cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transient Particulate Emission Measurements in Diesel Engine Exhausts

This paper reports our efforts to develop an instrument, TG-1, to measure particulate emissions from diesel engines in real-time. TG-1 while based on laser-induced incandescence allows measurements at 10 Hz on typical engine exhausts. Using such an instrument, measurements were performed in the exhaust of a 1.7L Mercedes Benz engine coupled to a low-inertia dynamometer. Comparative measurements performed under engine steady state conditions showed the instrument to agree within ′12% of measurements performed with an SMPS. Moreover, the instrument had far better time response and time resolution than a TEOM® 1105. Also, TG-1 appears to surpass the shortcomings of the TEOM instrument, i.e., of yielding negative values under certain engine conditions and, being sensitive to external vibration.
Potential role for bone marrow-derived fibrocytes in the orbital fibroblast heterogeneity associated with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy

Fibroblast heterogeneity has been recognized for decades, but the basis for multiple phenotypes among these cells has been investigated only recently. More than 15 years ago, Bucalla and his colleagues described for the first time a population of fibroblast-like cells among circulating mononuclear blood cells. Subsequently these mesenchymal cells, termed fibrocytes, have been characterized and found to participate in normal and pathological tissue remodelling. In this review, I have attempted to present the evidence generated thus far suggesting that fibrocytes are participants in autoimmune diseases where tissues are injured and undergo remodelling. Aspects of their phenotype suggest that they are well suited to help orchestrate immune responses through mononuclear cell recruitment and their ability to produce inflammatory mediators and extracellular matrix molecules. These attributes also raise the possibility that they might be useful targets against which therapeutic agents might be aimed.
Development of a Germanium Small-Animal SPECT System

Advances in fabrication techniques, electronics, and mechanical cooling systems have given rise to germanium detectors suitable for biomedical imaging. We are developing a small-animal SPECT system that uses a double-sided Ge strip detector. The detector’s excellent energy resolution may help to reduce scatter and simplify processing of multi-isotope imaging, while its ability to measure depth of interaction has the potential to mitigate parallax error in pinhole imaging. The detector’s energy resolution is $ FWHM at 140 keV and its spatial resolution is approximately 1.5 mm FWHM. The prototype system described has a single-pinhole collimator with a 1-mm diameter and a 70-degree opening angle with a focal length variable between 4.5 and 9 cm. Phantom images from the gantry-mounted system are presented, including the NEMA NU-2008 phantom and a hot-rod phantom. Additionally, the benefit of energy resolution is demonstrated by imaging a dual-isotope phantom with $^{99{\rm m}}{\rm Tc}$ and $^{123}{\rm I}$ without cross-talk correction.
Fetal MRI Correlates with Postnatal CT Angiogram Assessment of Pulmonary Anatomy in Tetralogy of Fallot with Absent Pulmonary Valve

In tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve, pulmonary stenosis and regurgitation results in significant pulmonary artery dilatation. Branch pulmonary artery dilatation often compresses the tracheobronchial tree, causing fluid trapping in fetal life and air trapping and/or atelectasis after birth. Prenatal diagnosis predicts poor prognosis, which depends on the degree of respiratory insufficiency from airway compromise and lung parenchymal disease after birth. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been useful in evaluating the effects of congenital lung lesions on lung development and indicating severity of pulmonary hypoplasia. This report is the first demonstrating the utility of fetal MRI in tetralogy of Fallot/absent pulmonary valve patients, which predicted postnatal pulmonary artery size and visualized airway compression and lung parenchymal lesions. The distribution of lobar fluid trapping on fetal MRI correlated with air trapping on postnatal computed tomography angiogram.
Estimating Grammar Parameters Using Bounded Memory

Estimating the parameters of stochastic context-free grammars (SCFGs) from data is an important, well-studied problem. Almost without exception, existing approaches make repeated passes over the training data. The memory requirements of such algorithms are ill-suited for embedded agents exposed to large amounts of training data over long periods of time. We present a novel algorithm, called HOLA, for estimating the parameters of SCFGs that computes summary statistics for each string as it is observed and then discards the string. The memory used by HOLA is bounded by the size of the grammar, not by the amount of training data. Empirical results show that HOLA performs as well as the Inside-Outside algorithm on a variety of standard problems, despite the fact that it has access to much less information.
Fully invariant transformations and associated groups

It is well known that the symmetric group S ntogether with one idempotent of rank n- 1 on a finite n-element set Nserves as a set of generators for the semigroup T nof all the total transformations on N. It is also well known that the singular part Sing n of T n can be generated by a set of idempotents of rank n- 1. The purpose of this paper is to begin an investigation of the way in which Singnand its subsemigroups can be generated by the conjugates of a subset of elements of T n by a subgroup of S n . We look for the smallest subset of elements of T n that will serve and, correspondingly, for a characterization of those subgroups of S n that will serve. Using some techniques from graph theory we prove our main result:the conjugates of a single transformation of rank n- 1 under Gsuffice to generate Singnif and only if Gis what we define to be a 2-block transitive subgroup of S n .
Advances in diagnostic clinical microbiology: An overview

