cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Objective Feedback on Performance when Individuals Receive Fixed and Individual Incentive Pay.

We examined whether objective feedback would enhance performance when individuals were paid monetary incentives. A two-by-two factorial design was used, with 123 college students assigned to incentive pay without feedback, incentive pay with feedback, fixed pay without feedback, or fixed pay with feedback. Participants attended six sessions and entered the cash value of simulated bank checks presented on a computer. Two-factor ANCOVAs were used to determine whether the number of checks completed correctly and time spent working differed. The number of checks completed correctly during a pretest was used as the covariate to control for keyboard proficiency. Incentives increased the number of checks completed correctly by 34 percent (p<.001, standardized effect size=.91); however, feedback had no effect (p=1.00). The incentives increased the time spent working by 31 percent (p<.001, standardized effect size=1.13); however, again feedback had no effect (p=1.00). Although speculative, the results imply that feedback per se, absent evaluation, is unlikely to increase performance even when correlated with performance-contingent rewards.
Intestinal TSH production is localized in crypt enterocytes and in villus ‘hotblocks’ and is coupled to IL-7 production: evidence for involvement of TSH during acute enteric virus infection

The immune and neuroendocrine systems have been shown to work conjointly in a number of ways. One aspect of this has to do with a potential role for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the regulation of the mucosal immune system, although the mechanisms by which this occurs remain vague. To more thoroughly understand how TSH participates in intestinal intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) development and immunity, experiments have been conducted to define local sites of intestinal TSH production, and to characterize changes that occur in the synthesis of TSH during acute enteric virus infection. Here, we demonstrate that TSH in the small intestine is specifically localized to regions below villus crypts as seen by immunocytochemical staining, which revealed high-level TSH staining in lower crypts in the absence of IL-7 staining, and TSH and IL-7 co-staining in upper crypt regions. Additionally, prominent TSH staining was evident in TSH 'hotblocks' sparsely dispersed throughout the epithelial layer. In rotavirus-infected mice, the TSH staining pattern differed significantly from that of non-infected animals. Notably, at 2 and 3 days post-infection, TSH expression was high in and near apical villi where virus infection was greatest. These findings lend credence to the notion that TSH plays a role both in the development of intestinal T cells, and in the process of local immunity during enteric virus infection.
Pediatric optic neuritis: does a prolonged course of steroids reduce relapses? A preliminary study.

Abstract Background Optic neuritis is an important pediatric disorder causing visual impairment. Because of the absence of pediatric-specific studies, data extrapolated from the adult-based optic neuritis treatment trial are used to guide management of pediatric patients. Recent literature promotes a prolonged course of oral steroids to prevent relapses. However, there are no published data to support this view. Patients who were recently treated in our hospital received a longer course of steroids, relative to those treated several years ago. We hypothesized that a longer course of steroids results in fewer relapses and better final visual acuity. Methods A retrospective analysis of 26 consecutive patients (age 4.5-19 years) treated for optic neuritis within the past 10 years was conducted. Patients received either a short course (2 weeks) or a prolonged course (more than 2 weeks) of steroids. Some patients were not treated. Mean follow-up was 70 weeks (3 weeks-10 years). Comparisons were made among the groups receiving 2 weeks of steroid treatment (16 of 26 patients) and greater than 2 weeks of steroid treatment (seven of 26 patients) to evaluate relapse rate, eventual visual acuity, and reported side effects. Results There were no significant differences in the relapse rates, reported side effects, and final visual acuity in the two treatment groups. Conclusions In this cohort, a prolonged course of steroids was not associated with reduced relapse rate, increased side effects, or improved visual outcome. This cohort was small, but the results do not identify any reason to deviate from the common approach of optic neuritis treatment, which is 2 weeks of steroids.
An evaluation of some natural enemies of Spodoptera exigua on sugarbeet in northern California

Eggs and small to medium-sizedlarvae of Spodoptera exigua (Hubner)(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are exploited by acomplex of natural enemies in spring-plantedsugarbeet fields in northern California. Fieldstudies revealed that predation on sentinel eggmasses ranged from ∼20 to 100%egg mass;predation rate was lowest in fields previouslytreated with methomyl and highest innon-treated fields. Predators typicallydestroyed all of the eggs in a given egg mass;percentage predation per egg mass was densityindependent (spatial context). Survival of eggs(to neonate larvae) in cages that excludedpredators ranged from ∼80 to $>$90%. Theegg-predator guild consisted of adults andnymphs of Orius tristicolor(White)(Anthocoridae), Nabis americoferusCarayon (Nabidae), Lygus hesperus Knight(Miridae), and Geocoris punctipes (Say)(Geocoridae); larvae of Chrysoperlacarnea (Stephens) (Chrysopidae); and adults ofCollops vittatus (Say) (Melyridae). Laboratory evaluation revealed that largelarvae of C. carnea and the adults of theother species (except for O. tristicolor)could consume 100 eggs of S. exigua in a48 h period. The parasite guild associatedwith small and medium-sized larvae consisted ofthree species: Hyposoter exiguae(Viereck) and Pristomerus spinator (F.)(Ichneumonidae), both larval endoparasites; andChelonus insularis Cresson (Braconidae),an egg-larval endoparasite. Parasitization in field samples ranged from ∼30 to ∼65%. Smalland medium-sized larvae were also infected witha nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV); rates ofNPV infection ranged from 0 to ∼35% in fieldsamples. These results are consistent withanecdotal evidence that natural enemies,primarily generalist predators, are largelyresponsible for maintaining populations ofS. exigua at relatively low levels innontreated sugarbeet fields.
New Devices Derived From a Torque Balance Telemeter

