cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Northern hemisphere Martian gullies and mantled terrain: Implications for near-surface water migration in Mars' recent past

[1] We report on a systematic study of gullies and mantled terrain in the northern hemisphere of Mars. Consistent with previous work, the mantled terrain is generally located on poleward-facing slopes, and gullies are found at all orientations. New results are as follows: (1) The range of orientations of mantled terrain increases toward the pole, (2) near-polar gullies are commonly less morphologically developed compared to ones in the temperate latitudes, (3) gullies toward the pole are better preserved than those closer to the equator, and (4) these studies are conducted in the northern hemisphere, whereas most previous work investigated the south. No gully model in the literature cleanly fits all these observations (nor any other gully observations reported in other papers). However, the likely effects of obliquity and precession variations on snow formation, preservation, and melting are consistent with many of the results.
Hereditary multiple epiphysial dysplasia.

Summary Clinical, radiological and genetic observations are described in a kindred with multiple epiphysial dysplasia, a hereditary disturbance in growth and development of multiple epiphyses. Blood grouping studies failed to show linkage with the trait in this family.
Validation of the UPPS Impulsive Behaviour Scale: a Four-factor Model of Impulsivity

The current study attempts to clarify the multi-faceted nature of impulsivity through the use of the four-factor UPPS Impulsive Behaviour scale. In order to build the nomological network surrounding this scale, the UPPS was administered to individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), pathological gamblers (PG), alcohol abusers (divided into two groups based on the presence of antisocial features), and a control group. Several of the UPPS scales (e.g. Urgency, lack of Premeditation, and Sensation Seeking) differentiated the BPD, PG, and alcohol abusers with antisocial features from a group of non-antisocial alcohol abusers and a control group. Overall, the UPPS scales accounted for between 7% (pathological gambling) and 64% (borderline personality disorder features) of the overall variance in the psychopathology measures. Individual UPPS scales also made unique contributions to several of these disorders, which may provide insight into which of these personality traits may predispose individuals to behave in maladaptive or problematic ways. The results provide support for the differentiation of impulsivity-related constructs into the current four-factor model. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and Optimization of a High Force Neodymium Iron Boron based Magnetic Tweezers Device using Finite Element Analysis

We present the design and characterization of a high force magnetic tweezers device that can apply controlled forces to magnetic beads embedded into soft materials or biological systems, while visualizing the resultant material deformation with microscopy. Using finite element analysis (FEA), we determined the effect of the geometry of the NdFeB magnet array, as well as the geometry of iron yokes designed to focus the magnetic fields. Sixteen shape parameters including the magnet size, positioning and yoke curvature were defined and modeled using open-source magnetic FEA software. Parameter sweeps were performed using custom-written Matlab code. Geometries were optimized for the magnitude of the magnetic field gradient and the length scale over which the magnetic force operated. Once an optimal design was identified, the yoke was fabricated in-house and the FEA validated by mapping the device's magnetic field. To demonstrate the usefulness of this approach, we produced a magnetic tweezers device designed for use with optical microscopes available in a core imaging facility. The application demanded device portability and the ability to interface with a number of microscopes, thus imposing significant size restrictions on the magnets used. Iterative FEA delivered an optimal magnet-yoke geometry, which could be mounted to a carriage that advances or retracts on command, giving the operator fine control over the applied force. Such automation allows for rapid force switching, and also allows the effects of long periods of cyclical loading to be determined. In future work, such an FEA approach could easily be adapted to a range of design goals/restrictions to create an efficient means of testing possible magnet configurations, while streamlining the design and construction of specialized instrumentation for force-sensitive microscopy.
Transients in cylindrical antennae

The transient response of the radiation field of a driven cylindrical antenna is investigated for the particular case of a step-function excitation. The theoretical analysis makes use of Fourier's theorem to express the response as an integral over the response to all individual frequency components. The response as a function of time shows damped oscillations with a frequency determined by the first resonance frequency of the antenna. The response of the same antenna used as a receiver in a transient plane wave field is shown to be related to the radiation response by a simple integration process. By proper loading of the dipole, transient times of the order of the time needed for wave to travel along the dipole axis can be obtained. An experimental investigation is described in which the reception of a transient field due to a shock-excited distant transmitter is observed.
Development of Biodegradable Polymer Scaffolds Using Co-Extrusion

A methodology for the preparation of porous scaffolds for tissue engineering using co-extrusion is presented. Poly(e-caprolactone) is blended with poly(ethylene oxide) in a twin-screw extruder to form a two-phase material with micrometer-sized domains. Selective dissolution of the poly(ethylene oxide) with water results in a porous material. This method of polymer extrusion permits the preparation of scaffolds having continuous void space and controlled characteristic length scales without the use of potentially toxic organic solvents. A range of blend volume fractions results in co-continuous networks of polymer and void spaces. Annealing studies demonstrate that the characteristic pore size may be increased to larger than 100 μm. The mechanical properties of the scaffolds are characterized by a compressive modulus on the order of 1 MPa at low strains and approximately 10 MPa at higher strains. The results of osteoblast seeding suggest it is possible to use co-extrusion to prepare polymer scaffolds without the introduction of toxic contaminants.
Laser-target interactions and its effect in controlling properties of laser-deposited superconducting thin films

