cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acylation of cellular proteins with endogenously synthesized fatty acids

A number of cellular proteins contain covalently bound fatty acids. Previous studies have identified myristic acid and palmitic acid covalently linked to protein, the former usually attached to proteins by an amide linkage and the latter by ester or thio ester linkages. While in a few instances specific proteins have been isolated from cells and their fatty acid composition has been determined, the most frequent approach to the identification of protein-linked fatty acids is to biosynthetically label proteins with fatty acids added to intact cells. This procedure introduces possible bias in that only a selected fraction of proteins may be labeled, and it is not known whether the radioactive fatty acid linked to the protein is identical with that which is attached to the protein when the fatty acid is derived from endogenous sources. We have examined the distribution of protein-bound fatty acid following labeling with (/sup 3/H)acetate, a general precursor of all fatty acids, using BC/sup 3/H1 cells (a mouse muscle cell line) and A431 cells (a human epidermoid carcinoma). Myristate, palmitate, and stearate account for essentially all of the fatty acids linked to protein following labeling with (/sup 3/H)acetate, but at least 30% of the protein-bound palmitate inmore » these cells was present in amide linkage. In BC3H1 cells, exogenous palmitate becomes covalently bound to protein such that less than 10% of the fatty acid is present in amide linkage. These data are compatible with multiple protein acylating activities specific for acceptor protein fatty acid chain length and linkage.« less
ARE CYTOPLASMIC POCKETS (MTR/POCKET) PRESENT IN ALL PHOTOSYNTHETIC EUGLENOID GENERA?1

In 1985, the existence of a cytoplasmic pocket formed from the reservoir membrane in the photosynthetic euglenoid Colacium was described. A band of reinforcing microtubules (MTR) derived from the ventral flagellar root lined the pocket, and a dense fibrillar mesh was associated with the membrane. A comparison of bodonid cytostomes, colorless euglenoid cytostomes, and the reservoir pocket found in Colacium suggested that the three structures were homologous and that photosynthetic euglenoids arose from phagotrophic ancestors. MTR/pockets have since been reported in other photosynthetic euglenoids, including Euglena, Eutreptia, Eutreptiella, Cryptoglena, Tetreutreptia, and Phacus. We found MTR/ pockets in three additional taxa, Lepocinclis, Trachelomonas, and Strombomonas, thereby demonstrating the presence of this complex in representatives of all the major photosynthetic genera. A comparison of the MTR/pocket complex across genera indicated a reduction in structural complexity that was consistent with recent phylogenetic schemes based on molecular characters. Three alternative hypotheses of the origin of MTR/pockets in phototrophic euglenoids are presented and discussed.
Orthogonal collocation on finite elements for elliptic equations

Abstract The method of orthogonal collocation on finite elements (OCFE) combines the features of orthogonal collocation with those of the finite element method. The method is illustrated for a Poisson equation (heat conduction with source term) in a rectangular domain. Two different basis functions are employed: either Hermite or Lagrange polynomials (with first derivative continuity imposed to ensure equivalence to the Hermite basis). Cubic or higher degree polynomials are used. The equations are solved using an LU-decomposition for the Hermite basis and an alternating direction implicit (ADI) method for the Lagrange basis.
Oxygen transfer between metals and oxygen-ion conducting supports

The charge-transfer reactions in the three-phase interfacial region, between a platinum catalyst, an yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) support, and the gas phase, were studied electrochemically during carbon monoxide oxidation. From electrochemical and reaction-rate measurements, it appeared that oxygen was being removed from the support by carbon monoxide adsorbed on the platinum, while being supplied to the support by atomic oxygen adsorbed on either the platinum or the YSZ. Highly disperse Pt/YSZ catalyst outperformed a Pt/Al2O3 catalyst, the rate difference being explained in terms of interfacial reactions. Even in the presence of species such as water and sulfur dioxide, catalysts with YSZ supports outperformed those with alumina supports.
Elevated expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 by vascular smooth muscle cells in hypercholesterolemic primates.

Abstract Atherosclerosis is marked by an overt inflammatory infiltrate, with enhanced recruitment of monocytes/macrophages observed in both human and experimental atherosclerosis. We previously determined that monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) accounts for virtually all of the chemotactic activity produced by vascular (aortic) smooth muscle cells in culture. We now report that arteries from a primate model of atherosclerosis with dietary-induced hypercholesterolemia exhibit increased levels of MCP-1 mRNA expression in vivo, whereas their normal counterparts demonstrate minimal MCP-1 expression. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization clearly indicate that the expression of MCP-1 protein and mRNA is in the smooth muscle cells of the medial layer of the artery and in monocyte-like and smooth muscle-like cells found in the overlying intimal lesion. These studies indicate that one of the responses to dietary hypercholesterolemia is the expression of MCP-1 by vascular smooth muscle cells. This expression, when augmented with other cellular and molecular factors, could significantly contribute to the recruitment of monocytes/macrophages to the vessel wall.
Transforming Engineering Education: Creating Interdisciplinary Skills for Complex Global Environments

