cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of geometric nonlinearity on acoustic modulation

Non-linear nondestructive testing is different from linear acoustic in that it correlates the presence and characteristics of a defect with acoustical signals whose frequencies differ from the frequencies of the emitted probe signal. The difference in frequencies between the probe signal and the resulting frequencies is due to a nonlinear transformation of the probe signal as it passes through a defect. Under acoustic interrogation due to longitudinal waves, as the compression phase passes the defect the two sides of the interface are in direct contact and the contact area increases. Similarly, the tensile phase passes through the defect, the two sides separate and the contact area decreases, thereby modulating the signal amplitude. The contact area depends on the roughness of the surface and on the magnitude of the cohesive forces that arise from the small crack openings. Such cohesive forces may be attributed to aggregate interlock (in plain concrete), fiber bridging (in fiber reinforced concrete) or both. In this paper, the frequency shifts of the probe elastic wave will be analytically related to the roughness and varying cohesive forces of the crack-like defect.
Leafroller parasitism across an orchard landscape in central Washington and effect of neighboring rose habitats on parasitism

Abstract Parasitism of sentinel leafroller larvae of Pandemis pyrusana and Choristoneura rosaceana (Tortricidae) was measured in apple, pear and cherry orchards within a 680 ha landscape mosaic in south-central Washington in 1999–2000. Average seasonal rates of parasitism of sentinel larvae were 12% in spring and 29.6% in summer corresponding to the overwintering and summer larval cohorts of pest leafroller generations. Tachinidae accounted for 72% of spring and 79% of summer parasitism compared to 9.2% and 7.6% by the exotic parasitoid, Colpoclypeus florus (Eulophidae), 14% and 0.9% by Apanteles polychrosidis and 3.9% and 12.2% by Oncophanes americanus (Braconidae), respectively. Parasitism rates of sentinel larvae in autumn increased to 81%, of which 55% was by C. florus and 44% was by tachinids. A significant decline in parasitism with increasing distance from the Yakima River was evident for C. florus ( P , O. americanus (summer only, P = 0.011) and A. polychrosidis ( P = 0.018). No statistically significant association of parasitism with pesticide use was detected. Sentinels larvae placed in two orchards adjacent to patches of the Wood’s Rose, Rosa woodsii (Rosaceae), that harbored the strawberry leafroller, Ancylis comptana (Tortricidae), showed parasitism rates by C. florus approaching 100% in spring at one site and in summer at a second site . These studies show that proximity to riparian habitats is associated with higher parasitism of leafrollers for three parasitoids. The presence of the non-pest leafroller, A. comptana, infesting R. woodsii may represent a valuable overwintering host for C. florus leading to increased parasitism of pest leafrollers by C. florus in commercial fruit orchards . Experimental creation of rose habitats to test this concept is indicated.
Thermal conduction contribution to the ultrasonic attenuation in solids

Abstract We estimate the thermal conduction contribution to the ultrasonic attenuation of crystals. For UPt3, the calculated attenuation exhibits a peak at the temperature where one was observed by Muller et al., but its magnitude, while significant, is too small to account for the data.
Comparative Study of Amorphous and Crystalline (Ba, Sr)TiO3 Thin Films Deposited by Laser Ablation

(Ba0.5Sr0.5)TiO3 thin films (200-300 nm) were deposited on Pt-coated Si substrates by laser ablation at 500 and 650°C. The leakage currents of crystalline films grown at 650°C were found to be higher than those of amorphous films grown at 500°C. The crystalline thin films showed higher surface roughness than the amorphous films as measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). A columnar grain structure was observed for crystalline films with a grain size of 20-30 nm by transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis. These factors may be responsible for high leakage currents of crystalline films. Constant current injection measurements for Au/(Ba0.5Sr0.5)TiO3/Pt capacitors showed that electron trapping states near the top electrode interface were higher in number than at bottom electrode interface. This may be due to the presence of reactive sites on the surface of deposited films as observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements.
Activities of hormone metabolizing enzymes in house flies treated with some substituted urea growth regulators

Abstract The insect growth regulators (IGR) TH 6038 and TH 6040 affect larvae of various species by interfering with cuticle development. In a biochemical study of their effects, larvae of the house fly, Musca domestica L. were reared for 2 days on diets containing 1.7 to 166.7 ppm of these compounds, then assayed for activities of the microsomal oxidases and the enzyme(s) which metabolize β-ecdysone. The activities of these enzymes were compared with the percentage of treated larvae completing pupal-adult ecdysis. The two compounds reduced the activity of the β-ecdysone metabolizing enzyme(s) by as much as 57%, reduced pupal-adult ecdysis by 43% to 100%, and stimulated microsomal oxidase activity 4- to 12-fold. Supplementation of the diet of the treated insects with the Cecropia juvenile hormone, JH I, partially restored pupal-adult ecdysis but supplementation with β-ecdysone had no effect. The mode of action indicated by these results is that the IGRs cause an accumulation of β-ecdysone in the treated larvae. This stimulates the enzyme, chitinase, which degrades chitin in preparation for formation of the new cuticle. The hormone may also cause a JH deficiency and the stimulation of DOPA decarboxylase and phenol oxidase which would further disrupt the normal molting process.
Does nifedipine prevent the tachysystole associated with misoprostol induction