The continued increase in remote indication of electrical and nonelectrical quantities in this country and abroad has taxed the ingenuity of the engineer to provide new systems and auxiliary devices to meet their needs. One of the better known devices used for remote indication of electrical and nonelectrical quantities is the torque balance telemeter. The successful use of this telemeter has suggested the development of two pieces of auxiliary telemetering equipment which greatly broadens the field of application for this telemeter as well as serving to augment the general field of telemetering. These new devices, known as the load injector and the converter, working in conjunction with the torque balance telemeter provide the additional functions of signaling, and the totalizing and integrating of a telemetered quantity.
The exact solution to the mle of a decreasing density based on arbitrarily right censored data

Nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation of decreasing and unimodal density functions, based on observations subject to arbitrary right censorship, was considered by McNichols and Padgett(1982). In order to compute their estimators, however, nonlinear equations with linear constraints had to be maximized using numerical techniques. The exact solution to this problem can now be found. An example illustrates the simplicity of the method.
Diterpenes of Ericameria linearifolia

Abstract The isolation and characterization of two new bicyclic labdane diterpenes, 18α-succinyloxy-labd-7-en-15-oic acid and 8,17H-7,8-dehydropinifolic acid,
Online Instructors: Andragogical or Pedagogical Teaching?

This study investigates the andragogical and pedagogical teaching philosophies of online instructors at the California State University, Long Beach in the Spring Semester of 2010. Drawing from reflective adult education theory, this article proposes a new model for this reflective adult education theory. It is either the helping relationship (andragogical philosophy) or the directing relationship (pedagogical philosophy) plus the learning environment (the Internet) that leads to adult learnersâ€™ critical reflection in Mezirowâ€™s (1991) terms. A researcher-designed survey instrument called Online Philosophy of Adult Education Scale (OPAES) was used to measure instructional preferences of these instructors in the electronic classroom to determine their andragogical or pedagogical teaching philosophies. Data were collected from 37 online instructors regarding their instructional preferences. Nine qualitative questions were designed to parallel the Likert scale OPAES to determine why these online adult education instructors chose their pedagogical or andragogical teaching philosophies. The results of the study demonstrate that these online adult education instructors support both the teacher-centered approach and the student-centered approach to teaching online.
Normative data on the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory and sutter-eyberg Student Behavior inventory : Parent and teacher rating scales of disruptive Behavior problems in children and adolescents

ABSTRACT The Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) and the Sutter-Eyberg Student Behavior Inventory (SESBI) are widely used to measure disruptive behavior problems in children and adolescents (e.g., oppositional defiant disorder symptoms, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, and conduct disorder symptoms). Previous normative studies on the ECBI and SESBI, however, suffer from a variety of limitations. This article addresses these limitations by providing more useful normative information on the ECBI (parent) and SESBI (teacher) rating scales. Study one provides normative information on the ECBI for 2,527 2-to 17-year-old children and adolescents. Study two provides normative information on the SESBI for 1,286 kindergarten through sixth grade children. Clinicians and researchers should find this new normative information on the ECBI and SESBI useful for screening purposes. This new normative information will also help to determine the clinical significance of treatments for disruptive behavi...
A changing hydrate paradigm—from apprehension to avoidance to risk management

Deepwater flow assurance is a major technical concern in the energy industry. Hydrates are the leading deepwater flow assurance problem, by an order of magnitude. Upon initial discovery of hydrate blockages in pipelines there was apprehension, based upon lack of knowledge. Over the last 70 years, development of phase equilibria has provided an acceptable hydrate avoidance ability. However, phase equilibria alone has some limitations. In a growing number of situations for preventing hydrate blockages, risk management is more economical than avoidance. In order to move from avoidance to risk management it is essential to quantify hydrate formation kinetics. That is, avoidance is enabled by thermodynamics, but risk management is enabled by kinetics. These transitions and the state-of-the-art in hydrate kinetics are presented, with challenges for the future.
Mantle neon and atmospheric contamination

