signal text patterns was done both for the authentic passages as well as those that were artificially constructed. Fifteen textbooks used to teach Spanish as a foreign language were selected randomly for inclusion in the study and from those 15 books, 39 passages were analyzed.
Strontium-90 in human teeth.

Measurements were made of the Sr/sup 90/ content of 121 teeth collected in 1959. After a number of analytical steps, the final Sr/sup 90/ content was determined by counting carrier-free Y/sup 90/ daughter. A statistical analysis of results indicates that there is a definite inverse correlation between Sr/sup 90/ concentration and age. The results for teeth were compared with those for bone at similar ages. A similar trend was found. (C.H.)
The formation of supported bimetallic catalysts. I. The measurement of enthalpies of gas-solid reactions using differential scanning calorimetry

Thermal analysis techniques suffer from the lack of reproducibility and are difficult to quantify. This study addresses the significant variables responsible for these drawbacks and explores the possibility of the precise determination of the enthalpy of a desired reaction using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A method in which the significant experimental variables are extrapolated is proposed for two types of gas-solid reactions of interest to catalysis. The reduction of PtO{sub 2} and PtCl{sub 2}, in addition to the decomposition of calcium oxalate, is reported. The method successfully yields enthalpies of reaction which are in agreement with enthalpies calculated from heats of formation reported in the literature. 27 refs.
Binding Sn-based nanoparticles on graphene as the anode of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

A facile method has been developed to synthesize Sn-based nanoparticle-decorated graphene through simultaneous growth of SnO2 nanoparticles and a carbonaceous polymer film on graphene oxide sheets followed by heat treatment at various temperatures (250, 550, 750, and 900 °C). Detailed characterization of the resulting composite material using transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy suggests that Sn-based nanoparticles were reliably bound to the graphene surface through a carbon film. Cyclic voltammograms and galvanostatic technique were used to investigate electrochemical properties of the Sn-based composite material as the anode of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Samples obtained with 550 °C heat treatment, which contained mixed Sn-based components (Sn, SnO, SnO2), exhibit the best electrochemical performance among the series of nanocomposites in terms of specific capacity and cycling stability.
The chloroplast Tat pathway utilizes the transmembrane electric potential as an energy source.

The thylakoid membrane, located inside the chloroplast, requires proteins transported across it for plastid biogenesis and functional photosynthetic electron transport. The chloroplast Tat translocator found on thylakoids transports proteins from the plastid stroma to the thylakoid lumen. Previous studies have shown that the chloroplast Tat pathway is independent of NTP hydrolysis as an energy source and instead depends on the thylakoid transmembrane proton gradient to power protein translocation. Because of its localization on the same membrane as the proton motive force–dependent F0F1 ATPase, we believed that the chloroplast Tat pathway also made use of the thylakoid electric potential for transporting substrates. By adjusting the rate of photosynthetic proton pumping and by utilizing ionophores, we show that the chloroplast Tat pathway can also utilize the transmembrane electric potential for protein transport. Our findings indicate that the chloroplast Tat pathway is likely dependent on the total protonmotive force (PMF) as an energy source. As a protonmotive-dependent device, certain predictions can be made about structural features expected to be found in the Tat translocon, specifically, the presence of a proton well, a device in the membrane that converts electrical potential into chemical potential.
Orthogonal polynomials with respect to varying weights

In this paper we review a connection of orthogonal polynomials with respect to varying weights to weighted approximation, multipoint Pade approximation and to some questions of theoretical physics.
Developmental expression of the α6 GABAA receptor subunit mRNA occurs only after cerebellar granule cell migration