Objective: To determine the efficacy of oral nifedipine as prophylaxis against uterine tachysystole associated with misoprostol induction of labor. Methods: A total of 116 patients undergoing induction with term, singleton pregnancies were enrolled. All patients received 50 μg misoprostol intravaginally every 4 h. Patients were randomly assigned also to receive nifedipine 10 mg orally every 4 h, or no prophylaxis. The primary outcome variable was the incidence of 12 or more contractions in any 20-min interval. Results: Data on 106 patients were available for analysis. There were 55 subjects in the misoprostol-nifedipine group and 51 controls. Nifedipine did not diminish the incidence of tachysystole when added to misoprostol (42% vs. 45% without nifedipine; p = 0.7). Conclusion:Prophylactic oral nifedipine was not shown to decrease the uterine tachysystole associated with vaginal misoprostol induction at a 50-μg dose.
Sandbathing reduces fur lipids of chinchillas, Chinchilla laniger

Pour etudier l'importance des bains de sable sur la qualite du pelage chez le chinchilla, 16 animaux (8 mâles et 8 femelles) ont ete prives de sable pendant 25 jours apres avoir recu un shampoing. Ensuite, ils ont eu acces au sable et finalement, ils ont recu un dernier shampoing. Apres chaque periode, une meme quantite de poil a ete prelevee et analysee pour mesurer la teneur en lipide
Formation of Myosin-Photochromic ATP Analogue-Phosphate Analogue Ternary Complexes that Transit Reversibly Among Different ATPase Transient States by Light Irradiation

Azobenzene is a photochromic molecule that undergoes rapid and reversible isomerization between the cis- and trans-forms in response to ultraviolet (UV) and visible (VIS) light irradiation, respectively. Previously, we have cross-linked reactive cysteine SH1 and SH2 of skeletal muscle myosin subfragment-1(S1) with the sulfhydryl-reactive bifunctional azobenzene derivative, azobenzene-dimaleimide (ABDM) and succeeded to induce lever arm swinging reversibly by photo-irradiation. The results suggested that it might be possible to control or drive motor proteins by light irradiation. In the present study, we have employed photochromic ATP analogues that change its structure reversibly by light irradiation in order to photo-regulate function of myosin. Phenylazobenzoyl-iminoethyl-Tri-Phosphate (PABITP) have been designed and synthesized. PABITP was hydrolyzed by skeletal muscle myosin subfragment-1 (S1) and induced dissociation of acto-myosin. Formations of S1-PABIDP-Pi analogues (AlF4-, BeFn) ternary complexes that may mimic different transient states in ATPase cycle were examined. The formations of the ternary complexes were monitored by competing with fluorescent ADP analogue Mant-ADP. Trans PABITP formed the ternary complexes with AlF4- and BeFn. Interestingly, formation of S1-PABIDP-BeFn was saturated at 50%. It is known that there are two species of BeFn, which have different number of fluorine. One of them forms M∗•ATP state and the other forms M∗∗•ADP•Pi state. As S1-ADP-AlF4- ternary complex mimic only M∗∗•ADP•Pi state. Therefore, trans PABIDP forms predominantly ternary complexes mimics M∗∗•ADP•Pi with BeFn and AlF4-. The photo-isomerization to cis PABIDP by UV irradiation decreased the stability of the ternary complexes. The results suggest that trans PABITP may mimic transient state of M∗∗ADP-Pi state and isomerization to cis PABITP induced transition to other state in ATPase cycle.
An Ethnography of Emerging Latino Music Scenes

We report on an ethnographic study of three emerging scenes in which Latino music is produced, performed, experienced, and celebrated in Houston, Texas: rock en Espanol, gay Latino dance music, and professional soccer supporters' music. Music is an important feature of Latino culture, since it informs migration, citizenship, spirituality, and other aspects of the contemporary Latino experience. Three interactionist concepts inform this study. The concept of scene directs our attention to the comprehensive social worlds driven by Latino music. The concept of idioculture directs our attention to the ways audience members experience Latino music within everyday life small groups. The concept of place directs our attention to how Latino music creates new locations to anchor the self in reference to country of origin, present music communities, or possible symbolic locations such as America or La Raza. We conclude with suggestions for a revised interactionist concept of music scene.
Surface characterization of titanium alloys sterilized for biomedical applications

