cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PREVALENCE OF ANTIBODIES TO TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN WHITE-TAILED DEER (ODOCOILEUS VIRGINIANUS) IN NEW YORK STATE, USA

Sera collected from 299 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) harvested in New York State by hunters in November 2010 were assayed for anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies. White-tailed deer are a useful sentinel for risk of human and domestic animal exposure to Toxoplasma oocysts and pose a potential risk for infection to humans and other animals by ingestion of the meat. White-tailed deer share grazing space with domestic animals raised for meat and are likely to be exposed by horizontal transmission through oocyst consumption, similar to other grazing species of economic concern. Overall, 42.2% of samples were positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, indicating a true prevalence of 38.5%, with a significantly higher proportion of adult than immature deer antibody positive. No significant difference in prevalence was found between male and female deer nor was there a significant effect of local human population density on deer antibody prevalence. These results provide insight into the risk of environmental Toxoplasma exposure in New York State and support horizontal transmission through oocyst consumption as the most common mechanism of white-tailed deer infection.
Optimum Organization Design: An Analytic-Adoptive Approach

The authors outline an approach for optimally designing an organization and report on a case where the approach was effectively implemented on a large scale.They examine what the concept of optimum organization design is and discuss several examples. They examine the design variables that are incorporated into the design process. They identify design variables as the structural and technological aspects of an organization such as the span of control the organization will have and the degree of task specialization that will be required within the organization. In an optimum organization design these variables will be established in an balance that is aimed at maximizing the achievement of the organization's goals.
Self-Diffusion in Germanium

An accurate determination of the self-diffusion coefficient in germanium has been obtained. In the temperature range 766-928\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, it is represented by $D=7.8\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}\frac{68500}{\mathrm{RT}})$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ sec. The probable errors in the frequency factor and activation energy are \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3.4 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/sec and \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.96 kcal/mol, respectively.
Emotion effects during reading: Influence of an emotion target word on eye movements and processing

Recently, Scott, O'Donnell and Sereno reported that words of high valence and arousal are processed with greater ease than neutral words during sentence reading. However, this study unsystematically intermixed emotion (label a state of mind, e.g., terrified or happy) and emotion-laden words (refer to a concept that is associated with an emotional state, e.g., debt or marriage). We compared the eye-movement record while participants read sentences that contained a neutral target word (e.g., chair) or an emotion word (no emotion-laden words were included). Readers were able to process both positive (e.g., happy) and negative emotion words (e.g., distressed) faster than neutral words. This was true across a wide range of early (e.g., first fixation durations) and late (e.g., total times on the post-target region) measures. Additional analyses revealed that State Trait Anxiety Inventory scores interacted with the emotion effect and that the emotion effect was not due to arousal alone.
Neutrino Magnetic Moments, Flavor Mixing, and the Super-Kamiokande Solar Data

We find that magnetic neutrino-electron scattering is unaffected by oscillations for vacuum mixing of Dirac neutrinos with only diagonal moments and for Majorana neutrinos with two flavors. For Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein mixing, these cases are again obtained, though the effective moments can depend on the neutrino energy. Thus, e.g., the magnetic moments measured with νe from a reactor and νe from the Sun could be different. With minimal assumptions, we find a new limit on μν using the 825-d Super-Kamiokande solar neutrino data: |μν|≤1.5×10^-10 μB at 90% CL, comparable to the existing reactor limit.
Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome as a Spectrum of Respiratory Disturbances During Sleep

Objective To identify the spectrum of respiratory disturbances during sleep in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) and to examine the response of hypercapnia to treatment of the specific ventilatory sleep disturbances. Designs and methods Twenty-three patients with chronic awake hypercapnia (mean [± SD] Paco2, 55 ± 6 mm Hg) and a respiratory sleep disorder were retrospectively identified. Nocturnal polysomnography testing was performed, and flow limitation (FL) was identified from the inspiratory flow-time contour. Obstructive hypoventilation was inferred from sustained FL coupled with O2 desaturation that was corrected with treatment of the upper airway obstruction. Central hypoventilation was inferred from sustained O2 desaturation that persisted after the correction of the upper airway obstruction. Treatment was initiated, and follow-up awake Paco2 measurements were obtained (follow-up range, 4 days to 7 years). Results A variable number of obstructive sleep apneas/hypopneas (ie, obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome [OSAHS]) were noted (range, 9 to 167 events per hour of sleep). Of 23 patients, 11 demonstrated upper airway obstruction alone (apnea-hypopnea/FL) and 12 demonstrated central sleep hypoventilation syndrome (SHVS) in addition to a variable number of OSAHS. Treatment aimed at correcting the specific ventilatory abnormalities resulted in correction of the chronic hypercapnia in all compliant patients (compliant patients: pretreatment, 57 ± 6 mm Hg vs post-treatment, 41 ± 4 mm Hg [p Conclusions This study demonstrates that OHS encompasses a variety of distinct pathophysiologic disturbances that cannot be distinguished clinically at presentation. Sustained obstructive hypoventilation due to partial upper airway obstruction was demonstrated as an additional mechanism for OHS that is not easily classified as SHVS or OSAHS.
Tunable and Nonlinear Microwave and Terahertz Metamaterials

