cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of insecticides and GABAergic agents on a house fly [35S]t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate binding site☆

Abstract Specific binding of [ 35 S] t -butylbicyclophosphorothionate ([ 35 S]TBPS) to a house fly thorax-plus-abdomen membrane preparation at 20°C is characterized by apparent K d and B max values of 0.21 μ M and 2.5 pmol/mg protein, respectively, an association half-time of 13 min at 2 n M , and a biphasic dissociation curve showing half-times of 15 and 35 min. Specific binding is reduced at 37°C apparently due to instability of the receptor-ligand complex and at 0°C as the result of very slow association. [ 35 S]TBPS binding is diminished by detergents, stimulated by GABA at low ligand concentration, and inhibited by picrotoxinin and certain barbiturates, benzodiazepines, bicyclophosphorus compounds, and polychlorocycloalkane insecticides. The potency of TBPS and three related phosphorothionates in displacing [ 35 S]TBPS parallels their toxicity on injection into house flies; the corresponding bicyclophosphates are less active in both assays. Cyclodienes of low toxicity are generally poor inhibitors of radioligand binding. α-Endosulfan and syn -12-hydroxyendrin are more potent than their β and anti isomers, respectively, both as inhibitors of TBPS binding and as toxicants. Analysis of Scatchard plots indicates that picrotoxinin and heptachlor epoxide are non-competitive inhibitors of [ 35 S]TBPS binding. The [ 35 S]TBPS binding site of the house fly membrane preparation differs from that extensively studied in mammalian brain with respect to their responses to many insecticides and GABAergic agents.
Allergic fungal sinusitis: An immunohistologic analysis ☆ ☆☆

Abstract Background: Allergic fungal sinusitis is a noninvasive form of fungal sinusitis that has recently been delineated as a distinct clinicopathologic entity. It is increasingly recognized as a cause of chronic sinusitis, with the primary causative agents being members of the Dematiaceae fungus family. Although its immunopathogenesis has not been elucidated, the eosinophil is a prominent inflammatory cell on histologic examination. Objective: We sought to characterize the involvement of eosinophils in sinus tissue and accompanying mucin from patients with allergic fungal sinusitis. As a comparison, neutrophil and mast cell involvement was also evaluated in the same group of patients. Methods: Tissue specimens from 8 patients with allergic fungal sinusitis, along with 8 nasal polyp specimens from patients without allergic fungal sinusitis, were stained by using indirect immunofluorescence for eosinophil granule major basic protein (MBP). Neutrophil elastase and mast cell tryptase staining was also performed on the same allergic fungal sinusitis and nasal polyp tissues. Results: MBP was diffusely localized within the mucin, showing intense staining at the periphery and variable staining of degenerated cell clusters throughout. Extracellular MBP in the mucin was strikingly greater than intact eosinophil staining. Diffuse extracellular neutrophil elastase was also present in the mucin. Mucinous areas showed no tryptase localization. Adjacent nonmucinous areas of respiratory mucosa showed predominantly cellular staining with eosinophil MBP, neutrophil elastase, and mast cell tryptase. MBP staining of nasal polyps showed a predominantly cellular pattern with focal areas of extracellular deposition. Conclusions: Given the known toxicities of eosinophil granule MBP and neutrophil elastase, their extracellular presence supports the contribution of these proteins in the pathogenesis of allergic fungal sinusitis and further indicates that eosinophil and neutrophil activation occurs in the disease. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;106:1096-101.)
Differential Susceptibility of Spleen Focus-Forming Virus and Murine Leukemia Viruses to Ansamycin Antibiotics

Abstract The streptovaricin complex (SvCx) and rifamycin SV derivatives display potent antiviral activity against the polycythemic strain of Friend leukemia virus (FV-P), as measured by a reduction in the number of spleen foci produced in mice. Such reductions may be explained by inactivation of functions of (i) the spleen focus-forming virus (SFFV), (ii) its “helper” murine leukemia virus (MuLV), or (iii) both viruses normally present in FV-P. We noted that preincubation of FV-P with fractionation products of SvCx, or derivatives of rifamycin SV, at low concentrations (3 to 5 μg/ml) reduces the number of spleen foci 80 to 97%, whereas titers of MuLV (from the same inoculum) remain unaffected (MuLV titers were measured by XC, S+L−, and “helper activity” assays). Our findings indicate a remarkable biological selectivity of ansamycins, as well as nonansamycin components of SvCx, against the transforming and defective spleen focus-forming virus as compared to MuLV. Thus, the drugs might be useful in distinguishing other types of oncornaviruses.
Thermal fatigue resistance of open cell ceramic foams

