cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology of core complexes and other basement rocks in Sonora, Mexico: Implications for Cenozoic tectonic evolution of northwestern Mexico

[1] Northwestern Mexico remains an important region for understanding the tectonic evolution of the North American Cordillera. However, many fundamental aspects of the geologic history of the region remain poorly known. We present new 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology of exposed basement rock from throughout Sonora, Mexico, including from metamorphic core complexes. These results provide new constraints on the Late Cretaceous to Cenozoic tectonic evolution of northwestern Mexico. Following Laramide (ca. 80–50 Ma) emplacement, most Sonoran plutons experienced rapid post-magmatic cooling to ∼400–200°C, which we attribute to shallow level emplacement. Following this rapid cooling, plutons cooled slowly ( 300°C until the late Oligocene. Rapid footwall cooling documents that extension at Sonoran core complexes began synchronously at ca. 25 Ma, despite the fact that these regions are separated by > 200 km. Extension at most Sonoran core complexes continued until ca. 15 Ma, although extension at the Magdalena core complex ceased earlier (ca. 21–20 Ma). Slip at each core complex was 10–30 km and occurred at average rates of 1–9 mm/yr. This major period of extension primarily occurred during subduction, indicating that relative plate motions between the Pacific and North American plates cannot be invoked as a driving force for this phase of extension.
HyPhIVE: A Hybrid Virtual-Physical Collaboration Environment

Virtual world conferences have been shown to give users an increased sense of presence in a collaboration as opposed to teleconferences, video-conferences and web-conferences. Such telepresence encourages remote participants to engage in the collaboration. Current virtual world collaboration applications rely on mouse/keyboard interfaces to create pure-virtual collaborations. In this paper we propose HyPhIVE, a system to address hybrid collaboration betweenthe physical world and virtual worlds. In hybrid collaboration scenarios, a group of people collaborate in the real world and others join them remotely via a virtual world. HyPhIVE uses non-intrusive mobile sensors to detect real world users’ collaboration context such as their position, direction of gaze, gestures and voice. HyPhIVE projects the sensed real world collaboration into a virtual world in a way that collaboration patterns are preserved. Remote users join the collaboration using virtual world clients and interact with other users’ avatars. User studies have shown that HyPhIVE effectively projects real world collaborations into a virtual world and it improves users’ experience of remote collaboration.
Theory of Conglomerate Crystallization in the Presence of Chiral Impurities

In the presence of an appropriate chiral impurity, the enantiomers of compounds that crystallize as conglomerates crystallize at different rates. During this process, the optical activity of the solution and the solid phase increases and then falls to zero. This transient optical activity happens on a time scale of about 15 min. In this paper, we present a general theoretical approach to describe this process. Our formulation is founded on basic theories of nucleation, crystal growth, and Langmuir adsorption. A computer code based on this theory is capable of describing both the time evolution of a single run of crystallization and the stochastic behavior observed in many crystallization runs; it also gives the crystal size distribution.
Effects of sex, birth order, target's relationship and target's sex on self-disclosure by college students.

Jourard's Self-disclosure Questionnaire (Jourard & Lasakow, 1958) was administered to 145 college students. Females were significantly more self-disclosing than males and both sexes disclosed more ...
Decomposition kinetics of CH3 (CD3) on Ni(100)

Abstract Using temperature-programmed secondary ion mass spectroscopy (TPSIMS), we find a significant kinetic isotope effect in the decomposition of chemisorbed methyl groups derived from methyl iodide. When methyl groups decompose, there is no evidence for the accumulation of CH 2 or CH.
The importance of assessment

States that assessment is a process for quality improvement and libraries, as administrative and academic units, have an important role to play in the continuous improvement of their parent organizations. Looks at how student performance can be assessed and concludes that this can help us to understand better why students fail or master certain courses, which will help in developing change and improvement in the area of student learning.
Chemicals from Methanol

Abstract Over the past 35 years, the chemical industry has largely changed its raw material base from coal to petroleum and natural gas. This has basically meant a shift from acetylene chemistry and coal tar chemistry to olefin chemistry (ethylene, propylene, isobutylene and butadiene) and petroleum-derived benzene, toluene, and xylenes. Methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen are still made from synthesis gas. However, synthesis gas is now made by methane reforming instead of coal gasification. These conversions have involved a vast expenditure of money, time, and effort, but the financial incentives have been huge and a great deal of new chemistry has been uncovered.
“Gone” into Solution: Assessing the Effect of Hands-On Activity on Students’ Comprehension of Solubility

Solubility is challenging for many general chemistry students, and the interactions of aqueous species are difficult to conceptualize. Derived from the pedagogies of Johnstone, Bloom, and Piaget, our primary research questions probe whether students’ conceptual understandings of solubility could be enhanced by participation in a concept-building, hands-on activity involving manipulatives; whether algorithmic abilities could be strengthened by completion of an equation-writing activity; and whether a multilevel laboratory activity increases students’ ability to transition through Johnstone’s triangle of chemical representations. A control group completed a traditional solubility wet laboratory, while a treatment group laboratory included teacher demonstrations, concept-building, hands-on activities, and a modified version of the traditional laboratory procedure. Pre- and posttests were administered to both groups, and qualitative data were collected from questions answered at the treatment group stations. ...
Recurrent urethral leiomyoma presenting as stress incontinence.

