cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Load Rating of Masonry Arch Bridges

A masonry arch bridge can be analyzed by frame analysis methods by considering a unit width of the arch ring and the overlying fill. The arch ring is divided into at least 10 segments, each of which is given cross-sectional properties corresponding to the properties of the material in the arch ring. The dead load of the arch ring and the overlying fill are considered as nodal loads, and the axle loads are applied to the frame as linearly varying pressures, based on a simplified distribution of pressures through the fill. The supports are considered to be rigid in the vertical direction and elastic springs in the horizontal direction. The elastic spring constant varies depending on the type of foundation and the condition of the springings. Based on this application of dead and live loads to the structure, the axial thrust and moment can be found throughout the arch ring, and compared to an estimate of the capacity of the arch ring. This procedure can be used to find an appropriate load rating for the structure service level. An example rating of a bridge in Adams County, PA, is provided, along with the results of a validation field test of the structure.
WNT-1 Signaling Inhibits Apoptosis by Activating β-Catenin/T Cell Factor–Mediated Transcription

Wnt signaling plays a critical role in development and oncogenesis. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the downstream signaling cascade of Wnt signaling, little is known regarding Wnt signaling modification of the cell death machinery. Given that numerous oncogenes transform cells by providing cell survival function, we hypothesized that Wnt signaling may inhibit apoptosis. Here, we report that cells expressing Wnt-1 were resistant to cancer therapy–mediated apoptosis. Wnt-1 signaling inhibited the cytochrome c release and the subsequent caspase-9 activation induced by chemotherapeutic drugs, including both vincristine and vinblastine. Furthermore, we found that Wnt-1–mediated cell survival was dependent on the activation of β-catenin/T cell factor (Tcf) transcription. Inhibition of β-catenin/Tcf transcription by expression of the dominant-negative mutant of Tcf-4 blocked Wnt-1–mediated cell survival and rendered cells sensitive to apoptotic stimuli. These results provide the first demonstration that Wnt-1 inhibits cancer therapy–mediated apoptosis and suggests that Wnt-1 may exhibit its oncogenic potential through a mechanism of anti-apoptosis.
Configural Invariance of a Model of Student Attrition

The model presented used available data to predict whether or not a student will drop out at some time during his or her college career. The model successfully identified students who would or would not drop out approximately 80% of the time. Logistic regression analysis was employed to predict chances of attrition for matriculating freshmen soon after freshman orientation. The dependent variable was the probability a student would, at some time in their college experience, drop out of college. The independent or predictor variables included demographics, high school experiences and factor scores based on a survey of attitudes, opinions and values. A two-stage procedure consisting of factor analysis in the first stage and logistic regression in the second stage provided model parameter estimates for each cohort of matriculating freshman in years 2000 to 2003. Empirical tests revealed the model was fully configural invariant in the first stage and partially configural invariant in the second stage.
Pragmatic Case Studies as a Source of Unity in Applied Psychology

To unify or not to unify applied psychology: That is the question. In this article we review pendulum swings in the historical efforts to answer this question—from a comprehensive, positivist, “top...
A peer approach to high risk youth

Denver's Gang Rescue and Support Project (GRASP) is a peer run intervention for youth involved in gangs and those feeling pressure to affiliate with them. GRASP utilizes small group meetings and mentoring to encourage young people to pursue positive life-style changes.
Bendamustine therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.

We report the treatment outcome for 30 relapsed/refractory Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) patients following bendamustine-containing therapy. Treatment consisted of bendamustine (90 mg/m2 I.V. on days 1, 2) and rituximab (375 mg/m2 I.V. on either day 1 or 2) for 24 patients. Six rituximab-intolerant patients received bendamustine alone (n=4) or with ofatumumab (1000 mg I.V. on day 1; n=2). Each cycle was 4 weeks, and median number of treatment cycles was 5. At best response, median serum IgM declined from 3980 to 698 mg/dL (P<.0001), and hematocrit rose from 31.9% to 36.6% (P=.0002). Overall response rate was 83.3%, with 5 VGPR and 20 PR. The median estimated progression-free survival for all patients was 13.2 months. Overall therapy was well tolerated. Prolonged myelosuppression was more common in patients who received prior nucleoside analogues. Bendamustine is active and produces durable responses in previously treated WM, both as monotherapy and with CD20-directed monoclonal antibodies.
Unconscious race and social class bias among acute care surgical clinicians and clinical treatment decisions.