The apparent distinction between atmospheric and mantle ^(20)Ne/^(22)Ne ratios may provide a technique to quantify air contamination in mantle-derived materials. In the absence of mantle nuclear reactions, which produce either ^(20)Ne or ^(22)Ne in substantial quantities, it is likely that the entire mantle is characterized by a single, uniform ^(20)Ne/^(22)Ne ratio; a value of around 12.5 is suggested by analyses of MORBs, OIBs, diamonds and xenoliths. If this premise is correct, then any measured ^(20)Ne/^(22)Ne ratios in mantle samples that are lower than this must result from addition of an air component, with ^(20)Ne/^(22)Ne= 9.8. This is most likely a syn- or post-eruptive contaminant. The degree of air contamination inferred from ^(20)Ne/^(22)Ne ratios is generally small for diamonds, but is increasingly significant for MORBs and OIBs; many OIB's may carry > 90% air neon. We calculated “air-neon corrected” ^(21)Ne/^(22)Ne and ^(40)Ar/^(36)Ar ratios for the highly degassed MORB mantle and for the less degassed (high ^3He/^4He) “plume” reservoir. The inferred MORB composition is indistinguishable from measurements of some gas-rich glasses. The calculated plume composition is similar to the least air-like measurements from ocean islands, but is less air-like than has been proposed previously. This plume composition is not consistent with a completely undegassed reservoir. From these corrected mantle compositions, we calculated the relative time-integrated rare gas abundances in the mantle, using a simple evolutionary model, which simultaneously considers the isotopic compositions of He, Ne, Ar and Xe. The model shows that both MORB and plume reservoirs have evolved with nearly solar elemental abundances. This provides strong support to suggestions based on Ne isotopes that the Earth accreted with gases nearly solar in composition. Importantly, the inferred mantle Ne/Ar ratios are much higher than atmospheric, which is consistent with simultaneous fractionation of both the atmospheric neon isotope ratio and the Ne/Ar ratio by massive hydrodynamic escape. Mixing between MORB and plume reservoirs (with our calculated elemental and isotopic abundances), plus varying amounts of added air, can account for the rare gases in nearly all mantle-derived rocks.
Mass-Conserving Remapping of Radar Data onto Two-Dimensional Cartesian Coordinates for Hydrologic Applications

AbstractRecent upgrades to operational radar-rainfall products in terms of quality and resolution call for reexamination of the factors that contribute to the uncertainty of radar-rainfall estimation. Remapping or regridding of radar observations onto Cartesian coordinates is implemented by practitioners when radar estimates are compared against rain gauge observations, in hydrologic applications, or for merging data from different radars. However, assuming perfect radar observations, many of the widely used remapping methodologies do not conserve mass for the rainfall rate field. The most popular remapping approaches used are those based on extracting information from radar bins whose centers fall within a certain distance from the center of the Cartesian grid. This paper develops a mass-conserving method for remapping, which is called “precise remapping,” which is compared against two other commonly used remapping methods. Results show that the choice of the remapping method can make a substantial diffe...
The nearshore circulation off Long Island, August 1978

Abstract The subinertial circulation within 2 to 12 km of the Long Island coast is described from a set of observations of the velocity and density fields during August 1978. The flow was characteristically to the southwest, increasing offshore and decreasing with depth. This southwest flow was driven by an externally imposed shoreward rising sea level which was modified at the coast by local wind-driven divergences and convergences. Upwelling and downwelling circulations maintained isopycnal tilts which in turn geostrophically sheared the flow. Nearly complete compensation was observed during steady periods, reducing the near-bottom flow to within ∼80% of its barotropic magnitude. This decreased the effectiveness of bottom stress on the subinertial flow. Even with fairly uniform alongshore bathymetry, the flow was substantially not two-dimensional, because of bathymetric divergences, bottom slope interaction, and bottom stress variations. These effects, in addition to the greater responsiveness of the shallower water columns, tend to define a nearshore regime partially uncoupled from a midshelf regime. The boundary in this case was often observed between 25- and 30-m contours (4 to 8 km offshore).
Electric activity in the neocortex of freely moving young and aged rats.

Abstract Electroencephalographic activity of the neocortex was evaluated in young (5–7 months) and aged (26–28 months) rats. All animals in the aged group showed behavioral impairment in a spatial task (water maze). A neocortical electroencephalogram was derived simultaneously from 16 different neocortical locations and was subjected to spectral analysis. The frequency of occurrence and duration of high-voltage spindles was determined in two sessions, each involving a total of 30 min alert immobility. Changes in spectral characteristics and high-voltage spindles in response to scopolamine administration were also evaluated. The power of high-frequency activity (8–20 Hz) was significantly reduced in the aged subjects. This was greatest in the temporo-occipital regions, while no significant changes were seen in the mediofrontal region. Scopolamine resulted in a large power increase in all frequency bands, but the increase in the higher-frequency range (8–20 Hz) was significantly less in the aged group. The incidence of high-voltage spindles was 6 times higher and their total duration was 9 times longer in aged rats, with virtually no overlap with the young group. In young rats, scopolamine increased the incidence and total duration of high-voltage spindles, while it decreased both parameters in the aged subjects. Cholinergic neurons in the nucleus basalis appeared shrunken in the aged animals. These findings demonstrate that reliable electroencephalographic changes are present in the neocortex of the aged rat and that some of the physiological alterations may be due to the pathological changes in the cholinergic nucleus basalis.
Electrical Conduction in a Stretched and Twisted Tube