Presents a collection of slides covering the following topics: engineering education; environmental factor; and marine pollution.
A Methodology for the Kinematic and Unsteady Dynamics Analysis of Bat Flight

A methodology to capture and post-process bat flight 3-D Stereo Triangulation data to formulate an approximated rigid body kinematic model was investigated. Bat flight is unique in nature due to the bats inherent agility and many degrees of freedom when compared to other flying animals. This complexity makes capturing accurate aerodynamic data very difficult. Unlike insects, which utilize few degrees of freedom and a high flap frequency for sustained flight and maneuverability, the agility of bats comes in part from the many degrees of freedom present in the bat wing. In order to better understand the aerodynamics present in bat flight, bats Hipposideridae (Old World leaf-nosed bats) were examined. The trajectories of critical points along the bat wings were recorded using 3D stereo triangulation techniques to capture the complexities of the bat flight. Markers were placed at all the joint locations along the bat wing. The resulting trajectories were then translated into a periodic kinematic model for future computational use.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
The (F)utility of the thallium-201 quantitative lung/myocardial ratio in the detection of coronary artery disease.

Exercise-induced increases in pulmonary uptake of thallium-201 (201Tl) have been associated with exercise-induced myocardial dysfunction. To evaluate this phenomenon more replicably, a quantitative semi-automated computer program was used to generate, from anterior exercise and delayed views, lung-myocardial ratios (LMR) of201Tl uptake in 78 patients [40 normal, 38 with coronary artery disease (CAD)]. Patients with CAD had a significantly higher mean exercise lung myocardial ratio (EXLMR) than normals (30.8 vs. 27.3;P < 0.003). In patients with adequate exercise (≥85% of an age-adjusted maximal heart rate), the EXLMRs of CAD patients were significantly higher than those of normals (29.7 vs. 25.5;P=0.003). However, this difference between CAD and normal patients was not apparent in a patient subgroup with submaximal exercise levels (< 85% of an age-adjusted maximal heart rate). In both normal and CAD patients, EXLMR decreased with increasing exercise levels (r=-0.555;P=0.007). In patients with201Tl scans lacking visually defined perfusion defects (visually normal), an elevated LMR detected 60% of CAD cases with 81% specificity. A considerably elevated EXLMR in patients achieving adequate exercise should suggest the presence of CAD, even if there are no visually apparent cardiac perfusion defects. With submaximal exercise, however, the EXLMR is not a useful discriminator between CAD patients and normals.
A Simple Microwave Correlator

A simple correlator employing the ring modulator circuit as a rapid-response multiplier has been developed which accepts signals on coaxial cables and which is usable over a wide range of microwave frequencies. The correlator output includes a bias term, but the value of this term can be predicted mathematically so that the correlator may be used for quantitative measurements.
A hedonic price analysis of thoroughbred broodmare characteristics

Thoroughbred broodmares are the primary input in the foal production process. Breeders need to make informed broodmare investment decisions, since substantial financial and genetic risks are associated with overvaluing a broodmare's productive capacity. Each broodmare represents a unique combination of breeding, racing, and genetic characteristics. This study estimates the marginal values of broodmare characteristics. Results identify large price differentials for broodmares that have won or produced graded stakes race winners. The analysis provides information for marketing, accounting and management decisions. [EconLit Citation: Q130]. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Atherogenic effect of interleukin-2 and antiatherogenic effect of interleukin-2 antibody in Apo-E-deficient mice

Growing evidence suggests that atherosclerosis is an immune-mediated inflammatory process and that cytokines participate as mediators in this process. Of the cytokines, interleukins, which are released from both immune and nonimmune cells of vascular wall, are found to have multiple effects. Interleukin-2 (IL-2), a cytokine produced by activated T-lymphocytes, has been found to further activate the T cells and may potentially enhance atherogenesis. Apo-E-deficient mice fed with atherogenic diet were injected intraperitoneally twice a week with placebo, IL-2, or anti-IL-2 antibody for a period of 6 weeks. Group 1 (n = 6) was injected with bovine serum albumin (BSA) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and served as controls. Group 2 (n=6) was injected with 2 x 10(4) units of recombinant murine IL-2 (rmIL-2) per dose reconstituted with BSA in PBS. Group 3 (n=6) was injected with 5 microg of anti-IL-2 per dose reconstituted with BSA in PBS. Aortic sections were analyzed and atherosclerotic burden was quantified. Compared to controls, injection of IL-2 increased measures of atherosclerosis such as the average lesion score (10.7 +/-0.5 vs 9.3 +/-1.1, p=0.04) and the lesion size as a fraction of aortic area (0.51 +/-0.03 vs 0.41 +/-0.05, p=0.01). Injection of anti-IL-2 had a profound antiatherogenic effect. It significantly reduced the average number of lesions per cross section (2.6 +/-0.6 vs 4.3 +/-0.6, p=0.03), the average lesion score (4.6 +/-1.9 vs 9.3 +/-1.1, p=0.02), the lesion area/circumference (0.35 +/-0.08 vs 0.62 +/-0.10, p=0.007), and the lesion size/aortic area (0.23 +/-0.07 vs 0.41 +/-0.05, p=0.03). These results indicate that IL-2 is an atherogenic cytokine in apo-E-deficient mice and anti-IL-2 is protective against atherosclerosis. This may have important clinical implications in modifying the atherosclerotic process.
The Impact of Advocacy Organizations on Low-Income Housing Policy in U.S. Cities

