cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Varying Warning Color on E-Cigarette Advertisements: Results From an Online Experiment Among Young Adults

INTRODUCTION Advertisement warnings are often overlooked, which reduces the opportunity for risk communication. METHODS We used Prolific to survey 1131 young adults (18-35) who currently used e-cigarettes or tobacco products. We randomized participants to one of four warning conditions: black text on white background (BW), white on black (WB), black on yellow (BY), and yellow on black (YB). We examined associations between condition and attention, recall, ad appeal, perceived message effectiveness (PME), and intentions to use e-cigarettes using chi-square and analysis of variance (ANOVA) where appropriate. We conducted logistic regressions by condition for attention and recall controlling for demographics and tobacco use. RESULTS The warning was selected as the most attention-capturing area of the advertisement more often by those exposed to yellow warnings than white (59.9% vs. 46.8%), even after controlling for demographics and tobacco use (p < .05). Recall was greater among those exposed to yellow warnings than white (44.2% vs. 37.3%), which held in controlled models. There were no significant differences between yellow and white warnings for ad appeals, PME, or intentions to use. In subanalyses, WB warnings generated higher PME (10.1 vs. 9.5) and lower intentions to use e-cigarettes (3.0 vs. 3.3) than black on white (BW) (each p < .05). CONCLUSIONS Yellow warning color increases attention and recall of the warning, but this increase in attention did not translate to differences in downstream effects. Among currently mandated warning variations, the white text on black background warning appears more effective than the BW. Future research should examine whether differences translate to behavior change. IMPLICATIONS We tested color variations of the FDA-mandated nicotine text warning on e-cigarette advertisements. Yellow variations (yellow text on black background and BY) better-captured attention and increased warning recall compared to the mandated black and white warnings. Among the FDA-mandated BW and WB warnings, the WB variation appears more effective, generating higher perceived message effectiveness and lower intentions to use e-cigarettes. Given the difficulty in implementing pictorial warnings in the United States, color might represent an alternative to improve warning effectiveness. Findings may also be applicable to those designing tobacco-related health communications.
The geometric invariants of certain group extensions with applications to twisted conjugacy

Abstract We compute the geometric invariants Σ 1 and Ω 1 for a variety of group extensions. We use these computations to give examples of group extensions that have the property R ∞ .
Influence of nano-/microfillers on impact response of glass fiber-reinforced polymer composite

The reinforcement of nano-/microfillers in polymer resin has gained wide acceptance in structural applications for the enhancement of the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of resulting composite materials. In this work, impact behavior of glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites consisting of SC-15 epoxy resin reinforced with varying concentrations of nanoclay and hollow glass microspheres was evaluated using drop-weight tests. The time histories of impact-induced dynamic strains and forces were studied. Dye penetration tests were used to evaluate the extent of damage. Experimental results revealed that the energy absorption mechanics and damage extent vary depending on the loading conditions and filler concentration. Understanding of these novel micromodified composites could allow for the design of lightweight structural components for a wide range of applications.
On The Problems of Characterizing Fine Powders

Problems associated with the size analysis of powders in the range 0.1 μ to 5 μ are discussed. Special attention is focussed on felvation and centrifugal analysis with respect to shape-dependent information which could be obtained from these techniques.
Making a difference : Human service interest group influence on social welfare program regulations

Social workers increasingly understand the importance of political action to affect legislative policy-making. This paper sheds light onto the unexplored subject of interest group influence on the executive branch, specifically on the writing of program regulations for social welfare programs. It describes groups active in the process and what they do in their quest for influence. It also presents a preliminary model of interest group influence on regulation writing. Results show that having greater access, articulating a liberal policy position, choosing a better strategy and devoting more resources to influence efforts are all significant predictors of a group's influence level during the Clinton Administration
Immunotoxicology of Dioxins and Related Chemicals

Concern over the potential toxic effects of chemicals on the immune system arises from the critical role that the immune system plays in maintaining health. It is widely recognized that suppressed immunological function can result in increased incidence and severity of infectious diseases as well as some types of cancer. This is poignantly illustrated by the opportunistic infections and Kaposi’s sarcoma that occur with great frequency in AIDS patients. Life-threatening infections and secondary cancers are also associated with immunosuppressive drug therapies used in transplant recipients and cancer patients. On the other hand, the inappropriate induction or enhancement of immune function can precipitate or exacerbate the development of allergic and autoimmune diseases. Chemical-induced allergies or autoimmunity are recognized side effects of some drugs such as penicillin, sulfa, penicillamine, and hydralazine. Thus, suppression as well as enhancement of immune function are considered to represent potential immunotoxic effects of chemicals.
Color Transparency and Cross-Section Fluctuations in Hadronic Collisions

