cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Student personality characteristics and optimal college learning conditions: An extensive search for trait-by-treatment interaction effects

The goal of this research project was to discover those personality characteristics of college students which predispose them towards learning more effectively from one, rather than some other, particular instructional format. Over 800 students in each of two college courses were taught by one of four different methods, and three broad classes of criterion information were assessed: (a) knowledge of course content, (b) amount of extra-curricular reading, and (c) degree of student satisfaction. Each student completed an extensive battery of personality measures, which yielded over 350 test scores. The ratio of significant interaction effects to the number expected by chance was only 4 to 3. Consequently, new interaction scales were developed empirically in each course, and these were then cross-validated in the other course. In general, these new scales did not produce statistically significant interaction effects upon cross-validation, and scales constructed from items which produced significant interactions in both courses showed low internal consistency and low convergent validity. Factors which could have attenuated the strength of trait-by-treatment interaction effects are discussed.
Leachate Plumes in a Highly Permeable Aquifera

Two landfills, 27 and 41 years old, were studied and found to have plumes of leachate-contaminated ground water extending 10,600 and 5,000 ft (3,200 and 1,500 m), respectively, from the site of deposition in the upper glacial aquifer on Long Island, New York. The plumes sink to the bottom of the aquifer, which is 70 ft (21 m) below the water table at the 27-year old site and 170 ft (52 m) below at the 41-year old site. The aquifer has a hydraulic conductivity of 270 ft per day (80 m per day).
Equatorial coupling between the plasmasphere and the topside ionosphere

Abstract A multispecies kinetic model of the thermal plasma in the plasmasphere is coupled to a parameterization of a fluid model of the ionosphere at the ion exobase. The hydrogen ion and helium ion density in the equatorial plane are found to exhibit local-time variations that are sensitive to the details of the exobase conditions, as well as to the details of the diurnal convection. In fact, the density enhancement in the post-midnight sector caused by convection can be overwhelmed if the local-time variation of the exobase is large enough. This result has implications for the interpretation and analysis of sunlight scattered by singly ionized helium ions to be measured by imaging satellites, as well as for the hydrogen ion density inferred from the measured helium ion density.
Action of κ and Δ opioid agonists on premotor cardiac vagal neurons in the nucleus ambiguus

Both enkephalin and dynorphin containing fibers are in close proximity to neurons in the nucleus ambiguus, including cardiac vagal neurons. Microinjection of Delta and kappa agonists into the nucleus ambiguus have been shown to evoke decreases in heart rate. Yet little is known about the mechanisms by which Delta and kappa opioid receptors alter the activity of cardiac vagal neurons. This study tests whether kappa and Delta opioid agonists can alter the activity of cardiac vagal neurons by modulating likely opioid targets including voltage gated calcium currents, and both glycinergic and GABA) neurotransmission to cardiac vagal neurons. Cardiac vagal neurons were identified in vitro by a fluorescent tracer and studied using patch clamp techniques. Neither the kappa agonist spiradoline or the Delta agonist [D-Pen(2), D-Pen(5)]enkephalin (DPDPE) modulated the voltage gated calcium currents in cardiac vagal neurons. DPDPE also did not alter either glycinergic or GABAergic synaptic neurotransmission. Spiradoline did not change GABAergic synaptic inputs, but did significantly inhibit glycinergic synaptic inputs to cardiac vagal neurons. At a concentration of 1 microM, spiradoline inhibited the amplitude of glycinergic events, and at a concentration of 5 microM, spiradoline inhibited both glycinergic amplitude and frequency. Spiradoline also inhibited both the amplitude and frequency of glycinergic miniature inhibitory post-synaptic currents, indicating kappa agonists likely act at both presynaptic and postsynaptic sites to inhibit glycinergic neurotransmission to cardiac vagal neurons.
Structure of rubredoxin from the bacterium Desulfovibrio desulfuricans

The X-ray crystallographic structure of rubredoxin from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans strain 27774 is described. This molecule is 15% smaller than previously studied rubredoxins, lacking a seven-residue loop of chain but containing a histidine and a free-sulfhydryl cysteine. Except for solvent exposure of the single invariant tryptophan, no other major difference occurs in the molecule.
Collateral benefit of screening patients for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at hospital admission: Isolation of patients with multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria

Background Surveillance at hospital admission for multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacteria (GNB) is not often performed, potentially leaving patients carrying these organisms unrecognized and not placed in transmission precautions until they develop infection. Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities screen all admissions for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and place positive patients in contact precautions. We assessed how often patients with MDR GNB in clinical cultures obtained within 30 days following admission would have been in contact precautions because of a positive MRSA admission screen. Methods MRSA screening and MDR GNB culture results were extracted from a database of patients admitted to all VA acute care medical facilities from January 2009-December 2012. Results Of patients with MDR GNB-positive cultures within 30 days following admission, up to 44.3% (dependent on bacterial species) would have been in contact precautions because of a clinical positive admission MRSA nasal screen. Admissions with a positive MRSA screen had odds for MDR GNB in a culture 2.5 times greater than those with a negative screen (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4-2.6). Odds ratios were 2.4 (95% CI, 2.3-2.5) for MDR Enterobacteriaceae , 2.7 (95% CI, 2.5-2.9) for MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and 4.3 (95% CI, 3.8-4.8) for MDR Acinetobacter spp. Conclusions Patients may be serendipitously placed in contact precautions for MDR GNB when isolated for a positive admission MRSA screen.
Comparison of theoretical and empirical statistics of wind measurements with validation lidar (VALIDAR)