Importance Significant health inequities persist among minority and socially disadvantaged patients. Better understanding of how unconscious biases affect clinical decision making may help to illuminate clinicians’ roles in propagating disparities. Objective To determine whether clinicians’ unconscious race and/or social class biases correlate with patient management decisions. Design, Setting, and Participants We conducted a web-based survey among 230 physicians from surgery and related specialties at an academic, level I trauma center from December 1, 2011, through January 31, 2012. Interventions We administered clinical vignettes, each with 3 management questions. Eight vignettes assessed the relationship between unconscious bias and clinical decision making. We performed ordered logistic regression analysis on the Implicit Association Test (IAT) scores and used multivariable analysis to determine whether implicit bias was associated with the vignette responses. Main Outcomes and Measures Differential response times (D scores) on the IAT as a surrogate for unconscious bias. Patient management vignettes varied by patient race or social class. Resulting D scores were calculated for each management decision. Results In total, 215 clinicians were included and consisted of 74 attending surgeons, 32 fellows, 86 residents, 19 interns, and 4 physicians with an undetermined level of education. Specialties included surgery (32.1%), anesthesia (18.1%), emergency medicine (18.1%), orthopedics (7.9%), otolaryngology (7.0%), neurosurgery (7.0%), critical care (6.0%), and urology (2.8%); 1.9% did not report a departmental affiliation. Implicit race and social class biases were present in most respondents. Among all clinicians, mean IAT D scores for race and social class were 0.42 (95% CI, 0.37-0.48) and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.65-0.78), respectively. Race and class scores were similar across departments (general surgery, orthopedics, urology, etc), race, or age. Women demonstrated less bias concerning race (mean IAT D score, 0.39 [95% CI, 0.29-0.49]) and social class (mean IAT D score, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.57-0.75]) relative to men (mean IAT D scores, 0.44 [95% CI, 0.37-0.52] and 0.82 [95% CI, 0.75-0.89], respectively). In univariate analyses, we found an association between race/social class bias and 3 of 27 possible patient-care decisions. Multivariable analyses revealed no association between the IAT D scores and vignette-based clinical assessments. Conclusions and Relevance Unconscious social class and race biases were not significantly associated with clinical decision making among acute care surgical clinicians. Further studies involving real physician-patient interactions may be warranted.
Dynamic signaling by T follicular helper cells during germinal center B cell selection

T follicular helper (TFH) cells select high-affinity, antibody-producing B cells for clonal expansion in germinal centers (GCs), but the nature of their interaction is not well defined. Using intravital imaging, we found that selection is mediated by large but transient contacts between TFH and GC B cells presenting the highest levels of cognate peptide bound to major histocompatibility complex II. These interactions elicited transient and sustained increases in TFH intracellular free calcium (Ca2+) that were associated with TFH cell coexpression of the cytokines interleukin-4 and -21. However, increased intracellular Ca2+ did not arrest TFH cell migration. Instead, TFH cells remained motile and continually scanned the surface of many GC B cells, forming short-lived contacts that induced selection through further repeated transient elevations in intracellular Ca2+.
Swelling dynamics of a macromolecular hydrophilic network and evaluation of its potential for controlled release of agrochemicals

Abstract A hydrophilic macromolecular matrix has been prepared by performing graft copolymerization of crosslinked polyacrylamide chains onto carboxymethyl cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol, and water sorption capacity of grafted network was evaluated gravimetrically. The effects of chemical architecture of the gel, pH and temperature of the swelling medium and presence of electrolyte were investigated on water uptake by the grafted hydrogels. In order to evaluate the controlled release potential of the matrix, it was loaded with KNO3 as a model agrochemical and the release kinetics was studied as a function of the chemical composition of the hydrogel. The hydrogels were also characterized by IR spectral analysis and structural parameters such as molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc), crosslink density (qe) and number of elastically effective chains were determined. The mechanism of water transport through the synthesized grafts hydrogels was also explored.
The series magnetic amplifier part I ¿ The four modes of operation; Part II ¿ The mechanisms of gain and time constant

THE THEORETICAL writings of Storm1?3 on magnetic amplifiers have deservedly received much attention. The references given to his work cite particularly his theory of the series-connected saturable reactor, to be called here the ?series amplifier.? It is assumed in the following that the reader is familiar with Storm's analysis of the series amplifier with comparatively low and comparatively high control-circuit resistance.
In Defense of Subjective Executive Appraisal

It is apparent that subjective factors play an important role in the evaluation of executive personnel. Rather than demean the current process in a rush toward objectivity, this article examines th...
Evidence for aggression-modulating pheromones in prepuberal pigs.

A series of behavioral bioassays were conducted to determine the aggression-influencing properties of urine and other fluids. Subjects were prepuberal castrated male and female domestic pigs from commercial stocks. In the behavior assay, pigs were painted with a test fluid and grouped for a videotaped 90 min observation period. Experiment 1 validated use of videotape recording by showing that duration of aggressive behavior registered live was correlated with that obtained from video records (R = .98). In experiment 2, urine and plasma collected from actively aggressive pigs reduced the durations of aggressive behavior of test pigs compared with the effects of urine and plasma collected from socially stable, handled pigs. In Experiment 3, a new set of test pigs confirmed that urine from fighting pigs reduced the duration of attack by test pigs compared with urine from nonfighting, handled pigs. In addition, the suggested reproductive pheromone, 5α-androst-16-en-3-one, substantially reduced the duration of attack. The effects of gender and aggressive state of urine-donor pigs on test pigs was determined in Experiment 4. Again, urine from castrated male and female aggressive pigs reduced attack by test pigs compared with the level of attack shown by test pigs coated with urine from handled castrated males and females. Urine from fighting and nonfighting intact males had similar effects on test pig aggression. In Experiment 5, urine was obtained from nonhandled, socially stable pigs in their home pens and again from the same pigs after they had been regrouped (aggressive). These urine types had no significant influence on test pigs' aggression over the entire 90-min observation. However, during the first 30 min nonhandled, nonfighting pigs' urine induced less aggression in test pigs than did urine from fighting pigs. Results indicate that urine and blood plasma from aggressive pigs reduces aggression by test pigs compared with the effects of urine from handled pigs. Handling may increase the aggression-promoting properties of urine, and aggression may inhibit this aggression-promoting property.
Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Morphology of Lake Erie Suspended Matter

