cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Flow Tube Kinetics Study of Methyl Chloride Oxidation

Abstract The fuel-lean oxidation of methyl chloride was investigated using flow tube kinetics experiments coupled with plug and laminar flow models that included detailed reaction chemistry. Acetylene, vinyl chloride, ethylene, methane and CO were observed as the major reaction products at partial conversion conditions. A sensitivity analysis combined with a rate of production analysis for key species observed experimentally was used to identify reaction bottlenecks in the initial literature model used. Rates for the CH2CL + CH2CL and CH3 + CH2CL recombination reactions were estimated using QRRK analysis. The modified model accurately predicted experimental measurements of both methyl chloride conversion and intermediate product species profiles as a function of temperature. Model and experimental results highlight the difference in oxidation pathway between lean and rich conditions. Oxidative pyrolysis speeds CH3CL destruction and enhances CH2CL production leading to formation of C2H3CL. C2 production is...
Advertising Evaluation and Measurement Error: The Case of Fluid Milk in Ontario

A key component of any attempt to assess the economic impacts of advertising is the ability to obtain accurate estimates of advertising elasticities or response coefficients. Accurate estimates of advertising response require accurate data. This study compares estimates of advertising elasticities based on two alternative data series. One data series represents actual expenditures on fluid milk advertising as measured by the entity conducting the advertising. The other data series represents estimated advertising expenditures as measured by a commercial tracking firm. Results based on a quarterly econometric model covering the period 1973-84 suggest data obtained from the tracking service produce severely downward-biased estimates of advertising response. The tracking data, moreover, tended to understate the actual level of advertising over the sample period and to misrepresent turning points. Un des facteurs determinants permettant d'evaluer l'incidence economique de la publicite est la capacitye d'obtenir une estimation precise des elasticites de la publicite ou des coefficients de reaction. Pour estimer avec precision la reponse a la publicite, on a besoin de donnees precises egalement. La presente etude compare les estimations de l'elasticite de la publicite obtenues au moyen de deux series de donnees. La premiere serie portait sur les depenses reelles de publicite pour le lait de consommation, telles que calculees par l'organisme charge de la campagne. La seconde representait les depenses de publicite prevues par une entreprise d'etude de marche. Les resultats tires de l'application du modeie econometrique trimestriel a la periode de 1973 a 1984 indiquent que les donnees de l'en-treprise d'etude du marche entrainent une nette sous-estimation de la reaction a la publicite. EHes ont eu aussi tendance a sous-estimer le budget reel consacre a la publicite au cours de la periode a l'etude et a mal signaler les points determinants du cycle.
Paper chromatography data for purines, pyrimidines and derivatives in a variety of solvents

Abstract Paper chromatographic data for 215 purines,pyrimidines and derivatives in nine solvent systems have been reported. The data ae useful as an aid in identification of compounds, and for selection of solvents to perform various separations.
Local Fourier dictionary: a natural tool for data analysis

The local Fourier dictionary contains a large number of localized complex exponential functions. Representations of a function using the dictionary elements locally inherit many nice properties of the conventional Fourier representation, such as translation invariance and orientation selectivity. In this paper, after giving an intuitive review of its construction, we describe an algorithm to recover location-dependent shifts of local features in signals for matching and registration, and propose a best local translation basis selected from the local Fourier basis. Then we will report our preliminary results on the statistical analysis of natural scene images using the local Fourier dictionary, whose purpose is to examine the importance of sparsity, statistical independence, and orientation selectivities in representation and modeling of such images.
Liquid crystal photorefractivity for reordering holographic gratings

We present a detailed discussion of the fundamental mechanisms for recently observed persistent photorefractive effects in nematic liquid crystal films. A theoretical analysis of the various space charge fields, dielectric torques, and estimates of their magnitudes and critical assessment of their roles in the observed holographic grating formation process are presented. In dye- or Fullerene C60-doped films, it is observed that the induced director axis and refractive index grating could persist indefinitely. Furthermore, these stored gratings can be electrically switched on and off at ms-subms speed.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A standardized way to select, evaluate, and test an analog-to-digital converter for ultrawide bandwidth radiofrequency signals based on user's needs, ideal, published,and actual specifications

The most important adverse impact on the Electronic Warfare (EW) simulation is that the number of signal sources that can be tested simultaneously is relatively small. When the number of signal sources increases, the analog hardware, complexity and costs grow by the order of N 2 , since the number of connections among N components is O(N*N) and the signal communication is bi-directional. To solve this problem, digitization of the signal is suggested. In digitizing a radiofrequency signal, an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) is widely used. Most research studies on ADCs are conducted from designer/test engineers' perspective. Some research studies are conducted from market's perspective. This paper presents a generic way to select, evaluate and test ultra high bandwidth COTS ADCs and generate requirements for digitizing continuous time signals from the perspective of user's needs. Based on user's needs, as well as vendor's published, ideal and actual specifications, a decision can be made in selecting a proper ADC for an application. To support our arguments and illustrate the methodology, we evaluate a Tektronix TADC-1000, an 8-bit and 12 gigasamples per second ADC. This project is funded by JEWEL lab, NAWCWD at Point Mugu, CA.
A potent antimicrobial compound isolated from Clathria cervicornis.