This paper presents the comparison study of the theoretical and the empirical Cramer-Rao lower bounds (CRLBs) of wind parameter estimates from a 2-μm wavelength coherent Doppler lidar system called VALIDAR located in NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia. The statistical behavior of Doppler shift (DS) estimates in particular is of interest. The estimates are commonly modeled as single-modal Gaussian random variables and this study is based on such convention. The empirical statistics of DS estimates are estimated from a large amount of sample data in order to obtain meaningful statistical moments. The impact of the new nonlinear adaptive Doppler-shift estimation technique known as NADSET is also briefly presented in terms of the statistics of wind parameter estimates.
Representing scientific data sets in KML: Methods and challenges

Virtual Globes such as Google Earth and NASA World Wind permit users to explore rich imagery and the topography of the Earth. While other online services such as map servers provide ways to view, query, and download geographic information, the public has become captivated with the ability to view the Earth's features virtually. The National Snow and Ice Data Center began to display scientific data on Virtual Globes in 2006. The work continues to evolve with the production of high-quality Keyhole Markup Language (KML) representations of scientific data and an assortment of technical experiments. KML files are interoperable with many Virtual Globe or mapping software packages. This paper discusses the science benefits of Virtual Globes, summarizes KML creation methods, and introduces a guide for selecting tools and methods for authoring KML for use with scientific data sets.
Visual Acuity After Radiation for Orbital Rhabdomyosarcoma

Purpose/Methods We reviewed follow-up data on 32 patients with orbital rhabdomyosarcoma, who were treated with external beam radiation with and without adjunctive chemo-therapy between 1960 and 1992. Results/Conclusions Patients were followed up from five to eight years. Of the 32 patients, six (19%) had best-corrected visual acuity of 20/70 or better; five patients (15%) had bestcorrected visual acuity of light perception to 20/300; 21 patients (66%) had no light perception. The reported long-term visual acuities should be factored in the equation for selecting treatment for patients with orbital rhabdomyosarcoma.
Contaminant residues in fish and sediments from lakes in the Atchafalaya River Basin (Louisiana)

Conversion of bottomland hardwood forests ℴ agricultural land has reduced habitat and water quality in many lakes in the floodplain of the lower Mississippi River. The objectives of this study were to ascertain current contaminant residue concentrations in fish and sediment from lakes in the Atchafalaya River Basin and to determine the influence of overflow and agricultural land use on contaminant levels. Fish and sediment samples were collected from eight lakes that differed in overflow (no overflow, headwater overflow, backwater overflow) and land-use characteristics (presence or absence of agricultural land). Residue analysis of 24 sediment and 82 fish samples collected from the study lakes showed that contaminant residues were uniformly low. Total DDT concentrations, consisting mainly of DDE, were found in 98% of the fish samples and generally were the highest residues though they rarely exceeded 0.50 μg/g. Dieldrin, α-BHC and γ-BHC, in concentrations rarely exceeding 0.05 μg/g, were detected in about 50% of the fish samples. Total organochlorine pesticide and PCB residues were less than 2.00 μg/g in all fish from all lakes, except for a 3.46 μg/g total in spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) from one lake. Sediments were free from pesticide residues except for occasional traces (0.01 μg/g) of α-BHC. Metal residue concentrations in fish and sediment samples were typical of uncontaminated areas. Lake systems in the Atchafalaya River Basin appeared to be relatively uncontaminated by agricultural pesticides, but metal and organic residues in fish were similar from lakes with the same land-use and overflow characteristics.
The effects of culturally consonant group counseling on the self-esteem and internal locus of control orientation among native american adolescents

Abstract Multicultural counseling theorists and researchers have noted the importance of providing culturally sensitive services to ethnic minority clients. This article reports on the results of a study that was designed to assess the impact of a culturally consonant group format among Native Hawaiian adolescents. The study investigated the efficacy of a 10-session group counseling format using a Native Hawaiian healing method and culturally indigenous form of communication that was designed to enhance the participants' self-esteem and internal locus of control orientation. The results suggest that the group format had a positive impact on the adolescents' general and parent /home-related self-esteem.
Volatile organic compound emission rates from mixed deciduous and coniferous forests in Northern Wisconsin, USA

