cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human fertility and fitness optimization

Abstract Census and other survey data from across the world reveal major differences in fertility rates between the more economically developed and the less economically developed societies. The former are significantly more likely than the latter to feature families of two children or fewer. Multiple regression analysis shows that, among various indicators of “modernization,” three (female level of education, female gainful employment, and proportion of physicians in the population) account for 71% of the variation in family size; all three variables have strongly significant, direct, and negative effects on fertility. The paper hypothesizes about the possible evolution of a reproductive psychology toward the two-child family and seeks to explain highly depressed rates of reproduction by reference to both ultimate and proximate factors. In some highly developed countries, zero-child and one-child rates of fertility represent together up to 40% of all ever-married women. The findings stress the importance of systematic research toward establishing the proximate factors that are most likely to facilitate or impede fitness optimization—the importance, that is, of surrounding the optimization principle with the logic and ancillary propositions that will give it a greater and more directive reach.
Imaging metal atoms in air and water using the atomic force microscope

Gold atoms in an epitaxial film on mica are clearly visible in images obtained with an atomic force microscope (AFM). The measured lattice spacing of 3.0± 0.3 A is consistent with previous scanning tunneling microscope images obtained in air and vacuum. Atoms are visible even if the sample surface, tip, and cantilever are submerged in water in a closed cell. Electrochemical studies of metal electrodes at atomic resolution may now be possible with the AFM.
Photodynamic alteration of lobster giant axons in calcium-free and calcium-rich media.

Photodynamic alteration of Eosin Y-sensitized lobster giant axons was compared under conditions of calcium-rich and calcium-free media, to see whether the conflicting reported descriptions of the photodynamic effect can be resolved in terms of variations in calcium content of the bathing medium. Both a voltage clamp analysis (sucrose gap technique) and a microelectrode analysis (nonclamped axons) were used. In calcium-free media the characteristic photodynamic alterations of sodium channels (reduction in maximum conductance; increase in time to peak current) occurred at 40% slower rates than in calcium-rich media, while the characteristic decrease in potassium current was unaffected by the calcium content. Photodynamic alteration depolarized nonvoltage clamped axons in both media, and there was an initial rapid depolarization phase in calcium-free media. All of these changes in both media were irreversible. In calcium-free media photodynamic alteration usually induced repetitive firing. The firing showedapparent reversibility, since it stopped after a period of time and could usually be reinitiated upon further illumination. It is proposed that decalcification does not alter the basic nature of the photodynamic effect, but complicates the axon response by its own independent effects.
The Kinetics of Side Chain Stabilization during Protein Folding

The rate of stabilization of side chains during protein folding has never been carefully studied. Recent developments in labeling proteins with 19F-labeled amino acids coupled with real-time NMR measurements have allowed such measurements to be made. This paper describes the application of this method to the study of several proteins using 6-19F-tryptophan as the reporting group. It is found that these side chains adopt their final stable state at the last stages of the folding process and that the stabilization of side chains into their final conformation is a highly cooperative process. It is also possible to show the presence of intermediates in which the side chains are not correctly packed. The technique should be applicable to many systems.
Using Blogging in Support of Teacher Professional Identity Development: A Case Study

This case study explores the affordances a weblog (blog) offered to “Ms. Frizzle,” an urban middle school science teacher and exceptional blogger, to support her professional identity development. The 316 posts she wrote over 1 school year were systematically analyzed and triangulated with data from e-mail exchanges and interviews with Ms. Frizzle and her colleagues. Ms. Frizzle used her blog to tell stories of herself and her classroom, reflect on her practice, work through dilemmas, solicit feedback, and display competence, among other things. By doing so, she was able to wrestle with many issues that are central to the practice of urban science teaching and be recognized by herself and others as a “reform-minded” teacher committed to excellence and equity in education. To realize these benefits, however, Ms. Frizzle invested significant time and energy into her blogging and made certain uses of blogging features. Thus, although this study empirically supports the potential of blogging for teachers' pro...
An approximate scalar conservation law from dynamics of gas absorption

Our interest in Eq. (*) arose originally from a classical problem in the dynamics of gas absorption. This problem provides a useful conduit through which to introduce our results and to suggest some physical relevance, so we shall briefly recall this problem before describing the results obtained. Consider a cylinder of constant cross section, whose axis is parametrized by x E Iw, and which contains an absorbing material. A gas-air mixture is passed at a uniform velocity through the cylinder; we want to describe the exchange of gas between this flow field in the pores and the absorbing material fixed in the cylinder. Let u(x, t) denote the con- centration of the gas in the absorbent at position x and time t > 0, and let w(x, t) be the concentration of gas moving past x in the system of pores. The essential properties of the absorbent are defined by a relation or func- tion c1 called the absorption isotherm. Thus, v E a(u) or (u, v) E c1 if v is a concentration of gas on the surface of the absorbent which is in equilibrium with the concentration u in its interior. The rate of exchange of gas between the absorbent and its pores is then proportional to w-v. The dynamical
RNA major groove modifications improve siRNA stability and biological activity