Hadrons are strongly interacting particles made of quarks, antiquarks and gluons in a net color singlet state. The color forces between these color-carrying degrees of freedom, described by quantum chromodynamics, are responsible for the remarkable properties of hadrons. They lead to confinement of quarks and gluons in individual hadrons. The residual color forces between confined hadrons are the familiar {open_quotes}nuclear forces.{close_quotes} The color forces also give rise to spontaneous breaking of chiral symmetry in nuclear and particle physics. The problem I would like to discuss in this chapter is the less well understood dynamical role of color degrees of freedom in the strong interactions of hadrons. In particular, when hadrons interact ultrarelativistically, their internal color configurations are frozen by Lorentz time dilation. When the configuration of a hadron is small in spatial extent, the hadron interacts weakly with other hadrons, giving rise to the phenomenon of color transparency. On the other hand, when its configuration is large the interaction of the hadron is stronger than average, a color opacity. Such varying interactions are described by fluctuations in the interaction cross sections of hadrons, which can be deduced from experiment, and which should give rise to important fluctuations in observed quantities,more » such as multiplicity and transverse energy, produced in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions. The focus here is to introduce the basic ideas in order to enable the reader to study the published literature, where one can find detailed calculations and results.« less
The Physics of Stereotactic Radiosurgery

High-energy ionizing radiation is the tool of radiosurgery. Three major sources for radiosurgery are gamma rays from Cobalt-60 radioactive isotopes, X-ray beams from linear accelerators, and proton beams from charged particle accelerators. Both gamma and X-rays have the same physical characteristics (i.e., both are photons) and their interaction mechanism with material is stochastic. Three major photon interactions are photoelectric absorption, Compton scattering, and pair production. Protons are positively charged and continuously interact with material as they travel. While the dose deposited by photons drops off exponentially with penetration depth, the dose deposited by protons increases very slowly initially then sharply increases, reaching a maximum before rapidly dropping off to 0. Dose deposition characteristic determines fundamental treatment geometry needed. Three major photon beam delivery systems are Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, and conventional linear accelerator (LINAC). Among them, LINAC is the most popular machine and its major components are electron gun, accelerator tube, bending magnet, and treatment head. CyberKnife uses a compact linear accelerator mounted on a robot while Gamma Knife utilizes many Cobalt-60 sources. Beam size has been conventionally determined by a prefabricated circular collimator. However, use of multileaf collimator is increasing in LINAC. In recent Gamma Knife unit, automatic choice among four different collimator sizes (including zero size) is possible. CyberKnife also provides a continuously varying collimator in its latest version. A significantly large dose is delivered in radiosurgery. Therefore, the impact of inaccurate target localization or beam delivery can be disastrous. To minimize such disasters, radiosurgery quality assurance should be stringent.
Studies in management of the contaminated wound: I. Technique of closure of such wounds together with a note on a reproducible experimental model

Abstract A readily reproducible experimental wound infection model has been developed to assess the determinants of infection in primarily closed contaminated wounds. The needle puncture tract, the suture material, the diameter and quantity of suture remaining within the wound, and the tightness with which each suture is tied have been identified as factors which enhance the inflammatory response of the contaminated wound to infection. The increased likelihood of infection attending primary closure of contaminated wounds with percutaneous sutures gives strong support to the thesis that percutaneous sutures should be avoided in the closure of contaminated wounds.
Shock Histories of Hexahedrites and Ga-Ge Group III Octahedrites

In a previous X-ray diffraction and metallographic study of shock effects in 65 octahedrites we reported that the 24 known and 3 suspected chemical groups III* meteorites studied had either been shocked to pressures above 130 kb or had been thermally altered by some long-term heat source. At that time we proposed three alternative models, including one by which these fragments were derived from a single Ring asteroid that was disrupted by a collision 650 million years ago. A feature of this model is that the collision provided the impulse necessary to alter the fragments’ orbits from a purely Asteroidal Ring one to orbits crossing that of Mars. As a consequence, no unshocked group III meteorites ought to be found on earth.
Amplification of repetitive DNA for the specific detection of Naegleria fowleri.

Abstract By using hybridization at low C0t values, a genomic library on Naegleria fowleri was screened for clones containing repetitive DNA. Partial sequence information from a repetitive clone, Nf9, showed sequence homologies with the mitochondrial ATPase 6 subunit from yeasts and other organisms. Synthetic DNA primers were selected and tested in amplification reactions. Nonstringent hybridization conditions were defined which allowed amplification of N. fowleri DNA and reduced amplification of DNA from nonpathogenic Naegleria species. Stringent conditions were selected which allowed detection only of N. fowleri. Identity of the amplified DNA was confirmed by using internal restriction sites and an internal primer. In a blind study, tissue from mice experimentally infected with N. fowleri was specifically detected by using stringent hybridization conditions.
Neuronal pacemaker for breathing visualized in vitro.