Singh, Deepika Bhattacharya and Paul H. HollowayDepartment of Materials Science and EngineeringUniversity of Florida Gainesville, Fl 32611-2066ABSTRACT.The nature of evaporation/ablation characteristics during pulsed laserdeposition strongly controls the quality of laser-deposited films. To understand theorigin of particulates in laser deposited films, we have simulated the thermalhistory of YBa2Cu3O7 targets under intense nanosecond laser irradiation bynumerically solving the heat flow equation with appropriate boundary conditions.During planar surface evaporation of the target material, the sub-surfacetemperatures were calculated to be higher than the surface temperatures. While theevaporating surface of the target is constantly being cooled due to the latent heatof vaporization, sub-surface superheating occurs due to the finite absorption depthof the laser beam. Sub—surface superheating was found to increase with decreasingabsorption coefficient and thermal conductivity of the target, and with increasingenergy density. The superheating may lead to sub—surface nucleation and growth ofthe gaseous phase which can expand rapidly leading to microexplosions and "volumeexpulsion" of material from the target. Experiments conducted by us and otherresearch groups suggest a strong relation between degree of sub-surface superheatingand particle density in laser—deposited films.
Do Soup Kitchen Meals Contribute to Suboptimal Nutrient Intake & Obesity in the Homeless Population?

The double burden of suboptimal nutrient intake and obesity exists when available foods lack essential nutrients to promote health and provide high amounts of energy. This study evaluated the nutrition content of 41 meals served to the homeless at 3 urban soup kitchens. The mean nutrient content of all meals and of meals from each of the kitchens was compared to two-thirds of the estimated average requirement (EAR). The mean nutrient content of the meals did not provide two-thirds of the EAR for energy, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, dietary fiber, or calcium but provided 11.8% of calories from saturated fat. On average one meal did not meet homeless individuals' estimated requirements; however, 2 meals did meet estimated requirements but provided inadequate fiber and high amounts of energy, saturated fat, and sodium. Soup kitchen meals may contribute to the high prevalence of obesity and chronic disease reported in the homeless, food insecure population.
Mixed mesodermal tumor of the uterus (RJ-984): Case report and in vitro study

This report describes the establishment of a cell line of a human uterine mixed mesodermal tumor. The tumor of origin derived from a hysterectomy specimen, has been maintained for 14 months in vitro and continues to grow as an established cell line. The original tumor as well as the cell line exhibited no estrogen receptors. alpha-Fetoprotein was not detected in the cultured cells or in the spent culture medium. Karyotyping revealed 46 XX chromosome complement with a balanced 11-16 translocation. This is the first documentation of such a chromosome abnormality in a genital tract carcinoma. Steroids inhibited cell growth at high (10.0 micrograms/ml) concentrations. This cell line continues to be studied and further characterized. The cell line is readily available for study of this aggressive human neoplasm.
Level of Aspiration in Coronary Prone and Noncoronary Prone Adults

It was hypothesized that the competitive achievement striving of the Type A individual would result in his showing a consistent pattern of overaspiration on an experimental series of puzzles despite his early experiences with failure on this goal setting task. Subjects were classified as either Type A or Type B according to their respective placement in the upper or lower third of a JAS score distribution. Comparisons of goal setting behavior indicated that whereas Type As displayed no difference in total puzzle performance, they did maintain a significantly higher level of aspiration, attainment discrepancy and goal discrepancy than did the Bs. The experimental hypothesis implicating a pattern of inordinately high goal striving as a behavioral manifestation of the Type A coronary prone pattern was, therefore, confirmed. Implications of this goal setting preference for the general behavior of Type As are discussed.
Pairwise comparisons of the means of skewed data

Abstract This paper considers the problem of pairwise comparisons of the means of skewed data with special emphasis on log-normal distributions. Bootstrap procedures are proposed to approximate the sampling distribution of the pivotal statistic generating the simultaneous confidence sets of the pairwise differences. The operating characteristics of the proposed methods are compared with the widely used Bonferroni pairwise procedure in a simulation study. A clinical example is used to illustrate the proposed procedures.
Further kinetics studies of intermediates formed by flash photolysis of Mo(CO)6

Abstract Kinetics studies of the behavior of Mo(CO) 5 (CH) in the presence of radical initiators were conducted in cyclohexane (CH) solution by laser flash photolysis with time-resolved infrared detection. Activation parameters were determined for reactions of Mo(CO) 5 (CH) with toluene and with photochemical radical generator dibenzylketone (DBK) in the presence of excess CO.
Choatic Pulsations in Stellar Modelsa

