cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
International scholarly collaboration in science, technology and medicine and social science of Turkish scientists

The fundamental research question being pursued in this study is what influences the degree of international scientific collaboration among Turkish scientists? While the study has been illuminated by bibliometrics, the research study is largely exploratory and qualitative. Email questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data from Turkish scholars. According to the findings, both external (uncontrollable) factors (e.g., institutional, economic, and governmental factors) and internal factors (e.g., motivation, ambition, trust, and hope) play roles in the international collaboration behavior of Turkish scholars. It is expected that this research will contribute to the understanding of Turkey’s international scientific collaboration processes pertaining to technology, economic, strategic, and cultural policy factors. Also, the analytical framework of this study may be useful for analyzing other developing countries that have a similar scientific and demographic context to T...
Transcriptional potentials of the β-like globin genes at different developmental stages in transgenic mice and hemoglobin switching

Developmental-stage-specific regulation and physiological levels of expression of the globin genes can be recaptured in transgenic mice carrying a YAC/BAC- or cosmid-based construct. By contrast, proper developmental regulation and high-level expression cannot be achieved coordinately in transgenic mice carrying a more manipulated construct, such as a plasmid-based globin gene construct. These differences provide us an opportunity to define the requirements for a developmentally regulated, high-level expression of the globin genes in vivo. To achieve this, as a first step, we studied maximum transcriptional potentials of the beta-globin genes at various stages of development. microLCR-enhanced expression of the epsilon-, gamma-, and beta-globin genes driven by their minimal promoters was estimated and compared with that in betaYAC transgenic mice. Quantitative measurements of steady state mRNA levels of the epsilon-, gamma-, and beta-globin genes showed that the microLCR was able to enhance expression of each beta-like globin gene to levels similar to those in the betaYAC mice. Moreover, transcriptional potentials of each globin gene were unchanged during the entire course of development. These observations indicate that the highest level of expression of the globin genes can be achieved in both embryonic and definitive erythropoiesis regardless of developmental specificity of the genes. This finding implies that transcription suppression is the major mechanism of the developmental specificity of the expression of the beta-like globin genes.
Electron microscopy of crazes in polystyrene and rubber modified polystyrene: use of iodine-sulphur eutectic as a craze reinforcing impregnant

Abstract Iodine-sulphur eutectic has been impregnated into crazes in polystyrene and rubber-modified polystyrene to act as a reinforcing agent during microtomy. Craze filaments and holes are much larger than in sulphur-reinforced poly-(dimethyl phenylene oxide) crazes due to a physical aging process involving polymer flow. In polycarbonate crazes impregnated with sulphur similar effects are observed due to plasticization by the sulphur. Reinforcing impregnation and rubber-staining are complementary tools in studying crazing in rubber-modified polystyrene.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in fetal cord blood.

Abstract Background Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) is a centrally-acting peptide with highest concentration within the limbic area of the brain. PACAP is also expressed in and affects the functions of vascular and nervous tissues, endocrine glands, and the placenta. PACAP appears to be associated with the ‘fight-or-flight’ response to emergency partly through its effect on adrenal production of cortisol and catecholamines. Objectives We sought to explore the impact of labor as a stressor on the level of PACAP in the fetus, and hypothesized that PACAP levels would be increased when labor, abnormal fetal heart tracing, or fetal growth impairment was evident. Methods Fetal cord venous blood samples were collected immediately after delivery from a random group of women undergoing either vaginal or Cesarean delivery. The blood was placed in chilled EDTA-aprotinin containing tubes, centrifuged, and stored at − 80 °C for PACAP immunoassay. Delivery data were abstracted for analysis. Results The level of PACAP in cord blood was similar in both males and females. There was a trend toward higher levels in the cord blood of fetuses delivered by Cesarean compared to those delivered vaginally. PACAP levels were unrelated to birth weight, Apgar scores, and the presence or absence of labor prior to delivery. Conclusions While PACAP and its receptor are expressed in placenta, and PACAP protein is found in cord blood, no effect of labor stress on PACAP was found. Further research is needed to understand the role of PACAP in gestation and parturition.
The consumption function at the regional level: The case of Hawaii

This analysis of the consumption function based on the income and expenditure accounts recently developed for Hawaii underscores the value of using appropriate data fin regional analysis. It shows that consumption functions developed at the national level can be successfully used at the regional level. The importance of the explanatory variables changes when one moves from the national aggregate to the regional components. In particular, the results obtained point out the effect of the region's growth rate and the origin of income on the level as well as the composition of consumption.
Determination of physiologic rest position by electronic measurement.