Abstract A variety of open cell ceramic foams were subjected to rapid thermal cycles by infrared heating and forced air cooling to study the thermal fatigue behaviour of these materials. After cycling, the extent of damage in the samples was determined by measuring the elastic modulus using dynamic resonance (non-destructive test) and the retained strength in three-point bending (destructive test). It was found that the retained elastic modulus and strength gradually decreased with an increase in the number of cycles, followed by a saturation behaviour indicating a damage accumulation mechanism. The extent of damage was found to depend on the cellular structure parameters (i.e. cell size and density), composition, as well as thermal cycling variables, such as maximum temperature, cooling rate, etc.
Metropolitan Wage Levels of Less‐Educated Workers: 1986 to 1999

This work investigates determinants of metropolitan wage levels for workers with a high school education or less. It estimates their wage levels as a function of four factors: labor demand, industry mix, unionization, and the minimum wage. Labor demand and union strength influence wage levels most. The minimum wage and industry mix play smaller roles, although the minimum wage is the second most influential factor for men and women who did not complete high school. From 1990 to 1999, metropolitan wage levels exhibit considerable persistence, though persistence declines over this period.
The use of M-mode echocardiography to identify the true lumen in aortic dissection.

Aortic dissection is a tear in the intimal lining of the aorta, with subsequent flow of blood into a false lumen. Determining which lumen is the true lumen is often clinically important, particularly if involvement of the coronary arteries is suggested. The use of M-mode imaging on echocardiography is often underused in the diagnosis of aortic dissection 1 and determining the true lumen in aortic dissection. 2 In the vast majority of cases, the pressure and velocity in the true lumen is greater than that in the false lumen in early systole. 3 In early systole, the pressure in the true lumen increases, expanding the true lumen while compressing the false lumen. This is described as pulsating oscillations or fluttering of the intimal flap. 4 On M-mode this is easily seen as expansion of the true lumen immediately after the QRS
Dihydroxy- and Tetrahydroxydicarbahemiporphyrazine: Phthalocyanine Analogues with Phenol and Resorcinol Units

The synthesis of the phthalocyanine variant dicarbahemiporphyrazine (1) follows a simple Schiff base condensation protocol, and can be readily modified to incorporate a variety of modified benzene rings into the macrocycle. In this report, we present the synthesis of dihydroxydicarbahemiporphyrazine (2) and tetrahydroxydicarbahemiporphyrazine (3), hemiporphyrazines in which two phenol and two resorcinol groups, respectively, have been incorporated into the backbone of the macrocycle. The structures of the two macrocycles have been elucidated by X-ray diffraction, and both adopt planar conformations due to the tautomerization of the internal hydrogen atoms to meso nitrogen positions. The Ag I complexes of both rings are also presented, and the structures of both complexes Ag2 and Ag3 have also been elucidated by single-crystal X-ray methods. In both Ag2 and Ag3, the structures of the macrocycles closely resemble that observed in the Ag I complex of 1, where the metal atom adopts a three-coordinate geometry with two agostic-type interactions with the internal C-H units from the phenol or resorcinol rings.
Spatial and temporal response properties of secondary neurons that receive convergent input in vestibular nuclei of alert cats

Responses to rotation in many vertical and horizontal planes were studied in electrically identified secondary vestibular neurons of alert cats. This report concerns secondary neurons that gave responses which could not be explained as due to a summation of semicircular canal inputs. These cells responded to sinusoidal rotation of the cat in any vertical plane, and response phase depended on the plane of rotation. The responses were modeled as the result of summation of two inputs that differed in their spatial orientations and dynamics. Response dynamics and a comparison of responses to vertical and horizontal rotations showed that some cells were sensitive to rotation with respect to gravity. Their responses both to gravity and horizontal rotations argue that these secondary neurons received convergent otolith and canal inputs. Some cells also had oculomotor related discharges and/or responded weakly to neck rotation.
Threats of future climate change and land use to vulnerable tree species native to Southern California

Climate and land-use changes are expected to drive high rates of environmental change and biodiversity loss in Mediterranean ecosystems this century. This paper compares the relative future impacts of land use and climate change on two vulnerable tree species native to Southern California (Juglans californica and Quercus engelmannii) using species distribution models. Under the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change's A1B future scenario, high levels of both projected land use and climate change could drive considerable habitat losses on these two already heavily-impacted tree species. Under scenarios of no dispersal, projected climate change poses a greater habitat loss threat relative to projected land use for both species. Assuming unlimited dispersal, climate-driven habitat gains could offset some of the losses due to both drivers, especially in J. californica which could experience net habitat gains under combined impacts of both climate change and land use. Quercus engelmannii, in contrast, could experience net habitat losses under combined impacts, even under best-case unlimited dispersal scenarios. Similarly, projected losses and gains in protected habitat are highly sensitive to dispersal scenario, with anywhere from > 60% loss in protected habitat (no dispersal) to > 170% gain in protected habitat (unlimited dispersal). The findings underscore the importance of dispersal in moderating future habitat loss for vulnerable species.
Body Mass Index Correlates Negatively With White Matter Integrity in The Fornix And Corpus Callosum: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study

