cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pseudoscalar versus pseudovector pion-nucleon couplings in the nucleonic axion bremsstrahlung rate of neutron-star matter

The difference between the pseudoscalar and pseudovector \ensuremath{\pi}N couplings are examined in the context of the nucleonic axion bremsstrahlung rate. With the pseudovector coupling, eight diagrams contribute to the matrix element for axion bremsstrahlung. A naive use of the pseudoscalar coupling for these eight diagrams, on the other hand, gives a different matrix element and overestimates the energy-loss rate of degenerate neutron-star matter via neutron-neutron axion bremsstrahlung typically by an order of magnitude.
Undergraduate women in computer science: experience, motivation and culture

For the past year, we have been studying the experiences of undergraduate women studying computer science at Carnegie Mellon University, with a specific eye toward understanding the influences and processes whereby they attach themselves to or detach themselves from the field. This report, midway through the two-year project, recaps the goals and methods of the study, reports on our progress and preliminary conclusions, and sketches our plans for the final year and the future beyond this particular project.
Ionization Radiation Effects And Mechanisms

A systematic approach for predicting radiation stability of materials and devices is presented. The conceptual basis is a consideration of the radiolysis potentially occurring in x-ray-irradiated materials as a multi-stage process: a) primary radiation excitations ( PRE ); b) secondary generation of isolated electronic and structural defects resulting from PRE relaxation; and c) interaction, accumulation, and coagulation of defects resulting in change of device electronic properties and in degradation of optical material. This predictive technique involves specific relevant information in a relatively simple context for the purpose of modeling the radiolysis process. It should find general application in selecting materials for x-ray optical elements such as masks, filters, windows where resistance to radiolysis is required as well as for photoresists where radiolytic sensitivity is necessary.
Effects of control and motivation on treatment outcome.

Abstract This investigation was designed to determine who would benefit most from enhanced motivation, increased awareness of control, and the opportunity to make choices in substance abuse treatment. Thirty males and 21 females participated in treatment planning, goal setting, and determining methadone dosage level. Subjects were assigned at random to the Choice or Force condition. Choice group subjects were allowed to choose the type of treatment and their urin alysis schedule. No significant differences between groups on treatment outcome variables were found. However, higher motivation at the start of treatment predicted greater depression after 12 weeks. Results suggest that more highly motivated individuals seeking relief from substance dependency may bemore vulnerable to depression which, in turn, can attenuate treatment effectiveness.
Costing Human Resources: The Financial Impact of Behavior in Organizations

The article presents a review of the book “Costing Human Resources: The Financial Impact of Behavior in Organizations,” by Wayne F. Cascio.
Capital resalability, productivity dispersion, and market structure

Abstract We propose an industry-level index of capital resalability—the share of used capital in aggregate industry capital expenditure—that relates (inversely) to sunkenness of investments. Using data from U.S. manufacturing, we then test the effect of capital resalability on industry productivity dispersion, mean productivity, and industry concentration. As predicted by standard models of industry equilibrium with heterogeneous firms, we find that increases in capital resalability are associated with a reduction in productivity dispersion, and an increase in the mean and median of the productivity distribution. Furthermore, we find that capital resalability is negatively correlated with industry concentration.
Lung fluid absorption is induced in preterm guinea pigs ventilated with low tidal volumes.

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to determine if low tidal volume (Vt) ventilation was beneficial when ventilating preterm fetuses. The authors ventilated preterm guinea pig fetuses at gestation day (GD) 67, 3 days before birth, newborn, and 10-day-old (PD10) guinea pigs with low Vt (6 mL/kg body weight [bw]) and compared them to age-matched fetuses/animals ventilated with higher potentially injurious Vt (12 mL/kg bw). Lung fluid absorption was measured after intratracheal instillation of 5% albumin in 0.9% NaCl. Low Vt ventilation stimulated lung fluid absorption when compared to higher Vt in all groups. The increased lung fluid absorption in low Vt–ventilated fetuses was associated with increased α epithelial Na channel (αEnaC) mRNA. However, αENaC and βENaC protein was unchanged over the 1-hour study. Because stretch induces mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase expression and MAP kinases may affect lung fluid absorption, the authors investigated if MAP kinase (MAPK) expression was affected by ...
The infrared photolysis of SO 2

Abstract Visible luminescence observed from the IR photolysis of SO2 between 2 and 25 torr appears to be the result of the SO2 afterglow. These results suggest the first possible IR photolysis of a triatomic molecule via collisional pumping.
Colorimetric Determination of Allyl Isothiocyanate

Abstract A simple and accurate colorimetric method for determination of allyl isothiocyanate was developed. It involves formation of methylene blue by the reaction of an acid solution of N, N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine in the presence of ferric ion with the sulfide liberated by ethanolic base hydrolysis of allyl isothiocyanate in xylene. This method permits determination of microgram quantities of S in allyl isothiocyanate. The effects of alterations in reaction conditions on the color development were investigated. Tests with a range of sulfur-containing organic compounds (thiourea, cysteine, methionine, cysteic acid, thioacetamide, benzene sulfonamide, glucose-6-Sulfate, and sinigrin) showed that none of the compounds tested interfere with this method when the S concentration is ≤ 10 times that of S as allyl isothiocyanate.
AUTOMATED DNA SEQUENCERS: THE NEXT GENERATION