Abstract A means of determining the vertical dimension of physiologic rest position has been described. The method is based upon the principle that oral physiology permits the patient to automatically seek his mandibular rest position between acts of swallowing and to maintain this mandibular position during the greater portion of any given time period. By placing an electronic device employing the principle of a rheostat between the jaws, the precise point of the vertical dimension of physiologic rest position may be determined by correlation with readings on an ammeter.
Left juxtaposed atrial appendages: Diagnostic two-dimensional echocardiographic features

Left juxtaposition of the atrial appendages is usually associated with cyanotic congenital heart disease. Recognition of this rare anomaly is important before therapeutic or surgical procedures that involve the atrial septum can be undertaken (for example, septostomy, the Mustard or Senning operation and the Fontan anastomosis). The diagnosis of left juxtaposition of the atrial appendages is most commonly an incidental finding at the time of surgery or autopsy. This report describes the two-dimensional echocardiographic visualization of left juxtaposed atrial appendages. The diagnostic echocardiographic features are based on characteristic alterations of the plane of the atrial septum and visualization of the malpositioned right atrial appendage. On the basis of these observations, a noninvasive diagnosis of left juxtaposed atrial appendages is now possible by means of two-dimensional echocardiography.
Evidence for charmed-strange exotic mesons?

Abstract We suggest that the 1970 MeV state recently discovered in e + e − annihilation at CESR is the F + meson and the old 2020 MeV state is the (c s q q ) I=0 state (q = u, d) of J P = 0 + . SU (3) analysis indicates a rich spectrum of charmed four-quark states. Semi-quantitative arguments are presented for the reason why the 2020 MeV state decays dominantly through weak interactions.
EVOLUTIONARY AND GEOGRAPHIC TRENDS IN ADAPTIVE WOOD ANATOMY IN ERIASTRUM DENSIFOLIUM (POLEMONIACEAE)

Anatomical features of Eriastrum densifolium populations in southern California show variation that correlates well with ecological setting and geographical distribution. Vessel element size and density in shoots suggest strong adaptation among different subspecies to efficient water movement in different habitats. Indices of mesomorphy, devised by Carlquist to indicate relative adaptivity of wood, likewise show considerable variation among populations, suggesting that different subspecies have anatomical components that can define them. Relationships among the five subspecies of E. densifolium may be explored through MI value relationships. CORRELATION of anatomical characters with systematic implications in plant species continues to generate considerable interest among evolutionary botanists. Wood anatomy in particular has shown to be useful in the assessment of systemic relationships among and within genera and families. Furthermore, it provides another source of evidence for the evolutionary evaluation of the adaptive radiation of species into different ecological habitats (e.g., Carlquist, 1969, 1970, 1980; Baas, 1973; Winstead, 1978). Several recent studies have demonstrated that the anatomical features of wood provide strong correlates of water flow and hy
Aquarius engineering phase on-orbit T A calibration

Aquarius is a passive microwave radiometer operating at L-band that is designed to measure ocean salinity. Launched in June 2011, the instrument has since been the subject of on-orbit calibration to evaluate its performance and characterize its stability. This study addresses external calibration methods, using observed antenna temperatures to characterize instrument behavior by computing the oceanic global average and vicarious cold statistics. Results indicate that a slow drift in antenna temperature is present throughout the mission, as well as shorter time scale variations. Implementation of a noise diode deflection ratio-based correction algorithm mitigates most of the short term variations but the slow drift remains present in both statistics. It is most apparent using the global average statistic. The drift can be largely removed by adjusting the instrument calibration to force agreement between observed and modeled global averages over long time intervals.
An evaluation of the use of irradiated pollen for gene transfer in Nicotiana

The use of irradiated pollen to effect ‘egg-transformation’ in Nicotiana was tested using a nuclear chlorophyll-deficiency marker. Yellow-green (yg) plants of Nicotiana tabacum were pollinated with pollen from N. glutinosa which had received 50, 75, or 100 krads of gamma-irradiation. Progeny were scored for leaf color and chromosome number. Only one possible transformant was recovered; however, upon selfing, this plant segregated for leaf color. Thus, it could not be determined if this plant was the result of contaminant pollination, mutation, or a transformation event that occurred after diploidization. All other dark green plants had at least one intact chromosome from N. glutinosa. While no evidence in support of the egg-transformation theory was obtained from this study, cytological data concerning the use of irradiated pollen for haploid induction and for the rapid production of alien chromosome addition lines was presented.
Is Large‐Scale Community Memory Screening Feasible? Experience from a Regional Memory‐Screening Day

