cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Explosive Tropical Volcanism on ENSO

ThisstudyexaminestheresponseofElNino-SouthernOscillation(ENSO)tomassivevolcaniceruptionsin a suite of coupled general circulation model (CGCM) simulations utilizing the Community Climate System Model, version 3 (CCSM3). The authors find that the radiative forcing due to volcanic aerosols injected into the stratosphere induces a model climatic response that projects onto the ENSO mode and initially creates a La Nina event that peaks around the time the volcanic forcing peaks. The curl of the wind stress changes accompanying this volcanically forced equatorial region cooling acts to recharge the equatorial region heat. For weaker volcanic eruptions, this recharging results in an El Nino event about two seasons after the peak of the volcanic forcing. The results of the CCSM3 volcanic forcing experiments lead the authors to propose that the initial tropical Pacific Ocean response to volcanic forcing is determined by four different mechanisms— one process is the dynamical thermostat mechanism (the mean upwelling of anomalous temperature) and the other processes are related to the zonal equatorial gradients of the mean cloud albedo, Newtonian cooling, and mixed layer depth. The zonal gradient in CCSM3 set by both mixed layer depth and Newtonian cooling terms oppose the zonal sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) gradient produced by the dy- namical thermostat and initially dominate the mixed layer zonal equatorial heat budget response. Applying this knowledge to a simple volcanically forced mixed layer equation using observed estimates of the spa- tially varying variables, the authors again find that the mixed layer depth and Newtonian cooling terms oppose and dominate the zonal SSTA gradient produced by the dynamical thermostat. This implies that the observed initial response to volcanic forcing should be La Nina-like not El Nino, as suggested by paleo- climate records.
AFM study of repulsive van der Waals forces between Teflon AF™ thin film and silica or alumina

Abstract An atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to measure the interactions between a flat Teflon AF™ surface and an α-alumina or amorphous silica sphere in cyclohexane as a function of distance of separation. Repulsive van der Waals (vdW) forces were predicted for the interactions between Teflon AF™ and α-alumina or amorphous silica according to the negative Hamaker constants, which were calculated from the dielectric response functions of materials using the Lifshitz theory. The measured forces agree well with the theoretically calculated forces, which include the retardation contribution. The retardation effects are apparent at large distance of separation (>4–5 nm) where the measured forces are weaker than the non-retarded prediction.
Synthesis of a new class of 5'-functionalized adenosines using a rh(ii)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition.

Chemically protected adenosine was functionalized at the 5‘ position to generate novel dipolarophiles and mesoionic dipoles. These species were found to undergo facile 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition to afford a new series of adenosine derivatives that contain a point of diversification at the 5‘ position of adenosine.
Needle localization of occult breast lesions

Excision of mammographically demonstrated breast lesions that are clinically occult remains a surgical challenge. Eighteen lesions were preoperatively localized (all but 1 with the Frank hooked wire technique). Eleven lesions were evaluated with specimen radiography. Three lesions proved to be malignant at biopsy and 15 were benign. We found hooked wire needle placement to be extremely accurate, enabling rapid excision of the suspicious mass with excision of rather small areas of the breast with no significant cosmetic defect. Mean anesthetic time for breast biopsy alone was slightly less than time for biopsy with needle localization, which was less than that when specimen radiography was employed. In the absence of a discrete lesion, specimen radiography is a useful adjunct. Needle localization is simple, accurate, rapid, and requires no special apparatus. Its widespread use should lead to the identification of more breast carcinomas in a potentially curable state.
RFLP inheritance and linkage in walnut

Thirty-two low-copy-number genomic DNA clones from a walnut (Juglans sp.) Pst I genomic library were used to establish a molecular-marker linkage map for walnut. The clones were hybridized to restriction-endonuclease-digested DNA from parent walnut trees involved in an interspecific backcross of (J. hindsii x J. regia) x J. regia in order to identify parental polymorphism. Sixty-three backcross progeny were analyzed to determine the inheritance and linkage of 48 RFLP loci. Sixty-six percent of the walnut cloned sequences detected duplicated, but unlinked, loci. Twelve linkage groups were identified by 42 of the RFLP loci. A Poisson probability method for estimating genome size was utilized to calculate the approximate walnut genome length as 1660 cM and to estimate that 138 markers would be needed to cover 95% of the walnut genome within 20 cM of each marker.
Interethnic Ideology, Intergroup Perceptions, and Cultural Orientation

We examined endorsement of multicultural, assimilation, and colorblind ideologies, including their relations to stereotyping and in-group bias, among community samples of Latinos and non-Latino Whites. Participants also completed measures of their orientations to Latino and non-Latino White cultures. Analyses indicated that participants endorsed multiculturalism more strongly than colorblindness and colorblindness more strongly than assimilation. Although Latinos endorsed multiculturalism more strongly than did Whites, ratings of colorblindness and assimilation did not differ. Both groups exhibited in-group bias and out-group homogeneity. However, multiculturalism was associated with lower in-group bias. Further, Latinos who more strongly endorsed multiculturalism perceived less within group variability (i.e., had stronger stereotypes), whereas the reverse was true for Whites. Finally, analyses of cultural orientation measures indicated that ethnicity is not synonymous with cultural orientation; Latinos were equally oriented to Latino and White cultures, overall, and Latino and White American orientations were unrelated.
Positioning portals with peripheral NFC tags to embody trans-surface interaction

