cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Mobile Augmented Reality Game to Encourage Hydration in the Elderly

Dehydration among the elderly is associated with numerous negative health outcomes that result in increase hospitalization, institutionalization, and burden to caregivers. Older adults with dementia are physically capable of fluid intake, but fail to drink due to multiple cognitive deficits, including poor initiation, decreased motivation, and amnesia. We are interested in looking at the use of mobile smartphone technologies to help ensure adequate hydration in older adults with cognitive impairment or dementia. Our approach uses everyday consumer smartphones paired with appropriately designed augmented reality (AR) game that will remind, motivate, guide, and track hydration in older adults with dementia. Our hypothesis is that our system will not only improve hydration, but also that the improvements in hydration will result in improved cognition and mood in community-dwelling older adults with cognitive impairment. This paper describes the design of a feasibility study for an electronic reminder application for older adults.
Prepublication Dissemination of the Main Content of Journal Articles

This chapter discusses prepublication dissemination of the main content of journal articles. While not all prepublication dissemination is related to information pertaining to the main content of subsequently published journal articles, about 90% of the material published in journal articles has been previously disseminated in the informal domain. Likewise, any major medium in the informal domain is selected, it is found that the main content of a majority of these reports eventually gets reported in journals. Consequently, prepublication information exchange in the informal domain is a breeding ground for information, which will later be published in the formal domain, and these early reports forecast later publications. Among scientists who are active researchers, there is the opinion that the most relevant information they need to pursue their own research most effectively is gained mainly from these reports. The chapter discusses oral prepublication media. It describes the relevance of prepublication oral media to library services.
The mental health of the never-married

Although the interaction between mental health and marital status has been the object of much social scientific research, little is known about the mental health of never-married people. This article reviews research relevant to mental health and marital status as it pertains to never-marrieds. Methodological problems and current gaps in such research are pointed out. The mental health of never-marrieds is examined from three popular models of mental health—the social protection, social reaction, and social selection models. Each model offers competing explanations for differences in rates between married and unmarried people and between unmarried men and women. Suggestions are offered for improvement in researching the mental health of this neglected group.
The Simulation Research Rubric: A Pilot Study Evaluating Published Simulation Studies

Abstract It is important to assess the effectiveness of simulation through research. This pilot project used the Simulation Research Rubric developed in 2014 to appraise the quality of published simulation research. Sixty-nine simulation-based research articles published in the Clinical Simulation in Nursing journal in 2013 to 2014 were scored by an eight-member team using the Simulation Research Rubric. Of the 69 articles reviewed, 15 (21.8%) received a rating of excellent (76%-100%), 47 (68.1%) were rated as good (51%-75%), and 7 (10.1%) were rated as fair (26%-50%). In conclusion, the strengths and weaknesses of two years of published simulation-based research reports were identified. Recommendations were made to improve reporting, which may strengthen the evidence guiding simulation in education and practice. In addition, results may be used to guide the design of published research in the future.
c15-149: A phase 1b study of the oral CDK4/6 inhibitor ribociclib in combination with docetaxel plus prednisone in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)—A prostate cancer clinical trials consortium study.

e17028Background: Ribociclib is a potent and selective cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor with significant pre-clinical activity in enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cell lines. Prior...
In-situ observations of recrystallization and microstructural evolution in cerium-containing rolled magnesium alloys

Abstract The recrystallization and microstructural evolution of rolled Mg-2Zn-xCe (x = 0.2 and 0.6 wt%) were studied by combining annealing with in-situ electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis. Sequential EBSD orientation maps of the same microstructural patch were obtained at increasing temperatures, 298 K, 423 K, and from 473 K to 598 K in 25 K increments. In both alloys, the nucleation of new grains was first observed at 473 K, and recrystallization was complete by 573 K. It was found that greater Ce additions led to a higher fraction of recrystallized grains and an overall finer grain size. New grains with a misorientation angle-axis relationship of 60° about 10 1 ¯ 0 >, 56° about 11 2 ¯ 0 >, and 86° about 11 2 ¯ 0 > were observed. Although the twin evolution during heating was not captured, the misorientation axis relationships along 10 1 ¯ 0 >, 11 2 ¯ 0 >, 10 1 ¯ 1 > were characterized for the recrystallized grains. The misorientation angles were uniformly distributed between 30° and 90° in both alloys. The results are discussed and compared with Mg-3Al-1Zn (wt%).
The adventures of Ms. Meta: chapter one demo

