cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
UV-induced desorption of CH3X (X=I and Br)/TiO2(110)

The UV photodesorption of methyl halides from TiO2(110) has been investigated using quadrupole mass spectrometry. For low fluence irradiation (<800 μJ/cm2) and ⩽1 ML coverages of methyl iodide, the photodesorption yield decreases exponentially with photon dose, indicating a nonthermal, single-photon process. The wavelength and coverage dependence of the photodesorption yield and the effect of spacer layers support the conclusion that photodesorption of CH3X (X=I and Br) is initiated by substrate excitation, i.e., photogenerated electrons in the conduction band of TiO2. CH3I and CH3Br desorb from TiO2(110) on 257 nm irradiation, while CH3Cl does not photodesorb in the absence of a photoactive coadsorbate, such as CH3I. This indicates that desorption results from a resonant interaction of subvacuum-level electrons with an adsorbate electronic state. Momentum transfer from energetic photofragments to adsorbates can account for only a minor fraction of the total photodesorption yield for coverages of 1 ML or ...
Measurement of Polarization Observables in the Electro-Excitation of the Proton to its First Excited State

This thesis reports results from the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab) Hall A experiment E91-011, which measured double-polarization observables in the pion electroproduction reaction from the proton. Specifically, the experiment measured the recoil proton polarization, polarized response functions, and cross section for the p{rvec e}, e{prime} {rvec p} {pi}{sup o} reaction at a center-of-mass energy centered at W = 1232 MeV--the peak of the {Delta}(1232) resonance--and at a four-momentum transfer squared of Q{sup 2} = 1.0 GeV{sup 2}/c{sup 2}. Both the recoil proton polarization and polarized response function results will be presented in this thesis.
The effect of intrauterine devices, oral contraceptives, estrogens, and progestogens on blood pressure☆

Abstract Serial blood pressure measurements were made on 415 women who were normotensive. They were given intrauterine devices (control), oral contraceptives, estrogens, or progestogens. In the groups tested, the estrogens tended to elevate while the progestogens lowered blood pressure. The incidence of hypertension (blood pressure of 140/90) developing after 6 months' time depended upon the steroid which was used. None of the control, progestogen, or conjugated estrogen ∗ ∗Premarin, Ayerst Labs., New York, New York.-estrogen-treated women developed hypertension. The frequency of hypertension after 6 months' time in the groups treated with oral contraceptives and mestranol and ethinyl estradiol estrogen was 5, 6, and 7 per cent, respectively but these differences were not significant. The development of diastolic hypertension while taking oral contraceptives was significantly higher if the women had hypertension in a previous pregnancy. With oral contraceptive treatment, the importance of patient and steroid selection and continuing patient observation is stressed.
9.6 μm ozone band (ν 3 ) intensity

The band intensity of the 9.6 μm (ν3) band of ozone has been determined from a set of 34 absorption measurements made at pressures of approximately 730 Torr and mass paths of 0.002–0.025 atm cm STP. The result, a band strength (298 K) of 355 cm−1 (atm cm STP)−1 with a standard deviation of 10 cm−1 (atm cm STP)−1 is in excellent agreement with previous studies by McCaa and Shaw and Young and Bunner.
Effect of aminophylline on respiratory center activity and metabolic rate in premature infants with idiopathic apnea.

The effects of aminophylline on the respiratory center output were studied in 14 premature infants with idiopathic apnea. The mean birth weight was 1,052 gm, and the mean gestational age was 30.2 weeks. These infants had a normal expired volume per minute (Ve) [291 ml/(min x kg)] and a normal esophageal pressure change per breath (4.5 cm H2O); however, their alveolar ventilation per minute (Va) was decreased [89 ml/(min x kg)], resulting in an elevated end-tidal PCO2 (PAco2) [47.8 mm Hg]. The reasons for the elevated PAco2 were the relatively large anatomical dead spaces (Vd) found in these infants (3.4 ml/kg), and a decreased slope of the CO2 response curve [22.2 ml/ (mm x kg x mm Hg PAco2)], with a shift of the curve to the right. Oxygen consumption was normal [7.0 ml/( min x kg)]. Forty-eight hours after initiating treatment with aminophylline (2 mg/kg of body weight every six hours), the incidence of apneic episodes decreased from 29.7 to 4.4 per 24 hours, Va and PAco2 became normal secondary to a 33% increase in esophageal pressure change per breath, and the position of the CO2 response curve showed a significant shift to the left without change in slope. Oxygen consumption increased 20% from basal value. These findings support the hypothesis that apnea in premature infants is related to an immature respiratory center characterized by a decreased output. Aminophylline probably increases respiratory center output by lowering the threshold of the central chemorecepter to CO2.
Target Selection by Cortical Axons: Alternative Mechanisms to Establish Axonal Connections in the Developing Brain