The irregular behavior of large-amplitude pulsating stars undergoing radial oscillations is examined theoretically, with a focus on hydrodynamic simulations of the W Virginis population II Cepheids (stars which show both regular and RV Tau characteristics). Sequences of models are constructed as one-parameter families (with luminosity, mass, and composition fixed and Teff as the control parameter) and analyzed to derive a systematic map of the bifurcation set; i.e., of the possible types of pulsations. The results are presented graphically, and it is shown that both cascades of period doubling (via destabilization of an overtone through a half-integer-type resonance) and tangent bifurcation are possible routes to chaos in these systems, depending on the stellar parameters. The general robustness of the chaotic behavior and the existence of a 'chaotic blue edge' in stellar-parameter space are demonstrated. 55 refs.
Psychological Theories of Violence

Psychology, as a discipline, largely attributes the causes of aggression, especially extreme or chronic criminal violence, to individual and familial dysfunction or pathology. The pathways to violence are considered at an individual level that includes internal characteristics of perpetrators, their immediate circumstances, and the type of violence committed. This literature review provides an overview of larger theoretical models for understanding violence, which can facilitate the integration of multiple psychological constructs from varying schools of thought. From that general overview, theories of violence were separated into two major categories: violence as a condition of human nature (including psychobiological and temperamental vulnerabilities and violence as an instinct) and violence as the consequence of a damaged psyche (including five interrelated processes: self-regulation; attachment and relationships; the role of shame; self-concept and self-esteem; and learning and cognitive theories).
Frustrated polarization fiber Sagnac interferometer displacement sensor

In an optical fiber Sagnac interferometer, a fiber coupler splits the light into two paths that are connected to the opposite ends of a fiber loop. Because the clockwise path and the anticlockwise path see the same environment, the interferometer is always balanced. For measuring rotation and displacement, we place a small loop of a calculated length in the fiber that causes the polarization to be different for the clockwise and anticlockwise paths, thus frustrating the interferometer and reducing the output signal by an amount dependent on the rotation of the small coil. The top of the coil is displaced sideways on rotation.
Dynamics of thematic activation in recognition testing

Two experiments investigated the effects of spreading semantic activation during a recognition test. In Experiment 1, activation spreading during testing from words that were thematic associates of unstudied critical words yielded a linear increase in false alarms to such critical words as the number of tested associates increased, regardless of whether the theme appeared during study or whether any thematic processing occurred during study at all. In Experiment 2, the number of tested associates was held constant, and false alarms to critical words from unstudied themes increased linearly with the strength of association between the critical word and its tested associates, consistent with predictions of spreading-activation theory. For studied themes, however, testing weaker or stronger associates yielded similar rates of such false alarms, contrary to spreading-activation theory. These results suggest that test-induced thematic priming is driven by spreading activation for unstudied themes but by thematic reactivation for studied themes.
The discriminative efficiency of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development.

This sudy was designed to determine the discriminative efficiency of the Bayley Mental and Motor Scales for classifying infants as neurologically suspicious and neurologically normal. The two groups employed in the study were formed on the basis of the results from comprehensive neurological examinations performed at ages 1 and 7. Three discriminant function analyses were conducted, one for each scale separately and a third incorporating both scales using a stepwise procedure. Efficiency was measured in terms of number of correct and incorrect classifications, false positive and false negative errors, and validity coefficients. Comparisons among the analyses were examined by means of relative discriminative power and incremental validity. The findings suggested that the Motor Scale provides the most accurate identification of infants with suspected neurological impairments. A statistically significant likelihood discriminant function derived from both scales yielded some additional discriminative power. The law of parsimony, however, dictated the use of the single Motor Scale.
Service needs of severely disturbed children.

BACKGROUND: As one piece of a statewide Children's Mental Health System Analysis conducted in Washington State, the specific service needs of severely emotionally disturbed children were investigated. METHODS: The primary case-workers of 3398 children under the care of the state responded to a survey of the child's treatment history, social and clinical condition, and service needs. Service need data on the 2455 children in the sample who were classifiable as severely emotionally disturbed were examined using log linear analysis. RESULTS: School- and home-based services were frequently reported needs of school-aged children. Adolescent children were reported to be in need of services which prepare them for adulthood. Services endorsed for female children tended to focus on assistance to family members, therapy, and protection, whereas services endorsed for male children focused on home removal, substance abuse treatment, and preparation for employment. CONCLUSIONS: Severely emotionally disturbed children ...
Investigation of sloughed corneal epithelial cells collected by non-invasive irrigation of the corneal surface

This paper reports the development of a non-contact corneal irrigation chamber (NC-CIC) which enables non-invasive collection of epithelial cells from the corneal surface of human subjects. Cells were viewed by fluorescence microscopy following vital staining with acridine orange (AO). Staining characteristics revealed two corneal epithelial cell types: cells with (i) green and (ii) orange-red cytoplasmic staining. The green cytoplasmic stain appeared to indicate a more viable cell. Multi-cell aggregates were regularly collected from the corneal epithelial surface. Groups of up to seven epithelial cells were obtained. Quantitative studies of corneal epithelial cell sloughing, using isotonic NaCl (305 mOsm/kg) and isotonic “basic tear solution” (BTS, 305 mOsm/kg) as irrigating solutions, involving hourly irrigations between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. were conducted. Consistently higher cell counts were obtained with NaCl. Using BTS, data scatter was reduced sufficiently to reveal significant differences in sloughin...
Bradykinin receptor-like binding studied with iodinated analogues.