Superheroes have crossed over into other media ever since Superman starred in his own radio show and cartoon series in the 1940s; however, the same characters exist simultaneously within a multiplicity of media forms in the 21st century an extent that is greater and more prevalent in mainstream Western culture than ever before. Film adaptations of superheroes occupy the media landscape alongside their counterparts in comic books, live-action and animated television and web series, console and mobile video games, and a staggering amount of merchandise. Frequently, representations of the same character will diverge sharply from or even contradict what has been previously established about them. This phenomenon is not restricted to adaptations across different media forms, and has been occurring in the comics themselves since the Golden Age of the superhero genre in the 1940s. Superheroes are fictional characters, and their only impact on the real world is how successfully they resonate with their audience as aspirational figures. They do not exist in a vacuum, however. New iterations of an existing superhero character are accompanied by the narrative and cultural weight of that character's previous appearances, and the overarching meaning of what this character represents to audiences worldwide. The Adventures of Ms. Meta is an in-progress video game that grew out of the author's research and creative scholarship, which focuses on the sociohistoric and cultural contexts inherent in video games and superhero comic books, with particular emphasis on the way different identities and systems are represented. A three-minute gameplay video can be found here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=16bYLrnD-1B_aY2IDiLjPKl_9DNpyR5Ha
Conservation and divergence of protein pathways in the vertebrate heart

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the western world. Attaining a mechanistic understanding of human heart development and homeostasis and the molecular basis of associated disease states relies on the use of animal models. Here, we present the cardiac proteomes of 4 model vertebrates with dual circulatory systems: the pig (Sus scrofa), the mouse (Mus musculus), and 2 frogs (Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis). Determination of which proteins and protein pathways are conserved and which have diverged within these species will aid in our ability to choose the appropriate models for determining protein function and to model human disease. We uncover mammalian- and amphibian-specific, as well as species-specific, enriched proteins and protein pathways. Among these, we find and validate an enrichment in cell-cycle–associated proteins within Xenopus laevis. To further investigate functional units within cardiac proteomes, we develop a computational approach to profile the abundance of protein complexes across species. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of these data sets for predicting appropriate model systems for studying given cardiac conditions by testing the role of Kielin/chordin-like protein (Kcp), a protein found as enriched in frog hearts compared to mammals. We establish that germ-line mutations in Kcp in Xenopus lead to valve defects and, ultimately, cardiac failure and death. Thus, integrating these findings with data on proteins responsible for cardiac disease should lead to the development of refined, species-specific models for protein function and disease states.
Investigation of Initial Static Shear Stress Effects on Liquefaction Resistance Using Discrete Element Method Simulations

Abstract Prior laboratory and in situ investigations show that monotonic preshearing can have a significant effect on the cyclic response of granular materials. The underlying mechanics that are re...
Discrimination and Stress Among Asian Refugee Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Bhutanese and Burmese Refugees in the USA.

To measure COVID-19 pandemic-related discrimination and stress among Bhutanese and Burmese refugees in the USA and to identify characteristics associated with these two measures. From 5/15–6/1/2020, Bhutanese and Burmese refugee community leaders were invited to complete an anonymous, online survey and shared the link with other community members who were English-proficient, ≥18 years old, and currently living in the USA. We identified characteristics associated with pandemic-related discrimination and stress applying ordinal logistic regression models. Among 218 refugees from 23 states, nearly one third of participants reported experiencing at least one type of discrimination, and more than two-thirds experienced at least one type of pandemic-related stress. Having had COVID-19, having a family member with COVID-19, and being an essential worker were associated with discrimination. Discrimination, financial crisis, and female gender were associated with stress. Reducing pandemic-related discrimination should remain a priority, as should the promotion of social support and coping strategies. Noting that this is a nonrepresentative sample, we recommend that larger national studies tracking experiences with pandemic-related discrimination and stress include Asian American subgroups with limited English proficiency.
Evidence for Quasicritical Brain Dynamics