Abstract Using a competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and appropriate internal standards, we have analyzed absolute amounts of the α6 GABAA receptor subunit mRNA in the postnatally developing cerebellum and neocortex. The PCR data have shown that absolute amounts of the α6 receptor subunit mRNA in the cerebellum increase dramatically (nearly 100-fold) during the second postnatal week, reaching maximal levels by postnatal day 21 (1 fmol/μg total RNA). The absolute amount of the α6 GABAA receptor subunit mRNA in the cortex at postnatal day 1 was 2 amol/μg total RNA and increased to 7 amol/μg total RNA by postnatal day 14. No further increase in α6 mRNA expresion in the adult cortex was observed. Microscopic analysis of emulsion coated and counterstained sections indicated that α6 GABAA receptor subunit mRNA labeling was only detected in the internal granule cell layer and not in either the external granule cell layer or in migrating granule cells. The α1 GABAA receptor subunit mRNA increased in the cerebellar cortex with a similar temporal profile, although its distribution extended to additional cell types (Purkinje cells, stellate/basket cells and possibly cerebellar astrocytes). The temporal expression of these two GABAA receptor subunit mRNAs is coincident with the formation of synaptic contacts in the granule cell dendrites suggesting that afferent pathways innervating these neurons following cell migration may play a critical role in increasing the expression of mRNAs encoding the α1 and α6 GABAA receptor subunits.
Assessment of wood load condition by Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy

The assessment of the mechanical properties of wood using non-destructive evaluation (NDE) tools has been widely developed and refined. These NDE tools mainly rely on vibrational, ultrasonic or stress-wave approaches. Vibrational techniques generally show higher correlations between the estimated modulus of elasticity (MOE), or modulus of rupture (MOR), and the measured MOE, or MOR, than stress-wave techniques. They are, however, relatively difficult to apply in the field due to boundary conditions common in many timber structures. Thus, improved tools for assessing timber structures are still needed. Recently, near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy (500–2400 nm) has shown promise for predicting the MOE and MOR of wood. This work focuses on extending the use of NIR for measuring the load applied to small wood beams. The reflectance NIR spectrum was measured as the applied load was increased. Good correlations (r > 0.96) between the measured load and the predicted load were obtained using spectra taken from both the tension and compression surfaces of the small wood beams.
Experimental results on preprocessing of path/cut terms in sim of disjoint products technique

Researchers have proposed cardinality-, lexicographic-, and Hamming-distance-order methods to preprocess the path terms in sum of disjoint products (SDP) techniques for network reliability analysis. For cutsets, an ordering based on the node partition associated with each cut is suggested. Experimental results showing the number of disjoint products and computer time involved in generating SDP terms are presented. Nineteen benchmark networks containing paths varying from 4 to 780, and cuts from 4 to 7376, are considered. Several SDP techniques are generalized into three propositions to find their inherent merits and drawbacks. An efficient SDP technique is then used to run input files of paths/cuts preprocesses using cardinality-, lexicographic-, and Hamming-distance-ordering, and their combinations. The results are analyzed, showing that preprocessing based on cardinality or its combinations with lexicographic-, and/or Hamming-distance-ordering performs better. >
The isothermal dendritic growth experiment: Scientific status of a USMP—2 space flight experiment

Abstract The Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE), to be performed on three of the USMP flights, starting with United States Microgravity Payload-2 (USMP-2), is designed to provide microgravity data on dendritic growth for a critical test of theory. Ground based test data using succinontrile (SCN), from both a flight capable growth chamber and a laboratory growth chamber, are compared to theoretical estimates of dendritic tip radii and velocities at several microgravity levels. The comparison shows that the data from the flight chamber are consistent with the historical data and that dendritic growth in a microgravity environment of 10 −3 g 0 or lower should exhibit significant differences from the dendritic growth of SCN at g o .
Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of isomeric oxaziridines. Effects of the nitrogen lone pair on carbon-13 chemical shifts

The carbon-13 n.m.r. spectra of several oxaziridines were measured. Aliphatic and aromatic ipso carbon atoms trans to the lone pair of nitrogen in oxaziridines were shifted upfield by c. 9 ppm, and 3.4 ppm, respectively, in comparison with isomers of inverted configuration. The results suggest that the nitrogen lone pair is partially responsible for the observed upfield shifts.
On the distorted-wave Magnus approximation in non-reactive molecular collision☆

Abstract The distorted-wave Magnus approximation for inelastic transition rates is introduced in an attempt to incorporate the distortion induced by the interaction in a computationally feasible scheme.
Studies in word processing

