cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Social and Material Culture of Hyperautomobility: "Hyperauto"

The automobile is a key artifact for understanding the relationship between technology and society. As it has developed into a mass-produced and mass-consumed commodity, it has played an increasing role in social life and its built environments. In its most exaggerated manifestation, in parts of the United States, the car is a singular transport mode for expansive urban regions. This social formation, often referred to as "urban sprawl," has been cited for its environmental and energy impact. Here, the focus is on its social structural impact on motorists as well as on nonmotorists. The auto is a prime example of how material technologies have dynamic and reciprocal relationships with their social contexts. These relationships raise significant ethical issues with regard to the development and application of technology.
Influence of phytochrome on leaf monoterpene variation in Satureja douglasii

Abstract Phytochrome influenced monoterpene variation in mature leaves of Satureja douglasii in a chemotype-dependent manner. Phytochrome significantly increased the concentrations (mg g -1 leaf dry weight) of camphor, pulegone and carvone and the yield (total amount mg g -1 leaf dry weight) in the pulegone and carvone chemotypes. However, phytochrome did not influence monoterpene concentrations nor yield in the bicyclic or isomenthone chemotypes. The phytochrome action in the pulegone type is a low fluence response, whereas in the carvone type it is both a low and a very low fluence response. However, statistically, the composition (percent of total monoterpenes) that defines the chemotypes was not significantly influenced by phytochrome and supports other studies suggesting genetic control of the chemotype composition. The chemotypes tend to occur in a particular light environment, although one occurs across a wide range of them. The chemotype-dependent phytochrome response for monoterpene variation may result from adaptation to the light environments where the chemotypes usually occur.
Inference Degradation of Active Information Fusion within Bayesian Network Models

Bayesian networks have been extensively used in active information fusion that selects the best sensor based on expected utility calculation. However, inference degradation happens when the same sensors are selected repeatedly over time if the applied strategy is not well designed to consider the history of sensor engagement. This phenomenon decreases fusion accuracy and efficiency, in direct conflict to the objective of information integration with multiple sensors. This paper provides mathematical scrutiny of the inference degradation problem in the popular myopia planning. It examines the generic dynamic Bayesian network models and shows experimentation results for mental state recognition tasks. It also discusses the candidate solutions with initial results. The inference degradation problem is not limited to the discussed fusion tasks and may emerge in variants of sensor planning strategies with more global optimization approach. This study provides common guidelines in information integration applications for information awareness and intelligent decision.
Initial images from a 24-wire liquid xenon γ-camera

A prototype liquid xenon γ-camera has been constructed and preliminary results obtained. The sensitive volume is 7 cm × 7 cm in area and 4.5 cm thick. Orthogonal coordinates for each interacting γ-ray are provided by 24 anode wires 5 μ in diameter spaced 2.8 mm apart and 24 cathode strips.
Interference Competition Among Larval African Clawed Frogs, Xenopus laevis, Necessitates Removal of Bottom Debris to Promote Growth

ABSTRACT Survival and growth of larva! African clawed frogs, Xenopus laevis, are reported under two experimental environments. Ten aquaria (37.9 L) were used, with five replicates each of two experimental environments (bottom debris intact and bottom debris removed by siphoning). Forty-five newly hatched larvae were placed in each aquarium and fed ad libitum. When a few larvae developed front legs, the experiment was terminated. Larvae were sacrificed, freeze-dried, and individually weighed (nearest 0.1 mg). Survival was not significantly different among cohorts (P> 0.10), but larval weights were significantly different (P<0.00001). Larvae from aquaria with their bottom debris removed (mean = 34.5 mg) were nearly four times heavier than larvae from aquaria with their bottom debris intact (mean = 8.8 mg). This suggests that bottom debris, and/or aquarium water, contained factors that retarded growth. To promote maximum larval growth and reduce interference competition, bottom debris must be periodically re...
Direct-Viewing Memory Tube

The Haeff memory tube is modified by using a mesh-screen storage surface in combination with a relatively high-potential viewing screen. Electrons which pass through positive areas of the storage surface are therefore accelerated to produce an intensified image of the charge pattern. An image brightness of 70 fl has been demonstrated. Contrast, writing speed, resolution, persistence, and electrical output are discussed. Further development work is needed to produce more uniform storage screens, better electron guns, and to adapt the tubes for specific requirements.
PVD Ti-films for plasma-facing first walls, Part I: Characterization of surface chemistry during H2 and O2 exposure

A surface analysis study was carried out to investigate the gettering behavior of PVD Ti films in ambiences pertinent to plasma research experiments. By controlling the type and amount of gas flux, the effect of wall history on the Ti chemical pumping of H2 and O2 was studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Ti-2p XPS spectra at various gas exposure stages were interpreted using reference spectra obtained at selected conditions. Our findings are in accord with some of the previously reported notions regarding Ti pumping of hydrogen and oxygen; (a) hydrogen is pumped by Ti until all available sites are filled, and (b) oxygen exposure on Ti results in a passive surface oxide layer which inhibits further oxidation as well as hydride formation. However, our observations conflict the understanding that oxygen pumping of Ti is not affected by previous hydrogen absorption. In contrast, when exposed to O2, Ti films that were previously exposed to H2 yielded considerably lower oxidation compared to unexposed Ti films.
Transcriptional Regulation of the Gene Coding for Human Protein C