The constitutive equation derived in a previous paper relating electric current and field in an isotropic material which is subjected to a time‐independent deformation is applied to the solution of the problem of electrical conduction in a twisted tube of circular cross section to which a longitudinal electric field is applied. It is shown that the current follows a helical path and that an axial magnetic field is produced.
DMSP-F2 OBSERVATIONS OF CUSPLIKE ELECTRON PRECIPITATION REGIONS DURING THE SEPTEMBER 19-21, 1977 EVENT

The differential particle spectrum of electrons between 50 eV and 20 keV, as measured by the electrostatic analyser on DMSP-F2, is used to identify regions of precipitation in the earth’s polar regions above 800 km altitude. A typical cusplike spectrum is defined by analysis of the DMSP data, compared with published data, and used to locate regions of cusplike precipitation. A comparison between the September 19–21, 1977 stormtime location of such regions and the quiet-time location is discussed. In general, the region of cusplike precipitation is significantly displaced equatorward from its quiet-time location.
Looking for planets like ours

The hunt for habitable worlds near other stars brings home the realization that our own Solar System might not be as special as we think, says Michael Brown.
Pharmaceutical Intimacy: Sex, Death, and Methamphetamine

ABSTRACTIn this article, I draw from ethnographic work conducted among residents of an “in-house” drug and alcohol treatment center in Baltimore, Maryland, to discuss the relationships born of pharmaceutical (ab)use. By looking in close detail at the autobiographical accounts of one man in treatment for addiction to methamphetamine, I attempt to chart the way life and death are at times brought into close proximity, and at others wedged firmly apart, by such things as love and avoidance. My concern is with the ethics of care that emerge through the so-called “small events” in everyday relations; that so often define a life or a relationship as falling under the category “normal” or “pathological.” I ask how such things as the known demands placed on the body by the need to maintain or avoid relations, whether pharmaceutically mediated or not, come to bear on the decision to “let die” or the resurgence of moral worlds. I end by discussing the different aspects of relatedness revealed by the dependencies an...
Adsorption and decomposition of methyl halides on Ni(100): A TPD, SIMS and AES study

Abstract The adsorption and decomposition of CH 3 X (X = Cl, Br and I) on Ni(100) has been studied using TPD, SIMS and AES. CH 3 Cl adsorbed at 100 K desorbs with almost no decomposition. Low coverages of CH 3 Br, however, dissociate readily to surface CH 3 (a) and Br(a) at 100 K. At higher coverages of CH 3 Br, adsorption is molecular and dissociative. The maximum amount of CH 3 Br dissociated is 0.16 ML; 0.12 ML decomposes to surface hydrogen, H(a), and carbon, C(a) and 0.04 ML forms CH 4 . The adsorption of CH 3 I is almost completely dissociative at 100 K, forming mainly CH 3 (a) and I(a). Upon heating, low coverages of CH 3 (a) decompose completely to H(a) and C(a) below 260 K and there is no evidence for significant accumulation of either CH(a) or CH 2 (a). For high coverages of CH 3 (a), CH 4 is formed from CH 3 (a) and H(a) with a reaction activation energy of 10.0 ± 1.0 kcal/mol. The maximum amount of CH 3 I dissociated is 0.17 ML; 0.09 ML decomposes to H(a) and C(a) and 0.08 ML forms CH 4 . On deuterium precovered Ni(100), methane formation is enhanced, peaks at 18 K lower temperature, is dominated by CH 3 D and occurs at low coverages of CH 3 (a). The effective activation energy for methane formation on D/Ni(100) is 7.5 ± 1.0 kcal/mol. There is no evidence for the formation of CH 2 D 2 . No C 2 and higher hydrocarbons are detected in TPD for any of the methyl halides.
Use of the Chromogenic Factor X Assay to Predict the International Normalized Ratio in Patients Transitioning from Argatroban to Warfarin

Study Objective. To determine the clinical utility of the chromogenic factor X level for conversion from argatroban to warfarin in hospitalized patients. Design. Prospective observational study. Patients. Sixty-two hospitalized patients with indications for anticoagulation in whom the chromogenic factor X assay was used for conversion from argatroban to warfarin. Setting. University-affiliated hospital. Intervention. From December 2003–May 2004, data for all patients in whom the chromogenic factor X assay was used for conversion from argatroban to warfarin were screened for inclusion. When the chromogenic factor X level was satisfactory, the clinician discontinued the argatroban and a confirmatory international normalized ratio (INR) was obtained. Measurements and Main Results. To determine the ability of the chromogenic factor X level to predict the INR free of argatroban influence, we calculated the sensitivity and specificity by using a cutoff chromogenic factor X level of 45% or less, or greater than 45%, which corresponded to an INR of 2 or greater, or less than 2, respectively. We constructed a receiver operating characteristic curve to illustrate various cutoff levels of chromogenic factor X. Of 146 patients screened, 62 had data that met criteria for analysis. An average of 6 ± 3 doses of warfarin were administered before the confirmatory coagulation studies were obtained. The average time from the chromogenic factor X measurement to obtainment of confirmatory coagulation studies was 9 ± 4 hours. Use of a chromogenic factor X level of 45% or less to predict an INR of 2 or greater absent of argatroban influence had a sensitivity of 93%, a specificity of 78%, and an accuracy of 89%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.91 (95% confidence interval 0.81–0.99, p<0.0001). Conclusion. The chromogenic factor X level is an accurate alternative when converting hospitalized patients from argatroban to warfarin. A chromogenic factor X level of 45% or less is a reliable predictor that the INR will be therapeutic when argatroban therapy is discontinued.
Crack propagation in α-Al2O3/Mg metal matrix composites