Optically detected DNA sequencing technologies facilitate sequencing the 3 billion base pairs of the human genome. Faster, higher throughput optically detected electrophoresis instrumentation will be necessary to bring the cost of sequencing the entire genome down and to complete the project by 2005.
Nearly-degenerate electronic states for Ga3P2 and Ga2P3

Nearly-degenerate 2A1 and 2B1(C2y) electronic states are found with distorted trigonal bipyramid and edge-capped tetrahedral geometries together with a E′(D3h) state for Ga3P2, while a distorted structure with 2B1 symmetry and a 2A″2 undistorted D3h structure are found to be nearly-degenerate for Ga2P3. We employ the complete active space multi-configuration self-consistent field followed by multi-reference singles + doubles configuration interaction (MRSDCI) computations that included up to 2.5 million configurations.
Optical Properties of GaInN/GaN Multi-Quantum Well Structure and Light Emitting Diode Grown by Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Phase Epitaxy

Optical properties of green emission Ga0.80In0.20N/GaN multi-quantum well and light emitting diode have been investigated by using photoluminescence, cathodoluminescence, electroluminescence, and photoconductivity. The temperature dependent photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence studies show three emission bands including GaInN/GaN quantum well emission centered at 2.38 eV (~ 520 nm). The activation energy of the non-radiative recombination centers was found to be ~ 60 meV. The comparison of photoconductivity with luminescence spectroscopy revealed that optical properties of quantum well layers are strongly affected by the quantum-confined Stark effect.
Accuracy of stutterer perceptions following self-observation through video recordings

Abstract This study investigated whether, following self-observation through audio-video recordings, stutterers are more accurate in their perceptions of their stuttering behavior. Sixteen young adult stutterers rated various aspects of their stuttering behavior pre- and post-self-observation. Judged ratings of the recordings served as the criterion for rating accuracy. Results of this study indicate that stutterers' self-observations through audio-video recordings are of questionable value when used in a therapy situation without client-clinician discussion concerning the behavior observed by the client.
Incident Scene Mobility Analysis

In an incident scene ad hoc network, mobility of on-scene first responders induces dynamic topology for their carried communication devices. This dynamics has significant impact on network connectivity, quality of communication and resource allocation. In performing evaluation of such networks as distributed systems, it is crucial to use mobility models derived from realistic use cases. In this paper, we examine properties of public safety incidents and discover unique characteristics of associated mobility patterns. Our first goal is to understand how first responders' mobility is influenced by a variety of factors, such as transportation, environmental, and operational factors. Our second goal is to determine and recommend a comprehensive set of parameters to characterize first responder mobility at an incident scene. The set of parameters we suggest includes both personnel and event characteristics. We also show the relationship and interaction between them. This set of parameters can subsequently be used in mobility generation tools for simulation studies. Our main contribution is to characterize the mobility pattern for first responders in incident scenes as a mission-specific, environment-aware and event-driven adaptation process.
The Cygnus Loop: A Soft-shelled Supernova Remnant

We present ROSAT Position Sensitive Proportional Counter (PSPC) pointed observations of the Cygnus Loop supernova remnant in two broad soft X-ray bands, characteristic of energies 0.25 and 1.25 keV. The spatial differences between the bands are obvious in an X-ray softness map, which is the ratio of the 0.25 and 1.25 keV emission. The most striking feature of the softness map is a spatially thin (<5') shell that we detect around the entire rim of the supernova remnant. It is not an observational artifact, for the angular extent is greater than the instrumental resolution. Several known interactions with large interstellar clouds are prominent in the softest emission, and the brightest X-ray emission associated with these clouds appears to the interior of these soft features. We conclude that over most of the blast wave, genuinely lower temperatures behind slower shocks soften the X-ray spectrum, and this occurs where the cavity walls of the Cygnus Loop decelerate the blast wave.
Modification of post-operative C. albicans sepsis by glucan immunostimulation.