RNA 5-methyl and 5-propynyl pyrimidine analogs were substituted into short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to probe major groove steric effects in the active RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). Synthetic RNA guide strands containing varied combinations of propynyl and methyl substitution revealed that all C-5 substitutions increased the thermal stability of siRNA duplexes containing them. Cellular gene suppression experiments using luciferase targets in HeLa cells showed that the bulky 5-propynyl modification was detrimental to RNA interference activity, despite its stabilization of the helix. Detrimental effects of this substitution were greatest at the 5′-half of the guide strand, suggesting close steric approach of proteins in the RISC complex with that end of the siRNA/mRNA duplex. However, substitutions with the smaller 5-methyl group resulted in gene silencing activities comparable to or better than that of wild-type siRNA. The major groove modifications also increased the serum stability of siRNAs.
Crystalline ammonium uranyl peroxy-oxalate

Abstract Single crystals of ammonium uranyl peroxy-oxalate [(NH 4 ) 2 UO 4 C 2 O 4 ·3H 2 O] have been prepared. Crystallographic, powder diffraction and optical data are presented for the compound. Thermal decomposition of the compound was studied using differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. Single-crystal X-ray studies revealed that the crystals became amorphous after prolonged exposure to unfiltered Cu radiation. Damage is attributed to the ionising effect of the X-ray beam which resulted in some decomposition of the compound.
Improving cost-path tracing in a raster data format

Abstract Currently, tracing the least-cost paths is constrained by the generally inadequate treatment of spatial simulation in a raster data format, resulting in artificially zigzagged paths. In this paper, we propose a two-layer recording of path information, in conjunction with an improved cost simulation model, to improve cost-path tracing. The improved cost simulation model incorporates any number of nonadjacent cell links. The two path-information layers record x, y coordinates of back links of the cost paths. The resultant simulated paths are almost free of artificial zigzagging, as shown by examples conventional cost analysis as well as more complicated spread simulation. The inclusion of nonadjacent cell links shows great potential in improving raster modeling in a large number of application areas.
SMAP Observatory concept — A configuration of compromises

SMAP (Soil Moisture Active and Passive) is a proposed scientific mission that would provide global mapping of Earth soil moisture and freeze/thaw state. The proposed SMAP Observatory would accommodate two primary Instruments - L-band (1.26 GHz) Radar and L-band (1.4 GHz) Radiometer on one spacecraft. Both instruments would share a 14.6 RPM spinning Antenna System with a 6m diameter deployable Reflector and a common RF Feed. The key challenge for the Observatory configuration is in meeting the needs of the science and the supporting subsystems (many of which have stringent demands as well) and ensuring that the spacecraft could meet all operational, pointing, environmental, and launch vehicle requirements. This paper describes the continuing evolution of the proposed SMAP Observatory configuration, the challenges of balancing the conflicting requirements, and the major configuration driving decisions and compromises. 1,2,3
A novel method for detection and ex vivo expansion of HIV type 1-specific cytolytic T lymphocytes.

Studies have shown that cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses may be critical to the clearance of the early viremia in acute HIV-1 infection. It is likely that these cells play an important role i...
Fraxinus nigra (black ash) dieback in Minnesota: Regional variation and potential contributing factors