Abstract Suspended matter was collected from different depths at three stations in spring and summer, 1978, in Lake Erie. Chemistry, mineralogy, and morphology of the suspended particles were measured to investigate spatial and temporal changes. The determined elements (Si, Fe, Ca, K, Mn, P, Al, Ti, and Mg) were partitioned between inorganic and biological material and the majority of these elements were present in at least two different chemical forms. Flocculates > 3 μm composed of organic material and mineral fragments were common at the water surface and the middle of the water column. Mineral fragments
G-protein-coupled receptor dimerization: modulation of receptor function

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise the largest family of transmembrane receptors in the human genome that respond to a plethora of signals, including neurotransmitters, peptide hormones, and odorants, to name a few. They couple to second messenger signaling cascade mechanisms via heterotrimeric G-proteins. Recently, many studies have revealed that GPCRs exist as dimers, which may be present as homo- or heterodimers/oligomers. These recent findings have been met with skepticism, since they are contradictory to the dogma that GPCRs function as monomers. Although the existence of GPCR dimers/oligomers was predicted from early pharmacological and biochemical studies, further studies to critically evaluate this phenomenon were impeded by the lack of appropriate reagents. The availability of cDNAs for GPCRs, of highly selective ligands and of antibodies for these receptors has made it possible to visualize and investigate the functional effects of GPCR oligomers. Pharmacological studies, along with biochemical techniques, such as cross-linking and immunoprecipitation with differentially epitope-tagged receptors, have been employed to demonstrate the oligomerization of a number of GPCRs. Moreover, recent biophysical techniques, such as bioluminescence and fluorescence resonance energy transfer, now make it possible to examine GPCR dimerization/oligomerization in living cells. In this review, we provide a brief overview of some of the techniques employed to describe GPCR dimers, and we discuss their respective limitations. We also examine the implications of dimerization/oligomerization on GPCR function. In addition, we discuss domains of the receptors that are thought to facilitate dimerization/oligomerization. Finally, we consider recent evidence for the subcellular localization of the dimer/oligomer assembly.
Molecular characterization of the flagellar hook in Bacillus subtilis

The structure of the Gram-positive flagellum is poorly understood, and Bacillus subtilis encodes three proteins homologous to the flagellar hook protein from Salmonella enterica. Here we generated a modified B. subtilis hook protein that could be fluorescently stained using a cysteine-reactive dye. We used the fluorescently labeled hook to demonstrate that FlgE is the hook structural protein and that FliK regulated hook length. We further demonstrate that two proteins of unknown function, FlhO and FlhP, and the putative hook cap, FlgD, were required for hook assembly, such that when flhO, flhP, or flgD was mutated, hook protein was secreted into the supernatant. All mutants defective in hook completion resulted in homogeneously reduced σD-dependent gene expression due to the action of the anti-sigma factor FlgM.
Polymeric waveguides for orthogonal near surface fluorescent excitation

The objective of this effort was to fabricate a waveguide integrated in a polymer microfluidic chip in order to deliver excitation light to fluorescent probes contained in a fluidic channel. Instead of exciting the volume at a certain point along a fluidic channel, the goal herein was to excite all the probes contained along the length of the fluidic channel. An air-waveguide structure was designed and integrated into a polymer microfluidic chip. Fabrication of the microfluidic chip was carried out by double-sided hot embossing of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) in sheet form. The efficacy of the waveguide was evaluated by coupling light from a laser into it and testing the fluorescence intensity from dye contained in the microfluidic channel. The results demonstrate illumination of the entire length of the microfluidic channel with excitation wavelength light from the waveguide. Details of the design, fabrication process and initial experimental results are presented in the course of this paper.
Translational energy spectroscopy of beams of C+(2Pu) and C+(4Pg) ions

Abstract Beams of C+ ions are made by electron impact on CO, CO2 and CH4 at 70 eV. Electronic transitions of these ions are observed using TES spectroscopy of the type developed by Illies and Bowers [Chem. Phys., 65 (1982) 281]. He, NO and O2 collision gases were used to induce the electronic transitions. Only energy-loss transitions originating from C+(2Pu) to other states in the doublet manifold were observed for He collision gas. For NO and O2 an energy-loss transition assignable to C+(2Pu) → C+(4Pg) was also observed. The complementary superelastic transition C+(4Pg) → C+(2Pu) was also seen for NO and O2 collision gases. All of the transitions observed were interpreted in terms of state symmetries of the quasi-molecule formed between C+ and the collision gas, where “forbidden” crossings between curves of the same symmetry dominate. From the relative intensities of the C+(2Pu) ⇌ C+(4Pg) transitions it was possible to determine the fractional population of C+(4Pg) in the ion beam. For 70 eV electron impact on CO a value of 16% was obtained and for CO2 a value of 6.3%. The deactivation of C+(4Pg) by CO was measured to be fast, 1±0.5 × 10−9 cm3 s−1. These results were compared with other results available in the literature.
EXPLORATORY BEHAVIOR IN INFANCY AND EARLY CHILDH