Abstract The sponge of Clathria cervicornis is commonly used in traditional medicine. This study aims to identify the active compound in C. cervicornis and to evaluate its antimicrobial activity. The purified active compound was determined to be crambescidin 800 and was found to be highly active against Acinetobacter baumannii (minimal inhibitory concentration, MIC = 2 μg/ml), Klebsiella pneumoniae (MIC = 1 μg/ml) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 1 μg/ml). A potent antimicrobial compound, crambescidin 800, was isolated in Clathria cervicornis. It is extremely active against three common pathogenic bacteria.
Teaching argumentation and scientific discourse using the ribosomal peptidyl transferase reaction

Argumentation and discourse are two integral parts of scientific investigation that are often overlooked in undergraduate science education. To address this limitation, the story of peptide bond formation by the ribosome can be used to illustrate the importance of evidence, claims, arguments, and counterarguments in scientific discourse. With the determination of the first structure of the large ribosomal subunit bound to a transition state inhibitor came an initial hypothesis about the role of the ribosome in peptide bond formation. This initial hypothesis was based on a few central assumptions about the transition state mimic and acid–base catalysis by serine proteases. The initial proposed mechanism started a flurry of scientific discourse in experimental articles and commentaries that tested the validity of the initial proposed mechanism. Using this civil argumentation as a guide, class discussions, assignments, and a debate were designed that allow students to analyze and question the claims and evidence about the mechanism of peptide bond synthesis. In the end, students develop a sense of critical skepticism, and an understanding of scientific discourse, while learning about the current consensus mechanism for peptide bond synthesis. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Vol. 39, No. 3, pp. 185-190, 2011
Testing a Violence-Prevention Intervention for Incarcerated Women Using a Randomized Control Trial.

Objective:Beyond Violence (BV), a new prevention program for women with assaultive offenses, demonstrated feasibility in previous studies. This study’s purpose is to assess the efficacy of BV using...
Annihilation of Positrons in Flight

The weak continuous spectrum of hard $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays resulting from the stopping of positrons in various materials has been investigated with a NaI(Tl) scintillation spectrometer. Measurements were made chiefly in the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray energy interval from 0.511 Mev to 1.3 Mev, for the continuous $\ensuremath{\beta}$ spectra of ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{19}$ and ${\mathrm{A}}^{35}$ (maximum positron energies of 2.2 Mev and 4.4 Mev, respectively). The experimental geometry was chosen to ensure averaging of the annihilation spectrum over all angles. Theoretical spectra were calculated for Lucite, brass, and lead as stopping materials. Comparison with experiment on an absolute basis was made possible by an experimental determination of the spectrometer efficiency as a function of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray energy. The calculations included bremsstrahlung and single-quantum annihilation as well as two-quantum annihilation. In the case of ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{19}$ positrons annihilating in brass, the data are in satisfactory agreement with the calculations. However, the calculated spectra show a conspicuously stronger dependence on the atomic number of the stopping material than do the observed spectra. The experimental spectra from ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{19}$ positrons stopping in Lucite and brass are indistinguishable, while the calculated spectra show a brass to Lucite ratio of 1.3. In addition, the calculated intensities tend to be lower than the observed ones, particularly for ${\mathrm{A}}^{35}$ positrons and for stopping materials of low atomic number.
Fine structure of the rat renal papilla.

The fine structure of the rat renal papilla was studied after fixation with various fixative solutions and by using three modes of fixative application: immersion, vascular perfusion and injection of fixative into the renal pelvis. The morphology of the following was described: thin limbs of Henle's loop, collecting ducts, capillaries, interstitial cells, and interstitium. Several previously undescribed features were seen. Two types of capillaries were identified on the basis of their fine structure. Regions identified as limbs of Henle had at least two types of mural structure differing in degree of cellular interdigitation. In addition, numerous projections were seen extending from the basal cytoplasm of capillary endothelium and collecting duct epithelium through the basement membrane into the interstitium.
Religious Communality Among White Protestants, Catholics, and Mormons

Theoretical discussions of religious communality in America have received scant attention in empirical research in regard to white Protestants and Catholics. The notion of a multiple melting pot with religious boundaries has not yet been corroborated for the two major religious faiths. This paper attempts to contribute to the empirical literature on the subject of white Protestant and Catholic communality, and introduces the problem of communality as it relates to Mormons. A survey of three cities revealed that substantial segments of each faith were highly involved in their respective socioreligious communities.
A Comparison of Adiabatic and Isothermal Expansion Processes in Rocket Nozzles