Trans-surface interaction addresses moving information objects across multi-display environments that support sensory interaction modalities such as touch, pen, and free-air. Embodiment means using spatial relationships among surfaces and human bodies to facilitate users' understanding of interaction. In the present embodied trans-surface interaction technique, a peripheral NFC tag array provides tangible affordances for connecting mobile devices to positions on a collaborative surface. Touching a tag initiates a trans-surface portal. Each portal visually associates a mobile device and its user with a place on the collaborative surface. The portal's manifestation at the top of the mobile device supports 'flicking over' interaction, like playing cards. The technique is simple, inexpensive, reliable, scalable, and generally applicable for co-located collaboration. We developed a co-located collaborative rich information prototype to demonstrate the embodied trans-surface interaction technique and support imagining and planning tasks.
Chemical passivation of GaSb-based surfaces by atomic layer deposited ZnS using diethylzinc and hydrogen sulfide

The atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZnS passivation nanofilms from diethylzinc and hydrogen sulfide is studied in the long-term chemical passivation of GaSb-based surfaces. The ZnS thin film growth is found to be linear with the number of deposition cycles from the beginning of the ALD of ZnS. Thioacetamide- (TAM) treated GaSb surfaces passivated without or with 1 nm-thick ZnS capping layer are investigated using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to study changes at the surface/interface of passivated GaSb surfaces over time. Immediately after TAM treatment or ZnS deposition, no oxides are found on the passivated surfaces. After exposure to atmospheric air for 14 days, the presence of gallium and antimony oxides in the ZnS capped TAM-treated GaSb is found to be significantly lower than that in samples treated only with TAM. Surface chemical passivation of TAM-treated InAs/GaSb structures with 1 and 2 nm-thick ZnS capping films are used to investigate the effect of film thickness on chemical passivation ef...
MODELING THE CELL DIVISION CYCLE: A QUALITATIVE APPROACH

The underlying biochemical mechanisms that drive the cell division cycle involve the interactions and feedback controls between the cytoplasmic proteins cdc2 and cyclin, and the activities of the cdc2-cyclin complex MPF. Alternation between interphase and mitosis is associated with oscillatory MPF and cyclin levels. This paper describes an ordinary differential equations (ODE) model and a functional differential equations (FDE) model of the cell cycle based on experimental work with the newly fertilized frog egg. One major difference of these models from previous ones is the use of nonspecific reaction terms in describing the interactions between cdc2, cyclin and MPF. This qualitative approach makes possible the evaluation of the roles of the various reactions and feedback mechanisms in the control of the cell cycle.
A note on sampling expansion for a transform with parabolic cylinder kernel

Abstract This note concerns a sampling expansion for integral transforms, of functions defined on the half line, with a parabolic cylinder (Hermite-Weber) function as its kernel. The sampling with such transforms for functions on the whole real line is not possible, as the parabolic cylinder function is not square integrable there and the sampling function does not exist in the usual finite form. This should set straight some unsuccessful attempts, concerning such expansions, which appeared in this journal.
Combinatorial structure of Kirillov–Reshetikhin crystals of type Dn(1), Bn(1), A2n−1(2)

Abstract We provide the explicit combinatorial structure of the Kirillov–Reshetikhin crystals B r , s of type D n ( 1 ) , B n ( 1 ) , and A 2 n − 1 ( 2 ) . This is achieved by constructing the crystal analogue σ of the automorphism of the D n ( 1 ) (respectively B n ( 1 ) or A 2 n − 1 ( 2 ) ) Dynkin diagram that interchanges the 0 and 1 node. The involution σ is defined in terms of new ± diagrams that govern the D n to D n − 1 (respectively B n to B n − 1 , or C n to C n − 1 ) branching. It is also shown that the crystal B r , s is perfect. These crystals have been implemented in MuPAD-Combinat; the implementation is discussed in terms of many examples.
What China Whispers to North Korea

Before asking what leverage Beijing holds over Pyongyang, a more fundamental question remains: what exactly are the messages that China is sending to North Korea? A former Chinese foreign ministry official conveys five and predicts whether they will work.
Health Literacy and Women's Health: Challenges and Opportunities

Introduction This article describes the impact of health literacy on women's health and provides strategies for addressing this public health issue. Methods A comprehensive literature review was conducted of peer-reviewed journals. Multiple electronic databases were used, including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Key words were used to identify articles and were combined to include health literacy, health behavior, women's health, patient education, and professional role. Additional articles were identified as a result of reviewing reference lists found during the electronic search. Results Health literacy is a complex issue that affects many women and can adversely affect women's knowledge, ability to adhere to clinical plans of care, and health outcomes for women and their children. It is estimated that 36% of adults in the United States possess limited health literacy skills. Effective strategies can be used by health care providers to address this serious problem, including clear and effective communication, development of health education materials, professional education, and development of community partnerships. Discussion Health literacy is a serious problem. Effective approaches can be employed to blunt the adverse effect on women's health. Health care providers are well positioned to demonstrate leadership within the health care system regarding health literacy.
Cortical processing of hyperacuity tasks.