Abstract The thirteenth case of urethral leiomyoma and the first case of local recurrence of this lesion after excision is reported. The unusual clinical presentation as stress incontinence was due to wide urethral dilation by the tumor, requiring plastic urethral repair.
Temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility of a Fermi liquid

Abstract The form of the temperature expansion for the magnetic susceptibility of a Fermi fluid is derived according to the extension by Ford, Mohling and Rainwater of Landau's Fermi liquid theory. The terms are proportional to, successively, a constant, T 2 ln T, T 2 , T 4 (ln T ) 2 , T 2 , T 4 ln T and T 4 . This result contrasts with several recent articles.
Light-driven synthesis of hollow platinum nanospheres

Hollow platinum nanospheres that are porous and have uniform shell thickness are prepared by templating platinum growth on polystyrene beads with an adsorbed porphyrin photocatalyst irradiated by visible light.
Detection of and recovery from errors in cardiac interbeat intervals.

An algorithm is presented for the detection and correction of errors in cardiac interbeat interval data. Detection of errors is based on the assumption that the beat-to-beat variation in R-R intervals cannot exceed certain critical percentages of the preceding interval. Detected errors are corrected by merging the questionable internal with the preceding or the succeeding interval, or by subdividing it, in such manner that the resultant beat-to-beat variability, is minimized. The algorithm is shown mathematically to be capable of detecting errors in data with extreme beat-to-beat variability. Empirical experience with the algorithm suggests that it corrects errors satisfactorily under vigorous conditions.
Depth estimation and image recovery using broadband, incoherent illumination with engineered point spread functions [Invited].

The use of complementary engineered point spread functions is proposed for the joint tasks of depth estimation and image recovery over an extended depth of field. A digital imaging system with a dynamically adjustable pupil is demonstrated experimentally. The implementation of a broadband, passive camera is demonstrated with a fractional ranging error of 4/104 at a working distance of 1 m. Once the depth and brightness information of a scene are obtained, a synthetic camera is defined and images rendered computationally to emphasize particular features such as image focusing at different depths.
Planck-scale quintessence and the physics of structure formation

In a recent paper we considered the possibility of a scalar field providing an explanation for the cosmic acceleration. Our model had the interesting properties of attractor-like behavior and having its parameters of O(1) in Planck units. Here we discuss the effect of the field on large scale structure and CMB anisotropies. We show how some versions of our model inspired by "brane" physics have novel features due to the fact that the scalar field has a significant role over a wider range of redshifts than for typical "dark energy" models. One of these features is the additional suppression of the formation of large scale structure, as compared with cosmological constant models. In light of the new pressures being placed on cosmological parameters (in particular H_0) by CMB data, this added suppression allows our "brane" models to give excellent fits to both CMB and large scale structure data.
Using a Database as an Assessment Reporting Tool

In anticipation of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) visit in 2002, the Florida Atlantic University Institutional Effectiveness and Analysis (IEA) team began outcomes assessment planning with the creation and development of a searchable data-base that would be used to collect and archive assessment information. This database became known as the Assessment Reporting Database, and access to it was made readily available through a university-wide network. This article provides information about the creation, access, and use of the Assessment Reporting Database at Florida Atlantic University and discusses why there is a need for such an assessment reporting tool and how it can be used by other academic institutions to improve the overall quality of their library assessment studies.
Pulsewidth Modulated DC Control: A Parameter Variation Study with Current Loop Analysis

Pulsewidth modulated amplifiers have been shown to offer many advantages over proportional amplifiers when used to drive dc motors. This paper is written in an attempt to better understand and utilize the benefits offered by pulsewidth modulation.
Solid State Deuteron NMR Studies of Polyamidoamine Dendrimer Salts. 2. Relaxation and Molecular Motion

Nonexponential recovery curves have been obtained for anisotropic deuteron spin lattice relaxation of deuterated polyamidoammonium chloride salts for integer generations G = 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 9, at room temperature. The temperature dependence of the relaxation of generations 2, 3, and 9 is reported. Multiple exponential relaxation behavior is ascribed to a sum of single exponential, anisotropic contributions from overlapping quadrupole echo powder patterns. These are assigned to interior secondary amide, R2ND, deuterated tertiary amine, R3ND+, and terminal ammonium, RND3+, deuterons in the glassy polymer. Additional temperature dependent features in the middle of the spectra arise from mobile phases. For each type of deuteron the best fit of the relaxation data is achieved by numerically solving the stochastic Liouville equation for the relevant motional model. Planar libration of R2ND and R3ND+ deuterons is simulated by jumps along an arc. Motion of RND3+ groups is modeled as a two-frame process in whic...
The width of films in rotating radial pipes

