cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infrared absorption spectroscopy of diacetylene ions trapped in solid argon

The C4H2+ diacetylene radical cation has been generated in a pulsed jet electrical discharge through both a diacetylene/argon mixture and an acetylene/argon mixture. The product mixture was trapped on a 12 K cryostat window and studied via Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy. The diacetylene cation was also produced via low energy electron bombardment of an effusive C4H2/Ar beam. Two new infrared bands at 3201.6 and 1827.9 cm−1 have been identified as vibrations of the diacetylene cation, viz the ν4 (σu) (C–H stretching) and the ν5(σu) (CC stretching) modes, respectively. Geometry optimization and harmonic frequency calculations, carried out at various spin unrestricted levels (B3LYP, CCSD(T)) for spin doublet structures, indicate that, in its electronic ground state 2Πg, the C4H2+ cation is linear. Three additional new bands at 2957.5, 1693.8 and 594.5 cm−1 have been tentatively assigned to the C–H stretching, CC stretching and CC–H (in-plane) bending modes, respectively, of the nonlinear diacetylene anion (C4H2–, 2Bu).
Extinction and propagation of elastic waves in inhomogeneous materials

Forward scattering theorems for elastic longitudinal and shear wave scatterings by an arbitrary-shaped cylindrical object embedded in an energy-absorbing medium are derived. The obtained expressions for extinction cross-sections are formally the same with those for non-absorbing medium. Examples of applications to the calculation of the total attenuation and the dynamic homogenization of inhomogeneous materials are given. Numerical results for fiber-reinforced composites are compared with those from existing approximate theories.
Considerations when combining data from multiple nutrition experiments to estimate genetic parameters for feed efficiency

Abstract Prior to genomic selection on a trait, a reference population needs to be established to link marker genotypes with phenotypes. For costly and difficult-to-measure traits, international collaboration and sharing of data between disciplines may be necessary. Our aim was to characterize the combining of data from nutrition studies carried out under similar climate and management conditions to estimate genetic parameters for feed efficiency. Furthermore, we postulated that data from the experimental cohorts within these studies can be used to estimate the net energy of lactation (NE L ) densities of diets, which can provide estimates of energy intakes for use in the calculation of the feed efficiency metric, residual feed intake (RFI), and potentially reduce the effect of variation in energy density of diets. Individual feed intakes and corresponding production and body measurements were obtained from 13 Midwestern nutrition experiments. Two measures of RFI were considered, RFI Mcal and RFI kg , which involved the regression of NE L intake (Mcal/d) or dry matter intake (DMI; kg/d) on 3 expenditures: milk energy, energy gained or lost in body weight change, and energy for maintenance. In total, 677 records from 600 lactating cows between 50 and 275 d in milk were used. Cows were divided into 46 cohorts based on dietary or nondietary treatments as dictated by the nutrition experiments. The realized NE L densities of the diets (Mcal/kg of DMI) were estimated for each cohort by totaling the average daily energy used in the 3 expenditures for cohort members and dividing by the cohort's total average daily DMI. The NE L intake for each cow was then calculated by multiplying her DMI by her cohort's realized energy density. Mean energy density was 1.58 Mcal/kg. Heritability estimates for RFI kg , and RFI Mcal in a single-trait animal model did not differ at 0.04 for both measures. Information about realized energy density could be useful in standardizing intake data from different climate conditions or management systems, as well as investigating potential genotype by diet interactions.
Oct2 transcription factor of a teleost fish: activation domains and function from an enhancer

Oct2 transcription factors of the catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) are expressed as alternatively spliced α and β isoforms. Functional analysis revealed an N-terminal glutamine (Q)-rich transactivation domain common to both isoforms of catfish Oct2. A C-terminal proline, serine, threonine (PST)-rich activation domain was identified exclusively in the β isoform. Activation domains of fish and mammalian Oct2 showed cell type- and species-specific activity correlated with their biochemical composition (Q-rich vs PST-rich). In contrast the activation domains of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator of fish and mammals showed no correlation of activity with biochemical composition or species of origin. Although isolated catfish Oct2 activation domains were unable to drive transcription from a site 1.9 kb distal to the promoter, Oct2β activated transcription from both an IgH enhancer and an array of octamer motifs at this distal position. The properties of catfish Oct2 activation domains differ depending on whether they are studied in isolation or as components of the intact transcription factor.
Selective accumulation of hydroxytryptamines by frog tectal neurones.