Overweight or obese body habitus is associated with cognitive deficits, impaired brain function, gray matter atrophy, and white matter (WM) hyperintensities. However, few diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have assessed WM integrity in relation to overweight or obese status. This study assessed relationships between body mass index (BMI) and values of DTI parameters among 51 normal weight (lean), overweight, and obese participants who were otherwise healthy. BMI correlated negatively with fractional anisotropy and axial eigenvalues (λ1) in the body of corpus callosum (CC), positively with mean diffusivity and radial eigenvalues (λ⟂) in the fornix and splenium of CC, and positively with λ1 in the right corona radiata (CR) and superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). These data indicate that BMI correlates negatively with WM integrity in the fornix and CC. Furthermore, the different patterns of BMI-related differences in DTI parameters at the fornix, body, and splenium of the CC, and the right CR and SLF suggest that different biological processes may underlie BMI-related impairments of WM integrity in different brain regions. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inverse scattering and evolution equations

On justifie certaines relations formelles bien connues entre les equations d'evolution a 2 variables et les problemes spectraux pour des systemes d'ordre 1 d'equations differentielles. On demontre un resultat d'existence globale pour certaines equations d'evolution
Polyesters: Phase behavior in binary blends: Amorphous, crystalline, liquid crystals, and on transreaction

Abstract Thermal and mechanical studies on several linear polyesters have revealed their behavior in crystalline, liquid crystalline, and amorphous phases. The phase behavior of binary compositions has also been studied by DSC and in combinations including the polycarbonate of bisphenol-A. Regions of amorphous compatibility and incompatibility have been identified. The conditions for transesterification have also been determined and the thermal properties measured for the resultant new polyesters.
Measurements, theory, and modeling of OH formation in ethyl + O2 and propyl + O2 reactions

The time-resolved formation of OH from ethyl + O2 and propyl + O2 reactions has been measured by OH laser-induced fluorescence in pulsed-photolytic Cl-initiated oxidation of ethane and propane between 296 and 700 K. The propane oxidation produces more OH at each temperature than does ethane oxidation. Above 600 K, the peak amplitudes of the OH signals from both reactions increase sharply with increasing temperature. Solutions to the time-dependent master equation for the C2H5 + O2, i-C3H7 + O2, and n-C3H7 + O2 reactions, employing previously published ab initio characterizations of the stationary points of the systems, have been used to produce temperature-dependent parameterizations that predict the rate constants for formation of all of the products (R + O2, RO2, QOOH, OH + aldehydes, OH + O-heterocycles, HO2 + alkene). These parameterizations are utilized in rate equation models to compare to experimental results for HO2 and OH formation in Cl-initiated ethane and propane oxidation. The models accurate...
Rheumatic manifestations of hepatitis B virus infection

E LECTRON MICROGRAPHS present the different forms of the HB virus as found in serum as consisting of a large 42 nm sphere, known as the Dane particle which represents the complete virion, and 22 nm spheres and fiiaments representing excess viral coat of the larger particle. These different structures circulate in serum in a relative ratio of 1700 spheres to 100 filaments to 1 Dane particle. There are 3 wellrecognized antigenic determinants of the HB virus with a 4th, newer determinant, the delta antigen, currently under investigation.‘,’ The surface antigen, HBsAg, appears on all 3 forms of the virus. There are 4 subtypic determinants and infection with one subtype does not confer protective immunity against a different subtype.3*4 The molecular weight of the surface antigen is 25 million daltons and both its antigenicity and subtypic determinants reside in a 49,000 MW polypeptide that can be released from the outer coat of the 22 nm spheres by solubilization (5). The strong affinity of the surface antigen for albumin may account for the liver tropism of the virus.6,7 The core antigen, HBcAg, is the nucleocapsid of the Dane particle and consists of two major polypeptides MW 16,000 and 68,000.*,9 The antigen can be released by detergent disruption of the Dane particle, and is seen by immunofluorescence to be localized mainly in the nuclei of the infected hepatocyte. The e antigen was postulated to have an intimate association with the Dane particle because of clinical correlations with infectivity and chronicity, but its source has only recently been clarified. Earlier evidence suggested that the e antigen was itself an IgG
Novel prospects for electroluminescent displays

The field of displays is still evolving. New principles and technological breakthroughs overcome earlier limitations. Electroluminescence appears on the threshold of significant changes, hence it is too early to set standards. The driving voltage is coming down, brightness and efficiency are increasing, and the color range is expanding. In this paper we review several developments that may lead to new EL devices: excitation by tunneling hot carriers, recombination of electron-hole pairs injected by pn junctions into wide bandgap materials, and the use of quantum wells to increase brightness and efficiency and to adjust the color by mechanical design rather than by chemical strategy (e.g. doping).© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Members of the Nuclear Factor 1 Transcription Factor Family Regulate Rat 3α-Hydroxysteroid/Dihydrodiol Dehydrogenase (3α-HSD/DD AKR1C9) Gene Expression: A Member of the Aldo-keto Reductase Superfamily