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether a large-scale memory-screening program for community-dwelling elders would be successful in identifying individuals with a high probability of dementia in need of further assessment that would result in the earlier diagnosis of dementia. DESIGN: A descriptive study of experience with a volunteer sample. SETTING: Ten sites (e.g., senior centers, churches, clinics) throughout New England on October 29, 1999. PARTICIPANTS: Trained volunteer clinicians evaluated 497 community-dwelling individuals on the screening day. An additional 162 subjects who could not be accommodated on that day were subsequently screened at local sites by appointment during the following month. MEASUREMENTS: Subjects participated in a standardized format consisting of an educational lecture, followed by individual screenings with the 7-minute screen (7MS) with locally trained staff. Subjects were informed immediately of test results and counseled regarding follow-up options. A survey was conducted with these subjects and their primary care physicians over the following year. RESULTS: Because the groups tested at different times were not statistically different in terms of demographics, they were combined in the analysis. One hundred ten (16.7% of all screened) individuals received high/retest scores on the 7MS. They were advised to seek diagnostic evaluation and encouraged to have results sent to their primary care physicians (PCPs). Of those followed up, 64% reported that they followed up the screening results with their PCP. More than one-third (38%) of participants with a high/retest score on the 7MS had inconclusive findings on follow-up or were awaiting further diagnostic evaluation. Of those for whom follow-up data were available, 10 (9%) were diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD), and an additional nine (8%) who had previous diagnoses of AD were correctly identified by the 7MS. Anecdotally, feedback from participants indicated a high level of satisfaction with the process. Participants reported that the educational talk and the possibility of early detection were the most helpful components of the screening program. Moreover, most individuals surveyed in follow-up would recommend the program to a friend or family member. CONCLUSION: A follow-up survey of participants and their physicians supported the conclusion that a community memory-screening program might detect individuals who were previously unknown to have cognitive problems. Furthermore, such a program was highly acceptable to participants. The small number of individuals diagnosed with dementia as a result of the screening program indicates that this form of screening may be inefficient as performed. Multiple obstacles to seeking follow-up care were identified and would need to be addressed in larger-scale programs to make this a worthwhile endeavor. The experience gained in this memory screening program might aid in the planning of better programs, which will be essential if early diagnosis is to keep pace with the growth of treatments for dementia.
American Indian Women, HIV/AIDS, and Health Disparity

Data are presented regarding the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among American Indian women. Health disparities found among American Indians are discussed and biological, economic, social, and behavioral risk factors associated with HIV are detailed. Recommendations are suggested to alleviate the spread of HIV among American Indian women and, in the process, to diminish a culture of treatment malpractice and a weakening of treatment ethics, racism, and genderism.
Psychoacoustic and cognitive aspects of auditory roughness: definitions, models, and applications

The term "auditory roughness" was first introduced in the 19th century to describe the buzzing, rattling auditory sensation accompanying narrow harmonic intervals (i.e. two tones with frequency difference in the range of ~15-150Hz, presented simultaneously). A broader definition and an overview of the psychoacoustic correlates of the auditory roughness sensation, also referred to as sensory dissonance, is followed by an examination of efforts to quantify it over the past one hundred and fifty years and leads to the introduction of a new roughness calculation model and an application that automates spectral and roughness analysis of sound signals. Implementation of spectral and roughness analysis is briefly discussed in the context of two pilot perceptual experiments, designed to assess the relationship among cultural background, music performance practice, and aesthetic attitudes towards the auditory roughness sensation.
Detection of toxins to human female reproduction using human luteinized-granulosa cells in culture

Discharge of man-made organic compounds into the environment poses unknown risks to human reproduction. With less than 10% of the estimated 80,000 man-made chemical compounds having been specifically tested for toxic reproductive effect, an accurate and routine testing procedure is critical to further evaluate the risks associated with these compounds. Previous research from the Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Texas Tech University and other laboratories has suggested that cultured human luteinized-granulosa cells (HLGC) may be useful as a model for toxicology studies. In the current study, HLGC were exposed to varying levels of four organic solvents with known or suspected carcinogenic potential. Using the established culture system, HLGC collected from patients in the in vitro fertilization program were collected and cultured at known densities. Once the cultures were established, the wells were rinsed and the media replaced with media containing increasing concentrations of the organic solvents acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, and toluene. After 48 hours the media was removed for hormonal analysis and the cells were prepared for electron microscopy. Using a random complete block design with factorial arrangement of treatments, the resulting data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance and Fisher's polynomial least significant difference for mean separation. There was an overall trend toward decreased progesterone production (P = .14) with increasing compound concentration. As might be expected, these effects were compound specific (P < .004), with increasing levels of toluene appearing to have the most deleterious effect (P < .001). Ultrastructural examination revealed leaching of cell lipids by all compounds at concentrations of 10 ppm and higher. This decreased production of progesterone would affect embryo implantation and uterine viability, which could explain the increased incidence of spontaneous abortions in women routinely exposed to these compounds.
Diffraction from thermally fixed gratings in a photorefractive medium: steady-state and transient analysis