A liquid film is drawn along a rotating pipe by the centrifugal force, and pushed toward the trailing edge of the pipe by the Coriolis effect. A simple expression is developed to describe the fraction of the pipe circumference wetted by such a film. The wetted circumference is measured experimentally using a variety of techniques. Good agreement with theory is found in the absence of phase change. However, when heat fluxes are sufficiently high to cause vapor generation, the wetted area is larger than expected. Film spreaders are also shown to increase wetted area.
1139 DIFFERENCES IN SILASTIC CATHETER RELATED INFECTION CANCER PATIENTS VS NON-CANCER PATIENTS

Infection of indwelling silastic central venous catheters (SCVC) in pediatric patients is a common complication. A retrospective study involving 86 patients was performed to compare SCVC associated infections between children receiving chemotherapy and children without cancer. All underwent SCVC placement in the OR between 6/81-12/83. Data subsequent to the placement of 102 catheters was analyzed. Exit site swelling, previous catheter repair or occlusion were found to increase the incidence of SCVC related infection. No statistically significant differences were found in either the incidence or the location (exit site or blood) of infection in either group. The 53 pts receiving cRX exhibited a 27% (17 infect/62 catheters) infection rate (13/17 were bacteremic). There were 8.1 bacteremic episodes and 2.5 exit site infections per 100 catheter days. Similarly, the 33 non-cancer pts exhibited a 22% (9 infect/40 catheters) infection rate (6/9 were bacteremic). These pts had 8 bacteremic episodes and 4 exit site infections per 100 catheter days. However, the organisms causing sepsis in each group were different. In children without cancer, sepsis was caused only by fungus and gram positive organisms: Staph species (50%) C. albicans (33%), enterococeus and Candida (17%). Gram negative bacteremia occurred only in cancer pts: Gram negatives (23%), Staph species (46%), Strep (23%), Candida and S. aureus (8%). These data demonstrate that SCVC placement is associated with similar infection risks in both cancer and non-cancer pts, although the spectrum of organisms causing infection differs between the two groups.
Position and velocity perturbations in the orbital frame in terms of classical element perturbations

The transformation of classical orbit element perturbations to perturbations in position and velocity in the radial, transverse and normal directions of the orbital frame is developed. The formulation is given for the case of mean anomaly perturbations as well as for eccentric and true anomaly perturbations. Approximate formulas are also developed for the case of nearly circular orbits and compared with those found in the literature.
Pupal-Stage Inserted Silicon Microprobe Neural Interface in Insects for Gas Sensing

This paper reports on the first-ever hybrid bioelectromechanical sensor realized using Early Metamorphosis Implantation Technology (EMIT). Using EMIT, microprobes are inserted in Manduca sexta moth pupae early in their developmental cycle. The probes electrically report the neural reactions of pupae olfactory response. By forming direct neural interfaces to insect olfactory biological circuits, this approach taps into the high specificity and sensitivity (as low as several parts per quadrillion) developed in insects over millions of years of evolution. Here we demonstrate the ability to detect tobacco leaves and pheromone components with high sensitivity of at least 6 parts per billion (ppb) in an integrated system, and the potential for tapping into the much higher sensitivities intrinsic in insect olfactory processing systems.
Structure and evolution of a population of Erysiphe graminis f.sp. hordei

Samples of single colony isolates of Erysiphe graminis f.sp. hordei were collected in Cambridge on three dates in 1985, and tested for the presence of 12 virulence alleles and resistance to two fungicides, triadimenol and ethirimol. The frequency of the virulence V-(La) fell during 1985, while the frequency of V-h. virulence on cv. Triumph and higher levels of resistance to each fungicide and combined resistance to both fungicides rose. Two phenotypes, both of which possessed virulence on cv. Triumph and three unnecessary virulence alleles and had similar sensitivities to ethirimol, but differed in their level of resistance to triadimenol, accounted for 35.9% of all isolates. The high frequency of these phenotypes accounted for most of the observed gametic phase disequilibria between pathogenicity characters. Most individuals with these two phenotypes may be members of the same clone. It was estimated that 25% of the spore population which initiated the autumn epidemic of E.g. f.sp. hordei originated from ascospores formed by sexual reproduction in the summer. It is proposed that genetic drift followed by hitch-hiking selection, due to intense selection for a clone virulent on a newly-introduced cultivar, is a major factor influencing the frequency of unnecessary virulence alleles.
Carbohydrate Fiber from Orange Albedo

A process was developed for manufacturing dried orange albedo from fresh peel. Fresh albedo (nonpigmented portion) was recovered by shaving the flavedo (pigmented portion) from quartered peel after a commercial reamer juice extraction process. The albedo was then ground to reduce particle size, leached with water, treated with lime, pressed, and dried. Yield of dried (0% H2O) albedo was 3.3 kg/100 kg ‘Valencia’ oranges. Wastewater analyses of liquids discharged from the leaching process indicated average values of 14,400 mg COD and 9,850 mg BOD based on producing 1 kg of dry albedo. Several albedo carbohydrate fiber components were estimated by determining the monomers soluble in boiling water, 5% H2SO4 and 72% H2SO4. These were as follows (g component/ l00g dry albedo): water-soluble fraction-hexose (11.2) and uronic acid (1.5), hemicellulose fraction-pentose (11.9), pectin fraction-uronic acid (12.9), and cellulose fraction-hexose (10.8) and uronic acid (3.6), respectively. Lignin (6.7) was estimated by ashing the residue remaining after the 72% H2SO4 extraction.
N=4 superconformal coset theories