Financial support for affordable housing competes with many other municipal priorities. This work seeks to explain the variation in support for affordable housing among U.S. cities with populations of 100,000 or more. Using multivariate statistical analysis, this research investigates political explanations for the level of city expenditures on housing and community with a particular interest in the influence of housing advocacy organizations (AOs). Data for the model were gathered from secondary sources, including the U.S. Census and the National Center for Charitable Statistics. Among other results, the analysis indicates that, on average, the political maturity of AOs has a statistically significant, positive effect on local housing and community development expenditures.
Morphology of single ventricle

Abstract Single ventricle is a group of abnormalities with atrioventricular alignment consisting of double inlet or common inlet ventricle (or, rarely, straddling tricuspid valve), in which there is only one ventricular sinus. Single left ventricles have a large morphologic left ventricle and a diminutive right ventricular infundibulum on the other side of a morphologic ventricular septum, thus forming an outlet chamber. Typically single left ventricles have transposition of the great arteries, i.e. pulmonary artery arising from the large left ventricle and aorta from the right ventricular outlet chamber. Various forms of outflow obstruction related to atrioventricular valve tissue, conal development or ventricular septal defect size are discussed. Single right ventricles have only a morphologic right ventricle with no outlet chamber. The majority are associated with abdominal heterotaxy syndrome, predominantly with asplenia. A number of conditions with similar hemodynamics but with one dominant ventricle and a second rudimentary ventricular sinus or with atrioventricular valve atresia are termed functional single ventricles and will be mentioned briefly for comparison with the true single ventricles.
Linguopalatal pressure in children

I t. is clear that tongue function plays some role in the devc~lopment of the dental arches. The distortions of the arches which accompany microor macroglossia, as well as the less dramatic but clinically significa.nt effects of such oral habits as tongue-thrusting, illustrate the possible effects. Theories of normal and abnormal oral development, particularly those concerning the functional matrix concepts of van der Klaauw and MOSS,~ have emphasized muscle function in recent years. This may reflect a return toward a middle ground after overemphasis on function in the 1920’s and relative neglect in the 1940’s. Several investigators have now presented data concerning lingual, labial, and buccal pressures against the dentition of youn g adults, using electronic pressure-recording techniyues.‘-4 Lear’s” recent work has confirmed the belief of most workers that it is not possible to demonstrate a true balance of cstcrnal forces on stable adult dentitions. In ordrr to study more closely the relationship between lingual function and dental arch development in growing chiltlrcn, mc began a longitudinal study of a group of 5 to 8-year-old children 2 years ago. This article presents the first data concerning linguopalatal pressures in this age group and discusses the implications of these initial findings with regard to dental arch development..
The use of the temperature signal and its derivative in a TG-DTA simultaneous unit

Simultaneous TG-DTA units have a work station which allows plots to be made of temperature against time, as well as the conventional TG and DTA plots. These time-temperature plots and their derivatives can be used to show details of both exothermic and endothermic events. The melting behavior of zinc is used as illustrative of endothermic phase changes. Solid-solid transitions are exemplified by noting the transitions in quartz. Examples of chemical reactions being treated to temperature-time plots are the decomposition's of zinc oxalate in nitrogen (an endothermic event) and the oxidation of carbon black in air (a sustained exothermic event). This wide selection of exothermic and endothermic events serves to illustrate the details which can be drawn from any thermogravimetric plot irrespective of the other associated equipment present, which serves to reinforce the data presented in the present study.
Probing oxygen vacancy concentration and homogeneity in solid-oxide fuel-cell cathode materials on the subunit-cell level