Abstract By means of histofluorescence microscopy, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine was shown to be taken up by selective populations of brain neurones of the frog, Rana pipiens , following both intracranial administration and in vitro incubation with isolated brain preparations. Presumptive non-aminergic cell bodies of the superficial aspect of tectal lamina 6 exhibited more avid uptake than did putative serotonin perikarya of the raphe complex. Within the tectum, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine uptake appeared to be restricted to large piriform neurons; in the torus semicircularis, it occurred in a morphologically dissimilar group of scattered cells. The same tectal cell system accumulated 5-hydroxytryptamine and 6-hydroxytryptamine, but not N -acetylserotonin, melatonin, or noradrenaline. 5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine uptake was insensitive to cold or imipramine; however, it was blocked by ouabain at high but not low temperature. At concentrations ≥ 100 μM, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine-induced fluorescence was sufficiently intense to permit tracing of intratectal dendrites and tectofugal axonal processes projecting to a lateral diencephalic neuropil and an ipsilateral isthmic neuropil. While previous monoamine histofluorescence and immunohistologic studies have not revealed serotonin-containing perikarya in the ranid tectum, our findings demonstrate that lamina 6 piriform projection neurones, presumably lacking indolamine-synthesizing enzymes, possess a striking capability for accumulating hydroxylated tryptamines.
Educational Promotion Strategies: Brokering Culture between Tourists and Tourist Destinations

This study examines the promotional marketing strategies for cultural products from micro-entrepreneurs that view themselves not only as business people, but also as stewards and ‘brokers’ of cultural traditions. The investigation set out to determine the educational strategies used in their promotional efforts in order to achieve a unique set of objectives: the achievement of financial goals while simultaneously preserving and maintaining their region's cultural heritage. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed in order to gain a more holistic understanding of the micro-entrepreneurs’ promotion strategies through the use of consumer education practices and tools.
Developmental changes in α1-adrenoceptor coupling to G-protein in bovine aorta

Abstract Differences in epinephrine binding to α1-adrenoceptors, epineprhine-induced contractile potency, susceptibility to phorbol ester (PDBu) modulation, and differences in membrane fluidity were studied in bovine aorta from young (3–8 weeks) and adult or mature (6–8 years) animals. Membranes prepared from aorta of adult animals exhibited a two-fold higher receptor density while [3H]prazosin affinity was unchanged. Epinephrine displacement studies revealed both high- and low-affinity binding in membranes from the aortas of young animals whereas, preparations from adult animals exhibited only a single class of low-affinity sites. In low-temperature binding studies, membranes prepared from aortas of adult animals exhibited both high- and low-affinity agonist binding, in proportions about equal to those of young animals. The ability of PDBu to uncouple α1-adrenoceptor from G-protein interaction is demonstrable in young but not in adult animals which raises the possibility of prior phosphorylation of receptors in the latter tissues. Aortas from young animals showed increased contractile potency to epinephrine and, in addition, were significantly more fluid as compared to aortas from adult animals. Alterations in the membrane environment or phosphorylation state of the α1-adrenoceptor may thus provode age-dependent modulation of its function.
The Pharmacologic Management of Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Leg Movement Disorder

Four essential diagnostic criteria must be present to make a diagnosis of restless legs syndrome (RLS). These include: (1) an urge to move the legs, which may be accompanied by unpleasant sensations; (2) worsening of symptoms during periods of rest; (3) partial or total relief of symptoms with movement, such as walking, for at least as long as the activity continues; (4) worsening of symptoms in the evening or night. RLS is often accompanied by periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS), which is a polysomnographic finding of recurrent movements of the legs during sleep. However, PLMS can occur independently of RLS either in asymptomatic individuals or in patients with periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), diagnosis of which requires the presence of otherwise unexplained hypersomnia or insomnia.
A Numerical Approach to Phylogenetic Systematics

Abstract Farris, J. S. (Biol. Sci., State Unia., Stony Brook, New York, 11790), Kluge, A. G., and Eckardt, Jl. J. (Zool., Univ. Alichigan, Ann Arbor 48104) 1970. A Numerical approach to phylogenetic systematics. Syst. Zool., 19:172-191.-Principles abstracted from Hennig (1966) are used as axioms to form a quantitative analog of phylogenetic systematics. A close connection is demonstrated betneen phylogenetics and most parsinlonious trees. The compatibility of some existing clustering methods nith the principles is discussed, and a nen clustering technique, the Weighted Invariant Step Strategy ( WISS) is described. Generalization of the axioms to the case \there direction of evolution is not assumed is examined, and it is shown that the Wagner Method for estimating evolutionary trees is consistent nith the generalized phylogenetic axioms. The taxonomic philosophy propounded in Hennig's ( 1966) Plz ylogenetic Systematics
The martingale convergence theorem, with tears

Abstract The convergence rate of the martingale convergence theorem is explored, and it is shown that this rate is not robust as a function of the random variable being estimated with a sequential scheme. These results are then extended to a family of operators which generalize conditional expectation. It is shown that in both of these cases the convergence rate can be arbitrarily slow.
HOME INJURIES OF PEOPLE OVER AGE 65: RISK PERCEPTIONS OF THE ELDERLY AND OF THOSE WHO DESIGN FOR THEM

