cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hyperspectral laser-induced fluorescence imaging for assessing apple fruit quality

Abstract Chlorophyll fluorescence is a promising technique for postharvest quality research, and reported studies were mainly based on the fluorescence kinetic analysis method, which has not been quite satisfactory for measuring fruit quality. This paper reports on using a hyperspectral imaging technique for measurement of laser-induced fluorescence from apple fruit for predicting multiple fruit quality parameters. A continuous wave blue laser (408 nm) was used as an excitation source for inducing fluorescence in apples. Fluorescence scattering images were acquired from ‘Golden Delicious’ apples by a hyperspectral imaging system at the instance of laser illumination (0 min) and after 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 min of illumination. The hyperspectral fluorescence image data were represented by mean, maximum, and standard deviation spectra. Standard tests were performed on measuring fruit skin and flesh color, firmness, soluble solids content, and titratable acid. A hybrid method of combining principal component analysis and neural network modeling was used for developing prediction models to predict fruit quality parameters for each of the six illumination time periods. Fluorescence emission decreased steadily during the first 3 min of illumination and was stable within 5 min. The 0-min fluorescence prediction models had somewhat poorer prediction results for individual quality parameters except skin hue than did the models of longer illumination time. The differences were minimal in the model prediction results from the fluorescence data at 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 min of illumination. Overall, excellent predictions were obtained for apple skin hue with the correlation coefficient of prediction of 0.94. Relatively good predictions were obtained for fruit firmness, skin chroma, and flesh hue with values for the correlation coefficient being equal to or greater than 0.74 for 1 min of illumination or longer times, and poorer correlations were found for soluble solids content, titratable acid, and flesh chroma. Hyperspectral laser-induced fluorescence imaging is potentially useful for assessing selected quality parameters of apple fruit and further research is needed to improve fluorescence measurement for better prediction of fruit quality.
The effects of tenure on police officer personality functioning

The study compared pre-employment and current MMPI/MMPI-2 Basic Scale scores of small- and mid-size city Texas municipal police officers to assess longitudinal personality change. Participants had at least five years continuous, “street level” police experience. Twenty-three veteran police officers from a mid-size city and 19 small-city police officers volunteered to participate. Pre-employment MMPI/MMPI-2 information was obtained from police department records. Current MMPI-2 data was collected in small group or individual administrations. Significant increases in K-corrected T-Scores occurred on Scale F and eight of the Basic Scales; L and K decreased significantly. Mean scores remained within the normal range. Mid-size city officers produced higher K and 5 scores than small-city officers.
Erratum to: Axial Imidazole Binding Strengths in Porphyrinoid Cobalt(III) Complexes as Studied by Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The Co(II) complexes of twelve meso-tetraaryl-porphyrins, -chlorins, and chlorin analogues containing non-pyrrolic heterocycles were synthesized and converted in situ to the corresponding Co(III) complexes coordinated to one or two imidazoles. Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) in conjunction with the energy-variable collision-induced dissociation (CID) technique was used to compare the relative gas-phase binding strength of the axially coordinated imidazoles to the octahedral and square planar Co(III) porphyrinoid complex ions. The observed binding energies of these ligands were rationalized in terms of the effects of porphyrinoid core structure and meso-substitution on the electron density on the central Co(III) centers. Some of these trends were supported by DFT-based computational studies. The study highlights to which extend porphyrins vary from chlorins and chlorin analogues in their coordination abilities and to which extraordinary degree meso-thienyl-substituents influence the electronic structure of porphyrins. The study also defines further the scope and limits CID experiments can be used to interrogate the electronic structures of metalloporphyrin complexes.
Molecular detection of viral causes of encephalitis and meningitis in New York State.

The etiology of encephalitis and meningitis, serious diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), in most cases remains unknown. The importance of establishing a diagnosis however, becomes even more important as advances are made in effective therapy. Molecular methods of detection, in particular, PCR, are being used routinely and have established a place in the arsenal of tools for diagnosis of CNS infections. In this study a viral etiological agent was detected by PCR in 340 of the total 2,357 specimens from patients who exhibited symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis. The detection rate increased from 8.9% during the first year of the study to 14.8% during the second year of the study with improved methodology and an expanded panel of viral agents. Methods were enhanced by developing real-time PCR assays (some multiplexed), using increased automation, superior nucleic acid extraction, and reverse transcription (RT) methods, and incorporation of an internal extraction control. Additionally, adenovirus and human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) were added to the original panel of 10 viruses that included enteroviruses, herpesviruses, and arboviruses. The most common viruses detected were enteroviruses (129; 5.5%), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (85; 3.6%), herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) 1 and 2 (67; 2.8%), and varicella zoster virus (VZV) (44; 1.9%). J. Med. Virol. 83:2172–2181, 2011. 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A simple method for fabricating artificial kidney stones of different physical properties