Oxygen vacancy distributions and dynamics directly control the operation of solid-oxide fuel cells and are intrinsically coupled with magnetic, electronic and transport properties of oxides. For understanding the atomistic mechanisms involved during operation of the cell it is highly desirable to know the distribution of vacancies on the unit-cell scale. Here, we develop an approach for direct mapping of oxygen vacancy concentrations based on local lattice parameter measurements by scanning transmission electron microscopy. The concept of chemical expansivity is demonstrated to be applicable on the subunit-cell level: local stoichiometry variations produce local lattice expansion that can be quantified. This approach was successfully applied to lanthanum strontium cobaltite thin films epitaxially grown on substrates of different symmetry, where polarized neutron reflectometry revealed a strong difference in magnetic properties. The different vacancy content found in the two films suggests the change in oxygen chemical potential as a source of distinct magnetic properties, opening pathways for structural tuning of the vacancy concentrations and their gradients.
Methods for deriving a representative biodynamic response of the hand-arm system to vibration

Abstract Vibration-induced biodynamic responses (BR) of the human hand–arm system measured with subjects participating in an experiment are usually arithmetically averaged and used to represent their mean response. The mean BR data reported from different studies are further arithmetically averaged to form the reference mean response for standardization and other applications. The objectives of this study are to clarify whether such a response-based averaging process could significantly misrepresent the characteristics of the original responses, and to identify an appropriate derivation method. The arithmetically averaged response was directly compared with the response derived from a property-based method proposed in this study. Two sets of reported mechanical impedance data measured at the fingers and the palms of the hands were used to derive the models required for the comparison. This study found that the response-based arithmetic averaging could generate some systematic errors. The range of the subjects’ natural frequencies in each resonance mode, the mode damping ratio, and the number of subjects participating in the experiment are among the major factors influencing the level of the errors. An effective and practical approach for reducing the potential for error is to increase the number of subjects in the BR measurement. On the other hand, the property-based derivation method can be generally used to obtain the representative response, but it is less efficient than the response-based derivation method.
A homologous radioimmunoassay for rat insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I): implications for studies of human IGF-I physiology.

We report the development of a unique radioimmunoassay (RIA) for rat insulin-like growth factor-I (rIGF-I) which does not recognize human IGF-I (hIGF-I). The rIGF RIA uses a specific anti-rIGF-I antiserum with rIGF-I standards and radioligand. Rat sera were extracted by either an abbreviated acid/ethanol procedure or by acid-chromatography with virtually identical results. Assay sensitivity is congruent to 0.5 ng/tube and inter- and intra-assay coefficients of variation were 3.4-7.6% and 4.8-9.2%, respectively. Comparisons of the rIGF-I RIA with a typical heterologous RIA shows that the latter underestimates rIGF-I levels congruent to of 3-fold. Sera from rats treated with hIGF-I were also studied using the rIGF-I RIA and a hIGF-I- specific immunoradiometric assay (IRMA), and results indicate poor correlation between the actual total IGF-I levels (rIGF-I RIA + hIGF-IRMA) and the heterologous RIA estimates. The availability of both rIGF-I and hIGF-I specific immunoassays facilitates more precise studies of...
Generating human intestinal tissues from pluripotent stem cells to study development and disease

As one of the largest and most functionally complex organs of the human body, the intestines are primarily responsible for the breakdown and uptake of macromolecules from the lumen and the subsequent excretion of waste from the body. However, the intestine is also an endocrine organ, regulating digestion, metabolism, and feeding behavior. Intricate neuronal, lymphatic, immune, and vascular systems are integrated into the intestine and are required for its digestive and endocrine functions. In addition, the gut houses an extensive population of microbes that play roles in digestion, global metabolism, barrier function, and host–parasite interactions. With such an extensive array of cell types working and performing in one essential organ, derivation of functional intestinal tissues from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) represents a significant challenge. Here we will discuss the intricate developmental processes and cell types that are required for assembly of this highly complex organ and how embryonic processes, particularly morphogenesis, have been harnessed to direct differentiation of PSCs into 3-dimensional human intestinal organoids (HIOs) in vitro. We will further describe current uses of HIOs in development and disease research and how additional tissue complexity might be engineered into HIOs for better functionality and disease modeling.
Does opiate use in traumatically injured individuals worsen pain and psychological outcomes

Abstract Opiate use for chronic pain is becoming increasingly controversial. There has been a shift away from supporting the use of opiates for treatment of chronic pain. In addition to lack of effectiveness, concerns for adverse clinical outcomes, addiction, and death have provided the impetus for this change. The purpose of this study was to investigate the percent of trauma patients still using opiates, their pain levels, and psychological outcomes 4 months posttrauma. This was a study to evaluate chronic pain at 4 months posttrauma in 101 participants from a single level 1 trauma center. Eighty of the 101 participants developed chronic pain 4 months after their initial traumatic injury (79%). Of those who developed chronic pain, 27 (26%) were still using opiates. Those using narcotics at 4 months posttrauma had significantly more pain, life interference, depression, and anxiety. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was not significantly influenced by narcotic use in this analysis. However, the mean associated with those using narcotics was higher and diagnostic for PTSD. Those taking opiates did not have significantly better relief from their pain using treatments or medications than those not using opiates (F = 8, P = .08). These findings bring into question the appropriate use of opiates for chronic pain and the possible exacerbating effects on pain and psychopathology in traumatically injured patients. Perspective This article identifies data that provide evidence that narcotic pain medication needs to be used carefully in traumatically injured patients with chronic pain, especially in those individuals with comorbid psychological pathology.
Collection of solar energy at specified output temperature