Abstract Starting from the N = 1 superconformal coset (GKO) construction we derive the conditions under which superconformal symmetry extends to an N = 4 superconformal symmetry. The generic N = 4 superconformal algebra in coset models is the one having D(2, 1; α) as projective subalgebra. A large class of models satisfying these conditions are of the form W ⊗ SU(2) ⊗ U(1) with W a Wolf symmetric space. Decoupling of the U(1) current yields N = 4 superconformal theories on the odd-dimensional W ⊗ SU(2) coset where the N = 4 algebra is now of the Bershadsky-Knizhnik type, i.e. quadratically non-linearly generated.
Usable climate knowledge for adaptive and co-managed water governance

This review examines what drives the production of usable knowledge and how it intersects with emerging integrated and adaptive governance frameworks to respond to complex environmental change, especially climate change. It finds that although our understanding of challenges and opportunities for the production of usable science for water governance has significantly advanced, evidence of how it builds (or not) adaptive capacity of water systems is mixed in the few empirical cases examined in the literature. This is particularly true in relation to how knowledge use interacts with other determinants of adaptive capacity, particularly stakeholder engagement, learning and power distribution in participatory governance. In this context, the emergence of new approaches that actively manage the boundary between knowledge production and use is promising.
Electron microscopic studies of human pituitary tumors. II. Acidophilic adenomas.

Nine cases of acidophilic adenoma associated with acromegaly were studied by electron microscopy. The tumor parenchyma contained numerous cells identifiable as somatotrophs, many of which appeared “normalt” and apparently engaged in protein synthesis. In about half of the specimens, there were variations in the electron-opaque characteristics of the parenchymal cells, most frequently affecting somatotrophs. Characteristic of some somatotrophs was a marked electron-opacity of the cytoplasmic matrix and nuclear materials, irregular cell contours, hypertrophied cytomembrane systems frequently containing proteinaceous material, and considerable amounts of secretory granules. Disruptions in plasma membranes were apparent throughout the parenchyma, particularly at the parenchymal-pericapillary interface. This resulted in the release of large numbers of secretory granules and cytoplasmic fragments to pericapillary or extracellular spaces. Small groupings of the disrupted cells often were characterized by scant secretory granules, an electron-lucent cytoplasmic matrix, and were considered the counterpart of giant multinucleate chromophobes observed with the light microscope. Follicular cells were observed rarely, but when present contained an abundance of fine cytoplasmic filaments and closely resembled follicular cells described in ACTH-secreting tumors.
Detection of pseudorabies virus infection in subunit-vaccinated and nonvaccinated pigs using a nucleocapsid-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

The potential of a pseudorabies virus (PRV) nucleocapsid protein (NC)-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as a screening assay for PRV infection in subunit-vaccinated and nonvaccinated pigs was studied. The NC-ELISA compared favorably to a commercial ELISA for detecting PRV infection in nonvaccinated pigs. Virus-specific antibody was first detected by the NC-ELISA between days 14 and 21 in 5 pigs challenged intranasally with 10 4 PFU of virus. Antibody continued to be detected in these pigs through day 42, when the experiment was terminated. The NC-ELISA also detected antibody in 23 of 24 pigs from PRV-infected herds. In contrast, the commercial ELISA detected antibody 1 week earlier than the NC-ELISA in experimentally infected pigs but failed to detect antibody in 3 naturally exposed pigs that were identified by the NC-ELISA. Infection in these animals was confirmed by radioimmunoprecipitation analysis. The potential usefulness of the NC-ELISA for detecting infection in vaccinated pigs was also evaluated. The nucleocapsid- specific antibody responses of 10 PRV envelope glycoprotein subunit-vaccinated pigs were monitored prior to and following nasal exposure to a low dose (10 2.3 PFU) of PRV. Sera were collected periodically for 113 days after infection. Nucleocapsid-specific antibody responses measured by the NC-ELISA remained below the positive threshold before challenge but increased dramatically following virus exposure. Maximum ELISA responses were obtained on day 32 postchallenge (p.c.). Mean ELISA responses decreased thereafter but remained well above the positive threshold on day 113 p.c. PRV nucleocapsid protein can be used effectively as antigen in the ELISA for detecting PRV infection in both nonvaccinated and subunit-vaccinated pigs. Pseudorabies or Aujeszky's disease virus is an al- protein-based subunit vaccine using a differential di- phaherpesvirus that causes an economically important agnostic test based on an early excreted PRV disease of swine.
Developing the Leadership Capacity and Leader Efficacy of College Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Fields