Biogenic emissions of volatile organic compounds {VOC) from forests play an important role in regulating the atmospheric trace gas composition including global tropospheric ozone concentrations. However, more information is needed on VOC emission rates from different forest regions of the world to understand regional and global impacts and to implement possible mitigation strategies. The mixed deciduous and coniferous forests of northern Wisconsin, USA were predicted to have significant VOC emission rates because they are comprised of many genera (i.e. Picea, Populus, Quercus, Salix) known to be high VOC emitters. In July 1993, a study was conducted on the Chequamegon National Forest near Rhinelander, WI to identify and quantify VOC emitted from major trees, shrubs, and understory herbs in the mixed northern forests of this region. Emission rates were measured at various scales -at the leaf level with cuvettes, the branch level with branch enclosures, the canopy level with a tower based system, and the landscape level with a tethered balloon air sampling system. Area-average emission rates were estimated by scaling, using biomass densities and species composition along transects representative of the study site. Isoprene (C5H8) was the primary VOC emitted, although significant quantities of monoterpenes (C10H16) were also emitted. The highest emission rates of isoprene (at 30C and photosynthetically active radiation of 1000 umolm-2s-1) were from northern red oak (Quercus rubra. > 110 ug(C)g-1h-1): aspen (Populus tremuloides. > 77): willow (Salix spp.. > 54): and black spruce (Picea mariamz. > 101. Emission rates of hybrid poplar clones ranged from 40 to 90 ug(C)g-1h-1 at 25C: those of Picea provenances were generally
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanoporous Gold Nanowires

We report on a two-step process for the fabrication of nanoporous nanowires. The fabrication process involves electrochemical deposition of a single-phase binary alloy into a nanoporous template, followed by subsequent etching of the less noble component. These particles are characterized by diameters of 20 nm or larger, lengths of up to tens of microns, and a porous structure with controlled pore dimensions. In contrast to conventional solid nanoparticles, nonporous nanowires have a high surface area and a well-defined pore morphology. Furthermore, nanoporous segments can be incorporated into multisegment nanorods or nanowires. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of nanoporous gold (NPG) nanowires and multisegment nanowires incorporating Au/NPG layers and Pt/NPG layers.
Duality in field theory and statistical systems

This paper presents a pedagogical review of duality (in the sense of Kramers and Wannier) and its application to a wide range of field theories and statistical systems. Most of the article discusses systems in arbitrary dimensions with discrete or continuous Abelian symmetry. Globally and locally symmetric interactions are treated on an equal footing. For convenience, most of the theories are formulated on a $d$-dimensional (Euclidean) lattice, although duality transformations in the continuum are briefly described. Among the familiar theories considered are the Ising model, the $x\ensuremath{-}y$ model, the vector Potts model, and the Wilson lattice gauge theory with a ${Z}_{N}$ or $U(1)$ symmetry, all in various dimensions. These theories are all members of a more general heirarchy of theories with interactions which are distinguished by their geometrical character. For all these Abelian theories it is shown that the duality transformation maps the high-temperature (or, for a field theory, large coupling constant) region of the theory into the low-temperature (small coupling constant) region of the dual theory, and vice versa. The interpretation of the dual variables as disorder parameters is discussed. The formulation of the theories in terms of their topological excitations is presented, and the role of these excitations in determining the phase structure of the theories is explained. Among the other topics discussed are duality for the Abelian Higgs model and related models, duality transformations applied to random systems (such as theories of a spin glass), duality transformations in the "lattice Hamiltonian" formalism, and a description of attempts to construct duality transformations for theories with a non-Abelian symmetry, both on the lattice and in the continuum.
Effect of water addition on the cure kinetics of an epoxy‐amine thermoset

In this study, the effect of water addition on cure kinetics in an epoxy-amine thermoset was investigated. Near FTIR spectra demonstrated that a small amount of water addition significantly accelerated the cure reaction in terms of epoxide conversion, with water acting as a catalyst for the reaction. Use of a modified mechanistic model allowed direct comparison of the effect of hydroxyl groups generated from water addition to those generated from the polymer chain. The comparison of those kinetic parameters shows that the two effects are very close, in which difference in the logarithmic value of the reaction constant is less than one order of magnitude over all the reaction conditions. The kinetic study also confirmed a strong negative substitution effect for this system. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
The Effects of Message Framing and Risk Perceptions for HPV Vaccine Campaigns: Focus on the Role of Regulatory Fit

This study investigates the effects of framing and risk perception, and their interaction effects on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Based on a 2 (message frames) × 2 (perceived risk) experimental design, the interaction effects reveal the effectiveness of loss- (vs. gain-) framed messages would be maximized for high (vs. low) perceived risk condition. Based on regulatory fit principles the synergy effects are shown in terms of attitudes toward advertising and HPV vaccination, HPV vaccination intention, and ad-promoted behavioral intention. The findings indicate right message appeals should be selected for the right target audiences in the setting of HPV vaccine promotions.
MCNP–REN: a Monte Carlo tool for neutron detector design