A simple method for preparing artificial kidney stones with varying physical properties is described. BegoStone was prepared with a powder-to-water ratio ranging from 15:3 to 15:6. The acoustic properties of the phantoms were characterized using an ultrasound transmission technique, from which the corresponding mechanical properties were calculated based on elastic wave theory. The measured parameters for BegoStone phantoms of different water contents are: longitudinal wave speed (3,148-4,159 m/s), transverse wave speed (1,813-2,319 m/s), density (1,563-1,995 kg/m(3)), longitudinal acoustic impedance (4.92-8.30 kg/m(2) s), transverse acoustic impedance (2.83-4.63 kg/m(2) s), Young's modulus (12.9-27.4 GPa), bulk modulus (8.6-20.2 GPa), and shear modulus (5.1-10.7 GPa), which cover the range of corresponding properties reported in natural kidney stones. In addition, diametral compression tests were carried out to determine tensile failure strength of the stone phantoms. BegoStone phantoms with varying water content at preparation have tensile failure strength from 6.9 to 16.3 MPa when tested dry and 3.2 to 7.1 MPa when tested in water-soaked condition. Overall, it is demonstrated that this new BegoStone preparation method can be used to fabricate artificial stones with physical properties matched with those of natural kidney stones of various chemical compositions.
Satiation or availability? Effects of attention, memory, and imagery on the perception of ambiguous figures

The prolonged-inspection technique has been used to demonstrate effects of satiation on the perception of ambiguous figures. We propose that the inspection phase, in which subjects view an unambiguous version of the stimulus prior to observing the ambiguous figure, does not create neural fatigue but rather provides a context in which the alternative percept is apprehended and gains perceptual strength through processes such as imagination or memory. The consequent availability of the alternative organization drives the perceptual phenomena that have been thought to reflect satiation. In Experiment 1, we demonstrated that (1) preexperimental exposure to the target figures and (2) allocation of attention to the inspection figures were both necessary in order to obtain results similar to those predicted by the satiation model. In Experiment 2, we obtained similar results, finding that effects of prior inspection were greater the greater the amount and availability of information regarding the alternative percept during the inspection phase. Subjects who generated visual images of the noninspected alternative during inspection yielded results comparable to those from subjects to whom both versions were presented visually.
Distributed security services in microsoft Windows NT 5.0 — Kerberos and the active directory

Abstract With the introduction of the Active Directory and the implementation of support for industry standard user authentication protocols such as Kerberos Windows NT version 5.0 promises to offers a scaleable security solution for the enterprise desktop and server environment. In this article we focus on these two major changes to the NT operating system.
Acrylamide and N,N-dimethylacrylamide complexes. I. N-coordination to tin-(IV) halides

The complexes SnX4.2AA(X = Cl, Br; AA = acrylamide), SnCL4.2AA-d2, (AA-d2 = CH2CHCOND2) and SnX4.2DAA (DAA = N,N-dimethylacrylamide) have been prepared and characterized. Whereas the DAA complexes exibit the ⪡normal⪢ O-coordination, the AA complexes appear to the first examples of N-coordinated amides. The primary evidence for the different modes of bonding comes from mass spectral studies, with photoelectron, infrared, and nmr spectroscopy providing supporting evidence. Fragmentation patterns for SnCl4.2ADD and SnCl4.2AA show SnO+ and SnN+, SnNH+ and Sn NH2+ peaks, respectively. Apparently anomalous data from infrared and nmr studies are explained in terms of new resonance forms which contribute to the electronic structure through N-coordination. On the basis of low-frequency infrared studies, the AA complexes are assigned the cis, and the DAA complexes the trans, configurations. An evaluation of the utilization of the shifts upon the coordination of the infrared bands ν(NH2), ν(CO), δ(NH2) and ν(CN), as a means of determination of the mode of bonding of amides, is presented
Coping Efficacy and Psychological Problems of Children of Divorce.

Three models of the relations of coping efficacy, coping, and psychological problems of children of divorce were investigated. A structural equation model using cross-sectional data of 356 nine- to twelve-year-old children of divorce yielded results that supported coping efficacy as a mediator of the relations between both active coping and avoiding coping and psychological problems. In a prospective longitudinal model with a subsample of 162 of these children, support was found for Time 2 coping efficacy as a mediator of the relations between Time 1 active coping and Time 2 internalizing of problems. Individual growth curve models over four waves also found support for coping efficacy as a mediator of the relations between active coping and psychological problems. No support was found for alternative models of coping as a mediator of the relations between efficacy and symptoms or for coping efficacy as a moderator of the relations between coping and symptoms.
DISACCHARIDASE OF RABBIT SMALL INTESTINE: INTRACELLULAR DISTRIBUTION, SOLUBILIZATION, PURIFICATION AND SPECIFICITY.