A healthy child investigates and maoipulates objects endlessly. He or she gets oto cupboards and pulla out fha pots and pans, iospects atonas, repeata souods made and heard, listens to the sound of runoiog water, fingers fha twitching fose of tbe family’a pet rabbit, watches bis or her toes disappear jo fha aaod, gazas at bis or bar stomach as it moyas jo and out, peers oto mothers nose, and on and oo. Tbese instances of exploratory bebavior, and many others like them, haya been attributed to the child’s “natural curiosity,” “a iove of the natural,” “an inherent deaire to learn,” and “a natural interest jo the new and different.” Whether any of these phrases ja an adequate explanation of exploratory behavior, the activities referred fo play an important role o a child’s development. lo illustrate how exploratory behavior has been treated o the past, 1 shall review and comment 00 two theories. One bolds that exploratory bebavior a triggered by fha emotion of curiosity; the other maintains that it a brought about by an arousal drive. Iban 1 shall describe, jo soma detail, how exploratory behavior a treated from a behavior analysis point of view.
Logarithmic Pressure Scale

WITHIN the past year discussions have been published1,2 which have been critical of the present system of vacuum designation and have advocated logarithmic scales. We have been independently3 considering this same problem and have arrived at a more specific proposal than that found in refs. 1–3, which encompasses the whole range of pressures from that of the ‘highest’ vacuum (that is, lowest molecular density) we can attain to the greatest pressures we choose to discuss. It will not ascribe negative values to pressures greater than atmospheric2.
A Randomized Algorithm for Learning Mahalanobis Metrics: Application to Classification and Regression of Biological Data.

We present a randomized algorithm for semi-supervised learning of Mahalanobis metrics over Rn. The inputs to the algorithm are a set, U , of unlabeled points in Rn, a set of pairs of points, S = {(x, y)i};x, y ∈ U , that are known to be similar, and a set of pairs of points, D = {(x, y)i};x, y ∈ U , that are known to be dissimilar. The algorithm randomly samples S, D, and m-dimensional subspaces of Rn and learns a metric for each subspace. The metric over Rn is a linear combination of the subspace metrics. The randomization addresses issues of efficiency and overfitting. Extensions of the algorithm to learning non-linear metrics via kernels, and as a pre-processing step for dimensionality reduction are discussed. The new method is demonstrated on a regression problem (structure-based chemical shift prediction) and a classification problem (predicting clinical outcomes for immunomodulatory strategies for treating severe sepsis).
Soil-Climate Effects on Nitrate Leaching from Cattle Excreta

Management intensive grazing (MIG) is a grazing system in which animals at a high stocking density are rotated through several paddocks at short time intervals (12-24 h) so that animal performance is maximized. Although MIG has the potential to increase dairy farm profitability in the northeast USA, recent work in this region has shown that a substantial amount of N recycled through urine is leached below the root zone. How soil properties, particularly water-holding capacity, can affect NO 3 -N leaching from beneath urine and feces spots under the climatic conditions of the northeast USA is not known. We conducted a field study to measure NO 3 -N leaching loss from spring-, summer-, and fall-applied urine and summer applied feces beneath N-fertilized orchardgrass (Dactyls glomerata L., cv. Pennlate) using large drainage lysimeters installed in two soils that differed greatly in soil water storage capacity. The study sites were located in central Pennsylvania on a Hagerstown silt loam soil (fine, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludalf) and a Hartleton channery silt loam (loamy-skeletal, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludult). Compared to the Hagerstown soil, the Hartleton soil provided an 85% decrease in plant N uptake, a 52% increase in leachate volume, but no significant increase in NO 3 -N leaching beneath urine spots. However, the lower soil water-holding capacity of the Hartleton soil caused the NO 3 -N leaching losses to be more evenly distributed over the year.
Critical appraisal of DNA microarrays in psychiatric genomics.

Transcriptome profiling using DNA microarrays are data-driven approaches with the potential to uncover unanticipated relationships between gene expression alterations and psychiatric disorders. Studies to date have yielded both convergent and divergent findings. Differences may be explained, at least in part, by the use of a variety of microarray platforms and analytical approaches. Consistent findings across studies suggest, however, that important relationships may exist between altered gene expression and genetic susceptibility to psychiatric disorders. For example, GAD67, RGS4, DTNBP1, NRG1, and GABRAB2 show expression alterations in the postmortem brain of subjects with schizophrenia, and these genes have been also implicated as putative, heritable schizophrenia susceptibility genes. Thus, we propose that for some genes, altered expression in the postmortem human brain may have a dual origin: polymorphisms in the candidate genes themselves or upstream genetic–environmental factors that converge to alter their expression level. We hypothesize that certain gene products, which function as “molecular hubs,” commonly show altered expression in psychiatric disorders and confer genetic susceptibility for one or more diseases. Microarray gene expression studies are ideally suited to reveal these putative disease-associated molecular hubs and to identify promising candidates for genetic association studies.
Performance of hippocampectomized rats on discontinuous negatively correlated reward.