Abstract The high biocompatibility of Ti and Ti-based implants is closely related to the properties of the surface oxide formed during the implant preparation stages. During the machining process, the metal is exposed to the ambient atmosphere and oxidized. This surface oxide layer may be modified during the subsequent implant preparation steps: cleaning and sterilization. In this study, surface elemental and chemical information as well as the thickness of the oxide layer are evaluated for the Ti-6Al-4V alloy before and after different sterilization procedures: UV radiation, steam autoclaving, and radio-frequency glow-discharge (RFGD) treatment in argon atmosphere. The analytical techniques used are: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS or ESCA) and the scanning Auger microprobe (SAM). The results of this study indicate that among steam autoclaving, UV radiation and RFGD treatment, the latter yields cleaner surfaces. Also, depth profiles of the specimens treated with RFGD in argon showed an increase in the oxide layer thickness with respect to the values observed for non-sterilized samples.
A protein required for splicing group I introns in Neurospora mitochondria is mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase or a derivative thereof

The nuclear cyt-18 mutants of Neurospora crassa are defective in splicing a number of group I introns in mitochondria. Here, cloning and sequencing of the cyt-18 gene show that it contains an open reading frame having significant homology to bacterial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases. Biochemical and genetic experiments lead to the conclusions that the cyt-18 gene encodes mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase, that mutations in this gene inhibit splicing directly, and that mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase or a derivative of this protein is related to the soluble activity that functions in splicing the mitochondrial large rRNA intron and possibly other group I introns. Analysis of partial revertants provides direct evidence that the cyt-18 gene encodes a protein or proteins with two activities, splicing and aminoacylation, that can be partially separated by mutation. Our findings may be relevant to the evolution of introns and splicing mechanisms in eukaryotes.
Epidemiology of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials: Data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

Abstract Objective To evaluate whether age-related changes in vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) differ by demographic and cardiovascular risk groups. Methods Participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging underwent cervical and ocular VEMP testing. VEMP latency, amplitude, asymmetry ratios, and prevalence of absent responses were compared across demographic and cardiovascular risk groups. Results In 257 participants (mean age 72.9, 57% female), ocular VEMP (oVEMP) n10 latency increased by 0.12 ms/decade while amplitude decreased by 2.9 μV/decade. Black participants had better oVEMP function (shorter latency, increased amplitude, and decreased odds of absent responses) relative to white participants. In 250 participants (mean age 72.6, 54% female), EMG-corrected cervical VEMP (cVEMP) amplitude decreased by 0.14 μV/decade and p13 latency was 0.38 ms longer in males. The odds of absent responses were significantly higher in individuals age ⩾80 for oVEMPs, and age ⩾70 for cVEMPs. Cardiovascular risk factors had no association with VEMP parameters. Conclusions We confirmed age-related declines in otolith function, and observed a protective effect of black race on oVEMP latency and amplitude. Significance These results illustrate how measures of otolith function change with age in community-dwelling adults. Further investigations are needed to ascertain whether better otolith function in blacks might contribute to a lower risk of mobility disability and falls.
Retention and release of TiO2 nanoparticles in unsaturated porous media during dynamic saturation change

The retention and release of TiO2 nanoparticles in porous media (packed glass beads) were studied under transient unsaturated conditions as the media were taken through multiple drainage/imbibition (drying/wetting) cycles at three different pH values. The focus of the work was to better understand the role of changing water table levels and rainfall infiltration events on the ultimate mobility of TiO2 nanoparticles. Results indicate that retention during saturated transport varied considerably, from very strong retention at pH 5 (likely due to electrostatic interactions), to no measurable retention at pH 10. During primary drainage, additional retention (i.e., beyond what was retained during initial saturation) was observed at all pH values. During subsequent imbibition/drainage cycles where nanoparticle-free water was imbibed into the porous medium prior to drainage, the mass of retained TiO2 remained nearly constant at all three pH values. Final imbibition/drainage and subsequent flushing, both using solution conditions adjusted to favor high mobility, showed very little additional nanoparticle release. These results indicate that the release of TiO2 nanoparticles following retention by either saturated or unsaturated packed glass beads was difficult to achieve, regardless of the likely initial mechanisms of retention, even when solution conditions were changed to those that should favor high mobility.
Correlation of Plasma Levels of Nifedipine and Cardiovascular Effects After Sublingual Dosing in Normal Subjects

Only limited work has been reported about the relationships of cardiovascular effects and plasma concentrations of the calcium-channel blocker nifedipine. In this study, placebo and nifedipine in 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-mg doses were administered sublingually to ten normal subjects with at least three days between dosing periods. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored every 30 minutes for two hours, and blood samples were taken after each measurement for determination of plasma nifedipine concentration by a sensitive and specific gas chromatographic method. Systolic blood pressure fell significantly (P less than 0.05) although briefly after 10 mg, but the effect persisted with larger doses. Diastolic blood pressure fell significantly only after 30- or 40-mg dosing. Heart rate increased significantly after all doses of nifedipine with the effect lasting longer with higher doses. Systolic blood pressure measurements were significantly related to the log of the concurrently measured plasma nifedipine concentrations (r = -.82, P less than 0.001). Diastolic blood pressure was also related to log nifedipine concentration (r = -.69, P less than 0.01). Heart rate, too, was linearly related to the log of nifedipine plasma levels (r = .75, P less than 0.001). These data indicate that the hemodynamic effects observed after acute nifedipine administration may be used to estimate whether or not significant quantities of the drug are being absorbed and that the intensity of the hemodynamic effects may, therefore, serve as a bioassay to evaluate the appearance of drug in plasma in therapeutic quantities.
Microscopic diffusion tensor imaging of the mouse brain