Much evidence seems to suggest the cortex operates near a critical point, yet a single set of exponents defining its universality class has not been found. In fact, when critical exponents are estimated from data, they widely differ across species, individuals of the same species, and even over time, or depending on stimulus. Interestingly, these exponents still approximately hold to a dynamical scaling relation. Here we show that the theory of quasicriticality, an organizing principle for brain dynamics, can account for this paradoxical situation. As external stimuli drive the cortex, quasicriticality predicts a departure from criticality along a Widom line with exponents that decrease in absolute value, while still holding approximately to a dynamical scaling relation. We use simulations and experimental data to confirm these predictions and describe new ones that could be tested soon.
Mechanism of morphology variations in colloidal CuGaS2 nanorods

Cu2−xS nanocrystals can serve as templates and intermediates in the synthesis of a wide range of nanocrystals through seeded growth, cation exchange, and/or catalytic growth. This versatility can facilitate and accelerate the search for environmentally benign nanocrystals of high performance with variable shapes, sizes, and composition. However, expanding the compositional space via Cu2−xS nanocrystals while achieving necessary uniformity requires an improved understanding of the growth mechanisms. Herein we address several unusual and previously unexplained aspects of the growth of CuGaS2 nanorods from Cu2−xS seeds as an example. In particular, we address the origin of the diverse morphologies which manifest from a relatively homogeneous starting mixture. We find that CuGaS2 nanorods start as Cu2−xS/CuGaS2 Janus particles, the majority of which have a {102}/{102} interface that helps to minimize lattice strain. We propose a mechanism that involves concurrent seed growth and cation exchange (CSC), where epitaxial growth of the Cu2−xS seed, rather than the anticipated catalytic or seeded growth of CuGaS2, occurs along with cation exchange that converts growing Cu2−xS to CuGaS2. This mechanism can explain the incorporation of the large number of anions needed to account for the order-of-magnitude volume increase upon CuGaS2 rod growth (which cannot be accounted for by the commonly assumed catalytic growth mechanism) and variations in morphology, including the pervasive tapering and growth direction change. Insights from the CSC growth mechanism also help to explain a previously puzzling phenomenon of regioselective nucleation of CuInSe2 on kinked CuGaS2 nanorods.
Millimeter-Wave Circuits Using 3D Printed Suspended Lines Technology For Automotive Applications

This paper presents the design of suspended line technology-based high-performance microwave components (Antenna and filters) for automotive applications. The design can be implemented using polymer-based 3D printing and subsequent metallization. A patch antenna, antenna array with a center frequency around 9 GHz, and sixth-order bandpass filter (BPF), with a passband from ∼9.75 GHz–10 GHz, are presented. The antenna showed broadband characteristics and high radiation efficiency. Measured −10 dB bandwidths is from 8.85 GHz–9.25 GHz in single patch antenna and about 8.85 GHz–9.56 GHz in 2x2 patch array antenna. The results of the BPF show stopband between 9.75 GHz–10.6 GHz with a low insertion loss of 1 dB in the passband, as well as greater than 20 dB of suppression in the stopband. The proposed technology also has advantages of low-loss, lightweight, and low-cost.
Domain Knowledge and Adaptive Serious Games: Exploring the Relationship of Learner Ability and Affect Adaptability

Detection and responding to a player’s affect are important for serious games. A method for this purpose was tested within Chem-o-crypt, a game that teaches chemical equation balancing. The game au...
Achieving High Performance in Local Government: Linking Government Outcomes with Human Resource Management Practices

ACHIEVING HIGH PERFORMANCE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT: LINKING GOVERNMENT OUTCOMES WITH HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES By: Richard F. Huff, Ph.D., Public Policy and Administration A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2007 Committee Chair: Dr. Blue E. Wooldridge, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs Historically public sector personnel policies and practices have been targets of reform. These reforms consisted of transferring private sector techniques to a public sector perceived to be more bureaucratic and less efficient. Private sector research is replete with evidence of a connection between “superior” human resource management (HRM) practices and the performance outcome of profitability. Public sector outcomes are more difficult to connect directly to management practices. As a result, the focus of public sector reform has become one of improving the processes of management rather than improving the outcomes of government. The linkage between reform and outcome is assumed. This study attempts to add to the literature by tying local government HRM practices to the organization level performance outcome of un-enhanced general obligation municipal bond rating. A database was obtained from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) containing the results of an HRM survey in 2000 of all U.S. municipalities with a
Effects of Suspended Volcanic Ash and Thermal Shock on Susceptibility of Juvenile Salmonids to Disease