Hippocampally lesioned, cortically lesioned and unoperated rats received 180 trials in an alley runway during which running speed was uncorrelated with reward. The animals were then shifted to discontinuous negatively correlated reinforcement (DNC). Although the groups did not differ appreciably in their asymptotic running speeds during the uncorrelated condition, reliable differences emerged among the groups after the shift to the DNC condition. In the latter situation, the hippocampal rats demonstrated an inability to master the DNC condition, a finding which conforms to results obtained with DRL by other investigators. Application of an extraneous stimulus on test trials produced a decline in running speed for all groups.
Cytokine Production in Patients on Dialysis

The close similarities between the biological effects of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and the clinical symptoms observed in patients on HD have promoted the concept that cytokine production induced during dialysis could have a role in dialysis-related symptoms. However, over the last decade the discovery of cytokine-specific inhibitory proteins such as IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR), has raised new questions concerning the role of cytokines in dialysis-related morbidity. In HD patients, the molar ratios of plasma IL-1Ra:IL-1 beta range from 3:1 to 4:1 and the molar ratios of plasma sTNFR:TNF range from 13:1 to 38:1. Likewise, in patients on chronic HD with cuprophan membranes, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) content of IL-1Ra in freshly obtained PBMC as well as the production of IL-1Ra by endotoxin-stimulated PBMC from these HD patients was several-fold higher than that in undialyzed patients with CRF, CAPD patients or healthy controls. In fact, endotoxin-stimulated PBMC from all three groups of patients with renal failure produced significantly more IL-1Ra than IL-1 beta. These findings raise the issue whether the production of cytokine-specific inhibitors observed in patients on HD are of functional significance or serve as markers of inflammation. In vivo studies have shown that a 1,000-fold excess of IL-1Ra is required to block the hemodynamic effects of IL-1. Therefore, it is unlikely that the levels of IL-1Ra and sTNFR observed in patients on HD are sufficient to block the systemic effects of IL-1 and TNF produced during dialysis. Therefore, elevated plasma levels of inhibitory proteins such as IL-1Ra and sTNRF are more likely to be 'footprints' of IL-1 and TNF, respectively, produced during dialysis.
Effects of the choline acetyltransferase inhibitor 3′chloro-4-stilbazole on brain acetylcholine metabolism

Abstract 3'Chloro-4-stilbazole (CS), an effective inhibitor in vitro of choline acetyltransferase (ChA), was tested in vivo in rats and mice. Brain concentrations of CS were measured and were as high as 1 m-mole kg −1 15 min after 0.79 m-mole kg −1 of CS was injected i.p. in rats. Its half-life is about 3 hr. yet no changes in total brain acetylcholine (ACh) or choline (Ch) levels were seen after acute injections. However, the rate of synthesis of 2 H 4 -ACh in rat brain after i.v. 2 H 4 -Ch was significantly decreased after doses of 200 or 400 μmoles kg −1 of CS. Repeated injections in rats reduced the total ACh level to 87 per cent (P −1 ), alone or in combination with CS, reduced rat brain ACh levels to 65 per cent of normal. In mice. both total brain ACh and Ch levels were moderately but significantly elevated with an acute intraperitoneal injection of CS. ACh turnover was significantly decreased after doses of 200 or 400 μmoles kg −1 of CS, yet it was significantly increased after an injection of 40 μmoles kg −1 of CS. It is concluded that either ChA is not a rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of ACh in brain or CS fails to gain access to ChA.
Reconsidering Children's Readings: Insights Into The Reading Process

This study highlights the complex reading processes of two primary grade struggling readers. It provides a more complete picture of the readers’ use of all parts of a text, verbal and visual, to construct meaning during reading. The oral reading data show that students used various linguistic strategies to read words, and the eye-tracking data illuminate not only when, where, and for how long they looked at words (verbal) and illustrations (visual), but also the movement between them. Further, the readers were involved in strategic processing throughout the text and not only when they struggled with the reading.
The effect of humor in dull and interesting informative speeches

Subjects were exposed to an informative speech on “listening”; intended to be either dull or interesting and either humorous or serious. They were tested for recall of information in the speech and asked to rate the speaker they heard on ethos scales and the speech they heard on interestingness and humorousness The addition of humor enhanced the interestingness of the dull speech but did not produce greater information retention. Addition of humor to each speech enhanced ratings of speaker character.
Hydrolysis of benzyl 2-acetamido-4-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranoside by egg-white lysozyme