The advances in medical technology in recent years has brought highly progressive developments into diagnostic microbiology. Therefore, it is not feasible to enumerate all the recent advances in clinical microbiology; attempts are made here to discuss only those developments of clinical relevance. The two major aspects of advances in microbiology are the discovery or isolation of new pathogens and the breakthrough in new technology. Of equal importance are some known pathogens which have taken on new roles either as the cause of a new clinical syndrome or as the leading cause of a known clinical syndrome.
The relationship of psychiatric illnesses and seizures

The relationship between epilepsy and behavioral disturbances has been a subject of controversy since the 19th century. Affective changes may occur prior, during, or after the ictal discharge. Depression is the most prevalent comorbidity. Anxiety, panic attacks, and pseudoseizures may resemble complex partial seizures, and their diagnosis and treatment may be confusing, even to experienced clinicians. Epilepsy-related psychosis is less common, manifesting occasionally with symptoms that are indistinguishable from schizophrenia. There is no clear evidence of a distinct "epileptoid" personality, and interictal violence is extremely rare. Pharmacologic treatment with anticonvulsants remains the cornerstone of treatment. In case of psychiatric comorbidities or refractory seizures, the diagnosis should be re-examined.
Ruptured Mycotic Aneurysm Complicating Coarctation of the Aorta

Abstract A 13-year-old boy with coarctation of the aorta complicated by a staphylococcal mycotic aneurysm is reported. In the course of therapy with antimicrobial agents, rupture into the esophagus with massive hemorrhage necessitated emergency surgical intervention. Review of the literature reveals only 3 other patients who have survived rupture of a mycotic aneurysm associated with coarctation. All were treated with antimicrobial agents plus operation.
A learning based model for headline extraction of news articles to find explanatory sentences for events

Metadata information plays a crucial role in augmenting document organising efficiency and archivability. News metadata includes DateLine, ByLine, HeadLine and many others. We found that HeadLine information is useful for guessing the theme of the news article. Particularly for financial news articles, we found that HeadLine can thus be specially helpful to locate explanatory sentences for any major events such as significant changes in stock prices. In this paper we explore a support vector based learning approach to automatically extract the HeadLine metadata. We find that the classification accuracy of finding the HeadLines improves if DateLines are identified first. We then used the extracted HeadLines to initiate a pattern matching of keywords to find the sentences responsible for story theme. Using this theme and a simple language model it is possible to locate any explanatory sentences for any significant price change.
LUMINESCENT IRIDIUM(I) DIETHYLDITHIOCARBAMATE COMPLEXES : SYNTHESIS, STRUCTURE, AND REACTIVITY INCLUDING STEREOSELECTIVE HYDROGEN OXIDATIVE ADDITION

A series of neutral Ir(I) complexes IrLL‘(Et2dtc) (L = L‘ = CO PPh3, P(OPh)3; L = CO, L‘ = PPh3; L + L‘ = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, 1,5-cyclooctadiene, 1,2-bis(di(pentafluorophenyl)phosphin...
Cytokine-triggered decreases in levels of phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 4G in skeletal muscle during sepsis.

ABSTRACTChronic septic abscess formation causes an inhibition of protein synthesis in gastrocnemius that is not observed in rats with a sterile abscess. The inhibition is associated with an impaired translation initiation. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of sepsis on the le
Fixing problems with cell lines

Despite the important role of cell culture in the study of biology and medicine, evidence has accumulated that cell lines are frequently misidentified or contaminated by other cells or microorganisms. This can be a substantial problem in many fields, such as cancer research, where drugs are initially tested using a cell line derived from the targeted type of tumor ( 1 ). If a drug is tested on the wrong cell line, research can lead to unreliable results, and discovery of effective treatments can be delayed. Even in basic research, use of mistaken cell lines can hinder progress because of variations in cell behavior among different cell types. Given these concerns, developing corrective measures for cell line misidentification and contamination warrants renewed attention.
Application Based Guidelines for Terrain Profile Resolution Requirements

In the modern era of vehicle design, the use of computer simulation and shaker rigs is crucial. To utilize these essential design tools, topographical measurements of appropriate terrains must be collected. While it is obvious that high-resolution data is critical for quality testing, there is no clear definition for what resolution is actually required in practice. This required level of fidelity can only be determined by considering all aspects of the end use. This paper will establish a general set of guidelines by which the required resolution can be determined to meet specific application needs. The use of these guidelines will be demonstrated through an experimental case study of a vehicle driving over a very simple terrain profile.© 2009 ASME
Impact of digital labeling on outcome measures.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine whether the label attached to the hearing aid being presented would bias outcome measures towards newer technological designs.DesignTwo groups of subjects participated in this investigation. The groups were matched for age, gender, previous hearing
The Evolution of Female Orgasm: Adaptation or Byproduct?