By incorporating semiconducting or complex metal oxide materials and devices, we experimentally demonstrate tunable and nonlinear metamaterials operating at microwave and terahertz frequencies, through the application of an external stimulus.
Nonlinear Optical Properties of CdTe Using Pump-Probe X-Scan Technique

Nonlinear refraction and two photon absorption coefficients of CdTe were determined using the newly developed x-scan technique. The experiments were performed using a 1.064 ?m Nd:YAG laser with pulse duration of 11 ns.
The impact of household possessions on youth's academic achievement in the Ghana Youthsave experiment: A propensity score analysis

Abstract Household assets as part of youth's family background have been found to have a significant impact on youth's academic achievement. In this study, the impact of household possessions on youth's academic achievement in the Ghana YouthSave experiment is investigated. Findings support the hypothesized positive direction of the impact of household possessions on academic achievement of youth. Results show youth from households that reported owning at least one of the five household possessions scored almost one unit higher on English than their peers from households that do not own any. However, results indicate ownership of household possessions does not have a statistically significant impact on Math scores of youth. Consistent with prior studies, this study presents evidence of the importance of family economic background, particularly asset ownership, on youth's academic achievement. Policy implications are discussed.
Urea and protein synthesis in cold‐preserved isolated rat hepatocytes

We used an isolated-hepatocyte model to study how hypothermic storage (simulating liver preservation) affects metabolism after prolonged preservation. Rat hepatocytes were stored in the University of Wisconsin solution for up to 72 hr. After each day of storage, protein synthesis, urea synthesis, ATP content and lactate dehydrogenase release were determined in rewarmed (37° C) and oxygenated hepatocytes. Protein synthesis ([3H]-leucine incorporation into protein) was depressed by 16% ± 4%, 54% ± 6% and 69% 4% after 24 hr, 48 hr and 72 hr, respectively. Urea synthesis, ATP synthesis and lactate dehydrogenase release were similar to those in control hepatocytes (no preservation). Fasting of the rats before isolation of hepatocytes caused more rapid loss of protein-synthetis capabilities (59% in 24 hr) with no significant loss of lactate dehydrogenase, urea synthesis or ATP synthesis. Hepatocyte viability (lactate dehydrogenase release) as judged by membrane permeability, ATP synthesis and potassium content can be maintained after up to 6 days of cold storage. However, protein synthesis is depressed after only 48 hr of cold storage. Thus hypothermic storage of the liver causes a change in the metabolic capabilities of the hepatocytes, and the timing of the loss of protein synthesis is similar to the limits of successful cold storage of the whole liver (48 hr). Thus a limit to long-term storage of the liver may be related to loss of protein synthesis. In liver transplantation, one indication of poor preservation is a decrease in serum albumin and clotting factors with increased tissue edema and bleeding diathesis. Livers from fasted animals (or donors) may be more sensitive to preservation injury because of the more rapid loss of protein synthesis. The mechanism for loss of proteinsynthesis capabilities is not related to a decrease in ATP but may be due to changes in cellular content of RNA or DNA. Preservation of the loss of the capability of the hepatocytes to synthesize protein may be a key to obtaining excellent-quality long-term liver preservation. (HEPATOLOGY 1992;16:241–246.)
THE RELATIONSHIP OF AP® TEACHER PRACTICES AND STUDENT AP EXAM PERFORMANCE

This report analyzes the relationship of Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) teacher practices and student performance on AP Biology and AP U.S. History Exams. Using a national survey of AP teachers, the study developed four models for each subject with public school teachers only and both public and nonpublic school teachers, using two standards of success (scoring 3 or better and scoring 4 or better on the exams). Professional development and school and class context were statistically significant across all models; however, types of professional development differed. Resources were important for AP U.S. History teachers, while class size and schedule impacted AP Biology teachers. This indicates additional resources might enhance learning in AP U.S. History, while AP Biology teachers might be more effective with smaller, daily classes.
Monolayers of triaroylbenzene derivatives

Abstract Monolayers of triaroylbenzene derivatives bearing three octyl groups projecting away from the molecular core and terminated by hydroxyl, carboxylic acid, and methyl ester groups have been studied using surface pressure isotherm measurements and Brewster angle microscopy. The octyl derivative lacking a terminal hydrophilic group forms a monolayer of limited stability. The derivatives with hydrophilic end-groups on the octyl chains form stable monolayers. A reorientation at the water surface under compression from a ‘face-on’ to a distorted ‘edge-on’ arrangement appears likely. At intermediate molecular areas, a phase transition occurs and aggregate formation is observed. Studies of mixtures with methyl stearate exhibit a contrast inversion between the background phase and immiscible domains of methyl stearate supporting the concept of a reorientation of the triaroylbenzene derivatives during compression.
Clinical Pharmacology of Sulphonylurea Hypoglycaemic Agents: Part 1