Abstract The promoter for the gene coding for human protein C has been characterized as to nucleotide sequences that regulate the synthesis of mRNA. The major transcription start site was found 65 nucleotides upstream from the first intron/exon boundary along with two minor sites. Functional characterization of 1528 base pairs at the 5′-end of the gene was then carried out by chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter assays, protection from DNase I digestion, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays employing HepG2 and HeLa cells. One of the upstream regions (nucleotides −25 to +9) contained binding sites for at least two different transcription factors, including a hepatic nuclear factor 1-binding site (−10 to +9) and two overlapping and oppositely oriented hepatic nuclear factor 3-binding sites (−25 to −11). A second major region (PCE1) (+12 to +30) appeared to be a unique, liver-specific regulatory sequence. An Sp1-binding site in exon I (+58 to +65) was also recognized by cotransfection experiments with an Sp1 expression plasmid. Specific mutations in these promoter elements reduced transcriptional activity and abolished the binding of hepatic nuclear proteins. Finally, a strong silencer element (PCS1) (between −162 and −82) and two possible liver-specific enhancer regions (PCE2 and PCE3), which interact coordinately with the promoter elements, were also found (between −1462 and −162).
Freeze-fracture morphology of the vestibular hair cell-primary afferent synapse in the chick

The intramembrane specializations at vestibular hair cell-primary afferent synapses have been identified and characterized in complementary freeze-fracrure replicas from prehatch and hatchling chick cristae and maculae. Hair cell protoplasmic (P) faces at sites where presynaptic bodies are present exhibit small, tightly packed arrays of 9 nm particles. Hair cell external (E) faces have corresponding arrays of pits. Multiple arrays are often observed in contiguity. Opposite the presynaptic bodies, postsynaptic afferent boutons and calyces exhibit a more extensive array of scattered, irregular E-face particles. Corresponding P-fracture faces of afferent boutons and calyces display little topographical specialization opposite these E-face arrays, which are presumed to be the intramembrane correlate of the postsynaptic density. Examination of complementary replicas has allowed identification of the intramembrane synaptic specializations for all membrane faces at the synaptic apposition.
The Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) for the ICESat mission

Summary form only given.The Geoscience Laser Altimeter System is a next generation space lidar whose design combines a 10 cm precision surface measurements with a dual wavelength cloud and aerosol lidar in for long-term continuous use in orbit. GLAS is scheduled to be launched into a 598 km circular polar orbit in summer 2001 as part of NASA's ICESat mission. The orbit and mission parameters are summarized. The orbit's 94 degree inclination was selected to optimize the crossing ground track patterns over Greenland and Antarctica and to enable data comparison with other NASA Earth Science instruments. GLAS will determine the orbit altitude, position and time from an on-board GPS receiver, and is designed to operate continuously for 3-5 years.
Volatility, Global Information, and Market Conditions: A Study in Futures Markets

This study examined the behavior of return volatility in relation to the timing of information flow under different market conditions influenced by trading volume and market depth. We emphasized information flow during trading and nontrading periods that may represent domestic and offshore information in the global trading of currencies. Test results show that volatility was negatively related to market depth; that is, deeper markets had relatively less return volatility. Additionally, the effect that market depth had on volatility was superseded by information within trading volume. Test results focusing on the timing of information flow reveal that in low-volume markets, the volatility of nontrading-period returns exceeded the volatility of trading-period returns. However, when trading volume was high, this pattern was reversed and conformed to the observations of earlier articles. Our findings proved to be robust across time, different currency markets, and different measures of return volatility. We also observed a trend toward greater integration between foreign and U.S. financial markets; the U.S. market increasingly emphasized information from nontrading periods to supplement information arriving during trading periods. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 21:173–196, 2001
Myosin V: regulation by calcium, calmodulin, and the tail domain

Calcium activates the ATPase activity of tissue-purified myosin V, but not that of shorter expressed constructs. Here, we resolve this discrepancy by comparing an expressed full-length myosin V (dFull) to three shorter constructs. Only dFull has low ATPase activity in EGTA, and significantly higher activity in calcium. Based on hydrodynamic data and electron microscopic images, the inhibited state is due to a compact conformation that is possible only with the whole molecule. The paradoxical finding that dFull moved actin in EGTA suggests that binding of the molecule to the substratum turns it on, perhaps mimicking cargo activation. Calcium slows, but does not stop the rate of actin movement if excess calmodulin (CaM) is present. Without excess CaM, calcium binding to the high affinity sites dissociates CaM and stops motility. We propose that a folded-to-extended conformational change that is controlled by calcium and CaM, and probably by cargo binding itself, regulates myosin V's ability to transport cargo in the cell.
Chronic treatment with prazosin or duloxetine lessens concurrent anxiety-like behavior and alcohol intake: evidence of disrupted noradrenergic signaling in anxiety-related alcohol use.