Abstract The intracellular distribution of disaccharidase activity was compared with that of acid phosphatase (orthophosphoric monoester phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.2) in rabbit small intestine using classical tissue-fractionation procedures and electron microscopy in conjunction with histochemical techniques. The disaccharidase activity was found to be concentrated in the “nuclear” fraction; acid phosphatase activity was distributed differently. In view of the methodological difficulties, definite conclusions on the true intracellular locus of disaccharidase activity were not drawn. Disaccharidase solubilization was achieved by sonication and subsequent extraction with n-butanol. Studies of enzyme specificity were conducted with an 18-fold purified enzyme preparation. Maltose was found to competitively inhibit sucrose cleavage suggesting a common enzyme-binding site.
BDNF Variation and Mood Disorders: A Novel Functional Promoter Polymorphism and Val66Met are Associated with Anxiety but Have Opposing Effects

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene is critical for neuronal function and survival, and is likely to be important in psychiatric disorders. In this study, we used single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discovery, functional analyses, and genetic association studies to better understand the potential role of BDNF sequence variation in behavior. Screening 480 unrelated individuals for SNPs and genotyping was performed in US Caucasian, American Indian, and African American populations. Lifetime DSM-III-R psychiatric diagnoses were assigned and the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ) was administered to measure anxious temperament (harm avoidance (HA)) and novelty seeking (NS). A novel SNP (-281 C>A) in promoter 1 was discovered that had decreased DNA binding in vitro and decreased basal reporter gene activity in transfected rat hippocampal neurons. The frequency of the -281 A allele was 0.03 in a Caucasian sample, but was virtually absent in other populations. Association analyses in a community-based sample showed that individuals with the -281 A allele (13 heterozygotes) had lower TPQ HA (F=4.8, p<0.05). In contrast, the Met 66 allele was associated with increased HA (F=4.1, p=0.02) and was most abundant in individuals with both anxiety disorders and major depression (p<0.05). Among the Val66Val homozygotes, individuals who were -281 CA heterozygotes had significantly lower HA than the -281 CC homozygotes (p<0.01). Our results suggest that in this population, the low activity -281 A allele may be protective against anxiety and psychiatric morbidity, whereas Met 66 may be a risk allele.
Application of participatory ergonomics to the redesign of the family-centred rounds process.

Participatory ergonomics (PE) can promote the application of human factors and ergonomics (HFE) principles to healthcare system redesign. This study applied a PE approach to redesigning the family-centred rounds (FCR) process to improve family engagement. Various FCR stakeholders (e.g. patients and families, physicians, nurses, hospital management) were involved in different stages of the PE process. HFE principles were integrated in both the content (e.g. shared mental model, usability, workload consideration, systems approach) and process (e.g. top management commitment, stakeholder participation, communication and feedback, learning and training, project management) of FCR redesign. We describe activities of the PE process (e.g. formation and meetings of the redesign team, data collection activities, intervention development, intervention implementation) and present data on PE process evaluation. To demonstrate the value of PE-based FCR redesign, future research should document its impact on FCR proces...
Radiation boundary conditions for the numerical simulation of waves

We consider the efficient evaluation of accurate radiation boundary conditions for time domain simulations of wave propagation on unbounded spatial domains. This issue has long been a primary stumbling block for the reliable solution of this important class of problems. In recent years, a number of new approaches have been introduced which have radically changed the situation. These include methods for the fast evaluation of the exact nonlocal operators in special geometries, novel sponge layers with reflectionless interfaces, and improved techniques for applying sequences of approximate conditions to higher order. For the primary isotropic, constant coefficient equations of wave theory, these new developments provide an essentially complete solution of the numerical radiation condition problem. In this paper the theory of exact boundary conditions for constant coefficient time-dependent problems is developed in detail, with many examples from physical applications. The theory is used to motivate various approximations and to establish error estimates. Complexity estimates are also derived to compare different accurate treatments, and an illustrative numerical example is given. We close with a discussion of some important problems that remain open.
Challenges to the trade unions: The British and west German cases

The article compares the current crises of the British and West German trade union movements. It argues that re‐organisation strategies to adapt to political and workplace‐related changes are insufficient to reverse the decline in the unions’ influence on government policies and hostile employer strategies. The unions’ position is shaped by both international economic and domestic factors, primarily the relationship to the conservative parties and the bargaining position at the firm level. Strategies to revitalise union power have to be political, not economic or organisational.
Foster parents' early adaptation to the placement of a child with developmental disabilities in their home

Eight foster parents of children with developmental disabilities (DD) were interviewed about their early adaptation to placement of the child in their homes. Analysis using a grounded theory methodology showed important adaptations in the physiological, role function, interdependence, and self-concept modes of adaptation. Parents described less attention to their own physical health, dominance of the parenting role over all other roles, decreased social interactions, and a sense of personal satisfaction in response to placement of a child with DD in their homes. Implications for nursing practice are included.
Intrasexual selection and phylogenetic constraints in the evolution of sexual canine dimorphism in strepsirhine primates