The crack propagation characteristics of specimens of a unidirectionally reinforced α-Al2O3/Mg alloy metal matrix composite were investigated by means of fatigue crack propagation tests, tensile tests and fracture toughness tests. Samples were tested in longitudinal and transverse orientations. Fatigue crack propagation rates were successfully measured for each orientation. Crack propagation modes were found to be dependent upon the applied stress intensity and the fibre orientation. The crack propagation rates can vary by several orders of magnitude between nominally identical samples. In thermal cycling tests, voids were nucleated at the fibre/matrix interface: these voids decreased the load-carrying capability of the metal matrix composite but increased the work of fracture in the longitudinal orientation.
A Vibrational Spectroscopic Study of Molecular Restructuring at Surfaces of Unidirectionally Rubbed Polyimide Thin Films

Rubbing-induced surface reconstruction of the polyimide poly(biphenyl dianhydride-p-phenylenediamine) (BPDA-PDA), in the form of 5−300 nm thin films supported on silicon substrates, has been studied using high-precision polarized infrared vibrational spectroscopy in conjunction with spectral simulations. Under unidirectional rubbing, a reversible, selective reorientation of domains of initially well-ordered chains is observed, with the amount of reoriented material equivalent to an ∼1−3 nm thick surface layer, independent of the total film thickness. Accompanying this process are extensive perturbations of the imide ring structures, which include bond distortions of the [OC−N−CO] units and out-of-plane rotation of the rings around the chain axis, effectively causing a molecular-scale roughening along the aligned chain axes while maintaining the periodic repeat unit spacing. These effects are proposed to arise from dynamic chain−chain steric interactions that occur as chains align under the applied buffing...
The disciform response: an historical perspective.

This paper is a survey of the literature in an attempt to provide the basis for our current understanding of the disciform process. Particular emphasis is placed on its pathogenesis and the role of subretinal neovascularization. No two lesions appear exactly alike because of the many stages and combinations possible. Gass (1967) has delineated the broad spectrum with the many different clinical manifestations of this disease process. Verhoeff and Grossman (1937) provided the histopathologic basis for our understanding of the disciform process. The histologic correlation of the clinical “predisciform” state would seem to offer the most promising information for understanding the pathogenesis of the disciform process (Frank et al. 1973; Green and Key 1977; Kornweig 1967; Sarks 1973 and 1976; Small et al. 1976; Zauberman 1970). It is hoped that this literature review has sufficiently emphasized the inherent deficiencies of strictly clinical studies and the need for an appropriate experimental animal model (Ryan 1979).
Synthesis of 3-(12-hydroxy-p-carboranyl)propionic acid, a hydrophobic, N-terminal tyrosine-mimetic for peptides☆

A new, p-carborane containing analog of tyrosine, namely 3-[1-hydroxy-1,12-dicarba-closo-dodecaboran(12)-12-yl]propionic acid was prepared from p-carborane in five steps involving hydroxypropylation of O-protected 1-hydroxy-p-carborane as the key transformation. The simple tyrosine mimetic can function as a hydrophobic surrogate for an N-terminal tyrosine residue in insect and mammalian neuropeptides to enhance the lipophilicity, and therefore, the cuticle and/or tissue permeability properties of mimetic analogs.
Using latent class analysis to identify aggressors and victims of peer harassment.

This study used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify and classify individuals into aggressor and victim latent classes. Participants were over 2,000 sixth grade students who completed peer nomination procedures that identified students who had reputations as perpetrators and/or victims of physical, verbal, or relational harassment. Results showed five latent classes. Consistent with previous research, LCA identified latent classes of victims, aggressors, and socially adjusted students. However, rather than a single aggressive-victim subgroup, LCA identified latent classes of highly-victimized aggressive-victims and highly-aggressive aggressive-victims. Comparisons showed differences in mean profiles and classification criteria between LCA and traditional dichotomization approaches. Adjustment outcomes showed that highly-victimized aggressive-victims generally experienced greater negative psychological and social adjustment outcomes than highly-aggressive aggressive-victims. Implications of these findings for better assessment of victim and aggressor subgroups were discussed. Aggr. Behav. 34:203–213, 2008.© 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The kinetics and mechanism of the hydrolysis of cyclopentolate hydrochloride in alkaline solutions