Extensive tree dieback is a recurrent issue in many regions. Crown dieback of Fraxinus nigra Marsh. (black ash; brown ash) in the northeastern and north central United States is an example. F. nigra is a widely distributed hardwood that is often the dominant species in wetland forests from Manitoba to Newfoundland and West Virginia to Indiana. Widespread crown dieback of F. nigra has been noted in many regions, but there are few quantitative assessments of dieback extent or relationship to potential causes. Most F. nigra dieback episodes are not associated with specific disease or pest agents. Drought, excessive soil moisture, cohort senescense, and road influences, have all been suggested as potential contributing factors. Our objectives were to (1) quantify variable dieback across northern Minnesota, a region described as having extensive dieback, (2) determine the relationship between dieback and site moisture, (3) relate dieback to tree age/size distributions, and (4) assess whether dieback was related to road proximity. Given the increasing threat of Agrilus planipennis (emerald ash borer) in the region, it is important to know the current health status of F. nigra populations before widespread infestation occurs. Many stands in our study exhibited high incidences of crown dieback. However, the incidence of dieback was variable across the region. Spatial variability in dieback was associated with site wetland characteristics; more dieback occurred on jurisdictional wetlands and on sites with a higher wetness index and a deeper depth to a perching layer. Dieback was also positively correlated with mean stand diameter, and tree diameters were generally correlated with age, suggesting that stands with larger and older individuals experienced more dieback. Cohort senescence is a possible explanation for this trend. Finally, dieback occurred with higher frequency nearer to roads. The road influence could be related to hydrological alterations or perhaps toxicity from road deicing salt. The fact that dieback is more severe close to roads may contribute to a general perception that black ash dieback is more severe throughout the region than our study suggests. Collectively, our results indicate that the healthiest F. nigra stands in our study region are likely to be younger and located on relatively drier sites and farther from roads, compared to stands with significant crown dieback.
Neuroprotection of rat retinal ganglion cells mediated through alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Abstract Glutamate-induced excitotoxicity is thought to play an important role in several neurodegenerative diseases in the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, neuroprotection against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity was analyzed using acetylcholine (ACh), nicotine and the α7 specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) agonist, N-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-4-chlorobenzamide hydrochloride (PNU-282987), in cultured adult rat retinal neurons. Adult Long Evans rat retinas were dissociated and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were isolated from all other retinal tissue using a two-step panning technique. Once isolated, RGCs were cultured under various pharmacological conditions to demonstrate excitotoxicity and neuroprotection against excitotoxicity. After 3 days, RGCs were immunostained with antibodies against the glycoprotein, Thy 1.1, counted and cell survival was assessed relative to control untreated conditions. 500 μM glutamate induced excitotoxicity in large and small RGCs in an adult rat dissociated culture. After 3 days in culture with glutamate, the cell survival of large RGCs decreased by an average of 48.16% while the cell survival of small RGCs decreased by an average of 42.03%. Using specific glutamate receptor agonists and antagonists, we provide evidence that the excitotoxic response was mediated through α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)/kainic acid (KA) and N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors through an apoptotic mechanism. However, the excitotoxic effect of glutamate on all RGCs was eliminated if cells were cultured for an hour with 10 μM ACh, 100 μM nicotine or 100 nM of the α7 nAChR agonist, PNU-282987, before the glutamate insult. Inhibition studies using 10 nM methyllycaconitine (MLA) or α-bungarotoxin (α-Bgt) supported the hypothesis that neuroprotection against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity on rat RGCs was mediated through α7 nAChRs. In immunocytochemical studies, double-labeled experiments using antibodies against Thy 1.1 and α7 nAChR subunits demonstrated that both large and small RGCs contained α7 nAChR subunits. The data presented in this study support the hypothesis that ACh and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists provide neuroprotection against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in adult rat RGCs through activation of α7 nAChR subunits. These studies lay the groundwork required for analyzing the effect of specific α7 nAChR agonists using in vivo models of excitotoxicity. Understanding the type of ACh receptors involved in neuroprotection in the rat retina could ultimately lead to therapeutic treatment for any CNS disease that involves excitotoxicity.
Potential function of cholesterol in blood coagulation: Amplification of phospholipid thromboplastic activity

Recalcification tests have revealed a two- to threefold increase in the thromboplastic activity of recombined phospholipid fractions from chicken erythrocyte lipids on supplementation with the original concentration of cholesterol. An optimal four- to fivefold increase was obtained at higher levels. Cholesterol esters had no such effect and clotting times with Russell’s viper venom were not similarly affected.
Increased superoxide accumulation in pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficient fibroblasts

The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) oxidizes pyruvate to acetyl CoA and is critically important in maintaining normal cellular energy homeostasis. Loss-of-function mutations in PDC give rise to congenital lactic acidosis and to progressive cellular energy failure. However, the subsequent biochemical consequences of PDC deficiency that may contribute to the clinical manifestations of the disorder are poorly understood. We postulated that altered flux through PDC would disrupt mitochondrial electron transport, resulting in oxidative stress. Compared to cells from 4 healthy subjects, primary cultures of skin fibroblasts from 9 patients with variable mutations in the gene encoding the alpha subunit (E1α) of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDA1) demonstrated reduced growth and viability. Superoxide (O(2)(.-)) from the Qo site of complex III of the electron transport chain accumulated in these cells and was associated with decreased activity of manganese superoxide dismutase. The expression of uncoupling protein 2 was also decreased in patient cells, but there were no significant changes in the expression of cellular markers of protein or DNA oxidative damage. The expression of hypoxia transcription factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) also increased in PDC deficient fibroblasts. We conclude that PDC deficiency is associated with an increase in O(2)(.-) accumulation coupled to a decrease in mechanisms responsible for its removal. Increased HIF1α expression may contribute to the increase in glycolytic flux and lactate production in PDC deficiency and, by trans-activating pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, may further suppress residual PDC activity through phosphorylation of the E1α subunit.
Ischemic Preconditioning and Morphine-induced Cardioprotection Involve the Delta (δ)-opioid Receptor in the Intact Rat Heart

