cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The development of a forming limit surface for 5083 aluminum alloy sheet

A custom mechanical stretching setup based on the Nakazima method was designed and built for testing sheet metals at elevated temperatures. Specimens from a fine-grained 5083 aluminum alloy sheet were deformed at various temperatures, spanning between those associated with warm forming (250°C) and hot forming (550°C). Circle grid analysis of the deformed specimens produced the forming limit curves at each of the covered temperatures, hence revealing the great influences of forming temperature on the material’s formability limits. Finally, all the curves were combined to construct a unique three-dimensional forming limit surface, which we present here as a more comprehensive map for describing material formability limits at wide-ranging temperatures.
Optical labeling system using FSK for label encoding and PPM for payload modulation

We demonstrate an optical labeling system using frequency-shift-keying (FSK) for label encoding and pulse-position-modulation (PPM) for payload modulation. The scheme relieves the extinction-ratio impairment in systems using FSK for labeling and on-off-keying for payload modulation.
Incorporation of orally administered radioactive precursors into nucleic acids and ribosomes of housefly ovaries.

Abstract After emergence female houseflies were fed for 4 days on a diet containing 14C-orotic acid and 3H-thymidine-5-triphosphate, or 3H-leucine. Nucleic acids and ribosomes were then isolated from the ovaries and studied by MAK column chromatography and sedimentation analysis respectively. The ultraviolet absorption and radioactivity of the fractions were also measured. After MAK column chromatography, the u.v. elution pattern showed that only tow distinct peaks, corresponding to tRNA and rRNA were present. A similar elution pattern was obtained by measuring the 14C from 14C-orotic acid incorporated into the RNA. Because of the small quantity present, DNA was not measurable by u.v. absorption, but by determining the incorporation of 3H from 3H-TTP, its presence was clearly evident. Sedimentation analysis of ovarian ribosomes revealed four polymeric forms besides subunits and monomers. The incorporation of 14C-orotic acid and 3H-leucine into the ribosomes was used to follow the synthesis of rRNA and rProtein respectively. Sucrose density gradient centrifugation of the rRNA indicated that the ovarian rRNA consisted primarily of 28 and 18 S particles.
Microswitch Beam-Steering Grids

Abstract : The goal was to design and fabricate beam-steering arrays based on micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) at millimeter wavelengths (35 and 94 GHz). The design was based on a unit-cell waveguide model, and HFSS was used in the theoretical analyses. Dry substrate etch with a Si/SiO2(+) membrane was found to be the most promising fabrication technology. Rockwell Science Center manufactured the arrays. The measured passive structures show a good performance. The phase difference between an inductive and a capacitive pair is about 1250 at a frequency range of 75-90 GHz. The average loss at 77 GHz is about 3.2 dB. Good agreement between theoretical and experimental results was found. Rockwell has had difficulties in fabricating the micro switch arrays. A major difficulty has been fabrication of switches on membrane. The switches have showed an increased deflection upwards with time. Some switches fractured during wire bonding. Other switches broke during actuation. These fabrication issues must be resolved before this approach becomes practical.
Linear and Nonlinear Propagation of Supercell Storms

Abstract A nonlinear formula for updraft motion in supercell storms is derived from Petterssen's formula for the motion of systems and the vertical equation of motion, and tested on form-preserving disturbances. At each level, continuous propagation of an updraft maximum is determined largely by the horizontal gradient of the nonhydrostatic vertical pressure-gradient force (NHVPGF) at the updraft center. The NHVPGF is deduced from the formal solution of the Poisson equation for nonhydrostatic pressure in anelastic flow subject to homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions at the ground and top boundary. Recourse also is made to published fields of partitioned vertical pressure-gradient force. Updraft motion is partitioned into parts forced by horizontal gradients of hydrostatic pressure, linear interaction between the environmental shear and updraft, and nonlinear dynamical effects. The dynamics of supercell storms for nearly straight and highly curved hodographs are found to be different. Nonlinear rotation...
In situ FTIR diagnostics of the radio-frequency plasma decomposition of N2O

The decomposition of N2O in a 13.56-MHz parallel-plate system was studied usingin situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Areas of two infrared absorption bands of N2O recorded at 8 cm−1 resolution were used to estimate relative gas-phase dissociation as a function of rf power and flow rate at 500 mT. Flow rate was found to strongly affect band areas over the range of powers investigated (10–90 W). The effect of rf power on band areas diminished above 40 W, probably due to poor plasma confinement. Distortion of the band shapes by the plasma permitted rotational temperatures to be estimated. Rotational temperature increased essentially linearly with power at constant flow rate, reaching 450 K at 80 W, but was independent of flow rate at constant power. Rotational temperatures were also found to depend on the temperature of the electrodes, which were heated by plasma exposure. No infrared-active product species were observed even under batch conditions where all N2O was irreversibly dissociated. This lack of detectable products and a 50% pressure rise observed in a batch study suggest that N2 and O2 are the primary stable discharge products.
Mosquito DNA polymerase ε