The sulphonylureas are drugs of limited efficacy with fairly frequent, although usually reversible, adverse effects.
The effects of long-term training with delayed reward and delay-box confinement on instrumental performance

Thirty-five rats were trained for 36 days (6 trials/day) in a runway with 20 sec delay (D) or no delay (ND). Each training group was divided in extinction into 20 sec delay-box confinement (D) or no confinement (ND). Extinction lasted for 12 days (6 trials/day). Despite the long term training the D Ss were still running slower at the end of training. The D Ss were also far more variable than the ND Ss. Resistance to extinction varied inversely with duration of confinement in extinction. Increases in confinement from training to extinction produced faster extinction; decreases produced slower extinction.
Measuring Picomolar Intracellular Exchangeable Zinc in PC-12 Cells Using a Ratiometric Fluorescence Biosensor

Zinc plays both physiological and pathological roles in biology, making it of increasing interest. To date, intracellular free zinc has been measured in cell types supplemented with or enriched in zinc, such as hippocampal neurons. Here we quantitatively image intracellular exchangeable zinc in an ordinary resting cell culture line (PC-12), using an excitation ratiometric fluorescent biosensor based on carbonic anhydrase (CA). Human CA II has a Kd of 4 pM for zinc and suffers no interference from millimolar calcium or magnesium ions. The CA-based biosensor was readily introduced into the cell by a novel approach: fusing a transactivator of transcription (TAT)-derived cell penetrating peptide to the CA molecule and adding it to the cells. Our results indicate that the resting concentration is approximately 5–10 pM in cytoplasm and nucleus. Interestingly, the tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN)–Zn complex and TPEN are both apoptogenic for this cell line.
Crystal structure of 5α-bromo-8β,9α-dimethyl-hydrindane-1,4-dione

The molecular structure of 5α-bromo-8β,9α-dimethylhydrindane-1,4-dione (C11H15BrO2) has been confirmed using three-dimensional X-ray data collected by means of a Picker FACS-1 four-circle diffractometer. The compound crystallized in the space groupC2/c with unit cell constantsa = 26.56(5),b = 6.68(1),c = 12.32(2) A and β = 90.6(1) °; the density was 1.55 g cm−3 andZ = 8. Least-squares refinement of the positional and anistropic thermal parameters gave a finalR1 value of 0.083 for 793 significant reflections.
Lake Malawi cichlid evolution along a benthic/limnetic axis

Divergence along a benthic to limnetic habitat axis is ubiquitous in aquatic systems. However, this type of habitat divergence has largely been examined in low diversity, high latitude lake systems. In this study, we examined the importance of benthic and limnetic divergence within the incredibly species-rich radiation of Lake Malawi cichlid fishes. Using novel phylogenetic reconstructions, we provided a series of hypotheses regarding the evolutionary relationships among 24 benthic and limnetic species that suggests divergence along this axis has occurred multiple times within Lake Malawi cichlids. Because pectoral fin morphology is often associated with divergence along this habitat axis in other fish groups, we investigated divergence in pectoral fin muscles in these benthic and limnetic cichlid species. We showed that the eight pectoral fin muscles and fin area generally tended to evolve in a tightly correlated manner in the Lake Malawi cichlids. Additionally, we found that larger pectoral fin muscles are strongly associated with the independent evolution of the benthic feeding habit across this group of fish. Evolutionary specialization along a benthic/limnetic axis has occurred multiple times within this tropical lake radiation and has produced repeated convergent matching between exploitation of water column habitats and locomotory morphology.
Comparison Between the Lontophoretic and Passive Transport of Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone Across Excised Nude Mouse Skin

Thyrotropin releasing hormone [L-proglutamyL-L-histidyl-L-proline amide (TRH)], a tripeptide with molecular weight of 362 and a pKa of 6.2, was used as a model peptide for in vitro passive and iontophoretic diffusion cell studies using excised dorsal nude mouse skin. The results indicate that both the charged and uncharged TRH fluxes across the excised tissue were greater than those obtained by passive diffusion alone. The steady-state flux of both the uncharged and charged TRH was directly proportional to the applied current density, with flux being greater for the uncharged TRH. Additional studies on the transport of methylene blue indicate that transport may be occurring through pores, and that positive ions are preferentially passed through the skin. These results imply that the steady-state flux of TRH is primarily due to a direct, electrically induced ion motion and convection. A practical implication of these results is that it may be possible to enhance and control the transdermal delivery of peptides.
Irrigated Landscapes, Produced Scarcity, and Adaptive Social Institutions in Rajasthan, India