Several investigators have demonstrated that the opioid pathway is involved in tissue preservation during hypoxia or ischemia and that this protection is mediated via the delta (delta)-opioid receptor. Subsequently, we have shown that opioid receptors are involved in ischemic preconditioning (PC) in the rat heart and that morphine produces a cardioprotective effect; however, the class of opioid receptors involved in mediating these effects is still unknown. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that ischemia- and morphine-induced cardioprotection are mediated via stimulation of the delta-opioid receptor in the rat heart. Anesthetized, open-chest Wistar rats were subjected to one of six protocols. The control group was subjected to 30 min of occlusion and 2 h of reperfusion. Ischemic PC was elicited by three 5 min occlusion periods interspersed with 5 min of reperfusion. Morphine-induced cardioprotection was produced by three 5 min morphine infusions (100 microg/kg/infusion, i.v.) interspersed with a 5-min drug-free period. To determine if the delta-opioid receptor has a role in ischemic PC and morphine-induced cardioprotection, naltrindole (NTI), a selective delta-opioid receptor antagonist, was utilized. NTI (5 mg/kg, i.v.) was given 10 min prior to ischemic PC (NTI+PC) or morphine infusion (NTI+MOR). Also, NTI (5 mg/kg, i.v.) was given 10 min before the 30 min occlusion period in untreated rats. Infarct size (IS) as a percent of the area at risk (AAR) was determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Ischemic PC and morphine infusions resulted in similar reductions in IS/AAR from 51+/-4 to 11+/-3 and 15+/-4% (*P<0.05), respectively. NTI completely abolished the cardioprotective effect induced by ischemia and morphine. The results of the present study suggests a role of delta;-opioid receptors in ischemic PC or morphine-induced myocardial protection in the rat.
Impurity Conduction in Silicon

Impurity conduction at low temperature was investigated for various $p$- and $n$-type silicon samples. Emphasis was placed on the study of samples of low impurity concentration where the conduction is attributed to charge exchange between impurity centers which are partially ionized by some compensating impurity. A new method was used to determine the compensation. Donors were added to $p$-type samples by heat treatment. From changes in the room temperature resistivity and the Hall co-efficient in the deionization range, the added compensation and the original compensation were determined. The measurement of various samples gave the dependence of the activation energy of conduction on impurity concentration and degree of compensation. The activation energy was much larger for the Ga- and Al-doped samples than for the B-doped samples of comparable impurity concentration. However, it was found that the high activation energies may be the result of ion-pairing between gallium or aluminum atoms and the compensating impurity in the sample. The conductivities of the various samples may be correlated by an expression of conductivity which involves the impurity concentration and the radius of impurity wave function. The results are discussed in the light of current theories of impurity conduction.
Effects of URLs in traditional media advertising in China

Purpose – This research examines how URLs in Chinese mass media advertising affect noticeability, perceptions and behavior among internet users and non‐users.Design/methodology/approach – It uses advertising effectiveness measures to investigate the perceived effects of URLs in traditional media advertising. Six hundred and twenty‐seven random telephone interviews among adult internet users and non‐users were conducted in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai.Findings – Results showed the inclusion of a URL in an ad enhanced brand perceptions and increased consumers' likelihood to visit the web site.Research limitations/implications – Limitations include a low response rate, self‐reported data, and limited analysis of internet users and non‐users. Future research could use an experimental design and update data as web presence and internet usage grows.Practical implications – This research adds to knowledge about web advertising in China and suggests that marketers may benefit from an early web presence.Origin...
AIS SIGHCI position paper

The upcoming ACM SIGCHI Development Consortium is aimed at meeting the needs of multidisciplinary professionals that must choose among a variety of professional associations and their events. The position of AIS' (Association for Information Systems) SIGHCI is that the main problem lies in the deep chasms that separate the literatures of the related disciplines, and the solution is to provide an umbrella organization that enables a more organized federation of disciplines, groups, and associations. Problems identified include differences in terminology, competition for scarce resources, differences in how publications in various outlets are valued, and confusion about where should be the "home" for HCI/CHI majors. Suggestions include developing a framework for a federation, negotiating shared understandings about publication outlets, and coordinating information about meetings and other events.
PRODUCTION OF MACROPHAGE ACTIVATION FACTORS BY TRYPTIC CLEAVAGE OF CALF SERUM PROTEINS

Trypsin, when added to a bioassay for tumoricidal macrophages, produced killing of tumor cells. Trypsin cleaved fetal calf serum proteins to produce a protein fragment that activated macrophages to lyse tumor cells. Diisopropyl fluorophosphate-inhibited trypsin did not produce tumoricidal macrophages either by direct action on the macrophage or by action on serum proteins. The macrophage activation factors produced from serum proteins were fractionated into molecular weight ranges of 150,000, 68,000, and 30,000-5000. The effects of neutral proteinases and proteinase inhibitors on the ability of macrophages to lyse tumor cells is discussed.
Heart Smart: A School Health Program Meeting the 1990 Objectives for the Nation