Background Alcohol use disorders have been linked to increased anxiety, and enhanced central noradrenergic signaling may partly explain this relationship. Pharmacological interventions believed to reduce the excitatory effects of norepinephrine have proven effective in attenuating ethanol intake in alcoholics as well as in rodent models of ethanol dependence. However, most preclinical investigations into the effectiveness of these drugs in decreasing ethanol intake have been limited to acute observations, and none have concurrently assessed their anxiolytic effects. The purpose of these studies was to examine the long-term effectiveness of pharmacological interventions presumed to decrease norepinephrine signaling on concomitant ethanol self-administration and anxiety-like behavior in adult rats with relatively high levels of antecedent anxiety-like behavior. Methods Adult male Long-Evans rats self-administered ethanol on an intermittent access schedule for eight to ten weeks prior to being implanted with osmotic minipumps containing either an a1-adrenoreceptor antagonist (prazosin, 1.5 mg/kg/day), a β1/2-adrenoreceptor antagonist (propranolol, 2.5 mg/kg/day), a serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (duloxetine, 1.5 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (10% dimethyl sulfoxide). These drugs were continuously delivered across four weeks, during which animals continued to have intermittent access to ethanol. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed on the elevated plus maze before treatment and again near the end of the drug delivery period. Results Our results indicate that chronic treatment with a low dose of prazosin or duloxetine significantly decreases ethanol self-administration (P < 0.05). Furthermore, this decrease in drinking is accompanied by significant reductions in the expression of anxiety-like behavior (P < 0.05). Conclusions These findings suggest that chronic treatment with putative inhibitors of central noradrenergic signaling may attenuate ethanol intake via a reduction in anxiety-like behavior.
New (3+1)-dimensional nonlinear evolution equation: multiple soliton solutions

In this work, we introduce an extended (3+1)-dimensional nonlinear evolution equation. We determine multiple soliton solutions by using the simplified Hirota’s method. In addition, we establish a variety of travelling wave solutions by using hyperbolic and trigonometric ansatze.
Results of Holter ECG guided therapy for ventricular arrhythmias: the ESVEM trial.

The Electrophysiological Study Versus Electrocardiographic Monitoring (ESVEM) trial randomized 486 patients with spontaneous sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF) or unmonitored syncope, who manifested reproducibly inducible sustained ventricular arrhythmias by provocative stimulation and 10 or more premature ventricular contractions per hour on Holter monitoring, to two groups treated with pharmacotherapy guided by suppression of stimulation-inducible VT/VF or suppression of spontaneous or exercise induced ventricular arrhythmias. There was no difference over four years of follow-up in the rates of recurrence of arrhythmias, arrhythmic mortality, cardiac mortality, or mortality from any cause between the two groups of patients but more patients [77%) received pharmacotherapy in ihe group treated on the basis of suppression of spontaneous arrhythmias than the group treated on the basis of electrophysiological study. In this trial, rates of recurrence of arrhythmias were higher (37% at one year and 66% at four years) than generally reported, but cardiac and arrhythmia mortality were comparable or lower than generally reported. Of the seven agents tested, six were sodium channel blockers (imipramine, mexiletine, procainamide, propafenone, pirmenol, and quinidine) and the other was sotalol. Sotalol had a significantly higher rate of efficacy predictions by EPS (35%) than the others (15%) and a comparable rate by Holter monitor. Sotalol was significantly more efficacious in preventing recurrences, arrhythmic mortality, cardiac mortality, and total mortality than the other agents and it was better tolerated. Probability of successful long term therapy with a sodium channel blocker tested by electro-physiological study was low (5% at one year). These results indicate sotalol is a reasonable first option for pharmacotherapy io prevent recurrent VT/VF in patients comparable to the patients included in ESVEM and that Holter monitoring is an acceptable mode of guiding therapy.
Preventing reservoir calculi after augmentation cystoplasty and continent urinary diversion: the influence of an irrigation protocol.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of an irrigation protocol in preventing reservoir calculi forming after augmentation cystoplasty and continent urinary diversion. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between 1985 and 1995, 91 patients had an augmentation cystoplasty and/or continent urinary diversion (group 1; 54 females and 37 males, mean age 11.1 years, range 1-31); these patients were not routinely instructed to use irrigation after surgery. The segments used included ileum (44), colon (36), stomach (eight) and ureter (three). Between 1995 and 2000, 42 patients (group 2) underwent urinary reconstruction (22 females and 20 males, mean age 14.8 years, range 4-27), the segment used being ileum (30), colon (five), ureter (five) and stomach (two) but in contrast to group 1 they then were placed on a standard prophylactic irrigation protocol. The occurrence of stones in the reservoir was then assessed. RESULTS Thirty-nine of the 91 patients (42.8%) in group 1 presented with reservoir calculi after reconstruction and 22 had several episodes. The mean time to presentation was 30 months. The incidence of stone formation by underlying diagnosis included: myelomeningocele, 32/48 (66%), exstrophy five/25 (25%), posterior urethral valves two/20 (10%) and rhabdomyosarcoma, none of three. Fifty of the 91 patients had an abdominal stoma, with stone formation in 33 (66%), while 41 used the native urethra, with stone formation in six (15%). Three (7%) of the 42 patients in group 2 developed reservoir calculi after reconstruction, two in patients with myelomeningocele and one in a trauma patient who had residual bone spicules in the bladder; the mean time to presentation was 26.5 months. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the irrigation protocol used in group 2 significantly reduced the number of reservoir calculi after urinary tract reconstruction when bowel was used as part of the reconstruction (43% vs. 7%). The most calculi in both groups were in immobile patients with sensory impairment. Also, patients with an abdominal stoma had a greater risk of reservoir calculi (66%) than those using the native urethra (15%).
Smart Structures in Engineering Education