Breathing movements in mammals arise from a rhythmic pattern of neural activity, thought to originate in the pre-Botzinger complex1 in the lower brainstem. The mechanisms generating the neural rhythm in this region are unknown2,3,4,5. The central question is whether the rhythm is generated by a network of bursting pacemaker neurons coupled by excitatory synapses that synchronize pacemaker activity. Here we visualized the activity of inspiratory pacemaker neurons at single-cell and population levels with calcium-sensitive dye. We developed methods to label these neurons retrogradely with the dye in neonatal rodent brainstem slices that retain the rhythmically active respiratory network. We simultaneously used infrared structural imaging to allow patch-clamp recording from the identified neurons. After we pharmacologically blocked glutamatergic synaptic transmission, a subpopulation of inspiratory neurons continued to burst rhythmically but asynchronously. The intrinsic bursting frequency of these pacemaker neurons depended on the baseline membrane potential, providing a cellular mechanism for respiratory frequency control. These results provide evidence that the neuronal kernel for rhythm generation consists of a network of synaptically-coupled pacemaker neurons.
Analysis of Arizona’s Depublication Rule and Practice

In Arizona, the supreme court exercises its power to depublish selected Court of Appeals' decisions pursuant to Rule 28(f) of the Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure and Rule 111(g) of the Rules of the Supreme Court. The Arizona Supreme Court enters these depublication orders without the benefit of any hearing and usually does not articulate any reasons for its action. The depublication order does not affect the result of the case and does not exposit law in any traditional sense - unless erasure is considered exposition. One can only speculate in the vast majority of cases why the lower court opinion was depublished and, accordingly, should not bind the lower courts, and whether the reasons for depublication relate to the supreme court's inability to agree on the precise basis for the lower court's error. This essay examines the Depublication Rule, analyzing the basis for and traditional understanding of the rule and discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the depublication process. Several cases that have been depublished are analyzed in an attempt to discern any patterns or reasons for the orders in these cases. As this essay illustrates, depublication orders sow discontent in the judicial system and confusion among practitioners. There are continuing concerns regarding the practical effect of the depublished opinion upon lawyers' ethical and professional duties in representing clients. This essay also proposes several alternatives (short of banning the practice) that might be both less intrusive on the judicial role and be more practical.
ASN reputation system model

Network security monitoring is currently challenged by its reliance on human analysts and the inability for tools to generate indications and warnings for previously unknown attacks. We propose a reputation system based on IP address set membership within the Autonomous System Number (ASN) system. Essentially, a metric generated based on the historic behavior, or misbehavior, of nodes within a given ASN can be used to predict future behavior and provide a mechanism to locate network activity requiring inspection. This will provide reinforcement of notifications and warnings and lead to inspection for ASNs known to be problematic even if initial inspection leads to interpretation of the event as innocuous. We developed proof of concept capabilities to generate the IP address to ASN set membership and analyze the impact of the results. These results clearly show that while some ASNs are one-offs with individual or small numbers of misbehaving IP addresses, there are definitive ASNs with a history of long term and wide spread misbehaving IP addresses. These ASNs with long histories are what we are especially interested in and will provide an additional correlation metric for the human analyst and lead to new tools to aid remediation of these IP address blocks.
Introduction: Genre as Form-of-Life

This introductory essay argues for the importance of reevaluating the genres and genre theories of medieval England. Drawing on Giorgio Agamben’s notion of “form-of-life,” based on monastic liturgical practice, the essay considers how early writing represents genre as intrinsically linked with experience and practice, and it demonstrates how genre is always implicit in medieval textual practices. As form-of-life, genre binds texts to experience, not as prescriptive “law” but as a structure for living. In medieval genres and kinds, taxonomies, prescriptions, and conventions take shape within a lifeworld of text and practice. And, for this reason, early genre and genre theory resist or complicate some of the binaries on which later genre theory sometimes relies: the instrumental and the aesthetic, the innovative and the conventional, the pure form and the hybrid, the read and the performed.
Clinical and physiologic aspects of uterine motility during pregnancy and labor

Abstract 1. 1. A standardized method for making temporal analysis of uterine displacement curves is presented. 2. 2. Additional evidence in respect to two fundamentally important uterine displacement components, namely, the large and the small, is presented. 3. 3. Accumulated findings have been subjected to statistical analysis in which the displacement in centimeters, the duration in seconds of contraction phase and relaxation phase, and over-all duration were investigated in unselected and selected cases. Arithmetical means and standard deviations were determined and significance ratios ascertained by use of the standard error. 4. 4. The application of the findings for assay purposes is illustrated in the text.
Laughing and liking: Exploring the interpersonal effects of humor use in initial social interactions