Rat 3α-hydroxysteroid/dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (3α-HSD/DD; AKR1C9), a member of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily, inactivates nearly all steroid hormones by converting 5α- and 5β-dihydrosteroids to their respective 3α,5α- and 3α,5β-tetrahydrosteroids and protects against circulating steroid hormone excess. It is highly expressed in rat liver comprising 0.5–1.0% of the soluble protein. Previously, we identified a powerful distal enhancer resident at about −4.0 kb to −2.0 kb in the 5′-flanking region of the 3α-HSD/DD gene. We now report the functional dissection of this enhancer. Transfection of nested deletions of the 5′-end of the gene promoter linked to chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) into HepG2 cells located the enhancer activity between (−4673 to −4179 bp). Further internal and 5′-end deletion mutants revealed that a 73-bp fragment (from −4351 to− 4279 bp) contained a major enhancer element. This fragment spanned two imperfect direct repeats GTGGAAAAACCCAGGAA and GTGGA-AAAAACCCAGGAA a...
A refinement of the relationship between economic growth and income inequality

There is mixed evidence in the literature of a clear relationship between income inequality and economic growth. Most of that work has focused almost exclusively on developed economies. In what we believe to be a first effort, our emphasis is solely on developing economics, which we classify as high-income and low-income developing countries (HIDC and LIDC). We make such distinction on theoretical and empirical grounds. Empirically, the World Bank has classified developing economies in this manner since 1978. The data in our sample are also supportive of such classifications. We provide theoretical scaffolding that uses asymmetric credit constraints as a premise for separating developing economies in such a way. We find strong evidence of a negative relationship between income inequality and economic growth in LIDC to be in stark contrast with a positive inequality–growth relationship for HIDC. Both correlations are statistically significant across multiple econometric specifications. Using international ...
Polynomial-time solvable cases of the capacitated multi-echelon shipping network scheduling problem with delivery deadlines

Abstract We consider the problem of operations scheduling for a capacitated multi-echelon shipping network with delivery deadlines. Over the network, semi-finished goods are shipped from origins to many demand points through a capacitated network consisting of shipping links and capacitated processing centers. The shipping operations are performed by a fleet of transporters which require time to travel from one location to another. Each demand point has a specified shipment quantity and a deadline for delivery. The problem is to find a feasible operation schedule to minimize the shipping and penalty cost. This problem is a computationally difficult one because of its inherent combinatorial nature. We report three polynomial-time solvable cases of this problem with (a) identical order quantities; (b) designated suppliers; and (c) divisible customer order sizes. These results reveal some interesting properties of the problem, and can be used to facilitate the design of fast heuristics for operations scheduling of capacitated shipping networks.
Molecular recognition of angiogenesis inhibitors fumagillin and ovalicin by methionine aminopeptidase 2

Angiogenesis inhibitors are a novel class of promising therapeutic agents for treating cancer and other human diseases. Fumagillin and ovalicin compose a class of structurally related natural products that potently inhibit angiogenesis by blocking endothelial cell proliferation. A synthetic analog of fumagillin, TNP-470, is currently undergoing clinical trials for treatment of a variety of cancers. A common target for fumagillin and ovalicin recently was identified as the type 2 methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP2). These natural products bind MetAP2 covalently, inhibiting its enzymatic activity. The specificity of this binding is underscored by the lack of inhibition of the closely related type 1 enzyme, MetAP1. The molecular basis of the high affinity and specificity of these inhibitors for MetAP2 has remained undiscovered. To determine the structural elements of these inhibitors and MetAP2 that are involved in this interaction, we synthesized fumagillin analogs in which each of the potentially reactive epoxide groups was removed either individually or in combination. We found that the ring epoxide in fumagillin is involved in the covalent modification of MetAP2, whereas the side chain epoxide group is dispensable. By using a fumagillin analog tagged with fluorescein, His-231 in MetAP2 was identified as the residue that is covalently modified by fumagillin. Site-directed mutagenesis of His-231 demonstrated its importance for the catalytic activity of MetAP2 and confirmed that the same residue is covalently modified by fumagillin. These results, in agreement with a recent structural study, suggest that fumagillin and ovalicin inhibit MetAP2 by irreversible blockage of the active site.
Synthesis and electronic properties of poly (E, E)‐[6.2]‐(2,5) thiophenophane‐1,5‐diene)