We have described our studies of the development of projections from layer 5 of the rat neocortex to subcortical targets in the midbrain and hindbrain. The major points are briefly summarized here. 1. Layer-5 neurons extend a primary axon out of cortex and along a spinally directed trajectory, bypassing all of their targets in the midbrain and hindbrain. These targets are later contacted exclusively by collaterals formed by a delayed interstitial branching of the primary axon, not by growth cone bifurcation. 2. Collateral branches only form at stereotypic positions, not randomly along the length of the axon. Thus, specific cues identify branch points, and the length of the primary axon well behind its growth cone responds to these cues. 3. Layer-5 neurons in diverse areas of cortex initially develop the same basic set of collateral branches, although they will permanently retain different subsets of the initial common set. Therefore, branch cues are recognized by layer-5 neurons independent of whether the collateral projection formed is functionally appropriate for the cortical region in which the neuron resides. 4. In vitro and in vivo evidence indicates that one of the major branches, which forms the corticopontine projection, is induced and directed into its target, the basilar pons, by a diffusible, target-derived, tropic signal. Thus, a chemotropic cue promotes recognition of the basilar pontine target by the primary layer-5 axons. 5. In this system, then, target selection is not the responsibility of the growth cone of the primary axon.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Numerical approximation of the product of the square root of a matrix with a vector

Abstract Given an n×n symmetric positive definite matrix A and a vector c → , two numerical methods for approximating A 1/2 c → are developed, analyzed, and computationally tested. The first method applies a Newton iteration to a specific nonlinear system to approximate A 1/2 c → while the second method applies a step-control method to numerically solve a specific initial-value problem to approximate A 1/2 c → . Assuming that A is first reduced to tridiagonal form, the first method requires O (n 2 ) operations per iteration while the second method requires O (n) operations per iteration. In contrast, numerical methods that first approximate A 1/2 and then compute A 1/2 c → generally require O (n 3 ) operations per iteration.
Complement-dependent adherence of mast cells to schistosomula

MAST cells are thought to have a major role in the host response to parasitic helminths. Infection with these organisms is often accompanied by anaphylactic hypersensitivity and mast cell infiltration1. In several experimental models, host resistance to helminth infection has been shown to be dramatically suppressed as a result of mast cell depletion1. For example, after injection with reserpine, laboratory mice are unable to mount a cutaneous inflammatory response against Schistosoma mansoni (A.S., P. W. Askenase, S. McIntyre and F. von Lichtenberg, unpublished) and after pretreatment with compound 48/80 can no longer immunologically reject challenge infections of this parasite2. Interactions between mast cells and helminths have generally been attributed to soluble antigens released into tissue fluids. Described here is a series of in vitro experiments with schistosomula of S. mansoni which demonstrates that mast cells are also capable of reacting directly with parasite surfaces. This interaction appears to depend on the recognition of parasite-bound complement by receptors on the mast-cell membrane.
Grandfather Effects: A Longitudinal Case Study of the Phonological Acquisition of Intervocalic Consonants in English

In this article, I present a longitudinal study of a child's (male, aged 3;0–3;4) acquisition of intervocalic consonants characterized within the framework of Optimality Theory (OT). At Stage I, th...
A prospective study of symptoms and neurocognitive outcomes in youth with concussion vs orthopaedic injuries

Background: This study examined symptom reports and neurocognitive outcomes in children (8–17 years) with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or orthopaedic injury (OI).Method: Children and parents were initially assessed upon presentation in the Emergency Department of a local hospital and again at 3 months. Children completed the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing battery (ImPACT) and parents completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, 3rd edition (PPVT-III) was completed by the children at the 3-month assessment.Results: Children with mTBI reported more symptoms than the OI group initially, but did not differ from the OI group at 3 months. Both groups reported a higher than expected number of symptoms at 3 months. On the ImPACT, children with mTBI performed significantly worse than the OI on a visual memory test at both assessments. The OI group had higher levels of parent-reported executive dysfunction on the BRIEF ...
Application of Acoustic Sensors to Robotic Seam Tracking

Robotic seam tracking systems require three-dimensional information about the seam geometry. The applicability of a nontactile acoustic sensing system, which provides range information about the distance between a sensor and the workpiece, is evaluated for the three-dimensional surface characterization task. An algorithm for executing a two-dimensional surface height sampling of an unknown workpiece is developed and evaluated through digital simulation and hardware experimentation. The algorithm incorporates the limitations of the sensor's aperture size and uses only the range information provided by the sensing system. A recovery strategy is included if the sensor's aperture has been exceeded and range information is not available. The sampling procedure is found to be applicable for piecewise constant surfaces and surfaces with slight curvature. The effectiveness of the acoustic sensing system's surface characterization can be enhanced by using a priori knowledge of the workpiece. The sensing system appears to be promising for such industrial operations as part location and inspection.
THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF EXPORTS IN DETERMINING LEVELS OF REGIONAL OUTPUT AND INCOME: A Model and Empirical Evidence from Kenya