We investigate diffraction from a thermally fixed grating in a photorefractive medium with an ion concentration that is large compared with the acceptor density. A numerical solution to the standard band transport model with mobile ions and the coupled-wave equations are used to study steady-state solutions. For the first time to our knowledge, transient responses are investigated during recording at elevated temperatures and during readout at room temperature. We consider the effect of large applied fields, which reduces the electronic screening and reveals the fixed ionic grating, on diffraction efficiency. The combined effects of self-diffraction, beam coupling, electrical revelation, and in some materials increased sensitivity to the applied field can result in a large diffraction efficiency even from a weak fixed grating. Results showing how transient solutions are affected by absorption in the photorefractive medium and by the magnitude of the incident intensity are also provided.
Rolled erosion control systems for hillslope surface protection: a critical review, synthesis and analysis of available data. I. Background and formative years

Landscapes disturbed by human activities commonly have erosion rates accelerated by several orders of magnitude over pre-disturbance conditions. New approaches to effectively decrease soil erosion rates from disturbed lands are urgently required to decrease non-point source pollution. One such best management practice (BMP) combines the application of rolled erosion control systems (RECSs), composed of either natural or synthetic fibers, with seeding of hillslopes to enhance biomass production. This synergistic approach is thought to be one of the most appropriate for mitigating excessive soil erosion on disturbed non-agricultural hillslopes. Over the past decade an active erosion control industry (ECI) has developed, and a variety of different RECSs have been brought to market. However, limited scientific data are available to the land manager, specifier, or design engineer to assess the relative effectiveness of these products in reducing sediment yield and in enhancing the development of vegetation. Few studies exist that have rigorously compared RECSs using a well-developed experimental design. Most studies lack sufficient replication and/or randomization. Additionally, in many studies there is a failure to control variables between cycles, runs, or events, including antecedent moisture content and sediment availability. The result is a mass of information that can be potentially misused to justify the selection of a given product that may be less effective than a competing product. The objectives of this two-part paper are: (i) to synthesize all available erosion-related literature dealing with RECSs applied to hillslopes during two periods: up to 1990 and post-1990; (ii) to highlight important scientific contributions to the literature on RECSs; (iii) to assess the scientific rigor of various studies, and re-analyze and re-interpret data when available; and (iv) to make constructive suggestions to improve future studies to develop a quantitative linkage between the physical characteristics of RECSs, soil erosion processes, and vegetation cover. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neutrophil stress and apoptosis underlie myeloid dysfunction in glycogen storage disease type Ib.

Glycogen storage disease type Ib (GSD-Ib) is caused by a deficiency in the glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) transporter (G6PT) that works with a liver/kidney/intestine–restricted glucose-6-phosphatase-α (G6Pase-α) to maintain glucose homeostasis between meals. Clinically, GSD-Ib patients manifest disturbed glucose homeostasis and neutrophil dysfunctions but the cause of the latter is unclear. Neutrophils express the ubiquitously expressed G6PT and G6Pase-β that together transport G6P into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen and hydrolyze it to glucose. Because we expected G6PT-deficient neutrophils to be unable to produce endogenous glucose, we hypothesized this would lead to ER stress and increased apoptosis. Using GSD-Ib mice, we showed that GSD-Ib neutrophils exhibited increased production of ER chaperones and oxidative stress, consistent with ER stress, increased annexin V binding and caspase-3 activation, consistent with an increased rate of apoptosis. Bax activation, mitochondrial release of proapoptotic effectors, and caspase-9 activation demonstrated the involvement of the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway in these processes. The results demonstrate that G6P translocation and hydrolysis are required for normal neutrophil functions and support the hypothesis that neutrophil dysfunction in GSD-Ib is due, at least in part, to ER stress and increased apoptosis.
A Novel Method for Deriving True Density of Pharmaceutical Solids Including Hydrates and Water-Containing Powders

True density is commonly measured using helium pycnometry. However, most water-containing powders, for example, hydrates, amorphous drugs and excipients, and most tablet formulations, release water when exposed to a dry helium atmosphere. Because released water brings significant errors to the measured true density and drying alters the nature of water-containing solids, the helium pycnometry is not suitable for those substances. To overcome this problem, a novel method has been developed to accurately calculate powder true density from compaction data. No drying treatment of powder samples is required. Consequently, the true density thus obtained is relevant to tableting characterization studies because no alteration to the solid is induced by drying. This method involves nonlinear regression of compaction pressure-tablet density data based on a modified Heckel equation. When true density values of water-free powders derived by this novel method were plotted against values measured using pycnometry, a regression line with slope close to unity and intercept close to zero was obtained. Thus, the validity of this method was supported. Using this new method, it was further demonstrated that helium pycnometry always overestimates true densities of water containing powders, for example, hydrates, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and tablet formulations. The calculated true densities of powders were the same for different particle shapes and sizes of each material. This further suggests that true density values calculated using this novel method are characteristic of given materials and independent of particulate properties.
THE EFFECTS OF THE DELETION OF MISFITTING PERSONS ON VERTICAL EQUATING VIA THE RASCH MODEL