Abstract When a specified output temperature is required from a solar fluid-heating system we show that at constant irradiance there is no theoretical advantage in circulating the fluid through the collector more than once. Control of mass flow rate determines the output temperature. When the irradiance is not constant, however, efficiency can sometimes be imporved by multi-stage heating of the fluid. Theoretical calculations are based on the Hottel-Whillier equations. We examine several heating strategies, present a numerical comparison of two of these, and comment on collector design criteria for low-mass-flow-rate collectors.
Surface conductivity reveals counterion condensation within grafted polyelectrolyte layers.

Surface conductivity (SC) has been demonstrated to be a valuable parameter for the characterization of surface-bound polyelectrolyte layers (PLs). The measurement of the SC in dependence of the pH and solution concentration yields information about the Donnan potential, ΨD, the intrinsic charge, the potential of the PL electrolyte interface, Ψ0, the pK of the ionizable groups within the PLs, and the concentration of segments, n. We discuss herein that SC measurements may additionally provide information about counterion condensation. The mobility of the counterions within grafted poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) layers was estimated from the density of COOH groups and SC data to be only 14% of that of free ions (Zimmermann, et al. Langmuir 2005, 21, 5108). In view of this large deviation and the limited sterical constraints within the brushes, we conclude that the number of freely moving counterions is decreased due to counterion condensation. This interpretation agrees well with the measurement of the osmotic pr...
Pump-probe spectrum of interacting one-dimensional excitons: biexcitons and J-aggregates

Abstract The third-order differential pump-probe absorption spectrum for interacting one-dimensional Frenkel excitons is calculated analytically. In the J -aggregate configuration ( J A J , where J is the near-neighbor transfer integral and A is the exciton-exciton interaction strength.
Fluorimetric studies of protein kinase C interactions with phospholipids.

Dansyl-phosphatidylserine (D-PS) was used as a fluorescence probe to study interactions between protein kinase C (PKC) with phospholipid vesicles. It was found that D-PS fluorescence (520 nm) was enhanced by PKC (excited at 285 nm). The fluorescence energy transfer, indicative of a close association of PKC with D-PS vesicles, was differentially modulated by various phospholipids, depending upon their effects on PKC activation state and the manners in which they were present. PKC inhibitors (e.g. polymyxin B and ether lipids) potently inhibited the PKC-enhanced D-PS fluorescence. It is suggested that certain spatial arrangements between PKC and its phospholipid cofactor are essential for the enzyme activation and that D-PS would be a useful probe to study fluorimetrically such interactions.
Current Approaches to First-Line Treatment of Advanced Colorectal Cancer

Abstract The multiplicity of chemotherapy regimens currently available to treat colorectal cancer in the first-line setting precludes the identification of a single standard regimen for front-line therapy. The previous standard, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), formerly the only agent with any significant activity against colorectal cancer, is now the base for newer combination regimens that are improving survival in this disease. When irinotecan and oxaliplatin were proven to be active in colorectal cancer, the pursuit of combination regimens began. Targeted agents such as bevacizumab also show activity and improve the outcome of 5-FU-based regimens. The history and development of 5-FU-based treatment regimens that include the newer drugs irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab are discussed in light of the impact these advances have made in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
DRB Enhanced Partnering on the Marquette Interchange: Case Study

Completion of the Marquette Interchange Reconstruction project by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) under budget, ahead of schedule, and with no construction claims at the end of construction was a significant achievement and details of how it was accomplished provide valuable lessons for other public works projects. A standing Dispute Review Board (DRB) ensured that disputes did not linger and affect working relationships, use of partnering ensured effective communication between WisDOT and the contractor, and combining the two by having the DRB chair as an active participant in the partnering effort were identified as being vital to the success of the Core project. This paper describes the contractual establishment of the DRB, the formation and operation of the panel throughout the duration of the project, details of partnering participation requirements and utilization, and then identifies how the two programs were linked by mutual agreement between WisDOT and the prime contractor and...
Metaphor, cultural imagery, and the study of change in public organizations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how mechanistic and organic metaphors might be fused through the application of cultural imagery.Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a theoretical examination of metaphor and its application in public organizations. Specifically, this paper examines the possibility that images from popular culture might offer some insights. Selected metaphors linked by elective methodological affinities are examined in order to determine potential significance of the Robocop metaphor for guiding research in organizations.Findings – The popular culture image Robocop from 1980s films can help us detect what is not being included in most theoretical analyses of public organizations, while simultaneously helping us to purge the negative connotations of the Robocop image.Research limitations/implications – The popular culture image can help us to understand change in public organizations.Originality/value – It is one of the few, if any, papers using popular culture ...
Adolescent alcohol use: Social comparison orientation moderates the impact of friend and sibling behaviour.