An analysis has been made of the expansion of gases through a de Laval nozzle under isothermal condit ions. It is shown that for ideal gases, the increase in kinetic energy of the gases is equal to the heat transferred into the gas to mainta in constant temperature. The initial energy, or temperature, enters only in the design of the nozzle and determination of the pressure ratio required for the transference of the fixed quanti ty of heat . Unlike the adiabatic case, the jet velocity is not l imited by the initial energy content of the gas but only by the pressure ratio or energy content of the reservoir transferring the heat . Formulas are derived for isothermal exhaust velocity, mass flow, and thrust coefficient which are analogous to those for adiabatic flow.
Wnt Signaling Protects 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes from Apoptosis through Induction of Insulin-like Growth Factors

Ectopic expression of Wnt-1 in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes stabilizes β-catenin, activates TCF-dependent gene transcription, and blocks adipogenesis. Here we report that upon serum withdrawal, Wnt-1 causes 3T3-L1 cells to resist apoptosis through a mechanism that is partially dependent on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Although activation of Wnt signaling by inhibition of GSK-3 activity or ectopic expression of dominant stable β-catenin blocks apoptosis, inhibition of Wnt signaling through expression of dominant negative TCF-4 increases apoptosis. Wnt-1 stimulates 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to secrete factors that increase PKB/Akt phosphorylation at levels comparable with treatment with 10% serum. With DNA microarrays, we identified several secreted antiapoptotic genes that are induced by Wnt-1, notably insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and IGF-II. Consistent with IGFs mediating the antiapoptotic effects of Wnt-1 in preadipocytes, conditioned medium from Wnt-1 expressing 3T3-L1 cells was unable to promote protein kinase B phosphorylation after the addition of recombinant IGFBP-4. Thus, we demonstrated that Wnt-1 induces expression of antiapoptotic genes in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes such as IGF-I and IGF-II, which allows these cells to resist apoptosis in response to serum deprivation.
Functional studies of the mammalian Sac1 phosphoinositide phosphatase.

The Sac1 PIP phosphatase is an enigmatic enzyme in that it occupies an intracellular location (ER) that is not normally associated with PIP signaling. Yet, genetic experiments in mice and silencing experiments in cultured cells report an essential housekeeping function for this protein. Detailed cellular analyses report maintenance of proper organization of the Golgi system, and of the mitotic spindle apparatus, are compromised when Sac1 functional thresholds are breached. While the Golgi derangements do not obviously affect protein transport through the organelle, the mitotic defects result in defects in progression though the G2/M stage of the cell cycle. Finally, both the catalytic PIP phosphatase activity, and its ability to be recycled back to the ER, represent essential functional features of the Sac1 enzyme. We expect that current insights for Sac1 will set the blueprint for future analyses of its functions. Many questions remain to be answered in this field: does Sac1 have important roles in ER and plasma membranes connections since ySac1 only degrades the plasma membrane localized PtdIns 4-OH kinase Stt4 generated PtdIns-4-P? Does the ER-localized Sac1 play critical roles in regulating nuclear PIP signaling since ER is continuous with the nuclear envelope, and does it specifically happen in certain stage during cell cycle progression? Does anchoring Sac1-catalytic domain to other cellular membranes affect its function and what effects will be generated by mislocalizing the Sac1 catalytic domain to exotic membrane locations? Does the Golgi dispersion phenotype herald a crosstalk of the organelle with the mitotic apparatus (i.e. does Golgi disorganization provide ectopic nucleation sites for the γ-tubulin ring complex)? Clearly, there is much to be learned regarding the biological functions of Sac1-like lipid phosphatases, and we anticipate the discoveries yet to come will rival those derived from studies of the kinases – both in impact and in scope.
Morphology of dendrite bundles in the cervical spinal cord of the rat: A light microscopic study

Abstract Histological staining techniques and Golgi-Cox impregnation revealed three discrete dendrite bundles in the ventral horn of the rat cervical spinal cord. A midline dendrite bundle (MDB) traversed the ventromedial gray matter (C3–6), a central dendrite bundle (CDB) coursed the medial aspect of the ventral horn (C3–5), and a lateral dendrite bundle (LDB) traveled in the ventrolateral gray matter (C2–4). At the light microscopic level, the three dendrite bundles were composed of longitudinally oriented intertwined dendrites that coursed in close apposition among motoneuron perikarya, neuroglia, and capillaries. A gradient of packing density of dendrites in the bundles existed, the MDB displaying the greatest packing density and the LDB forming the most loosely interwoven dendritic plexus. Dendrites contributing to the bundles originated from several different motoneuron pools. Smaller transverse dendrite bundles radiated from the longitudinal dendrite bundles at right angles and appeared to interconnect the MDB, CDB, and LDB. Transverse dendrite bundles also exited the MDB and LDB to course into the anterior and lateral funiculi, respectively. The presence of dendrite bundles among fields of motoneurons suggests that dendrite bundles may provide an anatomical substrate for the synchronization of neuronal activity for coordination of muscle groups involved in particular movements. Dendrite bundles also would provide a means whereby functionally similar motoneurons can receive and integrate similar synaptic inputs, and thus allow these inputs to modulate and coordinate groups of neurons that act as a functional unit. The presence of transverse dendrite bundles interconnecting the longitudinal bundles may permit the fine tuning of motoneuron activity for better coordination of movements involving synergistic and antagonistic muscle groups.
Economic Integration and Convergence: A Second Decomposition Method