Abstract The development of neutron detectors makes extensive use of the predictions of detector response through the use of Monte Carlo techniques in conjunction with the point reactor model. Unfortunately, the point reactor model fails to accurately predict detector response in common applications. For this reason, the general Monte Carlo code developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP), was modified to simulate the pulse streams that would be generated by a neutron detector and normally analyzed by a shift register. This modified code, MCNP-Random Exponentially Distributed Neutron Source (MCNP–REN), along with the Time Analysis Program, predicts neutron detector response without using the point reactor model, making it unnecessary for the user to decide whether or not the assumptions of the point model are met for their application. MCNP–REN is capable of simulating standard neutron coincidence counting as well as neutron multiplicity counting. Measurements of mixed oxide fresh fuel were taken with the Underwater Coincidence Counter, and measurements of highly enriched uranium reactor fuel were taken with the active neutron interrogation Research Reactor Fuel Counter and compared to calculation. Simulations completed for other detector design applications are described. The method used in MCNP–REN is demonstrated to be fundamentally sound and shown to eliminate the need to use the point model for detector performance predictions.
Kepler Mission Discovers Trove of Extrasolar Planet Candidates

[1] NASA's Kepler discovery mission is collecting more than just pennies from heaven. Results from the first 4 months of science operations of the Kepler space telescope, announced on 2 February, include the discovery of 1235 candidate planets orbiting 997 stars in a small portion of the Milky Way galaxy examined by the telescope. Follow-up observations likely could confirm about 80% of the candidates as actual planets rather than false positives, according to researchers. This new trove of possible exoplanets could greatly expand the number of known planets outside of our solar system.
Nanocomposite materials based on sulfonated polyarylenethioethersulfone and sulfonated polybenzimidazole for proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications

Fabrication of novel nanocomposite membranes comprising a fully sulfonated polyarylenethioether sulfone (SPTES) and sulfonated poly(p-phenylene benzobisimidazole)(SPBI) and the evaluation of the membrane properties are described. The nanocomposite membrane was obtained via a solvent cast process in a mixture of DMAc and methanol as solvents. The nanocomposite membrane proton conductivity, as measured by four probe impedance spectroscopy, was found to increase with increase in the SPTES content in the nanocomposite. The highest proton conductivity obtained was ~80mS/cm at 65AÂoC and 85 % relative humidity for the SPTES/SPBI 70/30 nanocomposite membrane which was considerably less than the 300 mS/cm for the pure SPTES membrane, but it was found that the swelling of the nanocomposite membranes was reduced due to the reduced water uptake of the nanocomposite membrane relative to SPTES. The morphology of the SPTES/SPBI nanocomposite membranes was examined by a combination of techniques, such as X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, to confirm the dispersion of SPBI in the nanocomposite. The membrane electrode assembly performance of the nanocomposite membranes was preliminary studied for H2/O2 fuel cells applications.© (2009) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effect of Ventilation Rate on the Response of Chicks Inoculated with Infectious Bronchitis Virus and Housed at 49°F.

Abstract EXPERIMENTS conducted by Hudson (1931) with bronchitis virus infected chicks showed that mortality was 60 percent for those group maintained at 66°F. as compared to 32 percent for the 100°F. groups. In an experiment conducted at 75°F. involving infectious bronchitis virus and ventilation rates of ¾ and 2 cfm. per bird, Prince et al. (1962) found that infected chicks four to eight weeks of age gained significantly less weight and consumed significantly less feed than the non-infected groups. Differences in weight gain and feed consumption due to ventilation rate were not significant. Differences in feed efficiency and mortality due to disease and/or ventilation rate were not significant. This experiment was designed to measure the performance of chicks as affected by infection bronchitis virus and ventilation rate. It was conducted in the same manner as the previous one, Prince et al. (1962), except that the temperature on all groups averaged 49°F.
Adding the PubMed unique identifi er to journal article references without increasing the bulkiness of the journal

Nowadays a large amount of scientifi c and medicalliterature can be accessed online in full textformat. Although the manuscripts are widelyavailable online, the readers’ preference is oft enfor a printed version through personal or libraryprint subscriptions or by printing a copy of theonline version for reading convenience.
Development of a takeoff performance monitoring system

The development and testing of a real-time takeoff performance monitoring system is discussed. The algorithm is madeup of two segments: a pretakeoff segment and a real-time segment. One-time inputs of ambient conditions and airplane configuration information are used in the pretakeoff segment to generate schedule performance data for that takeoff. The real-time segment uses the scheduled performance data generated in the pretakeoff segment, runway length data, and measured parameters to monitor the performance of the airplane throughout the takeoff roll. Airplane and engine performance deficiencies are detected and annunciated. An important feature of this algorithm is the one-time estimation of the runway rolling friction coefficient. The algorithm was tested using a six degree of freedom airplane model in a computer simulation. Results from a series of sensitivity analysis are also included.
Giving feedback – An integral part of education