Abstract Within the framework of behavioral decision theory, this research compares the risk perceptions of gerontological design professionals to those of older adults (>65 years old) for injuries among older adults involving 18 consumer products or architectural features within the home. The accuracy of these risk judgments is determined by comparison with national statistics for emergency-room treated injuries involving specified products and features. Neither design professionals who design for the elderly nor older adults themselves are particularly accurate in their home injury risk estimation. The two groups do differ in risk perception accuracy concerning certain products. The ‘availability bias’ is examined as a possible explanatory variable, to explain differences in risk perception between the two groups. Availability is operationalized as past experience with injuries to older people involving the specified terms. There is evidence that experience partially mediates between-group differences in the case of over-estimated risk. The under-estimation of risk was also examined. Under-estimation analyses revealed that level of experience completely mediates between-group differences in several cases of under-estimated risk. Characteristics of products and architectural features consistently over- or under-estimated are examined as well.
Modeling Federal Funds rates: a comparison of four methodologies

Monthly Federal Fund interest rate values, set by the Federal Open Market Committee, have been the subject of much speculation prior to the announcement of their new values each period. In this study we use four competing methodologies to model and forecast the behavior of these short term Federal Fund interest rates. These methodologies are: time series, Taylor, econometric and neural network. The time series forecasts use only past values of Federal Funds rates. The celebrated Taylor rule methodology theorizes that the Federal Fund rate values are influenced solely by deviations from a desired level of inflation and from potential output. The econometric and neural network models have inputs used by both the time series and Taylor rule. Using monthly data from 1958 to the end of 2005 we distinguish between sample and out-of-sample sets to train, evaluate, and compare the models’ effectiveness. Our results indicate that the econometric modeling performs better than the other approaches when the data are divided into two sets of pre-Greenspan and Greenspan periods. However, when the data sample is divided into three groups of low, medium and high Federal Funds, the neural network approach does best.
VORTEX–SURFACE INTERACTION NOISE: A COMPENDIUM OF WORKED EXAMPLES

Abstract Students attending a graduate course on the Theory of Vortex Sound given recently at Boston University were required to investigate the low Mach number unsteady flow and the accompanying acoustic radiation for a selection of idealized flow–structure interactions. These included linear and non-linear parallel blade–vortex interactions for two-dimensional airfoils, and for finite span airfoils of variable chord; interactions between line vortices and surface projections from a plane wall; bluff-body interactions involving line and ring vortices impinging on circular cylindrical and spherical bodies, and vortex motion in the neighborhood of a wall aperture. In all cases, the effective source region was localized in either two or three dimensions, and could be regarded as acoustically compact, and the sound was calculated by routine numerical methods using the theory of compact Green functions. The results are collected together in this paper as a compendium of canonical solutions that provide qualitative and quantitative insight into the mechanisms responsible for sound production, and a database that can be used to validate predictions of more generally applicable numerical schemes.
Alteration in parotid salivary flow in diabetes mellitus

Abstract An investigation into the nature of xerostomia in the diabetic patient has been initiated. The pilot study demonstrates (at P
CT pulmonary angiography for acute pulmonary embolism: Cost-effectiveness analysis and review of the literature

Pulmonary embolism (PE) continues to be a diagnostic challenge. Clinical assessment tools, D-dimer testing, ventilation perfusion (V/Q) scanning, ultrasound of the lower limbs, computed tomography (CT), and pulmonary angiography are all adequate methods used in the diagnosis of acute PE. With several options available to physicians, variation in regional costs and practices, and conflicting views on imaging modality performance data, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the most cost-effective strategy. Cost-effectiveness analysis is a helpful tool for determining the most effective diagnostic strategy when several viable options exist. Although limited by a number of necessary assumptions, cost-effective analyses offer a feasible solution to a diagnostic process by using an evidence-based approach. Current evidence shows that CT is a cost-effective alternative to V/Q scanning, particularly when sensitivity is sufficiently high. The purpose of this article is to review the cost-effective role of CT in the diagnosis of acute PE.
Neuronal Release of Serotonin in the Cerebellum of Behaving Rats: An In Vivo Microdialysis Study

Release of endogenous serotonin [5-hydroxy-tryptamine (5-HT)] in the cerebellum of awake rats was characterized using in vivo microdialysis. 5-HT output was increased (approximately 70%) by local application of KCI (100 mM) and was reduced (approximately 60%) by both tetrodotoxin (0.5 microM) and omission of Ca2+ from the perfusion fluid. 5-HT release was decreased (approximately 70%) by the selective 5-HT1A agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (0.25 mg/kg, s.c.), and this effect was rapidly reversed by a selective 5-HT1A antagonist, N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl)cyclo- hexane-carboxamide trihydrochloride (WAY-100635; 0.1 mg/kg, i.p.). These results indicate that a large portion of the measurable 5-HT output in the cerebellum is of neuronal origin, is dependent on impulse flow, and is sensitive to 5-HT1A autoreceptor activation. Further studies examined the relationship between 5-HT levels and general activity of the animals across the light-dark transition and during behavioral manipulations. Both 5-HT levels and behavioral activity were significantly elevated during the dark period, with changes in 5-HT efflux closely paralleling changes in activity. Similar increases (approximately 40%) in 5-HT output were observed during both feeding and feeding in the presence of a stressor (tail pinch). These findings suggest that behavioral state is an important factor determining neuronal 5-HT release in cerebellum under physiological conditions.
A Study of the Deactivation of High Concentration, Laser Annealed Dopant Profiles in Silicon