As technologies evolve, academia must follow suit to best use these technological strides to advance structures for better reliability and overall safety. One such advancement is subsumed under the title “smart structures,” which use smart materials possessing unique qualities to collectively generate an adaptive structural system. Although the smart structure concept is widely used in the mechanical and aerospace engineering industries, the civil engineering community has been slow to adopt it because of system complexity and high cost. In addition, many universities still do not include smart structures in their curricula, which has hindered their broad implementation into modern structures. This paper presents a specialized course on smart structures designed to further the use of smart technologies in engineering education and ultimately the real-world. Included in the background is a look at institutions that already provide classes on the subject and a description of how one school (i.e., Texas A&M University) organized the class, including lab demonstrations, homework, projects, and lecture outline, as well as student evaluations of the class.
Functional analysis of the molecular determinants of cyclooxygenase-2 acetylation by 2-acetoxyphenylhept-2-ynyl sulfide.

Selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) leads to relief of pain and inflammation with reduced gastrointestinal side effects relative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. 2-Acetoxyphenylhept-2-ynyl sulfide (APHS) is a selective COX-2 inhibitor that covalently modifies the protein by acetylating Ser-530. We utilized site-directed mutants in the COX-2 active site to probe the molecular determinants of APHS acetylation of COX-2. Incorporation of acetyl groups into Ser-530 was monitored by HPLC and mass spectrometry. Mutations that introduce steric bulk into a channel at the top of the active site (e.g., G533A, G533V) lead to a significant reduction in APHS acetylation. Reduction in acetylation is also observed by mutation of the active-site tyrosine (Tyr-385) to phenylalanine. Mutations in the side-pocket region, into which diarylheterocycle inhibitors insert, do not affect the ability of APHS to acetylate COX-2. Surprisingly, mutation of Arg-120, which is located on the floor of the active site, strongly reduces acetylation. Based on these results, we propose that the heptynyl side chain of APHS inserts into the top channel and acetylates Ser-530 with the assistance of hydrogen bonding from Tyr-385. Arg-120 is proposed to fix the conformation of the active site to one that favors acetylation.
Vapor–liquid equilibria for CF3OCF2H/fluorinated ethane and CF3SF5/fluorinated ethane mixtures as potential R22 alternatives

Abstract New vapor pressure data are reported as a function of temperature and concentration for the mixtures: CF3SF5/CF3CH3, CF3SF5/CF3CF2H, CF3OCF2H/CH3CH2F, CF3OCF2H/CH3CF2H, CF3OCF2H/CF3CH3, CF3OCF2H/CF3CH2F, and CF3OCF2H/CF3CF2H. As is expected, large positive deviations from the ideal mixing vapor pressure are observed for CF3SF5 mixed with ethane derivatives of a low fluorine content and these deviations become small as the fluorine content approaches that of CF3CF2H. In contrast to this expected vapor pressure behavior, the ether (CF3OCF2H)/fluorinated ethane mixtures exhibit significantly smaller deviations which may be positive or negative. The mixture, CF3OCF2H/CH3CH2F, exhibits sufficiently large negative deviations from ideality to produce an azeotrope at 0.21 mol fraction of CH3CH2F with boiling point of −33.3°C. The mixtures CF3OCF2H/CH3CF2H, CF3OCF2H/CF3CH3 and CF3OCF2H/CF3CF2H are nearly ideal and the mixture CF3OCF2H/CF3CH2F exhibits positive deviations from ideality. All of the mixtures have boiling points that range from −22 to −48°C. The mixtures that have boiling points below −30°C have potential as R22 alternatives.
Hydrogen bonding at the water surface revealed by isotopic dilution spectroscopy