Since 1981, several studies have appeared that attempt to assess the effects of word processing and computers on the composing and revising strategies of various groups of writers. To realize the inroads that have been made in this research, we need only consider the following projects: (a) Collier's (1982, 1983) case studies of four nursing students; (b) Bridwell, Johnson, and Brehe's (in press) case studies of eight published writers; (c) Daiute's (1984, 1985, 1986) work with junior high students; (d) Bridwell, Sire, and Brooke's (1985) case-study investigation of five college students in upper-division writing classes; and (e) Lutz's (1983) seven case studies of experienced and professional writers. Despite emphasizing students, their writing, and computers, these and other studies are decidedly different in research design, in method of data collection, in variables examined, and in the analysis of data. Yet they are frequently cited as though they are comparable. We read, for example, that in Collier's (1983) study
Anomalous Propagation of Neutrino Beams Through Dense Media

The phenomenon of fermion oscillations in matter is examined using the Dirac equation. The resonant oscillation observed by Mikheyev, Smirnov, Wolfenstein, and Bethe for solar neutrinos is reinterpreted as birefringence for a family of fermion waves. Particular attention is given to the presence of negative-energy states in the medium, and the resultant redefinition of the ground state. Such a redefinition is not expected to affect significantly the solution to the solar-neutrino puzzle posed by a resonant oscillation frequency within the solar core, but can alter the propagation of fermions through ultradense media.
Trend analysis with response incompatible formats and measurement error

The increasing popularity of longitudinal studies, along with the rapid advances in science and technology, has created a potential incompatibility between data formats, which leads to an inference problem when applying conventional statistical methods. This inference problem is further compounded by measurement error, since incompatible data format often arise in the context of measuring latent constructs. Without a systematic study of the impact of scale differences, ad-hoc approaches generally lead to inconsistent estimates and thus, invalid statistical inferences. In this paper, we examine the asymptotic properties and identify conditions that guarantee consistent estimation within the context of a trend analysis with response incompatible formats and measurement error. For model estimation, we introduce two competing methods that use a generalized estimating equation approach to provide inferences for the parameters of interest, and highlight the relative strengths of each method. The approach is ill...
Microscopy by Wavefront Reconstruction

Magnification by the wavefront-reconstruction imaging method is discussed. An analysis is given of the aberrations which arise in this type of imagery. Conditions are derived which lead to aberration-free reconstructions.
Administration of progesterone produces mild sedative-like effects in men and women

The goal of this study was to investigate the behavioral and subjective effects of a single dose of progesterone in men and women. Certain metabolites of progesterone (e.g., allopregnanolone) are potent positive allosteric modulators of GABA(A) receptors, and produce sedative-like effects in laboratory animals. This study was designed to examine the acute effects of these neurosteroids in humans. Women (n=7) in their early follicular phase and men (n=10) received intramuscular injections of progesterone (200 mg) or placebo. Dependent measures included plasma levels of progesterone and allopregnanolone, self-report measures of mood and subjective effects and behavioral measures of psychomotor performance. Plasma concentrations of progesterone and allopregnanolone increased reliably and with little intersubject variability after drug administration, and levels were similar in men and women. Administration of progesterone produced small, delayed increases in heart rate and feelings of fatigue, and it impaired smooth eye pursuit. These results suggest that, although the effects are modest and not simply related to plasma concentrations, progesterone and its metabolites can produce sedative-like effects in both men and women.
Accelerator R&D

Accelerator R&D is analyzed into its various categories, important ongoing segments are discussed and the need for a new paradigm in accelerator R&D is put forward in the hope of contributing to a strengthening of accelerator based particle physics around the world.
Constraints on SU2×U1 breaking by vacuum misalignment

Abstract We examine a proposal of Georgi and Kaplan for raising the scale of technicolor. In scalarless vectorlike technicolor models with massless techni-fermions we show that the proposal does not work. We present a simple model which realizes the Georgi-Kaplan scenario with a partially chiral technicolor group. The model requires fine tuning of the ratio of two weak coupling constants with an accuracy of O(10−4). We argue that the fine-tuning problem is quite general.
Lipoprotein lipase activity in guinea pig and rat milk