As semiconductor device dimensions continue to decrease, the main challenge in the area of junction formation involves decreasing the junction depth while simultaneously increasing the active dopant concentration. Laser annealing is being investigated as an alternative to rapid thermal annealing (RTA) to repair the damage from ion implantation and to activate the dopants. With this technique, uniform, box-shaped profiles are obtained, with dopant concentrations that can exceed equilibrium solubility limits. Unfortunately, these super-saturated dopant concentrations exist in a metastable state and deactivate upon further thermal processing. In this work, a comprehensive study of the deactivation kinetics of common dopants (P, B, and Sb) was performed across a range of annealing conditions. For comparison, As deactivation data from the work of Rousseau et al. 1 is also presented. Each dopant exhibits different deactivation behavior, however, As and P can be classified as unstable species while B and Sb are stable against deactivation until higher temperatures of 700-800°C. In addition, a means of maintaining these metastably doped layers is being investigated with the goal of meeting the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) requirements for ultrashallow junctions.
A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Student Achievement Using Standardized and Performance-Based Tests

Three groups of undergraduates (42 senior graduating psychology majors, 27 first-year premajors taking introductory psychology, and 24 first-year, high-performing nonmajors taking introductory psychology) completed the Psychology Major Field Test (MFT) and a short-answer (SA) essay test on reasoning about core knowledge in psychology. Graduating majors significantly outperformed both first-year groups using raw and covariate-corrected scores (adjusted for group differences in SAT-Verbal and high school grade point average). On the MFT, graduating majors scored above the 50th percentile, whereas high-performing nonmajors and premajors scored in the 25th and 20th percentiles, respectively. On the SA test, graduating majors averaged good-to-excellent quality responses, whereas premajors and high-performing nonmajors averaged only fair-to-good quality responses. Discussion focuses on the design and implementation of value-added, academic program assessments with limited data collection resources.
Core Pedagogy Individual Uncertainty, Shared Practice, Formative Ethos

Attention to the core practices of teaching necessitates core pedagogies in teacher preparation. This article outlines the diffusion of one such pedagogy from medical to teacher education. The conc...
Simple and Efficient Extrinsic Camera Calibration Based on A Rational Model

Calibration of the transformation between two planes, the image plane and the 2D platform, is important for applications where 2D metric information on the image plane is used to compute the 3D information in a world coordinate system. Efforts have been taken in computer vision literature to perform a full-scale camera calibration, including intrinsic and extrinsic parameters. For some applications, calibration of intrinsic parameters is not required as often as that of the extrinsic parameters. This paper addresses the problem of calibrating a camera's extrinsic parameters with respect to a 2D platform to which a camera is observing. A rational approximation method is proposed. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed rational approximation method achieves comparable accuracy with the well-known homography-based approach. This work is motivated by our mobile sensor network project. Other relevant applications include vision-based metrology.
Correlation and covariance of satellite scatterometer measurements

Capable scatterometer designs have been developed that seek improved resolution through the use of higher pulse sampling rates. The high sampling rates bring the traditional scatterometry assumption of measurement independence into question. This paper uses fundamental scattering theory to derive general expressions for correlation and covariance between scatterometer measurements and provides practical analysis using current and future instruments as examples. The paper derives expressions for the measurement variance parameter K/sub p/ when measurement correlation due to Rayleigh fading effects is present and relates K/sub p/ to the statistics of multiple pulse measurements. A function of the transmit signal modulation and receive processing, the measurement correlation is zero for nonoverlapping measurements but can become significant for overlapping measurements at high pulse sampling rates. The paper discusses the effects of correlation on the accuracy of scatterometer measurements and evaluates tradeoffs between spatial overlap, levels of additive noise, and measurement precision.
Computer versus visual analysis of exercise thallium-201 images: A critical appraisal in 325 patients with chest pain

Abstract Although computer-aided analysis of planar thallium images has been previously reported to be superior to visual analysis, a segment-by-segment comparison of all thallium variables (presence of initial defect, presence of redistribution, and presence of abnormal lung:heart thallium ratio) has not been performed with the use of both methods. In the present study, such a comparison was performed to determine which thallium variable(s) are superior, when the computer method is used. In addition, both methods were compared to determine their correlations with the angiographic extent of coronary artery disease (no disease, or one-vessel disease vs multivessel, or left main disease) and the occurrence of future events (cardiac-related death or nonfatal myocardial infarction). Computer-aided analysis was superior to visual analysis (an average of three independent blinded observers) for detection of coronary disease because: (1) it was more specific for detecting initial defects despite having the same sensitivity (89.6% vs 91.0%, p = NS) and (2) it was more sensitive for detecting redistribution in the territory of a stenosed vessol (68% vs 46%, p p
Recognizing the limits of environmental science and technology