The mosquito homolog of mammalian DNA polymerase ϵ, formerly known as a proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-independent form of DNA polymerase δ, has been purified from mosquito larval extracts. The polymerase ϵ was separated from DNA polymerase α by chromatography on hydroxylapatite, and the enzyme was subsequently purified on single-stranded DNA agarose, followed by a 5' AMP-agarose chromatography step. The purified polymerase exhibits an intrinsic 3'-5' exonuclease activity and shows high activity using an oligo-primed DNA template. Neither human nor Drosophila PCNA stimulated this polymerase activity. Additional immunochemical and biochemical evidence indicates that this enzyme is distinct from DNA polymerase α.
An Evening at the Blanchard (or Hoedown at the Hansonburg)

Figure 1. A southeast view of the Sierra Oscuras from the Jornada del Muerto. The Hansonburg mining district lies in the mountains on the left half of the image. John Rakovan photo. The Hansonburg ...
A light and transmission electron microscope study of hepatic portal tracts in the rhesus monkey (Macacus rhesus).

Abstract This study reports on morphological features of hepatic portal tracts in the liver of a rhesus monkey. The light microscope shows that the number of each type of principal component comprising a portal tract varies but that there are usually one to five lymphatics, one bile ductule, one bile duct, one arteriolar and one arterial branch of the hepatic artery, and one hepatic portal vein. Bile ductules, in cross section, have 6–10 cells (mostly low pyramidal, but with a few cuboidal) bordering the lumen, an outside diameter of from about 20 to 25 μm, and a luminal diameter of from 2 to 10 μm. Bile ducts, in cross section, have more than 10 cells (about equal numbers of low pyramidal and cuboidal) bordering the lumen, an outside diameter greater than 25 μm and a luminal diameter of greater than 10 μm. The term “pyramidal” has not previously been applied to the cells of the ductules and ducts. The monkey tracts show several cytological features previously undescribed, viz., abortive cilia and basal bodies in the duct cells, abortive cilia in the ductule cells, and an occasional aggregation of ribosomes in arterial endothelial cells. They also show a major histological feature previously mentioned but not illustrated, viz., bundles of nerve processes which exhibit a preferential location, i.e., proximity to the arterioles and arteries.
Comparison of transplanted islets in patients with functioning versus nonfunctioning allografts.

INCE 1985,27 transplants have occurred at Washington University School of Medicine (WUMS) in St. Louis and 4 transplants in conjunction with the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario. The majority of suc- cessful transplants have occurred since 1989 when we entered into the era of better immunosuppression, early intensive insulin therapy, purer preparations, immunoalter- ation by 24°C culture, and cryopreservation resulting in larger transplanted islet preparations. The two groups of patients most extensively followed at WUMS were patients with established kidney grafts followed by islet transplant (EKI, n = 8) and those receiving simultaneously trans- planted kidney and islet transplant (SKI, n = 9). Several controversies concerning islet transplantation still exist. For example, should islet transplantation occur simultaneous with or following renal transplant? Does cryopreservation and/or islet culture make a difference in islet function? What is the role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching? Does islet mass improve or hamper long-term islet function? Presented here are the results of a retrospec- tive study addressing these questions in regard to our EKI and SKI patients.
Distribution of integumental tyrosinase activity in red-eared turtle, Pseudemys scripta elegans.

L'activite enzymatique de la peau d'un Chelonien a montre que la distribution de la tyrosinase n'es pas uniforme. Ce sont des facteurs anatomiques infracellulaires et biochimiques qui controlent l'activite de la tyrosinase.
Analysis and optimization of a diffuse photon optical tomography of turbid media

In a numerical study, we investigate a diffuse-photon computed tomography of a turbid medium. Using a perturbation approach, we relate through a matrix K a bulk heterogeneous distribution of the optical absorption coefficient m(a) that characterizes the heterogeneity in an otherwise homogeneous turbid medium to the diffuse photon flux that emerges from its surface. By studying the condition number (N(C)) of the matrix K as a function of illumination-detection schemes and choices of reconstruction grids, we explore strategies that optimize the fidelity and spatial resolution of the computed tomography.
Differential symmetry principle for differential crosstalk cancellation

The paper introduces the usage of the differential symmetry principle to minimize or even cancel differential crosstalk. Applications to a CPU socket with hexagonal pin map pattern and to an edge connector are described. It is shown how a careful consideration of pin location and differential pair orientation can result in a high signal density and low differential crosstalk design.
Abnormal lipoprotein metabolism in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: Pathogenesis and treatment

Although diabetes mellitus is by definition a state of abnormal carbohydrate metabolism, defects in lipoprotein metabolism are a prominent feature of the diabetic syndrome. This is particularly true of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), and it is quite likely that the abnormal lipid metabolism contributes significantly to the increased morbidity and mortality from coronary artery disease that characterizes NIDDM. In this presentation, an attempt is made to develop a coherent picture as to the pathogenesis of the defects in lipoprotein metabolism seen in patients with NIDDM, as well as to discuss therapeutic approaches to the treatment of these abnormalities.
Subjective experience of persistent schizophrenia and depression among US Latinos and Euro-Americans.