Cationic cyclopolymerization of (E, E)-[6.2]-(2,5) thiophenophane-1,5-diene (2) gave polymer 3 which has bridged thiophene rings pendant to the polymer backbone. The structural, thermal, and electronic properties of polymer 3 were compared to those of its benzene analogue (1) and its nonbridged analogue poly (2-vinylthiophene) (5). The onsets of thermal degradation for polymers 3 and 5 under helium were 425 and 382°C, respectively. Polymer 3 exhibited conductivity in the 10−3−10−4 S/cm range when exposed to iodine vapor, four orders of magnitude higher than for 5 treated in the same manner. Apparent energies of activation for conductivity in iodine saturated polymers 3 (0.57 eV) and 5 (0.61 eV) were calculated from conductivity temperature dependence measurements. Conductivity parameters for iodine saturated 3 show both a higher level of conductivity and weaker temperature dependence than for the corresponding cyclopolymer 1 which has benzene rather than thiophene moieties, suggesting that greater charge generation occurs in 3, due to the lower oxidation potential of the thiophenophane repeat units. Differences in conductivity behavior for iodine saturated polymers 1, 3, and 5 are discussed in terms of both charge generation and mobility. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ultrathin Films of Ruthenium on Low Index Platinum Single Crystal Surfaces: An Electrochemical Study

We report on electrochemical properties of ultrathin films of ruthenium on platinum single crystal surfaces, Pt(100), Pt(111) and Pt(110), and demonstrate that such films can be obtained by spontaneous deposition. We also show that the spontaneously deposited ruthenium coverage is surface structure dependent. Using the spontaneous deposition process and a constant potential electrolysis, a variety of Pt/Ru surfaces up to ca. 0.4 monolayer of ruthenium were prepared. All such Ru films are stable in the electrode potential range that precedes platinum oxidation. A strong surface structure effect in the electrochemical properties of these thin films was found. On Pt(100)/Ru at a fixed Ru coverage, there is a transition from a reversible to irreversible surface redox behavior that is not observed on other platinum single crystal faces. In contrast to Pt(100)/Ru and Pt(110)/Ru, the individual voltammetric phases of the Pt(111)/Ru electrode are not resolved, and ruthenium surface oxides appear to be the most st...
A Multi-spectrum Framework for Characterizing Interdisciplinary Capstone Design Experiences☆

Abstract At the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) and many other engineering schools, the culminating experience prior to award of a degree is a capstone design experience. The desired outcomes for such a capstone design experience are very similar across engineering programs. Each program or discipline has freedom in how they achieve these outcomes, so long as it is a deliberate and traceable approach back to the desired outcomes. This freedom allows each discipline to tailor their capstone design experiences to those appropriate to their domains. When students are developed fully within a single discipline program that also offers their capstone, the structure promotes alignment of the student, instructor, and advisor expectations. However, as students are assigned outside of their core discipline to support other capstones, misunderstanding of how their unique skills support the capstone outcomes increases. The ability to then compare capstones beyond the top-level outcomes becomes difficult. This is the case for systems engineering (SE) majors at USAFA where they are allocated to other engineering capstones. In order to trace these distributed students’ capstones back to a common set of outcomes, a framework for understanding the full spectrum of their experiences is needed. This paper will review previous work in characterizing capstone experiences, present the method used to frame USAFA's capstones, and show a proposed a set of key characteristics and associated rubrics that will be used in future research.
Commentary: Are Aesthetic Grading Scales only a Research Tool?

Derek Jones, MD, serves as an investigator, consultant and speaker to Allergan and Merz/Bioform.
Viral Nanoparticles as Platforms for Next-Generation Therapeutics and Imaging Devices

Abstract Nanomaterials have been developed for potential applications in biomedicine, such as tissue-specific imaging and drug delivery. There are many different platforms under development, each with advantages and disadvantages, but viral nanoparticles (VNPs) are particularly attractive because they are naturally occurring nanomaterials, and as such they are both biocompatible and biodegradable. VNPs can be designed and engineered using both genetic and chemical protocols. The use of VNPs has evolved rapidly since their introduction 20 years ago, encompassing numerous chemistries and modification strategies that allow the functionalization of VNPs with imaging reagents, targeting ligands, and therapeutic molecules. This review discusses recent advances in the design of “smart” targeted VNPs for therapeutic and imaging applications. From the Clinical Editor This review focuses on viral nanoparticles, which are considered attractive naturally occurring nanomaterials due to their inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability. These can be used as imaging reagents, targeting ligands and therapeutic molecules.
Pulsed Monitoring for Watershed and Stream Restoration

Abstract Long-term habitat degradation has increased public recognition of the need for watershed and stream habitat restoration. With such recognition is the demand for accountability, but the effects of restoration and recovery of watersheds are complex and long-term. A monitoring program that provides sufficient information to evaluate the effectiveness of these efforts will be expensive. A pulsed monitoring strategy that consists of a series of short-term (3–5 years), high-intensity studies separated by longer periods (10–15 years) of low-density data collection can provide an effective means of implementing a long-term monitoring program with a reasonable degree of success and cost.
How does students' motivation relate to peer-moderated online interactions?