Abstract 1. 1. The lipolytic activity of guinea pig and rat milk was studied by using chylomicron and milk triglyceride as substrates. 2. 2. Guinea pig milk hydrolyzed serum-activated chylomicron triglyceride at a rate of 1090 μmoles/h per ml and milk triglyceride at a rate of 0.8 μmole/h per ml. Hydrolysis of milk triglyceride was increased 10-fold by the addition of serum. The pH optimum was 8.1–9.0. Hydrolysis of both chylomicron triglyceride and serumactivated milk triglyceride was inhibited 90–100% by 0.5 M NaCl. Lipolytic activity in guinea pig milk was stable for at least 48 h at 0°, and decreased 50% in 4 h at 37°. Addition of serum prevented loss of activity at 37°. 3. 3. Rat milk hydrolyzed serum-activated chylomicron triglyceride and milk triglyceride at much slower rates than above, less than 2 μmoles/h per ml. The pH optimum was 8.1–8.5. Hydrolysis of chylomicron triglyceride by rat milk was inhibited 98% by 0.5 M NaCl. 4. 4. The lipolytic activity in guinea pig and rat milk was recovered quantitatively in acetone-ether-insoluble precipitates prepared from milk. 5. 5. It is concluded, on the basis of substrate requirement, pH optimum, and inhibition by 0.5 M NaCl, that most of the lipolytic activity in guinea pig and rat milk is due to lipoprotein lipase. There is no explanation for the marked difference in lipolytic activity between the two kinds of milk.
A Personal Ammonia Monitor Utilizing Permeation Sampling

A method has been developed for the determination of the time-weighted-average personal exposure to ammonia. Sample collection was achieved by permeation through a silicone membrane into a boric acid solution. The trapped ammonia was then determined spectrophotometrically with Nessler's reagent or potentiometrically with an ion selective electrode. The device may be used for sampling periods as short as 5 minutes and was not affected by changes in the environmental parameters normally encountered at industrial locations. The detection limit is 0.4 ppm for an 8 hr sampling period and the monitor responds linearly to at least 150 ppm. The Nessler's method may be utilized in industrial environments containing monoethanol amine in conjunction with ammonia with no significant interference. Although some interference was observed from ethylenediamine with the Nessler's technique, little interference was found with the potentiometric determination.
Majority of Americans Believe Global Warming Is Occurring, Survey Shows

Seventy-eight percent of the American public believe that global warming has been occurring, according to a 2012 survey presented by Jon Krosnick, senior fellow with the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, at a 28 March briefing on Capitol Hill on the trajectory of public perceptions about global warming and government involvement in the issue. While the percentage has varied from 75% to 85% since 1997, the survey results “contradict any claims that Americans have turned away from this issue in large numbers,” said Krosnick, who is also the Frederic O. Glover Professor in Humanities and Social Sciences at Stanford University, Calif. “They still believe that warming has been happening.”
Electrical Stress and Total Ionizing Dose Effects on Graphene-Based Non-Volatile Memory Devices

Electrical stress and 10-keV x-ray and 1.8-MeV proton irradiation and annealing responses are evaluated for graphene-based non-volatile memory devices. The memory characteristics of these structures derive primarily from hysteretic charge exchange between the graphene and interface and border traps, similar to the operation of metal-nitride-oxide-semiconductor memory devices. Excellent stability and memory retention are observed for ionizing radiation exposure or constant-voltage stress. Cycling of the memory state leads to a significant reduction in memory window.
Phosphorylation in the serine/threonine 2609-2647 cluster promotes but is not essential for DNA-dependent protein kinase-mediated nonhomologous end joining in human whole-cell extracts.