Feedback is an integral part of the educational process. It provides learners with a comparison of their performance to educational goals with the aim of helping them achieve or exceed their goals. Effective feedback is delivered in an appropriate setting, focusses on performance and not the individual, is specific, is based on direct observation or objective date, is delivered using neutral, non-judgemental language and identifies actions or plans for improvement. For best results, the sender and receiver of feedback must work as allies. Negative feedback can create an emotional response in the learner, which may interfere with the effectiveness of the feedback due to dissonance between self-evaluation and external appraisal. Reflection can help learners process negative feedback and allow them to develop and implement improvement plans. Both delivering and receiving feedback are skills that can be improved with training. Teachers have a duty to provide meaningful feedback to learners; learners should expect feedback and seek it.
Small Sample Power Functions for Nonparametric Tests of Location in the Double Exponential Family

Abstract Eight nonparametric tests of location are examined in a small sample setting. Power functions are presented for samples drawn from the double exponential distribution. The results provide an example where the asymptotically most powerful rank test (the Mood median test) performs poorly for alternatives which are not very close to the null hypothesis.
Discharge properties of single motor units in patients with spinal cord injuries

To study neurophysiological correlates of spastic paresis, we analyzed the discharge pattern of single motor units (SMUs) during sustained voluntary contraction from muscles weakened by spinal cord injury (SCI) and from muscle of near normal strength just at or above the level of injury., The average firing rate of SMUs was reduced in patients' biceps brachii and tibialis anterior muscles compared with controls, but not in the triceps brachii. Floating serial correlation coefficients obtained form successive interdischarge intervals were significantly more positive in patients than in controls in all three muscles. One statistical measure of regularity of discharge, akin to a coefficient of variation, was best able to differentiate patient and control SMUs. Increased discharge variability in muscle just above the level of injury suggested that subtle effects of traumatic SCIs were more extended than was clinically apparent. Although consistent statistical differences could be measured, these changes were not specific to SCI, nor were all SMUs equally affected. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Unrecognized aspiration of a mandibular incisor.

Aspiration of teeth and dental prostheses is a recognized sequela of maxillofacial injury. However, dental aspiration is infrequently reported in the literature despite the volume of facial and dentoalveolar injuries treated in major trauma centers. Aspirated foreign bodies have been reported that remained undetected for as long as 40 years. Clinicians need to maintain a high index of suspicion to quickly diagnose and treat tracheobronchial foreign bodies. The following case report illustrates a situation in which aspiration of a tooth was not recognized and could potentially have led to serious complications.
Diffusion coefficients in a halocarbon–polybutene system

The diffusion coefficient of 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane (TTE) in a liquid polybutene was determined at 25°C. as a function of concentration over the range 1.0–19.5 g. TTE/100 cc. The diffusion coefficient increase with increasing TTE concentration, rising continuously from 3 × 10−8 cm.2/sec. at the lowest concentration to 15 × 10−8 cm.2/sec. at the highest. The magnitudes of the diffusion coefficients indicate that the diffusion mechanism for small molecules in polymeric media must afford vastly greater opportunities for diffusion than the Stokes-Einstein relation allows. Similarly, self-diffusion coefficients for the liquid polymer are much lower than the observed mutual diffusion coefficients. An explanation for this behavior is presented.
Evaluation of seven essential oils identifies cubeb oil as most effective attractant for detection of Xyleborus glabratus

Redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus, is an exotic wood-borer that vectors the fungal agent that induces laurel wilt. Since its introduction into Georgia in 2002, X. glabratus has spread throughout the southeastern U.S., and laurel wilt has decimated native Persea trees, particularly redbay (P. borbonia) and swampbay (P. palustris). The lethal disease now threatens avocado (P. americana) in Florida. To control the spread of laurel wilt, effective attractants are needed for early detection of the vector. Phoebe oil lures are the best known attractant, but they are no longer available. Current detection relies on manuka oil lures, but our previous research indicated they have a field life of only 2–3 weeks in Florida. Therefore, we evaluated seven essential oils as attractants for X. glabratus, and ethanol as a potential synergist. Field tests and electroantennography (EAG) were conducted to compare attraction and olfactory response to angelica seed, cubeb, ginger root, manuka, phoebe, tea tree, and orange oils. The highest captures were obtained with cubeb, manuka, and phoebe oils; ginger and angelica oils were intermediate, and tea tree and orange oils were not attractive. Addition of ethanol to oil lures did not increase captures. In subsequent tests with commercial formulations, cubeb lures captured more X. glabratus than manuka lures, were better for early detection at low population levels, and had longevity of at least 8 weeks. The highest EAG responses were elicited with phoebe and cubeb lures. Our results indicate that cubeb lures are the best attractant currently available for detection of X. glabratus.
Power spectrum ranked independent component analysis of a periodic fMRI complex motor paradigm.