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data at 43 mum isotropic resolution has been acquired on the intact adult mouse brain in 28-h scan time by using a streamlined protocol, including specimen fixation and staining, image acquisition, reconstruction, post-processing, and distribution. An intermediate registration of each component image is required to achieve the desired microscopic resolution. Multiple parameters have been derived, including fractional anisotropy, axial and radial diffusivity, and a color-coded orientation map of the primary eigenvector. Each DTI dataset was mapped to a common reference space to facilitate future standardized analysis. Fiber tracking has also been demonstrated, providing 3D connection information. This protocol to acquire high-resolution DTI data in a robust and repeatable fashion will serve as a foundation to quantitatively study mouse brain integrity and white matter architecture, at what we believe to be the highest spatial resolution yet attained.
Fulminant onset of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

This report describes a patient with previously unrecognized liver disease who developed ascites followed by spontaneous bacterial peritonitis within a period of 24 hr. The fulminant onset of peritonitis led us to perform an emergency laparotomy suspecting a ruptured abdominal abscess. This case is evidence that spontaneous peritonitis can develop almost concomitantly with clinically apparent ascites in patients with rapidly progressive hepatic failure.
Proteinuria after Burn Injury

Qualitative and quantitative aspects of the excretion of protein after burn injury have been investigated. The excretion of total protein and of albumin have been measured nephelometrically while the excretion of proteins of both serum and non-serum origin have been measured by immunoelectrophoresis using antiserum against serum proteins or against a pool of urine from burned patients. Comparison of the patterns of proteins observed in urine using these two different antisera showed the presence of at least three major proteins that did not originate from the plasma. The excretion of two of these three proteins followed closely the pattern of total protein excretion which reached a maximum at five to seven days after injury. The excretion of albumin was greatest in the first 48 hours after injury. Examination of the original burn patients' urine antigen by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that this urine pool contained greater amounts of lower molecular weight proteins than were observed in a pool of normal urines. The observations suggest that a biphasic renal pathophysiology is observed after burn injury. Initially, there develops a mild transient glomerular lesion which progresses to a different state which shows at least some of the features of a tubular proteinuria.
Anomalous magnetic properties in the single-crystal kappa -(BEDT-TTF)2Cu(NCS)2 superconductor.

Magnetization measurements have been performed on single crystals of the organic superconductor {kappa}-(BEDT-TTF){sub 2}Cu(SCN){sub 2} with the field parallel to the {ital a} axis (perpendicular to the conducting plane). At high temperatures, the magnetization {ital M} displays a power-law dependence on {ital H} with {ital M}{proportional_to}{ital H}{sup {alpha}} and {alpha}={minus}0.45{plus_minus}0.05. At low temperatures ({ital T}{le}7.5 K), an anomalous field dependence in {ital M}({ital H}) is observed. The irreversibility field determined from magnetic hysteresis loops displays a universal temperature dependence, i.e., from a high-temperature power-law dependence to a low-temperature exponential dependence. The results are qualitatively similar to the fishtail magnetization reported for the highly anisotropic oxide superconductors. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Observation and Prediction for One-Dimensional Diffusion Equations

Abstract The object of this paper is to extend to diffusion processes governed by ut = Lu: = (pux)x − qu various results obtained by the author and others concerning observation and prediction problems for the one-dimensional heat equation.
The School Psychologist as Leader and Change Agent in a High-Stakes Era

SUMMARY School psychologists are well prepared to provide leadership in an era when gathering and interpreting data is center-stage in education reform. The leadership literature is not well known in school psychology and a summary of major leadership theories pertinent to the practice of school psychology is provided. Strategies for leading change in a high stakes testing climate are provided through case studies of two school psychologists who have assumed leadership roles in advocating for fair, effective, and comprehensive uses of data with children.
Salvage of sildenafil failures referred from primary care physicians.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Sildenafil citrate is an effective first line agent for most causes of erectile dysfunction. Primary care providers (PCPs) write the majority of these prescriptions and most failures of sildenafil therapy are subsequently referred to urologists for alternative therapies. Often it is concluded that the drug is ineffective when in actuality the failure is do to inadequate patient education. We examined patients referred from PCPs who were nonresponders to sildenafil therapy and attempted to convert them to responders through reeducation.Materials and Methods: In a 2-year period 253 sildenafil nonresponders were evaluated by the same urologist (GNS). Patient reeducation consisted of viewing a brief videotape, personal instruction and detailed instruction sheets for the patient and his partner. Outcome measures were obtained through patient self-reporting of the Sexual Health Inventory for Men and a global assessment question. Responders were identified as those who answered positively latter...
Lineage-dependent circuit assembly in the neocortex

The neocortex plays a key role in higher-order brain functions, such as perception, language and decision-making. Since the groundbreaking work of Ramon y Cajal over a century ago, defining the neural circuits underlying brain functions has been a field of intense study. Here, we review recent findings on the formation of neocortical circuits, which have taken advantage of improvements to mouse genetics and circuit-mapping tools. These findings are beginning to reveal how individual components of circuits are generated and assembled during development, and how early developmental processes, such as neurogenesis and neuronal migration, guide precise circuit assembly.
Fetal biometry: does patient ethnicity matter?