Do women experience orgasm because this trait was shaped by natural selection to augment female fitness? Or are women merely the lucky recipients of developmental patterns favored by selection to produce orgasm in males? A recent and widely publicized book by Elisabeth Lloyd (2005a) contends that there is insufficient evidence to validate any of the adaptive explanations yet proposed for female orgasm. We agree. But our reading of the data differs from Lloyd's. In this essay, we outline why, unlike Caton (2006), whose review of Lloyd's book appeared previously in this journal, we are not persuaded by Lloyd's argument that female orgasm is a nonadaptive byproduct of orgasm in men. We hold this view because we disagree with the criteria Lloyd uses to evaluate evolutionary hypotheses, and because we believe Lloyd defines female orgasm too narrowly, ignoring critical information about its affective aspects.
Behavioral components of individual recognition in the collared lemming ( Dicrostonyx groenlandicus )

1. The role of olfactory cues, social behavior, and duration of recall in the recognition of familiar conspecifics was investigated in collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus). 2. Familiarity was established by housing a male and female together for 30 days. After a separation of 1, 12, or 24 days, subjects were tested in an olfactometer or in dyadic encounters. 3. Males and females preferred the odor of their former partners to that of strangers after a 1-day separation. Only females demonstrated this preference after a 12-day separation and neither sex demonstrated a preference after 24 days. 4. After 1- and 12-day separation, scores for contact social behaviors were higher for both sexes when paired with their former partners than when paired with strangers. Agonistic behaviors were more frequent among unfamiliar animals. No differences were apparent after a 24-day separation. 5. Individual recognition by olfactory cues may help this solitary species maintain individual spacing and reduce aggression among potential mates.
Relation of subjective and received social support to clinical and self-report assessments of depressive symptoms in an elderly population.

Abstract Background: The authors sought to evaluate the associations between depressive symptoms and social support in a sample drawn from a relatively understudied population — depressed elderly patients. The present study also used a multi-measure approach to assess both depressive symptomatology and social support. Methods: In this prospective study of 115 patients we examined: (1) the baseline relations among a self-report measure of depressive symptoms, two clinical assessments of depressive symptoms, and subjective and received social support, and (2) the ability of social support to predict changes in clinical assessments of depressive symptoms at 6 months and 1 year. Education level, financial concerns, activities of daily living ratings, and gender were controlled for. Results: Baseline subjective support was negatively related to self-reports of depressive symptoms, but unrelated to clinical assessments at baseline or follow-up. Conversely, received support was unrelated to self-reported depressive symptoms, but positively related to both clinical assessments at baseline. However, higher ratings of received support at baseline predicted decreases in clinical ratings of depressive symptoms at 6 months and 1 year. Limitations: These data were gathered in a primarily Caucasian sample, thus the findings may not generalize to more diverse ethnic populations. Potential confounding due to treatment mode and setting was not controlled in the present analyses. Conclusions: These results have important implications for interpreting clinical data in elderly depressed patients. Specifically, when depressive symptoms are assessed using clinician ratings, the most informative aspect of social support with respect to future clinical status appears to be received, rather than perceived, support measures.
Comparison of Methods for Determining Critical Concentrations of Soil Test Phosphorus for Corn

Critical concentrations of soil-test P (STP) are used to identify soils where response to P fertilization should be expected. There is, however, little agreement concerning the methods that should be used to identify critical STP concentrations. This study compares the efficacy of critical STP concentrations generated by using various methods. Twenty-five P fertilization trials with corn (Zea mays L.) were established in Iowa. Available soil P at each site was estimated by the Bray-P 1 , Mehlich-3, and Olsen extractants (...)
Particle contamination within the tungsten etch back chamber

Low yield of dies near the wafer flat edge were observed for the production wafers with tungsten plug structures. All these low yield lots were processed in the specific tungsten etch back etcher (LAM RAINBOW 4720 etcher) and the total yield drop is approximately 30%. The precision cut cross section SEM picture and KLA scanning result indicate the low yield is caused by the particles fallen on the wafer surfaces during and after the tungsten etch back process. The FTIR techniques were utilized to analyze the particle contents. The particle source had been identified to be originated from the thermal degradation and recombination of the grease applied around the gap housing quad seal region in the RAINBOW 4720 etcher. The temperature near the gap housing is 15 degree(s)C higher than the set point. The high temperature environment increase the degradation and recombination reaction rate for the grease and thus generate enormous amount of particles in the etching chamber.
Removal of the N-terminal Extension of Cardiac Troponin I as a Functional Compensation for Impaired Myocardial β-Adrenergic Signaling

Although β-adrenergic stimuli are essential for myocardial contractility, β-blockers have a proven beneficial effect on the treatment of heart failure, but the mechanism is not fully understood. The stimulatory G protein α-subunit (Gsα) couples the β-adrenoreceptor to adenylyl cyclase and the intracellular cAMP response. In a mouse model of conditional Gsα deficiency in the cardiac muscle (Gsα-DF), we demonstrated heart failure phenotypes accompanied by increases in the level of a truncated cardiac troponin I (cTnI-ND) from restricted removal of the cTnI-specific N-terminal extension. To investigate the functional significance of the increase of cTnI-ND in Gsα-DF cardiac muscle, we generated double transgenic mice to overexpress cTnI-ND in Gsα-DF hearts. The overexpression of cTnI-ND in Gsα-DF failing hearts increased relaxation velocity and left ventricular end diastolic volume to produce higher left ventricle maximum pressure and stroke volume. Supporting the hypothesis that up-regulation of cTnI-ND is a compensatory rather than a destructive myocardial response to impaired β-adrenergic signaling, the aberrant expression of β-myosin heavy chain in adult Gsα-DF but not control mouse hearts was reversed by cTnI overexpression. These data indicate that the up-regulation of cTnI-ND may partially compensate for the cardiac inefficiency in impaired β-adrenergic signaling.
Higher Education in a Free Society