Science and technology alone cannot solve pollution problems or meet the challenge of sustainable development.
A Comparison of Mos Devices with In-Situ Boron Doped Polysilicon and Poly Sige Gates Deposited in an Rtcvd System Using S12H6 and B2H6 Gas Mixture

In this work, in-situ doped polysilicon and poly-SiGe films have been used as the gate material for the fabrication of MOS devices to evaluate their respective performances. These films were deposited in an RTCVD system using a Si 2 H 6 and GeH 4 gas mixture. MOS capacitors with 45 A thick gate oxides and polysilicon/poly-SiGe gates were subjected to different anneals to study boron penetration. SIMS analysis and flat band voltage measurements showed much lower boron penetration for devices with poly-SiGe gates than for devices with polysilicon gates. In addition, C-V measurements showed no poly depletion effects for poly-SiGe gates while polysilicon gates had a depletion effect of about 8%. A comparison of resistivities of these films showed a low resistivity of 1 mΩ-cm for poly-SiGe films versus 3 mΩ-cm for polysilicon films after an anneal at 950 °C for 30 seconds.
Factors Affecting Return to Play After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Review of the Current Literature

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has been reported to produce normal or near-normal knee results in > 90% of patients. A recent meta-analysis suggested that, despite normal or near-normal knees, many athletes do not return to sports. Rates and timing of return to competitive athletics are quite variable depending on the graft type, the age of the patient, the sport, and the level of play. Even when athletes do return to play, often they do not return to their previous level. Graft failure, subjective physical factors, and psychological factors, including fear of reinjury and lack of motivation, appear to play a large role in patients' ability to return to sporting activities.
Magnetic behavior of nearly spherical Fe3O4 particles in low magnetic fields at elevated temperatures

Nearly spherical Fe3O4 (magnetite) particles (0.09 to 0.62) μm in diameter, prepared by hydrogen transformation of α-Fe2O3 (hematite), are studied in weak (up to 50 Oe) magnetic fields as a function of increasing and decreasing temperatures from 300 K to the Curie temperature (TC = = 853 K). In smaller demagnetized particles the magnetization gradually increases with increasing temperature reaching a maximum just below TC and then rapidly disappears at TC. In larger particles the magnetization close to TC first slowly decreases, then increases as the temperature approaches TC, and goes again to zero at TC. These observations are discussed from the viewpoint of changes in domain configurations as a function of temperature. Annahernd kugelformige Fe3O4-Teilchen (Magnetit) mit Durchmessern von 0,09 bis 0,62 μm, die durch Wasserstofftransformation aus α-Fe2O3 (Hamatit) hergestellt wurden, werden in schwachen Magnetfeldern (bis zu 50 Oe) sowohl bei steigender als auch bei sinkender Temperatur zwischen 300 K und der Curie-Temperatur (TC = 853 K) untersucht. In kleinen, entmagnetisierten Teilchen nimmt die Magnetisierung mit steigender Temperatur zu, erreicht kurz unterhalb TC ein Maximum und verschwindet abrupt bei TC. In groseren Teilchen nimmt die Magnetisierung in der Nahe von TC zunachst langsam ab, wachst dann bei Annaherung an TC und fallt bei TC auf Null ab. Diese Beobachtungen werden, ausgehend von der Betrachtung der Anderung der Domanenkon-figuration mit der Temperatur, diskutiert.
Genetic Research Designs Strategies in Psychiatric Research

Research involving diagnostic issues in psychiatry has used families largely to define diagnostic groups or to impart validity to a diagnosis. History has led us almost full circle in this endeavor. The occurrence of disorders in relatives of the patients has been used as a partial reason for splitting diagnoses (e.g., unipolar versus bipolar disorders). Now the occurrence of disorders is being used to argue the continuity of diagnoses as variants on a single dimension of vulnerability (e.g., Gershon et al., 1982). Indeed, using morbidity among family members, it can be argued that there is evidence for homogeneity of major depression and bipolar affective disorder (Stancer, Persad, Wagener, & Jorna, 1985). In fact, relatives may not be the best resource for the search of validity of diagnoses for at least two reasons. Most of the diagnoses in psychiatry and psychology are age and sex dependent. Therefore, the comparison between families of patients or controls is not straightforward (Baldessarini, Gershon, Weiss- man, Kidd & Prusoff, 1984). Further, generally there is variability in the expression of symptoms. Any ambiguity in diagnoses in the index patients is only compounded by studying relatives in whom the symptoms may not only be fewer, but also less well-defined.
Assuring microbial and textural stability of fermented cucumbers by pH adjustment and sodium benzoate addition