The importance of health promotion is recognized throughout the nation. The Sur geon General's report of 1980, Promoting Health/Preventing Disease, delineates objec tives for intervention in 15 health priority areas. Approximately one-third of the objectives relate directly to the health of children, and many are addressed by a comprehensive cardiovascular (CV) health promotion program for elementary school children—Heart Smart. Priority areas addressed by this program are high blood pres sure control, nutrition, fluoridation and dental health, smoking, misuse of alcohol and drugs, physical fitness and exercise, and control of stress and violence. Heart Smart is a cognitive behavioral intervention designed to address health enabling and reinforcing factors within the school environment. It is based on data from the Bogalusa Heart Study which clearly document the need for CV health intervention beginning early in life. Heart Smart includes a longitudinal classroom curriculum, an aerobic fitness program tau...
The inter‐ and intrafraction reproducibilities of three common IMRT delivery techniques

Purpose: Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment delivery requires higher precision than conventional 3D treatment delivery because of the sensitivity of the resulting dose to small geometric misalignment of the modulated beamlets. The chosen treatment delivery technique will affect the treatment precision in different ways, based on the characteristics of the delivery method. Delivery using a multileaf collimator (MLC) can reduce treatment time and therapist workload, but typically requires a greater number of monitor units and the fields are prone to both systematic and random leaf positioning errors. An alternative to MLC-based fields, patient specific brass compensators, do not suffer from these leaf positioning errors. In our study, we set out to investigate which delivery method will provide the highest levels of dosimetric reproducibility and the minimum amount of interfraction variability. Methods: In our study, a seven field IMRT plan for a head and neck treatment was created using the Pinnacle{sup 3} treatment planning system and the intensity maps for each field were obtained. The intensity maps of the fields were delivered with a Varian 2100C/D linear accelerator, using solid compensators and sliding window (SW) and step-and-shoot (SS) MLC segments. Three fields were selected from the seven-beam IMRT plan formore » comparison. Analysis was carried out using the MatriXX ion chamber array, radiochromic film, and Varian dynalog files. Results: Our results show that the error in MLC leaf positioning has no gantry angle dependence. The compensator and SW deliveries showed excellent agreement, even when stricter than usual gamma criteria were applied. However, we noted that under these strict conditions, the SS fields had at least ten times more pixels out of range than did the compensators. When using step-and-shoot MLC fields, it was observed that the increase in dose rate or the increase of MU/segment degrades the quality of the plan. Analysis of the dynalog files showed that while each individual field had its own propensity for error, all fields showed the same trend: a greater percentage of time the leaves are out of position as dose rate increases, MUs decrease, or both. Conclusions: The compensator-based field and both types of MLC-based fields have MatriXX results that are within the clinically acceptable tolerance of 3% dose difference and 2 mm DTA. However, when the criteria are tightened, it becomes evident that the compensators have a definite advantage over their comparable MLC-based competitors in terms of interfraction reproducibility. Fewer monitor units are required to deliver each portal, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing unwanted side effects to both patients and therapists. In centers without MLC, compensators represent a simple and cost effective way to offer patients state of the art treatment. Based on the results of this study, compensator-based IMRT is a reliable, viable option for use in clinics both with and without MLC-equipped linacs.« less
Destruction of lindane and atrazine using stabilized iron nanoparticles under aerobic and anaerobic conditions: effects of catalyst and stabilizer.

Abstract Highly stable Fe–Pd bimetallic nanoparticles were prepared with 0.2% (w/w) of sodium carboxylmethylcellulose (CMC) as a stabilizer. The effectiveness of the stabilized Fe–Pd nanoparticles was studied for degradation of two chlorinated pesticides (lindane and atrazine) under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Batch kinetic tests showed that under anaerobic condition the nanoparticles can serve as strong electron donors and completely reduce 1 mg l −1 of lindane at an iron dose of 0.5 g l −1 or 1 mg l −1 of atrazine with 0.05 g l −1 iron with a trace amount (0.05–0.8% of Fe) of Pd as a catalyst. In contrast, under aerobic condition, the nanoparticles can facilitate Fenton-like reactions, which lead to oxidation of 65% of lindane under otherwise identical conditions. Under aerobic condition, the presence of CMC reduced the level of hydroxyl radicals generated from the nanoparticels by nearly 50%, and thus, inhibited the oxidation of the contaminants. While the particle stabilization greatly enhanced the anaerobic degradation, it did not appear to be beneficial under aerobic condition. The degradation rate was progressively enhanced as the Pd content increased from 0.05% to 0.8% of Fe, and the catalytic effect of Pd was more significant under anaerobic condition. Under anaerobic condition, lindane is degraded via dihaloelimination and dehydrohalogenation, whereas atrazine is by reductive dechlorination followed by subsequent reductive dealkylation. Under aerobic condition, reactive oxygen species and hydroxyl radicals from the iron nanoparticles are responsible for oxidizing the pesticides. Lindane is oxidized via dechlorination/dehydrohalogenation, whereas atrazine is destroyed through dealkylation of the alkylamino side chain.
A model for the local mode relaxation process in poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Abstract Although the glass transition relaxation process is regarded as involving gross chain motions, the local mode [l] process is generally viewed a s involving independent motions of groups within a repeat unit [2,3]. The purpose of this note is to present an alternative model-in the case of poly(ethy1ene terephthalate), experimental evidence indicates that the local mode process involves the cooperative motions of several repeat units.
The Effect of Survey Participation on Consumer Behavior: The Moderating Role of Marketing Communication