This article employs an actor–network (ANT) and materialist approach to examine the changing relations among nature, society, and technology in dynamic groundwater-irrigated landscapes. Drawing on a case study from Rajasthan, India, it merges these frameworks to advance our understanding of the role that tubewell irrigation technologies play, through their associations with other objects, in altering existing social power relationships, environmental practices, and socioecologies, paying attention to the directedness of these relationships. This article demonstrates, first, that tubewell adoption is made possible through the creation of tubewell partnerships, a new social institution. Second, although tubewell adoption initially enhances production, significant groundwater withdrawal negatively alters groundwater and soil chemistry. This undermines farmers' abilities to grow high-yielding seed varieties, prompting a return to traditional crops, and exacerbates existing social inequalities both within and ...
Effects of MF-tricyclic, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, on atherosclerosis progression and susceptibility to cytomegalovirus replication in apolipoprotein-E knockout mice

Abstract Objectives We examined whether selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition in apolipoprotein-E (apoE) deficient mice reduces cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication, and determined whether COX-2 anti-inflammatory activity leads to decreased atherosclerosis. Background Evidence suggests that CMV infection contributes to atherosclerosis and that this occurs in part through inflammatory mechanisms. Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors are potent anti-inflammatory agents. They also inhibit CMV replication in vitro. Methods The apoE deficient mice were either treated or not treated with a selective COX-2 inhibitor, and either infected or not infected with CMV. Viral deoxyribonucleic acid load in salivary glands was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Atherosclerotic lesion analysis was performed by standard methods. Results In vivo COX-2 inhibition, unexpectedly increased viral load: in the CMV-infected animals viral load was 2.58 ± 1.0 in the nontreated group, 4.74 ± 1.38 in the group treated with 12 mg/kg/day MF-tricyclic, and 6.51 ± 1.64 in the group treated with 24 mg/kg/day MF-tricyclic (p trend = 0.050). This increased viral load was paralleled by increased anti-CMV antibody titers. Most surprisingly, COX-2 inhibition significantly increased early atherosclerotic lesion area, independent of viral infection. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that selective inhibition of COX-2 in vivo increases viral load. The finding that inhibition of COX-2 increases atherosclerosis development in apoE deficient mice suggests, unexpectedly, that this enzyme exerts antiatherosclerosis activity, at least in this model.
Emission spectrum from Eu3+ ions in anhydrous EuCl3

While the emission spectrum from Eu3+ ion doped into lanthanum trichloride has been thoroughly studied, that from pure EuCl3 has not been reported correctly. We have recorded the emission spectrum from anhydrous EuCl3 at 77 K with high resolution. As reported in the literature for other UCl3-type lanthanide trichlorides, the Eu3+ ion in EuCl3 exhibits an emission spectrum which is indicative of a D3/h site symmetry for the Eu3+ ion, even though X-ray diffraction data from EuCl3 support a Eu3+ ion site symmetry of C3h.
Viscosity of ionomer gels

Abstract We study the viscosity behaviour of metal sulphonate- (or metal carboxylate-) containing ionomers in solution with non-polar solvents; at relatively low polymer concentration these ionomer solutions show an unusually large thickening behaviour, due to the association of the metallic groups. By regarding the ionomer system as a polymer solution with transient crosslinks, an expression is derived from the viscosity of the sulphonated polymer in terms of the viscosity of the corresponding non-sulphonated polymer and the average number of crosslinks associated with any chain.
Illness, the mind, and the body: cancer and immunology: an introduction.

From the sixties on it has become clear how the human physical condition could be influenced by human behavior. Although hypothesis were lacking to understand these connections, nursing research especially proved how systematically introduced patient behavior during illness and hospitalization could induce better recovery results and better prognosis for the patient.Information andattitude proved to be crucial elements in these processes of improved patient expectations. It took less than two decades to get to the insights we have in 1994. Recent research shows the interlocking mechanisms of nervous and endocrine systems with the immune system as significantly being influenced by behavior and especially psychic and or psychosocial stress.
Students' Evaluation of Writing Assignments in an Abnormal Psychology Course.

Students in an abnormal psychology class rated the usefulness of drafts for two writing assignments: a case-study reaction paper and a research proposal. Evaluative data indicated that the research proposal was more effective than the case study in developing students' interest in psychology. Students indicated that they valued the research proposal mostly for the opportunity to be creative; they valued the case study mostly for the opportunity to r e d an interesting book. Writing assignments and feedback to students should reflect important aspects of a discipline, and a clear rationale for the value of writing skills should be communicated to students.
REGENERATION OF TEAT CANAL KERATIN IN LACTATING DAIRY COWS

Abstract This study was designed to determine the regeneration rate of teat canal keratin in two groups of 10 lactating Holstein cows. The weight of keratin obtained upon successive collections of keratin was determined. Intervals between successive collections were varied between 8 and 72h. Following initial collection, the quantity of keratin removed was regenerated within 1 to 2.5 d. The rate of keratin regeneration per teat was approximately 1.5mg of wet weight or .6mg of dry weight per 24h. The concentration (μg lipid/mg keratin, wet weight) of lipid in keratin samples collected during regeneration was almost twice that present initially or after regeneration was complete. With the exception of free cholesterol, composition (%) of lipid components of keratin did not differ between samples collected initially, those collected early in the process of regeneration, and those collected after the mass of keratin removed had been replaced. Although data suggest that keratin matures during the process of regeneration, maturation appears complete by the time mass of keratin is fully regenerated. Additionally, the quantity of keratin recovered at initial sampling was inversely correlated with milk production. We hypothesize that as milk production increases, more keratin is lost during milking.
Volume relaxation in polymers and its effect on waveguide applications.