Susceptibility of salmonids to the fish pathogen Flexibacter columnaris was used to assess sublethal stress following exposures to two environmental stressors, thermal shock and suspended volcanic ash. Juvenile rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were more susceptible to disease following exposure to 0.3 g/L and 11.5 g/L suspended volcanic ash. The response was dose-dependent. Exposure of juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytacha) to thermal shock did not result in increased susceptibility to disease. In several tests, thermally exposed fish were less susceptible to disease than control fish. 21 references, 8 figures, 3 tables.
Identification of Propionibacterium acnes and Related Organisms by Precipitin Tests with Trichloroacetic Acid Extracts

The serological identification of Propionibacterium acnes, P. granulosum, and P. avidum, using trichloroacetic acid extracts, is described. With antisera prepared against reference strains, the method has been tested on 142 strains recently isolated from human skin. All except two of the strains could be identified serologically, and there was excellent agreement between the serological results and the fermentation pattern of the strains. Two serological types of P. acnes and two of P. avidum were identified, but only one of P. granulosum.
Activity of select dehydrogenases with Sepharose-immobilized N6-carboxymethyl-NAD

N6-carboxymethyl-NAD (N6-CM-NAD) can be used to immobilize NAD onto a substrate containing terminal primary amines. We previously immobilized N6-CM-NAD onto sepharose beads and showed that Thermotoga maritima glycerol dehydrogenase could use the immobilized cofactor with cofactor recycling. We now show that Saccharomyces cerevisiae alcohol dehydrogenase, rabbit muscle L-lactate dehydrogenase (type XI), bovine liver L-glutamic dehydrogenase (type III), Leuconostoc mesenteroides glucose-6-phosphate dehydro-genase, and Thermotoga maritima mannitol dehydrogenase are active with soluble N6-CM-NAD. The products of all enzymes but 6-phospho-D-glucono-1,5-lactone were formed when sepharose-immobilized N6-CM-NAD was recycled by T. maritima glycerol dehydrogenase, indicating that N6-immobilized NAD is suitable for use by a variety of different dehydrogenases. Observations of the enzyme active sites suggest that steric hindrance plays a greater role in limiting or allowing activity with the modified cofactor than do...
Relationship between tumor necrosis factor-alpha and neutrophils in endotoxin-induced liver injury

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and blood neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes; PMNs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) hepatotoxicity. However, the mechanism by which these factors mediate liver injury during LPS exposure is uncertain. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that TNF-alpha contributes to LPS hepatotoxicity by an indirect, PMN-dependent mechanism. Pretreatment of rats with an antiserum to TNF-alpha afforded protection against liver injury 6 h after LPS exposure. Pretreatment with pentoxifylline (100 mg/kg i.v.), which attenuated the increase in circulating TNF-alpha concentration 1.5 h after administration of LPS, also afforded protection against liver injury. Neither antiserum to TNF-alpha nor pentoxifylline affected hepatic PMN accumulation 1.5 h after LPS exposure. Depletion of circulating PMNs, which protects against LPS hepatotoxicity, enhanced circulating TNF-alpha concentration compared with control rats 1.5 h after LPS exposure. These results suggest that TNF-alpha contributes to liver injury after LPS exposure, but in the absence of circulating PMNs it is insufficient for full manifestation of liver injury. TNF-alpha apparently contributes to the pathogenesis of LPS-induced liver injury by an indirect, PMN-dependent mechanism.
Dissociating Levels of Cognitive Control: The Case of Stroop Interference

Attention is often imperfect; cognitive control is needed to counteract the tendency to attend to distractors that are incompatible with current goals. Cognitive psychologists have long explored cognitive control by examining Stroop interference—the slowed naming of colors on incongruent trials (e.g., “RED” displayed in blue ink), as compared to congruent trials (e.g., “RED” displayed in red ink), in the color-word Stroop task. The magnitude of interference reflects the effectiveness of cognitive control, but it does not reveal the precise processes used to minimize attention to the distracting word. The need for experimental approaches that accomplish this objective is underscored by the existence of qualitatively different cognitive control processes. Prior accounts stressed the use of top-down filtering processes at a task- or list-wide level to avoid word reading, but recent findings have shown that control of word reading is sometimes stimulus-driven—that is, triggered by the processing of stimuli or...
Landmarking the brain for geometric morphometric analysis: an error study.