Past research has established that just surveying individuals or measuring consumers' intentions can influence their subsequent behaviors. Building on self-generated validity theory and extant studies on the survey participation effect, we examine the behavioral phenomenon in a setting where consumers repeatedly participate in brand-specific surveys of all competing brands in a product category. We also investigate the existence and magnitude of the survey participation effect at the individual decision maker level while accounting for marketing communication efforts of the focal and competing brands. We test our proposed individual-consumer-level model using unique behavioral panel data with survey participation and marketing communication information. Our results suggest that the survey participation effect exists in a competitive marketplace setting where consumers' intentions toward a focal brand and all the competing brands are measured. We find evidence of a backlash effect wherein survey participation and marketing communication work against each other. We also find that consumers' participation in surveys of competing brands does not positively spill over to their choice of the focal brand. Based on our results, we suggest important implications for coordination between marketing communication efforts and marketing research activities.
Site-Specific Incorporation of Chemical Probes into Proteins for NMR

The ability to incorporate chemical probes into peptides is of great importance because it can render novel functionality to proteins and greatly expand our capacity to investigate complex biological systems. A methodology developed by the Schultz laboratory provides a unique strategy to incorporate chemical probes as unnatural amino acids into proteins by “expanding the genetic code” of the host cell. A recent application of this methodology that allows the site-specific incorporation of three NMR-active probes into proteins demonstrates the potential for researchers to explore avenues that are not easily achievable with existing methods.
Polymerization in nonuniform latex particles: Distribution of free radicals

Previous kinetic studies in emulsion polymerization have almost always involved an assumption of uniform distribution of free radicals in the latex particle. Such an assumption is not likely to reflect reality in many systems that employ water-soluble initiators because the hydrophilic end-group of the oligomeric free radical will preferentially stay in the surface layer of the particle. This constrained end-group location would result in nonuniform distribution of free radicals in the polymerizing latex particles. A Monte Carlo simulation of the growth of a single polymer chain within the latex particle supports this hypothesis. Such a nonuniform distribution of free radicals in the latex particle is expected to have an influence on reaction kinetics and product properties. The mechanism for transport of free radicals out of polymerizing latex particles is reexamined based on the proposed concept, and a modified expression for the desorption rate constant is presented.
Highlights in basic autonomic neuroscience: contribution of the urothelium to sensory mechanisms in the urinary bladder.

Abstract Urothelial cells in the urinary bladder express neural properties including: (1) release of neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors, (2) expression of neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels, and (3) sensitivity to mechanical and chemical stimuli. These properties have focused attention on the possible contribution of the urothelium to the storage and emptying functions of the bladder. In addition chemicals released from urothelial cells can affect the excitability of adjacent afferent nerves and this interaction can be affected by pathological conditions. This raises the possibility that abnormal urothelial–afferent interactions may contribute to bladder dysfunctions and therefore be a target for drug therapy.
Modeling sulfate transport and distribution and methylmercury production associated with Aquifer Storage and Recovery implementation in the Everglades Protection Area

Abstract Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) technology has been proposed to meet the competing ecological and water-supply needs of south Florida and the Everglades Protection Area (EPA). The water recovered from ASR, however, may have altered water quality. Of particular concern is the enrichment of ASR recovery water in sulfate, which can stimulate microbial sulfate reduction and methylmercury (MeHg) production within the EPA. MeHg is already a serious issue with regard to wildlife and human health, and there is concern that ASR might exacerbate the problem. In order to address these concerns, the Lake Okeechobee Environmental Model (LOEM) and the Everglades Landscape Model (ELM) were adapted with sulfur modules to predict concentrations and distributions of sulfate within Lake Okeechobee and the EPA resulting from the release of ASR water. In addition, equations were developed relating the biogeochemistry of sulfate and MeHg production to produce a MeHg production risk assessment from the modeled ASR sulfate loading. Baseline runs (no ASR discharge water), and three different ASR release scenarios with varying sulfate loading were evaluated. Results show that ASR release will temporarily elevate sulfate concentrations in Lake Okeechobee from the present level of about 30 mg/L to as high as 50 mg/L in a worst case scenario, but that this will have little impact on MeHg production in the lake. The model indicates that ASR release will have minimal impacts on sulfate loading to the EPA, primarily because of the already large sulfate loading from other sources within the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). Maps of sulfate distributions show that certain locations in the EPA, especially those near canal or Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) discharges, may experience significantly higher sulfate loading from ASR. Overall impacts with regard to increased MeHg production risk are predicted to be low based on this model, although sites with increased ASR sulfate loading (e.g. canal and STA discharge sites) may experience some change in MeHg risk.
AMBIDENT REACTIVITY OF ENOLATE ANIONS IN THE GAS PHASE. EXPERIMENTAL DETERMINATION OF CARBON VS OXYGEN ACYLATION WITH CF3COCL