Humor is a common interpersonal phenomenon that may positively influence the trajectories of social interactions. In two social interaction experiments, we examined the association between humor and liking. The first study was a secondary analysis of data from a prior experiment (originally conducted for another purpose) in which unacquainted participants engaged in a selfdisclosure task and rated each other on various dimensions, including humor. In Experiment 2, unacquainted mixed-sex dyads participated in a series of either humorous or similar but non-humorous tasks. In both studies, humor was positively associated with liking and closeness; perceived reciprocal liking and enjoyment of the interaction mediated the association between humor and liking. Likewise, we found a positive association between liking and humor. Men and women did not differ in self-reported humor use. The findings suggest that humor is a mechanism used to establish connections with others across all relationships and for both sexes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Humor—and the laughter accompanying it—is prevalent in people’s daily lives (Bainum, Lounsbury, & Pollio, 1984). Some have estimated that the typical person laughs an average of 18 times a day, with much of this laughter occurring in the presence of others(Martin & Kuiper, 1999). Humor undoubtedly affects social interactions and shapes people’s interpersonal bonds. Thus, it may be one of the many tools people have in their social arsenal to establish connections with others (Vettin & Todt, 2004). In this research, we examined whether humor and liking are mutually transformative. Specifically, we speculated that, on average, not only does humor promote liking, but liking also promotes humor and that both associations occur in the same interaction. Following this reasoning, we further suspect that people may like humorists via two mechanisms: the degree to which they believe that a humorist likes them (i.e., perceived reciprocal liking) and enjoyment of the interaction with the humorist. As described later, we focused on two types of liking: (i) platonic (friendship) liking between same- and opposite-sex persons and (ii) romantic desire between two opposite-sex persons.
Challenges of merging digital imaging and wireless communication

Recent advances in digital imaging technology combined with the next generation digital wireless communication has great potential to transform the paradigm for how humans will communicate visual information with one another in the next century. The first major change is that the model of one message from a single source to many clients (mass broadcasting) will be replaced by a model of many messages from multiple sources to many receivers (peer to peer). A second major change is that the model will move from a passive client, which only receives messages to an interactive client able to respond and even direct the information content to itself. This will have great impact in the experience of visual communication in the next decade. In this paper, we shall outline some of the key technological challenges in terms of bandwidth, processing power, data rate, data sizes and human factors required to influence this paradigm shift resulting from the merger of digital imaging and digital wireless communication technologies.
Gelled Monomethyl Hydrazine Hypergolic Droplet Investigation

This paper addresses the combustion behavior of a monomethyl hydrazine droplet gelled with both hydroxypropyl cellulose and fumed silica in an environment of gaseous nitrogen dioxide. All of the monomethyl hydrazine/hydroxypropyl cellulose gel droplets displayed swelling and jetting that are typical for hydrocarbon gels with an organic gelling agent. Burning rates were measured for droplet diameters from 1.8 to 3.2 mm at two ambient pressures of 1.72 and 2.89 bar. It was found that the droplet burning rate is dependent on the droplet diameter similar to liquid monomethyl hydrazine. Over the investigated pressure range no dependence of the burning rate on pressure was found. The combustion of monomethyl hydrazine/hydroxypropyl gel was compared to monomethyl hydrazine/tetraglyme to examine the difference between a highly viscous surface layer (tetraglyme) and a fairly rigid surface layer (hydroxypropyl). Droplets of monomethyl hydrazine and tetraglyme showed increasing swelling frequencies and volume fluctu...
Development of an aeroelastic vibration power harvester

Aeroelastic vibration of structures represents a novel energy harvesting opportunity that may offer significant advantages over traditional wind power devices in many applications. Such a system could complement existing alternative energy sources by allowing for distributed power generation and placement in urban areas. The device configuration of a simple two degree aeroelastic system suitable for piezoelectric power harvesting is presented. The mechanical, electromechanical, and aerodynamic equations of motion governing the dynamics and electrical output of the system as a function of incident wind speed are derived. The response and current output of one design for a bench top scale harvester are simulated and presented. Finally, a strategy for expanding the operating envelope of the power harvester is proposed and discussed.
Molecular characterization of the gyrB region of the oral spirochete, Treponema denticola.