Independent component analysis (ICA) has been demonstrated to be an effective data-driven method for analyzing fMRI data. However, a method for objective differentiation of task-related components from those that are artifactually non-relevant is needed. We propose a method of constant-cycle (periodic) fMRI task paradigm combined with ranking of spatial ICA components by the magnitude contribution of their temporal aspects to the fundamental task frequency. Power spectrum ranking shares some similarity to correlation with an a priori hemodynamic response, but without a need to presume an exact timing or duration of the fMRI response. When applied to a complex motor task paradigm with auditory cues, multiple task-related activations are successfully identified and separated from artifactual components. These activations include sensorimotor, auditory, and superior parietal areas. Comparisons of task-related component time courses indicate the temporal relationship of fMRI responses in functionally involved regions. Results indicate the sensitivity of ICA to short-duration hemodynamics, and the efficacy of a power spectrum ranking method for identification of task-related components.
Dissociation constants of hydropseudohalic acids

Abstract By means of potentiometric titration with hydrochloric acid of solutions of pseudohalide salts at several ionic strengths and temperatures, p Q a and K a o values have been obtained for HCN, HN 3 , HOCN and HSCN. From pH studies HSeCN is shown to be a very stong acid. The dissociation constants for the above acids in the order given stand in the approximate ratio of 1:10 5 :10P 6 :10 9 :10 10 . Approximate ΔG o , ΔH o and ΔS o values have been calculated and these are especially useful in the cases of those acids for which directly measured thermodynamic values are unavailable.
Cats Perceive Biological Motion

With behavioral techniques, cats were trained to discriminate a point-light animation sequence depicting biological motion (i.e., a cat walking) from an animation sequence consisting of equivalent local motion vectors lacking the global synchrony present in the biological-motion sequence (i.e., “foil” displays). Successful discrimination was evidenced for even the most difficult foil display and for different versions of the biological-motion sequence, indicating that cats are able to extract the higher order kinematic invariants embodied in these novel motion displays.
Ionic Mixtures and Distributions Around RNA: Atomically Detailed Simulations with Replica Exchange

Atomically detailed distributions of ions around RNA are computed. Different mixtures of monovalent and divalent ions are considered explicitly. Studies of tightly bound ions and of diffusive (but bound) ions around RNA molecule of 25 base pairs are conducted in a single computational framework. Replica exchange simulations provide detailed equilibrium distributions with moderate computing resources (9 nanoseconds of simulation using 64 replicas). Binding constants are in qualitative agreement with ion condensation theory. Negative mobile ions can be found near the RNA but must be assisted by proximate and mobile cations. Binding of one type of a mobile cation is affected significantly by the presence of a second type. While magnesium ions are tighter binders than sodium ions they can be partially repelled from RNA with a moderately high concentration of monovalent ions. This finite system behaves more as a strong electrolyte consistent with Debye Huckel arguments than as a polyelecrolyte that condenses ions around it.
REVERSE OSMOSIS OF COTTAGE CHEESE WHEY 2. Influence of Flow Conditions

SUMMARY— Flow conditions in tubular, cellulose-acetate reverse osmosis membranes were varied by changing the flow rate and by inserting turbulence promoters (rods with intermittently-spaced rings cemented to them) in the tubes. In general, increasing the flow velocity increased the permeation rate. Turbulence promoters were most effective in increasing permeation rate under conditions that, in their absence, permitted fouling of the membrane surface by macrosolutes from the feed. When the feed contained macrosolutes, increasing the flow velocity or use of turbulence promoters increased retention of lactose and potassium. Modifying the flow conditions to increase turbulence improves performance of reverse osmosis membranes by increasing both permeation rate and retention.
The synthesis and structure of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2,4,4-trimethyl-8-nitroimidazo[1,5-d] [1,2,4]triazin-1-one, C8H11N5O3: A heterocycle with a rare ring system

The title compound (IV) was isolated as a by-product during the course of purification of 4-nitroimidazol-5-(N′-methyl)hydrazide (II) by silica gel flash chromatography, employing chloroform-acetone (4:1) as the eluting solvent. The crystals are monoclinic, space groupP21/c,a=7.425(1),b=13.615(2),c=10.359(2) A,β=97.66(1)°,d caled=1.44 g cm−3,μ (MoKα)=1.06 mm−1,T=298 K. The number of unique reflections=2401, reflections withI≥3 σ(I)=1773;R=0.051,R w =0.061. The bond distances inIV are: N-N, 1.419(3); N-C(=0), 1.359(3); N(H)-C(CH3), 1.457(3); N(C)-C(CH3), 1.501(3); N=C, 1.316(3); C=C, 1.368(3), N-C(=N), 1.353(3); N-C(=C), 1.367(2) A.
Multicenter study of health education in the emergency department