Abstract Cyclopentolate hydrochloride (Cy · HC1) is an ester of a substituted benzeneacetic acid, having N,N-dimethyl-aminoethanol as the alcohol moiety. A reversed-phase HPLC assay was employed to investigate the kinetics of degradation of Cy · HCI. The influence of pH, buffers, and temperature was studied in alkaline solutions. The degradation follows (pseudo) first-order kinetics at 50°C. Results indicate that it degrades very rapidly at higher pH values. Phenylacetic acid and a-(1-hydroxycyclopentyl)benzeneacetic acid were isolated and identified as the degradation products. The reaction mechanism appears to follow a parallel scheme where phenylacetic acid and a-(1-hydroxycyclopentyl)benzeneacetic acid are formed simultaneously. It is proposed that α-(1-hydroxycyclopentyl)benzeneacetic acid is formed by normal ester hydrolysis. Phenylacetic acid is formed via a six-membered transition state and its formation requires the assistance of the hydroxyl group from the adjacent cyclopentanol moiety.
Modelling concentration fluctuations and individual exposure in complex urban environments

One of the key problems in coping with deliberate or accidental atmospheric releases, which in many cases are short or/and result in high concentrations, is the ability to reliably predict the individual exposure during the event. Furthermore, for consequence assessment and countermeasures application, it is more realistic to rely on the maximum expected dosage rather than on the actual dosage. Recently, Bartzis et al. (2008) have introduced an approach relating maximum dosage to parameters such as concentration variance and turbulence integral time scale. The need for an estimation of these parameters poses new challenges to CFD models. In the CFD RANS model ADREA, new approaches have been implemented recently, where the parameterization of the dispersion of a pollutant emitted from a point source depends not only on the parameters of turbulence, but also on the pollutant travel times. In this study the new methodology is tested against MUST and FLADIS field experimental data, which consist of high resolution concentration time series enabling the production of short term dosage data. The present comparisons further strengthen the evidence that the applied methodology is capable of dealing properly with complex transient dispersion phenomena.
Wake Coherent Structure of Hovering Flapping Wings

Wake structures of a 2D hovering plate with harmonic and non-harmonic stroke are studied using DNS (direct numerical simulation) and LCS (Lagrangian coherent structure). A plate in nonharmonic stroke experiences higher mean lift than in harmonic motion. The high lift in nonharmonic case is generated by fast reversal. In translation region, the plate in non-harmonic stroke experiences less lift. LCS is effective in finding the details of wake vortex structure. LCS and vorticity contours are complementary tools to detect vortex structure and give vortex strength respectively.
On longitudinal motion in a magnetic field

An exact solution is presented of the equations and boundary conditions governing the steady longitudinal motion of a semi-infinite nonconducting plate in an oblique magnetic field. The discussion covers the distortion of the boundary layer, the structure of the induced electric and magnetic fields, the current-density distribution, and the behavior of the fields near the edge of the plate. (auth)
A Fault Tolerant Doubly Fed Induction Generator Wind Turbine Using a Parallel Grid Side Rectifier and Series Grid Side Converter

With steadily increasing wind turbine penetration, regulatory standards for grid interconnection have evolved to require that wind generation systems ride-through disturbances such as faults and support the grid during such events. Conventional modifications to the doubly fed induction generation (DFIG) architecture for providing ride-through result in compromised control of the turbine shaft and grid current during fault events. A DFIG architecture in which the grid side converter is connected in series as opposed to parallel with the grid connection has shown improved low voltage ride through but poor power processing capabilities. In this paper, a unified DFIG wind turbine architecture which employs a parallel grid side rectifier and series grid side converter is presented. The combination of these two converters enables unencumbered power processing and robust voltage disturbance ride through. A dynamic model and control structure for this architecture is developed. The operation of the system is illustrated using computer simulations.
The effect of insertion rates on fill length and adaptation of a thermoplasticized gutta-percha technique.

The purpose of this in vivo study was to determine the effect of the insertion rate of a thermoplasticized gutta-percha obturation technique (Thermafil Plus) on the quality of the root canal obturation. A calibrated practitioner obturated the tooth in each of three groups with insertion rates of 18, 6, and 3 mm/s, respectively. The quality of the obturation was assessed by measuring the length of fill and the replication of induced canal irregularities, consisting of dimples and grooves. All measurements were made on a single tooth, with a working length of 18 mm from the canal orifice, embedded in a split mold, with 20 measurements for each insertion rate. Measurements were made under a low-power microscope, with the images recorded on videotape. The length of fill decreased with decreasing the insertion rate, from a mean overextension of +0.88 mm (SD 1.12 mm) for the 18 mm/s rate to a mean underfill of −0.13 mm (SD 1.03 mm) for the 3 mm/s rate. A trend of decreasing fill with decreasing insertion rate was observed, with the difference between the insertion rates of 18 mm/s and 3 mm/s being statistically significant at p Replication of dimples decreased with decreasing the insertion rate from a mean reproduction of 99% for the 18 mm/s rate to a mean reproduction of 90% for the 3 mm/s rate. The replication of grooves also decreased with decreasing the insertion rate from a mean reproduction of 100% for the 18 mm/s rate to a mean reproduction of 88% for the 12 mm/s rate. Statistical analysis of the data for both the dimples and the grooves using a paired comparison post hoc Scheffe test found these differences are significant at p
The Effect of Changes in Rate and Rhythm on Supernormal Excitability in the Isolated Purkinje System of the Dog A Possible Role in Re-entrant Arrhythmias