Neuroanatomic phenotypes are often assessed using volumetric analysis. Although powerful and versatile, this approach is limited in that it is unable to quantify changes in shape, to describe how regions are interrelated, or to determine whether changes in size are global or local. Statistical shape analysis using coordinate data from biologically relevant landmarks is the preferred method for testing these aspects of phenotype. To date, approximately fifty landmarks have been used to study brain shape. Of the studies that have used landmark-based statistical shape analysis of the brain, most have not published protocols for landmark identification or the results of reliability studies on these landmarks. The primary aims of this study were two-fold: (1) to collaboratively develop detailed data collection protocols for a set of brain landmarks, and (2) to complete an intra- and inter-observer validation study of the set of landmarks. Detailed protocols were developed for 29 cortical and subcortical landmarks using a sample of 10 boys aged 12 years old. Average intra-observer error for the final set of landmarks was 1.9 mm with a range of 0.72 mm–5.6 mm. Average inter-observer error was 1.1 mm with a range of 0.40 mm–3.4 mm. This study successfully establishes landmark protocols with a minimal level of error that can be used by other researchers in the assessment of neuroanatomic phenotypes.
The Spectra of Faint Perseids

In the course of the 1961 Perseid shower, ten faint spectra were obtained with one spectrograph. The spectra can be classified into four groups, which form a continuous sequence. The forbidden green line of neutral oxygen at 5577A is visible in the two brightest spectral classes, but appears weaker in the spectrum showing the H and K lines of ionized calcium than it does in those that do not. The green line appears to be relatively stronger in the spectra of faint meteors. An attempt is made to explain some aspects of green line behaviour with the aid of the Whipple comet model.
Morphological properties of impact fracture surfaces and essential work of fracture analysis of cellulose nanofibril-filled polypropylene composites

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to investigate crack initiation and propagation process in notched and unnotched Izod impact fracture surfaces of the cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC)-filled polypropylene (PP) composites compared with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)-filled composites. CNF is in the form of short fibers 50–300 nm in diameter and 6–8 in aspect ratio, MFC is in the form of long fibrils 50–500 nm in diameter and 8,000–80,000 in aspect ratio, and MCC is in the form of particles 50 μm in average diameter and 1–2 in aspect ratio. The reinforcement material size of CNF and MFC are smaller than that of MCC which means that the larger interfacial area between filler and matrix leading to larger energy dissipation at the interface during the impact fracture. The reinforcement-matrix debondings nearby MCC particles caused easy crack propagation which contributes smaller energy dissipation at the interface. A slip-stick behavior and stress whitened area during the fracture were observed. Morphological investigation helps to explain impact fracture behavior. According to essential work of fracture (EWF) analysis of Izod impact results, EWF method is applicable to analyze impact fracture behavior and the energy consumed in crack initiation and propagation during the fracture process can be calculated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Visualization of ground target designation from an unmanned aerial vehicle

The common ground station (CGS) receives data from the joint surveillance and target attack radar system aircraft and from other airborne platforms. High-resolution imagery such as that provided by an unmanned airborne vehicle (UAV) carrying an IR and/or synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensor will be incorporated into an advanced imagery CGS operation. While this level of integration provides a wealth of valuable information, it also increase the complexity of planning, assessment and exploitation which in turn dictates flexible simulation tools for mission rehearsal and operator training. MITRE has developed a ModSAF-driven model for a UAV equipped with a moving target indicator (MTI) radar for wide-area surveillance, and a battlefield combat identification system for positive identification of friendly forces. The imaging functions are performed by integrating the UAV model with visualization software in order to render the sensor's view in real-time. This model forms the basis for a multisensor CGS simulation controls imaging task assignments which taken place when an MTI track is selected for imaging by means of a mouse click entry on an active MTI display. At that time, the UAV is commanded to fly an automatically determined trajectory in order to align MTI display. At that time, the UAV is commanded to fly an automatically determined trajectory in order to align itself for the imaging task. A beam footprint whose position, size and shape is determined by the sensor position, attitude, and field-of-view appears on the display as an indication of the relationship of the image display to the terrain in the operational scenario. A 3D visualization of the designated target area then takes place on a separate display.
Alcohol use and readiness to change after spinal cord injury