AbstractObjective: To determine if fetal biometry varies according to race.Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of prenatal ultrasounds completed in our Perinatal Center from January 2009 to December 2010. Singleton pregnancies 17 to 22.9 weeks were included. Pregnancies complicated by IUGR, fetal anomalies, chronic maternal diseases, or dated by an ultrasound after the first trimester were excluded. Biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), and humerus length (HL) were compared between African Americans (AA), Caucasians, and Hispanics using ANOVA and Student t-test.Results: Included were 1327 AA, 147 Caucasian, and 86 Hispanic subjects. The AC was significantly smaller in AA than Caucasians (p = 0.008). There was no difference between AA and Caucasians in BPD, HC, FL, or HL. There were no differences between Hispanics and either Caucasians or AA in any of the biometries evaluated.Conclusions: A single fetal growth curve is not appli...
Thoracoscopy using a substernal handport for palpation.

Abstract Background A substernal handport allows palpation of the lung and thus circumvents one of the major limitations of thoracoscopy. Methods This approach has been used in 24 consecutive patients, primarily during planned metastasectomy or when palpation was needed for deeper or smaller lesions that were difficult to find. Results No long-term complications from this procedure were noted, and the 3 early complications were either minor or unrelated to the procedure. This approach allowed adequate resection to be accomplished by a less invasive approach in 67% of patients, although conversion to an open procedure was necessary in 33% of patients for anatomic and technical reasons. Among the 16 patients who underwent this procedure alone, the median length of stay in the hospital was 3 days. The rate of incomplete resection and of recurrence after metastasectomy was comparable to that for an open approach. Conclusions Our experience documents that a substernal handport is safe, does not compromise the ability to perform an adequate metastasectomy, and allows biopsy of lesions that are otherwise not amenable to a minimally invasive approach. This technique should be included in the standard armamentarium of approaches for thoracic surgery.
Cortactin is required for N-cadherin regulation of Kv1.5 channel function

The intercalated disc serves as an organizing center for various cell surface components at the termini of the cardiomyocyte, thus ensuring proper mechanoelectrical coupling throughout the myocardium. The cell adhesion molecule, N-cadherin, is an essential component of the intercalated disc. Cardiac-specific deletion of N-cadherin leads to abnormal electrical conduction and sudden arrhythmic death in mice. The mechanisms linking the loss of N-cadherin in the heart and spontaneous malignant ventricular arrhythmias are poorly understood. To investigate whether ion channel remodeling contributes to arrhythmogenesis in N-cadherin conditional knock-out (N-cad CKO) mice, cardiac myocyte excitability and voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv), as well as inwardly rectifying K+ channel remodeling, were investigated in N-cad CKO cardiomyocytes by whole cell patch clamp recordings. Action potential duration was prolonged in N-cad CKO ventricle myocytes compared with wild type. Relative to wild type, IK,slow density was significantly reduced consistent with decreased expression of Kv1.5 and Kv accessory protein, Kcne2, in the N-cad CKO myocytes. The decreased Kv1.5/Kcne2 expression correlated with disruption of the actin cytoskeleton and reduced cortactin at the sarcolemma. Biochemical experiments revealed that cortactin co-immunoprecipitates with Kv1.5. Finally, cortactin was required for N-cadherin-mediated enhancement of Kv1.5 channel activity in a heterologous expression system. Our results demonstrate a novel mechanistic link among the cell adhesion molecule, N-cadherin, the actin-binding scaffold protein, cortactin, and Kv channel remodeling in the heart. These data suggest that in addition to gap junction remodeling, aberrant Kv1.5 channel function contributes to the arrhythmogenic phenotype in N-cad CKO mice.
A hierarchical analysis of patterns of non-compliance in autistic and behavior-disturbed children

A reanalysis of data from an experimental study of autistic negativism is presented. Subjects were autistic, behavior-disturbed, or normal and ranged in age from 5 to 12 years. There were nine subjects per group. Experimental conditions consisted of a veral request for a verbal response, a nonverbal request for a nonverbal response, and a verbal request for a nonverbal response. Data were reanalyzed by dichotomizing subjects as either compliant or noncompliant on the basis of the number of correct responses; scalogram analysis was then performed on the dichotomized data. The children's responses to the messages formed a cumulative, unidimensional hierarchy based on the individual patterns of responses, with verbal requests for verbal responses eliciting the least compliance and verbal requests for nonverbal responses the most. Implications of the hierarchy for a developmental theory of autistic negativism and the relationship of task demands to compliance are discussed.
An aggregate approach to model evacuee behavior for no-notice evacuation operations