In this Journal, Sukkoo Kim investigates the sources of income convergence and divergence across regions in the United States. Kim argues that there are two sources of income convergence in regional economies linked by trade: convergence in regional wage rates and convergence in regional industry mixes. Using U.S. regional data on industry mix and worker income by industry, Kim decomposes differences in regional incomes into industry wage and industry-mix components. From his decompositions, Kim concludes that changing regional industrial structures “played an important role in causing the divergence and convergence of U.S. regional income per capita” in both the nineteenth and twentieth centuries..
1006 RELIABILITY OF SKIN (tc)PO 2 ELECTRODE HEATING POWER AS A CONTINUOUS NON INVASIVE MONITOR OF MEAN ARTERIAL PRESSURE IN SICK NEWBORNS

1006 RELIABILITY OF SKIN (tc)PO 2 ELECTRODE HEATING POWER AS A CONTINUOUS NON INVASIVE MONITOR OF MEAN ARTERIAL PRESSURE IN SICK NEWBORNS
Making Orators Interesting to Students: The Speaker Resume.

The resume format increases identification of orators, discriminates between orators, places orators in a rhetorical‐historical context, and emphasizes a rhetorical perspective in biographical study.
Thomas More, the Tudor Chroniclers, and Shakespeare's Altered Richard

(1987). Thomas More, the Tudor Chroniclers, and Shakespeare's Altered Richard. English Studies: Vol. 68, No. 2, pp. 137-141.
Synthesis and characterization of thin ceramic-carbonate dual-phase membranes for carbon dioxide separation

Abstract Ceramic-carbonate dual-phase membranes are perm-selective to carbon dioxide at high temperatures. This paper reports a strategy to prepare thin ceramic-carbonate dual-phase membranes with improved carbon dioxide permeance. Two-layer asymmetric supports consisting of a large pore base support and a thin small pore ionic conducting ceramic top-layer were prepared for the thin dual-phase membranes. A dense thin ceramic-carbonate dual-phase membrane was successfully prepared on the asymmetric support containing carbonate non-wettable base with adequate mechanical bonding between the top-layer and base. The thin dual-phase membrane was constructed with a thin, small pore yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) layer on a large pore Bi 1.5 Y 0.3 Sm 0.2 O 3- δ (BYS) support. Li/Na/K molten carbonate mixture was infiltrated into the top YSZ layer via a direct infiltration method. Carbonate non-wettable BYS support stopped the penetration of carbonate and maintained its porous structure. By this way, a thin, dense ceramic-carbonate dual-phase membrane was prepared on a porous support after infiltration. High temperature CO 2 permeation test was carried out for the membrane. CO 2 permeance through the thin dual-phase membrane increased with temperature (500–650 °C). At 650 °C, maximum CO 2 flux was 3.9×10 −3 mol m −2 s −1 . The CO 2 permeation activation energy is 106 kJ mol −1 . The thin YSZ-carbonate dual-phase membrane offers much higher CO 2 permeance than the reported thick dual-phase membranes. Reduction of the thickness hence lessening resistance and strengthening ionic transport should be the major reason.
Asymptotic Properties of M‐estimators Based on Estimating Equations and Censored Data

Properties of Huber's M-estimators based on estimating equations have been studied extensively and are well understood for complete (i.i.d.) data. Although the concepts of M-estimators and influence curves have been extended for some time by Reid (1981) to incomplete data that are subject to right censoring, results on the general behavior of M- estimators based on incomplete data remain scattered and restrictive. This paper establishes a general large sample theory for M-estimators based on censored data. We show how to extend any asymptotic result available for M-estimators based on complete data to the case of censored data. The extensions are usually straightforward and include the multiparameter situation. Both the lifetime and censoring distributions may be discontinuous. We illustrate several extensions which provide simple and tractable sufficient conditions for an M- estimator to be strongly consistent and asymptotically normal. The influence curves and asymptotic variance of the M-estimators are also derived. The applicability of the new sufficient conditions is demonstrated through several examples, including location and scale M-estimators.
Measured effect of step axial location on labyrinth seal leakage

An advanced, finite volume code has been extensively used in a parametric design study of simple stepped seals, in order to ascertain a leakage-minimizing optimal design and test it, in conjunction with the baseline case of the wear-ring seal of a high pressure pump. It is found that a significant leakage effect arises from this shifting of the rotor and stator sealing surfaces; at extremely low rpm, a significant shaft speed effect occurs for the optimized design in some shaft locations.
El Libro Sesto de Maria Antonia Palacios, c. 1790: Un manuscrito musical chileno