BACKGROUND The aims were to investigate cross-culturally the subjective experience of long-term psychiatric patients to determine whether or not they would define their current life situation predominantly in terms of illness. METHOD The design is a two-by-two comparison by ethnicity (Latino and Euro-American) and diagnosis (schizophrenia and unipolar depression) of 80 subjects for DSM-III-R criteria according to the SADS. Patients were interviewed using semi-structured interview (Context of Illness Experience) yielding data coded for qualitative and quantitative analyses. RESULTS while significant ethnic differences were observed, nearly half the sample did not include illness in their description of their life situation. Other domains (e.g. activities, event) and the extent to which patients perceived themselves as in- or out-of-step with the "rhythm of life" were identified as central patient concerns. CONCLUSIONS Empirical research on the subjective experiences and representations of the life situation of patients offers clues to the course and treatment of persistent psychiatric disorder.
Complex demonstratives as quantifiers: objections and replies

In “Complex Demonstratives: A Quantificational Account” (MIT Press 2001) (henceforth CD), I argued that complex demonstratives are quantifiers. Many philosophers had held that demonstratives, both simple and complex, are referring terms. Since the publication of CD various objections to the account of complex demonstratives I defended in it have been raised. In the present work, I lay out these objections and respond to them.
Within-colony variation in inducibility of coral disease resistance

The abiotic environment influences a variety of ecological processes, including the emergence, transmission, and distribution of disease. In the oceans, increased temperatures associated with climate change are hypothesized to decrease host resistance and/or increase pathogen growth, virulence, or infectivity. Colonial organisms, such as corals, could face a unique challenge with respect to temperature and disease stress: heterogeneous within-colony distribution of constitutive and temperature-induced resistance to infection. This could facilitate disease if warming temperatures promote pathogen growth while decreasing resistance of some areas of the coral colony. Here, an experiment was used to test the hypothesis that temperature-induced disease resistance is heterogeneous within colonies of the sea fan coral, Gorgonia ventalina. Resistance, measured as activity of antifungal metabolites, increased (approx. 30%) with temperature only in young edge tissue, not in older center tissue, consistent with patterns of infection in older, larger sea fan colonies on Caribbean reefs.
Heterodyne Interferometer For Alignment Of The Two Elements Of A Reflaxicon

The design of a heterodyne interferometer to align the two elements of a reflaxicon is described. The discussion covers the optical, electro-optical, and mechanical design. In this application the interferometer is required to measure the phase variations across the wavefront of a probe beam that returns from the test optics. The measurement must have high resolution and be completed within about one second. The test wavefront must be corrected to remove system figure errors, alignment optics errors, and dynamic disturbance effects. The corrected wavefront is then processed to separate effects due to each degree of freedom of misalignment of the reflaxicon. Then each degree of freedom can be corrected by commands to mirror mount actuators from an alignment computer.
Mutations Within a Conserved Region of Vaccinia Topoisomerase Affect the DNA Cleavage-Religation Equilibrium

The segment of the vaccinia DNA topoisomerase from residues 143 to 167 (VGLLTLKNKHIEISPDEIVIKFVGK) is conserved in other members of the eukaryotic type I topoisomerase family. In order to gauge the function of this region, we performed a mutational analysis in which 23 of 25 positions were substituted by alanine. Several non-alanine mutations were also studied. Purified wild-type and mutant proteins were compared with respect to their activities in relaxing supercoiled DNA and in single-turnover strand cleavage. Lys167, an invariant residue, was judged essential for catalysis, insofar as alanine replacement resulted in a 100-fold decrement in specific activity. Alanine substitutions for invariant residues Gly144 and Gly166 were well-tolerated, but a G144R mutation inactivated the enzyme and G166R reduced activity by two orders of magnitude. More modest effects of other mutations were demonstrated by kinetic analysis of the single-turnover DNA cleavage and religation reactions and by studies of covalent adduct formation under equilibrium conditions. Mutations G144A and T147A elicited a shift in the cleavage-religation equilibrium toward the non-covalently bound state; this was caused by slowing of the forward cleavage reaction. Mutations F164A, G166A, G166R, K167A, and K167R produced opposite effects on reaction equilibrium, resulting in higher levels of covalent complex formation. We suggest that invariant residues F164, G166, and K167, constitute part of the active site of the enzyme.
The reduction of avoidance behavior as a function of gentling

Forty-five rats were trained to run to a sucrose reward. Following an electric shock in the goal box the experimental groups were gentled. Gentling was administered by the principal E or by an alternate immediately following shock or just prior to the next (test) trial. Gentled groups showed markedly faster approach than the nongentled control group. The pretest gentled groups were significantly faster than the postshock gentled groups. No significant differences involving the principal-alternate E dimension were found. The systematic control of gentling, especially in shock studies, was advised.
Emotion and psychotherapy.