Abstract Objective: To describe alcohol use and motivation to change drinking among persons with recent spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Survey Setting: Acute inpatient rehabilitation program Patients: Subjects were 58 patients with recent SCI assessed during inpatient rehabilitation. Main Outcome Measures: Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (SMAST), Readiness to Change questionnaire (RTC), and alcohol use questions. Results: Subjects were on average 39 years old, 88% were male, and 86% were Caucasian. Thirty-five percent of the total sample scored in the "alcoholic" range on the SMAST. Twenty-nine (50%) of the sample were considered "at-risk" drinkers. Of these, 6 (21%) were in the precontemplation phase, 13 (45%) were in the contemplation phase, and 10 (34%) were in the action phase with respect to modifying their drinking habits. Multivariate analyses indicated that a positive history of alcoholism and higher daily consumption were associated with greater readiness to change. Conclusions: Soon after SCI, most at-risk drinkers are at least considering changes in their alcohol use. This situation may represent an underutilized window of opportunity to implement interventions designed to reduce postinjury alcohol abuse and related impairments.
FACTORS IN THE PRECISION OF SLOW NEUTRON CAPTURE CROSS SECTION MEASUREMENTS USING A SIMPLE MOXON--RAE DETECTOR.

The practicality of using relatively simple apparatus for precise measurements of slow neutron capture cross sections has been explored. The capture gamma-ray production rate was measured by means of a very simple detector of the type invented by Moxon and Rae which consisted of a thick graphite converter placed next to a thin plastic scintillator mounted on a two-inch photomultiplier tube. All cross sections were measured relative to Au. It was found that cross sections can be obtained to a precision in the range of 1–2% provided that proper attention is given to sample purity, geometry, and corrections for multiple scattering and self-absorption. A variety of elements were tested covering a cross section range from 150 barn. Results are given for the elements Ni, Cu, Zr, Nd, Tb and Er at neutron energies of 0.033, 0.075, 0.115 and 0.270 eV and for Al, Ag and Ta at 0.070, 0.115, 0.364 and 0.835 eV. The measured values are consistent with 1v dependence of the capture cross section for those elements having no nearly resonances.
Synthetic polymers improve vitrification outcomes of macaque ovarian tissue as assessed by histological integrity and the in vitro development of secondary follicles

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is the only proven option for fertility preservation in female cancer patients who are prepubertal or require immediate treatment. However it remains unclear which cryopreservation protocol is best in cases where the tissue may contain cancerous cells, as these should be matured in vitro rather than autografted. This study evaluated different cryoprotectant exposure times and whether the addition of synthetic polymers (Supercool X-1000, Z-1000 and polyvinylpyrrolidone [PVP K-12]) to the vitrification solution is beneficial to tissue morphology, cellular proliferation and subsequent in vitro function of secondary follicles. Pieces of macaque (n=4) ovarian cortex were exposed to vitrification solution containing glycerol (25%, v/v) and ethylene glycol (25%, v/v) for 3 or 8 min, without (V3, V8) or with (VP3, VP8) polymers (0.2% [v/v] X-1000, 0.4% Z-1000 and 0.2% PVP). Fresh and vitrified tissues were fixed for histology and phosphohistone H3 (PPH3) analysis, or used for secondary follicle isolation followed by encapsulated 3D culture. Five-week follicle survival and growth, as well as steroid hormones (estradiol [E(2)], progesterone, androstenedione) were measured weekly. Morphology of the stroma and preantral follicles as well as PPH3 expression, was preserved in all vitrified tissues. Vitrification with polymers and shorter incubation time (VP3) increased in vitro follicle survival and E(2) production compared to other vitrified groups. Thus, a short exposure of macaque ovarian tissue to a vitrification solution containing synthetic polymers preserves morphology and improves in vitro function of secondary follicles.
LCD spatial noise and human observer performance