The goals of this study were to analyze the origin and function of sex differences in the size of canine teeth among Malagasy lemurs and other strepsirhine primates. These analyses allowed me to illuminate interactions between different mechanisms of sexual selection and to elucidate constraints on this sexually-selected trait. In contrast to central predictions of sexual selection theory, polygynous lemurs lack both sexual dimorphism in body size and male social dominance, but the degree of sexual dimorphism in the size of their canines is not known. A comparison of male and female canine size in 31 species of lemurs and lorises revealed significant male-biased canine dimorphism in only 6 of I3 polygynous lemur species. This result is in contrast to predictions of a hypothesis that would explain the lack of size dimorphism in lemurs as a result of high viability costs because canine teeth presumably have low maintenance costs and because they are used as weapons in male-male combat. Moreover, because females had significantly larger maxillary canines than males in only one lemur species, female dominance is not generally based on female physical superiority and selective forces favoring female dominance do not constrain sexual canine dimorphism in the sense of a pleiotropic effect. Contrary to predictions of sexual selection theory, species differences in canine dimorphism across strepsirhines were neither associated with differences in mating system, nor with the potential frequency of aggression. Variation in canine dimorphism was also unrelated to differences in body size, but
Effects of isothiocyanate alkyl chain-length on hamster liver cytochrome P-450 activity

Abstract The tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is metabolized by various isozymes of cytochrome P-450 present in microsomes. In this study, we examined the effects of the isothiocyanate homologues, phenyl isothiocyanate (PITC), benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) and phenylpropyl isothiocyanate (PPITC) on the mutagenicity and in vitro metabolism of NNK by Syrian golden hamster liver microsomes and on the in vitro microsomal metabolism of testosterone. Each isothiocyanate compound inhibited N-oxidation and α-hydroxylation reactions of NNK that, except for PITC, correlated with an inhibition of microsomal-mediated mutagenicity of NNK in Salmonella typhimurium TA1535. Each isothiocyanate also inhibited cytochrome P-450-mediated hydroxylation reactions of the metabolism of testosterone. In general, the inhibitory potency of the isothiocyanates corresponded with the length of the alkyl chain of the compound. Our data support the ability of isothiocyanates to inhibit the activity of a number of isozymes of cytochrome P-450.
Reliability of tonosafe disposable tonometer prisms: clinical implications from the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System Quality Assurance Study

Given the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System's recent introduction of single-use Tonosafe disposable tonometer prisms as an alternative to Goldmann applanation tonometers (GATs), this study had two aims: to conduct a large-scale quality assurance trial to assess the reliability of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements of the Tonosafe disposable tonometer compared with GAT, particularly at extremes of pressure; to evaluate the suitability of Tonosafe disposable tonometer prisms as an acceptable substitute for GATs and for clinic-wide implementation in an academic tertiary referral setting. Ophthalmology resident physicians measured the IOPs of patients in general and specialty eye clinics with the Tonosafe disposable tonometer and GAT. Tonosafe test–retest reliability data were also collected. A retrospective review of patient charts and data analysis were performed to determine the reliability of measurements. The IOPs of 652 eyes (326 patients) were measured with both GAT and Tonosafe, with a range of 3–34 mm Hg. Linear regression analysis showed R=0.93, slope=0.91, both of which supported the proposed hypothesis, and the y-intercept=−1.05 was significantly different from the hypothesized value. The Tonosafe test–retest repeatability (40 eyes of 40 patients), r=0.977, was very high, which was further supported by linear regression slope=0.993, y-intercept=0.118, and a Tonosafe repeatability coefficient of 2.06, similar to GAT repeatability. The IOP measurements by Tonosafe disposable prisms correlated closely with Goldmann measurements, with similar repeated measurement variability to GAT. This suggests that the Tonosafe is an acceptable substitute for GAT to measure IOP in ophthalmology clinic settings.
Structural and spectroscopic studies of Mo 2 Cl 4 (PR 3 ) 4 compounds with phosphines of varied basicity

Abstract The influence of the π acidity of the PR 3 ligands in Mo 2Cl 4(PR 3) 4 compounds on the strength of the Mo−Mo quadruple bond has been studied for twenty such compounds. The main result is that reasonable correlations exist between the δ → δ* transition energy (TE) and two accepted measures of π-acidity for phosphine ligands, namely Tolman's v(CO) IR criterion and Bodner's Δδ(CO) 13C NMR criterion. For a plot of TE versusv(CO) a correlation coefficient of −0.892 was obtained employing data for 15 compounds. For TE versus Δδ(CO), a correlation coefficient of 0.982 was obtained for 13 compounds (excluding three for which a steric factor may be important). An attempt to correlate the Mo−Mo bond lengths with π-acidity was unsuccessful since few compounds were obtained in satisfactory form for structure determination, and for the four compounds with known structure there was no correlation. In addition to the PMe 3 compound whose structure was previously known, those of the PEt 3, PMe 2Ph and PHPh 2 compounds have been determined and are reported here.
Practicing place: Collective experience and difference in an urban online forum