Abstract IT IS always a difficult struggle for me to choose a subject for remarks on an occasion such as this. The opportunity to speak to a group of biologists, like Commencement, brings with it the temptation to pontificate, to indulge in flights of oratory, and to solve the major problems of the world in a small capsule of time. Yesterday, I was a professor of property law, dealing in such esoteric subjects as covenants running with the land, contingent remainders, and non-freehold estates; tomorrow, I will be back at the old stand. But today I have a pulpit, a microphone, and dear to every professor’s heart—an audience which, for the moment at least, looks wide awake. I considered, and rejected, such cymbal-clashing titles as, “The Intellectual and the Age of Space” or “Lunar Scholarship in the New Cosmology.” To be frank I know nothing about either subject and I …
Demographic Characteristics of Endodontic Practice Sites in the United States

Few studies have addressed the demographic characteristics of dental practice sites including endodontic practice sites. This study investigated the demographic characteristics of endodontic practice sites in the United States. Demographic data and endodontic practices were organized by zip codes and analyzed using discriminant analysis. The demographic characteristics associated with zip codes that contained an endodontic practice were determined versus the characteristics of zip codes that did not contain an endodontic practice. The resulting model correctly classified 93.7% of the 30,171 zip code areas based upon the presence or absence of an endodontic practice. The variables most closely associated with a zip code containing an endodontic practice included: number of dental practices (nonendodontic), population size, percent of adult population with a college degree, size of employed population, projected population growth (2005 to 2010), percent of population over 64 years old, and median housing value.
Spontaneous pattern formation and pinning in the primary visual cortex

A mean field approach to the population activity of cortical neurons is used to provide a possible mechanism for the generation of geometric visual hallucinations. As was previously investigated, competition between short-range excitation and longer-range inhibition in the connectivity profile of neurons provides the difference of length scales necessary for spontaneous symmetry breaking in the form of the Turing mechanism to generate patterns of activity. This approach is expanded in order to be able to incorporate additional details of the cortical circuitry, namely that neurons are also weakly connected at long ranges to other neurons sharing a particular preference for a stimulus feature such as orientation, spatial frequency, motion, color or disparity. Since the layout of cortical feature maps is approximately crystalline, one can apply a study of nonlinear dynamics similar to the analysis of wave propagation in a crystalline lattice to demonstrate how the spatial pattern formed through the Turing instability can be pinned to the geometric layout of various feature preferences. The specific feature map used in the study presented here is that of orientation preference, although the model can be extended to include additional features. The perturbation analysis is analogous to solving the Schrodinger equation in a weak periodic potential. Competition between the local isotropic connections which produce patterns of activity via the Turing mechanism and the weaker patchy lateral connections that depend on a neuron's particular set of feature preferences create long wavelength affects analogous to commensurate-incommensurate transitions found in fluid systems under a spatially periodic driving force. Using the retinocortical map, spontaneously formed activity patterns generated by the model can then be overlayed on the feature maps to construct the corresponding image in the visual field. We thus describe a new approach that allows the incorporation of some of the above features into a comprehensive account of the origins of hallucinations.
Individual differences in callosal efficiency: correlation with attention.

Previous studies of clinical populations and normal children have suggested that the efficiency of callosal transfer correlates with the ability to sustain attention. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the same might be true for normal adults. Subjects were 42 right-handed adults. The efficiency of the transfer via the anterior callosum was assessed on a bimanual coordination task. The efficiency of the posterior callosum was measured on a tachistoscopic task that required subjects to compare two lines when both were presented either to the same visual field or to opposite visual fields. Sustained attention was measured on a vigilance task in which the time between target presentations (ISI) was varied. Performance on the bimanual task correlated with the ability to sustain attention over the entire 20 min of the vigilance task. The efficiency of the posterior callosum was related to the ability to detect targets that occurred after relatively long ISIs.
Thermodynamics of field-induced spin-density-wave states in Bechgaard salts. II.