Volume relaxation in polymers and the effect intrinsic to glassy polymers can significantly affect their refractive index over time. Its β rate has been found to be related only to relaxation temperature T and the glass transition temperature of the polymer Tg and not to the polymeric chemical structure. Universal values of β have been obtained for polymers and were used to predict the minimum index change related to volume in polymers. The index change is in the range from 7.86 × 10-5 to 5.26 × 10-4 when the Tg - T value of polymers is between 90 and 350 °C. These volume-relaxation-induced changes can cause serious deterioration or even failure in corresponding polymer waveguide devices, such as arrayed waveguide gratings and variable optical attenuators, when the Tg of a polymer is not sufficiently high. A minimum requirement is therefore suggested for the Tg of polymers used to fabricate waveguide devices.
Friedel-Crafts crosslinking methods for polystyrene modification: 5. Sulfonated crosslinked polystyrene particles

A new method of preparation of sulfonated, crosslinked polystyrene particles is described. Particles were formed by Friedel-Crafts suspension crosslinking of polystyrene dissolved in nitrobenzene. The crosslinking agent was 1,4-dichloromethyl-2,5-dimethyl benzene. Sulfonation was achieved in the swollen state and the particles received were analyzed in terms of molecular structure and degree of swelling.
Medical school curricular reform: fourth-year colleges improve access to career mentoring and overall satisfaction.

Despite the trend toward curricular reform in the preclinical and core clerkship years, the fourth year of medical school is commonly unstructured, allowing students to take multiple “audition electives” in preparation for residency. Students struggle to identify mentors in their intended specialty in time to plan a wellrounded elective schedule and to prepare adequately for residency selection. The authors described the impact that an innovative fourth-year curriculum, the “College Program” at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California–Los Angeles, which focuses on mentoring and required curricular components, has had on student perceptions of access to career mentors and overall satisfaction with the fourthyear experience. Pre- and postintervention cohorts participated in a 25-question telephone survey about their experience with mentors and overall satisfaction with their fourth year in 2001 and 2003. The Association of American Medical Colleges Graduation Questionnaire was analyzed as a secondary outcome measure, and responses were compared with those of national peers. Data were analyzed using two tailed t tests. Students in the intervention group reported a higher degree of satisfaction with accessibility to mentors and the impact they had on their educational experiences and careers than the preintervention cohort. Despite initial concerns that student freedom was going to be compromised, the students who participated in the College curriculum reported increased satisfaction with an intense foundations course, longitudinal experiences in the clinical setting, and scholarly projects during their senior year. Fourth-year students in the College Program were more likely to identify and develop better relationships with faculty mentors than their preintervention counterparts. They indicated excellent residency preparedness, and their overall impression of the fourth year was favorable.
Searches for effects of flavor-changing neutral currents

Abstract We discuss some possible processes, mainly decays, to search for flavor-changing neutral currents. We examine the theoretical constraints from present data as well as improved sensitivities which might be achieved in future experiments. We focus on the decays K 0 → μ e, Σ + p μ e, τ → μμ e and μ → eee as being particularly interesting for further experimental searches.
The Evolving Role of Experimental Mechanics in 1-D Nanostructure-Based Device Development

Future generations of transistors, sensors, and other devices maybe revolutionized through the use of one-dimensional nanostructures such as nanowires, nanotubes, and nanorods. The unique properties of these nanostructures will set new benchmarks for speed, sensitivity, functionality, and integration. These devices may even be self-powered, harvesting energy directly from their surrounding environment. However, as their critical dimensions continue to decrease and performance demands grow, classical mechanics and associated experimental techniques no longer fully characterize the observed behavior. This perspective examines the evolving role of experimental mechanics in driving the development of these new devices. Emphasis is placed on advances in experimental techniques for comprehensive characterization of size effects and their coupling, as well as assessment of device-level response.
Solvent-Induced Shifts in Electronic Spectra of Uracil

Highly accurate excitation spectra are predicted for the low-lying n−π* and π−π* states of uracil for both the gas phase and in water employing the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) and multiconfigurational quasidegenerate perturbation theory (MCQDPT) methods. Implementation of the effective fragment potential (EFP) solvent method with CASSCF and MCQDPT enables the prediction of highly accurate solvated spectra, along with a direct interpretation of solvent shifts in terms of intermolecular interactions between solvent and solute. Solvent shifts of the n−π* and π−π* excited states arise mainly from a change in the electrostatic interaction between solvent and solute upon photoexcitation. Polarization (induction) interactions contribute about 0.1 eV to the solvent-shifted excitation. The blue shift of the n−π* state is found to be 0.43 eV and the red shift of the π−π* state is found to be −0.26 eV. Furthermore, the spectra show that in solution the π−π* state is 0.4 eV lower in energy th...
Attack and Survival of Dendroctonus frontalis in Relation to Weather During Three Years in East Texas