Abstract Spatial discrimination thresholds were determined by having subjects make comparisons between stimuli presented successively at the same or at different locations in the visual field. Two tasks were employed, discrimination of line orientation and discrimination of the distance between two parallel lines (spatial interval discrimination). We find that discrimination thresholds based on the comparison of features in spatially-separated stimuli are comparable to those based on the comparison of features in two stimuli presented successively at the same location. This holds even when the stimuli are presented in nonhomologous positions in the visual field or are presented in a manner such that they activate cells in opposite cortical hemispheres in the early visual areas. This shows that discriminability is not determined solely by differences in the firing rates of stria te or pre-striate neurons. Rather, it appears that the attributes of visual stimuli are precisely coded and available for comparison at higher levels of visual processing. Implications of this finding for models of hyperacuity are discussed.
Fabrication of silicon sidewall profiles for fluidic applications using modified advanced silicon etching

In this work, we present a new deep etching sequence for the fabrication of circular cavities in straight silicon sidewalls. This approach allows alternating anisotropic/isotropic etches without affecting the profile generated in prior etching steps. This process sequence is crucial for realizing silicon structures that enable a variety of new applications, such as turbulence promoted liquid injector to disperse liquid effectively at the minimum injection pressure for electronic cooling, micro-evaporator or micro-combustors, surface enhancement (increase boiling nucleate sites) for micro-channel heat transfer, fluid mixing enhancer, isolation of electronic microstructures and release of mechanical microstructures.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Simultaneous measurement of biogenic amines and their metabolites in rat brain regions after acute administration of and abrupt withdrawal from butorphanol or morphine.

Changes in levels of biogenic amines and metabolites were measured using high performance liquid chromatography fitted with an electrochemical detection in various rat brain regions after acute administration of and abrupt withdrawal from continuous intracerebroventricular infusion of butorphanol (a μ/δ/κ mixed opioid receptor agonist) or morphine (a μ-opioid receptor agonist). A single dose of butorphanol (26 nmol/5 μl) or morphine (26 nmol/5 μl) increased levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in the striatum and limbic region and of homovanilic acid in the cortex, striatum, and limbic region. In animals which had been infused with butorphanol (26 nmol/μl/hr) or morphine (26 nmol/μl/hr) for 3 days, an increase in dopamine turnover was observed. The levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid was decreased and that of homovanilic acid was increased in the striatum, limbic region, and midbrain immediately after termination of opioid infusion. Both dopamine metabolites (in these areas) were decreased at 2 and 6 hr after butorphanol or morphine withdrawal. Changes in norepinephrine, serotonin, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels in some brain regions were observed in the morphine-, but not in butorphanol-dependent rats. These data suggest that the increase and the decrease in dopaminergic activity, but not noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons, in the some brain regions are closely associated with the production of antinociception of and the expression of withdrawal syndrome from butorphanol and morphine, respectively.
The effects of adenosine on idiopathic ventricular tachycardia.

Abstract Our series is the largest to date on the use of adenosine triphosphate in patients with idiopathic VT. By utilizing the drug as a diagnostic tool to differentiate between reentry and triggered automaticity, we sought to identify the mechanisms prevalent in our population of patients, and observed a very good correlation between the mechanism of VT and its anatomic origin. The drug reproducibly terminated tachycardia in all patients except 1 with LBBB morphologic VT, an-d in no patient with RBBB morphologic VT. Our results strongly support the current view that VT of left ventricular inferoapical origin is primarily a reentry phenomenon, whereas VT of right ventricular outflow tract origin may be a heterogenous group in which the predominant mechanism is triggered automaticity.
Interorganisational relations and effectiveness in a developing housing policy field

Abstract The study deals with the problem of administrative capacity in housing policy implementation in less developed countries. Specifically, interorganisational relations as a strategy for improving administrative effectiveness are examined. The main question addressed is as follows: ‘is the positive association between interorganisational relations and effectiveness found by studies in advanced countries tenable in the context of housing policy administration in developing countries?’ Employing data on interorganisational relations amongst housing policy organisations in Cameroon, it is found that the relation is also tenable in the context of a developing country. A secondary question of interest in the study is as follows: ‘what is the relative strength of association between various modes of interorganisational relations and organisational effectiveness?’ It is found that the more intense the mode, the stronger the association.
Personal projections in artists’ works: Implications for branding