Extending the Gor'kov and Lebed approach to more general spin-density-wave (SDW) vectors, we study theoretically the thermodynamics of the field-induced SDW in Bechgaard salts. The quasiparticle spectrum in the SDW is determined. The thermodynamics is identical to that for a BCS superconductor. We predict a cascade of SDW transitions in magnetic fields, which describes the observed phase diagram of the relaxed bis(tetramethyltetraselenafulvalene)perchlorate [(TMTSF${)}_{2}$${\mathrm{ClO}}_{4}$] extremely well. We calculate also the magnetization in SDW, which again describes the observed magnetization in (TMTSF${)}_{2}$${\mathrm{ClO}}_{4}$ quite well.
Does Increased Consolidated Nighttime Sleep Facilitate Attentional Control? A Pilot Study of Nap Restriction in Preschoolers

Objective: The aim of this study is to understand the impact of a 5-day period of nap restriction on sleep patterns and cognitive function in typically developing preschoolers, aged 3 to 4 years. Method: Following 1 week of baseline assessment, 28 children were randomly assigned to either a “napping as usual” group (n = 15) or a 5-day period of nap restriction (n = 13). Sleep was assessed with sleep logs and actigraphy; cognition was assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention week. Results: No group differences in sleep or cognitive function were observed at baseline. For the no-nap group, the 5-day period of daytime nap restriction resulted in increased nighttime sleep. Children in the no-nap group also showed a significant improvement in attentional control compared with baseline, whereas no such changes were observed among children in the napping-as-usual group. Conclusion: In preschool children who typically take naps, short-term nap restriction is associated with increased nighttime slee...
Collision-induced rototranslational absorption spectra of binary methane complexes (CH4CH4)

Abstract Existing rototranslational collision-induced absorption (CIA) spectra of methane pairs are analyzed with the help of spectral profiles computed from quantum mechanics. Dipoles induced by octopolar and hexadecapolar fields, hexadecapolar overlap, and the gradient of the octopolar field are considered. The spectral contributions of both bound and free pairs of molecules are accounted for. The analysis which suggests a centrifugal distortion of rotating methane molecules permits one to reproduce from theory the measured CIA spectra at all temperatures (126–300 K) and over the full range of frequencies (> 700 cm−1 at high temperatures) with rms deviations that are smaller than the experimental uncertainties. The values of the octopole and hexadecapole moments of (nonrotating) CH4 molecules needed for that purpose are consistent with state-of-the-art ab initio computations for the first time in such work.
On Humans and Environment: The Role of Consciousness in Environmental Problems

This paper addresses the relationship between humans and nature as it relates to the ability of human societies to solve large-scale environmental problems. We assert that humans are not unique in their relationship with nature; all species have the ability to externalize their being into the world thus creating environmental problems. We also argue that human consciousness and rationality do not provide ready answers to these problems. Unless we better understand the pretheoretical and pragmatic nature of human consciousness, rational/scientific attempts to deal with large-scale environmental problems will fail. We use a framework derived from Schutzian phenomenology to explain how human consciousness both provides the motivation for creating environmental problems and also impedes any real solutions. Thus, we explore a dialectic of human consciousness that has profound implications for discussions about the ability of humans to solve environmental problems.
Signature metabolites attesting to the in situ attenuation of alkylbenzenes in anaerobic environments

Accurate assessment of the fate of hydrocarbons spilt in aquifers is essential for gauging associated health and ecological risks. Regulatory pressure to actively remediate such contaminated ecosystems can be substantially diminished if solid evidence for in situ microbial destruction of pollutants is obtained. In laboratory incubations, sediment-associated microorganisms from a gas condensate-contaminated aquifer anaerobically biodegraded toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and toluic acid isomers with stoichiometric amounts of sulfate consumed or methane produced. The activation of the alkylated aromatic contaminants involved conversion to their corresponding benzylsuccinic acid derivatives, a reaction known to occur for toluene and m-xylene decay, but one previously unrecognized for ethylbenzene, o- and p-xylene, and m-toluate metabolism. Benzylsuccinates were further biodegraded to toluates, phthalates, and benzoate. In laboratory incubations, these metabolites were transiently produced. Several of the metabolites were also detected in groundwater samples from an aquifer where alkylbenzene concentrations decreased over time, suggesting that anaerobic microbial metabolism of these contaminants also occurs in situ. Our studies confirm the utility of the aforementioned compounds as signature metabolites attesting to the natural attenuation of aromatic hydrocarbons in anaerobic environments.
The negotiation of Takapuneke: conflicting notions of value of a tapu site

Struggles over indigeneity in Aotearoa/New Zealand have their roots in events that occurred before the creation of the nation. Ten years before the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding d...
Immunoaffinity isolation of native membrane glucocorticoid receptor from S-49++ lymphoma cells: biochemical characterization and interaction with Hsp 70 and Hsp 90.