Despite predictions to the contrary, place has assumed a new significance through recent innovations in digital technology. In this paper, we argue that the exchange of information and experience occurring daily on the networked urban forum Phillyblog can be usefully conceptualized as the practice of place. In adopting this terminology, we suggest particular analytic and theoretical lines which hold important implications for the way we think about information and place in online settings. Within the context of Phillyblog, the practice of place (1) publicizes and reinforces collective experiences of the city and (2) plays an active role in constructing the distinctness and diversity of its neighborhoods. In analyzing their regular interactions on Phillyblog, we hope to add to research on information practice, in particular “everyday information practices” (Savolainen, 2008), by suggesting their role in the social construction of place. Using this particular case, we explore how information sharing and production, in particular, may play a role in the perception, conception, and experience of place.
Restraint, food choice, and cognitions☆

Restrained eaters were hypothesized to prefer high kilocalorie (KCAL) food when given a choice of both high and low KCAL foods after consuming a high KCAL preload. Study 1 found no differences between restrained and unrestrained eaters in food choice in either preload condition. Study 2 found that preloaded subjects preferred lower KCAL foods than subjects in the no preload condition. Both restrained and unrestrained eaters ate less food after consuming a high KCAL preload than after no preload. Preloaded restrained eaters expressed a greater number of control-related thoughts regarding food than any other group; however, these thoughts did not mediate disinhibited eating. Implications for restraint theory are discussed.
Performance bounds for column-block partitioning of parallel Gaussian elimination and Gauss-Jordan methods

Abstract Column-block partitioning is commonly used in the parallelization of Gaussian Elimination (GE) and Gauss-Jordan (GJ) algorithms. It is therefore of interest to know performance bounds of such partitioning on scalable distributed-memory parallel architectures. In this paper, we use a graph-theoretic approach in deriving asymptotic performance lower bounds of column-block partitioning for both GE and GJ. The new contribution is the incorporation of communication cost in the analysis which results in the derivation of sharper lower bounds. We use our scheduling system PYRROS to experimentally compare the actual run time performance with that derived by these lower bounds on the nCUBE-2 hypercube parallel machine.
Soil Nitric Oxide Emissions from Nitrification and Denitrification

A silty loam soil treated with 1-allyl-2-thiourea as an inhibitor of autotrophic nitrification, and sulfide as an inhibitor of nitric oxide reductase in respiratory denitrification, was studied to evaluate the respective contribution of these two microbial processes to the nitric oxide (NO) flux from the soil. Soil samples were either unamended or amended with ammoniated fertilizer or biosolids from a wastewater treatment plant at an application rate of 100 lb-nitrogen/acre. Water-filled pore space and temperature were maintained within respective ranges of 22 ± 2% and 22 ± 1°C. NO fluxes from unamended, chemically fertilized, and biosolids-amended soil samples increase in that order, and autotrophic nitrification accounts for 80, 84, and 92% of the NO flux, respectively. The suggested Jousset-Peirce index Ψ, which shows the contribution of respiratory denitrification with respect to heterotrophic nitrification and chemodenitrification, decreases by a factor of 3.3 and 5.6 from unamended to chemically fer...
Convection Treatment and Pressure Splitting for Sequential Solution Procedures, Part II: Pressure-Based Algorithm

Abstract In Pari II of the present article, the controlled variation scheme (CVS), developed in Part I, and the advection upstream splitting method (AUSM) are implemented in a pressure-based algorithm, whose very basis is the separate treatment of connective and pressure fluxes. For the convective fluxes in the momentum equations as well as the estimation of mass fluxes in the pressure correction equation (which is derived from the momentum and continuity equations) of the present algorithm, both first- and second-order (with minmod limiter) flux estimations are employed. Some issues resulting from the conventional use in pressure-based methods of a staggered grid, for the location of velocity components and pressure, are also addressed. Using the second-order fluxes, both CVS- and AUSM-type schemes exhibit sharp resolution. Overall, the combination of upwinding and splitting for the convective and pressure fluxes separately exhibits robust performance for a variety of flows and is particularly amenable f...
Systems Approach to Vaginal Delivery of Drugs V: In Situ Vaginal Absorption of 1-Alkanoic Acids

The vaginal absorption of a homologous series of ionizable compounds, the 1-alkanoic acids, was studied using a perfusion method with a rib-cage cell surgically implanted in the rabbit vagina. The absorption rates of these compounds followed first-order kinetics. The physical model previously used for the 1-alkanols, but accounting for the pKa and pH effects in the present case, was employed in the analysis of the carboxylic acid data. The aqueous diffusion layer thickness was 0.031 cm. The permeability coefficient for the lipoidal pathway increased 3.5-fold per methylene group. Both values agree reasonably well with those obtained in the alcohol study.
Electrons vs. Photons: A Comparison of Microscopes*

A comparison of the transmission-type electron microscope with the similar light microscope has to include considerations of the differences in the nature of the carrier of radiant energy and of the optical media used for building up the optical systems. Although electron optics is of relatively recent origin, fairly good agreement of the experimental limits with the theoretically expected ones has been obtained. After a discussion of existing discrepancies, proposals and attempts for improving the performance of the electron microscope are outlined.
A novel role for dopamine: inhibition of muscarinic cholinergic-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in rat brain cortical membranes.