The seasonal trends of Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann attack on, and survival in, pines were studied. Estimates of beetles attacking, egg gallery length, 3rd and 4th instars, pupae, and beetles emerging were obtained for a total 113 loblolly pines, Pinus taeda L. The estimates were used to calculate the percentages of each of the following: eggs that survived to become 3rd and 4th instars, SE; 3rd and 4th instars that survived to become pupae, SL; pupae that survived to emerge as beetles, SP; and, eggs that survived to emerge as beetles, SG. The sizes and seasonal trends of SE, SL, SP, and SG changed during the 3-yr period studied. SE, SL, SP, and SG all decreased during the summer, but SL decreased most predictably. Trends in SG followed the trends in SL most closely. Indices of temperature and rainfall were calculated from the daily records of weather stations. Only SL and SG were associated with temperature and rainfall indices. The most useful indices in regression equations describing SL and SG were day-degree accumulation, DD, and the proportion of the infestation period when 0.6 cm or more of rain fell per day, PR. Increases in DD and PR were associated with decreases in SL and SG. It is suggested that DD and PR were the most useful indices because they measure both the size and the duration of temperature or rainfall.
Wind effects on bridges

Abstract There is a long history of wind-related problems that arise with different components of bridges. The dynamic response to wind remains to-day a vital and complex consideration in the design of long span bridges. While it is the response of the road deck that has received the most attention, other components of bridges are prone to wind-induced motion and have caused severe problems. The hangers, truss members and towers are discussed. Examples are presented and solution approaches examined. Some of the aerodynamic problems are more severe during erection than for the completed bridge. Design considerations special to the erection phase are reviewed.
Direct co-culture of endothelial and smooth muscle cells on poly(ε-caprolactone) nanowire surfaces

Current cardiovascular implants cause restenosis, calcification and thrombosis due to insufficient integration with native tissue. A thorough understanding of the interaction between the cells and the biomaterial involved is fundamental in a successful implant that promotes healing and tissue regeneration. In this study, we have developed collagen-immobilized nanostructured surfaces from poly(e-caprolactone) for the growth and maintenance of co-cultures of endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Cell adhesion, morphology and differentiation were investigated using microscopy and western blotting. The results presented here indicate that collagen-immobilized nanostructured surfaces may be good interfaces for use in cardiovascular applications and warrant further investigation.
Retention of the Biological Potency of Human Pituitary Growth Hormone After Reduction and Carbamidomethylation

The reduced alkylated derivative of human pituitary growth hormone was prepared by reacting the native hormone in 8M urea solution, first with mercaptoethanol and then with iodoacetamide. On the basis of amino acid analyses, the product isolated after gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 is completely devoid of unreduced cystine but otherwise has a composition identical to that of the native hormone. When assayed in both the rat tibia test and the pigeon crop-sac assay,it appears that the full potency of the native hormone is retained in the reduced alkylated derivative.
A Three-Dimensional Micromechanical Model of the Compressive Behavior of Unidirectional FRP Composites:

A 3D model of fiber microbuckling assuming a square packed fiber array has been developed and analyzed under the assumption of fiber in-plane microbuckling. In this model, the fiber equilibrium equation is first developed as a function of uniaxial loading, material properties, and fiber/matrix interfacial stresses. By utilizing 3D boundary element modeling, the 3D stress distribution along the fiber/matrix interface is determined. The interfacial stresses obtained from the 3D boundary element analysis are then incorporated into the 3D equilibrium equation of fiber microbuckling to provide a closedform analytical solution of the 3D compressive fiber strength in unidirectional composites. Results show that the in-plane shear stress component is predominant, while one of the two out-of-plane stress components, which cannot be captured by a 2D model, is not negligible. Furthermore it is found that the in-plane interfacial shear stress is strongly dependent upon fiber spacing. These results indicate that the r...
Authority-based keyword search in databases

Our system applies authority-based ranking to keyword search in databases modeled as labeled graphs. Three ranking factors are used: the relevance to the query, the specificity and the importance of the result. All factors are handled using authority-flow techniques that exploit the link-structure of the data graph, in contrast to traditional Information Retrieval. We address the performance challenges in computing the authority flows in databases by using precomputation and exploiting the database schema if present. We conducted user surveys and performance experiments on multiple real and synthetic datasets, to assess the semantic meaningfulness and performance of our system.
The atomization of viscoelastic fluids in flat-fan and hollow-cone spray nozzles