Motivation has been recognized as a crucial factor that influences learning success. However, little research as addressed students' motivation in peer-moderated online interactions. This study conducted a content analysis of online discussions to discover how students' motivation relates with their interaction and knowledge construction in peer-moderated online discussions. The results indicate that intrinsic motivation was significantly correlated with students' elaboration processes and knowledge transfer. However, no significant correlation was observed between intrinsic motivation and students' moderation behaviors. The findings suggest that instructional designers and teachers in online classes should integrate strategies to promote students' motivation, and more importantly, they should scaffold student moderators to achieve meaningful learning in peer-moderated online discussions.
Single layer Al(2)O(3).H(2)O and multilayer Al(2) O(3).H(2) O-SiO(2) optical coatings prepared from colloidal suspensions.

Single layer coatings of Al2O3·H2O have been prepared on fused silica and BK-7 substrates from aqueous colloidal suspensions of hydrated alumina at room temperature. These coatings were porous and had a refractive index of ∼1.44. Multilayer, high reflectivity, dielectric coatings were also prepared by laying down quarterwave-thick, alternating coats of this alumina with silica, also prepared from colloidal suspension, and having a refractive index of 1.22. To achieve 99% reflectivity, 30–35 layers were required. Single shot, laser damage threshold measurements at 1064 nm wavelength with a pulse length of 10 ns were carried out on both the single layer and multilayer system. The thresholds averaged 21 and 12 J/cm2, respectively.
Second-order factors defined by the ISI

Sought to determine the higher-order factors in the Interpersonal Style Inventory in separate samples of male (N = 144) and female (N = 173) high school students. A principal axis factor analysis of the 15 scale intercorrelations discolosed five dimensions in each sample. These were hypothesized to represent Interpesonal Involvement, Level of Socialization, Self Control, Autonomy, and Emotional Stability. It is argued that each factor also is measured in at least two of the following multiscore inventories: Personality Research Form, the 16PF, the California Psychological Inventory, and the Guilford-Zimmerman Temperament Survey. The advantage of higher level factors lies in their greater generality and generally higher predictive validities.
Environmental contaminants in great blue herons (Ardea herodias) from the Lower Columbia and Willamette Rivers, Oregon and Washington, USA

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) eggs and prey items were collected from six colonies in Oregon and Washington, USA, during 1994 to 1995. Contaminant concentrations, reproductive success, and biomagnification factors were determined and effects of residue levels were measured by H4IIE rat hepatoma bioassays. Mean residue concentrations in heron eggs and prey items were generally low. However, elevated concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were detected in eggs and prey from Ross Island on the Willamette River. Biomagnification factors varied among sites. Sites were not significantly different in H4IIE tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents (TCDD-EQs), although the TCDD-EQ for Karlson Island was 9 to 20 times greater than that of any other site. Large differences existed between toxic equivalents calculated from egg residue concentrations and TCDD-EQs, which indicated nonadditive interactions among the compounds. Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents and nest failure were positively correlated with TCDD concentration. Fledging and reproductive rates were similar to those determined for healthy heron populations, however, indicating that any adverse effects were occurring at the individual level and not at the colony level. Our results support the use of great blue herons as a biomonitor for contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Their relatively low sensitivity to organochlorine contaminants and high trophic position allows contaminant accumulation and biomagnification without immediate adverse effects that are often seen in other, more sensitive species.
ACCURATE INTERPRETATION OF MAGNETIC SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY EXPERIMENTS UTILIZING COUPLED MAGNETOSTATIC ANALYSIS

In order to build a reliable constitutive model for magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMAs) the availability of accurate experimental data for calibration and validation purposes is essential. However, the demagnetization effect and the resulting sample shape-dependent difference between the applied field and the internal field makes measurements of MSMAs properties difficult to interpret. Since for non-ellipsoidal specimen the internal magnetic field and thus the induced magnetization is nonuniform, standard demagnetization factors can not be applied without evaluation of the expected error. Following up on previous work by the authors this paper describes a methodology by which experimental data can be interpreted more accurately. The procedure involves the numerical solving of nonlinear magnetostatic boundary value problems for MSMAs in which the stress-dependent magnetic properties of the material are predicted by the constitutive model. New results of this analysis presented here include a parametric study of the sample shape dependence of the demagnetization effect when accounting for the nonlinear magnetization properties of MSMAs.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Availability Monitor for a Software Based System

Computer and communication systems are ubiquitous and are used extensively in safety critical, life critical, and finance critical applications. Due to the excessive cost of outages, downtime is not tolerated by the users. High availability applications are being offered by most vendors and are touted to have availability features such as hardware redundancy, software replication, automated detection, failover, hot swap and so on. However, quantitative validation of high availability is rarely provided. The purpose of this paper is to present an innovative method of monitoring and displaying, in real-time, the empirically observed availability of the system. Apart from presenting the novel idea and associated statistical methods, we also sketch the actual implementation of this idea in a project (a middleware appliance) at the WebSphere Institute of IBMRTP.
Supplying instantaneous video-on-demand services using controlled multicast