Exports have long been assumed by many to be the most important variable in driving regional growth, although factors such as government expenditure, investment demand, and remittances, among others, have also been recognized as significant. In addition, supply-side constraints to the promotion of regional growth and development have recently received increased attention in the literature. This paper evaluates the relative importance of exports, investment demand, and remittances, as well as supply-constrained agricultural production, in determining levels of regional output, value added, and household income in a single region in Kenya. The analysis is based on a mixed endogenous/ exogenous model derived from a social accounting matrix (SAM) which allows for incorporation of both demand and supply-side considerations. The paper finds that exports are, in fact, the most important factor in explaining regional output and wage income in the region studied, although not overwhelmingly so. In addition, the analysis demonstrates the importance of supply-constrained agricultural production as a determinant of income at the household level.
THE VASOMOTOR EFFECTS OF ADRENIN WHEN ADMINISTERED WITHOUT ANESTHESIA

One of the more important problems which now confront workers in the field of endocrinology is, what part is played by the adrenal glands in the normal and pathological activities of the body. An important feature in the solution of this major problem is the determination of the exact effects of adrenin on the various functional processes. These having been determined, the problem still remains as to whether the adrenals can and do secrete at a rate sufficient to produce the effects noted. In other words, the quantitative aspects of adrenin research are highly significant. This is particularly true because of the observations that the reaction to an injection of adrenin may vary diametriaclly depending upon the dose administered (Vincent (1), Tribe (2), etc.). We need definite information then as to whether adrenin is actually discharged into the blood; if so, under what condition and in what amounts and finally just what effects are produced by these amounts of adrenin. Of the available data bearing upon...
Less critical materials in critical instruments

The experience of a manufacturer of combat instruments and other electrical measuring devices, many of which are “critical components” of fighting equipment, shows that worth-while contributions to the war effort can be achieved by a well-rounded material-conservation program.
Surgical Management of Hepatocellular Adenoma: Take It or Leave It?

Hepatocellular adenoma (HA) is a rare benign tumor of the liver. Surgical resection is generally indicated to reduce risks of hemorrhage and malignant transformation. We sought to evaluate clinical presentation, surgical management, and outcomes of patients with HA at our institution. We performed a retrospective review of 41 patients who underwent surgical resection for HA between 1988 and 2007. Thirty-eight patients were women, and the median age at presentation was 36 years (range, 19–65 years). The most common clinical presentation was abdominal pain (70%) followed by incidental radiological finding (17%). Twenty-two patients had a history of oral contraceptive use. Median number of HA was one (range, 1–3). There were 32 open cases (3 trisectionectomy, 15 hemihepatectomy, 7 sectionectomy, 4 segmentectomy, and 3 wedge resection), and 9 laparoscopic cases (1 hemihepatectomy, 5 sectionectomy, 1 segmentectomy, and 2 wedge resection). The median estimated blood loss was 225 mL (range, 0–3400 mL). The median length of stay was 6 days (range, 1–15 days). Surgical morbidities included pleural effusion requiring percutaneous drainage (n = 2), pneumonia (n = 1), and wound infection (n = 1). There was no perioperative mortality. Twelve patients had hemorrhage from HA. Hepatocellular carcinoma was observed in two patients with HA. Median follow-up was 23 months (range, 1–194 months), at which time all patients were alive. In view of 29% hemorrhagic and 5% malignant complication rates, we recommend surgical resection over observation if patient comorbidities and anatomic location of HA are favorable. A laparoscopic approach can be safely used in selected cases.
Phycoerythrins as chemotaxonomic markers in red algae: A survey

A simple general procedure is described for the purification of high molecular weight phycoerythrin from red algae. Protein of purity adequate for precise spectroscopic characterization was obtained from as little as 0.2 g wet wt of fresh algal tissue. The absorption, excitation and fluorescence emission spectra of over a hundred phycoerythrins from representatives of all of the orders of the Bangiophyceae and Florideophyceae were determined. On the basis of visible absorption spectra, the phycoerythrins were subdivided into five groups: B-phycoerythrin Type I [542 > 567 > 502(s)], B-phycoerythrin Type II [566 ≅ 528 > 500(s)], R-phycoerythrin Type I (565 > 543 > 497), R-phycoerythrin Type II [566 > 551(s) > 496], and R-phycoerythrin Type III (567 > 539 < 496), where the numbers in parentheses specify the absorption maxima in nm and (s) denotes shoulder. Phycoerythrins do not appear to be useful at familial, ordinal and class levels in taxonomic studies. However, they do appear to be of limited value in discriminating taxonomic groupings at the generic and specific level. Audouinella (Acrochaetiales) can be separated into two groups of species, B-PE and R-PE types, but this is not correlated with cytological, morphological or life-history patterns. Rhodophysema can be removed from the Cryptonemiales and placed in the Acrochaetiales on the basis of its B-PE content, morphology and life history.
Soft-tissue sarcoma of the vagina and vulva: a clinicopathologic study