Acidification of fermented cucumbers with HCl prevented utilization of lactic acid and resultant rise in brine pH (accompanied by formation of butyric, propionic and acetic acids, and n-propanol by spoilage bacteria) when they were stored at 0 or 4.4% NaCl. Firmness retention of the fermented cucumbers was reduced, however, if the brine pH were less than optimum pH 3.5, which assured microbial stability and acceptable firmness retention with 4.4% NaCl. At 0% salt, pH 3.0 insured microbial stability, but resulted in unacceptable firmness. Addition of 0.1% Na benzoate reduced the need to lower pH to assure microbial stability. Results indicated that pH control could be used to reduce the need for salt to insure stability of fermented cucumbers.
Associative Binary Operations and the Pythagorean Theorem

I n a recent article [2], L. Berrone presented a new approach to the Pythagorean Theorem (PT). The idea is to derive the geometric theorem from analytic and algebraic properties, by methods of functional equations. (So we are not dealing with a method that was an option for the ancients!) I thought about Berrone’s ideas, within his context of functional equations. Some pleasant surprises fell out. Then a surprising gift of functional equations back to geometry closed the circle for me – and will close this article. Let a b denote the hypotenuse of a right triangle with legs a and b. The operation : ð0;1Þ 7!ð0;1Þ is evidently continuous. It is also (a) Homogeneous (of degree one):
Progression of Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and Visual Outcome After Extracapsular Cataract Extraction and Intraocular Lens Implantation

Twenty-one patients with symmetric nonproliferative retinopathy who underwent extracapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation were followed up postoperatively for an average (± standard deviation) of 18 ± 7 months to determine the incidence of progression of diabetic retinopathy, the final visual acuity, and factors predictive of progression of retinopathy and final visual acuity. Progression of retinopathy, defined as the development of clinically significant macular edema, an increase in intraretinal hemorrhages or hard exudate, or the development of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, was assessed in both eyes of 19 patients; in two remaining patients, dense preoperative cataract in the fellow eye precluded comparison of retinopathy progression in the operated-on eye to progression in the fellow eye. Overall, retinopathy progressed in 14 of 19 operated-on eyes (74%). Cataract extraction was highly associated with asymmetric progression of nonproliferative retinopathy; it progressed only in the operated-on eye in seven of 19 patients (37%), but in no patients did progression occur in the fellow eye alone (P = .0078). Women had a significantly increased risk of progression of retinopathy in the operated-on eye compared to men (P = .005). Visual acuity improved in 19 of 21 operated-on eyes (86%); however, only 11 eyes (52%) achieved a visual acuity of 20/50 or better and only six eyes (14%) achieved a visual acuity of 20/25 or better. In only five eyes was the final visual acuity in the operated-on eye more than two lines better than the final visual acuity in the fellow eye. The visual acuity measured preoperatively by the Potential Acuity Meter was highly correlated with the final visual acuity (P = .0046). Patients treated with oral hypoglycemic agents had a worse visual prognosis than those treated with insulin (P = .035). Overweight women also had a significantly worse visual outcome than those patients with normal body weight (P = .021). The results of this study have important implications for the preoperative and postoperative management of diabetic patients undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation.
Hot-pressed porcelain process for porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations.

Summary A technique has been described that simplifies the production of full-coverage, porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations. The process utilizes a furnace-flask system in which the restoration is invested in a high-temperature refractory material and processed at an elevated temperature (1,850° F.) under pressure. Shrinkage of 0.001 to 0.005 inch at the supporting cusp tips and fossae has been recorded. Tests indicate that the porcelain produced has a tensile strength and wear rate similar to those of porcelain processed by conventional methods.
A phase field approach in the numerical study of the elastic bending energy for vesicle membranes

In this paper, we compute the equilibrium configurations of a vesicle membrane under elastic bending energy, with prescribed volume and surface area. A variational phase field method is developed for such a problem. Discrete finite difference approximations and numerical simulations are carried out in the axial symmetrical cases. Different energetic bifurcation phenomena are discussed.
Enhancement of Mother‐Infant Social Interaction

Thirty infants were assessed on the third day after delivery to determine their individual capabilities for social interactions. A modified Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale was used. The infant's mothers were interviewed to determine their perceptions of the sodal behavioral potential of their neonates. It was found that mothers had expected and did observe behaviors which the Brazelton Scale measures. The mothers did not, however, realize the purposeful nature of behavior such as response decrements to stimuli and finger sucking. Incorporation of this information in the lay literature related to childbearing and childrearing and in expectant parents' classes is recommended. A further recommendation considers the nurses' active role in contributing to the enhancement of maternal‐infant social interaction during the early neonatal period.
Modeling interconnections with nonlinear discontinuities [in MCMs]

An efficient technique for modeling interconnections with nonlinear discontinuities is introduced. Interconnects are modeled with ideal transmission lines, and discontinuities are represented with The/spl acute/venin equivalent circuits. The time-domain scattering parameter approach is employed to obtain recursive expressions for the voltage waves at the discontinuity junction. The resulting simulation algorithm avoids the use of convolution or a Fourier transformation and achieves the linear order of the computation time complexity with respect to the number of time steps. The computer program is written and used to demonstrate the effects of periodical capacitive loadings. >
Anti-Amyloidogenic Activity of Cholinergic Agents