This article reports experimental observations of the flow kinematics and stability of thin fluid sheets produced by a series of commercially available flat-fan and hollow-cone spray nozzles for a series of viscoelastic wormlike micelle solutions. As the flow rate through the nozzle is increased, the sheets of viscoelastic fluid grow larger and eventually becoming unstable and atomizing into drops. For the sheets of water produced by the flat-fan nozzles, the fluid rims of the sheets were found to destabilize first. The addition of viscoelasticity was found to stabilize the rim while simultaneously destabilizing the internal fluid sheet. What results is a series of novel flow structures comprised of highly interconnected filaments created by the growth of multiple internal holes that develop within the fluid sheet. Increasing viscoelasticity of the test fluid was found to stabilize the thin films produced by both the flat-fan and hollow-cone spray nozzles, thereby shifting the break-up of the sheets to larger flow rates. However, beyond the critical flow rate for sheet rupture, increases to the fluid elasticity were found to alter the dynamics of the atomization of the viscoelastic fluid sheets by increasing the number and growth rate of holes in the sheet while simultaneously reducing the initiation time for sheet rupture.
Alterations of cardiac performance in rats with established spontaneous hypertension

Abstract To characterize intact cardiac performance during the progression from moderate to severe left ventricular hypertrophy, peak pumping ability, maximal pressure-generating capacity and passive pressure-volume relations were determined in ether-anesthetized 6 and 18 month old female spontaneously hypertensive rats, in 18 month old male spontaneously hypertensive rats and in sex- and age-matched normotensive rats. Ejection phase indexes of young female hypertensive rats were comparable with those of age-matched normotensive rats. Both groups ejected the same peak stroke volumes from similar end-diastolic volumes so that their indexes of ejection fraction were identical. However, in old female and male hypertensive rats, these characteristics of ventricular performance were greatly diminished. A reduced peak stroke volume was ejected from a normal end-diastolic volume in old female hypertensive rats and from a significantly larger end-diastolic volume in old male hypertensive rats, so that ejection fraction indexes were moderately and substantially reduced, respectively. Maximal pressure developed during an aortic occlusion was always significantly greater in hypertensive rats. Despite elevated systemic arterial blood pressures, young female hypertensive rats ejected a normal stroke volume from a normal end-diastolic volume. Even though the severity of hypertension did not further progress with age, cardiac mass increased, yet systolic function decreased in old hypertensive rats. Therefore, hypertrophic growth of the left ventricle in the hypertensive rat is associated with both a compensated and a depressed phase of cardiac performance.
Signaling by tyrosine kinases negatively regulates the interaction between transcription factors and SMRT (silencing mediator of retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptor) corepressor.

Nuclear hormone receptors are hormone-regulated transcription factors that bind to specific sites on DNA and modulate the expression of adjacent target genes. Many nuclear hormone receptors display bimodal transcriptional properties; thyroid hormone receptors, for example, typically repress target gene expression in the absence of hormone, but activate target gene expression in the presence of hormone. The ability to repress is closely linked to the ability of the apo-receptor to physically bind to auxiliary corepressor proteins denoted SMRT (silencing mediator of retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptor) and N-CoR (nuclear receptor corepressor), which, in turn, help mediate the actual molecular events involved in transcriptional silencing. We report here that repression by thyroid hormone receptors can be regulated not only by cognate hormone, but also by certain tyrosine kinase signal transduction pathways, such as that represented by the epidermal growth factor-receptor. Activation of tyrosine kinase...
The Effects of Human Saliva on the Hemolytic Activity of Complement

Human saliva was tested for the presence of factors that affect the complement system. Parotid saliva and salivary fractions were incubated at 37 C with human serum as a source of complement. Samples removed from the mixtures within the first 15 minutes had higher levels of whole hemolytic complement activity than did appropriate controls. The final ionic strength of the saliva-serum mixtures was critical to the hemolytic activity of complement. After 60 minutes all serum-saliva mixtures had lower levels of hemolytic activity than did serum-buffer controls. With regard to whole saliva, the salivary sediment was found to be strongly complement-reactive.
Multivariate calibration with slowly responding reference measurements

The application of multivariate calibration models, specifically those using partial least squares (PLS) regression to relate near infrared (NIR) spectral data to analyte concentrations, relies upon accurate knowledge of the concentrations during model building. In a physiologic system, such as human skeletal muscle, these concentrations can be measured using invasive sensors which may have material properties that limit diffusion of analytes to the sensing chemistry, thus taking several minutes to fully respond to an analyte change which actually occurs in seconds. This results in a poor time correlation between reference measurements of analyte concentrations and spectral data, which in turn degrades the performance of the PLS model. We mathematically modeled the response of an invasive sensor measurement and used this response to develop a filter to time-match the raw NIR spectra before building the PLS model. PLS models for interstitial pH in exercising human flexor digitorum profundus muscle were developed with and without the time-matching filter. In a single exercising subject, root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) = 0.05 pH units and r 2 = 0.39 without filtering, but improved to RMSEP = 0.02 pH units with r 2 = 0.91 after the time-matching filter was implemented. The time-matching filter was shown to be effective in improving model performance when spectral response is more rapid than the invasive sensor reference measurement.
Potential Knowledge Management Contributions to Human Performance Technology Research and Practice.