The purpose of the study was to compare Rasch model equatings of multilevel achievement test data before and after the deletion of misfitting persons. The Rasch equatings were also compared with an equating obtained using the equipercentile method. No basis could be found in the results for choosing between the two Rasch equatings. The deletion of misfitting persons produced minor improvements in Rasch model fit to the data. Both Rasch equatings produced results that differed from the results of the equipercentile equating. The Rasch data also indicated that the misfitting persons deleted in the second Rasch equating tended to be from the lower portion of the achievement distribution, suggesting that they may have been guessing.
Fundal placentation is associated with low birth weight

VLADIMIR NOSSOV, JESSICA ILLUZZI, LUCY GODDARD, YR FRISBAEK, JOSHUA COPEL, ERROL NORWITZ, Yale University, Obstetrics & Gynecology, New Haven, Connecticut OBJECTIVE: Although many pregnancy complications are related to abnormal placentation, the association between placental location and pregnancy outcome has not been studied. This case-control study investigates for the first time the association between placental location and fetal growth. STUDY DESIGN: Cases included consecutive singleton pregnancies O18 weeks with EFW !10th percentile for gestational age (GA) seen at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Jan 1998-Dec 2004. Controls were pregnancies without IUGR matched (1:1) by GA and year of ultrasound. Statistical analysis used Student’s t-test, ANOVA, chi-squared test, and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: 270 maternal/neonatal records were reviewed. Women who did not deliver at Yale-New Haven Hospital (n=24), had limited ultrasounds (n=8), and incomplete medical records (n=40) were excluded. Analysis included 98 IUGR cases and 100 controls. Placental location: anterior 95 (48.0%); posterior 65 (32.8%); fundal 23 (11.6%); lateral 13 (6.6%); and previa 2 (1.0%). Placental location was not different between cases and controls (P=0.35). Previa was excluded due to small numbers. Placental location did not differ with respect to age, BMI, gravity, parity, GA at delivery. Birth weight with fundal, lateral, anterior, and posterior placentae were 2,133G775g, 1,973G996g, 2,372G1,136g, and 2,351G1,049g, respectively (P=0.67). Women with fundal placentae were significantly more likely to deliver low birth weight (!2,500g [LBW]) infants (78.3%) vs women with anterior (45.3%), posterior (50.8%), or lateral placentae (69.2%), P=0.02. There was no correlation between placental location and other pregnancy outcomes. After adjusting for GA, BMI, maternal age, smoking, race, and other confounders in multivariate logistic regression analysis using anterior placenta as reference, LBW infants are more likely to have had a fundal placenta (OR 7.61; 95% CI 1.79-32.40). CONCLUSION: Fundal placentation is associated with LBW. Further studies are required to confirm these data and determine whether fetal monitoring is indicated for such pregnancies.
Simultaneous quantification of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and 11-nor-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid in human plasma using two-dimensional gas chromatography, cryofocusing, and electron impact-mass spectrometry

A two-dimensional (2D) gas chromatography/electron impact-mass spectrometry (GC/EI-MS) method for simultaneous quantification of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 11-hydroxy-Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC), and 11-nor-Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THCCOOH) in human plasma was developed and validated. The method employs 2D capillary GC and cryofocusing for enhanced resolution and sensitivity. THC, 11-OH-THC, and THCCOOH were extracted by precipitation with acetonitrile followed by solid-phase extraction. GC separation of trimethylsilyl derivatives of analytes was accomplished with two capillary columns in series coupled via a pneumatic Deans switch system. Detection and quantification were accomplished with a bench-top single quadrupole mass spectrometer operated in electron impact-selected ion monitoring mode. Limits of quantification (LOQ) were 0.125, 0.25 and 0.125 ng/mL for THC, 11-OH-THC, and THCCOOH, respectively. Accuracy ranged from 86.0 to 113.0% for all analytes. Intra- and inter-assay precision, as percent relative standard deviation, was less than 14.1% for THC, 11-OH-THC, and THCCOOH. The method was successfully applied to quantification of THC and its 11-OH-THC and THCCOOH metabolites in plasma specimens following controlled administration of THC.
Flows and obstacles in the heliosphere

The supersonic solar wind is highly variable on all time scales near the Sun but fluctuations are moderated by self-interaction as this plasma moves outward. The solar wind runs into many obstacles on its way out. The neutrals from the interstellar medium slow it down. Magnetospheres and interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) cause shocks to form so that the flow can divert around these obstacles. Finally the solar wind is stopped by the circum-heliospheric interstellar medium (CHISM); it slows at the termination shock and then turns down the heliotail. The shocks and sheaths formed by these interactions cover scales which vary by orders of magnitude; some aspects of these shocks and sheaths look very similar and some very different. We discuss solar wind evolution, interaction with the neutrals from the CHISM, foreshocks, shock structure, shock heating, asymmetries, and sheath variability in different sheath regions.
Branching and capping determine the force-velocity relationships of branching actin networks.