Abstract The nucleotide (nt) sequence of the Treponema denticola ( Td ) DNA gyrase β-subunit gene ( gyrB ) has been determined. Southern blot analysis of Td chromosomal DNA indicated that gyrB is present as a single copy. Approximately 3.2 kb of the nt sequence 5′ and 0.7 kb of nucleotide sequence 3′ of gyrB were obtained. Analysis of the deduced amino acid (aa) sequence revealed two complete open reading frames (ORFs) (ORF1 and ORF3) and a truncated ORF (ORF4′). ORF1 has no homology to sequences in the databases, whereas ORF3 and ORF4′ have significant homology to several bacterial DnaA (replication initiator) and DnaE (DNA polymerase III) proteins respectively. RT-PCR data showed that orf1 – gyrB are co-transcribed, while dnaA – dnaE are co-transcribed but in the opposite direction. These data indicated that the gene organization of the Td gyrB region is unique compared with that of other bacteria. Eighteen putative DnaA boxes with several AT-rich regions were identified in the dnaA – dnaE intergenic region, and three putative DnaA boxes were identified in the gyrB – dnaA intergenic region. Spontaneous coumermycin A 1 -resistant Td mutants were isolated and characterized. The mutants have a >20-fold higher resistance to coumermycin A 1 than wild-type Td . A single point mutation in gyrB that changed GyrB Lys 136 to Glu or Thr appears to be responsible for the coumermycin A 1 resistance.
Retinal ganglion cell survival is promoted by genetically modified astrocytes designed to secrete brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Abstract Genetically engineered cells carrying genes for neurotrophic factors have potential application for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and injuries to the nervous system. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes the survival of specific neurons, including retinal ganglion cells (RGC). To determine whether genetically engineered astrocytes might be used for delivering bioactive BDNF, we infected primary type 1 rat astrocytes with a retrovirus harboring a human prepro-BDNF cDNA and assayed the medium conditioned by these astrocytes for effects on survival of rat RGCs in vitro. High levels of BDNF mRNA were expressed by infected astrocytes, but not by control astrocytes as determined by RNase protection assay using a BDNF specific probe. To test for secretion of bioactive BDNF from the transgenic astrocytes, embryonic day 17 rat retinas were dissociated and grown in medium conditioned (CM) for 24 h by astrocytes infected with a replication deficient retrovirus carrying BDNF, NGF, or alkaline phosphatase (AP) cDNA. After 3 days, the number of Thy-1 immunoreactive RGCs was counted. BDNF astrocyte CM significantly enhanced RGC survival by 15-fold compared to the AP control. NGF astrocyte CM had no significant effect. The rate of BDNF secretion was estimated at 83–166 pg/10 5 cells/h. This study demonstrates that astrocytes can be genetically engineered to synthesize and secrete bioactive BDNF. These techniques may be applicable to rescuing neurons from degenerative processes and also for enhancing their survival following transplantation.
In Vitro Analysis of Two Canine Pelvic Osteotomy Techniques

The ability of two canine pelvic osteotomy techniques to provide lateral rotation of the acetabulum was compared in vitro using an instrumented spatial linkage to measure acetabular displacement. Technique 1 was a double osteotomy and technique 2 was a triple osteotomy. We demonstrated that technique 1 provided more lateral rotation of the acetabulum. Both techniques provided a large amount of acetabular an-teversion. No relationship could be found between pelvic morphometry and final acetabular position. We concluded that the surgeon is the primary factor controlling final acetabular position.
Interactions of polymerizable phosphatidylcholine vesicles with blood components: relevance to biocompatibility.

Abstract We have studied the biocompatibility properties of polymerizable phosphatidylcholine bilayer membranes, in the form of liposomes, with a view toward the eventual utilization of such polymerized lipid assemblies in drug carrier systems or as surface coatings for biomaterials. The SH-based polymerizable lipid 1,2-bis[1,2-(lipoyl)dodecanoyl]-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (dilipoyl lipid, DLL) and the methacryl-based lipid 1,2-bis[(methacryloyloxy)dodecanoyl]-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (dipolymerizable lipid, DPL) were studied in comparison to ‘conventional’ zwitterionic or charged phospholipids. We examined binding of serum proteins to liposomes and effects of liposomes on fibrin clot formation and on platelet aggregation. All types of liposomes tested bound complex mixtures of serum proteins with IgG being the most abundant bound component. DPL vesicles and anionic vesicles bound substantially more protein than other vesicle types. Polymerized DPL vesicles uniquely bound a protein of about 53 kDa which was not bound to other types of phosphatidylcholine liposomes. Likewise polymerized DPL vesicles, but not other types of phosphatidylcholine vesicles, caused a marked alteration in coagulation as measured by activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) tests; this effect was shown to be due to binding and depletion of clothing factor V by the DPL polymerized vesicles. Polymerized DPL liposomes and DLL liposomes in polymerized or nonpolymerized form, were without substantial effect on platelet aggregation. However, DPL nonpolymerized vesicles, while not causing aggregation, did impair ADP-induced aggregation of platelets. These studies suggest that SH based polymerizable lipids of the DLL type may be very suitable for in vivo use in the contexts of drug delivery systems or biomaterials development. Methacryloyl-based lipids of the DPL type seem to display interactions with the hemostatic process which militate against their in vivo utilization.
Applying Evidence-Based Practice in Group Work at an Alternative High School

Social workers often are reluctant to use evidence-based practice in group work. Part of this reluctance is because of the perceived rigidity of the process and its emphasis on research. However, social workers can rely on the four cornerstones of evidence-based practice—research, clinical experience, personal views, and client’s perspective—to provide an evidence-based group intervention. In this article, the authors illustrate how social workers used the four cornerstones at one alternative high school to provide an evidence-based group intervention. These cornerstones were used from the beginning of the process, which started with choosing the type of intervention, through the end of the process, which concluded with assessing the intervention. In this article, the authors show that it is possible for social workers to provide an evidence-based group intervention, while remaining flexible, thereby contributing to social workers’ knowledge of how to use evidence-based practice with groups.
Subjective disorganization: Search for the locus of list organization