The current study examined the extent to which college women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) majors demonstrated differential levels of leadership capacity and/or leader efficacy than their non-STEM, female peers. Data represented 14,698 women from 86 institutions of higher education in the United States. Results indicated similar levels of leadership capacity but significantly lower leader efficacy for women in STEM majors. Implications explore unique predictors of leader efficacy for women in STEM majors along with recommendations for changes to policy and professional practice that might address how the differential organizational contexts shape leadership development.
Voltage Sensitivity to Capacitor Switching on an Existing Fixed Speed Induction Generator Wind Farm

Switched capacitors at wind farms employing fixed speed induction generators are intended to provide reactive power support to control and maintain the voltage at the point of common coupling (PCC) within acceptable operational values. Malfunction of the capacitor switching control may lead to voltage depression and, subsequently, to tripping of turbines which could create additional transient power quality disturbances. This paper presents results of simulations of voltage regulation problems of an existing wind farm on the Bonneville power administration (BPA) system where voltage regulation problems have led to the study of possible dynamic voltage compensation schemes to minimize the problem. SCADA data for real and reactive powers and voltage have been analyzed against results from simulation models to verify the behavior and confirm the mechanisms associated with the voltage regulation problems. Other aspects associated with the high fidelity modeling of the wind farm and issues about the sizing of a possible dynamic voltage controller are investigated.
Ferromagnetic Relaxation in Spin Valves With Picoscale Antiferromagnetic Layers

We have investigated the mechanism of weak exchange bias for a spin valve with threshold layer antiferromagnetic (AFM) thickness using giant magnetoresistance (GMR) and polarized neutron reflectometry (PNR). Results show that the sample exhibits instantaneous switching of the free layer followed by a gradual reorientation of the magnetization in the pinned ferromagnetic layer via domain wall formation. During subsequent field cycles, we found that relaxation in the pinned ferromagnetic (FM) layer is induced not only by an increasing field, but also in a static field over a relatively long time scale
Rosiglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ agonist, prevents hyperoxia‐induced neonatal rat lung injury in vivo

Molecular disruption of homeostatic alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal interactions results in transdifferentiation of alveolar interstitial lipofibroblasts to myofibroblasts. Although this process was suggested to be a central molecular event in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), so far it has been only demonstrated in vitro; whether it also occurs in vivo is unknown. Our objectives were to determine if exposure to hyperoxia results in pulmonary alveolar lipo-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation in vivo, and whether treatment with a potent peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) (the key lipogenic fibroblast nuclear transcription factor) agonist, rosiglitazone, prevents this process. Newborn Sprague Dawley rat pups were exposed to control (21% O2), hyperoxia alone (95% O2 for 24 hr), or hyperoxia with rosiglitazone (95% O2 for 24 hr + rosiglitazone, 3 mg/kg, administered intraperitoneally) conditions. Subsequently, pups were sacrificed, and lung tissue was analyzed by morphometry, and by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western hybridization, and immunohistochemistry for the expression of key lipogenic and myogenic markers. We observed a significant decrease in the expression of lipogenic markers, and a significant increase in the expression of myogenic markers in the hyperoxia-alone group. These hyperoxia-induced morphologic, molecular, and immunohistochemical changes were almost completely prevented by rosiglitazone. This is the first evidence of in vivo lipo-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation and its almost complete prevention by rosiglitazone, prompting us to conclude that administration of PPARgamma agonists may be a novel, effective strategy to prevent the hyperoxia-induced lung molecular injury that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of BPD.
Utilizing Cell–Matrix Interactions To Modulate Gene Transfer to Stem Cells Inside Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels

The effective delivery of DNA locally would increase the applicability of gene therapy in tissue regeneration, where diseased tissue is to be repaired in situ. One promising approach is to use hydrogel scaffolds to encapsulate and deliver plasmid DNA in the form of nanoparticles to the diseased tissue, so that cells infiltrating the scaffold are transfected to induce regeneration. This study focuses on the design of a DNA nanoparticle-loaded hydrogel scaffold. In particular, this study focuses on understanding how cell-matrix interactions affect gene transfer to adult stem cells cultured inside matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) degradable hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel scaffolds. HA was cross-linked to form a hydrogel material using a MMP degradable peptide and Michael addition chemistry. Gene transfer inside these hydrogel materials was assessed as a function of polyplex nitrogen to phosphate ratio (N/P = 5 to 12), matrix stiffness (100-1700 Pa), RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) concentration (10-400 μM), and RGD presentation (0.2-4.7 RGDs per HA molecule). All variables were found to affect gene transfer to mouse mensenchymal stem cells culture inside the DNA loaded hydrogels. As expected, higher N/P ratios lead to higher gene transfer efficiency but also higher toxicity; softer hydrogels resulted in higher transgene expression than stiffer hydrogels, and an intermediate RGD concentration and RGD clustering resulted in higher transgene expression. We believe that the knowledge gained through this in vitro model can be utilized to design better scaffold-mediated gene delivery for local gene therapy.
Frequency offset and I/Q imbalance compensation for direct-conversion receivers