A branching actin network is the major engine that drives cell motility. A measure of the effectiveness of an engine is the velocity the engine is able to produce at a given resistance?the force?velocity relationship. Concave force?velocity relationships consist of a force-insensitive region, indicative of an adaptive response. In contrast, convex force?velocity relationships would reflect a passive response. Even in in vitro experiments, branching actin networks can exhibit both concave and convex force?velocity curves. However, the exact mechanism that can explain both force?velocity curves is not yet known. We carried out an agent-based stochastic simulation to explore such a mechanism. We discovered an emergent behavior of a branching actin network: Upon resistance, it remodels itself by increasing the number of filaments growing in contact with the load. The remodeling is favored by branching events and limited by capping. The force?velocity relationship hinges on the relative time-scale between the intrinsic kinetics of the branching actin network and the loading. Shortly after encountering resistance (?seconds), the force?velocity relationship of the actin network is always convex, as it does not have enough time to remodel itself. A concave force?velocity relationship requires network remodeling at longer time-scales (?tens of seconds to minutes) and the faster branching event relative to capping. Furthermore, our model explains the observed hysteresis in the force?velocity relationship of actin networks. Our model thus establishes a unified mechanism that can account for both convex and concave force?velocity relationships observed in branching actin networks.
Auditory discrimination learning in chicks after exposure to auditory and visual stimuli

Bateson and Chantrey (1972) have shown a retardation of visual discrimination learning in chicks previously exposed to the discriminanda. They explained their results in terms of an imprinting mechanism whereby a young bird learns the various characteristics of an object and classifies them together. In the present study, chicks were exposed to 390 Hz, 295 Hz, 390 and 200 Hz, or “no sound” together with a flashing blue light. They were then required to learn to discriminate between 390 Hz and 200 Hz, with the light as reinforcer. There was no indication of classification together of the auditory stimuli or the auditory and visual stimuli. Few chicks, regardless of prior experience, learned the discrimination. Explanations for the inability to learn are proposed.
Replication of a Test-Retest Factorial Validity Study with the Piers-Harris Children's Self Concept Scale.

This study largely replicates the findings of a previous study reported by the authors (Platten and Williams, 1979). If researchers wish to derive succinct meaning from significant test-retest changes in self concept in any of the initial or revised subscales of the Piers-Harris Children's Self Concept Scale, they would do well to factor analyze their own data as well as identify and reflect on the factor or factors that account for a major share of the total score variance. Further research involving the physical dimension as a possible facet of general self-concept is suggested.
A Benchmark for Commodity Trading Advisor Performance

This article describes a passive index that can be used as a benchmark for creating commodity trading advisors (CTAs). The index is designed to benchmark the performance of diversified trend-followers. Diversified CTAs trade in number of derivatives markets, including commodity, currency, interest rate, and equity derivatives markets. Trend followers follow momentum strategies that are designed to capture longer-term trends in asset prices. The index uses a momentum trading strategy that takes hypothetical long and short positions in a number of commodity, currency, and fixed income futures contracts. Results indicate that the passive index has returns that are highly correlated with the return of the average CTA. As such, this index can be useful in performance measurement and attribution as well as in the creation of multi-manager CTA portfolios.
Modeling the Rheology of Concentrated AB/AB2 Hyperbranched Polymeric Systems

The approach of Blackwell et al. is used to model the rheology of concentrated hyperbranched polymeric systems. Model predictions for a poly(ether imide) hyperbranched system are in good quantitative agreement with the experimentally observed behavior of AB/AB2 copolymers. The poly(ether imide)s are especially suitable for studies of entangled dynamics because of their low entanglement molecular weight. A 3−4 orders of magnitude rise in the zero shear viscosity is observed as the mole fraction of linear segments is varied from 0 to 1. The average mass of segments between branch points is the most significant architectural parameter that affects the rheology of these systems.
A hydrazine coupled cycling assay validates the decrease in redox ratio under starvation in Drosophila.