Previous work suggested that phosphorylation of DNA-PKcs at several serine/threonine (S/T) residues at positions 2609–2647 promotes DNA-PK-dependent end joining. In an attempt to clarify the role of such phosphorylation, end joining was examined in extracts of DNA-PKcs-deficient M059J cells. Joining of ends requiring gap filling prior to ligation was completely dependent on complementation of these extracts with exogenous DNA-PKcs. DNA-PKcs with either S/T → A or S/T → D substitutions at all six sites in the 2609–2647 cluster also supported end joining, but with markedly lower efficiency than wild-type protein. The residual end joining was greater with the S/T → D-substituted than with the S/T → A-substituted protein. A specific inhibitor of the kinase activity of DNA-PK, KU57788, completely blocked end joining promoted by wild type as well as both mutant forms of DNA-PK, while inhibition of ATM kinase did not. The fidelity of end joining was not affected by the mutant DNA-PKcs alleles or the inhibitors. Overall, the results support a role for autophosphorylation of the 2609–2647 cluster in promoting end joining and controlling the accessibility of DNA ends, but suggest that DNA-PK-mediated phosphorylation at other sites, on either DNA-PKcs or other proteins, is at least as important as the 2609–2647 cluster in regulating end joining.
Short-term effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields exposure on Alzheimer's disease in rats.

AbstractPurpose: With the development and widespread use of electromagnetic field (EMF) technology, recent studies are focusing on the effects of EMF on human health. Recently, extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) have been studied with great interest due to their possible effects on Alzheimer's disease (AD). The objective of the present study was to investigate the interaction between ELF-EMF exposure and memory impairment in rats.Materials and methods: Twenty healthy male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10). Animals were exposed to 100 μT/50 Hz ELF-EMF or subjected to sham exposure when 12 weeks old. After 12 weeks, the Morris water maze (MWM) was used to test the changes in cognitive and memory ability. Amyloid-beta (Aβ) content in cortex, hippocampus and plasma were measured by ELISA assays. The morphology of neuron was detected by H&E staining.Results: After exposure, the body weight of rats showed no difference compared with the control group. ...
The Affordable Care Act Has Led To Significant Gains In Health Insurance And Access To Care For Young Adults

The Affordable Care Act enables young adults to remain as dependents on their parents’ health insurance until age twenty-six, and recent evidence suggests that as many as three million young adults have gained coverage as a result. However, there has been no evidence yet on the policy’s effect on access to care, and questions remain about the coverage impact on important subgroups. Using data from two nationally representative surveys, comparing young adults who gained access to dependent coverage to a control group (adults ages 26–34) who were not affected by the new policy, we found sizable coverage gains for adults ages 19–25. The gains continued to grow throughout 2011 (up 6.7 percentage points from September 2010 to September 2011), with the largest gains seen in unmarried adults, nonstudents, and men. Analysis of the timing of the policy impact suggested that early gains in coverage were greatest for people in worse health. We found strong evidence of increased access to care because of the law, wit...
Changes in antitumor response in C57BL/6J-Min/+ mice during long-term administration of a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor.

Selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors are widely prescribed for severe arthritis and are currently under study in human chemoprevention trials. Recently, long-term use of these agents has come under scrutiny due to reports of treatment-associated cardiovascular toxicity. On short-term administration, the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib inhibits adenoma growth in animal tumor models, including the C57BL/6J-Min/+ (Min/+) mouse. With uninterrupted long-term celecoxib administration, intestinal tumors in Min/+ mice initially regressed and then recurred to levels comparable with untreated controls. Celecoxib treatment initially suppressed COX-2 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) expression, but long-term use produced significantly higher levels of these molecules and reactivated PGE2-associated growth factor signaling pathways in tumor and normal tissues. These results indicate that COX-2 is an important chemoprevention target and that inhibition of this enzyme alters a paracrine enterocyte regulatory pathway. Chronic uninterrupted celecoxib treatment, however, induces untoward effects that enhance early progression events in intestinal tumorigenesis and may contribute to treatment toxicity. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(12): 6432-8)
Literacy and Social Milieu: Reading Behavior of the Black Elderly:

Studies which have attempted to assess literacy behavior on the basis of universal standards have failed to account for the variance in literacy demands of differing social contexts. This study examined the literacy behavior of 132 elderly blacks in a large city environment, a population of particular interest to literacy research because of its high concentration of undereducated adults. The research provides a clearer picture of how this subgroup of American culture is affected by their lack of traditional education. Despite an anticipated high degree of total illiteracy, and an equally low level of educational attainment, this group has generally developed the necessary literacy skills to meet the demands of their social environment. The results of this research refute findings of the APL and other surveys which have portrayed this subgroup as woefully lacking in functional literacy skills.