Glucan, a β-1,3 polyglucose, was evaluated for its ability to enhance resistance of post-operative mice to experimentally induced C. albicans sepsis. Male C57BL/6J mice were injected i.v. with glucan (0.45 mg/mouse) on days 10,7,4 and 1 prior to midline laparotomy and intravenous challenge with 3 × 106C. albicans. The detremental effect of surgery on survival following C. albicans infection was manifested by a 47% survival in the non-surgery-infected group in contrast to 20% in the surgery-infected group. Protection against C. albicans was observed in the glucan-treated groups. The glucan-treated non-operated mice manifested 100% survival while the surgery group had a 73% survival. Glucan significantly enhanced macrophage phagocytic function in control and operated mice. Laparotomy alone did not significantly depress macrophage phagocytosis. Histopathological studies revealed that glucan markedly inhibited the renal pathology associated with C. albicans challenge both in the presence and absence of laparotomy. These data indicate that glucan increased survival and reduced renal pathology associated with C. albicans challenge in the post-operative period. These observations suggest that Biologic Response Modifiers such as glucan may be effectively employed in patients who are at risk for post-operative infections.
Bringing Home the Bacon or Not? Globalization and Government Respect for Economic and Social Rights

The impact of globalization on human rights has generated substantial debate. On the one hand, those making liberal, free-market arguments assert that globalization has a positive impact on developing countries through the increased generation of wealth (e.g., Garrett 1998; Richards et al. in International Studies Quarterly 45:219–239, 2001; Rodrik in Challenge 41:81–94, 1997). On the other hand, the critical perspective claims that globalization negatively impacts respect for human rights because trading arrangements, while open, are detrimentally uneven (e.g., Carleton 1989; Haggard and Maxfield 1996; Stiglitz and Charlton 2005). However, few have looked at the relationship between globalization and respect for economic and social rights. In order to test this relationship, I examine non-OECD countries utilizing two-stage regression analysis to control for investment-selection factors. I find mixed results for the hypothesis that globalization negatively affects respect for economic and social rights. Consistent with Richards et al. (International Studies Quarterly 45:219–239, 2001), I conclude by arguing for the need to disaggregate globalization in order to determine its true effects.
Dynamic gain scheduled process control

Abstract Gain scheduled control techniques are widely used in the chemical and aerospace industries but suffer from the limitation to slowly changing scheduling variable (ξ). A dynamic gain scheduling (DGS) algorithm is proposed to specifically address this constraint. The control synthesis is based on algebraic transformations of the composite nonlinear controller obtained using the input–output linearization (IOL) and internal model control (IMC) formalisms. The controller is reduced to linear form and implemented in a dynamic gain scheduling approach, scheduled in the two-dimensional ξ and ξ space. In this fashion, the time variation of the scheduling variable is explicitly accounted for. The algorithm is demonstrated on a simple isothermal continuous stirred tank reactor and a complex, highly nonlinear low-density polyethylene polymerization reactor. Simulation results for the polymerizer case study show that the DGS controller provides satisfactory control during polymer grade changes, outperforms IOL control for disturbance rejection, and is stable under noisy measurements. Performance under parametric uncertainty as well as uncertainty with respect to unmodeled dynamics is also evaluated. Structured singular value analysis for nonlinear and time-varying uncertainty facilitated the determination of theoretical stability of the DGS loop. Finally, extensions to multiple-input–multiple-output systems and systems with higher relative degrees are discussed.
Development of a lab-scale, high-resolution, tube-generated X-ray computed-tomography system for three-dimensional (3D) materials characterization

Abstract The design and construction of a modular high resolution X-ray computed tomography (XCT) system is highlighted in this paper. The design approach is detailed for meeting a specified set of instrument performance goals tailored towards experimental versatility and high resolution imaging. The XCT tool is unique in the detector and X-ray source design configuration, enabling control in the balance between detection efficiency and spatial resolution. The system package is also unique: The sample manipulation approach implemented enables a wide gamut of in situ experimentation to analyze structure evolution under applied stimulus, by optimizing scan conditions through a high degree of controllability. The component selection and design process is detailed: Incorporated components are specified, custom designs are shared, and the approach for their integration into a fully functional XCT scanner is provided. Custom designs discussed include the dual-target X-ray source cradle which maintains position and trajectory of the beam between the two X-ray target configurations with respect to a scintillator mounting and positioning assembly and the imaging sensor, as well as a novel large-format X-ray detector with enhanced adaptability. The instrument is discussed from an operational point of view, including the details of data acquisition and processing implemented for 3D imaging via micro-CT. The performance of the instrument is demonstrated on a silica-glass particle/hydroxyl-terminated-polybutadiene (HTPB) matrix binder PBX simulant. Post-scan data processing, specifically segmentation of the sample's relevant microstructure from the 3D reconstruction, is provided to demonstrate the utility of the instrument.
Galanin-induced relaxation in gastric smooth muscle cells is mediated by cyclic AMP.