Surface phenomena at the air–water interface are of vital importance in many situations, from oceanography to atmospheric and environmental chemistry. An unanswered question in the field is how thin is the interfacial region — or how soon do the properties of bulk liquid water reappear as the interface is crossed. Using spectroscopy to probe the 'free OD' vibrational mode of water molecules with an oxygen–deuterium bond protruding from the surface and theoretical modelling to interpret the results, Stiopkin et al. find that water molecules straddling the interface form hydrogen bonds that are only slightly weaker than those in bulk water. This suggests a remarkably rapid onset of bulk-phase behaviour, and an extremely short 'healing length' for the interface on crossing from the air into the water phase. The air–water interface is perhaps the most common liquid interface. It covers more than 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface and strongly affects atmospheric, aerosol and environmental chemistry. The air–water interface has also attracted much interest as a model system that allows rigorous tests of theory, with one fundamental question being just how thin it is. Theoretical studies have suggested a surprisingly short ‘healing length’ of about 3 angstroms (1 A = 0.1 nm), with the bulk-phase properties of water recovered within the top few monolayers1,2,3. However, direct experimental evidence has been elusive owing to the difficulty of depth-profiling the liquid surface on the angstrom scale. Most physical, chemical and biological properties of water, such as viscosity, solvation, wetting and the hydrophobic effect, are determined by its hydrogen-bond network. This can be probed by observing the lineshape of the OH-stretch mode, the frequency shift of which is related to the hydrogen-bond strength4,5,6. Here we report a combined experimental and theoretical study of the air–water interface using surface-selective heterodyne-detected vibrational sum frequency spectroscopy to focus on the ‘free OD’ transition found only in the topmost water layer. By using deuterated water and isotopic dilution to reveal the vibrational coupling mechanism, we find that the free OD stretch is affected only by intramolecular coupling to the stretching of the other OD group on the same molecule. The other OD stretch frequency indicates the strength of one of the first hydrogen bonds encountered at the surface; this is the donor hydrogen bond of the water molecule straddling the interface, which we find to be only slightly weaker than bulk-phase water hydrogen bonds. We infer from this observation a remarkably fast onset of bulk-phase behaviour on crossing from the air into the water phase.
The effects of a heart puncture blood sample upon body water maintenance in rats

Abstract Two intraanimal heart puncture blood samples were taken from rats at intersample intervals of 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 days. In general there were decreases in food and water intake following such blood samples with accompanying declines in the concentration of urinary sodium and potassium ions. A period of one to four days was necessary for preblood sample food and water levels to be reattained. Second blood sample hematocrit data suggest that seven days are required for recovery to the first blood sample level. To insure against the confounding influences of too short an interval between heart puncture blood samples regarding the interpretation of an experimental manipulation it is the recommendation of this paper that a minimum of seven days pass between consecutive blood samples or between a blood sample and the experimental manipulation.
Synthesis of melted YBa2Cu3O7-x-0.325Ag superconductor contained in solid silver via synthesized precursor containing BaCuO2.5

Abstract Concurrent synthesis and melt-processing of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7- x -0.325Ag superconductor by thermo-mechanical processing of the silver-clad precursor containing 0.5Y 2 O 3 +2BaCuO 2.5 +CuO+0.325Ag near the melting point of silver was studied. Melted orthorhombic YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7- x formed after 15 min at 950–965°C in air at 1.3 and 2.6 kPa. At 950–955°C the melted YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7- x superconductor was contained by solid silver which melted at 960–965°C. The highest J c was 3600 (transport) and 1.2 x 10 5 A/ cm 2 (magnetization). On extending the heat-treatment from 15 to 30 min, orthorhombic YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7- x changed to tetragonal YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7- x . BaCuO 2.5 coexisted with YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7- x during its formation and presumably lead to orthorhombic YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7- x directly.
An Alternate Unified Approach to the Micromechanical Analysis of Composite Materials

An alternate approach to Aboudi's Method of Cells [1]. for a unified treatment of the micromechanical analysis of composite materials is presented. This approach retains the philosophy of Aboudi's Method of Cells but is indeed a finite element (FE) based approach. The equations of equilibrium are applied to a representative volume model (RVM) and a unified method of homogenization (UMH) of micromechanical effects is presented. The method as developed here can be applied to find the homogenized properties of any representative volume model that meets the requirements discussed. In this paper. we first apply it to the analysis of grinding wheels, a three constituent isotropic material. wherein the void is treated as a material having volume property only. The equations. which are derived for an orthotropic material, are then specialized to fiber reinforced composites and the results are compared to Aboudi's and others. Several interesting points arise regarding the FE load vector for specialists that typically work in developing FE methods and codes.
Specific heat of (Ca1−xSrx)3Ru2O7 single crystals

Abstract We have measured the specific heat of crystals of (Ca 1− x Sr x ) 3 Ru 2 O 7 using ac- and relaxation-time calorimetry. Special emphasis was placed on the characterization of the Neel ( T N = 56 K ) and structural ( T c = 48 K ) phase transitions in the pure, x = 0 material. While the latter is believed to be first order, detailed measurements under different experimental conditions suggest that all the latent heat (with L ∼ 0.3 R ) is being captured in a broadened peak in the effective heat capacity. The specific heat has a mean-field-like step at T N , but its magnitude ( Δ c P ∼ R ) is too large to be associated with a conventional itinerant electron (e.g. spin-density-wave) antiferromagnetic transition, while its entropy is too small to be associated with the full ordering of localized spins. The T N transition broadens with Sr substitution while its magnitude decreases slowly. On the other hand, the entropy change associated with the T c transition decreases rapidly with Sr substitution, and is not observable for our x = 0.58 sample.
Amylin Modulates the Mesolimbic Dopamine System to Control Energy Balance