Du passe colonial du Chili, on a herite un riche patrimoine en partitions musicales provenant principalement des archives ecclesiastiques. On peut penser ainsi que la realite musicale coloniale se limitait au monde religieux mais les partitions de musique profane et instrumentale appartenant a des particuliers ont rarement ete conservees. L'A. a decouvert, a la suite d'un tri parmi les archives d'une institution religieuse de Santiago de Chile, le libro sesto de Maria Antonia Palacios qui est une compilation d'un repertoire personnel de musique instrumentale interprete par une femme a la fin du XVIII eme siecle. Ce document important sur le plan musical fait l'objet ici d'une presentation detaillee. Il comprend 165 compositions dont 93 sont signees et 72 anonymes, la plupart etant composee pour l'orgue, puis pour le pianoforte ou le clavecin. Ce repertoire musical offre de precieuses informations sur les influences musicales au Chili au XVIII eme siecle, sur les techniques de jeu et d'interpretation ainsi que sur l'organologie de l'epoque. La presentation de ce manuscrit est acompagnee du catalogue exhaustif des oeuvres.
Some aspects of the infrared multiple photon dissociation of ammonia

Abstract The infrared multiple photon dissociation of NH 3 by a CO 2 laser is investigated through laser-induced fluorescence and chemiluminescence techniques. A linear dependence of the fractional dissociation yield on pulse energy is found, the dependence exemplifying two distinct thresholds. Significant collisional enhancement of the fractional yield is observed. The results are discussed in terms of the existence of bottlenecks in the laser up-pumping process.
CT Radiation and the Risk of Cancer

The paper covers three points. First, the doses we use for CT are higher than widely reported and are higher than what is needed for diagnosis and should be reduced. Second, these doses are in the range where extensive evidence indicates they will cause enough cancers to support efforts to reduce dose and therefore this risk. Third, that precise quantification of the risks from imaging radiation is less important than understanding that the risks are real, albeit small, and worth reducing, and that this reduction must be achieved using systems-based approaches.
New Liquid Scintillators with Higher Speed and Efficiency

The variation of light intensity with time following excitation by gamma rays has been measured for toluene solutions of quaterphenyl, quinquiphenyl, and sexiphenyl compounds whose solubilities were enhanced by substitution of alkyl groups. The decay curves, measured by use of a light-intensity-sampling technique, were analyzed to yield the mean lives ?1 for energy transfer from solvent to solute, ?2 for decay of the fast component (from the singlet state), and ?3 for decay of the slower component (probably from excimers). Preliminary estimates of ?2 for quaterphenyl, quinquiphenyl, and sexiphenyl are 1.27, 1.22, and 1.02 nsec, respectively. As expected, ?1 appears to vary inversely with solute concentration, and at the highest concentration of quaterphenyl in toluene (~ 65 g/liter, y = 1.12 × 10-2) was < 0.1 nsec. At this concentration, the amount of light in the slower component was only about 1/6 of the total light. This indicates that formation of excimers is inhibited. In addition, the photoelectrons produced in an RCA-8575 photomultiplier per keV of energy lost in the scintillator was measured to be 2.1 for quaterphenyl, 2.2 for quinquiphenyl, and 1.9 for sexiphenyl solutions. The improvement in efficiency and speed is reflected in a corresponding improvement in the time resolution achievable with these scintillators. For a 300-keV energy loss in the quaterphenyl solution, the FWHM was 0.20 nsec and the effective T1 /2 was 0.035 nsec.
Innovations in life history calendar applications

Abstract Growing sociological interest in the timing and sequencing of important life events continues to fuel the development of sophisticated analytic methods. The life history calendar (LHC) was designed as a method of collecting detailed individual-level event timing and sequencing data. This paper describes new innovations which make gathering retrospective event history data with an LHC more feasible in a wider range of settings and for a broader set of substantive topics. These innovations allow researchers to accommodate broader age-range populations, populations who do not use standardized time measures, and an expanded set of behaviors. The innovations themselves include adding a more detailed set of timing cues, reorganizing the life history calendar's visual cues, and using new recording strategies. Together these new methods expand the applicability of this well-established data collection tool, increasing the opportunities for using life history calendars to study the timing and sequencing of life events.
Correlation between creep behavior and substructure in an Al-3at.%Mg solid solution alloy