Abstract Galanin has numerous effects on gastrointestinal motility in different species; however, its cellular basis of action in mediating these effects is unclear. Dispersed gastric smooth muscle cells have been shown to possess high-affinity galanin receptors that increase cAMP and cause relaxation. Recent studies show some smooth muscle relaxants such as VIP cause relaxation by both cAMP-dependent and -independent mechanisms. It is unknown if galanin's cellular basis of relaxation is similar or different from that of VIP. To investigate galanin's relaxant effect and compare it to VIP's effect, dispersed smooth muscle cells from guinea pig stomach were prepared by collagenase digestion. The mean length in resting cells was 110 ± 2 μm and, with carbachol treatment, contracted to 89 ± 2 μm. VIP and galanin alone had no effect on cell length, but each caused a dose-dependent inhibition of carbachol-induced contraction and both had an EC50 of 3–7 nM. Galanin (1 μM) and VIP (1 μM) increased cellular cAMP from 118 ± 10 pmol/106 cells in control to 212 ± 14 and 214 ± 12 pmol/106 cells, respectively. The protein kinase A inhibitor, Rp-cAMPS, at 100 μM, completely inhibited the relaxant effect of an EC50 concentration of galanin (3 nM), but only inhibited that by VIP by 80% (p l -NNA ( N G - nitro- l -arginine ), at 100 μM did not alter the length of resting cells or inhibit carbachol-induced contraction. However, l -NNA (100 μM) decreased VIP-induced relaxation by 45%, whereas it had no effect on galanin-induced relaxation. To determine the ability of each peptide to activate nitric oxide, the incorporation of [3H]arginine into [3H]citrulline was determined. Galanin (1 μM) did not cause nitric oxide generation whereas VIP (1 μM) increased nitric oxide generation above the control by 97 ± 14% (p
Broadband light emitting diodes from pseudo-alloy quantum wells

Broadband light emitting diodes with output over the entire 1.4 – 1.9 µm wavelength range are demonstrated. These devices employ digital pseudo-alloys, comprising InGaAs/InGaAlAs short-period superlattices, to construct quantum wells, quantum barriers and separate confinement layers with different bandgaps and strain.
WAIS-R Stability for College Students with Learning Disabilities.

We investigated the stability, over a 4-year period, of the WAIS-R for 25 college students with learning disabilities. Results showed that WAIS-R global and subtest scores were highly stable over time, even though subjects tended to obtain higher subtest scores on the WAIS-R retest. Given subjects' four years of educational experiences between test administrations, higher subtest and higher global scores would be expected. However, only the subtest scores were higher on the retest. The reason for this phenomenon is that in order to obtain a Full Scale IQ score of 100 for ages 20–24, 111 scaled-score points are required. In comparison, 101 scaled-score points are needed for ages 18–19. Thus, global and subtest scores across the age groups of 18–19 and 20–24 may not be directly comparable. Assessment specialists working with individuals who have learning disabilities in postsecondary institutions may find these data useful in interpreting WAIS-R test scores.
Effects of menopause and hormone replacement therapy on the associations of hyperuricemia with mortality

Abstract Objective Serum uric acid (SUA) levels have been associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. It remains unclear whether these associations differ by gender, menopausal status and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and whether they persist after adjustment for known cardiovascular risk factors. Methods We determined the associations between fasting SUA level and death certificate-based mortality among 5856 participants of the third US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey aged ≥20 years recruited between 1988 and 1994 and followed for mortality until December 2006 (mean follow-up: 13.5 years; maximum follow-up: 18 years). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to adjust for demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors and other variables potentially associated with SUA levels. Results Among women, SUA level was associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 1.17, 95% CI 1.03–1.32 and AHR 1.23 (1.01–1.51) respectively per unit increase in SUA. These associations persisted among postmenopausal but not premenopausal women. Furthermore, among postmenopausal women, significant associations were identified between SUA and all-cause (AHR 1.30 [1.11–1.51]) or cardiovascular (AHR 1.61 [1.33–1.94]) mortality only among women not taking HRT, but not among women on HRT. We did not identify associations between SUA levels and all-cause or cardiovascular mortality in men, either under or over 51 years of age, in unadjusted or adjusted analyses. Conclusions SUA level predicts cardiovascular and all-cause mortality independently of major predictors and risk factors in postmenopausal women not taking HRT but not in premenopausal women, postmenopausal women on HRT, or men.
Circadian Modulation of Gene Expression, but not Glutamate Uptake, in Mouse and Rat Cortical Astrocytes

Background Circadian clocks control daily rhythms including sleep-wake, hormone secretion, and metabolism. These clocks are based on intracellular transcription-translation feedback loops that sustain daily oscillations of gene expression in many cell types. Mammalian astrocytes display circadian rhythms in the expression of the clock genes Period1 (Per1) and Period2 (Per2). However, a functional role for circadian oscillations in astrocytes is unknown. Because uptake of extrasynaptic glutamate depends on the presence of Per2 in astrocytes, we asked whether glutamate uptake by glia is circadian. Methodology/Principal Findings We measured glutamate uptake, transcript and protein levels of the astrocyte-specific glutamate transporter, Glast, and the expression of Per1 and Per2 from cultured cortical astrocytes and from explants of somatosensory cortex. We found that glutamate uptake and Glast mRNA and protein expression were significantly reduced in Clock/Clock, Per2- or NPAS2-deficient glia. Uptake was augmented when the medium was supplemented with dibutyryl-cAMP or B27. Critically, glutamate uptake was not circadian in cortical astrocytes cultured from rats or mice or in cortical slices from mice. Conclusion/Significance We conclude that glutamate uptake levels are modulated by CLOCK, PER2, NPAS2, and the composition of the culture medium, and that uptake does not show circadian variations.
Attitudes and Behavior of Staffin Facilities for the Aged