The gas-phase reaction between enolate anions RCOCH2- and CF3COCl has been studied using FT-ICR. Carbon and oxygen acylation with CF3COCl gives distinct ion products. For the series R = CF3, m-XC6H4 (X = CH3, H, OCH3, F, CF3), H, CH3, (CH3)3C, CH2CH, and F, carbon attack and oxygen attack are both observed with oxygen attack predominating for most of the enolates. This results from the lower intrinsic activation energy for oxygen attack. The relative reactivity of carbon vs oxygen changes significantly with the substituent R in the enolates. The relationship between the relative overall exothermicity of the two channels and the relative reactivity of carbon vs oxygen of enolates is derived from Marcus theory. The relative overall exothermicity of the two channels is correlated with the energy difference, ΔHke, between the keto and enol tautomers of the parent ketones.
DORMANCY IN SEEDS OF FRASERA CAROLINIENSIS (GENTIAN ACEAE)

In freshly matured seeds of the long-lived monocarpic perennial, Frasera caroliniensis Walt., the embryos are underdeveloped and physiologically dormant. Dormancy was broken by a long period of stratification (chilling) at 5 C. Seventy six percent of the seeds germinated at 20 C (day)/10 C (night) after 98 days of chilling at 5 C, while seeds kept at 5 C germinated to 87% after 205 days. A warm, moist pretreatment was not required for subsequent breaking of dormancy at 5 C. Embryos in fresh seeds averaged 1.3 mm long, but after 12 weeks of chilling they averaged 4.1 mm. Thus, the embryos require a period of chilling to become fully developed, after which seeds can germinate at the afterripening temperatures (5 C) or at some higher temperature. Seeds of F. caroliniensis fit Nikolaeva's (1977) morpho-physiological complex
Coup d'Etat: An Orphan Takes Control

This article provides a comprehensive review on the biological functions of chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor-II (COUP-TFII), an orphan member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, in development and diseases. It also summarizes the signaling pathways and the underlying mechanisms that mediate COUP-TFII function. This review also briefly summarizes the current findings on the closely related family member, COUP-TFI.
The Costs of Coalition: Coalition Theories and Italian Governments

Governments in Italy both change and remain the same. From 1946 to 1992 the Christian Democratic Party always held governing power. But almost no cabinet stayed in office more than a few years, and many governments collapsed after only a few months. How can instability coexist with stability in this way? How can governments break up at such low cost and with so little effect on alternation? These questions are rooted in—but not resolved by—the available game-theoretic literature on coalitional behavior. My answer is that politicians' purposive actions can reduce the costs of coalition. I argue that the costs of making, breaking, and maintaining coalitions depend on political institutions and on the array of parties and voters in policy space. Institutional and spatial conditions structure politicians' opportunities and attempts to lower costs. Under some conditions, as I show, coalitions are cheap, and politicians can easily make coalitions even cheaper. The inference is that this framework comprehends both Italy's extremes and the degrees of stability found in other parliamentary democracies.
Effect of Holding Diet on Egg Formation of Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), Parasitoid of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psylloidae)

Abstract Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), is an arrhenotokous ectoparasitoid of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psylloidae), vector of huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening disease. Mass-rearing parasitoids for augmentative biological control has created the need to find storage conditions that will optimize egg load upon release. Food provided to females during the holding period may be foremost among factors that determine the number of eggs available for oviposition following storage. Pairs of newly emerged T. radiata were provided with 8 different diet treatments: water, honey, Nu-Lure® (a proteinaceous liquid made from 44% hydrolyzed corn gluten meal), host nymphs, honey+ Nu-Lure, honey+ host nymphs, Nu-Lure+ host nymphs, and honey+ Nu-Lure + host nymphs. Female wasps were dissected after 5, 10, 15, and 20 days and mature eggs counted. An average of 4.6 eggs was observed in ovaries of newly emerged females. Honey alone was sufficient for female survival, but egg resorpt...
Controlling diurnal rhythms by light