Abstract The dislocation substructure formed during the creep of an Al-3at.%Mg alloy under steady state conditions was investigated. The stress dependence of the substructure was examined by an etch pit technique and transmission electron microscopy over a normalized stress range extending from τ /G = 10 −5 to τ /G = 10 −3 (where τ is the applied shear stress and G is the shear modulus). On the basis of this examination, the substructural behavior of the alloy is divided into three distinct regions, depending on the value of the normalized stress. In region I ( τ /G > 4 × 10 −4 ), the substructure consists of an essentially random distribution of long curved dislocations with no significant tendency to form subboundaries in the interiors of grains. In region III ( τ /G −5 ), well-developed subgrains are formed and dislocations sometimes form irregularly spaced networks inside subgrains. In region II (2 × 10 −5 τ /G −4 ), which represents a transition region between region I and region III, the substructure consists of a large number of long curved dislocations and subboundaries in the process of development. It is demonstrated that the present substructural observations together with the mechanical evidence are in conformity with the prediction that the creep behavior of a solid solution alloy would change from control by viscous glide to control by dislocation climb with decreasing stress.
An Alternative Approach to Addressing Selection Into and Out of Social Settings: Neighborhood Change and African American Children’s Economic Outcomes

This article develops a method to estimate the impact of change in a particular social setting, the residential neighborhood, that is designed to address nonrandom selection into a neighborhood and...
The Yeast hnRNP-like Protein Hrp1/Nab4 Accumulates in the Cytoplasm after Hyperosmotic Stress: A Novel Fps1-dependent Response

The Hrp1/Nab4 shuttling protein belongs to a family of RNA binding proteins that bind to nascent RNA polymerase II transcripts and form hnRNP complexes. Members of this family function in a staggering array of cellular activities, ranging from transcription and pre-mRNA processing in the nucleus to cytoplasmic mRNA translation and turnover. It has recently been recognized that the yeast stress response can include alterations in hnRNP-mediated mRNA export. We now report that the steady-state localization of Hrp1p rapidly shifts from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in response to osmotic stress. In contrast to a general stress response resulting in a transient relocation, Hrp1p redistribution is specific to hyperosmotic stress and is only reversed after stress removal. Hrp1p relocalization requires both the CRM1/XPO1 exportin and the FPS1 glycerol transporter genes but is independent of ongoing RNA transcription and protein arginine methylation. However, mutations in the high osmolarity glycerol and protein kinase C osmosensing pathways do not impact the Hrp1p hyperosmotic response. We present a working model for the cytoplasmic accumulation of Hrp1 and discuss the implications of this relocalization on Hrp1p function.
Deletion of Calcineurin and Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2 (MEF2) Binding Domain of Cabin1 Results in Enhanced Cytokine Gene Expression in T Cells

Cabin1 binds calcineurin and myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) through its COOH-terminal region. In cell lines, these interactions were shown to inhibit calcineurin activity after T cell receptor (TCR) signaling and transcriptional activation of Nur77 by MEF2. The role of these interactions under physiological conditions was investigated using a mutant mouse strain that expresses a truncated Cabin1 lacking the COOH-terminal calcineurin and MEF2 binding domains. T and B cell development and thymocyte apoptosis were normal in mutant mice. In response to anti-CD3 stimulation, however, mutant T cells expressed significantly higher levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-9, IL-13, and interferon γ than wild-type T cells. The enhanced cytokine gene expression was not associated with change in nuclear factor of activated T cells (NF-AT)c or NF-ATp nuclear translocation but was preceded by the induction of a phosphorylated form of MEF2D in mutant T cells. Consistent with the enhanced cytokine expression, mutant mice had elevated levels of serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G1, IgG2b, and IgE and produced more IgG1 in response to a T cell–dependent antigen. These findings suggest that the calcineurin and MEF2 binding domain of Cabin1 is dispensable for thymocyte development and apoptosis, but is required for proper regulation of T cell cytokine expression probably through modulation of MEF2 activity.
Ancient Maya Tree Cropping

The predominance of tree crops among abundant, well-preserved plant food remains from coastal sites in southern Belize suggests that these island Maya had a specialized subsistence focus. Limited arable land on offshore islands, together with a maritime economy, may have been important factors in the use of tree crops. The Wild Cane Cay Maya utilized a variety of native palm fruits – Orbignya cohune, Acrocomia mexicana, and Bactris major, as well as other wild tree fruits, in addition to corn. These coastal data support the view that specialized adaptation to diverse environments was a feature of ancient Maya subsistence.
Doppler sonographic criteria for the diagnosis of inferior mesenteric artery stenosis.