Dopamine inhibited phosphoinositide breakdown as stimulated by carbachol in rat brain cortical membranes. The IC50 value was 14 ± 2 μM for dopamine's inhibition of phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis as stimulated by 1 mM carbachol. The inhibition was found at low (0.1 μM), but not high (> 0.3 μM), concentrations of the non-hydrolyzable guanine nucleotide analog, GTPγS. Pharmacological characterization of the response indicated that the dopamine effects were mediated by D1 receptors. The assay conditions precluded any involvement of cyclic-AMP as a mediator of the dopamine response, and thus, a novel role is proposed for dopamine in cortex working through D1 receptors to inhibit phosphoinositide degradation.
A factor analysis of the product and service attributes offered by western nursery stock suppliers

Survey data from 311 garden centers, landscapers, and combined garden center/landscaping firms in selected western US trade centers were factor analyzed. Six first-order factors of product and service attributes were identified: plant selection, product information, supplier services and knowledge, advertising and promotion, plant quality, and ordering services. These six first-order factors were collapsed into three second-order factors: buyer-oriented services, buyer perception of supplier reputation, and sales support. These classifications of plant supplier attributes can be incorporated by the astute supplier into a successful business strategy. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Microtransfer molding of SU-8 micro-optics

SU-8 is a very promising polymer for micro-optics. It is mechanically robust with high thermal and chemical resistance, has high transmission at visible and near-infrared wavelengths, and has relatively high refractive index after curing. While lithographic patterning of SU-8 is relatively common, molding of SU-8 is more difficult due to challenges with solvent removal and cross linking. In this paper, we discuss techniques for micromolding of micro- and nano-optics in SU-8. Elastomeric mold templates are first cast from master structures fabricated using standard techniques. The elastomeric templates are then used in low pressure molding processes to produce high-fidelity refractive and diffractive micro-optics in SU-8. The use of the elastomeric replica mold enables realization of a wider variety of optical surfaces than can be achieved with conventional lithographic patterning in SU-8, and further enables conformal fabrication of SU-8 micro-optics on non-planar surfaces. Molding processes and experimental results for both thin (diffractive) and thick (refractive) elements are presented. Replication of SU-8 micro-optics on both planar and non-planar surfaces, and hybrid processes combining molding and lithographic exposure are demonstrated.
5,5'-Bis(methylthio)-2,2'-bithiophene : A Potential Cathode Electroactive Material for Energy Storage Devices

We present a study of the electrochemical properties of a set of oligothiophenes including 2,5-bis(methylthio)thiophene (BMTT), its derivatives, and 5,5‘-bis(methylthio)-2,2‘-bithiophene (BMTbT). BMTbT, which possesses an α-coupled bithiophene capped with methylthio groups, exhibited two one-electron reversible processes at 3.8 and 4.0 V vs Li/Li+, respectively, while BMTT exhibited only one reversible process. The chemically and electrochemically reversible processes of BMTbT derive from the stabilization of the monocation and dication by the methylthio groups at the 2,5-positions and by the extension of the conjugated resonance structure (i.e., from mono- to bithiophene). Compared to other substituents at the 2,5-positions such as methoxy, methyl, sulfinylmethyl, t-butylthio, and pyrrolidine groups, we found that methylthio groups uniquely stabilize the oxidized species more effectively, giving rise to the chemically reversible redox couples. Furthermore, the stabilizing effect of the methylthio groups ...
Spatial variations in temperature across a photovoltaic array

The efficiency of any photovoltaic device is significantly affected by its operating temperature. It is therefore of great interest to the PV industry to have accurate models of module and array temperatures. Existing PV performance models generally assume that module temperature is a function of plane-of-array irradiance, ambient air temperature and wind speed AND that module temperatures across the array do not vary significantly enough to define. A comparison of two identical PV systems in different climates reveals that module temperatures across the array may in fact vary by several degrees based on the location relative to one another. This study describes the observed thermal patterns and evaluates the possible causes of these systematic variations. The following paper will present analysis of data gathered from two PV systems with identical setups located in Albuquerque NM and Orlando, Florida.
Doppler velocimetry and the assessment of fetal well-being in normal and diabetic pregnancies.