Abstract The synthesis of methyl and benzyl 2-acetamido-4- O -(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β- D -glucopyranosyl)-2-deoxy-β- D -glucopyranoside, and the action of egg-white lysozyme on the latter compound, as well as on tri- N -acetyl-chitotriose, tetra- N -acetylchito-tetraose, and penta- N -acetylchitopentaose, are described.
Accounting for space–time interactions in index standardization models

Abstract Scientific survey data are used to estimate abundance trends for fish populations worldwide, and are frequently analyzed using delta-generalized linear mixed models (delta-GLMMs). Delta-GLMMs incorporate information about both the probability of catch being non-zero (catch probability) and the expected value for non-zero catches (catch rates). Delta-GLMMs generally incorporate year as a main effect, and frequently account for spatial strata and/or covariates. Many existing delta-GLMMs do not account for random or systematic differences in catch probability or rates in particular combinations of spatial strata and year (i.e., space–time interactions), and do not recognize potential correlation in random space–time interactions between catch probability and catch rates. We therefore develop a Bayesian delta-GLMM that estimates correlations between catch probability and rates, and compare it with either (a) ignoring year–strata interactions, (b) modeling year–strata interactions as fixed effects, or (c) estimating year–strata interactions in catch probability or rates as independent random effects. These four models are fitted to bottom trawl survey data for 28 species off the U.S. West Coast. The posterior median of the correlation is positive for the majority (18) of species, including all five for which the posterior distribution has little overlap with zero. However, estimating this correlation has little impact on resulting abundance indices or credible intervals. We therefore conclude that the correlated random model will have a little impact on index standardization of the West Coast bottom trawl dataset. However, we propose that the correlated model can quickly identify correlations between occupancy probability and density, and provide our code to allow researchers to quickly identify whether such a correlation is likely to be significantly different from zero for their chosen data set.
Magnetic-field effect on thermal convection of a nematic liquid crystal at large Rayleigh numbers

We report on near-turbulent thermal convection of a nematic liquid crystal heated from below in a cylindrical cell with an aspect ratio (diameter/height) equal to 0.50 for Rayleigh numbers $2\times 1{0}^{7} \lesssim \mathit{Ra}\lesssim 3\times 1{0}^{8} $ and a Prandtl number of about 355. The Nusselt number $\mathit{Nu}$ as a function of $\mathit{Ra}$ did not differ significantly from that of an isotropic fluid. In a vertical magnetic field $\mathbi{H}$ , we found $\mathit{Nu}(H)/ \mathit{Nu}(0)= 1+ a(\mathit{Ra}){H}^{2} $ , with $a(\mathit{Ra})= 0. 24{\mathit{Ra}}^{0. 75} ~{\mathrm{G} }^{- 2} $ . We present a model that describes the $H$ dependence in terms of a change of the thermal conductivity in the thermal boundary layers due to a field-induced director alignment.
Development of annular gap junctions in guinea pig epithelia.

Abstract. Epithelia from skin, palate, buccal mucosa and dorsal tongue were studied in normal and zinc deficient guinea pigs by transmission electron microscopy. Gap junctions (nexuses) were observed primarily in the basal and prickle cell layers. They were also seen to form bulging and looping configurations which appeared to pinch off into the cytoplasm forming what are recognized as annular gap junctions. These may be attached to the surface or represent separate, intracytoplasmic, nexus-bound inclusions. Their contents varied, but most often they contained glycogen and ribosomal-like particles. Various cell organelles were also seen entrapped, most common of which were membrane coating granules. The development of these annular gap junctions is a prominent feature of many epithelia. It has been suggested that they probably serve to maintain a synchronized differentiation throughout the various epithelial layers.
Review of agraphia and a proposal for an anatomically-based neuropsychological model of writing

Previous models of agraphia have been descriptive and have emphasized the association of agraphia with other disorders such as aphasia and alexia. Such models have frequently led to inconsistent descriptions of specific agraphia types. These inconsistencies have made clinical-anatomical correlations difficult. Recent studies of agraphic patients with focal cerebral lesions have made it possible to develop a new model of writing based on specific neuropsychological mechanisms. In addition, results from computerized tomography have helped delineate probable anatomic substrates for many of these mechanisms. It is hoped this model provides a means for a better understanding of the mechanisms and anatomy underlying the agraphias as well as a better understanding of the relationships of the agraphias with aphasia and alexia.
Seasonal absence of fishes in tidepools of a boreal environment (Maine, USA)

Tidepool fishes of a rocky, boreal community in Maine (USA) were sampled periodically from September 1979 to September 1988. Unlike tidepool fish communities in many other areas of the world, those in Maine included no year-round residents. Several of the 22 species among the 1,135 fishes collected occupied tidepools seasonally as nursery areas. In particular, juvenile lumpfish,Cyclopterus lumpus, used tidepools from June to December during their first two years of life. Disappearance of these species from tidepools in winter appeared to be primarily a result of low water temperatures and reduced algal cover in pools.
Interturn Short-Circuit Detector for Turbine-Generator Rotor Windings

An effective new method of detecting interturn short circuits on round rotor windings is described. The approach used is to measure the rate of change of the air-gap flux density wave when the rotor is at operating speed and excitation is applied to the field winding. The measurements are obtained by the use of a small stationary search coil positioned near the rotor surface. The voltage outputs are recorded by Polaroid pictures from an oscilloscope screen and can be analyzed based on the information presented. The sensitivity obtained from these methods is far superior to previous methods. The data obtained at operating speed identify the coils and slots which have shorted turns, and provide a good indication of the number of turns shorted in a coil if more than one short exists.
A critical compilation of Henry's law constant temperature dependence relations for organic compounds in dilute aqueous solutions.