Objective. The purpose of this study was to define the optimal Doppler criteria for the diagnosis of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) stenosis in patients with suspected chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). Methods. A retrospective review of 205 dedicated color and pulsed Doppler sonographic studies of mesenteric arteries was performed in 205 patients. All studies were performed in patients with suspected CMI. Correlative angiography was available in 50 patients. Results. The IMA was visualized in 176 of 205 Doppler sonographic examinations (86%) and in 92% of the correlative studies. The visualization rate for the detection of a patent IMA by Doppler sonography in this series was 90%. The ranges of the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and mesenteric-aortic velocity ratio (MAR) in the nonstenotic IMA were 70 to 200 cm/s, 0 to 33 cm/s, and 0.7 to 3.7, respectively. The ranges of the PSV, EDV, and MAR in IMA stenosis were 200 to 485 cm/s, 0 to 177 cm/s, and 0.69 to 8.1. The threshold values for severe IMA stenosis by logistic regression analysis (n = 42) were as follows: PSV, greater than 200 cm/s; EDV, greater than 25 cm/s; and MAR, greater than 2.5, with sensitivities of 90%, 40%, and 80%; specificities of 97%, 91%, and 88%; positive predictive values (PPVs) of 90%, 57%, and 67%; negative predictive values (NPVs) of 97%, 83%, and 93%; and accuracy of 95%, 79%, and 86%, respectively. Conclusions. We found that a PSV of greater than 200 cm/s was the best criterion for the diagnosis of IMA stenosis. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy for the PSV were 90%, 97%, 90%, 97%, and 95%, respectively. Key words: Doppler sonography; mesenteric; stenosis; vascular.
Intelligent computational argumentation for evaluating performance scores in Multi-Criteria decision making

Multi-Criteria decision making (MCDM), is a discipline aimed at assisting multiple stakeholders in contemplating a decision paradigm in an uncertain environment. The decision analysis to be performed involves numerous alternative positions assessed under varied criterion. A performance score is assigned for each alternative in terms of every criterion and it represents satisfaction of the criteria by that alternative. In real applications, performance scores are sometimes hard to determine and they are often subjective. We have developed an intelligent computational argumentation approach for dealing with the problem of uncertainty in resolving the subjective scores. In this approach, an argumentation tree is developed to assess a performance score for an alternative under a criterion. The argumentation takes into consideration the strength of an argument i.e. the degree of support or attack for that argument, and priorities of stake-holders. A set of fuzzy argumentation rules in a fuzzy association matrix is used to assess the indirect impact of an argument on alternatives. Aggregation of strengths of supporting and attacking; direct and indirect arguments represents a performance score of an alternative for a criterion in the decision making domain. A decision making case study for developing a mine detection simulator is used to illustrate the method.
Disability status differentials across fifteen Asian and Pacific Islander groups and the effect of nativity and duration of residence in the U.S.

This study examines disparities in disability status across 15 Asian and Pacific Islander American (API) subpopulations and how nativity and duration in the U.S. influence these differences. Employing three disability questions (work limitations, mobility limitations, and self-care limitations) from the 1990 PUMS, the authors find substantial heterogeneity in disability status across API subgroups: while Japanese American adults have the most favorable outcomes, Other Southeast Asian adults (Laotians, Hmong, and Cambodians), followed by Vietnamese and Pacific Islander adults, suffer from a high risk of disabilities. Many of the disparities in disability status across API subpopulation adults are attributable to differentials in demographic characteristics and SES. The inclusion of an interaction term of age and nativity/duration of residence in the U.S. in multivariate regression analyses demonstrates that the effect of nativity/duration plays a different role across age, net of demographic, and SES risk factors. The overall findings are also consistent with previous studies on the relationship between immigrant health and nativity/duration. That is, immigrants with short duration in the U.S. have superior health status, measured by risk of disability, than longer-term immigrants and their U.S.-born counterparts.
Ecosystem engineers as selective agents: the effects of leaf litter on emergence time and early growth in Impatiens capensis.

By physically modifying the abiotic environment, ecosystem engineers can have dramatic effects on the distribution and abundance of species in a community. However, ecosystem engineering can also change the selective environment and evolutionary dynamics of affected species, although this remains relatively understudied. Here, we examine the potential for an ecosystem engineer – oak trees – to affect the evolutionary dynamics of the herbaceous, understory annual, Impatiens capensis, through leaf litter deposition. Using a quantitative genetic experimental approach, we found that: (i) the presence of leaf litter significantly affected a suite of germination, growth and phenological traits in I. capensis; (ii) I. capensis does not exhibit performance trade-offs across litter and bare soil environments in the form of negative across-environment genetic correlations; (iii) the presence or absence of leaf litter significantly alters the pattern of natural selection germination timing and hypocotyl length; and (iv) the frequency of leaf litter environments can dramatically change which combinations of hypocotyl length lead to highest mean fitness across both bare soil and leaf litter environments. More generally, our results demonstrate the potential for ecosystem engineers to alter both the ecological and the evolutionary dynamics of the species they affect.
Modern marriage, men's extramarital sex, and HIV risk in southeastern Nigeria.