Although cognitive-behavioral therapy has been criticized for not addressing the importance of emotion in psychotherapy, recent trends indicate a growing interest in this issue. So-called “Third Wave” approaches suggest that “cognitive” processes are often of little importance. In this article, I describe how learning theory, models of emotional processing, exposure treatments, criticisms of “extinction,” and even emotion-based approaches rely on cognitive and representational constructs. An attempt is made to integrate emotion and cognition in emotional schema therapy.
A cautionary note on pentacyanoammonioferrate use for determining L-canavanine occurrence in biological materials

Caution must be taken in the prevelant use of the pentacyanoammonioferrate reagent for the detection of L-canavanine in biological materias. This reagent reacts with L-histidine at neutral pH to form a pentacyanoammonioferate-histidine complex that is mistaken readily for its canavanine-containing counterpart.
Slow Pathway Ablation in Patients With Documented but Noninducible Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia

AbstractObjectives. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy of radiofrequency ablation of the slow pathway in patients with documented but noninducible paroxysmal supraventric...
Generation of 10 11 contrast 50 TW laser pulses

We demonstrate what we believe to be the highest-contrast (1011), multiterawatt, chirped-pulse amplification (CPA) Ti:sapphire laser by applying the modified cross-polarized-wave (XPW) generation method. This method produces a contrast improvement of 3 orders of magnitude using microjoule input energy. Microjoule energy can be achieved by direct amplification without the complications of a double CPA system. The 1011 contrast is sufficient for experiments on high-damage-threshold solid targets with focused intensities up to 1022 W/cm2.
Elizabeth Fernea's Moroccan Pilgrimage

Until recently travel literature could be considered the most innocent of writings. Like scholarly histories and ethnographies, travel books could give the masses a glimpse of worlds the people might never be able to visit themselves. Unlike the scientists, though, travel writers since antiquity had been given a free hand to enhance their accounts, like Mandeville, with fantasy and a good share of subjective and often idiosyncratic reflection. That innocence toward travelers in the East has been shattered and may never return. Edward Said indicted scholars of Orientalism for the way in which Orientalist discourse aided imperialist hegemony. "The major component in European culture," he argued in Orientalism, "is precisely what made that culture hegemonic both in and outside Europe: the idea of European identity as a superior one in comparison with all the non-European peoples and culttres" (Said 7). Rana Kabbani then indicted the travel writers in Europe's Myths of the Orient. Kabbani deals with travel literature from antiquity, but the main thrust is with books written in the 19th and 20th centuries, the time of the emergence of anthropology and, not coincidentally, the expansion of European imperialism (8-11). Americans are almost entirely absent from Kabbani's discussion. Only Mark Twain's Innocents Abroad deserves a passing mention (139). Two more recent American works should be added to the discussion. One, without question a travel book, was written by an important novelist. The other-Elizabeth Warnock Fernea's A Street in Marrakech (1980), the work to be discussed in this essay-is difficult to categorize. While Edith Wharton's In Morocco (1920) included enough information about that North African country, then under the "protection" of the French, that she could consider it a guidebook, In Morocco is mainly an account of her travels, at the behest of Resident General Lyautey himself and accomplished with the assistance of the French military, who drove her to different exotic locations in the country and arranged meetings with a variety of "natives." Just as Edith Wharton is (with Henry James) credited with introducing the International Theme into American fiction, her In Morocco
Converting a fatty acid binding protein to an artificial transaminase: novel catalysts by chemical and genetic modification of a protein cavity

Abstract Despite the widespread use of enzymes in synthetic applications, their “native” characteristics are often insufficient for many chemical transformations. To meet this challenge we have used protein cavities for the design of new biocatalysts. A pyridoxamine derivative (PX) was chemically tethered within the spacious cavity of intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP). The cysteine residue, which anchors the cofactor of the artificial transaminase IFABP-PX, can be placed in different regions by site-directed mutagenesis. Catalytic reactions with high enantioselectivities (up to 94% ee) and varying substrate specificity of the transamination of α-keto and amino acids were achieved. IFABP-PX mutants were further optimized by introducing lysine residues in order to mimic the active site of native transaminases.
Rascals on the Antebellum Mississippi: African American Steamboat Workers and The St. Louis Hanging of 1841