This study proposes an aggregate approach to model evacuee behavior in the context of no-notice evacuation operations. It develops aggregate behavior models for evacuation decision and evacuation route choice to support information-based control for the real-time stage-based routing of individuals in the affected areas. The models employ the mixed logit structure to account for the heterogeneity across the evacuees. In addition, due to the subjectivity involved in the perception and interpretation of the ambient situation and the information received, relevant fuzzy logic variables are incorporated within the mixed logit structure to capture these characteristics. Evacuation can entail emergent behavioral processes as the problem is characterized by a potential threat from the extreme event, time pressure, and herding mentality. Simulation experiments are conducted for a hypothetical terror attack to analyze the models’ ability to capture the evacuation-related behavior at an aggregate level. The results illustrate the value of using a mixed logit structure when heterogeneity is pronounced. They further highlight the benefits of incorporating fuzzy logic to enhance the prediction accuracy in the presence of subjective and linguistic elements in the problem.
Ferromagnetic iron alloys lacking a hyperfine field at the iron site

Abstract Although ferromagnetism has been reported for TiFe x Co 1− x when 0.3 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.7, the Mossbauer effect shows no evidence for the existence of a localized moment at the iron site.
Winter cover cropping influence on nitrogen in soil

Winter cover crops may affect the short- and long-term N availability in soil depending on the quantity, quality, and degradation rate of biomass returned to the soil. We examined the effects of several cover crops on soil inorganic and organic N levels in a winter cover crop-silage corn (Zea mays L.) double-cropping system that was initiated in 1987. High biomass N concentrations (BMN) in the above- and belowground biomass of the leguminous cover crops corresponded to high levels of inorganic N and water-soluble N, but low levels of water-soluble C and carbohydrate compared with the nonleguminous cover crops. The BMN above which there was net N mineralization 4 wk after residue incorporation was 17.9 g N kg⁻¹. The organic N from the aboveground biomass degraded rapidly. The first-order rate constants for the degradation of organic N and C in the cover crops were significantly correlated. This, coupled with a significant correlation between the soil organic N (SON) levels and cumulative biomass C added, indicated the importance of biomass C inputs in organic N retention in the soil. The cover crops had variable short- and long-term effects on soil N availability. Whereas rye (Secale cereale L. cv. Tetra Petkus) and annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. cv. Billion) were ineffective in increasing soil inorganic N levels, they were more effective than hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth subsp. villosa), Austrian winter pea (Lathryrus hirsutus L.), and canola (Brassica napus L. cv. Santana) in increasing SON accumulation because of a higher biomass potential and a larger input of biomass C. Scientific Paper no. 9604-09, Dep. of Agronomy and Soils, College of Agric. and Home Economics Research Center, Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA 99164.
Structural modelling of information systems

Information systems have become increasingly complex over recent years, underscoring the challenge of designing systems which will provide the different functions in an organization with the information necessary for effective decision-making. With rapidly developing computer technology, it is natural that information systems evolve in a manner which is greatly dependent on computing hardware and software. Yet, there has been little development in the techniques of systems analysis and design to handle new and less well understood functions which are of increasing interest. This paper discusses the basic mathematical concepts of structural modelling as related to information system analysis. In particular, its concern is with the structuring of information system networks utilizing these concepts as potentially useful tools in (1) partitioning a system into a set of subsystems; (2) specifying subsystems sufficiently to permit separate testing before total system tests ; and (3) eliminating redundant contr...
Hydrothermal preparation of nest-like CuO nanostructures for non-enzymatic amperometric detection of hydrogen peroxide

In this study, nest-like CuO nanostructures were hydrothermally synthesized at 160 °C for 6 h with 0.24 g Cu(NO3)2·2.5H2O in 20 mL H2O and 12 mL NH3·H2O without using any surfactant. The influences of the initial amount of Cu(NO3)2·2.5H2O and hydrothermal reaction time on CuO morphologies were investigated. In addition to the morphology study by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the crystal structure study by X-ray diffraction (XRD), as-synthesized samples were also characterized systematically by electrochemical methods including cyclic voltammetry (CV), amperometric detection (i–t) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It was found that the as-prepared nest-like CuO modified glassy carbon electrode exhibited good electrochemical performance towards the reduction of H2O2. Low detection limit (0.44 μM), fast response (<2 s), and relatively high sensitivity (14.06 μA mM−1) were achieved, which was mainly due to the porous structure of the nest-like nanostructure that can provide a large specific surface area and efficient electron charge transfer and mass transport properties, thus making it a promising candidate for the efficient, stable, and precise non-enzymatic amperometric detection of H2O2.
Experimental Stress Measurement Using PhotoStress-Plus: Engine Flywheel Case-Study