Overproduction of the peptide amyloid b (Ab) is thought to be a critical pathogenic event in Alzheimer's disease (AD), leading to the formation of senile (amyloid) plaques, which in turn lead to neurofibrillary tangles, neuronal and synaptic loss, and dementia. Mendelian inheritance of AD, which occurs in a very small proportion of cases, is caused by mutations in the genes for b-amyloid precursor protein (b-APP), presenilin 1 or presenilin 2; the mutations are thought to be pathogenic because they result in increased Ab production. The majority of AD is not inherited in a Mendelian fashion, and is therefore termed sporadic. The cause or causes of this common form of AD is unknown, although it is assumed that overproduction of Ab is also the critical event. Recent animal experiments suggest that Ab overproduction in aging and sporadic AD may be the result of cortical cholinergic deafferentation, which occurs as part of normal human aging. Decreasing Ab production may therefore slow or halt the progression of AD, and cholinergic agents may be particularly suitable for this role. In vitro work has indicated that cholinergic muscarinic M1 receptor agonists may reduce the cellular production of Ab .I n vivo experiments have shown that both muscarinic agonists and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors lower central nervous system (CNS) Ab concentrations. These results suggest that cholinergic agents may be particularly well suited to a preventative role in AD therapy by limiting the initial accumulation of Ab. Drug Dev. Res. 56:242-247, 2002. � c 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
MARINE BIRD ATTRACTION TO THERMAL FRONTS IN THE CALIFORNIA CURRENT SYSTEM

Abstract I relate marine bird density to the 55 strongest thermal fronts encountered during a survey of much of the eastern portion of the California Current and the adjacent coastal upwelling region. Elevated densities were recorded for all marine bird taxa except the Leach's Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa). The variance explained by the regression models ranged from 3% for the Leach's Storm-Petrel to 85% for all marine birds. The response observed is notably stronger than previous analyses with similar data.
Analysis of Integrated Radiant Slab Heating and Cooling Systems for Residential Buildings

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a simulation environment developed to assess the energy use specific to integrated radiant heating and cooling systems. The developed simulation environment combines a transient finite difference solution for the two-dimensional model of an integrated radiant slab heating and cooling system with a resistance capacitance (RC) thermal network model for a multifloor building. The developed model of the integrated radiant system is able to account for thermal bridge effects on the energy performance of multifloor buildings. The predictions of the developed simulation environment are verified against those obtained from a detailed whole-building energy simulation tool under specific conditions. The developed simulation environment is then used to investigate the impact of thermal bridge effects on the performance of an integrated radiant heating and cooling system. Thermal bridging can affect significantly the energy performance of the integrated radiant systems by up to 8%. Several...
Gull predation limits nesting success of terns and skimmers on the Virginia barrier islands

Abstract We studied seven mixed-species colonies of terns and skimmers on the Virginia barrier islands in 1990 and 1991 to determine the effect of gull predation on nesting success. We compared intensity of gull predation and other agents of egg or chick mortality between tern and skimmer colonies on islands that also contained nesting gulls and colonies on islands that lacked nesting gulls. Terns and skimmers fledged about 3% of all eggs produced, with confirmed gull predation (27%) and tidal flooding (21%) accounting for the majority of nest failures. Gull-present colonies experienced significantly greater rates of disturbance from Herring and Great Black-backed gulls than did gull-absent colonies. Overall levels of gull predation were similar between gull-present and gull-absent colonies, likely due to the added impact of aerially foraging Laughing Gulls. Anecdotal evidence suggests that nest site competition with Herring and Great Black-backed gulls may have led to many terns and skimmers nesting in a...
Bellwether Garden Supply: Revising Purchase and Disbursement Processes and Controls in the Implementation of a New Accounting Application

ABSTRACT An appreciation for the complementary nature of manual and automated controls is fundamental for the proper evaluation and maintenance of accounting information systems (AIS). Additionally, the implementation of application access controls is often critical for ensuring an appropriate separation of duties and, ultimately, the reliability of a given transaction processing system. This paper describes a project where students act as consultants for Bellwether Garden Supply (BGS), a small retailer in Norcross, GA.1 In the case setting, BGS is in the process of completing the implementation of Sage 50. BGS management has asked student consulting teams to evaluate its current purchases and disbursements processes and organizational structure, to make any revisions necessary to accommodate the new technology, and to document the post-implementation process using Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN). The case provides a rich, semi-structured setting where students can: improve their understanding ...
A Study of the Distance Traversed and the Time Spent in Active Play in Women's Basketball

(1940). A Study of the Distance Traversed and the Time Spent in Active Play in Women's Basketball. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 94-101.
Purchasing Reliability

The contributing responsibility and a system for controlling component reliability as part of the procurement function are discussed. The system, which is particularly applicable to large-scale procurement, consists of three major controls: 1) Component Vendor Approval Procedure?a tool for obtaining and documenting bona fide sources capable of supplying components to specified time and quality requirements. 2) Vendor Delivery Performance?a purchasing control for maintaining and upgrading performance from selected vendors. 3) Vendor Quality Rating?a quality control tool to aid purchasing in maintaining and upgrading quality of products from selected vendors.
Spectrum Bargaining: A Model for Competitive Sharing of Unlicensed Radio Spectrum