Objective: To review the clinicopathologic characteristics of vulvovaginal soft-tissue sarcomas, and to correlate these variables with response to treatment. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the records of 24 women treated at Memorial Hospital for sarcoma of either the vulva or vagina over 20 years (1974–1993). Archival pathology specimens were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis, histology, and grade of the tumor. Results: Fifteen patients had sarcomas arising from the vagina and nine had primary vulvar tumors. Leiomyosarcoma was the most common histology (n = 13). Twentythree of 24 women underwent surgical excision as their primary therapy. Twenty-three were available for follow-up, and 16 of them (70%) are free of disease at a median follow-up time of 47 months (range 12–156, mean 59). Five women died of progressive disease and two are currently alive with persistent or recurrent disease. Grade was the most important predictor of outcome; all seven women with low-grade tumors are alive without evidence of disease. Conclusion: Soft-tissue sarcomas are rare tumors of the lower genital tract. The primary therapy is surgical; adjuvant radiation therapy is indicated for high-grade tumors and locally recurrent low-grade sarcomas.
Electrophysiological evidence of doubly innervated branched muscle fibers in the human brachioradialis muscle

Abstract Objective Motor-unit action potentials (MUAPs) with unstable satellite (late-latency) components are found in EMG signals from the brachioradialis muscles of normal subjects. We analyzed the morphology and blocking behavior of these MUAPs to determine their anatomical origin. Methods EMG signals were recorded from the brachioradialis muscles of 5 normal subjects during moderate-level isometric contractions. MUAP waveforms, discharge patterns, and blocking were determined using computer-aided EMG decomposition. Results Twelve MUAPs with unstable satellite potentials were detected, always two together in the same signal. Each MUAP also had a second unstable component associated with its main spike. The blocking behavior of the unstable components depended on how close together the two MUAPs were when they discharged. Conclusions The latencies and blocking behavior indicate that the unstable components came from branched muscle fibers innervated by two different motoneurons. The satellite potentials were due to action potentials that traveled to the branching point along one branch and back along the other. The blockings were due to action-potential collisions when both motoneurons discharged close together in time. Significance Animal studies suggest that branched muscle fibers may be a normal characteristic of series-fibered muscles. This study adds to our understanding of these muscles in humans.
Thermal and Flame Properties of Polyethylene and Polypropylene Nanocomposites Based on an Oligomerically–Modified Clay

An oligomerically-modified clay was made using a surfactant which is the ammonium salt of an oligomer. The newly modified clay contains 37.5% inorganic clay and 62.5% oligomer. Polyethylene and polypropylene nanocomposites were made by melt blending the polymer with the oligomerically-modified clay in a Brabender mixer at various clay loadings. The structure of the nanocomposites was characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Mechanical testing showed that the polyethylene nanocomposites had an enhanced Young's modulus and slightly decreased elongation, while the changes for polypropylene nanocomposites are small compared with the virgin polymers. The thermal stability and flame properties were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry, respectively. The plasticising effect of the oligomer was suppressed because of the increased inorganic content. The maximum reduction in peak heat release rate is about 40%.
Uridylate kinase activity: effect of isoproterenol.

Isoproterenol stimulates cell proliferation in mouse salivary glands. Prior to the stimulation of DNA synthesis, 3H-uridine incorporation into RNA is decreased. This decreased incorporation results from a depression of uridylate kinase activity.
A TOOL FOR INVESTIGATING THE SYNONYMY RELATION IN A SENSE DISAMBIGUATED THESAURUS

This paper describes an exploration of the implicit synonymy relationship expressed by synonym lists in an on-line thesaurus. A series of automatic steps was taken to properly constrain this relationship. The resulting groupings of semantically related word senses are believed to constitute a useful tool for natural language processing and for work in lexicography.
Identifying the length dependence of orbital alignment and contact coupling in molecular heterojunctions.

Transport in metal−molecule−metal junctions is defined by the alignment and coupling of molecular orbitals with continuum electronic states in the metal contacts. Length-dependent changes in molecular orbital alignment and coupling with contact states were probed via measurements and comparisons of thermopower (S) of a series of phenylenes and alkanes with varying binding groups. S increases linearly with length for phenylenediames and phenylenedithiols while it decreases linearly in alkanedithiols. Comparison of these data suggests that the molecular backbone determines the length dependence of S, while the binding group determines the zero length or contact S. Transport in phenylenes was dominated by the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), which aligns closer to the Fermi energy of the contacts as ∼L−1, but becomes more decoupled from them as ∼e−L. In contrast, the decreasing trend in S for alkanedithiols suggests that transmission is largely affected by gold−sulfur metal induced gap states resid...
Rejoinder to Irwin's (2000) "age and sex differences in paranormal beliefs: a response to Vitulli, Tipton, and Rowe (1999)".