This article uses an 1841 confessional narrative of three free blacks, Amos Warrick, Charles Brown, and James Seward, and one slave, Madison Henderson, to examine how the Mississippi River steamboat culture impacted slave communities in the western region of the American South. It argues that in the Mississippi River economy a multidimensional, rascal form of resistance flourished amongst African American steamboat workers. As slave and free black steamboat hands moved between land and river, between city and country, and between slave and free states, many transformed their identities by living outside the law. By appropriating commodities, helping slaves to escape bondage, and participating in informal economies, they created networks that expanded not only their own status but also the scope and power of the larger African American community. Building on recent work in Atlantic history, and grounded in discussions of slave and working-class resistance, this article conceptualizes intersections between African American history and the history of America's major river system.
Devolution, new regionalism and economic revitalization in Japan: Emerging urban political economy and politics of scale in Osaka–Kansai

Abstract Determining that the centralized political system is the cause of its persistent economic problems, Japan’s political leaders have been promoting neoliberalism-oriented state decentralization since the early 2000s. Stimulated by this policy, the prefecture of Osaka – the center of Japan’s second economic region – and its neighbors established a federation-type regional government in December 2010. However, some members left this regionalist coalition before its launch, which demonstrates the existance of internal tensions. In this study, the frameworks of Institutional Collective Action and politics of scale are applied to examine the regionalism decision-making process. Our findings suggest: (1) systemic political and economic biases run within the regionalism and (2) the likely urban economic and governance conditions after the devolution would be much more uncertain and messier than the reform advocates suggest they would be.
Total-energy local-spin-density approach to structural and electronic properties of ferromagnetic iron.

Obtention des proprietes structurales du fer bcc a partir de calculs de structure electronique d'energie totale comme fonction de la constante de reseau et grâce a l'utilisation de la methode d'onde plane augmentee, polarisee par un potentiel entier et a l'approximation de densite de spin local. Presentation des structures de bandes electroniques, de la densite des etats et de la surface de Fermi a la constante de reseau d'equilibre calculee, comparaison aux donnees de de Haas-van Alphen
Prenatal detection of fetal thymidine kinase activity in maternal plasma: Normal values and clinical application in postterm pregnancy

Abstract Deoxythymidine kinase is present in human cells in two forms: the cytosolar form (fetal thymidine kinase) and the mitochondrial form (adult thymidine kinase). The activity of thymidine kinase isozymes in plasma of preterm and term newborns has been previously reported to be related to gestational age, and fetal thymidine kinase activity was reported to be undetectable after the thirty-ninth week of gestation. Our purpose was to determine if similar changes in the activity levels of the thymidine kinase isozymes could be demonstrated in late third trimester maternal plasma. A cross-sectional sample of 35 patients was studied from week 34 of pregnancy to delivery. Significant differences between fetal and adult thymidine kinase activity patterns were observed. Adult thymidine kinase activity remained relatively constant throughout the evaluation interval, while fetal thymidine kinase activity decreased with advancing gestational age. Regression analysis of gestational age by neonatal examination (GAPED) and fetal thymidine kinase revealed a linear relationship (fetal thymidine kinase=0.380 − 0.00745 ∗ GAPED; R 2 = 0.2944; standard estimate of error=0.0350; p p
Benign fibrous histiocytoma of the maxilla

Benign fibrous histiocytomas of bone are unusual neoplasms that often are confused with metaphyseal fibrous defects. Although the two lesions have overlapping microscopic characteristics, they differ in their clinicopathologic presentations. This report describes the clinicopathologic features of the first reported case of benign fibrous histiocytoma involving the maxilla and the fourth description of this tumor in the jawbones. In addition, the concept of fibrohistiocytic lesions of bone is discussed with consideration of their pathologic classification and their clinical, radiographic, and microscopic differential diagnosis.
Serial dexamethasone suppression tests in simultaneous panic and depressive disorders

Recent work suggests that the simultaneous occurrence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and panic disorder (PD) may be of relevance for clinical findings, therapeutic outcome, and prognosis. It is of interest to know whether or not this relevance extends to biological findings. We addressed this question through comparison of serial Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST) results in patients who had either MDD alone or simultaneous MDD and PD. We were unable to describe differences between the groups.
Cell systems and the toxic mechanism(s) of α-synuclein