In an attempt to examine the relationship between staff attitudes and behavior toward elderly, 72 staff members from nursing homes who had completed attitude questionnaires were observed with a beh...
The Timing of Sexual Intercourse among Adolescents Family, Peer, and Other Antecedents

Children's perceptions of their relationships with their parents and peers in 1976 and 1981, respectively, along with other salient antecedent variables, were related to their age at first sexual intercourse, as reported in 1987. Data came from the National Survey of Children, a three-wave longitudinal study of 1,145 children age 7-11 (Wave 1), 12-16 (Wave 2), and 18-22 (Wave 3). Antecedent variables were taken from both Round 1 and Round 2 surveys. When the same variables were present at both times, the more recent data were used if the survey occurred prior to age of first sexual intercourse; if not, the Round 1 data were used. Separate analyses were run to predict timing of sexual intercourse for males and females. Age of first date, dating often, number of friends perceived to have had sex at age 16, being Black, having parents undergo marital changes during the child's school years, and fighting at school were the most significant predictors of age at first sexual intercourse among males. All of thes...
THE EXTENT OF THE CAPILLARY BED OF THE HEART

By means of injections made into the coronary arteries of beating hearts it has been possible to determine the number of capillaries in the normal heart muscle. This study has shown a very rich blood supply with an average of approximately one capillary for each muscle fibre in the ventricular walls and papillary muscles, and a less abundant supply in the auricular muscle and Purkinje system. The number of capillaries per sq. mm. of ventricular wall or papillary muscle is about twice that found by Krogh in skeletal muscle. Capillaries were not found constantly in the valves of hearts in which there was apparently a complete injection of the capillary bed. The method described for injecting the capillaries of the heart also provides a means of studying the blood supply to the muscle, valves and aortic wall in pathological hearts.
A totally absorbing time-of-flight neutron detector

Abstract We describe the characteristics of a neutron detector suitable for time-of-flight measurements in the 1 keV to 1 MeV energy range. The efficiency of the detector is calculated to be a constant over this energy range within ±2%. Neutrons are moderated and captured in 4 m 3 of compressed 6 LiH and the capture distribution is sampled with thin slabs of 6 Li-glass scintillator. The mean capture time is calculated to be approximately 100 ns.
A general theory of demand for information about product quality

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to construct a general theory—analogous to the neoclassical theory of consumer demand—of demand for information about product quality. The model proposed here introduces uncertain product quality by assuming that commodities possess attributes which consumers desire and that an uncertain commodity possesses are unknown quantity of some attribute. It is assumed that information about the quality of uncertain products is available. The consumer's utility function of information is derived and his information demand function is obtained. Partial analogues of the neoclassical theorems are proved for information demand. Roughly, we find that the Slutsky matrix is symmetric and that a submatrix is negative definite. The negative definite submatrix contains those terms which measure the effect of (income compensated) changes in information prices on information demand. The analysis employed to obtain these results parallels—with some important modifications—the neoclassical analysis of commodity demand. The method used to obtain expressions for the Slutsky substitution terms is an extension of the approach introduced by McKenzie [10] and later used by Hurwicz and Uzawa [6]. This approach uses an “income compensation” function to arrive at an “income compensated” demand function.
Two experiments for the introductory chemical reaction engineering course

Abstract This paper describes a pair of chemical reaction experiments developed for Rowan University's introductory course in chemical reaction engineering: an esterification reaction carried out in a packed bed, and a competitive reaction in which the kinetics were influenced by micromixing. The first experiment is the esterification of ethanol and acetic acid to form ethyl acetate. Students first examine this reaction in their organic chemistry class. The experiment developed in this project re-examines this reaction from a chemical engineering perspective. For example, the reaction is reversible and equilibrium-limited, but in the organic chemistry lab, there is no examination of the kinetics. The complementary chemical engineering experiment examines the relationship between residence time and conversion. The second experiment is a competitive system involving two reactions:H 2 BO 3 − +H + ↔H 3 BO 3 5I − +IO 3 − +6H + →3I 2 +3H 2 O The first reaction is essentially instantaneous. Thus, when H + is added as the limiting reagent, a perfectly mixed system would produce essentially no I 2 . Production of a significant quantity of I 2 is attributed to a local excess of H + ; a condition in which all H 2 BO 3 − in a region is consumed and H + remains to react with I − and IO 3 − . In the spring of 2005, for the first time, both experiments were integrated into the undergraduate chemical reaction engineering course. This paper describes the use of the experiments in the classroom and compares the performance of the 2005 students to the 2004 cohort, for whom the course included no wet labs at all.
Earthworms and weed seed distribution in annual crops