The membrane glucocorticoid receptor (mGR), previously correlated with glucocorticoid-induced lymphocytolytic competency, was purified under nondenaturing conditions from mGR-enriched mouse S-49 T lymphoma cells. Proteins were immunoaffinity batch adsorbed to BUGR-2 monoclonal antibody-coupled protein A Sepharose 4B beads, and elution by epitope competition was compared with standard denaturation procedures. Elution with BUGR-2 epitope peptides released multiple mGRs (42–150 kDa) and heat shock proteins 70 and 90, suggesting that mGR interacts with these protein chaperones under physiological conditions. The mGR-heat shock protein 90 interaction was inhibited by 1 μM geldanamycin. Several other mGR binding partners were captured and most were dissociated from mGR by 0.6M salt. Peptide maps of purified mGR displayed immunoreactive bands unique to mGR. Scatchard analysis estimated a kd value of 239 nM and a Bmax of 384 fmol/mg protein for mGR, compared to a kd of 19.5 nM and a Bmax of 90.3 fmol/mg protein for the intracellular GR (iGR). The rank order of affinities for mGR were RU-486 > dexamethasone > triamcinolone acetonide=aldosterone. Other steroids had no significant binding affinity. These results show that epitope-purified mGR on the plasma membrane of mouse lymphoma cells is similar but not identical to iGR.
Parameter Identification and Experimental Validation of a Discrete Mass Tire Model for Uneven Rigid Terrain

A two-dimensional discrete mass tire model has been developed at the Advanced Vehicle Dynamics Laboratory (AVDL) at Virginia Tech to study the behavior of a tire during a transient regime such as when traversing over uneven rigid terrain (or obstacles). The accuracy of the tire model depends on the model parameters used. In this paper, the method for parameter identification using the Performance Engineering Research Laboratory (PERL) quarter car tire test rig is presented. Moreover, several experiments were conducted by using the portable tire test rig from the Intelligent Transportation Laboratory (ITL) for the tire model validation. Simulation results obtained using the tire model developed and experimental results from the parameter identification and the field tests with the portable tire test rig are presented in this paper. The simulation results show good agreement with the experimental data from tests over rectangular and triangular profile cleats, at various vehicle velocities and normal loads.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
A Psychometric Evaluation of 4-Point and 6-Point Likert-Type Scales in Relation to Reliability and Validity.

Reliability and validity of 4-point and 6-point scales were assessed using a new model-based ap proach to fit empirical data. Different measurement models were fit by confirmatory factor analyses of a multitrait-multimethod covariance matrix. 165 gradu ate students responded to nine items measuring three quantitative attitudes. Separation of method from trait variance led to greater reduction of reliability and heterotrait-monomethod coefficients for the 6-point scale than for the 4-point scale. Criterion-related valid ity was not affected by the number of scale points. The issue of selecting 4- versus 6-point scales may not be generally resolvable, but may rather depend on the empirical setting. Response conditions theorized to in fluence the use of scale options are discussed to pro vide directions for further research. Index terms: Likert-type scales, multitrait-multimethod matrix, reli ability, scale options, validity.
CHILD TEMPERAMENT, MATERNAL ADJUSTMENT, AND CHANGES IN FAMILY LIFE STYLE

Child temperament has been implicated as a relevant factor in understanding parental adjustment. In a study of 77 mothers of 3- and 4-year-old children, difficult child temperament was found to be directly related to maternal distress, discomfort in the role of parent, poor spousal relationships, and negative changes in way of life. Quality and intensity of the child's mood were most predictive of these difficulties.
Cross-National Variation in Individual Life Satisfaction: Effects of National Wealth, Human Development, and Environmental Conditions

This study adds to the literature on subjective well-being and life satisfaction by exploring variation in individual life satisfaction across countries. Understanding whether and how individual life satisfaction varies across countries is important because if the goal of development is to increase well-being, we must identify the causes of well-being in different national and regional contexts. Using hierarchical linear modeling techniques, I test the hypothesis that individual well-being does vary across countries, and that national wealth, human development and environmental conditions explain this variation. I also test whether the effects of individual characteristics on life satisfaction (including age, marital status, education, income, employment status, and sex) vary across countries, and which country level characteristics explain these variations. Using individual level data from the World Values Survey, I find that there is significant variation in life satisfaction across countries. There is also significant variation in the slopes of individual predictors of life satisfaction across countries and regions. Regional differences in the effects of individual characteristics on life satisfaction explain most of the between country variation in life satisfaction. This indicates that universal development indicators may not adequately reflect differences in life satisfaction across countries, and that development measurements should better reflect regional differences.
Identification and characterization of the unique guanine nucleotide exchange factor, SmgGDS, in vascular smooth muscle cells

The guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), SmgGDS, promotes nucleotide exchange by several GTPases in both the Ras and Rho families, especially by RhoA. Because RhoA plays an important role in regulating the contraction of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), we examined the expression and function of SmgGDS in VSMC. SmgGDS is expressed in primary rat aortic smooth muscle (ASM) cells, primary bovine coronary artery smooth muscle (BCASM) cells, and the immortalized A7r5 line of rat ASM cells. Down regulation of SmgGDS expression by siRNA transfection resulted in a decrease of RhoA-GTP levels, enhanced cell spreading, and loss of the characteristic elongated morphology of VSMC. A similar morphology was also observed following treatment with the Rho-kinase inhibitor, Y27632. In contrast, cells with reduced RhoA expression exhibit an elongated shape. Subsequent immunofluorescent staining revealed a disruption of the myosin filament organization in the cells with reduced SmgGDS expression. Further studies analyzed the effect of SmgGDS siRNA transfection on the contraction of A7r5 cells and BCASM cells, which is also a Rho-regulated pathway. Transfection of SmgGDS siRNA or RhoA siRNA resulted in an impaired ability of the A7r5 and BCASM cells to undergo contraction in a collagen gel matrix. However, phosphorylation of the myosin-binding subunit of myosin phosphatase (MYPT1) or the light chain of myosin II (MLC) was not altered by downregulating expression of either SmgGDS or RhoA GTPase. Taken together these results identify SmgGDS as a novel regulator of myosin organization and contraction in VSMC.
Subisokinetic sampling characteristics of high speed aircraft inlets: A new CFD-based correlation considering inlet geometries