Issues in making an independent test of Irwin's alternative interpretation of Vitulli, Tipton, and Rowe's data are presented.
Nonparametric Policy Analysis

Abstract This article considers the problem of predicting the mean effect of a change in the distribution of certain policy-related variables on a dependent variable (Y). This is conventionally done using a parametric model. If, however, the conditional expectation of Y, given policy and nonpolicy variables X, is unaltered by the policy intervention, and if the support of X after the policy intervention lies within the support of X before the intervention, then this analysis can be performed nonparametrically. The proposed nonparametric estimator is developed for the model Yj = g(Xj ) + A′dj + uj where g(·) is a continuous unknown function of the continuous variables X, dj is an m-vector of dummy variables, A is an m-vector of unknown parameters representing fixed cell-specific effects, and uj is an error term with E(uj | xj, dj ) = 0. The estimand is B = Eg(Xj *) – Eg(Xj ), where X and X* (respectively) denote the values of X before and after the policy intervention. A nonparametric estimator Bn is propo...
Searching for evidence: continuing issues in dance education research

This paper reviews, analyzes, and reflects upon two important reports released in 2013, both discussing research evidence for the value of dance education or arts education more generally, among school-aged students. One report was created by a large dance education advocacy and support group in the USA, the National Dance Education Organization; the other came from the European-based Centre for Educational Research and Innovation, affiliated with the international Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Studying the two reports next to each other brings into focus important issues facing the field, especially distinctions between advocacy and research, and between values and facts, along with the impact of such distinctions on research questions and methodologies selected to pursue them. The author examines and challenges not only ideas in the reports, but also her own professional choices during a long career as dance educator and researcher.
Mathematical Modeling of Electrostatic MEMS Actuators: A Review

This review examines recent results on analytical modeling of electrostatic MEMS. Such modeling can include multiple coupled physics domains, including electrostatic forces, and lumped circuit models, structural elasticity, rigid body dynamics, or fluid mechanics. This review focuses on analytical models that provide the benefits of a closed-form expression trade rather than strive for the highest degree of accuracy for. Such models have been used successfully for parametric design, synthesis of dynamical models, and development of control laws. This review considers the role of mathematical modeling in several traditional and emerging areas for electrostatic MEMS: 1) analysis of pull-in, 2) effects of parasitics, 3) parametric resonance, 4) movable gate transistor or NEMFETs, and 5) repulsive actuation.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Laser-ablation split-stream ICP petrochronology

Abstract Laser-ablation split-stream (LASS) analysis—high-speed, high spatial-resolution, simultaneous isotopic and elemental analysis—enables petrochronology at a new level, through the interpretation of isotopic dates combined with elemental abundances and/or isotopic tracers. This contribution begins with an introduction to petrochronology, presents a new LASS technique using dual multi-collector–single-collector inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and offers examples of how this technique is used to decipher the evolution of rocks with complex geologic histories.
Fluorescence Quenching by TEMPO: A Sub-30 Å Single-Molecule Ruler

A series of DNA molecules labeled with 5-carboxytetramethylrhodamine (5-TAMRA) and the small nitroxide radical TEMPO were synthesized and tested to investigate whether the intramolecular quenching efficiency can be used to measure short intramolecular distances in small ensemble and single-molecule experiments. In combination with distance calculations using molecular mechanics modeling, the experimental results from steady-state ensemble fluorescence and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy measurements both show an exponential decrease in the quenching rate constant with the dye-quencher distance in the 10-30 A range. The results demonstrate that TEMPO-5-TAMRA fluorescence quenching is a promising method to measure short distance changes within single biomolecules.
Recombinant nucleocapsid protein-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of antibody to turkey coronavirus

Abstract Nucleocapsid (N) protein gene of turkey coronavirus (TCoV) was expressed in a prokaryotic system and used to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of antibody to TCoV. Anti-TCoV hyperimmune turkey serum and normal turkey serum were used as positive or negative controls for optimization of the ELISA. Goat anti-turkey IgG (H+L) conjugated with horseradish peroxidase was used as detector antibody. Three hundred and twenty two turkey sera from the field were used to evaluate the performance of ELISA and determine the cut-off point of ELISA. The established ELISA was also examined with serum samples obtained from turkeys experimentally infected with TCoV. Those serum samples were collected at various time intervals from 1 to 63 days post-infection. The optimum conditions for differentiation between anti-TCoV hyperimmune serum and normal turkey serum were recombinant TCoV N protein concentration at 20 μg/ml, serum dilution at 1:800, and conjugate dilution at 1:10,000. Of the 322 sera from the field, 101 were positive for TCoV by immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA). The sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA relative to IFA test were 86.0% and 96.8%, respectively, using the optimum cut-off point of 0.2 as determined by logistic regression method. Reactivity of anti-rotavirus, anti-reovirus, anti-adenovirus, or anti-enterovirus antibodies with the recombinant N protein coated on the ELISA plates was not detected. These results indicated that the established antibody-capture ELISA in conjunction with recombinant TCoV N protein as the coating protein can be utilized for detection of antibodies to TCoV in turkey flocks.
Microwave-assisted coherent and nonlinear control in cavity piezo-optomechanical systems