We propose and evaluate the performance of a multicast technique, called controlled CIWP for supplying video-on-demand services. Similar to batching schemes, controlled CIWP allows two clients that request the same video to share a channel. Unlike batching, the controlled CIWP scheme does not delay the earlier request in order to promote sharing. Instead, sharing is ensured by permitting the client with the later arrival time to join an ongoing multicast session started for the earlier request. However, controlled CIWP does not let a client join an ongoing multicast session whenever possible. A threshold is used to control the frequency at which new multicast sessions are started. We derive the optimal threshold that maximizes the number of server channels required. Our simulation study shows that the controlled CIWP significantly improves the performance of the VOD service.
“Unpackaging” Acculturation Aspects of Acculturation as Predictors of Traditional Sex Role Attitudes

In order to “unpackage” acculturation and gain a more nuanced understanding of the process, we examined separate aspects of acculturation as predictors of traditional sex role attitudes. Participants were 170 Hispanic adults (83 females and 87 males), including first-, second-, and third-generation immigrants with varying levels of education. Participants completed measures of each dimension of acculturation—ethnic retention (e.g., Spanish language, Hispanic friendships) and mainstream involvement (English language, non-Hispanic friendships)—and of traditional sex role attitudes. English language and non-Hispanic friendships were significant negative correlates of traditional sex role attitudes, but Spanish language and Hispanic friendships were unrelated to such attitudes. Being male, less educated, and of an earlier generation predicted traditional sex role attitudes, but gender differences in attitudes varied by generation and education levels. Results demonstrate that the acculturation process can be ...
Identification of a Phosphorylation Site within the P Protein Important for mRNA Transcription and Growth of Parainfluenza Virus 5

The viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (vRdRp) of paramyxovirus consists of the large (L) protein and the phosphoprotein (P). P is heavily phosphorylated, and it is thought that the phosphorylation of P plays a role in regulating viral RNA synthesis. However, no phosphorylation site within the P protein in paramyxovirus has been identified as playing a positive role in viral RNA synthesis in virus infection. Using mass spectrometry analysis, the threonine residue at position 286 of P of parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) was found phosphorylated. Mutation of T286 to alanine (T286A), aspartic acid (T286D), or glutamic acid (T286E) reduced minigenome activity. Recombinant virus containing a mutation at the T286 position (rPIV5-P-T286A) grew slower than wild-type virus; viral mRNA synthesis and protein expression of rPIV5-P-T286A were delayed. Biochemical studies showed that the binding of NP or L protein with the P mutants or tetramer formation by the mutant P proteins was unaltered from that for wild-type P. While we failed to rescue rPIV5-P-T286E virus, several revertant viruses were obtained. All non-wild-type revertants had mutations at T286 and showed defects in both minigenome activity and viral growth. This is the first time that a phosphorylation site within the P protein in paramyxovirus has been found to play a positive role in viral mRNA synthesis and virus growth.
Hyperalgesia during acute opioid abstinence: evidence for a nociceptive facilitating function of the rostral ventromedial medulla

Naloxone-precipitated opioid abstinence is associated with enhancement of reflex responses to noxious stimulation (hyperalgesia). The present experiments in lightly anesthetized rats were designed to determine (1) whether neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) contribute to this enhancement, and (2) whether this enhancement is due to removal of an inhibitory modulatory influence or to activation of a facilitatory influence. In the first experiment, 10 micrograms of morphine was microinjected into the RVM; subsequent administration of naloxone (1 mg/kg, i.v.) shortened tail-flick latency. This is evidence that a synaptic action of opioids within the RVM can contribute to hyperalgesia. In the second experiment, systemic administration of morphine (2 mg/kg, i.v.) was followed by systemic administration of naloxone (1 mg/kg, i.v.), which produced a significant hyperalgesia that could be markedly attenuated by microinjection of 10 micrograms lidocaine into the RVM. That inactivation of RVM reduces the hyperalgesia indicates that the CNS is capable of generating a facilitating action on nociceptive transmission. Previous studies from this laboratory have indicated that a population of RVM neurons, on-cells, shows increased activity during opioid abstinence. The present experiments support the hypothesis that RVM on-cells exert a facilitating influence on nociceptive transmission.
Continuous Learning: The Influence of National Institutional Logics on Training Attitudes

This research attempts to understand and test a core assumption in neoinstitutional theory, i.e., that institutional logics shape individual attitudes and preferences, by studying cross-national differences in people's attitudes toward the continuous learning model of employee training---an increasingly popular model of training. I propose that national institutional logics regarding the individual's role (empowered versus limited) can shape people's preferences for the new model of training. By using a historically grounded typology of national polities depicting the organization of authority (statism) and society (corporateness), I suggest how these two dimensions carry distinct logics about the individual's role and, in turn, shape people's training orientation. Training attitudes of people in 16 European (EU) countries/regions are examined using data from the 1995 Eurobarometer Training Survey. Results from hierarchical models show that, beyond the influence of individual characteristics, people from nonstatist (i.e., collective authority is located in civil society rather than in the state) and noncorporatist (i.e., individuals are incorporated into the society as autonomous actors rather than members in collectives) countries are more likely to prefer the continuous learning model of training. By explicitly linking institutional logics with individual attitudes, this study contributes to the neoinstitutional perspective, studies on training attitudes, and cross-national research.
N-Acetyl-l-cysteine protects against δ-aminolevulinic acid-induced 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine formation