Mutations in the SNCA gene are causal for familial Parkinson disease/Lewy body disease. α-Synuclein is a small acidic protein that binds loosely to the surface of vesicles and may play a role in synaptic dynamics, although its normal function remains somewhat unclear. What is clear is that point mutations or increased expression of wild type α-synuclein causes disease. A great deal of literature supports the overall hypothesis that α-synuclein is damaging to neurons because it is inherently prone to aggregation; mutations or increased concentration of the protein both increase this tendency. An unproven, but popular, contention is that the toxic species are small oligomers that are relatively soluble, which may react with membranes to damage key processes within the cell. The details of this process, especially in determining the order of events and the requirement of particular processes in cell death, are unclear. Derangements in vesicle processing, including synaptic function, protein turnover, mitochondrial function and oxidative stress, have all been suggested to occur. Whether there is a sequence of events or whether these are interacting effects is unclear, but the outcome is to trigger cell death, by both apoptotic and non-apoptotic mechanisms depending on the system studied. In this article, we develop a framework for thinking about α-synuclein in terms of initiating events and secondary processes that are required to trigger neuronal dysfunction and cell death.
Corrections to “Eurasian snow cover variability and northern hemisphere climate predictability”

Table 1. Eurasian snow cover and SSTs as predictors (SON) and concurrent (DJF) of hemispheric and regional climate indices. Observed climate indices are shown in rows all climate indices are for DJF. Climate indices are, ZMW, NAO, Scandinavia or Eurasian One Pattern (SCA), West Pacific Pattern (WPP), Pacific/North American Pattern (PNA). NAO and SCA are dominant modes of variability in North Atlantic and PNA and WPP are dominant modes of variability in North Pacific in winter /Barnston and Livezey, 1987]; also shown in square brackets are the autocorrelations of each DJF climate index with its own preceding SON index. Statistical significance greater than 95% confidence level in italics and greater than 99% confidence level in bold. The correlation coefficient included in parentheses corresponds to the statistic excluding E1-Nifio years 1972, 1982, 1986, 1991. We also computed the correlations between the detrended time-series of snow cover and the zonal mean wind, NAO and SCA indices and no changes were found in the statistical significance of the correlations from those presented in the table.
Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Toxic Heavy Metals from Solid and Aqueous Matrices

The feasibility of using dithiocarbamate chelating agents or sulfur-containing organophosphorus reagents for the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of toxic heavy metals from solid and aqueous matrices was investigated. Effective extraction of heavy metal ions from both sand matrix and water samples was demonstrated by using supercritical CO2 containing dithiocarbamate chelating agents. A commercially available sulfur-containing organophosphorus reagent, Cyanex 302, was used for the extraction of toxic heavy metals from wood samples. The extraction profiles were initially rapid followed by a very low level of metal extraction, indicating that the process is limited to extraction of leachable toxic metals.
Cosmological perturbations in conformal gravity

We present the first steps needed for an analysis of the perturbations that occur in the cosmology associated with the conformal gravity theory. We discuss the implications of conformal invariance for perturbative coordinate gauge choices and show that in the conformal theory the trace of the metric fluctuation kinematically decouples from the first-order gravitational fluctuation equations. We determine the equations that describe first-order metric fluctuations around the illustrative conformal to flat de Sitter background. Via a conformal transformation, we show that such fluctuations can be constructed from fluctuations around a flat background, even though the fluctuations themselves are associated with a perturbative geometry that is not itself conformal to flat. We extend the analysis to fluctuations around other cosmologically relevant backgrounds, such as the conformal to flat Robertson-Walker background, and find tensor fluctuations that grow far more rapidly than those that occur in the analogous standard case. We show that while the standard gravity tensor fluctuations around a de Sitter background are also fluctuation solutions in the conformal theory, in the conformal case they do not carry energy.
Application of Covariance Analysis to Ophtalmologic Research

Using covariance analysis as an adjusted regression analysis it is possible, with the assumption of homogeneity and normality of variance, to test several regression functions for homogeneity, if the given groups of data material are independent. This well-known analysis is applied to a number of examination methods of ophthalmology. In the cases of ophthalmo-dynamography (ODG) and ophthalmo-dynamometry (ODM), the paper answers the question to what extent the result of ophthalmologic measurement is influenced by posture (sitting — lying — standing). Contrary to several authors' practice of combining the regression lines for the systolic and diastolic blood-pressure because of the improvement of the correlation coefficient to be achieved in this way, it was possible to show that generally such an approach is not recommendable. Patients suffering from a certain type of arteriosclerosis distinguish themselves by deviations of their ODG data from the normal blood-pressure relation of the arteria carotis interna and the arteria brachialis. These differences can be tested for statistical significance by means of covariance analysis.
DNA surface hybridization: Comparison of theory and experiment