Two types of wireless system imperfections, namely, frequency offset and in-phase/quadrature (I/Q) imbalance, are addressed in this paper. The I/Q imbalance in radio frequency (RF) direct-conversion not only introduces an unwanted in-band image interference but also degrades the accuracy of carrier estimation. Toward this end, we propose a pilot-based scheme for both frequency offset and I/Q imbalance compensation at the baseband. A low-cost nonlinear least squares (NLS) frequency estimator robust to the I/Q imbalance is developed. Also derived is an I/Q imbalance compensation structure that consists of two stages: a finite impulse response (FIR) filter that compensates the frequency dependent imbalance; and an asymmetric phase compensator that corrects the frequency independent error. The compensation coefficients are optimized by exploiting the phase rotation embedded in the pilot symbols. Both computer simulations and experiment results verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in various I/Q imbalance scenarios.
Action potentials in basal and oblique dendrites of rat neocortical pyramidal neurons.

Basal and oblique dendrites comprise ∼2/3 of the total excitable membrane in the mammalian cerebral cortex, yet they have never been probed with glass electrodes, and therefore their electrical properties and overall impact on synaptic processing are unknown. In the present study, fast multi-site voltage-sensitive dye imaging combined with somatic recording was used to provide a detailed description of the membrane potential transients in basal and oblique dendrites of pyramidal neurons during single and trains of action potentials (APs). The optical method allowed simultaneous measurements from several dendrites in the visual field up to 200 μm from the soma, thus providing a unique report on how an AP invades the entire dendritic tree. In contrast to apical dendrites, basal and oblique branches: (1) impose very little amplitude and time course modulation on backpropagating APs; (2) are strongly invaded by the somatic spike even when somatic firing rates reach 40 Hz (activity-independent backpropagation); and (3) do not exhibit signs of a ‘calcium shoulder’ on the falling phase of the AP. A compartmental model incorporating AP peak latencies and half-widths obtained from the apical, oblique and basal dendrites indicates that the specific intracellular resistance (Ri) is less than 100 Ω cm. The combined experimental and modelling results also provide evidence that all synaptic locations along basal and oblique dendrites, situated within 200 μm from the soma, experience strong and near-simultaneous (latency < 1 ms) voltage transients during somatic firing. The cell body, axon hillock and basal dendritic compartments achieve unique synchronization during each AP. Therefore, with respect to a retrograde signal (AP), basal and proximal oblique dendrites should be considered as an integral part of the axo-somatic compartment.
Overexpression of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Causes Multiple Reproductive Defects in Transgenic Mice

Human CG is a pregnancy marker secreted by the placenta, and it utilizes the same receptors as does LH. Human CG is a heterodimer, and its subunits are expressed in tissues other than placenta. Similarly, LH/hCG receptors are also expressed in multiple tissues; however, the physiological significance of this expression is unknown. Free hCGb is efficiently secreted in vitro in transfected cells and is highly expressed in many human cancers; however, the biological effects of free hCGb in vivo are unknown. To study in vivo consequences of elevated levels of free hCGb and hCG dimer in both male and female reproductive physiology, we used mouse metallothionein 1 promoter to generate multiple lines of transgenic mice that overexpressed either one or both subunits of hCG. Although mice expressing the glycoprotein hormone a subunit are normal and fertile, both male and female transgenic mice overexpressing only the hormone-specific hCGb subunit are infertile. The hCGb subunit-expressing transgenic female mice progressively develop cystic ovaries, whereas the male transgenic mice are infertile but otherwise are not phenotypically discernible. In contrast, both the male and female transgenic mice coexpressing high levels of the hCG subunits (i.e., the hCG dimer) demonstrate multiple reproductive defects. The male transgenic mice have Leydig cell hyperplasia, very high levels of serum testosterone, reduced testis size, and dramatically enlarged seminal vesicles and are infertile and display overly aggressive behavior when caged with females. The female transgenic mice are also infertile, have elevated levels of serum estradiol, and progressively develop hemorrhagic and cystic ovaries with thecal layer enlargement and stromal cell proliferation and degenerating kidneys. These results suggest that the in vivo biological effects of ectopically expressed free hCGb subunit are distinct from those of the hCG dimer and are gender specific. These transgenic mice are useful models for studying the biology of free hCGb subunit, for further analyzing the gain of function effects of hCG during early Leydig cell development, and for studying the roles of hCG in ovarian and kidney pathophysiology and function.
The Importance of Defining Theory in Nursing: Is There a Common Denominator?