Doppler ultrasound has been proposed as a useful addition to antepartum testing in high-risk pregnancies. Increased placental resistance has been associated with underlying placental vascular disease, as well as abnormal fetoplacental blood flow. Since pregnancies complicated by diabetes are at risk for these complications, the application of Doppler ultrasonography for such pregnancies has been evaluated by several investigators. Multiple investigations have examined the relationship between maternal blood glucose levels and abnormal Doppler waveforms in women with diabetes. Of the nine published studies, four found a correlation between Doppler indices and glucose control, as measured by mean blood glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin levels, while five did not. However, this apparent discrepancy may be explained by the fact that the majority of women studied were in good or excellent control, as this is currently the accepted standard of care. In fact, the one study performed in primarily non-diabetic women demonstrated that increases in maternal plasma glucose concentrations of 30 mg/dl were followed by significant rises in the mean pulsatility index in both the umbilical and carotid arteries. More dramatic was the finding by most investigators that systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratios in third-trimester umbilical arteries were elevated in women with evidence of diabetic microvascular disease. Elevated third-trimester S/D ratios were associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in these women, specifically pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth retardation. In conclusion, although elevated Doppler indices correlated with adverse outcomes in diabetic pregnancies, Doppler indices may be elevated in the otherwise uncomplicated diabetic patient with associated microvascular disease and with a normal outcome. Therefore, the Doppler ultrasound assessment of fetal well-being in diabetic pregnancies must be interpreted with caution. Copyright © 1994 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Thermomechanics of an extensional shear zone, Raft River metamorphic core complex, NW Utah

Abstract A detailed structural and microstructural analysis of the Miocene Raft River detachment shear zone (NW Utah) provides insight into the thermomechanical evolution of the continental crust during extension associated with the exhumation of metamorphic core complexes. Combined microstructural, electron backscattered diffraction, strain, and vorticity analysis of the very well exposed quartzite mylonite show an increase in intensity of the rock fabrics from west to east, along the transport direction, compatible with observed finite strain markers and a model of ``necking'' of the shear zone. Microstructural evidence (quartz microstructures and deformation lamellae) suggests that the detachment shear zone evolved at its peak strength, close to the dislocation creep/exponential creep transition, where meteoric fluids played an important role on strain hardening, embrittlement, and eventually seismic failure. Empirically calibrated paleopiezometers based on quartz recrystallized grain size and deformation lamellae spacing show very similar results, indicate that the shear zone developed under stress ranging from 40 MPa to 60 MPa. Using a quartzite dislocation creep flow law we further estimate that the detachment shear zone quartzite mylonite developed at a strain rates between 10 −12 and 10 −14 s −1 . We suggest that a compressed geothermal gradient across this detachment, which was produced by a combination of ductile shearing, heat advection, and cooling by meteoric fluids, may have triggered mechanical instabilities and strongly influenced the rheology of the detachment shear zone.
Characterization of l-leucine transport system in brush border membranes from human and rabbit small intestine☆

The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine, and valine are beneficial to catabolic patients by improving hepatic protein synthesis and nitrogen economy, yet their transport from the intestinal lumen is not well-defined. The leucine transport system in human and rabbit small intestine was characterized using a brush border membrane vesicle (BBMV) model. Sodium and pH dependence and transport activity along the longitudinal axis of the small bowel were determined. Transport kinetics and inhibition profiles were defined. Although previous studies in other tissues show leucine transport to be mostly a Na+-independent process, our studies show that leucine transport is a predominantly Na+-dependent process occurring mainly via a single saturable pH-independent transporter resembling system B0 in the intestine. This system B0 transporter demonstrates stereoisomeric specificity. There is also a minor Na+-independent transport component (<6% in rabbits). Leucine uptake in both rabbits and humans is significantly greater than the uptake of other clinically relevant nutrients such as glutamine. In the rabbit, ileal leucine transport is significantly greater than jejunal uptake. While the affinities of the human and rabbit transporters are similar, the rabbit transporter has greater carrier capacity (maximal transport velocity [Vmax]). These findings suggest that the transport of leucine in the gut mucosa is significantly different from the transport in other tissues.
Modeling and Design of an Electro-Rheological Fluid Based Haptic System for Tele-Operation of Space Robots

For many years, the robotic community sought to develop robots that can eventually operate autonomously and eliminate the need for human operators. However, there is an increasing realization that there are some tasks that human can perform significantly better but, due to associated hazards, distance, physical limitations and other causes, only robot can be employed to perform these tasks. Remotely performing these types of tasks requires operating robots as human surrogates. While current "hand master" haptic systems are able to reproduce the feeling of rigid objects, they present great difficulties in emulating the feeling of remote/virtual stiffness. In addition, they tend to be heavy, cumbersome and usually they only allow limited operator workspace. In this paper a novel haptic interface is presented to enable human-operators to "feel" and intuitively mirror the stiffness/forces at remote/virtual sites enabling control of robots as human-surrogates. This haptic interface is intended to provide human operators intuitive feeling of the stiffness and forces at remote or virtual sites in support of space robots performing dexterous manipulation tasks (such as operating a wrench or a drill). Remote applications are referred to the control of actual robots whereas virtual applications are referred to simulated operations. The developed haptic interface will be applicable to IVA operated robotic EVA tasks to enhance human performance, extend crew capability and assure crew safety. The electrically controlled stiffness is obtained using constrained ElectroRheological Fluids (ERF), which changes its viscosity under electrical stimulation. Forces applied at the robot end-effector due to a compliant environment will be reflected to the user using this ERF device where a change in the system viscosity will occur proportionally to the force to be transmitted. In this paper, we will present the results of our modeling, simulation, and initial testing of such an electrorheological fluid (ERF) based haptic device.
How to Do Research With Self-Administered Surveys