We present a cavity piezo-optomechanical system where microwave and optical degrees of freedom are coupled through an ultrahigh-frequency mechanical resonator. By utilizing the coherence among the three interacting modes, we demonstrate optical amplification, coherent absorption, and a more general asymmetric Fano resonance. The strong piezoelectric drive further allows access to the large-amplitude-induced optomechanical nonlinearity, with which optical transparency at higher harmonics through multiphonon scattering is demonstrated.
Muscarinic-mediated analgesia

Systemic administration of cholinesterase inhibitors which cross the blood brain barrier have long been known to produce analgesia and enhance analgesia from opiates. A major site of analgesic action of cholinergic agents is the spinal cord. Muscarinic receptors are concentrated in the superficial layers of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, an area of noxious sensory processing, and these reflect innervation primarily from cholinergic neurons with cell bodies deep in the neck of the dorsal horn. Spinal injection of cholinergic agonists results in analgesia which primarily reflects muscarinic receptor activation. Analgesia occurs in animal models of acute noxious stimulation and of chronic hypersensitivity pain. Although no cholinergic agonists have been tested for safety in humans, the cholinesterase inhibitor, neostigmine, has undergone such testing, and produces analgesia to experimental, acute postoperative, and chronic pain. Thus, muscarinic cholinergic agonists and cholinesterase inhibitors hold promise as non-opiate agents for the treatment of moderate to severe acute and chronic pain.
Effect of extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields on locomotor activity rhythms of atlantic salmon (Salmo Salar) and american eels (Anguilla rostrata)

Abstract We investigated the effect of weak, extremely low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields on the locomotor activity of Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) parr and American eel ( Anguilla rostrata ) juveniles. Fish were individually exposed to 60 or 75 Hz electric fields of 0·07 V/m or 0·7 V/m or magnetic fields of 0·5 gauss on alternate days in LD 12:12 or DD light conditions. Neither salmon nor eels showed differences between the level or rhythmicity of locomotor activity on exposed and non-exposed days. Fish were also exposed to a 75 Hz electric or magnetic field for 1 h in every 23 h in LL, DD or LD 12:12. None became entrained to a 23 h periodicity. Thus, there is no indication that proposed ELF communications systems would influence the daily activity of Atlantic salmon or American eels.
Random Response Relationships to Transfer Function and State-Space Properties

Output variables of dynamic systems subject to random inputs are often quantified by mean-square calculations. Computationally for linear systems, these typically involve integration of the output spectral density over frequency. Numerically, this is a straightforward task and, analytically, methods exist to find mean-square values as functions of transfer function (frequency response) coefficients. These formulations offer analytical relationships between system parameters and mean-square response. This paper develops further analytical relationships in calculating mean-square values as functions of transfer function and state-space properties. Specifically, mean-square response is formulated from (i) system pole-zero locations, (ii) as a spectral decomposition, and (iii) in terms of a system matrix transfer function. Direct, closed-form relationships between response and these properties are afforded. These new analytical representations of the mean-square calculation can provide significant insight into dynamic system response and optimal design/tuning of dynamic systems.
Temperature and photoperiod effects on sex determination in a fish

In some gonochoristic species, sex is influenced not only by genotype at conception but also by the environment that offspring experience during early ontogeny (termed environmental sex determination or ESD). ESD is thought to be adaptive when seasonal variations in environmental conditions provide a sex-specific fitness advantage. In vertebrates, temperature is the most common determinant of sex, and seasonal variation in temperature serves as a temporal cue of environmental quality such as length of the growing season. Some environments, however, lack strong seasonal temperature fluctuations and other cues, particularly photoperiod, may provide a more reliable indicator of the environment offspring enter. We tested this hypothesis by rearing the offspring of the California grunion (Leuresthes tenuis, Ayres), which experiences low seasonal temperature variation in nature, under common garden conditions at three temperature and two photoperiod treatments. Our experiments revealed that both temperature and photoperiod significantly affected sex ratios in L. tenuis. More females were produced at cooler temperatures and longer day lengths, which is consistent with female-biased sex ratios early in the breeding season, and likely adaptive through increased female size and fecundity. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of photoperiod-dependent sex determination in a gonochoristic vertebrate.
Strengthening Relations Between NGOs and the UN System: Towards a Research Agenda

There were representatives of 1,200 voluntary organisations present at the founding conference of the United Nations in San Francisco in 1945. They played a significant role in writing the first seven words of the Charter: “We the peoples of the United Nations and also in the inclusion of Article 71, providing that ‘The Economic and Social Council may make suitable arrangements for consultation with non-governmental organisations…’”. In addition, they fought for the inclusion of individual human rights (mentioned seven times in the Charter) and for educational co-operation in the pursuit of friendly relations among nations (Article 55).
The Novel Antipsychotic Drug Lurasidone Enhances N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptor-Mediated Synaptic Responses