A comprehensive compilation of published studies reporting directly measured experimental determinations of Henry's law constant (HLC) temperature dependence relationships for organic compounds in dilute, non-saline aqueous solutions under ambient conditions was conducted. From this effort, 55 such studies (covering 204 organic compounds) were identified, critically reviewed, summarized and discussed. Of the 204 compounds, 57 were studied in more than one investigation. For the 57 `multi-studied' compounds, relatively good agreement (averaging within 20–30%) was found between the results from different investigations. Given such results, a `consensus' relationship (i.e., an average temperature dependence relation) was generated for each of the multi-studied compounds. Overall, considering relations established for 197 of the 204 compounds investigated (the results for the other 7 compounds being excluded due to poor correlation coefficients), the average slope of the temperature dependence line was found to correspond to an increase in HLC values by a factor of 1.88 (i.e., an 88% increase) per 10°C rise in temperature (thermodynamically equivalent to an average enthalpy of volatilization of 47 kJ/mole). The associated range found for the temperature dependence slope corresponds to an increase in HLC values by a factor ranging from 1.12 to 3.55 (i.e., a 12–255% increase) per 10°C rise (equivalent enthalpy of volatilization range: 8–93 kJ/mole). The wide range of slope values found indicates that serious errors may result if one applies the commonly cited `rule of thumb' that HLC values double per 10∘C rise in temperature to a specific compound. In light of this finding, when faced with a lack of data, a prudent course for practitioners to take appears to be conducting a laboratory study to determine the exact temperature dependence for the compound(s) of interest.
Meta-analysis methodology for combining non-parametric sibpair linkage results : Genetic homogeneity and identical markers

Meta-analysis methodology is developed for combining sibpair linkage results across multiple studies employing different study designs, some employing quantitative traits (e.g., blood pressure) and some employing qualitative traits (e.g., clinical hypertension), under the assumption that the underlying (disease) trait loci are the same. Pooling results based on three commonly used sibpair methods is considered: the affected sibpair method for dichotomous traits and, for quantitative traits, the Haseman-Elston regression method and the Risch-Zhang extremely discordant sibpair method. The proportion of genes shared identical by descent (IBD) by a sibpair of certain trait outcomes is chosen as a common effect to be pooled across studies. Variation in the observed IBD proportions among individual studies is modeled using a random effects model. A heterogeneity test is provided to assess the variability among individual studies. When results from all three types of studies are available, we derive pooled estimates of IBD proportions both for sibpairs with extremely concordant trait values and for sibpairs with extremely discordant trait values, and construct a combined test of linkage based on the difference of the two estimates. Simulation studies demonstrate the need for and the advantage of meta-analysis of linkage results. We also present some guidelines for reporting linkage studies bearing potential future meta-analysis in mind.
Excitatory and inhibitory local circuit input to the rat dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus originating from the nucleus tractus solitarius

The nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMV) constitute sensory and motor nuclei of the dorsal vagal complex, respectively. We used whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from DMV neurons in rat brain slices and three methods of stimulation (electrical, glutamate microdrop, glutamate photostimulation) to test the hypothesis that convergent excitatory and inhibitory inputs to DMV neurons originate from intact neurons in multiple NTS areas. Electrical stimulation of the NTS resulted in evoked excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs and eIPSCs) in DMV neurons. Stimulation of the dorsal NTS with glutamate microdrops, which selectively stimulates the soma and dendrites of intact neurons, resulted in 31% of DMV neurons receiving eEPSCs, 44% receiving eIPSCs, and 6% receiving convergent excitatory and inhibitory inputs. Glutamate photostimulation allowed selective activation of intact neurons in multiple, discrete areas of the NTS and resulted in 36% of DMV neurons receiving eEPSCs, 65% receiving eIPSCs and 20% receiving both inputs. Data obtained by stimulation of multiple NTS areas support the hypothesis that there are anatomically convergent inputs to DMV neurons originating from intact neurons within the NTS. These data support the hypothesis that there is transfer of convergent information from the NTS to the DMV, implying that significant sensory-motor processing occurs within the brainstem.
Fast algorithms for bin packing

Low-order polynomial time algorithms for near-optimal solutions to the problem of bin packing are studied. The previously analyzed FIRST FIT and BEST FIT packing rules are shown to be members of a more generalized class of packing rules all of which have the same worst case behavior. If the input list is in decreasing order, the worst case behavior of the packing rules in the class is considerably improved and, if not the same for all, at least restricted to a narrow range of possibilities. Finally, after showing that any implementation of a packing rule in the class requires at least 0(n log n) comparisons, we present linear-time approximations to these packing rules whose worst case behavior is as good as that of FIRST FIT under a large variety of restrictions on the input.
Estimation of the prevalence of injection drug use in greater Boston in 1993.