Amylin acts in the CNS to reduce feeding and body weight. Recently, the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a mesolimbic nucleus important for food intake and reward, was identified as a site-of-action mediating the anorectic effects of amylin. However, the long-term physiological relevance and mechanisms mediating the intake-suppressive effects of VTA amylin receptor (AmyR) activation are unknown. Data show that the core component of the AmyR, the calcitonin receptor (CTR), is expressed on VTA dopamine (DA) neurons and that activation of VTA AmyRs reduces phasic DA in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcC). Suppression in NAcC DA mediates VTA amylin-induced hypophagia, as combined NAcC D1/D2 receptor agonists block the intake-suppressive effects of VTA AmyR activation. Knockdown of VTA CTR via adeno-associated virus short hairpin RNA resulted in hyperphagia and exacerbated body weight gain in rats maintained on high-fat diet. Collectively, these findings show that VTA AmyR signaling controls energy balance by modulating mesolimbic DA signaling.
Fluorescamine-labelled cortical fragments as a substrate for lysozyme and initiation protein (spore-lytic enzyme)

Abstract A fluorescamine assay for the detection of a spore-lytic enzyme from Clostridium perfringens is described. The substrate is prepared by treatment of cortical fragments with fluorescamine which reacts with amino terminal groups in the peptidoglycan which are not cross-linked, presumably diaminopimelic acid. Treatment of the labelled substrate with lytic enzymes results in the release of soluble fluorescent products which can be easily measured in a basic fluorometer. The assay is very sensitive, inexpensive and reproducible. As little as 1 μg of lysozyme can be detected by this assay.
Client satisfaction in a breast and cervical cancer early detection program: the influence of ethnicity and language, health, resources, and barriers.

ABSTRACT Objectives: Satisfaction is a critical outcome for the healthcare system and an important influence on subsequent interactions with that system, yet findings have been inconsistent. This paper examined satisfaction as a multidimensional construct and focused on the interrelated influences of ethnicity and language, the potential confounding effects of economic resources and health status, and the possible role of perceived barriers to service delivery. Methods: The study was based on a phone survey conducted in 2005 of a stratified random sample of 207 Massachusetts patients in the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which used case managers to increase the rates of diagnostic testing among uninsured women at risk of breast or cervical cancer. Ethnicity, primary language, economic resources, and health status were each related to particular dimensions of patient satisfaction, but mostly independent of perceived barriers to program participation. Results: The findings indi...
NEW ATPASE FOUND IN ATLANTIC STINGRAY

![Figure][1] An exciting new discovery has been made in the Atlantic stingray that has implications for ion regulation in elasmobranchs. In mammals, an active transport protein (HKα1) is present in the stomach and kidney that mediates proton (H+ or acid) secretion in exchange for potassium
Effects of computer experience and task complexity on attitudes of managers

Abstract Attitudes of managers toward computers are important determinates of behavior that may influence both utilization of and satisfaction with information systems. A laboratory experiment was conducted to study the relationship between task complexity and attitudes of 64 managers who were classified according to their computer experience. Participants completed both pretest attitude and computer familiarity instruments. The experimental session required participants to complete either a simple or complex task in a controlled laboratory environment using an interactive application on a terminal device connected to a mainframe computer. Following the experimental session, participants immediately completed a posttest attitude instrument. Attitude shift as a consequence of usage did not occur. Results indicate that managers have a positive attitude toward using computers regardless of computer familiarity and these attitudes do not change as a function of manipulating the task complexity dimension. Results also suggest that organizations should provide managers with increased opportunities for further usage and training. The complexity of computer tasks should be of concern to systems designers but may not have immediate effect on user attitudes.
Fifty Years of Deep Ocean Exploration With the DSV Alvin

This week the Deep Submergence Vehicle (DSV) Alvin, the world's first deep-diving submarine and the only one dedicated to scientific research in the United States, celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Persistent outpatient hyperglycemia is independently associated with survival, recurrence and malignant degeneration following surgery for hemispheric low grade gliomas.

Abstract Objective: Hyperglycemia has been shown to augment tumor growth in vitro. However, the effects of persistent hyperglycemia on survival, recurrence and malignant degeneration in patients undergoing surgery for low grade gliomas remain unknown. Methods: All patients who underwent a craniotomy for hemispheric low grade glioma (WHO grade II) from 1996 to 2006 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Persistent hyperglycemia was defined as serum glucose >180 μg/dl occurring three or more times between 1 and 3 months post-operatively. The independent association of outpatient glucose levels and recorded clinical and treatment variables with overall survival, tumor recurrence and malignant degeneration was assessed via separate multivariate proportional-hazards regression analyses. Results: In this study, 182 patients (89 fibrillary astrocytomas, 82 oligodendrogliomas and 11 mixed gliomas) were available for analysis. Eighteen (10%) patients experienced persistent hyperglycemia. Patients e...
Rad54 protein promotes branch migration of Holliday junctions.