Study objectives: Emergency department (ED) patients and their friends or family often wait several hours, which presents an opportunity for health education. We hypothesized that most ED patients and visitors are interested in learning about various health topics in the ED setting and that interest would vary by demographic factors. Methods: For two 24-hour periods, ED patients and visitors aged 18 years or older were enrolled in 4 Boston EDs. Eligible patients were enrolled consecutively, and visitors were surveyed every 3 hours. Exclusion criteria included severe illness and emotional disturbance. Surveys presented subjects with a list of health conditions and topics. Subjects indicated their interest and preferred mode of learning about each topic (eg, brochure, book, video). Results: Of 1,320 eligible subjects, 1,010 (76%) completed the survey. Fifty-six percent were patients, and 44% were visitors. Overall, 57% were female patients and 64% white patients, with a mean age of 44±18 years. Ninety-eight percent (95% confidence interval 97% to 99%) of subjects were interested in learning about at least 1 of 28 health topics. The 3 most popular were nutrition (65%), stress (61%), and exercise (59%). Interest in each of these 3 was higher among young adults (all P P P P P =.35). Overall, respondents chose brochure or book as the preferred mode of learning (33%); however, this choice varied significantly for some topics and demographic factors, including education level and income level. Conclusion: ED patients and visitors are interested in learning about a variety of health topics. Waiting time provides an untapped opportunity for health education, including disease prevention. A detailed understanding of people's specific interests and preferences will result in more appropriate educational materials and resources.
Treatment options for autonomic neuropathies

Autonomic disorders may present in a varied fashion. Symptoms that may require treatment include orthostatic intolerance, gastrointestinal distress, sudomotor abnormalities, and urologic and sexual dysfunction. Realistic treatment goals should be outlined for patients, with the expectations that symptoms can be improved, but that the disease is unlikely to be cured and long-term therapy may be required. Orthostatic intolerance is usually treated by a combination of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies. Nonpharmacologic therapies include compression stockings, adequate fluid and salt intake, and lifestyle modifications. Polypharmacologic therapy is often the standard and can include a volume-expanding agent (such as fludrocortisone) and a sympathomimetic agent. This combination will improve symptoms dramatically in most patients. Treatment of gastrointestinal disorders should address the particular symptom involved: gastroparesis, constipation, or diarrhea. Treatment of sexual and urogenital dysfunction often requires a combination of pharmacologic intervention and lifestyle modifications for peak effectiveness. Patient education is the cornerstone of treatment in any of the autonomic disorders. Given enough education and motivation, many patients will be able to participate in their treatment, which will provide a feeling of empowerment and control over a disease that is often frustratingly resistant to treatment.
Sex, Modality, and Cognitive Strategy Effects on Short-Term Memory as a Function of Rate of Computerized Digit Presentations:

Short-term memory tests were given to 111 undergraduate volunteers (44 men and 67 women) under varying modes of presentation (auditory, visual, and auditory-visual combined) using different rates (1 sec. and 3 sec.) of computer-random digits. Subjects were instructed to “chunk” mentally 25 random digits (presented sequentially on a computer screen) into 5 sets of 5 digits (1 to 5) or to “rote” memorize all 25 digits for immediate recall. A mixed 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 split-plot analysis of variance showed a significant effect for rate of digit presentations, and there was a significant interaction between sex and rate of digit presentations. Men profited more from the 3-sec. rate than women, yet at the 1-sec. rate, women had higher short-term memory scores than men. There were no significant main effects for modality or cognitive strategy. Sex differences for digit-span tasks here were compared with sex differences from other studies for related tasks such as rapid matching of digit “strings.”
Stress relaxation of starch/synthetic polymer blends

Stress relaxation behaviour of injection-moulded starch/synthetic polymer blends were studied. In one experiment, the starch content was kept constant at 70% while the amylose to amylopectin ratio was varied. The synthetic polymers in the blend included high-density (HPDE) and low-density polyethylene (LPDE), and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). In the second experiment, the starch content in the blend was varied. A small amount of maleic anhydride-functionalized synthetic polymer (5% by weight) was added to compatibilize reactively the starch and the synthetic polymer. Starch/HDPE and starch/LPDE blends had a ductile behaviour, while starch/EVA blends displayed rubbery characteristics. Blends containing EVA relaxed the fastest while those containing LPDE took the longest time. A double logarithmic plot of stress versus time at constant strain was linear and the slopes of the plots were insensitive to starch type but were affected by the starch content. Residual internal stress which developed during moulding was also estimated from the stress relaxation measurement. The stress–relaxation data fitted several empirical stress–time non-linear models well. © 1998 Kluwer Academic Publishers
Measurement methodology for establishing an IC ESD sensitivity database

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can disturb ICs and lead to soft-errors in electronic devices. If every IC is characterized by the manufacturer for its ESD sensitivity, the levels at which the IC will be disturbed can be expected. In this paper, a method to establish such ESD sensitivity database on transient field sensitivity of ICs in typical electronic systems by different manufacturers is introduced. The database is aimed to sufficiently represent the behaviours of ICs, then ESD related field coupled problems at a certain location within a system can be estimated. Probes and field injection methods of both electric field and magnetic field are presented.
Predicting Modes of Toxic Action from Chemical Structure: An Overview