This paper summarises the findings of an in-depth, qualitative study of the communicative qualities of 10-year-olds’ artistic productions in several media: pen-and-paper, digital graphics created with a touch tablet and the programming language Logo. Sixty-nine per cent of viewing teachers’ statements about the children's learning preferences, styles and personal attributes were confirmed with information shared by the children's teachers, parents, and the children themselves during interviews. There were no discernible differences in the accuracy of perceptions among works developed with different production media. Viewing teachers knew nothing about the children's ages, genders, backgrounds, school experiences, preferences, or other personal attributes. The results of this study, considered within the context of long-standing literature on the use of artistic works as projective devices with children and adults for psychological assessments, suggests that brand symbols and logos may reveal information about their creators that is perceived subconsciously by potential consumers and that could influence consumer behaviour. Recommendations for further research to confirm or refute this supposition are offered.
Neonatal endotoxin exposure impairs avoidance learning and attenuates endotoxin-induced sickness behavior and central IL-1β gene transcription in adulthood

Abstract Infection during infancy, a time of critical neural development, may have long-term implications. Infection or exposure to an immune stimulus such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) early in life leads to alterations in the reactivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) and febrile response in adulthood. Relatively few studies have assessed the behavioral and cognitive alterations induced by perinatal immune challenge. The data indicate that neonatal immune activation may alter adulthood behavior with, or sometimes without, subsequent adulthood exposure, depending on the study. The current study investigated the behavioral effects and IL-1β transcription following intraperitoneal LPS administration on postnatal days (PNDs) 4 and 5, and subsequent LPS or saline administration in adulthood. Alterations in anxiety, motor behavior, and learning were assessed in male and female subjects. The results indicate that neonatal endotoxin exposure attenuated the LPS-induced decrease in motor behavior in female, but not male, subjects. Furthermore, perinatal immune activation disrupted avoidance learning in male, but not female, subjects in the absence of adulthood LPS administration. In addition, for male subjects, neonatal LPS exposure diminished central IL-1β gene transcription following adulthood LPS administration. These findings indicate that perinatal endotoxin exposure may lead to alterations in the behavioral response to adulthood LPS administration, and provide evidence that early immune activation alone may trigger alterations in adulthood learning ability.
Field Observations on Tamias striatus in Wisconsin

Observations and collecting of Tamias striatus (L.) in the area of Waupaca, Wisconsin during the summers of 1952 through 1955 have yielded data relevant to sex ratios and natural history. The paucity of reports involving large numbers of this chipmunk prompt us to present this communication—drawn from field records of more intensive research on the hibernation of this species. Most captured chipmunks appeared closely related to T. s. griseus Mearns. Some resembled T. s. lysteri (Richardson), and others appeared to be intermediates. The ranges of these two subspecies have long been known to be contiguous in this part of central Wisconsin (Howell, 1929). In such mammalian populations we favor the viewpoint of Burt (1954) and others and will not attempt subspecific designation. No Eutamias were found in the area of Waupaca during the present study. At first wooden, sliding-door traps and later “Havahart” live traps were employed. Weights were measured on a “Hansen” diet spring-scale. Field weights were taken before captured animals were fed or watered. In general, captured animals were without food or water for several hours prior to the initial weighing. Subsequent weights were made on animals which had access to Purina Laboratory Chow and water ad lib . Glass drinking bottles served for the measurement of water consumption, and animals were marked by toe clipping. The sites, all within a few miles of Rainbow Lake (Waupaca County), can be differentiated into three areas: 1) Government Island, an uninhabited, tree-covered island; 2) wooded shore areas fairly close to human dwellings; and 3) a large vegetable garden, the “Hacker” site. At Sites 1 and 2 traps were usually placed near burrow entrances and shifted as burrows were apparently trapped out. At Site 3 traps were simply placed in random fashion throughout the garden area. The trap-lines were examined daily …
We (Have to) Try Harder Gender and Required Work Effort in Britain and the United States

Across three decades in both Britain and the United States, surveys indicate that women must work harder than men do. Using data from the 1997 Skills Survey of the Employed British Workforce (U.K.) and the 1997 National Study of the Changing Workforce (U.S.), the authors investigate two possible explanations for this gap in reports of required effort: gender differences in job characteristics and family responsibilities. In multivariate ordered logistic regressions, extensive measures of job characteristics do not explain the difference between women and men. Family obligations, as well, account for little or none of the gap. The authors argue that the association between gender and reported required work effort is best interpreted as reflecting stricter performance standards imposed on women, even when women and men hold the same jobs. The authors discuss alternative interpretations and implications for research.
Thin-Foil SEM Analysis of Soil and Groundwater Colloids: Reducing Instrument and Operator Bias