This paper presents PhotoStress-Plus, an optical photoelastic stress analysis equipment and technique, which provides an experimental estimation of stress distribution in structural components subjected to static or dynamic loading. The construction, working principle and evaluation procedure for complete stress determination is described. Using an engine flywheel as a case-study, it is found that PhotoStress-Plus in conjunction with computational or numerical stress analysis method can provide a solid and accurate understanding of stress patterns within a loaded body.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Timely Release of Both Replication Forks from oriCRequires Modulation of Origin Topology

Abstract Initiation of DNA replication at oriCoccurs bidirectionally both in vivo and in vitro. Although the proteins involved in establishing the replication forks are known, little is known about the events that ensure that initiation is bidirectional. We show here that in the absence of DNA gyrase, replication fork progression fromoriC on a plasmid template in vitro is unidirectional, although both replication forks have formed at the origin. There was no bias in the release of one fork or the other, ruling out protein blockage of one fork as a possible reason for the asymmetric release. Timely release of both forks required the presence of either DNA gyrase or topoisomerase IV, suggesting that modulation of the topology of the origin region is the governing factor.
Altered immunity in hemophilia correlates with the presence of antibody to human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III)

Twenty-nine heterosexual patients with hemophilia were investigated with histories, physical examinations, laboratory evaluations of immune function, delayed hypersensitivity skin tests, and assays for antibody to human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III). Sixteen patients were HTLV-III antibody positive and 13 were HTLV-III antibody negative. No patient had the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Patients who had antibody to HTLV-III had received significantly more units and lots of factor concentrates in the preceding 5 years than those who did not have antibody. HTLV-III antibody-positive patients had significantly fewer total T cells (Leu-1 positive) and significantly fewer helper T cells (Leu-3 positive) than HTLV-III negative patients. Antibody-positive patients also had increased amounts of IgG and decreased thymidine incorporation in response to concanavalin Ain vitro. There were no differences inin vitro lymphocyte responses to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), pokeweed mitogen,Candida, tetanus, or purified protein derivative (PPD), no significant impairments of gamma interferon or interleukin-2 (IL-2) production, and no anergy. Ten patients with antibody to HTLV-III had immunologic studies repeated 1 year after the original evaluation. A significant increase was seen in suppressor (Leu-2-positive) T cells but not in total T-cell or helper T-cell numbers, helper/suppressor ratios, or T-cell functional assays. We conclude that the immune abnormalities in hemophiliacs are the result of contact with HTLV-III but that these abnormalities may remain stable over prolonged periods.
The relation between storage conditions and changes in weight and specific gravity of potatoes

Weight losses of potatoes during storage were closely related to the product of average water vapor pressure deficit of the air between the tubers and the duration of storage in weeks. Shortly after harvest, the water loss per cm2 skin area per hour per mm Hg VPD was five to seven times as high as later in the storage period. Temperature, through its influence on respiration did not appreciably affect weight loss, but had in several cases a clear effect on specific gravity. In those cases the relations between specific gravity and either weight loss or the product of storage duration and VPD were close only if the influence of storage temperature was eliminated.
FORMATION OF HYDROGEN BONDED AGGREGATES OF AMINOMETHYLIDYNE ON PT(111)

Reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to study the aggregation of aminomethylidyne (CNH2) on Pt(111). The molecule exists in three distinct environments: an isolated molecule at low coverages, large aggregates at saturation coverage, and small aggregates in coexistence with both large aggregates and isolated molecules at intermediate coverages. The molecules in each environment have distinctly different ir spectra. Correlation of the ir spectra with a particular environment was supported by Xe coadsorption experiments. The XPS results suggest that the interactions between CN and CNH2 are not responsible for the effects observed in the ir spectra, rather they are due to CNH2–CNH2 interactions. The ir spectra show the characteristic features of hydrogen bonding, which is proposed to be the origin of the attractive adsorbate–adsorbate interaction. Interpretation of the ir spectra was supported through normal mode calculations of both the CNH2...
Reflection on research methodologies for ubicomp in developing contexts

As the user base for ubiquitous technology expands to developing regions, the likelihood of disparity between the lived experience of design team members (developers, designers, researchers, etc.) and end users has increased. Human-centered design (HCD) provides a toolkit of research methods aimed at helping bridge the distance between technology design teams and end users. However, we have found that traditional approaches to HCD research methods are difficult to deploy in developing regions. In this paper, we share our experiences of adapting HCD research methodologies to the Central Asia context and some lessons we have learned. While our lessons are many, reconsidering the unit of analysis from the individual to larger social units was an early discovery that provided a frame for later research activities that focused on ubicomp development. We argue that lessons and challenges derived from our experience will generalize to other research investigations in which researchers are trying to adapt common HCD data collection methods to create ubiquitous technologies for and/or with distant audiences in developing regions.
China and Northeast Asia: The Political Dimension

In this study, Harry Harding evaluates China's emergence as a regional and global power, and the responses from the nations which will be most affected by its new position. Co-published with the Asia Society.
Boethius and Nicornachus: An Essay Concerning the Sources of De institutione musica