Objectives Research has indicated that both peers and siblings influence adolescents’ alcohol use (e.g., Windle, 2000, Appl. Dev. Sci., 4, 98). The present two studies examined whether social comparison orientation (SCO) moderates the effects of perceived friend and sibling alcohol use on adolescents’ alcohol use cognitions and behaviours. Design and methods Two studies examined the role of SCO as a moderator of social influence (perceived friend alcohol use in Study 1 and both perceived friend use and sibling-reported alcohol use in Study 2) on prototype perceptions and willingness to drink alcohol (Studies 1 and 2) as well as actual alcohol consumption (Study 2) among early adolescents. Results In Study 1, cross-sectional results indicated that SCO moderated the effect of perceived friend alcohol use on favourable images of drinkers and willingness to drink. Study 2 found that SCO moderated the effects of perceived friend use and sibling use on favourable images of alcohol users, willingness to use alcohol, and change in alcohol use over 3 years such that adolescents who reported engaging in social comparison more often reported greater willingness, more favourable images, and increases in alcohol use when perceived friend use or sibling use was high. Conclusions These studies highlight the importance of SCO as a moderator of susceptibility to the social influences of friends and siblings and may hold important implications for adolescent alcohol use prevention programmes and models of health risk behaviour. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? The prevalence of adolescent alcohol use continues to be a public health concern and research has indicated that alcohol use during adolescence is often influenced by the behaviour of friends and siblings. What does this study add? Results add to the literature on the importance of examining person-level moderators such as of peer and sibling influence on alcohol use cognitions and behaviour according to the prototype/willingness model. Results suggest that considering social comparison orientation as an individual difference variable that may influence adolescents’ decisions to engage in alcohol use can potentially increase the efficacy of existing alcohol use programs.
Work in progress: A developmental approach to better problem solving: A model for bridging the Alverno Gap

The department has adopted a holistic student-centered approach to support attributes of the Engineer of 2020. Among these include a culture that embraces intellectual diversity, better team skills, improved problem solving skills, and better complex thinking skills. Strategies incorporating classroom inversion, active learning, and team projects have demonstrated remarkable gains in retention, intellectual diversity, and general problem solving skills. While well above the national average, continued intellectual growth has stagnated over the past three years and remains below that desired both by industry and by the department. In an effort to improve complex thinking skills the department is adopting a developmental approach modeled by Alverno College which has demonstrated substantial growth in many of the attributes of the Engineer of 2020. As a first step towards reducing this "Alverno Gap", the department has adopted a developmental approach which is focused on improved problem solving skills within a team environment. In this paper, we describe the Alverno model, discuss an explicit developmental approach to team skills and processes, and provide some initial insight into using embedded assessment as an integral component of transformative curriculum.
ENERGY DEPENDENCE OF CROSS SECTIONS NEAR THRESHOLD: ONE NEUTRAL AND TWO CHARGED REACTION PRODUCTS

The energy dependence near threshold of cross sections for reactions leading to the escape of one neutral and two charged particles is determined. The method is an extension of one developed previously for uncharged particles, and utilizes only general properties of solutions of the time-independent three- particle Schrodinger equation valid outside a reaction zone of finite extent. Electron detachment from H/sup -/ by charged particle bombardment, and nuclear reactions of the type (n,np) are considered as examples. (auth) cussed. The partial half times for magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole transitions are compared with the values predicted by the formulas of the single-particle model. (auth)
Effect of the Shutdown of a Coal-Fired Power Plant on Urban Ultrafine Particles and Other Pollutants

Ultrafine particle (UFP) monitoring over the size range of 10–500 nm has been ongoing in Rochester, New York, since November 2001. A nearby large coal-fired power plant (CFPP) was shut down in the spring of 2008 for conversion to natural gas combustion. This shutdown resulted in a reduction in observed concentrations of UFP number and other pollutants. In this study, positive matrix factorization (PMF) model and conditional probability function (CPF) were used to elicit the CFPP source information based on 2005–2010 hourly concentration data of particles and gaseous species and meteorological variables. Five factors were identified, i.e., nucleation, regional transport, traffic, CFPP, and O3-rich secondary aerosol that influenced the measured pollution levels. The average 10–50 nm, 50–100 nm, and 100–500 nm particle number concentrations decreased 49.8%, 51.9%, and 52.9% from 2007 to 2008, respectively. The annual average SO2, CO, and PM2.5 concentrations also decreased by 64.1%, 39.6%, and 45.6% from 200...
Modulation of taste-induced drinking: The effects of concentration shifts and drinking interruptions