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) has been widely used to characterize environmental colloids with little regard for instrumental limitations. Details associated with electron emission source, excitation voltage, and even sample-coating procedures are often omitted from publications because SEM techniques are generally considered routine. In the current study, the common analytical technique of depositing colloidal samples on polycarbonate filters (i.e., conventional analysis) and carbon coating for microanalysis was compared to a thin-foil mounting technique that enhances particle recognition and reduces the nonspecific background (i.e., Bremsstrahlung X-rays) that interferes with compositional analysis of submicron particles. Carbon-coated particle resolution was degraded compared to metal-coated samples, making it difficult to identify smaller particles or discern fine-grained aggregates during EDS analysis. The signal-to-noise ratio for the res...
Influence of plant growth stage on cereal aphid reproduction

The objective of this research was to determine the influence of the stage of growth of host plants upon the fecundity of cereal aphids. This information is useful in evaluating the potential for cereal aphid movement between, and their colonization of, a sequence of field crops in the Northern Plains and in understanding the epidemiology of plant virus diseases transmitted by cereal aphids. Aphid fecundity was tested in growth chambers on spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], and maize (Zea mays L.) when plants were in the seedling (2-3 leaf), boot, heading, and flowering stages of growth. Aphid fecundity was also compared onvernalized and nonvernalized winter wheat. The aphids tested were the greenbug (GB) [Schizaphis graminum (Rondani)], the English grain aphid (EGA) [Macrosiphum (Sitobion) avenae (F.)], the bird-cherry oat aphid (RP) [Rhopalosiphum padi (L.)], and the corn leaf aphid (CLA) [R. maidis (Fitch)]. The results of the tests showed that GB and RP reproduced more on headed wheat than on earlier stages of wheat growth. CLA fecundity was significantly greater on seedling barley than on later stages of growth, but there were no significant differences in GB, RP, and EGA reproduction on barley at the several stages of growth. Seedling maize was virtually immune to RP and CLA colonization; however, GB, RP, and CLA reproduction was greater on seedling sorghum than on older plants. No significant differences were detected in the fecundity of GB, RP, or EGA on vernalized versus nonvernalized winter wheat. The results are interpreted in the contest of cereal aphid field biology and state of crop development in the Northern Plains.
Fungal Growth During Fermentation and Refermentation of Nonprotein Nitrogen Treated Corn Silage

Abstract Chopped corn (35% dry matter) was treated with urea, aqua ammonia, or an ammonia-mineral suspension at 0, .23, .45, or .9% added nitrogen, placed in polyethylene bags (containing 56kg) inside 200 liter metal drums, evacuated, and sealed. During fermentation, silages were sampled and temperatures measured on days 0, 5, 20, and 86. On day 86 of fermentation, two 12-kg portions were placed in open containers at 25C. On days 0, 7, 21, and 28 of refermentation, silages were sampled, aerated, and temperatures were measured. All silages were analyzed for lactic acid, pH, and number and type of fungi. Initial and final pH values were increased by urea but most with ammonia. During refermentation, all nitrogen sources produced large pH increases. Addition of .23% nitrogen as ammonia stimulated lactic acid, but more depressed lactate production. Lactic acid disappeared during refermentation. Silages treated with the ammonia-mineral suspension required the longest time for appearance of visible fungi. Total fungal counts fell more rapidly on ammonia treatments, but additives did not differ on days 5 and 20 of fermentation. Despite large variations, all sources at all percents of nonprotein nitrogen depressed fungal counts during refermentation with the .45 and .9% nitrogen treatments showing lower counts than 0 and .23%. Treatments did not change the relative proportions of fungi during spoilage. Yeasts dominated prior to and throughout fermentation, and Geotrichum increased during refermentation. Some Penicillium and Aspergillus were identified, but they never comprised a major proportion of the total counts.
Comparative Study of Separation of Non‐encapsulated Drug from Unilamellar Liposomes by Various Methods

The purpose of this study was to compare the various methods available to separate non-encapsulated drug from large unilamellar liposomes (LUV). Multilamellar liposomes (MLV) were prepared by thin film hydration using distearoylphosphatidylcholine:cholesterol (2:1 molar ratio). MLVs were passed through a 0.2 micron polycarbonate membrane using an extruder to prepare LUVs. Particle size of liposome preparations was characterized using a submicron particle-size analyser. The non-encapsulated drug was separated by: filtering through Centrifree tubes; passing through gel (Sepharose-4B and Sephadex G-25M); passing through minicolumn; ficoll density gradient; protamine aggregation; or dialysis. The dialysis method was found to be unsuitable for separation of non-encapsulated drug due to equilibration of encapsulated drug as the free drug was dialyzed. The upper limit for lipid concentration was 5 mg mL-1 using the Centrifree method. Separation using gel chromatography led to dilution of liposome preparation. Minicolumn and density gradient techniques did not lead to sample dilution, however the minicolumn method was tedious. The time required for separation of liposomes by protamine aggregation was longer for neutral liposomes. Thus it was concluded that the Centrifree was the fastest method to estimate encapsulation; the density gradient method was ideal to separate non-encapsulated drug; and protamine aggregation was the least expensive method to estimate encapsulation efficiency.
ISS Droplet Combustion Experiments - Uncertainties in Droplet Sizes and Burning Rates