Abstract The biological potencies of iodinated derivatives of Tyr1 kallidin, Tyr5 bradykinin, and Tyr8 bradykinin were determined on isolated rat uteri and bovine uterine strips. Monoiodotyr1 kallidin was the most potent of the derivatives (0.9 times as active as bradykinin on rat uterus). Monoiodotyr8 bradykinin was 0.2 and iodotyr5 bradykinin was less than 0.001 times as active as bradykinin. Using mono-[125I]-Tyr1 kallidin as a receptor probe, we demonstrated receptor-like binding in a subcellular fraction from bovine myometrium. Binding of bradykinin showed an apparent Kassoc. of 1010 M−1, and was highly specific. The optimum pH for saturable binding of [125I]-Tyr1 kallidin to the homogenized myometrium was 6.0 to 6.5. Several cations inhibited binding, with calcium the most effective ( id 50 = 20 mM ), and potassium the least effective ( id 50 = 220 mM ). The problems encountered in using radioactive bradykinins to search for and study receptors in bradykinin target tissues are discussed.
Facial nerve stimulation and postparotidectomy facial paresis.

Abstract Objective We sought to evaluate the association of intraoperative facial nerve stimulation and postoperative facial nerve paresis/paralysis. Study design and setting Eighty-nine consecutive patients who underwent parotidectomy by a single surgeon were retrospectively analyzed for age, gender, size of tumor, tumor histology, and intraoperative use of a facial nerve stimulator. Results Facial paresis developed in 22% (10 of 46) of the patients who were stimulated and 22% (5 of 23) of the nonstimulated patients. These results were not statistically significant ( P = 1.0000). There was no permanent paralysis in either group. The tumor type and size and gender and age of the patient did not affect the outcome. Conclusion There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative facial nerve paresis or paralysis between the stimulated and nonstimulated patients. Routine use of a stimulator is not necessary during parotid surgery because its use does not prevent or promote facial nerve injury.
A Mechanism-Based Approach to Prevention of and Therapy for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by pain referred to deep tissues. Diagnosis and treatment of FMS are complicated by a variable coexistence with regional pain, fatigue, sleep disruption, difficulty with mentation, and depression. The widespread, deep pain of FMS can be a consequence of chronic psychological stress with autonomic dysregulation. Stress acts centrally to facilitate pain and acts peripherally, via sympathetic vasoconstriction, to establish painful muscular ischemia. FMS pain, with or without a coexistent regional pain condition, is stressful, setting up a vicious circle of reciprocal interaction. Also, stress interacts reciprocally with systems of control over depression, mentation, and sleep, establishing FMS as a multiple-system disorder. Thus, stress and the ischemic pain it generates are fundamental to the multiple disorders of FMS, and a therapeutic procedure that attenuates stress and peripheral vasoconstriction should be highly beneficial for FMS. Physical exercise has been shown to counteract peripheral vasoconstriction and to attenuate stress, depression, and fatigue and improve mentation and sleep quality. Thus, exercise can interrupt the reciprocal interactions between psychological stress and each of the multiple-system disorders of FMS. The large literature supporting these conclusions indicates that exercise should be considered strongly as a first-line approach to FMS therapy.
Origin of the multiple forms of alcohol dehydrogenase from Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract The three forms of alcohol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.1) within a given strain of Drosophila melanogaster are composed of similar, if not identical, peptide chains as shown by amino acid analysis and peptide fingerprinting. After feeding [carbonyl-14C]nicotinamide to flies, label is associated with only two of the three forms in the ratio 1:2. Similarly, a fluorescent compound is associated with the same two forms. After purification of this compound and characterization of it by thin layer chromatography and mass spectroscopy, we conclude that the multiple forms of Drosophila alcohol dehydrogenase appear to be caused by the noncovalent binding of 1 and 2 mol of an NAD-carbonyl compound addition complex to the enzyme.
Lesser known relatives of miRNA.