If free recall is a function of the organization of a list by the subject, interference with the structure of the organization should retard or inhibit trial by trial acquisition. It is shown that breaking up pairwise organization is not the focal point of list organization. However, removing items recalled in all three outputs in a multiple output paradigm produces effective disorganization and completely inhibits trial by trial improvement in recall.
Optimizing Sparse Matrix-Multiple Vectors Multiplication for Nuclear Configuration Interaction Calculations

Obtaining highly accurate predictions on the properties of light atomic nuclei using the configuration interaction (CI) approach requires computing a few extremal Eigen pairs of the many-body nuclear Hamiltonian matrix. In the Many-body Fermion Dynamics for nuclei (MFDn) code, a block Eigen solver is used for this purpose. Due to the large size of the sparse matrices involved, a significant fraction of the time spent on the Eigen value computations is associated with the multiplication of a sparse matrix (and the transpose of that matrix) with multiple vectors (SpMM and SpMM_T). Existing implementations of SpMM and SpMM_T significantly underperform expectations. Thus, in this paper, we present and analyze optimized implementations of SpMM and SpMM_T. We base our implementation on the compressed sparse blocks (CSB) matrix format and target systems with multi-core architectures. We develop a performance model that allows us to understand and estimate the performance characteristics of our SpMM kernel implementations, and demonstrate the efficiency of our implementation on a series of real-world matrices extracted from MFDn. In particular, we obtain 3-4 speedup on the requisite operations over good implementations based on the commonly used compressed sparse row (CSR) matrix format. The improvements in the SpMM kernel suggest we may attain roughly a 40% speed up in the overall execution time of the block Eigen solver used in MFDn.
On the interpretation of apparent heats of adsorption from kinetics for a nonuniform surface

An analysis was performed of the rate temperature maximum in the Langmuir-Hinshelwood-type disproportionation of propylene on cobalt molybdate described by Moffat and Clark, for a nonuniform surface with discrete sites of 8, 10, and 12 kcal/mole heats of adsorption and for a continuous distribution of sites of 8-12 kcal/mole. The results show that this small distribution of site energies can have a large effect on the apparent heats of adsorption, which can be less than the smallest actual value and can become negative for a broad distribution of adsorption heats. Therefore, reactions may exhibit a rate temperature maximum even if the apparent heat of adsorption is significantly less than half the activation energy.
Artificial rearing of mouse pups: development of a mouse pup in a cup model.

Artificial rearing of rat pups has been used in the investigation of the neonatal gut. We propose to adapt the model of artificially rearing rat pups for use in mouse pups, thereby allowing the use of transgenic animals for our research. We hypothesized that gastrostomy catheters may be placed successfully into neonatal mouse pups and that the pups may be artificially reared without significant alterations in their growth or intestinal development. Gastrostomy tubes are placed into 5-d-old mouse pups [artificially reared (AR); n = 32], and the mice are fed rodent milk substitute. Littermate pups [maternally reared (MR); n = 22] are used as controls. After 5 d, pups are killed and their organs are harvested. Intestinal villus measurements, protein content, and DNA content are determined. Data are reported as mean ± SEM, compared with appropriate statistical methods, and significance is determined at P < 0.05. Initial weights and lengths are not different between the two groups, but after 5 d, MR pups weigh more than their AR counterparts (5.0 ± 0.13 versus 4.1 ± 0.14 g, MR versus AR; P < 0.01). However, the pups' length and the intestinal villus height-to-width ratios, protein, and DNA content are not different between the MR and AR pups. To our knowledge, this is the first report of artificially rearing mouse pups. Development of this technique will permit nutritional manipulation in neonatal mice, a mammalian model wherein the genome is sequenced and transgenic mutants are available.
A Spectre is Haunting American Scholars: The Spectre of “Professionism”

This essay in the Educational Researcher, by Walter Metzger, is a critical appraisal of recent scholarship on professionalism in our society. It deserves a wide reading m the educational research community because professionalism is an animating theme in the current wave of reform whose implications are complex, controversial, and ill understood. An appreciation of shifts in scholarship on professionalism supplies insight on current policy issues and will improve the debate underway on the proper nature and direction of reform.
A labile, serum-dependent uridine uptake function in mouse embryo cells.

Stimulation of uridine uptake in serum-less mouse embryo cells by serum repletion has been shown to require the continual presence of serum for maintenance of maximum activity. Removal of serum terminates further stimulation and is followed by a rapid decay of uptake capacity characterized by a 2–4-fold decrease in V with no change in the apparent Km of the reaction. Acquisition of uptake capacity is sensitive to inhibitors of both RNA (actinomycin D) and protein (cycloheximide) synthesis. Insulin is shown to substitute for serum in the stimulation of uridine uptake in serum-less cells. Levels of uridine kinase activity do not correlate with uptake capacity in response to either serum or metabolic inhibitors, suggesting that this enzyme is not responsible for the control of uptake. It is proposed that uridine uptake in mouse embryo cells is controlled by a labile system which requires input from the extra-cellular environment to maintain functional capacity. The identity of the rate-limiting process is not known at this time, but is postulated to be some part of the carrier system.
In vitro evaluation of the antioxidant activities in fruit extracts from citron and blood orange