Abstract A field study was conducted to determine if earthworm activity would affect the abundance and composition of weed seed banks in annual row-crops. The abundance of weed seeds in surface-deposited earthworm casts was determined in continuous monocultures and rotations that included corn, soybean, and winter wheat, with or without cover crop. Casts were collected weekly over the growing season and the weed seed content determined by direct germination in a heated greenhouse. Weed seed composition in surface casts was compared to that in the seed bank (0–5 cm) and soil surface by the same method. Earthworm cast production varied temporally and among crops and was higher in winter wheat compared to corn or soybean. The effect of crop rotation on cast production was significant only in soybean, with the highest production in monocultures compared to three-crop rotations. Weed seed densities were significantly higher in casts collected from winter wheat than corn or soybean. Comparisons of the composition and relative abundance of seeds in earthworm casts with the surface soil layer and seed bank suggest that earthworms contribute to redistribution of weed seeds over the growing season.
Accounting for prior practice in skill acquisition studies

Abstract The application of a previously developed method for fitting skill acquisition data with hyperbolic functions is shown by means of ft model and actual data. The hyperbolic function yields explicit information on prior practice. The ability to account for prior practice makes it possible to analyse experimental methodology in a more rigorous manner than previously possible. The error that may be inherent in typical procedures can be quantified. The errors are greatest at early stages of learning, smallest when learning is far advanced. From the equations, one can calculate the number of trials required before the error term is below a. specified value.
In vitro induction of ovulation and oocyte maturation in Rana pipiens ovarian follicles: effects of steroidal and nonsteroidal hormones.

Individual ovarian follicles of Rana pipiens respond to hormonal stimuli in vitro. The relative effectiveness of progesterone and gonadotrophic hormones in initiating ovulation and oocyte maturation were compared. Maturation of oocytes (>99%) with limited concomitant ovulation resulted following treatment of follicles with progesterone. Frog pituitary tissue was less effective than progesterone in stimulating maturation, but was more effective in producing ovulation. Neither ovulation nor maturation was stimulated in response to the mammalian gonadotrophic hormones (FSH, LTH, PMS, HCG) or mammalian growth hormone. Mammalian LH produced both ovulation and maturation; furthermore, no synergistic interaction with FSH was observed. Maturation did not occur in response to the gonadotrophic hormones without a concomitant, but not necessarily equivalent, induction of ovulation. Follicular responsiveness, particularly to gonadotrophic hormones, was affected by animal and seasonal variations. Structural changes (follicular membrane detachment from the oocyte) were observed in unovulated follicles treated with hormones. The structural alterations were closely correlated with the induction of oocyte maturation. These observations suggest that (1) the intrafollicular events leading to ovulation and maturation are not equally sensitive to pituitary and progesterone stimulation, (2) maturation and ovulation activities of gonadotrophins are probably inseparable, (3) responsiveness of follicles to specific gonadotrophins is not related to only their FSH or LH activity. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that gonadotrophins act indirectly via the follicular tissues to initiate the processes of ovulation and maturation.
The Microstructure Of High Dose Oxygen Implanted Si And Its Dependence On Implantation Conditions

The microstructure of high dose oxygen implanted Siand its dependence on implantation conditionsO.W. Holland *, D. Fathy *, and T.P. SjoreenSolid State Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831*Present Address: Microelectronics Center of North Carolina, Research Triangle Park, NCJ. NarayanMicroelectronics Center of North Carolina, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27650K. MoreNorth Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27650Abstract
The role of calcitonin gene-related peptide and nitric oxide in gastric mucosal hyperemia and protection.

Abstract It has been suggested that capsaicin-induced hyperemia and mucosal protection occurs via calcitoningene-related peptide (CGRP) release from gastric afferent sensory neurons and nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasodilation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether capsaicin and/or bile acid induced hyperemia is mediated by CGRP and/or NO. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (280-350 g) were anesthetized, and the glandular stomach (blood supply intact) was chambered between two plastic rings. Animals were divided into six groups. Normal saline (groups 1 and 4), the NO inhibitor N -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 3.75 mg/ml, groups 2 and 5), or the CGRP antagonist hCGRP 8-37 (0.047 mg/ml, groups 3 and 6) was continuously infused intraarterially (ia) close to the stomach at a rate of 0.034 ml/min for 1 hr via a catheter inserted retrogradely into the splenic artery. Fifteen minutes after the onset of this infusion, the gastric mucosa was topically exposed to neutral saline solution for 15 min, followed by 160 μ M capsaicin for 15 min. The mucosa was then injured by a 15-min exposure to either 5 m M acidified taurocholate (ATC, pH 1.2) in groups 1-3 or 10 m M ATC in groups 4-6. Gastric mucosal blood flow (ml/min/100 g) was continuously measured (laser doppler), and injury was assessed by measuring net transmucosal H + flux, luminal accumulation of DNA, and histologic grading (0 = no injury to 3 = severe) by an independent observer. Intraarterial infusion of dcl026;-NAME significantly blocked the hyperemic response of topical capsaicin while having minimal effect on bile acid-induced hyperemia. Intraarterial infusion of hCGRP 8-37 blocked the capsaicin-induced hyperemic response and blunted the hyperemic response associated with both 5 and 10 m M ATC, although these results were not statistically significant. Inhibition of this capsaicin-induced hyperemic response by dcl026;-NAME and hCGRP 8-37 significantly increased mucosal injury caused by 5 and 10 m M ATC. Intraarterial infusion of hCGRP 8-37 and dcl026;-NAME significantly inhibit capsaicin-induced hyperemia and protection. In conclusion, capsaicin-induced hyperemia and protection are CGRP and NO dependent. Bile-acid-induced hyperemia, on the other hand, is independent of NO, but may be dependent on CGRP.
Identification of an elastolytic protease in stationary phase culture filtrates of M. tuberculosis