In this paper, we address the problem of dynamic channel access by a set of cognitive radio-enabled nodes, where each node acting in a selfish manner tries to access and use as many channels as possible, subject to interference constraints. We model the dynamic channel access problem as a modified Rubinstein–Stahl bargaining game. In our model, each node (player) negotiates with the other nodes in the network reduce in a distributed manner to obtain an agreeable sharing rule of the available channels such that no two interfering nodes use the same channel. We solve the bargaining game by finding subgame perfect Nash equilibrium (SPNE) strategies of the game. First, we consider finite horizon version of the bargaining game and investigate its SPNE strategies, which allow each node to maximize its utility against the other nodes (opponents). We then extend these results to the infinite horizon bargaining game. Furthermore, we identify Pareto optimal equilibria of the game, which help enhance network throughput. We conduct simulations to study how the “self-gain” maximizing strategy of the players impact systemwide performance.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA VARIATION IN THE FUNGUS ATKINSONELLA HYPOXYLON INFECTING SYMPATRIC DANTHONIA GRASSES.

The purpose of this study was to determine how host identity and geographic proximity were related to genetic variation in the fungus Atkinsonella hypoxylon infecting four sympatric Danthonia grasses. We analyzed 192 A. hypoxylon isolates from 48 geographic sites for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation by restriction digestion of total DNA with EcoRI, BamHI, and PstI, and subsequent hybridization with purified A. hypoxylon mtDNA. Thirtynine haplotypes were identified. UPGMA cluster analysis showed that mtDNA type is highly correlated with host-species group; isolates from Danthonia compressa and D. spicata formed one branch of the phenogram, and isolates from D. epilis and D. sericea formed the other. Restriction maps of the most common mtDNA haplotypes infecting each host-species pair revealed a 30-kb size difference and a minimum of eight length changes and one restrictionsite change between them. Mapping of the mutation differences among all haplotypes occurring at North Carolina sites resulted in two distinct gene trees corresponding to the two Danthonia species groups, corroborating the phenetic analysis. The results indicate a high degree of host-dependent isolation and establish the existence of host races in A. hypoxylon. Possible mechanisms responsible for this isolation are discussed. Little differentiation existed between isolates from within a Danthonia species pair, and some variation was explained by geographic origin. Analysis of progeny from a natural sexual cross revealed that mitochondria are maternally inherited in A. hypoxylon.
Difficult Decisions: A Simulation That Illustrates Cost Effectiveness of Farm Safety Behaviors

A paper-and-pencil simulation exercise depicts the difficult decisions of a farm family as they struggle to work safely while trying to expand farm size, maintain production, cope with labor shortages, bad weather and equipment problems. Response patterns of 34 persons mimic choices of other farmers faced with real-life decision alternatives like those depicted in the exercise. Farmers judged the exercise as authentic and useful for teaching them relationships among workload, stress, economics, safety, and injury prevention as an integral part of farm planning and management. Many reported that the exercise convinced them to make safety a higher priority.
Extremely elevated BNP in acute heart failure: Patient characteristics and outcomes.

Abstract Background We explored the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with acute systolic heart failure (HF) and extremely elevated admission B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Methods Extremely elevated BNP was defined if BNP level was >85th percentile of the study cohort (i.e. >1694pg/mL). Our objectives were to find characteristic features that identify patients with extremely elevated BNP, to compare the degree of congestion in both groups and to study post-discharge outcomes. Results 347 patients (mean age 56years, 74% males) were divided into two groups based on whether BNP was extremely elevated (n=53) or not (n=294). Those with extremely elevated BNP were older (P=0.004), with a lower body mass index (P Conclusion Extremely elevated admission BNP did not match the degree of congestion nor was a predictor of rehospitalization due to HF. It was associated with decreased COP, prolonged hospital stay, and increased 6-month all-cause-mortality.
Land Reform in South Korea under the U.S. Military Occupation, 1945–1948

The conventional wisdom regarding land reform in South Korea implemented by the United States Army Military Government in Korea (USAMGIK) is that it was a partial and short-term palliative driven by the exigent Communist threat and the free-land program adopted in North Korea. This article offers a new interpretation of the motives, process, and impact of the land reform program under the U.S. military occupation, highlighting three points. First, the United States was serious about conducting a land-to-tiller program because of its desire to stop Communism and pave the way for democracy in South Korea. Both goals were important. Second, the partial reform in March 1948 is explained by volatile political circumstances in South Korea: strong Communist activity at the beginning of the occupation and the rise of intransigent conservatives at the end. Third, the U.S.-sponsored land reform catalyzed further reform by the new South Korean government by setting a precedent and establishing guidelines for land redistribution parcel sizes, prices, and payment schedules.