Abstract Consumers are increasingly aware of diet related health problems and therefore demanding natural ingredients which are expected to be safe and health-promoting. Recently, number of studies on health benefits associated with citrus phytochemicals have been demonstrated. In the present study, an attempt has been made to isolate antioxidant fractions from two different citrus species such as Citron ( Citrus medica ) and blood orange ( C. sinensis ). Antioxidant fractions were extracted from mature, ripe fruits using five different solvents using a Soxhlet extractor. The total phenolic content of the extracts was determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method. MeOH:water (80:20) extract of citron and acetone extract of blood orange was found to contain maximum phenolics. The dried fractions were screened for their antioxidant activity potential using in vitro model systems such as 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), phosphomolybdenum method and as well as by the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction test at different concentrations. The MeOH:water (80:20) fraction of citron showed highest radical scavenging activity 42.5%, 77.8% and 92.1% at 250, 500 and 1000 ppm, respectively, while MeOH:water (80:20) fraction of blood orange showed lowest DPPH radical scavenging activity at all the tested concentrations. Furthermore, all the fractions showed remarkable antioxidant capacity by the formation of phosphomolybdenum complex. In addition, superoxide radical scavenging activity was assayed using non-enzymatic (NADH/phenaxine methosulfate) superoxide generating system. All the extracts showed variable radical scavenging activity. The data obtained in the in vitro models clearly establish the antioxidant potency of citrus fruit extracts. However, comprehensive studies need to be conducted to ascertain the in vivo safety of such extracts in experimental animal models. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on antioxidant activity of citron and blood orange varieties of citrus fruits.
Human adenovirus type 19 infection of corneal cells induces p38 MAPK-dependent interleukin-8 expression

Background Human adenovirus type 19 (HAdV-19) is a major cause of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, the only ocular adenoviral infection associated with prolonged corneal inflammation. In this study, we investigated the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in HAdV-19 infection, with particular attention to the role of p38 MAPK in the transcriptional control of interleukin-8 (IL-8), a chemokine previously shown to be central to the initiation of adenovirus keratitis.
Mechanics Analysis of Protective Casing and Splicing Sleeve

The splicing sleeve is the important part in the transmission line construction. The stresses of the sleeve and its protective casing are analyzed by finite element method over the stringing sheave. Several important positions are investigated in the equipment. Typical situations are selected covering the entire stringing procedure, including horizontal position, 45-degree position and vertical position. Based upon the results, the safety assessment of the protective casing and splicing sleeve is conducted according schemes.
Circuit theory of optical antenna shedding light on fundamental limit of rate enhancement

A circuit model of a single-element linear optical antenna is presented. It agrees well with FDTD simulations and predicts spreading resistance will ultimately limit the maximum rate enhancement an efficient antenna can achieve to ~10,000.
Long-Term Effect of Primary Immunization on Subsequent Immune Responsiveness

Abstract Specific antigen/adjuvant combinations preferentially induce type 1 or type 2 cytokine responses. For example, BALB/c mice primed with TNP-ovalbumin in complete Freund's adjuvant (TNP-OVA/CFA) produce a type 2-dominated response characterized by the activation of IL-4-secreting cells and the production of IgG1 and IgE anti-TNP antibodies. In contrast, mice primed with TNP conjugated to Brucella abortus (TNP-BA) produce a type 1 response dominated by the secretion of IFN-γ and IgG2a anti-TNP antibodies. We examined whether treating young mice with these antigen/adjuvant combinations altered the cytokine profile of their subsequent immune responses. Mice immunized with TNP–BA and boosted several months later with TNP-OVA/CFA developed a cytokine and antibody profile similar to the priming rather than boosting antigen. This was also observed in mice immunized with TNP-OVA/CFA and boosted with TNP-BA. Both the ratio of IL-4:IFN-γ-secreting cells and the isotype of antibodies produced by these mice were altered by primary immunization. Analysis of Con A-responsive cells from these animals showed that long-lived changes in the frequency of T lymphocytes available to secrete type 1 versus type 2 cytokines were induced by strong primary immunogens.
Sexuality within a Russian geriatric sample : a pilot study

This paper provides preliminary data on sexual functioning within a sample of 19 Russian geriatric respondents who completed selected items from the Starr-Weiner questionnaire assessing areas such as sexual interest and frequency, sexual dysfunction, and sexual attitudes. All 8 men and 9 of the women reported being sexually active. Like American seniors, differences in activity appeared to be moderated by gender and over-all physical health. Sexual dysfunction among these Russians was less than that reported by Stern and Stern in 1979. Also, the Russian seniors reported tolerance toward sexual topics such as homosexuality. Finally, limitations of the present study and research recommendations are mentioned.
The normal spectral emittance of erbium, dysprosium and samarium above 1000 K