Since the discovery of RNAi (RNA interference) major attention has focused on studying miRNA (microRNA) and siRNA (small interfering RNA). However, within the last few years, several other small ncRNAs (non-coding RNAs) have been discovered and thus various newer acronyms representing these ‘other’ classes of small ncRNAs have populated the literature. Of these, piRNA (Piwi-interacting RNA) has been gaining importance because of its role as the guardian of the germline genome. Some of the other newly discovered small ncRNAs have been mostly reported in plants, and they are yet to be studied more comprehensively. Nevertheless, piRNA and the ‘other’ small ncRNAs deserve some discussion because they are members of the increasingly large family of small ncRNAs.
Improved evaluation of geo-registration algorithms for airborne EO/IR imagery

When EO/IR imagery is collected from an aerial platform, geo-registration (estimating the geo-detic coordinates of pixels within an image) is one of the key algorithms used for image and video exploitation. Unfortunately, the performance of geo-registration algorithms is difficult to evaluate due to variabilities in the quality and type of input data. In addition, previous evaluation approaches require large amounts of human intervention, leading to small amounts of quantitative data. We describe a new methodology and associated software used to evaluate and compare geo-registration algorithms in a more automated fashion. This methodology enables several thousand points to be tested as part of an evaluation. Results are presented on a study between several different geo-registration algorithms, demonstrating the utility of this new evaluation approach. Lessons learned on geo-registration performance are discussed.
Alone? Percieved social support and chronic interpersonal difficulties in suicidal elders

Background: Social networks may protect depressed elders against suicidal behavior. However, conflict in important relationships may undermine the sense of social support, potentially negating the protective effects. Thus, we investigated the role of chronic interpersonal difficulties and perceived social support in depressed elders with and without suicidal thoughts and attempts.Methods: 106 individuals aged 60 years and older participated in this cross-sectional, case-control study. They were placed in three groups: suicidal depressed, non-suicidal depressed and non-depressed. Following a detailed clinical characterization, we assessed perceived social support (Interpersonal Support Evaluation List), and chronic interpersonal difficulties (Inventory of Interpersonal Problems). Using general linear models, we explored the relationship between suicidal thoughts/attempts, social support, and chronic interpersonal difficulties. We also examined whether lower perceived social support explained the relationship between chronic interpersonal difficulties and suicidal thoughts/attempts.Results: Suicidal depressed elders reported the lowest levels of perceived social support (belonging, tangible support, and self-esteem) and higher levels of chronic interpersonal difficulties (struggle against others and interpersonal hostility), compared to both non-suicidal depressed and non-depressed elders. The relationship between chronic interpersonal difficulties and suicidal behavior was partially explained by low perceived social support.Conclusions: The experience of strong affects, interpersonal struggle, and hostility in relationships may undermine the sense of social support in depressed elders, possibly leading them to contemplate or attempt suicide. Depressed elders with a history of interpersonal difficulties need to be carefully monitored for suicidal behavior. Language: en
Basic needs : premises and promises

The objective of a basic needs approach is to provide opportunities for the full development of the individual. The essence of the case for the basic needs approach is that the gap between requirements and actual living levels can be filled sooner, and with fewer resources, than it can be by alternative routes. The approach encompasses the need for self-determination, self-reliance, political freedom, and cultural identity. Although it is sometimes argued that basic needs is an ideological concept that conceals a call for revolution, such an interpretation can be justified neither historically nor analytically. Developing countries are apprehensive lest a basic needs approach adopted by donors implies sacrificing features of the New International Economic Order (NIEO). The conflict can be avoided, however, by allowing the latter to move within its framework of institutions, processes, and rules to control unfair international competion and allowing the former to build upon developing countries' newly developed self-reliance. Research will have to concentrated in the areas of the technology of public services, development administration, and development politics. 4 references.
The Design and Performance of GPS Phase II User Equipment Navigation Software

This paper describes the design of Navigation Software implemented for the family of GPS User Equipment developed by Rockwell-Collins for the USAF NAVSTAR GPS Phase IIB Program. The family consists of one channel, two channel and five channel sets. The goal of the software design was to maximize commonalty of software functions across the entire family while minimizing the modifications required for new applications. The one channel set is specifically targeted to the manpack/vehicular application, while the two and five channel sets are generic sets adaptable to many applications. Adaptation to a particular host vehicle requires modification of only an outer layer of software modules, leaving the core software—including the navigation function—intact. The one channel navigation function centers around an 8-state Kalman filter processing measurements from one satellite every second. The navigation function of the two and five channel sets is common to both families at the object code level and centers around a 12-state Kalman filter. This filter runs at 1 Hz in one of three basic modes, in conjunction with high iteration rate processing of host vehicle sensor data that enables the maintenance of a navigation solution close to real time. This solution is used to aid satellite signal acquisition and tracking and may be used by host vehicle subsystems. This paper also discusses certain special features such as adaptive process noise, under-determined operation, and handling of INS resets. It concludes with a sample of performance data from in-plant and field tests.
New methods for mass culture of Macrocystis pyrifera sporophytes

Abstract Efforts to establish a kelp bed on the Los Angeles harbor breakwater included mass culture and dispersal of juvenile Macrocystis sporophytes. To reduce costs and to utilize transferable substrate, methods were modified from those previously developed. Expenses for laboratory space, refrigeration, and water filtration were reduced. Diatom contamination was successfully controlled by washing cultures with turbulent seawater. Large numbers of juvenile sporophytes were produced and further reductions in cost seem possible.
Habituation in the green frog, Rana clamitans