Life on earth is strongly affected by the day-night cycle, also known as the diurnal cycle. Due to its importance in survival, many organisms have developed an internal time keeping mechanism that goes by the name of circadian rhythm. Light plays a vital role for photosynthetic cyanobacteria and changes in the light pattern result in adaptive changes in the underlying biological processes at cellular level. Processes under circadian control are able to maintain their rhythm even under changes in the diurnal cycle, and it is important to isolate these processes from those whose rhythms are strongly affected by light. As the only known prokaryotic organism to have a robust circadian clock mechanism, cyanobacteria provide us with a unique opportunity to unveil the complex changes, especially changes in the process rhythms resulting from perturbation of the diurnal cycle. In this paper, we have identified the circadian controlled genes from those that are strongly influenced by light using a pair of genome wide study utilizing microarrays. A transcription model with an associated regulatory network is proposed.
Data webs for earth science data

We describe high performance data webs for earth science data, which are designed for interactively analyzing small to moderate size remote data sets, as well as mining distributed data sets. Achieving high performance required developing specialized high performance transport services as well as specialized high performance middleware services for merging multiple data streams. Data webs complement data grids, which are grid based infrastructures designed to support arbitrary distributed computation over distributed data using a trusted computing model.
Comparative measures of systolic ejection during treadmill exercise by impedance cardiography and Doppler echocardiography

Measurements of systolic ejection dynamics by impedance cardiography were compared with simultaneous Doppler echocardiography in normal subjects and coronary artery disease patients. Patients with chest pain admitted for elective coronary angiography were monitored by simultaneous impedance cardiography and Doppler echocardiography before, during, and after treadmill exercise. Ensemble-averaged ECG, impedance cardiogram (ICG), the first derivative of ICG (dZ/dt), and Doppler waveforms were analyzed to identify systolic ejection variables. The timing of aortic valve opening was well correlated (r = 0.78) the timing of peak ejection velocity was very well correlated (r = 0.86), and the timing of aortic valve closure was moderately correlated (r = 0.69 and r = 0.73) in these subjects. The thoracic electrical impedance acceleration and normalized impedance acceleration indices were moderately correlated with Doppler model acceleration (r = 0.74, r = 0.79). The impedance cardiogram waveforms are of complex origin and are related to both aortic blood velocity and aortic blood acceleration. Users of dZ/dt timing features for determining aortic valvular events might consider alternative impedance features to improve ejection time accuracy.
"Teachers Know You Can Do More" Understanding How School Cultures of Success Affect Urban High School Students

Urban high school reform is one of the most significant challenges facing education today. In response to this challenge, reformers have put significant energy toward restructuring the large high school primarily through creating smaller school settings. Although the research literature often draws connections between school size and student outcomes, an examination of life within these settings remains a large void. From the voices and experiences of students, this article examines how relationships are connected to school culture. The nature of student-adult relationships is disentangled by exploring how students experience personalized, respectful, and encouraging interactions with school adults. Then relationships are connected to student dispositions in schools by examining the question, relationships for the purpose of what? The author concludes that the silver bullet for high school reform is a commitment to forging deliberate "cultures of success" for low-income Black and Latina or Latino students...
DIMENSION REDUCTION NUMERICAL CLOSURE METHOD FOR ADVECTION-DIFFUSION-REACTION SYSTEMS

Abstract Many natural physical processes allow different mathematical descriptions on different scales. The microscale description is usually based on fundamental conservation laws that form a closed system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) or partial differential equations (PDEs) but the numerical discretization of these equations may produce a system of ODEs with an enormous number of unknowns. Furthermore, time integration of the microscale equations usually requires time steps that are smaller than the observation time by many orders of magnitude. A direct solution of these ODEs can be extremely expensive. Often, we are only interested in the average behavior of the microscale system rather than the exact solution of the ODEs. Here we propose a novel dimension reduction computational closure (DRNC) method that gives an approximate solution of the ODEs and provides an accurate prediction of the average behavior. The DRNC method consists of two main elements. First, effective ODEs for evolution of average variables (e.g. average velocity, concentration and mass of a mineral precipitate) are obtained by averaging the micro-scale ODEs over the entire micro-scale domain. These effective ODEs contain non-local terms in the form of volume integrals of functions of the micro-scale variables. Second, a numerical closure is used to close the system of the effective equations. The numerical closure is achieved via short bursts of the microscale model. The DRNC method is used to simulate flow and transport with mixing controlled reactions and mineral precipitation by reducing porescale (microscale) Navier–Stokes and advection–diffusion-reaction equations to ODEs for averaged velocity and concentrations. Good agreement between direct solutions of the microscale equations and DRNC solutions for different boundary conditions and Damkohler numbers confirms the accuracy and computational efficiency of DRNC method. The DRNC method significantly accelerates microscale simulations, while providing accurate approximation of the microscale solution and accurate prediction of the average behavior of the system.