Abstract Large spatial-scale atmospheric aerosol characterization is commonly accomplished from high-speed aircraft platforms using subisokinetic sampling. The aspiration efficiencies in these inlets are commonly determined from the empirical correlation of Belyaev and Levin [1974. Techniques for collection of representative aerosol samples. Journal of Aerosol Science, 5, 325–338] (B&L), though the correlation was obtained from experiments under conditions very different from those encountered during high-speed aircraft sampling. Aircraft inlets are generally thick-walled, often have a blunt-body downstream, operate at a large freestream to sampling velocity ratio, and under conditions of low ambient pressures. The dependence of sampling characteristics on these parameters is studied using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. The CFD calculations show that the anisokinetic inlet sampling characteristics are strongly influenced by the operating conditions and sampler geometry, especially the presence of an aft blunt body. It is observed that these dependencies are not accurately captured by the existing correlations. The presence of even a moderately sized blunt-body aft of a sampling inlet can greatly influence the sampling characteristics of a straight tube inlet. A new correlation is derived based on the CFD simulation results, and this correlation is seen to greatly improve prediction of inlet sampling characteristics considering their geometries.
Bimetallic clusters of cobalt and aluminum: ionization potentials versus reactivity, and the importance of geometric structure

Abstract We report the determination of the ionization potentials for unsupported bimetallic clusters of cobalt and aluminum by photoionization spectroscopy. A comparison of these values to the hydrogen chemisorption rate constants reported by Nonose . (Chem. Phys. Letters 164 (1989) 427), reveals no correlation or anticorrelation, underscoring the importance of cluster geometric structure in determining reactivity.
On the developmental morphology of the rosette galls ofAcacia leucophloea Willd., (Mimosaceae) induced byThilakothrips hablu Ramk. (Thysanoptera: Insecta)

Thilakothrips babuli induces rosette (artichoke) galls on the axillary buds ofAcacia leucophloea. As a result of feeding by the building populations of thrips, axillary shoot meristems are destroyed, and primordial palisade tissues of the leaflets and cortical tissues of the shoot axis are transformed into nutritive cells of specialised morphology. Very similar to the galls induced by mites, midges, chalcids, and chloropids,Thilakothrips-inducedAcacia galls also have a characteristic morphology, involving the inhibition of elongation of the shoot axis and crowding of maldeveloped leaflets. While describing the cecidogenesis in relation to the biology of the gall maker, an attempt has been made to discuss the morphological convergence among shoot apex galls.
Synthesis and evaluation of terbenzimidazoles as topoisomerase I inhibitors

The synthesis and pharmacological activity of a series of terbenzimidazoles are described. The ability of these derivatives to induce DNA cleavage in the presence of topoisomerase I was evaluated in vitro. These analogs were also assayed for their cytotoxicity in RPMI 8402 cells and the camptothecin-resistant CPT-K5 cells. In addition the potential for these compounds to serve as substrates for MDR1 was also determined. Several terbenzimidazoles exhibited similar cytotoxicity against variants of human tumor cells that either overexpress MDR1 or are camptothecin-resistant.
Effects of tachycardia on the function of the Starr-Edwards mitral ball valve prosthesis

Abstract Patients with a Starr-Edwards mitral ball valve prosthesis tolerate tachycardias poorly. Two patients with this type of mitral valve prosthesis are described who tolerated supraventricular tachycardia with a ventricular response of 220 beats/min. At rapid heart rates, the diastolic filling period is reduced, left atrial pressure is increased and, although continued function of the prosthesis is possible, prompt treatment of arrhythmias accompanied by rapid ventricular rates is indicated.
The JSIM web-based simulation environment

Abstract In its ideal form, web-based simulation should allow simulation models as well as simulation results to be as readily distributable and composable as today’s web documents. The rapid advances in web technology, most notably Java, are helping to make this a possibility. Support for executable web content, universal portability, component technology, and standard high-level packages for accessing databases and producing graphical user interfaces are important enablers of web-based simulation. Component-based software can be used to develop highly modular simulation environments supporting high reusability of software components. Because of the potentially large scope of web-based simulation, greater demands are placed on simulation environments. They should support rapid visual model development, access to local and remote databases, techniques for executing models or federations of models in a variety of ways, and embedding of simulation within larger systems. The use of component technology in the JSIM web-based simulation environment allows simulation models to be treated as components that can be dynamically assembled to build model federations. It also allows simulation inputs and outputs to be dynamically linked to database systems, making storage of simulation results easy and flexible.
Land reform in Iran revisited: New evidence on the results of land reform in nine provinces