Habituation and its role in the dear enemy effect was investigated in a population of green frogs, Rana clamitans. Green frogs have a prolonged breeding season, and males defend territories centered around suitable oviposition sites. We tested the prediction that male green frogs will habituate to broadcasts of synthetic conspecific stimuli. Our results indicate that male green frogs can discriminate familiar from unfamiliar stimuli. We suggest that habituation helps to mediate the territorial interactions between male green frogs. Strangers present a greater threat than familiar neighbors. By habituating to the advertisement vocalizations of their near neighbors, males avoid costly interactions with individuals that are not a major threat to their territories.
Micromechanical Deformation of Single-Crystal Alumina Surfaces

In the present study, the micromechanical properties of single-crystal A12O3 have been tested using a micromechanical depth-sensing testing device. A series of microscratches are produced on the annealed {0001}, {112¯0} sapphire specimens of special geometry. The scratches were positioned in pre-selected crystallographic directions, determined with the backreflection Laue method X-ray diffraction method. The microscratch tracks were examined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The main emphasis in the analysis of deformation structure of sapphire has been placed on the correlation of irregularities observed on load-displacement curves to the extent of elastically deformed regions, nucleation of the dislocations on the surface, unique nature of the crack-dislocation networks associated the sapphire anisotropic deformation behavior.
Mechanisms leading to progression of chronic renal injury: the interstitium

Abstract Progressive renal disease, regardless of the initiating insult, is characterized by glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis and vascular sclerosis. The severity of the tubulointerstitial fibrosis closely parallels the decline in renal function. Primary mechanisms of progressive scarring of the tubulointerstitium include up-regulated tubular expression of cytokines and extracellular matrix, adverse consequences of infiltrating macrophages, and possible epithelial–mesenchymal transdifferentiation, resulting in a profibrotic interstitial infiltrate. Better understanding of the mechanisms involved has the potential to result in the recognition of new targets for pharmacologic interventions.
The first century: a time to rejoice and a time to weep

The tragic two-thousand-year story of Jewish-Christian relations has its roots in the first century, when the two sides, governed by exclusive beliefs and experiences, found it impossible to sympathise and difficult to communicate with one another. The forces contributing to the growing rift were the different attitudes towards (or interpretations of) the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth and the destruction of the Temple in the year 70. The historical analysis of these tensions is a reminder that understanding, empathy, and communication are crucial if communities in conflict with one another are to make any progress in the direction of peaceful solutions.
Constitutive Phosphorylation of Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C Increases the Probability of Myosin Cross-bridge Interaction with Actin

Protein kinase A-mediated (PKA) phosphorylation of cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C) accelerates the kinetics of cross-bridge cycling and appears to relieve the tether-like constraint of myosin heads imposed by cMyBP-C (Colson et al., 2008, Circ Res., 103:244-251). We favor a mechanism in which phosphorylation of the 3 PKA sites in cMyBP-C modulates cross-bridge kinetics by regulating the proximity and interaction of myosin with actin. To test this idea, we used synchrotron low-angle x-ray diffraction and mechanical measurements in skinned myocardium isolated from a mouse model with phosphomimetic substitutions in cMyBP-C, i.e., the CTSD mouse. The substitutions were introduced by transgenic expression of cMyBP-C with Ser-to-Asp mutations on a cMyBP-C null background. Western blots showed that expression of CTSD cMyBP-C was 85% of wild-type (WT), and the heart weight to body weight ratio was similar (5.2 ± 0.2 mg/g) in CTSD and WT mice. Expression of WT cMyBP-C on the knockout background served as control (i.e., the CTWT mouse). Skinned myocardium from CTSD and CTWT mice exhibited similar maximum active forces (mN/mm2: 17.7 ± 3.7 vs 13.2 ± 2.9), Ca2+-sensitivities of force (pCa50: 5.55 ± 0.03 vs 5.58 ± 0.04), and maximum rates of force development (ktr, sec-1: 20.2 ± 1.7 vs 22.5 ± 1.9; kdf, sec-1: 37.6 ± 3.7 vs 43.2 ± 2.3). I11/I10 intensity ratios and d10 lattice spacings determined from equatorial reflections from CTSD and CTWT myocardium were used to determine the effect of constitutive cMyBP-C phosphorylation on the distribution of cross-bridge mass between the thick and thin filaments and on interfilament lattice spacing. The results suggest that interactions between cMyBP-C and the S2 domain of myosin heavy chain are dynamically regulated by phosphorylations in the cMyBP-C motif. (AHA-predoctoral fellowship (BAC); NIH-HL-R01-82900)
Population Structure of the Blueberry Pathogen Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi in the United States