Abstract In the field of environmental toxicology, and especially aquatic toxicology, quantitative structure activity relationships (QSARs) have developed as scientifically-credible tools for predicting the toxicity of chemicals when little or no empirical data are available. A basic and fundamental understanding of toxicological principles has been considered crucial to the continued acceptance and application of these techniques as biologically relevant. As a consequence, there has been an evolution of QSAR development and application from that of a chemical-class perspective to one that is more consistent with assumptions regarding modes of toxic action. The assessment of a compound's likely mode of toxic action is critical for a correct QSAR selection; incorrect mode of action-based QSAR selections can result in 10- to 1000-fold errors in toxicity predictions. The establishment of toxicologically-credible techniques to assess mode of toxic action from chemical structure requires toxicodynamic knowledg...
Dental Cements for Definitive Luting: A Review and Practical Clinical Considerations

Dental cement used to attach an indirect restoration to a prepared tooth is called a luting agent. A clinically relevant discussion of conventional and contemporary definitive luting agents is presented in this article. Physical properties are listed in table form to assist in comparison and decision-making. Additional subtopics include luting agent requirements, classifications, retention and bonding, cement considerations for implant-supported teeth, and fatigue failure.
Effect of the electron mean free path in small particles on the evaluation of coordination numbers

Abstract It is a common practice in EXAFS analysis to transfer the electron mean free path (MFP) value from the bulk standard to the small particles samples. We show that such a procedure can lead to an incorrect evaluation of coordination numbers. The electron MFP in small particles can be significantly different from the bulk value. We performed a detailed analysis of Al small particles to illustrate this point. We discuss the implications of assuming transferability of the electron MFP.
Estradiol Induces Export of Sphingosine 1-Phosphate from Breast Cancer Cells via ABCC1 and ABCG2

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a potent sphingolipid mediator produced by sphingosine kinase isoenzymes (SphK1 and SphK2), regulates diverse cellular processes important for breast cancer progression acting in an autocrine and/or paracrine manner. Here we show that SphK1, but not SphK2, increased S1P export from MCF-7 cells. Whereas for both estradiol (E2) and epidermal growth factor-activated SphK1 and production of S1P, only E2 stimulated rapid release of S1P and dihydro-S1P from MCF-7 cells. E2-induced S1P and dihydro-S1P export required estrogen receptor-α, not GPR30, and was suppressed either by pharmacological inhibitors or gene silencing of ABCC1 (multidrug resistant protein 1) or ABCG2 (breast cancer resistance protein). Inhibiting these transporters also blocked E2-induced activation of ERK1/2, indicating that E2 activates ERK via downstream signaling of S1P. Taken together, our findings suggest that E2-induced export of S1P mediated by ABCC1 and ABCG2 transporters and consequent activation of S1P receptors may contribute to nongenomic signaling of E2 important for breast cancer pathophysiology.
HOW DOES INCOMPATIBILITY AFFECT PRICES?: EVIDENCE FROM ATM'S*

If consumers value ‘mix and match’ combinations of network complements, incompatibility between different sellers' components should affect prices. In ATM markets, a 1996 governance change exogenously generated such incompatibility, by allowing banks to impose surcharges when other banks' deposit customers use their ATM's. In our data, incompatibility makes the relationship between deposit account pricing and own ATM's more positive, and makes the relationship between deposit account pricing and competitors ATM's more negative. The level effect on prices is positive. The pattern of results is more pronounced in high population density markets, where customers may care more about ATM's.
Proton transfer within the active-site cavity of carbonic anhydrase III.

Abstract The maximal turnover rate of CO 2 hydration catalyzed by the carbonic anhydrases is limited by proton transfer steps from the zinc-bound water to solution, steps that regenerate the catalytically active zinc-bound hydroxide. Catalysis of CO 2 hydration by wild-type human carbonic anhydrase III (HCA III) ( k cat =2 ms −1 ) is the least efficient among the carbonic anhydrases in its class, in part because it lacks an efficient proton shuttle residue. We have used site-directed mutagenesis to test positions within the active-site cavity of HCA III for their ability to carry out proton transfer by replacing various residues with histidine. Catalysis by wild-type HCA III and these six variants was determined from the initial velocity of hydration of CO 2 measured by stopped-flow spectrophotometry and from the exchange of 18 O between CO 2 and H 2 O at chemical equilibrium by mass spectrometry. The results show that histidine at three positions (Lys64His, Arg67His and Phe131His) have the capacity to transfer protons during catalysis, enhancing maximal velocity of CO 2 hydration and 18 O exchange from 4- to 15-fold compared with wild-type HCA III. Histidine residues at the other three positions (Trp5His, Tyr7His, Phe20His) showed no firm evidence for proton transfer. These results are discussed in terms of the stereochemistry of the active-site cavity and possible proton transfer pathways.
A Characterization of the Uniform Distribution by Dual Generalized Order Statistics

Some distributional properties of lower generalized order statistics are presented. A characterization of the uniform distribution based on the lower generalized order statistics is given.