This article considers three aspects of the knowledge management (KM) literature that have the potential to enhance human performance technology (HPT) research and practice. First, we believe the recent attempt by economists to describe and quantify intellectual capital can help HPT to better evaluate and defend organizational expenditures/investments for performance improvement initiatives. Second, the emerging KM literature explores the linkages between information, learning and performance, provides a common point of intersection for our fields, and can enhance our analysis and implementation of information (as opposed to training) solutions as well as inform and expand our conceptual and theoretical understanding. Third, we have observed that both KM and HPT practitioners are increasingly concerned with the learning that takes place outside the confines of traditional formal training environments. We briefly review the electronic performance support systems literature from HPT and KM, noting the similarities in epistemology, design, and interventions. Finally, we highlight the KM research agenda and suggest related opportunities for HPT research.
Neutron scattering measurements of phonons in nickel at elevated temperatures

Measurements of elastic and inelastic neutron scatterings from elemental nickel were made at 10, 300, 575, 875, and 1275 K. The phonon densities of states (DOSs) were calculated from the inelastic scattering and were fit with Born–von Karman models of the lattice dynamics. With ancillary data on thermal expansion and elastic moduli, we found a small, negative anharmonic contribution to the phonon entropy at high temperature. We used this to place bounds on the magnetic entropy of nickel. A significant broadening of the phonon DOS at elevated temperatures, another indication of anharmonicity, was also measured and quantified.
The onset of immune protection in acute experimental Chagas' disease in C3H(HE) mice.

Abstract The onset of protective immunity against Trypanosoma cruzi in mice was determined by adoptively immunizing newly infected recipients with spleen cells from normal or infected donor mice. It was found that spleen cells from animals with 3 day and 6 day infections did not provide protection but that spleen cells from infections of 9, 12, 15 and 18 days significantly increased longevity in infected recipient animals. The protective capacity per spleen cell was found to increase in proportion to the duration of infection of donor mice. It was further noted that immune protection, as reflected in increased longevity, did not result in decreased development of parasitemia. Immunized mice which demonstrated the greatest longevity developed parasitemias over twice that observed in contrrol groups.
Determination of organotin compounds in environmental samples by supercritical fluid extraction and gas chromatography with atomic emission detection

The extraction of six tetraalkyltin and seven ionic organotin compounds from spiked topsoil samples with supercritical carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide modified with 5 percent methanol was investigated. Analysis of the soil extracts was performed by gas chromatography with atomic emission detection. Retention times, minimum detectable concentrations, and detector linear ranges are included for nine organotin compounds (seven of the nine compounds were derivatized with n-pentylmagnesium bromide prior to gas chromatographic analysis). A 23 factorial experimental design was used to study the effect of three variables (pressure, temperature, and extraction time) on compound recovery. The results indicate that the tetraalkyltin compounds are extracted from topsoil samples with recoveries ranging from 90 to 110 percent. Recoveries for the ionic organotin compounds ranged from 50 to 75 percent for trimethyltin chloride, triethyltin bromide, and tributyltin iodide; they were below 20 percent for dimethyltin dichloride, dibutyltin dichloride, diphenyltin dichloride, and butyltin trichloride. When sodium diethyldithiocarbamate was added to the soil samples prior to extraction, followed by extraction with carbon dioxide modified with 5 percent methanol, recoveries ranged from 70 to 90 percent for trimethyltin chloride, triethyltin bromide, dimethyltin dichloride, tributyltin iodide, and dibutyltin dichloride; recoveries were approximately 40 percent for butyltin trichloride and diphenyltin dichloride.
Retrospective Voting and Political Representation

This article develops a theoretical model of political representation under the single-member district system. I establish the existence of equilibria in which legislative voting of each legislator depends only on her preference and her electorate's preference and voters sanction badly behaved incumbents and retain well-behaved ones based solely on their own representatives' roll-call records. In equilibrium, voters achieve a partial representation with respect to representatives' behavior in each district. However, with respect to representation of the social majority, my findings are indeterminate. On the one hand, there exists an equilibrium in which the majority-preferred alternative is the outcome guaranteed, except in very special circumstances. On the other hand, this equilibrium is not generally the unique equilibrium, and, for some parameter values, there is an equilibrium in which the majority-preferred alternative is less likely than the alternative preferred only by the minority to be the outcome.
Type 1 Interferons and the Virus-Host Relationship: A Lesson in Détente

The interface between an infectious agent and its host represents the ultimate battleground for survival: The microbe must secure a niche for replication, whereas the host must limit the pathogen's advance. Among the host's arsenal of antimicrobial factors, the type 1 interferons (IFNs) induce potent defense mechanisms against viruses and are key in the host-virus standoff. Viruses have evolved multiple tricks to avoid the immediate antiviral effects of IFNs and, in turn, hosts have adapted use of this innate cytokine system to galvanize multiple additional layers of immune defense. The plasticity that exists in these interactions provides us with a lesson in detente.