Abstract This article is a report on different methods of estimation of the number of injection drug users (IDUs) in the Boston standard metropolitan statistical area (SMSA) in 1993. Because the sharing of needles is a means of transmission for HIV, an estimate of the prevalence of injection drug use is essential for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention programs. The data for this study come from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Abuse, the Massachusetts AIDS Surveillance Unit, the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse: Population Estimates 1993, and the Massachusetts State Police Crime Reporting Unit. The estimates in this study can be assessed with regard to the different time frames that are involved, noting that some estimates are useful only to establish upper or lower bounds. The estimate that best meshes with the findings of this report is that there were between 13,500–16,500 injection drug users in greater Bo...
Etoposide exposure during male mouse pachytene has complex effects on crossing-over and causes nondisjunction

Abstract In experiments involving different germ-cell stages, we had previously found meiotic prophase of the male mouse to be vulnerable to the induction of several types of genetic damage by the topoisomerase-II inhibitor etoposide. The present study of etoposide effects involved two end points of meiotic events known to occur in primary spermatocytes—chromosomal crossing-over and segregation. By following assortment of 13 microsatellite markers in two chromosomes (Ch 7 and Ch 15) it was shown that etoposide significantly affected crossing-over, but did not do so in a uniform fashion. Treatment generally changed the pattern for each chromosome, leading to local decreases in recombination, a distal shift in locations of crossing-over, and an overall decrease in double crossovers; at least some of these results might be interpreted as evidence for increased interference. Two methods were used to explore etoposide effects on chromosome segregation: a genetic experiment capable of detecting sex-chromosome nondisjunction in living progeny; and the use of FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) technology to score numbers of Chromosomes X, Y, and 8 in spermatozoa. Taken together these two approaches indicated that etoposide exposure of pachytene spermatocytes induces malsegregation, and that the findings of the genetic experiment probably yielded a marked underestimate of nondisjunction. As indicated by certain segregants, at least part of the etoposide effect could be due to disrupted pairing of achiasmatic homologs, followed by precocious sister-centromere separation. It has been shown for several organisms that absent or reduced levels of recombination, as well as suboptimally positioned recombination events, may be associated with abnormal segregation. Etoposide is the only chemical tested to date for which living progeny indicates an effect on both male meiotic crossing-over and chromosome segregation. Whether, however, etoposide-induced changes in recombination patterns are direct causes of the observed malsegregation requires additional investigation.
Peptidomimetic inhibitors for activated protein C: implications for hemophilia management.

Summary. Background: Several clinical studies and experiments with transgenic mice have suggested that the severity of the bleeding phenotype in hemophilic patients is substantially reduced in association with impaired inactivation of factor (F) Va by activated protein C (APC) in the presence of the FV Leiden mutation. Experiments using a synthetic coagulation proteome model showed that the presence of FV Leiden significantly increased thrombin generation in the absence of FVIII or FIX. Objective: To test the effect of APC inhibition on thrombin generation in hemophilia. Methods: Prothrombinase and a synthetic coagulation proteome model of tissue factor-triggered thrombin generation were used. Results: Peptide-based APC inhibitors, which mimic the P4–P4′ residues surrounding the APC cleavage site at Arg306 of FVa, were synthesized. These compounds are specific and reversible inhibitors of APC, with Ki values as low as 1–2 μm; most have insignificant affinity for FXa or thrombin. The affinity for APC is dependent upon the location and character of the protecting groups. Representatives of this group of compounds inhibit FVa inactivation by APC and prolong FVa functional activity in the prothrombinase complex. When evaluated in a synthetic coagulation proteome model, one inhibitor partially compensated for the absence of FVIII. Conclusions: Synthetic APC inhibitors may be useful as adjuvants for hemophilia treatment.
Inhibition of the GTP-dependent polymerization of tubulin by methyl-3,5-diiodo-4-(4'-methoxyphenoxy) benzoate (DIME)

The hormonally inactive thyroid hormone analog methyl-3,5-diiodo-4-(4'-methoxyphenoxy) benzoate (DIME) at 1-5 mu M concentrations inhibits the GTP-dependent polymerization of MTP as determined by an optical test. This inhibition is critically dependent on the concentration of GTP. The quantitative correlation between the concentrations of DIME and GTP, under conditions of a linear rat of MTP polymerization, follows Michaelis-Menten kinetics and the inhibition portrays a 'mixed' type, where k(m) for GTP and V-max are altered simultaneously. Chemical analogs of DIME inhibit MTP polymerization parallel to their antitumorigenic action in vivo. The MTP site is one of the early cellular response sites of DIME.
Simulations of Crazing in Polymer Glasses: Effect of Chain Length and Surface Tension

Craze formation determines the effective strength of many structural polymers and glassy polymer adhesives. We use molecular dynamics simulations to study the evolution of craze formation in glassy...