A commonly used enzymatic recycling assay for pyridine nucleotides has been adapted to directly measure the NAD+/NADH redox ratio in Drosophila melanogaster. This method is also suitable for quantification of NADP+ and NADPH. The addition of a coupling reaction removing acetaldehyde produced from the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) reaction was shown to improve the linearity of NAD(H) assay. The advantages of this assay method are that it allows the determination of both NAD+ and NADH simultaneously while keeping enzymatic degradation of pyridine nucleotides minimal and also achieving better sensitivity. This method was used to determine the redox ratio of D. melanogaster and validated substantial decrease of redox ratio during starvation.
OverLay: Practical Mobile Augmented Reality

The idea of augmented reality - the ability to look at a physical object through a camera and view annotations about the object - is certainly not new. Yet, this apparently feasible vision has not yet materialized into a precise, fast, and comprehensively usable system. This paper asks: What does it take to enable augmented reality (AR) on smartphones today? To build a ready-to-use mobile AR system, we adopt a top-down approach cutting across smartphone sensing, computer vision, cloud offloading, and linear optimization. Our core contribution is in a novel location-free geometric representation of the environment - from smartphone sensors - and using this geometry to prune down the visual search space. Metrics of success include both accuracy and latency of object identification, coupled with the ease of use and scalability in uncontrolled environments. Our converged system, OverLay, is currently deployed in the engineering building and open for use to regular public; ongoing work is focussed on campus-wide deployment to serve as a "historical tour guide" of UIUC. Performance results and user responses thus far have been promising, to say the least.
Hallucinations in nonpsychotic children and adolescents

The case histories of ten nonpsychotic patients (nine female and one male) who had experienced hallucinations are summarized. Significant anxiety and depression were found in the majority of the patients, five of whom expressed suicidal ideas. Stress factors were primarily family and school. Eight children had combined auditory and visual hallucinations, which involved dead relatives in five cases. The aims or purposes of the hallucinations were multiple, but escape mechanisms were most common. A profile of the nonpsychotic patient most likely to experience hallucinations would be a socially immature teenage girl who is experiencing depression and anxiety due to stress within the family.
The reconstruction of index data in aggregative econometric models

Abstract Index data become inconsistent over time when publishing agencies change the method of aggregation. However, when they do so, they often republish some previously published data using the new method. It is shown that such overlapping data can be exploited to reconstruct the data series in an ‘optimal’ manner to provide for consistent series, using results from the theory of aggregation.
Control of a class of non-linear diffusions!

Abstract This paper considers the optimal control of a class of diffusion processes. Specifically, given a system with plant modelled as a finite-power series in the state and control variables and given certain statistical properties of additive plant noise, the problem is to minimize the expected value of a performance index by selecting a feedback control having a prescribed form—a finite-power series in the state variables, the coefficients of which are time functions to be determined The systems considered possess conditional state density functions that satisfy the forward equation. Then assuming an exponential series solution of the forward equation, the original problem is transformed into one requiring the determination of time functions (the aforementioned coefficients) that minimize a performance index while satisfying, together with the coefficients of the exponential expansion, an infinite set of ordinary differential equations In this paper, plant and control non-linearities are treated and ...
Studies on fungi cultivated by ants

A collection of 36 fungi cultivated by leaf-cutting ants has been established at The New York Botanical Garden. These fungi grow on a variety of natural media and on a synthetic medium with mineral salts, dextrose, casein hydrolysate, purine and pyrimidine bases and vitamins. Tests of the fungi for antibacterial activity were all negative againstStaphylococcus aureus andEscherichia coli. Only four isolates of ant fungi, each cultivated by a different species of ant, produced basidiocarps on oatmeal agar. Taxonomic studies indicate that these belong to the same species of fungus (Lepiota sp.). Eighteen isolates produced bromatia characteristic of the form species,Attamyces bromatificus Kreisel, one produced a mycelium with clamp connections, and thirteen produced sterile mycelia without clamped hyphae and without bromatia.
Six Objectives for Technology Infusion into Teacher Education: a model in action

ABSTRACT Effective use of educational technology is a very important challenge for teacher preparation institutions. Recognizing this fact, the College of Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha has developed an evolving model for effective integration of technology. This model addresses six objectives that focus on three key elements: equipment, expectations, and training. The paper outlines the model and then describes how it has been put into practice at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. After eight years of implementation and evolution, the model has helped many faculty members become active and confident users of educational technology.
Effect of intermittent carbon monoxide inhalation on erythropoiesis and organ weights in rats

Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 450 ppm carbon monoxide (CO) for 6 h per day, 5 days per week for 33 days. The effect of CO on reticulocyte count, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, body weight and selected organ weights was measured. Exposure to CO caused a three-fold increase in the youngest reticulocyte population, concomitant with an increase in the total reticulocyte count. Despite continued CO exposure, reticulocyte number and distribution returned to normal by day 9, suggesting that reticulocyte response of the organism to CO had changed. Both hematocrit and hemoglobin concentrations began to increase 16 days after CO exposure and remained at the increased level for the duration of the exposure period. There were no changes in kidney, liver and adrenal weights throughout the course of study. However, spleen weight was increased after 5 days of CO exposure. Left and right ventricular organ weight ratios increased equally at the same time during the study. These results indicate that the increase in the young reticulocyte population and the subsequent increase in total reticulocyte count are the earliest erythropoietic responses to intermittent CO exposure and that CO-induced polycythemia is associated with cardiac hypertrophy in rats.
Client's perceived need for treatment and its impact on outcome