Culture filtrate from M. tuberculosis grown in Sauton broth was screened at weekly intervals for elastase and caseinase activity. Both activities were detected concomitantly at 4 weeks and had similar inhibitor and pH profiles. Highest activity occurred between pH 6.5 and pH 7.5. Azocaseinase activity was linear with time between 12 and 28 h at 37°C. Enzymatic activity was inhibited by EDTA, EGTA, dithiothreitol, ethylmaleimide, 1,10-phenanthroline, Zincov™, N-tosyl-l-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone, and N-methoxysuccinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val chloromethyl ketone. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed breakdown of casein after incubation with culture filtrate. These results indicate the presence of a calcium-dependent, elastolytic metalloprotease in stationary phase cultures of M. tuberculosis.
Age differences in visual path integration.

Previous research has demonstrated age-related decline in spatial navigation skills. However, spatial navigation is a complex ability that requires the integration of many component processes that may show differential susceptibility to aging. In particular, successful navigation depends on the accurate computation of distance and direction from self-generated movements through the environment, known as path integration. In the present study, we utilized virtual environments (VE) to investigate age-related differences in participants’ ability to determine linear distances, angular rotations, and angular displacement exclusively from visual input. Results indicated that for shorter lengths, distances can be gauged from visual input alone with relative equivalence between older and younger participants. As distances increased, however, older individuals were less accurate. There were no age differences in estimating angular rotations. Requiring simultaneous integration of distance and rotation (in a triangle completion homing task) resulted in robust age-differences independent of the absolute amount of displacement. For older adults, accuracy in the triangle completion task was highly related to their rotation accuracy while returning to the point of origin, and less so to their distance accuracy. This study demonstrated age-related deficits in the ability to perform visual return-to-origin tasks and suggests one way in which elderly navigation performance may be compromised.
Violent Victimization of Hispanic College Students Findings From the National Crime Victimization Survey

This study explores nonfatal violent victimization of Hispanic college students using data from the National Crime Victimization Survey. It compares annual victimization rates characterizing Hispanic students to non-Hispanic students and similarly aged Hispanics not enrolled in college. Results suggest a dramatic decline in student violent victimization rates for Hispanic and non-Hispanic students as well as Hispanics not enrolled in college over the past several years. Differences in the rates of violent victimization among Hispanic college students are identified, including factors related to characteristics of the victim, offender, and criminal incident. Finally, results are discussed in terms of their implications on future research as well as campus policies and administration.
Simultaneous imaging of light-evoked activities in retinal photoreceptors and inner neurons

Simultaneous imaging of different retinal neurons functioning together can benefit better understanding of visual signal processing mechanisms. In this paper we demonstrate that intrinsic optical signal (IOS) imaging allows simultaneous monitoring of stimulus-evoked responses propagating from the photoreceptors to inner retinal neurons. High resolution imaging revealed robust IOSs at the photoreceptor, inner plexiform and ganglion cell layers. While IOSs of the photoreceptor layer were mainly confined to the area directly stimulated by the visible light; IOSs of inner retinal layers spread from the stimulus site into relatively large areas.
Mechanisms of sarcoma development

Sarcomas are a rare and diverse group of tumours that are derived from connective tissues, including bone, muscle and cartilage. Although there are instances of hereditary predisposition to sarcomas, the overwhelming majority of such tumours are sporadic. In the past decade, we have gained much insight into the genetic abnormalities that seem to underlie the pathogenesis of these tumours. This information has already led to new classification of many sarcomas, as well as to successful therapies that are targeted at specific genetic abnormalities. It is likely that this approach will lead to continued refinements in classification and treatment of these tumours.
Osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis).