Methodologies are developed for evaluating uncertainties in droplet size measurements and burning rates for droplet combustion experiments that have been performed on the International Space Station. Different uncertainty sources are considered and propagated into the combined standard uncertainties via the Taylor series method. The local polynomial method is used to provide estimates of instantaneous burning rates. Results from analyses of non-sooting (methanol) or lightly sooting (heptane) droplets as well as moderately sooting (decane/propylbenzene) droplets are presented. Ninety-five percent expanded uncertainties in droplet diameters and burning rates are typically about 0.1 mm and 0.005 mm 2/s, respectively, for methanol and heptane droplets and 0.1 mm and 0.02 mm 2/s for decane/propylbenzene droplets, though uncertainties can be larger during ignition and extinction events.
Radioimmunoassay for Danazol in Human and Monkey Plasma

A sensitive method is described for the radioimmunoassay of danazol in monkey and human plasma. Antiserum was developed in rabbits, and a second antibody was used to separate bound from free danazol. The radioimmunoassay was specific for danazol, and the limit of detection ranged from 1.4 to 2.8 ng/ml. Exogenous danazol could be quantitated accurately in both monkey and human plasma. The radioimmunoassay results agreed with values obtained by inverse isotope dilution after intravenous administration of 14C-danazol to monkeys. The assay was used successfully to measure danazol in plasma from human volunteers receiving 200 mg of danazol.
Comparison of the level of mRNA encoding m1 and m2 muscarinic receptors in brains of young and aged rats.

Abstract We compared the concentration of mRNA encoding the m1 and m2 muscarinic receptors in several brain regions obtained from young (5–8 months) and aged (24–28 months) male Fischer 344 rats. DNA-excess solution hybridization was employed as a quantitative measure of mRNA concentration. The results indicate the absence of changes in the m1 receptor message with aging in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum. While there was no statistically significant aging-associated alteration in the concentration of the message encoding the m2 receptor in the thalamus, midbrain, cerebellum and brainstem, there was a decrease in the message level in the hypothalamus.
The Body Influence Assessment Inventory (BIAI): Development and initial validation

This manuscript describes the development and preliminary psychometric properties of a 28-item self-report instrument, the Body Influence Assessment Inventory (BIAI). The BIAI taps four dimensions of bodily experiences in the eating disorders area that are linked with suicide-related behaviors. Following the four phases of instrument development, four studies were conducted to examine the psychometric properties of the BIAI. In Study 1 (n = 510 nonclinical participants), exploratory factor analysis identified four factors with item-factor compositions ranging from .30 to .88. In Study 2 (n = 490 nonclinical participants), the four-factor oblique solution provided the best fit to the sample data: Comparative fit index of .95, Tucker-Lewis Index of .93, and root-mean-square error of approximation value of .05. In Study 3 (psychiatric inpatients), estimates of test-retest reliability across a four-week interval (n = 46) ranged from .80 to .89, and estimates of criterion-related validity were strong. In Study 4, Cronbach alpha estimates ranged from .81 to .90 for the BIAI scales. Results provided additional evidence of known-groups and concurrent validity estimates for the BIAI scales. The results suggest that the BIAI has good preliminary psychometric properties.
A new algorithm for the design of multifunctional observers

This paper presents a general algorithm for low-order multifunctional observer design with arbitrary eigenvalues. The feature of this algorithm is that it can generate a functional observer with different orders which are no larger but usually much less than m(v - 1) , where m is the number of functionals and v is the observability index of (A, C) . Since the order needed for the observer varies with the functionals besides other system parameters, this design approach should be practical. The resulting observer system matrix is in its Jordan form. The key step of this algorithm is the generation of the basis for the transformation matrix which relates the system and observer states. The computation of this algorithm is quite reliable. It is based on the block observable lower Hessenberg form of (A, C) , and all its initial and major computation involves only the orthogonal operations.
The effects of skin integrity on para-phenylenediamine hypersensitivity in BALB/c mice

Abstract Rationale Para-Phenylenediamine (PPD) is a common contact allergen found in dyes including non-permanent (henna) tattoos. In addition, several reports have demonstrated urticaria and anaphylaxis following PPD exposure. These studies were conducted to evaluate whether skin integrity modulates the Th1 versus Th2 response to PPD in murine models of hypersensitivity. Methods For the local lymph node assay (LLNA), female BALB/c mice were dosed for 3 days with vehicle (acetone) or increasing concentrations of PPD (0.05-1.0%) on the dorsal ear pinnae. Following injection of [3H]-thymidine, draining lymph nodes were radioassayed on day 6. In a phenotypic analysis assay, mice were similarly exposed to 0.05 − 6.0% PPD through intact or abraded skin for 4 days. On day 10 post-exposure, lymph nodes were excised to evaluate B220+ and IgE+B220+ cell populations. In a 3-week time course study, mice were exposed to PPD through intact or abraded skin and tail bled for serum IgE analysis at 2 and 3 weeks post initial exposure. Results A significant response was observed in the LLNA and phenotypic analysis assays at concentrations as low as 0.5 and 2.0%, respectively. Following 3 weeks of PPD exposure, IgE levels reached statistical significance (p Conclusions These studies revealed that PPD is a potent contact sensitizer in BALB/c mice while demonstrating only weak IgE inducing potential even when exposure is through abraded skin.
Psychometric Properties of the Devereux Scales of Mental Disorders