N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction has been postulated to contribute to the cognitive deficit of schizophrenia. In this study, we examined the effect of lurasidone (Latuda; Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), a newly approved atypical antipsychotic drug (APD), on NMDAR synaptic function in rat frontal cortical pyramidal neurons. In vivo administration of lurasidone produced a significant and selective enhancement of NMDAR-mediated synaptic responses and surface expression of NR2A and NR2B subunits. Lurasidone has high affinity for serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT7 receptors and dopamine D2 receptors. In vivo administration of the 5-HT7 receptor antagonist (2R)-1-[(3-hydroxyphenyl)sulfonyl]-2 -(2-(4-methyl-1-piperidinyl)ethyl)pyrrolidine (SB-269970) mimicked the enhancing effect of lurasidone on NMDAR responses, whereas the D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol failed to do so. Previous studies have found that short-term administration of lurasidone reverses the cognitive impairment induced by subchronic administration of phencyclidine (PCP), an NMDAR noncompetitive antagonist. In this study, we found that lurasidone, as well as the prototypical atypical APD clozapine, restored NMDAR-mediated synaptic responses to normal levels in the PCP model of schizophrenia. These results suggest that NMDAR is the potential key molecular target of lurasidone, possibility via antagonizing 5-HT7 receptors, which is consistent with evidence that 5-HT7 receptor antagonism contributes to cognitive enhancement by atypical APDs in patients with schizophrenia.
The effect of texture on strength of southeastern coastal plain soils

Abstract The effect of texture on soil strength was analyzed for 17 soils, mainly from the Southeastern Coastal Plains. All samples were tested with a 5-mm, flat-tipped probe after equilibration at 100 kPa of soil-water tension. Both mechanical compression and water consolidation (compaction by wetting and drying) were used to compact the soils. Probe resistance of water-consolidated samples was significantly affected by texture. In fact, bulk density or probe resistance of soils compacted by methods of constant compactive force or constant methodology correlated well with texture for Coastal Plain soils. A secondary effect of texture involved a significant, positive correlation of silt with probe resistance for sandy soils low in organic matter. Bulk densities at root-restricting conditions (2 MPa) compared well with bulk density values obtained by water consolidation and the Random Packing Model of Gupta and Larson, all of which were significantly correlated to texture.
Managing Reproductive Life: Cross‐Cultural Themes in Fertility and Sexuality

Managing Reproductive Life: Cross-Cultural Themes in Fertility and Sexuality. Soraya Tremayne. ed. New York: Berghahn Books. 2001. vii. 286 pp., figures, bibliography, index.
3-D Printing the History of Mechanisms

Physical models of machines have played an important role in the history of engineering for teaching, analyzing, and exploring mechanical concepts. Many of these models have been replaced today by computational representations, but new rapid-prototyping (RP) technologies are now allowing reintroduction of physical models as an intuitive way to demonstrate mechanical concepts. This paper reports on the use of RP to document, preserve, reproduce, and share in three dimensions, historic machines, and mechanisms. We have reproduced several preassembled, fully functional historic mechanisms from the Cornell Collection of Reuleaux Kinematic Models, and made these available as part of a new online museum of mechanism: Not only can visitors read descriptions, view pictures and videos, and interact with simulations of machines, but they can now also download and 3D-print their own physical functional replicas. We expect that this new form of “physical” preservation will become prevalent in future archives. DOI: 10.1115/1.1902999
Semester-long assessment of aseptic technique in microbiology labs.

Biology educators emphasize aseptic technique when teaching lab courses. Aseptic technique is very important in microbiology to ensure safety and prevent cross-contamination. Although it can be assessed throughout the semester by examining the students’ technique and observation of contamination, this tool offers a simple semester-long graded assessment of each student’s technique. The procedures allow the students to perform a quick exercise that can determine if cross-contamination occurs, thus determining if aseptic technique was observed. Instructors can quickly check for the presence of cross-contamination. After implementing this procedure, a quantifiable improvement in my students’ aseptic technique throughout the semester was observed. It was noted that between the middle and end of the semester there was a slight increase in the amount of cross-contamination but still well below the contamination observed at the beginning of the semester. This procedure was a valuable way to assess aseptic technique during the course of a semester. A search for “aseptic technique” on the American Society of Microbiology website reveals that several lab experiments and job opportunities mention the importance of aseptic technique. It is a skill that must be used for all laboratory procedures when working with microorganisms. It is important for both the safety of the students and for the proper handling of microorganisms. There are several good explanations of aseptic technique on the Internet, and the Nuffield Foundation provides a very good description of techniques (1). The goal of this project is to provide instructors with a tool to assess the aseptic technique of their students by using simple transfers of bacteria to fresh media to identify cross-contamination. When class experiments do not work students may not understand how poor aseptic technique impacted the project. This tool would work best for undergraduate students in an introductory microbiology course, so students can see the effects of poor aseptic technique. Adding a graded assignment to their aseptic technique ensures their full effort in this key aspect of microbiology. The procedure can be presented during the first laboratory meeting as a way to explain the importance of aseptic technique and transferring cultures. It works well as an introductory lab since it also introduces the students to microorganisms and the need to incubate samples to observe growth. This semester I used this tool as a way to monitor the students’ progress from the beginning to the end of the semester. I made it a part of their first class, the midterm practical, and their final practical.
Testing boundary conditions of the ideomotor hypothesis using a delayed response task