Microelectrode techniques were used to investigate the effects of rate and rhythm changes upon the period of supernormal excitability during repolarization in isolated canine right and left bundle branch and Purkinje fibers. The same microelectrode was used for both intracellular stimulation and recording. Excitability curves (strength-interval curves) were measured as the minimum depolarizing current required to re-excite the fiber during repolarization of a conducted action potential. During the supernormal period it required an average of 17.0 ± 4.6 SD % less than diastolic current to re-excite the fibers throughout the left and right bundle branch-Purkinje system. The supernormal period of excitability in the bundle branch-Purkinje system was voltage dependent, reaching minimum current requirements at 74.3 ± 5.8 SD mV. Excitability curves of conducted action potentials were determined at basic cycle lengths ranging from 1000 to 300 msec and following single and multiple premature beats. The decrease i...
Macro-dynamic Environments of the Meso Realm

This chapter visualizes the macrorealm of social reality as a sociocultural environment of corporate and categoric units of the mesolevel realm. This environment imposes constraints on the operation of groups, organizations, communities, and categoric units. These constraints can be cultural, revolving around technologies, traditions, texts, values, ideologies, generalized symbolic media, and norms, or structural, revolving around the patterns of social relations evident in institutional domains, stratification systems, societies, and even intersocietal systems. Generalized symbolic media are given special emphasis because these are the media that are used in discourse and ideological formation within institutional domains (e.g., economy, kinship, religion, and education), the valued resources that are unequally distributed, and the resources exchanged among individual and collective actors within and between institutional domains. At a more structural level, modes of integration among social units are emphasized, and depending upon the configuration of these modes used, the environment of corporate and categoric units will vary. Modes of integration include segmentation, structural differentiation, structural interdependencies (e.g., exchange, overlaps, mobility, and embedding), structural domination, and structural segregation. Emphasis is placed upon how environments at the macrolevel of social reality evolve under selection pressures upon actors to solve problems facing a population.
Science cafés: engaging scientists and community through health and science dialogue.

Engagement of the community through informal dialogue with researchers and physicians around health and science topics is an important avenue to build understanding and affect health and science literacy. Science Cafes are one model for this casual interchange; however the impact of this approach remains under researched. The Community Engagement Key Function of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute of Southeast Wisconsin hosted a series of Science Cafes in which topics were collaboratively decided upon by input from the community. Topics ranged from Personalized Medicine to Alzheimer's and Dementia to BioMedical Innovation. A systematic evaluation of the impact of Science Cafes on attendees' self-confidence related to five health and scientific literacy concepts showed statistically significant increases across all items (Mean differences between mean retrospective pre-scores and post-scores, one tailed, paired samples t-test, n=141, p<.0001 for all items). The internal consistency of the five health and scientific literacy items was excellent (n=126, α=0.87). Thematic analysis of attendees' comments provides more nuance about positive experience and suggestions for possible improvements. The evaluation provides important evidence supporting the effectiveness of brief, casual dialogue as a way to increase the public's self-rated confidence in health and science topics.
Proximity coupled microstrip elements and interconnects of arbitrary shape in multilayered media

The performance of microstrip elements of arbitrary shape as resonators, directional couplers, antennas and multilevel interconnects is examined in this paper. The mixed potential integral equation (MPIE) method is employed with triangular patch functions to model microstrip elements of arbitrary shape. The model is equally applicable to microstrip circuit and/or microstrip antenna design. The paper includes thorough investigation of the excitation mechanism. This presentation will focus on proximity coupled microstrip elements and multilevel interconnects. >
Induction of cell migration by pro-urokinase binding to its receptor : possible mechanism for signal transduction in human epithelial cells

A human epithelial cell line, WISH, and a mouse cell line, LB6-uPAR, transfected with the human urokinase receptor (uPAR), both expressed high affinity uPAR but undetectable levels of urokinase (uPA). In two independent assays, binding of exogenous pro-uPA produced an up to threefold enhancement of migration. The migration was time and concentration dependent and did not involve extracellular proteolysis. This biologic response suggested that uPAR can trigger an intracellular signal. Since this receptor is a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-linked protein, we postulated that it must do so by interacting with other proteins, among which, by analogy to other systems, would be a kinase. To test this hypothesis, we carried out a solid phase capture of uPAR from WISH cell lysates using either antibodies against uPAR or pro-uPA adsorbed to plastic wells, followed by in vitro phosphorylation of the immobilized proteins. SDS-PAGE and autoradiography revealed two phosphorylated protein bands of 47 and 55 kD. Both proteins were phosphorylated on serine residues. Partial sequence of the two proteins showed a 100% homology to cytokeratin 18 (CK18) and 8 (CK8), respectively. A similar pattern of phosphorylation was obtained with lysates from A459 cells, a lung carcinoma, but not HL60, LB6-uPAR or HEp3 cell lysates, suggesting that the identified multiprotein uPAR-complex may be specific for simple epithelia. Moreover, immunocapture with antibody to another glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-linked protein, CD55, which is highly expressed in WISH cells, was ineffective. The kinase was tentatively identified as protein kinase C, because it was inhibited by an analogue of staurosporine more specific for PKC and not by a PKA or tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The kinase was tentatively identified as PKC epsilon because of its resistance to PMA down-modulation, independence of Ca2+ for activity, and reaction with a specific anti-PKC epsilon antibody in Western blots. Cell fractionation into cytosolic and particulate fractions revealed that all four proteins, the kinase, uPAR, CK18, and CK8, were present in the particulate fraction. In vivo, CK8, and to a lesser degree CK18, were found to be phosphorylated on serine residues. Occupation of uPAR elicited a time-dependent increase in the phosphorylation intensity of CK8, a cell shape change and a redistribution of the cytokeratin filaments. These results strongly suggest that uPAR serves not only as an anchor for uPA but participates in a signal transduction pathway resulting in a pronounced biological response.
Promoting Moral Growth Through Pluralism and Social Justice Education