The fungus Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi causes disease of blueberry (Vaccinium section Cyanococcus) shoots, flowers, and fruit. The objective of our research was to examine the population biology and genetics of M. vaccinii-corymbosi in the United States. A total of 480 samples of M. vaccinii-corymbosi were collected from 18 blueberry fields in 10 states; one field in Georgia, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington and nine fields in North Carolina. Analysis with 10 microsatellite markers revealed 247 unique multilocus haplotypes (MLHs), with 244 MLHs detected within 11 fields in the Northeast, Northwest, Midwest, and Southeast and three MLHs detected within seven fields in the Southeast United States. Genetic similarity and low genetic diversity of M. vaccinii-corymbosi isolates from the seven fields in the Southeast United States suggested the presence of an expansive, self-fertile population. Tests for linkage disequilibrium within 10 fields that conta...
Sustitución percutánea de válvula aórtica. Un enfoque multidisciplinario. la clave del éxito

Recently transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been offered to selected patients and results have been good. In Europe, for example, TAVI is an established, evidence-based, alternative to open aortic valve replacement for patients with aortic stenosis in whom conventional cardiac surgery would pose a high risk. Studies in the United States demonstrated that, in patients with severe aortic stenosis who are not candidates for surgery, TAVI using the Edwards SAPIEN valve resulted in significantly lower mortality than standard treatment. However, TAVI was associated with a nonsignificantly higher incidence of stroke and major vascular complications compared to standard aortic valve replacement. Moreover, when strokes and transient ischemic attacks were considered together, there was a significant benefit in favor of surgery at both 30 days and 1 year (P=.04). Clearly, optimal patient selection is critical for the success of TAVI. In addition, it has been shown that the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach improves outcomes in complex procedures like these. To ensure successful outcomes with TAVI, a multidisciplinary heart valve team must collaborate at all stages of the program: during screening, during and after the procedure, and throughout follow-up. In particular, patients should be screened for inclusion in a TAVI program by a member of the multidisciplinary team, and not by an external individual specialist. Moreover, the selection of candidates for treatment should involve consultation between the different disciplines (i.e. between cardiologists, surgeons, imaging specialists, anesthesiologists, pulmonologist, and other specialists, if necessary).
A mode I fracture analysis of a center-cracked infinite shape memory alloy plate under plane stress

The problem of a center plane crack in an infinite, thin, pseudoelastic Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) plate subjected to an in-plane uniform tensile stress at infinity is analyzed. The analysis follows closely the Dugdale–Barenblatt model developed for conventional metals. It is found for low remote stress values—less than a critical value—that the SMA is not fully transformed in the vicinity of a crack tip. Closed form expressions for the size of the partial transformation zone, crack opening displacement and J-integral are given for this case. For remote stress levels above the critical value, the fully-transformed material near a crack tip is assumed to yield plastically. The sizes of the transformed (both partially and fully) and plastic regions are numerically evaluated by solving a system of integral equations and their sensitivity to the transformation characteristics (i.e., maximum transformation strain and temperature) is determined. Moreover, a relationship between the J-integral and the crack-tip opening displacement is derived. The results obtained are important in understanding the effect of stress-induced phase transformation in the fracture behavior of SMAs in the presence of static cracks, and subsequently in formulating conditions for initiation of crack propagation.
Communication skills needed by persons in business organizations

While there exists a great deal of information regarding the importance of oral communication in the business organization, little has been written in recent years to identify those communication skills that are important for different organizational positions. This article reports the results of a study designed to identify those communication skills being used by college graduates who have been in a business organization for five years or less. This information can be used by educators in speech communication to deal with subject matter relevancy issues and provide some guidance for student career planning and training.
Multimode Waveguide Devices For Fiber Optic Instrumentation

Multimode polymer waveguide circuit fabrication techniques were used to produce several low-cost devices applicable to fiber optic sensor instruments. A 2x1 coupler with 3% reference tap was constructed with 250 and 500 #m diameter plastic fiber pigtails. This coupler had a 2 dB excess loss and could be used to replace the bulk-optic, 3 dB beamsplitter in a fiber optic instrumentation package. Further, a miniature fiber-tipped pressure sensor was produced using waveguide circuit-based photofabrication principles. This device could provide a disposable, catheter-tipped sensor for blood pressure monitoring.
Photoaffinity behavior of a conjugate of oligonucleoside methylphosphonate, rhodamine, and psoralen in the presence of complementary oligonucleotides.