Identifying what theory is and how nursing as a discipline defines it, is of concern. This lack of consensus proves especially daunting when disseminating knowledge not only to nurses but others as well. If the profession is not able to articulate the foundation of theory, it is in a sorry state. By reviewing and critiquing the invited column perhaps nurses may establish what a theory is and how theory should be utilized in nursing. In order to differentiate theory from concepts, it is critical that theory developers are consistent.
The partitioned scheduling of sporadic tasks according to static-priorities

A polynomial-time algorithm is presented for partitioning a collection of sporadic tasks among the processors of an identical multiprocessor platform with static-priority scheduling on each individual processor. Since the partitioning problem is easily seen to be NP-hard in the strong sense, this algorithm is not optimal. A quantitative characterization of its worst-case performance is provided in terms of sufficient conditions and resource augmentation approximation bounds. The partitioning algorithm is also evaluated over randomly generated task systems.
Adaptive Notch Filter with time-frequency tracking of continuously changing frequencies

We propose in this paper a novel modification of the popular Adaptive Notch Filter (ANF) to improve the tracking of time-varying frequencies. Unlike previous algorithms, our new method incorporates a modeling of frequency variation directly into the cost minimization procedure. Our results show a notable improvement in the frequency estimation performance over earlier methods, and comparisons over a few examples show the general effectiveness of our approach.
The anterior pituitary-grafted rat: a valid model of chronic hyperprolactinemia.

TRANSPLANTATION of the rat anterior pituitary gland to the kidney capsule results in a state of chronic hyperprolactinemia. For more than 35 yr two versions of this model have been used to study the functions of PRL. Autotransplantation of the pituitary to the kidney capsule induces hyperprolactinemia, but growth, GH secretion, and other anterior pituitary functions are diminished. Nonhypophysectomized rats implanted with anterior pituitary glands from littermate donors also have excess circulating PRL levels, but growth, GH secretion, and thyroid function remain normal. In the intact pituitary-grafted male rat, gonadal testosterone secretion is maintained despite diminished gonadotropin secretion. One shortcoming of the intact pituitary-grafted rat is glucocorticoid excess, the mechanism of which is unclear. However, adrenalectomy with adrenal steroid replacement of pituitary-grafted rats provides an animal model that appears to have one abnormality only, excess PRL secretion. This animal preparation com...
Alternative Modes of Organellar Segregation during Sporulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Formation of ascospores in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is driven by an unusual cell division in which daughter nuclei are encapsulated within de novo-formed plasma membranes, termed prospore membranes. Generation of viable spores requires that cytoplasmic organelles also be captured along with nuclei. In mitotic cells segregation of mitochondria into the bud requires a polarized actin cytoskeleton. In contrast, genes involved in actin-mediated transport are not essential for sporulation. Instead, efficient segregation of mitochondria into spores requires Ady3p, a component of a protein coat found at the leading edge of the prospore membrane. Other organelles whose mitotic segregation is promoted by actin, such as the vacuole and the cortical endoplasmic reticulum, are not actively segregated during sporulation but are regenerated within spores. These results reveal that organellar segregation into spores is achieved by mechanisms distinct from those in mitotic cells.
Effect of copper deficiency on erythrocyte membrane proteins of rats.

The effects of copper deficiencyon the proteins of rat erythrocytemembranes were assessed by electrophoretic analysis. For 42 d, rats were fed diets containing <1 ppm Cu with 35 or 250 ppm Fe or 5 ppm Cu with 35 or 250 ppm Fe. Dectrophoresis of erythrocyte membrane proteins indicated a significant increase in the amount of a 170,000-dalton protein in rats fed copper-deficient diets. High dietary iron reduced the amount of the 170,000-dalton protein in erythrocyte membranes from rats in both the copper-deficient and copper-adequate groups. However, feeding high dietary iron to copper-deficient rats did not reduce the amount of the protein to the level found in rats fed the copper-adequate diet containing 35 ppm Fe. Triton X-100 extraction of erythrocyte membranes demonstrated that the 170,000-dalton protein was associated with the membrane cytoskeleton. Thus, copper deficiency possibly alters the cell's mechanical properties and consequently decreases erythrocyte survivability by modifying the membrane cytoskeleton. J. Nutr. 117: 1085-1090, 1987.
Data exploration tools for the Gene Ontology database

Motivation: To improve the ability of biologists (both researchers and students) to ask biologically interesting questions of the Gene Ontology (GO) database and to explore the ontologies by seeing large portions of the ontology graphs in context, along with details of individual terms in the ontologies. Results: GoGet and GoView are two new tools built as part of an extensible web application system based on Java 2 Enterprise Edition technology. GoGet has a user interface that enables users to ask biologically interesting questions, such as (1) What are the DNA binding proteins involved in DNA repair, but not in DNA replication? and (2) Of the terms containing the word triphosphatase, which have associated gene products from mouse, but not fruit fly? The results of such queries can be viewed in a collapsed tabular format that eases the burden of getting through large tables of data. GoView enables users to explore the large directed acyclic graph structure of the ontologies in the GO database. The two tools are coordinated, so that results from queries in GoGet can be visualized in GoView in the ontology in which they appear, and explorations started from GoView can request details of gene product associations to appear in a result table in GoGet. Availability: Free access to the GoGet query tool and free download of the GoView ontology viewer are provided to all users at http://db.math.macalester.edu/goproject. In addition, source code for the GoView tool is also available from this site, along with a user manual for both tools.
Clothes washing simulations