This chapter considers the role of pluralism and social justice education in promoting moral growth among college students using Rest's Four Component Model. Implications of these issues and recommendations for the promotion of moral maturity for social justice action are offered.
Application of the unimoment method to scattering from periodic dielectric structures

A new numerical method is presented which is suitable for the analysis of scattering by dielectric structures which are periodic in one dimension. This method is based on a rigorous differential equation formulation of the scattering problem. It is particularly appropriate for structures which have periods on the order of the incident wavelength, and which have a depth of several wavelengths or less. Results are presented for periodic dielectric structures for TE polarization. Comparisons with results that have been obtained by other authors, and with a case involving inhomogeneous dielectric for which the exact solution can be found, are made for transmission type dielectric structures. These results establish the accuracy of the method. Further results are presented for reflection structures consisting of arrays of rectangular dielectric cylinders over a ground plane, and for transmission structures consisting of arrays of rectangular cylinders in free space, as well as for transmission structures consisting of semi-infinite dielectric media with sinusoidal or rectangular surface height variation.
Site-Specific Attachment of Gold Nanoparticles to DNA Templates

DNA was used as a scaffold for the binding of gold nanoparticles using a standard chemical technique. A DNA template was designed with amino-modified thymines located every 3.7 nm, which would allow the attachment of the carboxylic acid functionalized gold nanoparticles. The gold particles were covalently bound to the amino groups on the DNA using standard 1-ethyl-3- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) chemistry in the presence of a competitor to block excess gold binding sites. The products were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Cover Estimations Using Object-Based Image Analysis Rule Sets Developed Across Multiple Scales in Pinyon-Juniper Woodlands

Numerous studies have been conducted that evaluate the utility of remote sensing for monitoring and assessing vegetation and ground cover to support land management decisions and complement ground measurements. However, few comparisons have been made that evaluate the utility of object-based image analysis (OBIA) to accurately classify a landscape where rule sets (models) have been developed at various scales. In this study, OBIA rule sets used to estimate land cover from high–spatial resolution imagery (0.06-m pixel) on Pinus L. (pinyon) and Juniperus L. (juniper) woodlands were developed using eCognition Developer at four scales with varying grains—1) individual plot, 2) individual sites, 3) regions (western juniper vs. Utah juniper sites), and 4) pinyon-juniper woodland network (all plots)—that were within the same study extent. Color-infrared imagery was acquired over five sites in Oregon, California, Nevada, and Utah with a Vexcel UltraCamX digital camera in June 2009. Ground cover measurements were also collected at study sites in 2009 on 80 0.1-ha plots. Correlations between OBIA and ground measurements were relatively high for individual plot and site rule sets (ranging from r¼0.52 to r¼0.98). Correlations for regional and network rule sets were lower (ranging from r¼0.24 to r¼0.63), which was expected due to radiance differences between the images as well as vegetation differences found at each site. All site and plot OBIA average cover percentage estimates for live trees, shrubs, perennial herbaceous vegetation, litter, and bare ground were within 5% of the ground measurements, and all region and network OBIA average cover percentage estimates were within 10%. The trade-off for decreased accuracy over a larger area (region and network rule sets) may be useful to prioritize management strategies but will unlikely capture subtle shifts in understory plant communities that site and plot rule sets often capture.
Americans’ Changing Views on Crime and Punishment

Despite a decline in crime rates, the size of America�s criminal justice system has continued to expand in both expenditures and the number of citizens under correctional supervision. Polls examined here show that the public viewed national crime as declining since the 1990s, while viewing local crime rates as stable. Moreover, the polls show that public support for �get tough� crime policies, once seen as unwavering, has declined substantially. The decline in support occurred across a range of policies, from judicial sentencing to the death penalty to increasing expenditures for law enforcement agencies. Finally, polls show fluctuations in public views regarding which political party was better suited to deal with crime. Overall, these data illustrate that leaders now have the opportunity to move policy in a less punitive direction and that no single party has ownership over the issue.