5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a heme precursor that accumulates in acute intermittent porphyria and lead poisoning. It has been shown that ALA induces free radical generation and may cause damage to proteins and DNA. In the present study, the effects of ALA on DNA damage and its prevention by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) are investigated. Oxidative damage to DNA was quantitated by measuring the increase in 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (oh8dG) formation. The time-course study demonstrated that ALA causes a linear increase in oh8dG levels in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. However, direct lead exposure did not cause any measurable increase in oh8dG levels. In the presence of either NAC (1 mM) or antioxidant enzymes (10 u/ml SOD and 10 u/ml CAT), oh8dG levels returned to the corresponding control levels. This suggests a protective role for NAC and the antioxidant enzymes. To determine the effect of ALA on cell proliferation, cell numbers were counted at the end of 24 h of incubation in the presence and absence of ALA at different concentrations. Results showed that levels of ALA up to 5 mM do not inhibit cell proliferation.
Phenotypic integration of skeletal traits during growth buffers genetic variants affecting the slenderness of femora in inbred mouse strains

Compensatory interactions among adult skeletal traits are critical for establishing strength but complicate the search for fracture susceptibility genes by allowing many genetic variants to exist in a population without loss of function. A better understanding of how these interactions arise during growth will provide new insight into genotype-phenotype relationships and the biological controls that establish skeletal strength. We tested the hypothesis that genetic variants affecting growth in width relative to growth in length (slenderness) are coordinated with movement of the inner bone surface and matrix mineralization to match stiffness with weight-bearing loads during postnatal growth. Midshaft femoral morphology and tissue-mineral density were quantified at ages of 1 day and at 4, 8, and 16 weeks for a panel of 20 female AXB/BXA recombinant inbred mouse strains. Path Analyses revealed significant compensatory interactions among outer-surface expansion rate, inner-surface expansion rate, and tissue-mineral density during postnatal growth, indicating that genetic variants affecting bone slenderness were buffered mechanically by the precise regulation of bone surface movements and matrix mineralization. Importantly, the covariation between morphology and mineralization resulted from a heritable constraint limiting the amount of tissue that could be used to construct a functional femur. The functional interactions during growth explained 56-99% of the variability in adult traits and mechanical properties. These functional interactions provide quantitative expectations of how genetic or environmental variants affecting one trait should be compensated by changes in other traits. Variants that impair this process or that cannot be fully compensated are expected to alter skeletal growth leading to underdesigned (weak) or overdesigned (bulky) structures.
The Roles of Garment Design and Scene Complexity in the Daytime Conspicuity of High-Visibility Safety Apparel

INTRODUCTION: This study examines the effects of high-visibility garment design on daytime pedestrian conspicuity in work zones. Factors assessed were garment color, amount of background material, pedestrian arm motion, scene complexity, and driver age. METHOD: The study was conducted in naturalistic conditions on public roads in real traffic. Drivers drove two passes on a 31-km route and indicated when they detected pedestrians outfitted in the fluorescent garments. The locations of the vehicle and the pedestrian were recorded. RESULTS: Detection distances between fluorescent yellow-green and fluorescent red-orange garments were not significantly different, nor were there any significant two-way interactions involving garment color. Pedestrians were detected at longer distances in lower complexity scenes. Arm motion significantly increased detection distances for pedestrians wearing a Class 2 vest, but had little added benefit on detection distances for pedestrians wearing a Class 2 jacket. DISCUSSION: Daytime detection distances for pedestrians wearing Class 2 or Class 3 garments are longest when the complexity of the surround is low. The more background information a driver has to search through, the longer it is likely to take the driver to locate a pedestrian - even when wearing a high-visibility garment. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: These findings will provide information to safety garment manufacturers about characteristics of high-visibility safety garments which make them effective for daytime use. Language: en
Remarriage and Well-Being: National Survey Evidence of Social and Psychological Effects

THE influence of remarriage after divorce on psychological well-being and readjustment to marriage and parenting is examined using data from a national cross-sectional survey. After an initial stage of conventional contingency table analysis, multivariate analysis controlling for sex, education, and length of current marriage is conducted to determine whether remarriage exerts an influence on adjustment net of these contemporary circumstances. Although differences between remarried and first-married individuals are found with respect to past distress and feelings of family role inadequacy, the remarried appear similar to first-marrieds in most aspects of current well-being and marital and parental role adjustment. It is concluded that the remarried have mastered the crisis of divorce and have developed a viable pattern of affective and role functioning.