The Devereux Scales of Mental Disorders (DSMD) is a relatively new rating scale intended to be used in the assessment of behavioral and emotional problems in children. In this study, several psychometric properties of the DSMD were investigated. The authors of the DSMD developed six separate subscales through factor analytic procedures. This study attempted to replicate these scales. A factor analysis was conducted, and at each age range the scale covers (5-12 and 13-18) five factors as opposed to six factors were retained. Although the factor structure in this study did not replicate the factor structure reported by the scale authors, both the factors obtained in this study and the subscales developed by the authors have adequate internal consistency reliabilities, and children classified as seriously emotionally disturbed scored higher on all factors and subscales than did children not classified as such. These results are discussed within the context of how this scale may best be used in practice.
Artificial trans-acting small interfering RNA: a tool for plant biology study and crop improvements.

Completion of whole genome sequencing in many plant species including economically important crop species not only opens up new opportunities but also imposes challenges for plant science research community. Functional validation and utilization of these enormous DNA sequences necessitate new or improved tools with high accuracy and efficiency. Of various tools, small RNA-mediated gene silencing platform plays an important and unique role in functional verification of plant genes and trait improvements. Artificial trans-acting small interfering RNA (atasiRNA) has emerged as a potent and specific gene silencing platform which overcomes major limitations of other small RNA silencing approaches including double-stranded RNA, artificial microRNA (amiRNA), and microRNA-induced gene silencing. To best utilize atasiRNA platform, it is essential to be able to test candidate atasiRNAs efficiently through either in vivo or in vitro validation approach. Very recently, a breakthrough has been made in developing a new method for in vitro screen of amiRNA candidates, named “epitope-tagged protein-based amiRNA screens”. Such a screen can be readily employed to validate atasiRNA candidates and thus accelerate the deployment of atasiRNA technology. Therefore, atasiRNA as an emerging tool shall accelerate both plant biology study and crop genetic improvements including trait stacking.
Persistence of Feelings and Sentience after Bilateral Damage of the Insula

It has been convincingly established, over the past decade, that the human insular cortices are involved in processing both body feelings (such as pain) and feelings of emotion. Recently, however, an interpretation of this finding has emerged suggesting that the insular cortices are the necessary and sufficient platform for human feelings, in effect, the sole neural source of feeling experiences. In this study, we investigate this proposal in a patient whose insular cortices were destroyed bilaterally as a result of Herpes simplex encephalitis. The fact that all aspects of feeling were intact indicates that the proposal is problematic. The signals used to assemble the neural substrates of feelings hail from different sectors of the body and are conveyed by neural and humoral pathways to complex and topographically organized nuclei of the brain stem, prior to being conveyed again to cerebral cortices in the somatosensory, insular, and cingulate regions. We suggest that the neural substrate of feeling states is to be found first subcortically and then secondarily repeated at cortical level. The subcortical level would ensure basic feeling states while the cortical level would largely relate feeling states to cognitive processes such as decision-making and imagination.
A full custom VLSI design methodology using Mentor Graphics design software in an educational environs

An 8-b arithmetic logic unit (ALU) was schematic-captured, simulated, physically designed, and resimulated with parasitics using Mentor Graphics design tools and a full custom methodology. The design can be fabricated with confidence that it will perform as expected. The design has demonstrated how a commercial design tool can effectively be used in an educational environment. Many tool related issues that came up were resolved using resources at hand, or with the help of external resources such as the software vendor, fabrication facility, or uses at other educational institutions. Students benefit from this effort because they can use commercial tools to understand important VLSI performance issues. >
A 1.8GHz Spur-Cancelled Fractional-N Frequency Synthesizer with LMS-Based DAC Gain Calibration

A 1.8GHz wideband fractional-N synthesizer achieves the phase noise of an integer-N PLL using a noise-cancellation DAC calibrated with an adaptive LMS spur correlation technique. It exhibits in-band and integrated phase noises of -98dBc/Hz and 0.8deg, respectively. The chip in 0.18mum CMOS occupies 2mm2, and consumes 29mW at 1.8V
Practical and mathematical considerations in the formulation snd selection of migration rates