(1993). Land reform in Iran revisited: New evidence on the results of land reform in nine provinces. The Journal of Peasant Studies: Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 442-458.
Determination of a highly selective mixed-affinity sigma receptor ligand, in rat plasma by ultra performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and its application to a pharmacokinetic study

Abstract A selective, rapid and sensitive ultra performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS) method was developed and validated to quantitate a highly selective mixed-affinity sigma receptor ligand, CM156 (3-(4-(4-cyclohexylpiperazin-1-yl)butyl)benzo[d] thiazole-2(3H)-thione), in rat plasma. CM156 and the internal standard (aripiprazole) were extracted from plasma samples by a single step liquid–liquid extraction using chloroform. The analysis was carried out on an ACQUITY UPLC™ BEH HILIC column (1.7 μm, 2.1 mm × 50 mm) with isocratic elution at flow rate of 0.2 mL/min using 10 mM ammonium formate in 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile (10:90) as the mobile phase. The detection of the analyte was performed on a mass spectrometer operated in selected ion recording (SIR) mode with positive electrospray ionization (ESI). The validated analytical method resulted in a run time of 4 min and the retention times observed were 2.6 ± 0.1 and 2.1 ± 0.1 min for CM156 and the IS, respectively. The calibration curve exhibited excellent linearity over a concentration range of 5–4000 ng/mL with the lower limit of quantification of 5 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day precision values were below 15% and accuracy ranged from −6.5% to 5.0%. The mean recovery of CM156 from plasma was 96.8%. The validated method was applied to a pilot intravenous pharmacokinetic study in rats.
Mechanism and Stereospecificity of a Fully Saturating Polyketide Synthase Module: Nanchangmycin Synthase Module 2 and Its Dehydratase Domain

Recombinant nanchangmycin synthase module 2 (NANS module 2), with the thioesterase domain from the 6-deoxyerythronolide B synthase (DEBS TE) appended to the C-terminus, was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Incubation of NANS module 2+TE with (±)-2-methyl-3-keto-butyryl-N-acetylcysteamine thioester (1), the SNAC analog of the natural ACP-bound substrate, with methylmalonyl-CoA (MM-CoA) in the absence of NADPH gave 3,5,6-trimethyl-4-hydroxypyrone (2), identified by direct comparison with synthetic 2 by radio-TLC-phosphorimaging and LC-ESI(+)-MS-MS. The reaction showed k(cat) 0.5 ± 0.1 min(-1) and K(m)(1) 19 ± 5 mM at 0.5 mM MM-CoA and k(cat)(app) 0.26 ± 0.02 min(-1) and K(m)(MM-CoA) 0.11 ± 0.02 mM at 8 mM 1. Incubation in the presence of NADPH generated the fully saturated triketide chain elongation product as a 5:3 mixture of (2S,4R)-2,4-dimethyl-5-ketohexanoic acid (3a) and the diastereomeric (2S,4S)-3b. The structure and stereochemistry of each product was established by comparison with synthetic 3a and 3b by a combination of radio-TLC-phosphorimaging and LC-ESI(-)-MS-MS, as well as chiral capillary GC-MS analysis of the corresponding methyl esters 3a-Me and 3b-Me. The recombinant dehydratase domain from NANS module 2, NANS DH2, was shown to catalyze the formation of an (E)-double bond by syn-dehydration of the ACP-bound substrate anti-(2R,3R,4S,5R)-2,4-dimethyl-3,5-dihydroxyheptanoyl-ACP6 (4), generated in situ by incubation of (2S,3R)-2-methyl-3-hydroxypentanoyl-SNAC (5), methylmalonyl-CoA, and NADPH with the recombinant [KS6][AT6] didomain and ACP6 from DEBS module 6 along with the ketoreductase from the tylactone synthase module 1 (TYLS KR1). These results also indirectly establish the stereochemistry of the reactions catalyzed by the KR and enoylreductase (ER) domains of NANS module 2.
Functional polymers by atom transfer radical polymerization

Abstract Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is one of the most successful methods to polymerize styrenes, (meth)acrylates and a variety of other monomers in a controlled fashion, yielding polymers with molecular weights predetermined by the ratio of the concentrations of consumed monomer to introduced initiator and with low polydispersities. Because of its radical nature, ATRP is tolerant to many functionalities in monomers leading to polymers with functionalities along the chains. Moreover, the initiator used determines the end groups of the polymers. By using a functional initiator, functionalities such as vinyl, hydroxyl, epoxide, cyano and other groups have been incorporated at one chain end, while the other chain end remains an alkyl halide. The polymer can be dehalogenated in a one-pot process or the halogen end groups can be transformed to other functionalities using nucleophilic substitution reactions or electrophilic addition reactions. Moreover, utilizing the ability of the halogen chain end to be reactivated, radical addition reactions can be used to incorporate allyl end groups, insert one less reactive monomer unit at the chain end, or to end-cap the polymer chain. With ATRP, functionality and architecture can be combined resulting in multifunctional polymers of different compositions and shapes such as block copolymers, multiarmed stars or hyperbranched polymers.