The drinking of saccharin solutions by nondeprived rats was found to increase on initial exposure as a function of daily sessions and not as a function of previous state of deprivation or vigor of drinking. Large and persisting positive and negative successive contrast effects followed a single shift in concentration. Forcing the drinking to occur in short bouts by withdrawing the drinking tube elevated total intake above the level established by the positive and negative contrasts. The drinking returned to baseline when uninterrupted drinking was permitted. Maximum drinking occurred with 10- and 20-min interruptions of 2-min drinking periods. Consecutive daily interrupted drinking sessions did not produce further increases in drinking, as might have been predicted by opponent process theory or by a classical conditioning interpretation. It was suggested that the persistence of the positive and negative contrasts was dependent on the limited past experience of the animals with the saccharin taste, and that the enhancement of drinking by interruption may depend on the increased excitement produced by drinking tube withdrawal and the reduction of the excitement by reintroduction of the tube.
ASWEPS Shipboard System-A New Concept in the Automated Collection of Oceanographic Data

By means of the ASWEPS Shipboard System, it will be possible for a variety of vessels to systematically and accurately collect the large volume of data necessary to establish a synoptic picture of the underwater environment. Because the design of the Shipboard System is integrated with the projected central processing and communication facilities for the over-all ASWEPS System, it will be possible to handle this large volume of data expeditiously. The Shipboard System itself incorporates a number of advances in the state-of-the-art in sensor technology deck equipment and data-handling techniques. It should thus not only serve the function of contributing to environmental prediction, but also represents a significant advance in the field of instrumentation in the oceanographic community.
The Gambia's economic recovery: Policy reforms, foreign aid, or rain?

Abstract The Gambia's economic reform program differed from other programs in sub- Saharan Africa because the economy quickly recovered and because the government implemented the reforms with little political opposition. This paper uses a computable general equilibrium model to explore the contributions to the renewed growth of the policy reforms, the supporting aid flows, and increased rainfall. The individual and collective effects of these changes are measured against a simulation of the economic conditions that would have prevailed in the absence of reform. The results indicate that the combination of appropriate policy reforms and adequate financing was necessary for successful adjustment. They also illuminate the different effects that individual policy reforms and aid flows had on economic growth and income distribution.
‘Pleading for Help’: Gender Relations and Cross‐Cultural Logic in the Early Modern Mediterranean

Religious conversion cases involving women constitute an important aspect of early modern Mediterranean history. Various Muslim women left their homes in the Ottoman Empire, came to Venice and attempted to convert to Christianity. While some women found male protection and established themselves as Christians, others were pursued by male relatives and found themselves in contested cross-cultural struggles. In this regard, gender relations surrounding female conversions also involved questions of private power, honour and legal jurisdiction. Framed by complex power relations and by complicated gender dynamics, males exercised control over female converts in a variety of ways.
On conditions leading to chaos in feedback systems

The purpose of this paper is to describe a simple mechanism which yields (numerically) chaos in non-linear feedback systems. We also give an effective, but partially heuristic, analysis based on singular perturbation methods coupled with a study of a first return map. An interesting feature of the class of systems studied here is that the first return map cannot be defined as a continuous map of a connected set into itself. In this respect the situation appears to be closely related to the flows postulated in [5] and [6].
A Microchip‐Based System for Immobilizing PC 12 Cells and Amperometrically Detecting Catecholamines Released After Stimulation with Calcium

In this paper, we describe a microchip-based system for amperometrically monitoring the amount of catecholamines released from rat pheochromocytoma (PC 12) cells. Key to this system is a novel, yet simple method for the immobilization of PC 12 cells in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-based microchannels. The procedure involves selectively coating microchannels with collagen followed by introduction of PC 12 cells over the PDMS structure, with the cells being immobilized only on the coated portion of the channels. The cell-coated microchannels can then be reversibly sealed to a glass plate containing electrodes for amperometric detection, resulting in an immobilized cell reactor with integrated microelectrodes. Nafion-coated microelectrodes made by micromolding of carbon inks were used to measure calcium-induced catecholamine release from the cells. Varying concentrations of PC 12 cells immobilized in the microchannels led to a catecholamine release ranging from 20 to 160 μM when the cells were stimulated with a calcium solution. This microchip approach leads to a three-dimensional culture that can be used with this or other cells lines to study the effect of external stimuli on neurotransmitter release.
Selection of modulation and codes for deep-space optical communications