An apparatus for measuring the normal spectral emittance (λ = 0.645 μ.) of metals with very high vapor pressures has been designed and used for erbium, dysprosium and samarium at temperatures above 1000 K. The samples are maintained in an argon atmosphere at a pressure slightly above atmospheric pressure. The measured normal spectral emittances are: Erbium, (solid), ∈ nλ = 0.372 ± 0.011; (liquid), ∈ nλ = 0.372 ± 0.011; Dysprosium, (solid), ∈ nλ = 0.631 – 1.889 × 10–4 T (deg K); (liquid), ∈ nλ = 0.297 ± 0.088; Samarium, (solid), ∈ nλ = 0.437 ± 0.030; (liquid, estimated), ∈ nλ = 0.437 ± 0.03.
Functional Versus Developmental Assessment Influences on Instructional Planning Decisions

To examine the effects of the type of assessment report on educators' planning decisions, 86 educators of students with severe mental retardation were assigned randomly to one of two groups, those reading a functional assessment report or those reading a developmental assessment report for the same student with severe mental retardation. After reading the assessment report, each educator wrote five instructional objectives and made recommendations for service delivery. No significant differences were found in the quality of Individualized Education Program (IEP) objectives. However, more participants in the developmental group recommended related services than those in the functional group. In addition, educators who read the functional reports recommended less restrictive placements than those who read developmental reports.
Behavior-Dependent Contexts for Repeated Plays of the Prisoner's Dilemma

This article analyzes the game-theoretic stability of three strategies, Tit-For-Tat (TFT), all-Defect (all-D), and all-Cooperate (all-C), that actors might use for repeated plays of the Prisoner's Dilemma (PD). The probability that there will be a next play is assumed to depend on the current behavior of one of the actors—it is w after cooperation and u after a defection—and two cases are examined. The first case is where an actor assumes that the continuation probability depends on its own behavior, and the second is where the continuation probability is assumed to depend on the other actor's behavior. It is shown that the potential for mutual cooperation is higher in the first case than in the second. A detailed examination of the first case reveals that when the ratio (1 - w)/(1 - u) is sufficiently extreme for certain classes of PD, the “cooperative” strategy TFT is stable and the “noncooperative” strategy all-D is unstable. For these classes of PD, it is thus possible both for cooperation to be maint...
IN VITRO METABOLISM OF A POTENT HIV-PROTEASE INHIBITOR (141W94) USING RAT,MONKEY AND HUMAN LIVER S9

Compound 141W94 (Vertex VX478) (3S)-tetrahydro-3-furyl N-[((S,2R)-3-(4-amino-N-isobutylbenzenesulfonamido)-1-benzyl- 2-hydroxypropyl] carbamate, is a potent HIV-protease inhibitor and is currently undergoing clinical trials. The purpose of this study was the rapid identification of the phase I and II in vitro metabolite of 141W94 using mass spectrometry. Four different sources of liver S9 fractions were used for studying comparative in vitro metabolism of 141W94. They were obtained from Arochlor-induced rat, normal (untreated) rat, cynomolgus monkey and human livers. Selected incubations were supplemented with uridine diphosphate glucuronic acid and the reduced form of glutathione. The predominant species seen in the incubation mixture was the parent compound 141W94. Metabolites arising from ring opening to form the diol and carboxylic acid and oxidation of the tetrahydrofurran ring (formation of dihydrofuran) were identified. In addition, of the two monohydroxylated products identified, one resulted from hydroxylation on the aniline ring and the other from hydroxylation at the benzylic position. Two different glucuronides were also observed. Comparing the three species, very little metabolism was seen in the normal (non-induced) rat. The metabolic profile and extent of metabolism with induced rat, monkey and human S9 was similar. Induced rat S9 incubation showed the formation of two unique metabolites that were not seen in non-induced rat, monkey and human S9 fractions. They were the monohydroxylated glucuronide and a carbamate cleavage product. The metabolites were identified using mass spectrometry based on their molecular masses and fragmentation patterns.
The inflammatory response of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, to infection by the microsporidian, Nosema sphingidis

Abstract A histological description is presented of the reaction of hemocytes of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta , to infection by the microsporidian Nosema sphingidis . Nodule formation on the posterior portion of the midgut epithelium was detected within 24 hr post-exposure to spores. By 120 hr, the inflammatory response was striking, with extensive nodule formation at the site of infected midgut cells labial glands, Malpighian tubules, and adipose tissue. In the late stages of infection, the posterior portion of the midgut was extensively deranged, with intense hemocytic infiltration and melanization. Since few similar observations have been reported, a discussion of immune responses of insects to microsporidian infection is presented.
Problems of the Arctic and Arctic: Volume 53

Volume 53 of Problems of the Arctic and Antarctic was published in Leningrad, U.S.S.R., in 1978. Most of the papers in this volume were read and discussed at the Sixth Annual Conference of Young Specialists of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, which took place in Leningrad in February, 1976. The papers are based on research conducted in the early to mid-1970's and it is hardly surprising that most of them are very much out of date 10 years later in this first English translation, commissioned by the National Science Foundation.