The design and interpretation of surface hybridization assays is complicated by poorly understood aspects of the interfacial environment that cause both kinetic and thermodynamic behaviors to deviate from those in solution. The origins of these differences lie in the additional interactions experienced by hybridizing strands at the surface. In this report, an analysis of surface hybridization equilibria is provided for end-tethered, single-stranded oligonucleotide “probes” hybridizing with similarly sized, single-stranded solution “target” molecules. Theoretical models by Vainrub and Pettitt (Phys. Rev. E 2002, 66, 041905) and by Halperin, Buhot, and Zhulina (Biophys. J. 2004, 86, 718), and an “extended” model that in addition includes a solution-like salt dependence of probe-target dimerization, are compared to experiments as a function of salt concentration and probe coverage. Good agreement with experiment is observed when the DNA volume fraction at the surface remains below ∼0.25. None of the models, ...
The Developmental Stages of Eurytemora Affinis (Poppe, 1880) (Copepoda, Calanoida) Raised in Laboratory Cultures, Including a Comparison With the Larvae of Eurytemora Ameri Cana Williams, 1906, and Eurytemora Herdmani Thompson & Scott, 1897

Ce travail decrit et illustre le cycle de developpement du copepode Eurytemora affinis (Poppe, 1880). Tous les specimens ont ete eleves en laboratoire. Les stades de developpement de E. affinis sont compares a ceux de deux autres especes du meme genre, E. americana Williams, 1906, et E. herdmani Thompson & Scott, 1897. Les stades equivalents des deux premieres especes citees, E. affinis et E. americana, sont plus proches l'un de l'autre morphologiquement qu'ils ne le sont de ceux de E. herdmani, ce qui suggere une relation phylogenique plus etroite entre elles. Enfin, la distribution de ces trois especes dans la nature et leurs tolerances differentes aux conditions de temperature et de salinite sont discutees. En derniere analyse E. affinis et E. americana se ressemblent ecologiquement, alors que E. herdmani occupe d'ordinaire un habitat different, situe plus pres de l'ocean que celui des deux autres especes.
Methylphenidate side effects in advanced cancer: a retrospective analysis.

Introduction: Methylphenidate (MP) is often recommended for symptom control in advanced cancer. Little is known about its side effects in frail adults. Objectives: To evaluate MP-associated symptom...
New trends in instrumental design for surface plasmon resonance-based biosensors

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based biosensing is one of the most advanced label free, real time detection technologies. Numerous research groups with divergent scientific backgrounds have investigated the application of SPR biosensors and studied the fundamental aspects of surface plasmon polaritons that led to new, related instrumentation. As a result, this field continues to be at the forefront of evolving sensing technology. This review emphasizes the new developments in the field of SPR-related instrumentation including optical platforms, chips design, nanoscale approach and new materials. The current tendencies in SPR-based biosensing are identified and the future direction of SPR biosensor technology is broadly discussed.
Extradyadic involvement and relationship dissolution in heterosexual women university students.

This study examined the role of extradyadic involvement (EDI) in heterosexual dating relationships among young adult females (N = 539). A considerable percentage of participants (36 %) reported that they had engaged in an extradyadic emotional or sexual relationship within the last 2 months. Results from logistic regression analyses supported the general hypothesis that emotional and sexual EDI were both significantly associated with relationship dissolution. These associations remained strong even after controlling for participants’ age, relationship duration, and relationship quality. The findings also showed that the strength of the association between acts of emotional or sexual extradyadic behaviors and relationship dissolution was linked to relationship quality, gender of the actor, and type of EDI (emotional vs. sexual). Specifically, compared to participants who reported poor relationship quality, those who reported high relationship quality were more likely to end the partnership if they reported emotional or sexual EDI. Findings suggest that individuals in higher quality relationships appear to have considerably more to lose in their relationship when emotional or sexual EDI occurs. This, in part, may be because the more satisfactory the relationship the more disillusionment one may feel when betrayed by their romantic partner. Overall, the present findings underscore the multifaceted nature of the relationships between EDI and relationship dissolution. We call for more research that rigorously examines what contextual factors influence young adults in dating relationships to dissolve relationships following EDI.
The cellular and physiological actions of insulin in the central nervous system

Insulin is a peptide hormone involved in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. Its synthesis and function in the peripheral tissues have been extensively studied and well understood. In contrast, demonstration of insulin in the brain has raised questions concerning its origin and physiological significance. In spite of extensive studies, the source of insulin present in the brain has not yet been conclusively identified. Evidence exists in support of both peripheral and central origins of this hormone in the brain. Recognized physiological effects of insulin in the central nervous system (CNS) include regulation of food intake, control of glucose uptake and trophic actions on neuronal and glial cells. These actions of insulin are mediated by insulin receptor resembling closely that in peripheral tissues and coupled with tyrosine kinase signal transduction pathway. In this review we will discuss theories concerning the origin of insulin in the CNS. In addition, we will present current information on both cellular and physiological effects of this hormone in the brain.
The Influence of Sociocultural Factors on Body Image: Searching for Constructs

Body image is a multidimensional construct that has received increasing scientific study over the past few decades. Considerable research has examined the determinants of body image development and functioning and their implications for other aspects of psychosocial well-being, especially eating pathology among girls and young women. Cafri, Yamamiya, Brannick, and Thompson (this issue) reported the results of a meta-analysis of how selected, self-reported sociocultural influence variables correlate with the basic dimension of body image evaluation. Their work raises and reinforces important questions about the definition and measurement of sociocultural influence constructs.
Directional Variability of the Isometric Force Vector Produced by the Human Hand in Multijoint Planar Tasks