A 3'-[[2-[N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-(2- hydroxyethyl)amino]ethylphosphoryl]oligodeoxyribonucleoside methylphosphonate 12-mer was synthesized using the Aha-CPG solid support [Thaden, J. and Miller, P.S. (1993) Bioconjugate Chem, companion paper in this issue]. The oligomer was conjugated at the 3' primary aliphatic amine with tetramethylrhodamine 5-isothiocyanate. The rhodamine linker/spacer was stable in 10% fetal calf serum. After enzymatic phosphorylation, the molecule was conjugated at the 5' phosphate with 4'-[N-(2-aminoethyl)aminomethyl]-4,5',8- trimethylpsoralen [(ae(AMT)]. The rhodamine/psoralen doubly-conjugated oligomer formed photoadducts with complementary single-stranded DNA and RNA oligonucleotides when irradiated with long-wavelength ultraviolet light. The efficiency of UV cross-linking slightly exceeded that of a colinear, psoralen-derivatized oligonucleoside methylphosphonate, and exhibited relationships with UV fluence and temperature that are characteristic for psoralen-conjugated methylphosphonates. The 1:1 complex formed with the oligodeoxyribonucleotide target could be detected by its red fluorescence. Mouse L949 cells grown in the presence of the double conjugate were shown by means of computer-assisted epifluorescence microscopy to have internalized it. There was an accumulation of intensely fluorescent points and spots in a juxtanuclear region of the cytoplasm, and a faint, diffuse signal in the entire cell area.
The major index polynomial for conjugacy classes of permutations

Abstract Garsia (1988) gives a remarkably simple expression for the major index enumerator for permutations of a fixed cycle type evaluated at a primitive root of unity. He asks for a direct combinatorial proof of this identity. Here we give such a combinatorial derivation.
A Method for Measuring the Corrosion Rate of Materials in Spallation Neutron Source Target/Blanket Cooling Loops

Abstract This paper summarizes the ongoing evaluation of the susceptibility of materials in accelerator target/blanket cooling loops to corrosion. To simulate the exposure environment in a target/blanket cooling loop, samples were irradiated by an 800MeV proton beam at the A6 Target Station of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). To accomplish this, a cooling water loop capable of exposing corrosion samples to an 800MeV proton beam at currents upwards of 1 mA was constructed. This loop allowed control and evaluation hydrogen water chemistry, water conductivity, and solution pH. Specially designed ceramic sealed samples were used to measure the real-time corrosion rates of materials placed directly in the proton beam using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). EIS was also used to measure real-time corrosion rates of samples that were out of the proton beam and “downstream” from the in-beam samples. These out-of-beam probes primarily examined the effects of long lived water radiolysis products from proton irradiation on corrosion rates. An overview of the LANSCE corrosion loop, the corrosion probes, and data from an in-beam alloy 718 probe are presented. Published by Elsevier Science Inc.
Comparison of flicker-photometric and flicker-threshold spectral sensitivities while the eye is adapted to colored backgrounds.

With the eye adapted to (representative) colored backgrounds, 15-Hz flicker photometry and flicker thresholds yielded spectral-sensitivity curves identical within error. Flicker photometry is the more precise measure.
Lobbying when the decisionmaker can acquire independent information

Politicians trade off the cost of acquiring and processing information against the benefit of being re-elected. Lobbyists may possess private information upon which politicians would like to rely without the effort of verification. If the politician does not try to verify, however, the lobbyist has no incentive to be truthful. This is modelled as a game in which the lobbyist lobbies to show his conviction that the electorate is on his side. In equilibrium, sometimes the politician investigates, and sometimes the information is false. The lobbyists and the electorate benefit from the possibility of lobbying when the politician would otherwise vote in ignorance, but not when he would otherwise acquire his own information. The politician benefits in either case. Lobbying is most socially useful when the politician's investigation costs are high, when he is more certain of the electorate's views, and when the issue is less important.
Pathogenesis of mouse hepatitis virus-induced demyelination

Infection of rodents with neurotropic mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) may result in lethal encephalitis or paralytic demyelinating disease resembling the human disease multiple sclerosis. The outcome o...
Orthogonal Polynomials and Measures with Finitely Many Point Masses

Abstract Elementary proofs are given for a result of J. Geronimo and K. M. Case concerning the discrete spectrum of measures corresponding to orthogonal polynomials defined by a recerrence relation.
INVENTORY: THE OPPORTUNITY COST OF QUALITY

An increasingly comprehensive understanding of the costs associated with quality (good or bad) has been a driving force behind the rising emphasis on total quality management. Descriptions of these costs, however, have not previously included the costs of inventory. The relationship between quality and inventory is explored in this paper and an approach for estimating the inventory dollar costs due to poor quality is described.
Structural efficiency in stochastic models of data envelopment analysis

Concepts of structural and industrial efficiency are developed for comparing productive efficiencies of two or more clusters and their mathematical characterizations worked out in the framework of data envelopment analysis. Some criteria of comparison of two or more similar clusters or aggregates of firms are developed and their relations with stochastic dominance and statistical distance between distributions explored.
Problems and issues raised by returning adults

Adults returning for higher education find nontraditional methods more convenient to their schedules. Problems and needs occur when an adult adds education to a busy schedule. The nontraditional method may also add to these problems. It is important for learning institutions and nontraditional programs to investigate the types and the scope of these problems and needs and the availability of support the student will receive from others to help overcome the problems. Critical to the issue of problems and needs is the understanding of the adult perspective towards learning and independence.