We describe several properties of deep space optical channels that lead to an appropriate selection of modulation format, pulse position modulation (PPM) order, error control code rate, and coding scheme. The selection process is motivated by capacity considerations. We compare the Shannon limit to the performance of Reed-Solomon codes and convolutional codes concatenated with PPM and show that, when iteratively decoded, concatenated convolutional codes operate approximately 0.5 dB from capacity over a wide range of signal levels, about 2.5 dB better than Reed-Solomon codes.
SURVEY CONCERNING INTERNATIONAL COMPUTER FILES OF ROAD ACCIDENTS

A survey concerning international harmonization of accident reporting was distributed to 80 experts in accident reporting and analysis. Completed surveys were received from 50 persons in 13 countries; 74% of the respondents had more than 10 years of experience in the field of traffic safety. The main findings of this survey are: (1) 86% of the respondents think that an international computer file of disaggregated fatal-accident data would contribute to understanding of traffic safety, and 84% would use such a file. (2) An international non-fatal-accident file was considered to be of value in research on human factors and accident causation (60%), and in determining black spots in the road network (57%). (3) Police was the most frequently mentioned source of data for both the fatal and non-fatal international data files. Nevertheless, fewer than one-quarter of respondents considered police as the suitable exclusive source of either data. (4) The majority view was that the data for both types of files should come from more than one agency. (5) In the case of the fatal-accident file, 78% of the respondents considered it important that the data be cross-checked with the public health records. (6) The 10 most useful variables for a fatal-accident file were traffic unit type (e.g. car), accident type (e.g. angle), road class, driver age, date/time of day, age of person killed, number of killed persons, number of injured persons, drinking or drug use, and restraint usage of person killed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
High performance open loop control of scanning with a small cylindrical cantilever beam

The steady state response motion of a base excited cantilever beam with circular cross-section excited by a unidirectional displacement will fall along a straight line. However, achieving straight-line motion with a real cantilever beam of circular cross-section is difficult to accomplish. This is due to the fact that nonlinear effects, small deviations from circularity, asymmetric boundary conditions, and actuator cross coupling can induce whirling. The vast majority of previous work on cantilever beam whirling has focused on the effects of system nonlinearities. We show that whirling is a much broader problem in the design of resonant beam scanners in that the onset of whirling does not depend on large amplitude of motion. Rather, whirling is the norm in real systems due to small system asymmetries and actuator cross coupling. It is therefore necessary to control the growth of the whirling motion when a unidirectional beam motion is desired. We have developed a novel technique to identify the two eigen directions of the beam. Base excitation generated by virtual electrodes along these orthogonal eigen axes of the cantilever beam system generates tip vibration without whirl. This leads to accurate open loop control of the motion of the beam through the combined actuation of two pairs of orthogonally placed actuator electrodes.
Patterning Lessons from a Dorsalized Embryo

A paper by Nunes da Fonseca and colleagues in this issue of Developmental Cell shows that, to pattern its dorsoventral axis, the beetle Tribolium utilizes many of the same genes used in flies, but in very different ways: rather than relying on maternal information, it uses Dorsal and Dpp as part of two coordinated ancestral self-organized systems.
Vascular spaces in endolymphatic stromal myosis.

Abstract Endolymphatic stromal myosis usually has extensive vascular invasion and yet has an excellent prognosis. To resolve this paradox, we studied the involved vascular spaces by electron microscopy, immunoperoxidase identification of factor VIII as a marker for endothelium and serial sections for light microscopy. The spaces were shown to be indeed vascular. However, in many spaces the tumor was not present within the lumina. Sheets of tumor cells had indented and invaginated the endothelium creating the illusion that tumor was present within the lumina. The tumor cells were separated from the lumina by intact endothelial cells and basement membrane. The presence of cell junction modifications between endothelial cells and well-developed basement membrane material demonstrated that at least some of the spaces were blood vessels, probably postcapillary venules, and not lymphatics.
Ab initio analytic polarizability, first and second hyperpolarizabilities of large conjugated organic molecules: Applications to polyenes C4H6 to C22H24

The static dipole polarizability and second hyperpolarizability tensors are calculated for polyene systems via ab initio coupled‐perturbed Hartree–Fock theory. The effect of basis set augmentation on the calculated properties is explored for C4H6 and example basis sets are used to calculate the polarizability and second hyperpolarizability for the longer polyenes: C6H8, C8H10, C10H12, C12H14, C14H16,C16H18, C18H20, C20H22, C22H24. Results for the finite polyenes are extrapolated to predict the unit‐cell polarizability and second hyperpolarizability of infinite polyacetylene. The working equations which take advantage of the 2n+1 theorem of perturbation theory for calculating up to the second hyperpolarizability are given, and their implementation is briefly discussed. In particular it is shown that the implementation is readily amenable to parallel processing.