Numerous studies have examined control of force magnitude, but relatively little research has considered force direction control. The subjects applied isometric forces to a handle and the authors compared within-trial variability when force is produced in different directions. The standard deviation of the force parallel to the prescribed direction of force production increased linearly with the targeted force level, as did the standard deviation of the force perpendicular to the instructed direction. In contrast, the standard deviation of the angle of force production decreased with increased force level. In the 4 (of 8) instructed force directions where the endpoint force was generated due to a joint torque in only 1 joint (either the shoulder or elbow) the principal component axes in force space were well aligned with the prescribed direction of force production. In the other directions, the variance was approximately equal along the 2 force axes. The variance explained by the first principal component was significantly larger in torque space compared to the force space, and mostly corresponded to positive correlation between the joint torques. Such coordinated changes suggest that the torque variability was mainly due to the variability of the common drive to the muscles serving 2 joints, although this statement needs to be supported by direct studies of muscle activation in the future.
Infrared absorption properties of atmospheric gases

Abstract The basic information necessary for determining the line structure of infrared absorption s pectra of certain water vapor and of carbon dioxide bands has been worked out in detail. Methods of calculating the transmission as a function of frequency and the band absorption have been developed. Using these methods, it is possible to determine absorber concentrations or predict the amount of absorption to be expected under known conditions. These studies have shown the importance of a knowĺedge of the properties of both the absorber and of the instrumentation used in order to make an analysis of the transmission characteristics of the atmosphere.
Implications of Methodological Advances for the Practice of Personnel Selection: How Practitioners Benefit from Meta-analysis

We discuss how meta-analysis, a method for synthesizing research findings, can meaningfully impact personnel selection practices. Specifically, we review important changes in professional and legal practices from the past 30 years resulting from meta-analytic findings. The implications of using meta-analysis methods for evaluating utilities of selection procedures and for assessing relative predictive capabilities of three popular selection tools (general mental ability tests, personality tests, and structured interviews) are further discussed. Based on these implications, we propose that meta-analysis can play an important role in bridging the gap between academic research and organizational practices.
Thomas-Fermi dielectric screening of donors in silicon

The screened impurity potentials for the group-V donors in Si (N, P, As, Sb, Bi) are calculated in closed form using the linearized Thomas-Fermi method. The results are compared with screening using a $k$-dependent dielectric constant and with screening using the Thomas-Fermi response to a point charge.
Dynamic priority assignment scheme for real-time communications in DQDB networks

The authors propose a dynamic priority assignment scheme which is able to make the best use of the multiple priority mechanism and achieve significant system performance for real-time communications. First, they briefly introduce the distributed queue dual bus (DQDB) standard and point out some problems for real-time communications. A dynamic system model is proposed and some design strategies for the dynamic priority scheme are discussed. An efficient assignment algorithm based on the analysis of the mean media access delay is presented. Simulation results under various situations validated the model analysis and showed the significant performance improvement, compared to conventional media access control (MAC) protocols, for real-time communications. >
A Comparative Study of TOSL, TRL, and TRL* Network Analyzer Calibration Techniques, Using Microstrip Test Fixtures

For many packaged devices, both active and passive, the preferred test fixture approach is one of microstrip transmission line design. In order to achieve accurate, and reliable two port s-parameter measurements, an accurate calibration of the fixture up to the DUT reference plane is essential. Modern vector network analyzers allow several options when it comes to performing the necessary systematic error correction or calibration. This paper will present results based on verification of three different calibration techniques, by measurement of well defined microstrip impedance standards under TOSL (Thru, open, short, load), TRL (Thru, reflect, line), and TRL* (Hewlett Packard`s modified TRL for three-sampler RF test sets).
Protein kinase C couples membrane excitation to acetylcholine receptor gene inactivation in chick skeletal muscle

The signaling pathway connecting membrane depolarization and gene activity in skeletal muscle remains largely unknown. Using transcription elongation (run-on) analysis we have found that electrical stimulation of denervated chick skeletal muscle in vivo rapidly and selectively results in inactivation of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) subunit genes. We have studied the possible involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) in this response and have observed that electrical stimulation increases the activity of PKC in the nucleus by over two orders of magnitude within 10 min; phorbol esters, within minutes after intramuscular application, block AChR subunit genes in the absence of electrical activity; and the activity-triggered gene inactivation is blocked by the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine or by enzyme depletion resulting from chronic pretreatment of muscle with phorbol esters. We conclude that PKC is an integral component of the pathway coupling membrane excitation and AChR gene control.