Summary Museum skull specimens ( n = 1,008) of southern sea otters ( Enhydra lutris nereis ) were examined macroscopically according to defined criteria for the presence, severity and characteristics of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA). The specimens were from stranded young adult to adult animals. Overall, 4.1% of the specimens had findings consistent with TMJ-OA. Of these, 61.0% were from females and 39.0% were from males. In addition, 85.4% of the affected specimens were from adults and 14.6% were from young adults. However, there was no significant association between age and sex with the presence or severity of TMJ-OA. Lesion severity was mild in 41.5%, moderate in 19.5% and severe in 39.0% of affected specimens. The most prominent changes were the presence of osteophytes and subchondral bone defects and porosity. The mandibular condylar process and fossa were affected equally. The lengths of the right and left mandibular heads were significantly associated with age ( P = 0.002 and P = 0.003, respectively) and sex ( P = 0.0009 and P = 0.001, respectively), but not with the presence of TMJ-OA. The significance of this disease in sea otters remains elusive, but this condition may play an important role in survival of these animals.
A Tollisonian approach to religionomics

In their article for the Festschrift, Robert B. Ekelund, Jr., and Robert F. Hebert (2009) summarize Bob Tollison's work on the economics of religion. This is not fair: These are the very same individuals who have contributed to the majority of Tollison's work in the area. They are insiders, and, thus, of course, are biased! On the other hand, who better can attest to the mindset and the thought process of thinkers other than the very people who might have worked with these thinkers during their lifetimes? Rather than waiting for decades to write about what these thinkers might have been thinking about when they did their work, Ekelund and Hebert have taken the shorter route. For that reason, we forgive them and applaud their effort! Here we will try to read into the Tollison mindset on the economics of religion. In the latter part of our comment, we will focus on some details of Ekelund and Hebert's survey of the Tollison-inspired literature.
Characterization and Parallelization of Decision-Tree Induction

This paper examines the performance and memory-access behavior of the C4.5 decision-tree induction program, a representative example of data mining applications, for both uniprocessor and parallel implementations. The goals of this paper are to characterize C4.5, in particular its memory hierarchy usage, and to decrease the run-time of C4.5 via algorithmic improvement and parallelization. Performance is studied via RSIM, an execution driven simulator, for three uniprocessor models that exploit instruction level parallelism to varying degrees. This paper makes the following four contributions. The first contribution is presenting a complete characterization of the C4.5 decision-tree induction program. The results show that with the exception of the input data set, the working set fits into an 8-Kbyte data cache; the instruction working set also fits into an 8-Kbyte instruction cache. For data sets larger than the L2 cache, performance is limited by accesses to main memory. The results further establish that four-way issue can provide up to a factor of two performance improvement over single-issue for larger L2 caches; for smaller L2 caches, out-of-order dispatch provides a large performance improvement over in-order dispatch. The second contribution made by this paper is examining the effect on the memory hierarchy of changing the layout of the input dataset in memory, showing again that the performance is limited by memory accesses. One proposed data layout decreases the dynamic instruction count by up to 24%, but usually results in lower performance due to worse cache behavior. Another proposed data layout does not improve the dynamic instruction count over the original layout, but has better cache behavior and decreases the run-time by up to a factor of two. Third, this paper presents the first decision-tree induction program parallelized for a ccNUMA architecture. A method for splitting the decision tree hash table is discussed that allows the hash table to be updated and accessed simultaneously without the use of locks. The performance of the parallel version is compared to the original version of C4.5 and a uniprocessor version of C4.5 using the best data layout found. Speedup curves from a six-processor Sun E4000 SMP system show a speedup on the induction step of 3.99, and simulation results show that the performance is mostly unaffected by increasing the remote memory access time until it is over a factor of ten greater than the local memory access time. Last, this paper characterizes the parallelized decision-tree induction program. Compared to the uniprocessor version, the parallel version exerts significantly less pressure on the memory hierarchy, with the exception of having a much larger first level data working set.
Influence of marihuana on storage and retrieval processe in memory

Following presentation and immediate free recall testing of 10 20-word lists, 48 Ss were divided into two groups, one of which received an oral dose of marihuana extract calibrated to 20 mg of Δ(1)-THC and one of which received placebo. One hour later, all Ss were administered delayed recall, recognition, and order tests on the first set of words. Presentation of another set of 10 lists followed, and there were immediate recall and delayed recall, recognition, and order tests on these words. Performance of drug and placebo Ss did not differ significantly for any of the first delayed tests. However, the performance of drug Ss was poorer than that of placebo Ss on immediate recall, delayed recall, and delayed recognition of the second set of lists. We concluded that retrieval of information relevant to the occurrence or nonocurrence of an event was not affected by marihuana intoxication. Storage difficulties probably account for memory deficits due to the drug, and these difficulties appear to occur in the process of transferring information from short-term to long-term memory.
Development and evaluation of apparel and footwear made from renewable bio-based materials

The production of textiles, apparel, and footwear causes resource depletion, environmental pollution, and human health problems. This research developed materials, i.e. water-resistant but breathable composites as leather substitutes (eco-leather), a thermosetting resin, and a hard composite, from bio-based sources such as plant oils, natural fibre cloth, and chicken feather fibres. These materials, together with commercially available environmentally friendly natural textiles, were used to develop shoes and a coat. Wear tests and questionnaire surveys were conducted with female college students to evaluate the users’ acceptance of materials and prototypes. It was found that the environmentally friendly materials used in the shoes and coat were comfortable. The participants thought the renewable bio-based materials developed from plant oils and natural fibres were wearable, versatile, and practical. If the design and style met their requirements, the participants expressed they would like to buy apparel a...