These ago, sentences are representative of Francois of most Auguste scholarship Gevaert, concerning written a Boethius' century ago, are representativ of most scholarsh p concerning Boe hius' De institutione musica during the last one hundred years. While the prejudice of recensior ergo deterior has been forsaken in most areas of classical and medieval studies, it seems to hang on with dogged tenacity in critical literature concerning Boethius' musical treatise. The only musicological study which has expressly challenged Gevaert is Henri Potiron's Boece, Theoricien de la Musique grecque (Paris, i960). But Potiron's study is principally expository in character and does not systematically deal with the question of Boethius' sources. The most thorough study concerning sources of Boethius1 musical treatise, Ubaldo Pizzani's Studi sulle fonti del "De Institutione Musica " di Boezio ,2 adopts Gevaerťs attitude to the point of even citing the century-old work concerning fundamental theoretical matters. The attitude leads him to a somewhat distorted picture of the relationship between Boethius and his sources.3 Hence the present study. I begin this inquiry with two underlying assumptions. First, Boethius
Prostatic concentrations of androgens and androgen-receptors in developing rats

Testosterone (T), 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 3α,5 α-androstanediol, and DHT-receptors (DHT-R) were measured systematically in the prostatic cytosol of developing rats from age day 20 (immature) through age day 56 (spermatogenesis complete). The profiles obtained at various maturational stages demonstrate that the prostatic contents of androgens and DHT-receptors are high in the immature animals (T 0.203 ng/mg DNA, DHT-R 1.700 fmol/mg prostate), fall drastically just before the onset of puberty (T 0.058, DHT-R 0.533), then peak sharply at age day 35 (T 0.739, DHT-R 1.830), and slowly tail off with increasing age (day 45: T 0.232, DHT-R 0.733) and by age day 56 although T remains low (0.116) DHT-R has a second peak (1.28). The profiles of the prostatic contents of androgens and androgen-receptors demonstrate a divergence from the pattern of circulating T,DHT and LH during sexual maturation, but somehow parallels the pattern of circulating FSH till day 50. It is possible that FSH plays an important role in the regulation of intraprostatic androgens and androgen-receptors during sexual maturation.
Creative ideas take time: business practices that help product managers cope with time pressure

States that the ongoing success of a mature product depends largely on the product manager’s ability to identify creative new ways to market the product. Suggests that one reason why many marketing programs lack creative initiatives is that product managers operate under significant time pressure, and time pressure kills creativity. Highlights four business practices (formal planning process, use of teams, interaction with other functional areas, experience with the product category) which were expected to help product managers to cope with time pressure. Finds, however, through a survey of consumer goods product managers, that only experience with the product category worked as expected. Concludes, therefore, that top management must directly reduce time pressure by examining policies on practices such as frequent product reassignment and downsizing, and the proliferation of line extensions.
Characterizing the RF performance of the eZ430-Chronos wrist watch

The Texas Instruments eZ430-Chronos development kit is a popular wireless platform for researchers, commercial developers, and hobbyists. Built into the form factor of a standard wrist watch, the Chronos is ideal for wireless body area networks (WBANs), indoor localization, and activity detection. Many of these applications requires knowledge of the RF performance of the platform, which has never been characterized by Texas Instruments nor any third parties. Here, we provide experimental data characterizing the RF performance of the eZ430-Chronos watch in various configurations, including when worn by a person while sitting, standing, and reaching. The RF performance of the Chronos watch is compared with an Angelos Ambient wireless mote that uses a common type of ceramic chip antenna. Our results indicate the Chronos has excellent omnidirectionality and reasonably good RF gain in all tested configurations.
Distinguishing me from thee

Subjects made self-descriptiveness and other-descriptiveness ratings for the same set of 120 trait adjectives representing three levels of likability. Uniquely descriptive items took longer for self-descriptiveness decisions than did items that were descriptive of both self and other. Although unique features may be spontaneously generated as descriptive of one’s self before less distinctive features on unpaced tests, it appears that unique features are accessed more slowly. This result is more consistent with a view that sees trait distinctiveness as being computed rather than prestored.
Systematic study on the effect of solvent removal rate on the morphology of solvent vapor annealed ABA triblock copolymer thin films.

Nanoscale self-assembly of block copolymer thin films has garnered significant research interest for nanotemplate design and membrane applications. To fulfill these roles, control of thin film morphology and orientation is critical. Solvent vapor annealing (SVA) treatments can be used to kinetically trap morphologies in thin films not achievable by traditional thermal treatments, but many variables affect the outcome of SVA, including solvent choice, total solvent concentration/swollen film thickness, and solvent removal rate. In this work, we systematically examined the effect of solvent removal rate on the final thin film morphology of a cylinder-forming ABA triblock copolymer. By kinetically trapping the film morphologies at key points during the solvent removal process and then using successive ultraviolet ozone (UVO) etching steps followed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging to examine the through-film morphologies of the films, we determined that the mechanism for cylinder reorientation from su...