Better washing machine designs and operation could reduce energy and water usage and extend cloth life. Washing machine studies have been traditionally empirical, since laundering typically involves complex motion of many cloth pieces in an inhomogeneous (fluid, cloth, detergent, agitator) setting. This paper presents a physics-based model of fully-submerged clothes washing in two- and three-dimensions. Multiple cloth pieces are modeled as thin elastic plates with tensile, shear, bending, and torsional stiffness, while the wash fluid is modeled with the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. The fluid–cloth interaction is modeled via an immersed boundary method, and complex two- and three-dimensional agitator geometries are simulated with a Cartesian domain-mapping technique. The simulations have relatively coarse resolution that does not resolve all length scales for typical washing machine operating conditions. Hence, the converged results shown here are for moderate Reynolds numbers (Re). The simulation results include cloth stresses, torque on the wash basket, and the motion and deformation of the submerged cloth pieces. Specifically, the 3-D results show that the cloth stresses increase and the torque exerted on the outer wash basket decreases with increasing Re. The simulations examine how cloth motions differ with Reynolds number and cloth loading. The results reveal that for an agitator-driven 3-D wash geometry at higher Re, cloth pieces near the agitator at the bottom of the wash basket are first pushed by centrifugal force towards the outer stationary walls of the wash basket, then rise towards the top surface where they return to the axis of rotation and then sink towards the agitator. The variation of the center of mass positions of the cloth pieces are shown to increase for higher Re operating conditions.
Fast neutron spectroscopy using the yale electron linac and a new nanosecond time-of-flight system

Abstract The Yale electron linac has been modified to provide pulses ⪷10 ns wide and ⪸1.5 A peak current. The useful range of electron energy is from 10 to 70 MeV. A time-to-time converter and synchronized oscillator provide a flexible timing system with channel widths between 2 and 10 ns. An overall resolution of 0.2 ns/m is achieved. The favorable ratio of signal-to-background observed for the system permits investigations of a wide range of fast neutron experiments previously the prerogative of Van de Graaff accelerators. The differential elastic scattering of neutrons from the 12C(n,n)12C reaction has been measured with high resolution at several angles for energies between 1 and 10 MeV. As a further example, polarization effects in the yield of photoneutrons from the giant dipole resonance region of the 16 O (γ, n ) 15 O reaction have been studied by left-right scattering from a 12C analyser.
NUMERICAL PREDICTION OF LOCAL TEMPERATURE AND CURRENT DENSITY IN A PEM FUEL CELL

The heat generation inside polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells affects fuel cell performance significantly. A numerical model for three-dimensional single fuel cell is developed by including the energy equation and the phase change aspects. A control volume approach is used and source terms for species transport equations, heat generation, and phase change model are introduced to incorporate the coupled flow physics in commercial flow solvers. Details of local current density distribution and temperature profiles are obtained and predictions from this model are compared with previous conclusions. The results reveal that the water evaporation and condensation generated by temperature change in fuel cell control humidity of the membrane and vary the local current density value. Further, the temperature distributions are dependent on the amount of heat generation created by electrical losses and water phase change. The predictions also present that the performance of the fuel cell relies not only on the inlet humidity condition but also on the temperature change inside the fuel cell. NOMENCLATURE aK activity of water in stream K, dimensionless Acv specific surface area of the control volume (c.v.), m -1 C condensation rate (s -1 ) CwK concentration of water vapor at K interface of the membrane, mol m -3
Quality Assurance in China: The Changing Context

Since 2003, China has assessed undergraduate education at hundreds of campuses. The overall result has been greater attention to and investment in teaching by the universities involved, although experience has identified some shortcomings in the process. The Ministry of Education has addressed some of these problem areas, including vague indicators, data fraud, and a "one size fits all" approach that was inappropriate for some institutions. Overall, the process demonstrates both decentralization and the continuing involvement of the central government.
Genetic Relationships Among Florida Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Populations

Genetic differentiation among six Florida populations of Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) was determined using protein and random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) markers. Proteins were separated by electrophoresis and stained with silver stain and for α-naphthylacetate esterase activity. No differentiation was observed among populations when egg proteins were silver stained: α-naphthylacetate esterase activity differentiated five of the six populations. RAPD-PCR data showed significant differentiation among populations, consistent with the hypothesis of three independent introductions of D. abbreviatus into Florida. Our data indicate that D. abbreviatus populations, once introduced, have generally remained in one locality with limited dispersal to new areas.
Fugitive Slaves, Midwestern Racial Tolerance, and the Value of 'Justice Delayed'

Despite the importance of swift justice, there are times when justice delayed can be justice acquired. This Article examines two cases that explore the problem of delaying justice in the context of fugitive slave renditions in the antebellum Midwest.A careful reexamination of legal developments and cases in the antebellum North shows far greater complexity and ambiguity in Northern race relations than the generally bleak picture that scholars paint. The cases detailed in this article underscore the point that the North was far less racist than many scholars have claimed, and in the process tell us something about the meaning of race and race relations in antebellum America and in our own times as well.