Given the absence of brief "how to do it" articles on self-administered survey research, the author presents suggestions for conducting and publishing questionnaire research successfully. The article covers choosing a topic, framing a core research question that can be tested scientifically with survey data, respecting the study subjects' time and pride, keeping the survey materials succinct, being persistent, and guaranteeing study subjects' anonymity or confidentiality.
Temperature Sensitivities of the Sensitized Fluorescence Spectrum of Thallium

An investigation of the sensitized fluorescence of thallium and mercury mixtures using a photomultiplier type of detection is discussed. Data are given to indicate the variation of the intensity of the thallium lines as a function of the temperature of the excess mercury. Explanation of results requires the use of Winan's partial selection rule, $\ensuremath{\Delta}J=0$, in addition to generally accepted ideas concerning energy transfer, emission, and absorption.
A computational argumentation methodology for capturing and analyzing design rationale arising from multiple perspectives

Abstract Contemporary development methodologies provide for the traceability of design decisions to functional requirements. However, they fail to adequately provide this type of traceability for non-functional requirements. This paper describes a methodology for the computational evaluation of the impact of design decisions on the non-functional requirements of the various stakeholders involved in the development of a system. A design dialog process based upon a design argumentation model is described. The dialog process provides for the capture of design rationale and for their management. Fuzzy inference is used to identify conflicts, to simply arguments, and to measure the favorability of an argument.
PCR-Based Method Using Propidium Monoazide To Distinguish Viable from Nonviable Bacillus subtilis Spores

This paper describes a molecular-based method which is able to discriminate between viable and inactivated Bacillus subtilis spores by utilizing the DNA-intercalating dye propidium monoazide. The approach should be valuable in our attempt to employ molecular methods to streamline the evaluation of process validation using bacterial endospores.
Anti-insect defensive behaviors in equines post-West Nile virus infection

Abstract West Nile virus (WNV), a zoonotic mosquito transmitted Flavivirus , has had significant health effects on horses in the United States, with over 23,000 United States equine cases since the disease was first recognized in 1999. Previous research has focused on how this disease progresses and affects equids days to weeks post infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if permanent equine behavioral changes had occurred in horses that had recovered from acute West Nile fever or encephalitis. Specifically, we examined if surviving this disease caused changes in the defensive behaviors of the animal against biting and stinging insects, presumably because of neurological sequelae that can result from the infection. Results from behavioral observations and neurologic reflex testing suggest that long-term survivors of WNV do not show a change in the frequency or types of behaviors used compared to uninfected horses, supporting the concept that lasting deficits from WNV usually resolve within the following 1–3 years post-infection. However, microhabitat and grouping behavior did have a significant impact on the frequency of defensive behaviors, with indoor locales and larger groups of horses showing less insect avoidance behaviors. These principles may play a more pivotal role in protecting equines from biting insects and disease than thought previously.
Isolation and nucleotide sequence of a cDNA clone encoding bovine adrenal tyrosine hydroxylase: comparative analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase gene products.

Investigations into the structure and mechanisms regulating the expression of the genes involved in cate cholamine biosynthesis have led to the isolation of a cDNA coding for bovine adrenal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The 1,722 bp cDNA contains the complete coding sequence and 3′ untranslated region of the TH mRNA. The nucleotide sequence of the cDNA and the deduced amino acid sequence were compared to those reported for rat and human TH. Bovine TH shares 85% and 84% amino acid sequence identity with that of rat and human TH, respectively. Alignment of the amino acid sequences of rat, bovine, and human TH reveals that 79% of the residues are identical in all three species, indicating a strong evolutionary conservation of enzyme structure. Moreover, three of the four putative phosphorylation sites located in the N-terminal region of TH are conserved in these animal species. There are, however, some interspecies differences in TH gene products. The 3′ untranslated region of bovine TH mRNA is 56 and 97 nucleotides shorter than rat and human TH mRNA, respectively. Additionally, the bovine protein is 7 and 6 amino acids smaller than its rat and human homologues. All of the absent amino acid residues of bovine TH are missing from an alanine-rich region in the N-terminal portion of the rat and human proteins (amino acids 51-68). Comparison of the size of bovine and rat TH mRNA and protein by northern blot and immunoblot analyses yielded differences consistent with those predicted from the nucleotide sequence data.