El problema de elegir una tasa de migracion. apropiada se complica debido a: (1) la variedad de tipos y fuentes de datos sobre migraciones: (2) la variedad de definiciones y maneras de estimar las migraciones; (3) la interaccion y las relaciones reciprocas entre las migraciones y el crecimiento natural; (4) el uso de las tasas de migracion en el analisis estadistico y en las proyecciones: (5) las tecnicae de calculos disponibles, y (6) los usos corrientes y la comprension popular. En esie articulo se formulan y evaluan las tasas adecuadas para los principales tipos de datos sobre migraciones y metodos de calculo, Una conclusion importante es la de que, en muchos casos, tanto por razones practicas como por razones matematicas, la base mas apropiada para calcular una tasa de migracion es la media de las poblaciones inicial y terminal de un periodo dado de tiempo. Sin embargo, si los cambios de la poblacion durante ese periodo son muy marcados, por ejemplo, mas del 3 o del 4 por ciento al ano, y si se considera un periodo de diez anos, se recomienda el numero de anos-hombre, vividos por la poblacion. de la zona durante el periodo considerado. Una importante propiedad matematica de esia clase de tasas consiste en que es aditiva y compatible con las tasas de natalidad y mortalidad de la misma poblacionm; porque el “crecimiento natural entre los migrantes de la zona” es identico, pero de signo contrario, a la “migracion neta del crecimiento natural.” De este modo, estos dos componentes del cambio total de la poblacion se compensan exactamente uno con otro. Ademas, esta tasa, basada en los logaritmos naturales y en los exponenciales, puede dividirse o multiplicarse en cualquier periodo fraccional que se desee. El articulo tambien formula un tipo probabilistico de tasas que podrian utilizarse en la medicion y en el onalisis de los movimientos migratorios (inmigratorios y emigratorios) netos.
Establishing a Toxins in Desert Environments (TIDE) Network in Qatar

Abstract Objectives: To establish a forum to discuss issues and share information related to research on Toxins in Desert Environments (TIDE network). Methods: We will solicit researchers, students, educators, and dignitaries who have published and studied desert toxins or have expressed an interest in toxins and deserts, to join a network to encourage research and an understanding of toxins in desert environments. We will target a variety of disciplines, including microbiology, zoology, botany, chemistry, anthropology, sociology, and toxicology. We will establish an interactive website to facilitate communication and hold a yearly workshop and conference in Qatar to build networking capacity and promote the network. The conference will be a three-day event including a keynote speaker and a guided field trip. Results: Topics will include information, and showcase current research and future needs for education and research on a variety of toxins as it relates to plants, animals, and people in desert envir...
Educational software engineering: where software engineering, education, and gaming meet

We define and advocate the subfield of educational software engineering (i.e., software engineering for education), which develops software engineering technologies (e.g., software testing and analysis, software analytics) for general educational tasks, going beyond educational tasks for software engineering. In this subfield, gaming technologies often play an important role together with software engineering technologies. We expect that researchers in educational software engineering would be among key players in the education domain and in the coming age of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Educational software engineering can and will contribute significant solutions to address various critical challenges in education especially MOOCs such as automatic grading, intelligent tutoring, problem generation, and plagiarism detection. In this position paper, we define educational software engineering and illustrate Pex for Fun (in short as Pex4Fun), one of our recent examples on leveraging software engineering and gaming technologies to address educational tasks on teaching and learning programming and software engineering skills.
Taking anti-depressant medication: A qualitative examination of internet postings

Background: The use of psychiatric medications has expanded dramatically in recent years. This opens opportunities for new lines of inquiry in the social and behavioral sciences. Aims: This paper examines the experience of taking anti-depressant medications and its impact on the sense of self. Method: This medication experience is captured through an analysis of postings on a health-related web site. Posting on the five most popular anti-depressant medication message boards were examined for common themes in 227 postings. Results: Four themes common to the five message boards are presented. Postings addressed general side effects, sexual side effects, giving medical advice and frustration with physicians. An analysis of these postings is discussed through the perspective of the damaged and healing selves. Conclusions: Taking anti-depressant medication created a contradiction among posters. They saw themselves as ill and rather ineffective patients. At the same time they saw themselves as actors who deserve good treatment, and in fact, have their own medical expertise. We use this conclusion to develop implications and limitations of this research with suggestions for future research.
Is osmolality a long-term regulator of renal sympathetic nerve activity in conscious water-deprived rats?

Acute increases in osmolality suppress renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). However, it is not known whether prolonged physiological increases in plasma osmolality chronically inhibit RSNA. To ...
Astrophysical tau neutrino detection in kilometer-scale Cherenkov detectors via muonic tau decay

Abstract Kilometer-scale deep under-ice or -water Cherenkov neutrino detectors may detect muon and electron neutrinos from astrophysical sources at energies of a TeV and above. Tau neutrinos are also expected from these sources due to neutrino flavor oscillations in vacuum, and tau neutrinos are free of atmospheric background at a much lower energy than muon and electron neutrinos. Identification of tau neutrinos is expected to be possible above the PeV energy range through the “double bang” and “lollipop” signatures. We discuss another signature of tau in the PeV–EeV range, arising from the decay of tau leptons inside the detector to much brighter muons.