Rad54, a translocase that uses the energy of ATP hydrolysis to move along a duplex, promotes Holliday junction branch migration. Genetic studies in yeast have implicated Rad54 as acting late in recombination, when Holliday junctions are present. Homologous recombination has a crucial function in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks and in faithful chromosome segregation1,2,3. The mechanism of homologous recombination involves the search for homology and invasion of the ends of a broken DNA molecule into homologous duplex DNA to form a cross-stranded structure, a Holliday junction (HJ)4,5,6,7. A HJ is able to undergo branch migration along DNA, generating increasing or decreasing lengths of heteroduplex. In both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, the physical evidence for HJs, the key intermediate in homologous recombination, was provided by electron microscopy8. In bacteria there are specialized enzymes that promote branch migration of HJs7. However, in eukaryotes the identity of homologous recombination branch-migration protein(s) has remained elusive. Here we show that Rad54, a Swi2/Snf2 protein9, binds HJ-like structures with high specificity and promotes their bidirectional branch migration in an ATPase-dependent manner. The activity seemed to be conserved in human and yeast Rad54 orthologues. In vitro, Rad54 has been shown to stimulate DNA pairing of Rad51, a key homologous recombination protein10,11,12. However, genetic data indicate that Rad54 protein might also act at later stages of homologous recombination, after Rad51 (ref. 13). Novel DNA branch-migration activity is fully consistent with this late homologous recombination function of Rad54 protein.
Effects of shock schedules on the acquisition and extinction of escape behavior

Three groups of albino rats (N=12 Ss per group) received 72 escape training trials in a hurdle-jumping apparatus, with shock presentation on 33%, 66%, or 100% of the trials, followed by 72 extinction trials. Performance during acquisition was directly related to percentage of shock presentation (p <.001); performance during extinction, in terms of relative scores, demonstrated the PRE (p <.01).
TSH receptor expression in orbital tissue and its role in the pathogenesis of Graves' ophthalmopathy.

The TSH receptor (TSHr) is the autoantigen responsible for the hyperthyroidism of Graves’ disease. Recent studies suggest that this receptor may also be an autoimmune target in Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) and pretibial dermopathy (PTD). Its involvement in the pathogenesis of these conditions would help to explain the close clinical associations between hyperthyroidism, GO and PTD. TSHr has been shown to be present in normal orbital and dermal tissues and evidence supports the conviction that expression may be increased in tissues involved in GO and PTD. In the setting of Graves’ disease, the expression of this antigen in connective tissues throughout the body may lead to systemic, subclinical connective tissue inflammation. Given this background, local or environmental factors such as circulating or local cytokines, gravitational dependency, anatomic constraint of the bony orbit, or trauma, may augment clinical disease involvement within the orbit and pretibial skin. Alternately, locally enhanced expression of this protein at the sites of clinical disease may not be directly involved in pathogenesis, but could be secondary to the ongoing process, and nonetheless important in disease progression.
Flexibility monitoring of offshore platforms

Abstract Flexibility monitoring has been proposed as an ambient vibration monitoring technique for detecting the occurrence and location of damage on steel jacket offshore platforms. The technique is based on the heuristic observation that the fundamental mode shapes of platforms closely resemble the deflections of a shear beam caused by a concentrated load at its free end in the associated direction. This paper presents a theoretical framework for evaluating the flexibility monitoring concept. Detailed studies are performed with the following three objectives: 1. 1. To investigate the nature of the relationship between the flexibility ratios used in damage detection that are obtained from mode shape measurements and the true flexibility ratios for a structure derived from its stiffness properties. 2. 2. To assess the effects of both random and bias errors arising from inaccuracies in the data measurement systems and parameter estimation algorithms on the reliability of damage detection. 3. 3. To assess through a modal sensitivity analysis: (i) the influence of the structural framing system on the damage detection ability, (ii) the damage detection capability under multiple member failures, and (iii) the ability to discriminate between structural damage and changes in foundation stiffness and structural mass. The paper also includes a brief introductory review of the history of vibration monitoring research in order to provide the necessary perspective within which to view the present development.
Recent research for MEDLINE/PubMed: short review

MEDLINE is the largest biomedical bibliographic database in the world. In this paper we discuss recent information retrieval research for MEDLINE and its information retrieval system PubMed by reviewing eight recent papers from different areas: improving and optimizing the user's query, user behavior, and comparison of different search techniques.
The Search for Understanding of Learning Disabilities: A Response to Kavale and Forness:

In "The Politics of Learning Disabilities" (this issue) Kavale and Forness signal a crisis in the field of learning disabilities and sound a call to action. In their view, the field of learning disabilities is at a critical juncture in its brief history because it is disproportionately under the influence of political forces. While they recognize that the creation of learning disabilities occurred through the confluence of scientific and political forces, they now view "A primary difficulty ... to be the imbalance between the scientific and political sides of LD with the scales heavily tipped in favor of the political" (p. 245). This imbalance creates the untenable situation of policy decisions being guided by particular ideological and philosophical perspectives associated with political positions "at the expense of the logical and rational represented in scientific decision making" (p. 245). According to the authors, the validity claims in the field of learning disabilities are under serious threat from this imbalance. As the field has become increasingly balkanized through political interest organizations that define the "who" and "what" of learning disabilities, the historical, scientific classification of learning disabilities is besieged by ideological and philosophical disputes. The effect is a high level of politicized learning disabilities activities in the public sphere. In the face of this crisis, the authors call for a restoration of the "scientific base" in learning disabilities and of a "better balance between politics and science" (p. 270). In undertaking this process of restoration, the authors hope to reposition science as the rational leader in implementation efforts in the public domain through conceptualization of learning disabilities "as a scientific entity meeting real-world demands" (p. 245). We applaud Kavale and Forness' conclusion that a dominant conceptual challenge in learning disabilities today is the restoration of "right reason" (p. 245) through an analysis of the field's scientific and political aspects. Like Kavale and Forness, we recognize that science and political/social philosophy intersect in the lives of individual students with learning disabilities in nstructional settings, and that the consideration of b th influences is the one most likely to lead to greater understanding. We also believe that the authors' admonition for careful analysis is correct.
On the ability of the gas/particle partitioning constant Kp to consider the effects of mean MW and the presence of high MW compounds

Abstract The advantages of the original form of the predictive expression for the gas/particle partition constant Kp (m3 μg−1) are considered. The expression Kp,i for compound i contains p L , i o , ζ i and MW ¯ . These are the pure-compound liquid vapor pressure, the mole-fraction-scale activity coefficient in the absorbing particulate matter (PM) phase, and the mean molecular weight (g mol−1) of the absorbing phase. Algorithms are available for predicting ζ i values in mixtures of organic compounds and water as they are affected by energetic and entropic effects; Flory–Huggins Theory provides a convenient way to examine the entropic effects of the presence of high MW compounds on the ζ i values of lower MW compounds. In the exposition of their volatility basis set (VBS) approach for modeling organic aerosol condensation, Donahue et al. (2006, Environ. Sci. Technol., 40, 2635–2643, Supplementary Material) argued that the need to consider MW ¯ values can be avoided by switching from the mole fraction scale to a mass fraction scale and accompanying C i ∗ values that incorporate mass-fraction-scale activity coefficient values ζ i ′ . In practice however, the VBS approach usually ignores both activity and MW ¯ corrections by setting ζ i ′ = 1 . (An equation for ζ i ′ is developed here in the event that modeling with ζ i ′ ≠ 1 becomes of interest.) Regardless of the advantages of the prediction equation for Kp,i, there will undoubtedly be circumstances when MW ¯ and ζ i values become inaccessible, as for aged organic particulate matter in which a large mass fraction of the absorbing PM of is of indeterminable molecular nature. In such cases, “prediction” of Kp,i values may only be possible by means of empirical correlation of log Kp,i vs. log p L , i o for the PM type of interest.
Interfacial synthesis of electrically conducting polyaniline nanofiber composites

Abstract In this work, polyaniline/poly(sulfonated styrene) (PANI–PSS) nanofiber composites were prepared by an interfacial method. The in situ polymerization technique of these PANI nanofibers in the presence of sulfonated polystyrene allowed for the growth of PANI 2-D nanostructures embedded in the polymerized sulfonated host. This facile approach enables a self-assembly of these nanofibers into a workable, robust, conductive composite which can be processed and cast from water. A low accelerating voltage scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to image these twisted fibers within the bulk of the cast film. In addition, the SEM confirmed the self-assembly of these 40–50 nm fibers within the host PSS to yield an electrically conducting composite film.
Models of Instruction Used in Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Programs

To meet the needs of a diverse student population while addressing the knowledge and skills outcomes of the curriculum, faculty should develop a repertoire of instructional models. Research-based i...
The Choice of Exchange Rate Regime and Monetary Target in Highly Dollarized Economies

We examine the implications of high degrees of dollarization for the choice of exchange rate regime and the information content of various monetary aggregates in developing countries. We conclude that a high degree of currency substitution argues for a more fixed exchange rate regime, while asset substitution may imply that either more rigid or more flexible regimes may be appropriate. We also ask whether the most informative monetary aggregates include dollar assets. Based on an analysis of five countries, we conclude inter alia that broader aggregates that include dollar assets perform better than those that do not.
Teaching calculus students how to study

ABSTRACT The authors address the problem of poor study habits of calculus students and present techniques to teach students to study consistently and effectively. The approach explicitly shows students how to spend their time studying at least an hour a day, six days a week. It also helps them improve both their learning of new material and retention of earlier concepts in a highly organized fashion. Many students greatly appreciate the added structure, work harder than in previous courses, and witness newfound success as a consequence.