Abstract Ideomotor theory accounts for how an action's consequence is incorporated into an action concept in the form of a perceptual image that, when retrieved, serves to initiate the action. The ideomotor idea is compelling, because the ultimate purpose of an action is to bring about a certain change in the environment. This study investigated the time-course of response–effect compatibility (REC), which produces a shorter reaction-time when response effects are compatible with the responses than when they are not. We used a delayed choice-reaction task that required the response to be withheld until a Go signal occurred. In Experiment 1 an effect was delivered by the location of a square in either a spatially compatible or incompatible relation to the keypress action. A significant REC effect for reaction time was found only when an effect-achieving instruction was used, for which evidence indicated a locus in an early action phase. In Experiment 2 a cursor effect occurred causally, continuously and simultaneously with the movement of a computer mouse. No matter whether instructions in terms of cursor or mouse movement were used, a strong REC effect was found that preserved its power from the early to later parts of motor planning until execution ended. The results provide evidence that an action concept incorporates the action's consequent changes more strongly when they are goal-satisfying or highly causal events.
Reason over reflex in acute ischemic syndromes: the case for a rational application of invasive procedures:.

The time has come to discard the notion that more invasive is more beneficial for patients with acute ischemic syndromes. In fact, compelling evidence suggests that just the opposite is true. Overwhelming data indicate that stress nuclear MPI has a very high sensitivity for detecting patients at risk for future death or MI and can therefore identify very low-risk subgroups for whom further intervention is decidedly unlikely to benefit and can only add the risk of complications. It is important to understand that a conservative strategy is not the same as “medical treatment.” A conservative strategy means a rational evaluation of risk of future cardiac events using a noninvasive approach, reserving revascularization for those patients at increased risk. It recognizes that nonselective coronary angiography leads to unnecessary revascularization, which can actually lead to a poorer outcome. Reason over reflex.
Spectral and geographical variability in the oceanic response to atmospheric pressure fluctuations, as inferred from “dynamic barometer” Green's functions

[1] A decade ago, a novel theoretical approach was developed (Dickman, 1998) for determining the dynamic response of the oceans to atmospheric pressure variations, a response nicknamed the “dynamic barometer” (DB), and the effects of that response on Earth's rotation. This approach employed a generalized, spherical harmonic ocean tide model to compute oceanic Green's functions, the oceans' fluid dynamic response to unit-amplitude pressure forcing on various spatial and temporal scales, and then construct rotational Green's functions, representing the rotational effects of that response. When combined with the observed atmospheric pressure field, the rotational Green's functions would yield the effects of the DB on Earth's rotation. The Green's functions reflect in some way the geographical and spectral sensitivity of the oceans to atmospheric pressure forcing. We have formulated a measure of that sensitivity using a simple combination of rotational Green's functions. We find that the DB response of the oceans to atmospheric pressure forcing depends significantly on geographic location and on frequency. Compared to the inverted barometer (IB) (the traditional static model), the DB effects differ slightly at long periods but become very different at shorter periods. Among all the responses, the prograde polar motion effects are the most dynamic, with large portions of the North Atlantic and some of the North Pacific no larger than one third of IB, but most of the Southern Hemisphere oceans at least 50% greater than IB.
Simulation of homogeneous nonGaussian stochastic vector fields

A spectral representation-based simulation methodology is proposed to generate sample functions of a multi-variate, multi-dimensional, nonGaussian stochastic vector field, according to a prescribed cross-spectral density matrix and prescribed (nonGaussian) marginal probability distribution functions. The proposed methodology starts by generating a Gaussian vector field that is then transformed into the desired nonGaussian one using a memoryless nonlinear transformation in conjunction with an iterative scheme. The generation of the Gaussian vector field is performed taking advantage of the Fast Fourier Transform technique for great computational efficiency. The special case of simulation of nonGaussian vector fields modeling material properties is examined, mainly from the point of view of certain simplifying assumptions that can be made for such random media. Finally, a numerical example involving a tri-variate, two-dimensional, nonGaussian stochastic vector field is presented in order to demonstrate the capabilities and the efficiency of the proposed methodology.