Objectives. Based on the concept of “stage of change,” this study examines the relationship between patients' motivation for substance abuse treatment and their posttreatment improvements in the areas measured by the Addiction Severity Index (ASI; alcohol, drug, medical, psychiatric). We attempt to answer the following questions: Do clients' perceptions of “need for drug, alcohol, psychiatric, and medical treatment” at admission predict their improvements on these problems at 6-month follow-up? How do clients' perceived needs contribute to their use of treatment and their reported change? Methods. Clinical interview data (N = 696) collected using the ASI from the Target Cities Project in the city of Philadelphia in 1993 and 1995. Results. Clients' motivation made a substantial difference in their improvement following treatment in all problem areas. Clients who said treatment was even slightly important on the ASI at admission made more changes than clients who reported that treatment was “not at all” important. Even when the motivation groups were approximately equated for lifetime problem severity there was still a significant effect of recent motivation as expressed on the ASI. Conclusions. These data are consistent with other findings from the “stage of change” literature suggesting that treatment is only important for patients who are ready or at least somewhat motivated to receive it. These findings underscore the importance of efforts to increase patients' readiness for treatment in order to achieve better treatment effects.
Glucose attenuates a morphine-induced decrease in hippocampal acetylcholine output: an in vivo microdialysis study in rats.

Abstract Systemic injections of morphine impair performance in memory tests. Glucose administration ameliorates memory deficits produced by morphine treatment. The memory impairments induced by morphine may be related to opioid inhibition of acetylcholine release with reversal of this effect by glucose. The present experiment determined whether: (1) systemic morphine treatment decreases acetylcholine output in the hippocampal formation; and (2) systemic glucose administration attenuates the effect of morphine treatment. Employing microdialysis, samples were collected at 12-min intervals and assayed for acetylcholine using HPLC with electrochemical detection. Morphine (10 mg/kg)/saline injections resulted in an immediate decrease in acetylcholine output (20–35%) that was observed up to the third postinjection sample (36 min). Glucose (100 mg/kg) administered concurrently with morphine attenuated the reduction in acetylcholine output in the second and third samples. These findings suggest that glucose may attenuate morphine-induced memory impairments by reversing a decrease in acetylcholine output produced by morphine.
Allozyme variation in stable flies (Diptera: Muscidae).

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to resolve allozymes in the cosmopolitan blood-feeding stable fly,Stomoxys calcitrans (L.). Nineteen of 38 loci were polymorphic (53%). Mean heterozygosities among all loci and among only polymorphic loci were 0.096 and 0.182, respectively. These gene diversity measures are about half those among other muscid Diptera. Variation in gene frequencies was examined in 10 natural stable fly populations from Iowa and Minnesota. Gene frequencies were homogeneous at five of eight loci among six populations in 1990 and eight of eight loci among four populations in 1992. Wright'sF statistics showed no significant departure from random mating among stable flies. It was concluded that gene flow compensates for any local differentiation in stable fly populations.
Refraction of Scroll-Wave Filaments at the Boundary Between Two Reaction-Diffusion Media

We explore the shape and the dynamics of scroll-wave filaments in excitable media with an abruptly changing diffusion tensor, important for cardiac applications. We show that, similar to a beam of light, the filament refracts at the boundary separating domains with different diffusion. We derive the laws of filament refraction and test their validity in computational experiments. We discovered that at small angles to the interface, the filament can become unstable and develop oscillations. The nature of the observed instabilities, as well as overall theoretical and experimental significance of the findings, is discussed.
Understanding the role of dispositional and situational threat sensitivity in our moral judgments

Previous research has identified different moral judgments in liberals and conservatives. While both care about harm/fairness (‘individualizing’ foundations), conservatives emphasize in-group/authority/purity (‘binding’ foundations) more than liberals. Thus, some argue that conservatives have a more complex morality. We suggest an alternative view—that consistent with conservatism as ‘motivated social cognition’, binding foundation activation satisfies psychological needs for social structure/security/certainty. Accordingly, we found that students who were dispositionally threat-sensitive showed stronger binding foundation activation, and that conservatives are more dispositionally threat-sensitive than liberals. We also found that in a heightened threat situation liberals (especially social liberals) showed increased binding foundation activation. These results support the view that the binding foundations function differently in our moral cognition than the individualizing foundations.