For women in Nigeria, as in many settings, simply being married can contribute to the risk of contracting HIV. I studied men’s extramarital sexual behavior in the context of modern marriage in southeastern Nigeria. The results indicate that the social organization of infidelity is shaped by economic inequality, aspirations for modern lifestyles, gender disparities, and contradictory moralities. It is men’s anxieties and ambivalence about masculinity, sexual morality, and social reputation in the context of seeking modern lifestyles—rather than immoral sexual behavior and traditional culture—that exacerbate the risks of HIV/AIDS.
Analysis of Blowup for a Nonlinear Degenerate Parabolic Equation

In this paper the nonlinear degenerate parabolic equation ut = uα (Δu + u) subject to Dirichlet boundary conditions is studied. The finite time blowup result, together with an estimate of the blowup time, is found. The blowup set with positive measure and the asymptotic behavior of solution near the blowup time are analyzed in some detail via the similarity solutions.
Risk and Valuation of Collateralized Debt Obligations

This paper addresses the risk analysis and market valuation of collateralized debt obligations (CDOs). We illustrate the effects of correlation and prioritization for the market valuation, diversity score, and risk of CDOs, in a simple jump-diffusion setting for correlated default intensities.
Perceptual grouping for multiple view stereo using tensor voting

We address the problem of multiple view stereo from a perceptual organization perspective. Currently, the leading methods in the field are volumetric. They operate at the level of scene voxels and image pixels, without considering the structures depicted in them. On the other hand, many perceptual organization methods for binocular stereo are not extensible to more images. We present an approach where feature matching and structure reconstruction are addressed within the same framework. In order to handle noise, lack of image features, and discontinuities, we adopt a tensor representation for the data and tensor voting for information propagation. The key contributions are twofold. First, we introduce "saliency" instead of correlation as the criterion to determine the correctness of matches; second, our tensor representation and voting enable us to perform the complex computations associated with multiple view stereo at a reasonable computational cost. We present results on real data.
Transcriptional Activation of Fibroblast Growth Factor 1.B Promoter Is Mediated through an 18-Base Pair cis-Acting Element

Four different transcripts encoding fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1, also known as aFGF) have been previously identified in our laboratory. Among them, FGF-1.B is the major transcript expressed specifically in the neuronal cells in brain tissue. Using the transient transfection experiment in a glioblastoma cell line, U1240MG, that expresses 1.B, we previously identified two regulatory regions (RR1 and RR2) in the brain-specific promoter, FGF-1.B. In the present study, we showed that the minimal region required for the DNA-protein interaction in RR2 resides in an 18-base pair (-484 to -467) sequence, by using DNase I footprinting and methylation interference studies and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. This minimal cis-acting element was found to be sufficient in enhancing the reporter activity driven by the heterologous herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase promoter in the 1.B-positive U1240MG cell line. This enhancing effect, however, was not detected in a glioblastoma cell line, U1242MG, which is negative for 1.B expression. By electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we also identified a specific DNA-protein complex, namely complex I, which is specific for 1.B-positive cell lines and human brain tissue. By in situ UV cross-linking experiment, we further showed that complex I contains two major DNA-binding proteins of apparent molecular masses of 37 and 98 kDa. Our results suggest that the formation of complex I, resulting from the heterodimerization of a 37-kDa protein (1.B-specific) and a 98-kDa protein (ubiquitous) may likely be a prerequisite for the enhanced expression of 1.B transcript in neuronal cells.
Maternal separation enhances neuronal activation and cardiovascular responses to acute stress in borderline hypertensive rats.

There is much evidence suggesting early life events, such has handling or repeated separations from the nest, can have a long-term effect on the biological and behavioral development of rats. The current study examined the effect of repeated maternal separation (MS) on the behavioral, cardiovascular, and neurobiological responses to stress in subjects vulnerable to environmental stressors as adults. Borderline hypertensive rats (BHR), which are the first generation offspring of spontaneously hyperternsive and Wistar-Kyoto rats, were separated from the dams for 3 h per day from postnatal day 1 through 14. Non-separated controls remained in the home cage. When allowed to explore the open field chamber for 60 min as adults, MS subjects had significantly greater locomotor activity compared to controls. All subjects were exposed to 30 min of restraint stress during which time mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were measured. Although both groups had comparable increases in MAP, MS animals displayed significantly higher HR throughout the stress period. Finally, MS subjects had significantly more stress-induced Fos positive cells, an estimate of neuronal activation, in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), each of which plays an important role in organizing the biobehavioral response to stress. These results suggest that maternal separation can further enhance stress reactivity in this model and may represent a useful approach for studying the relationship between early life events and future vulnerability to stressful situations.
The UConn 2000 Initiative: A Case Study

Generating public support for large capital investments in a public university's decaying facilities is a difficult task at best. This chapter describes how one institution built support for a $2.3 billion investment by the state and how this has lead to changes in the delivery of student services.
The pupillometric precision of a remote video eye tracker

To determine the accuracy and precision of pupil measurements made with the Tobii 1750 remote video eye tracker, we performed a formal metrological study with respect to a calibrated reference instrument, a medical pupillometer. We found that the eye tracker measures mean binocular pupil diameter with precision 0.10 mm and mean binocular pupil dilations with precision 0.15 mm.