Abstract Results of physical as well as psychophysical evaluation of an LCD with respect to its spatial noise are presented. Spatial noise is determined using a high-resolution CCD camera and a method is developed to compensate for it. This compensation algorithm is based on a spatial noise map, derived from CCD camera images, and on the application of an error diffusion algorithm. This method of noise compensation reduces the spatial noise by about a factor of 2. Psychophysical evaluation is performed in order to explore the dependence of human contrast sensitivity on display spatial noise. The psychophysical evaluation uses the two-alternative forced choice (2-AFC) method of contrast threshold detection. Aperiodic Gaussian-shaped objects serve as stimuli. They simulate lung nodules. The probability of correct response obtained using the 2-AFC tests indicates that spatial noise compensation leads to a lower contrast threshold.
Student Perceptions of Internet‐Based Learning Tools in Environmental Engineering Education

The Internet provides an excellent framework for learning, communication, information exchange, and collaboration in engineering education. This existing electronic infrastructure was integrated into an undergraduate environmental engineering course in atmospheric physics and chemistry to foster discussion of course topics, peer evaluation, and collaborative learning. Four major Internet-based learning tools were utilized to accomplish these objectives: 1) electronic copies of partial notes allowed students to remain engaged during class, 2) an electronic bulletin board enabled interactive discussion and peer evaluation of work, 3) multimedia assignments required students to retrieve information and direct their learning, 4) publicly accessible and peer-reviewed Internet-based term project reports provided motivation for quality and creative work. Student response to these new approaches was overwhelmingly positive, although preferences vary with learning style. While students assess many Internet-based learning approaches as useful, conventional educational approaches are still viewed as important components to successful learning.
Attenuated Francisella asiatica iglC mutant induces protective immunity to francisellosis in tilapia.

Abstract Francisella asiatica is a Gram-negative, facultative intracellular bacteria that causes fish francisellosis. Fish francisellosis is a severe sub-acute to chronic granulomatous disease with high mortalities and high infectivity rates in cultured and wild fish. To date, there is no approved vaccine for this widespread emergent disease. The goal of this study was to characterize the efficacy of a defined F. asiatica mutant (ΔiglC) as a live attenuated vaccine against subsequent immersion challenge with the wild-type (WT) organism. In previous work, the ΔiglC was found to be attenuated upon intraperitoneal injection and immersion challenges. In vitro, the ΔiglC exhibited reduced growth in tilapia head-kidney derived macrophages, and was significantly attenuated (p
DISCRETE STAGES OF ANTERIOR PITUITARY DIFFERENTIATION RECAPITULATED IN IMMORTALIZED CELL LINES

Targeted expression of oncogenes in transgenic mice can immortalize specific cell types to serve as valuable cultured model systems. Utilizing promoter regions from pituitary genes activated in the gonadotrope/thyrotrope lineage at discrete stages of development, we have demonstrated that targeted oncogene expression in transgenic mice can produce cell lines representing sequential stages of differentiation. Each cell line expresses a specific subset of the genes denoting differentiated function such as the subunits of the glycoprotein hormones, hormone receptors, and transcriptional regulatory proteins. These model systems have allowed detailed investigations into molecular and cellular mechanisms otherwise inaccessible in vivo or in complex primary pituitary cell cultures.
Skip-Lot Acceptance Sampling Plans for Highway Construction and Materials

AbstractCurrent acceptance sampling plans for highway construction and materials require the sampling and testing of every individual lot (i.e., 100% of the lots are inspected). This approach is appropriate if the contractor is erratic. However, if the contractor is fairly consistent, skip-lot sampling suggests that only a fraction of the lots need to be tested. This paper presents an algorithm for developing skip-lot sampling plans for highway construction and materials acceptance. A skip-lot acceptance sampling plan has been developed and compared with AASHTO’s lot-by-lot acceptance plan. The analysis shows that skip-lot sampling reduces the amount of acceptance sampling and testing when the contractor has a history of delivering high-quality product. Rather than simply testing every lot for every acceptance quality characteristic, highway agencies can use skip-lot sampling to develop knowledge-based acceptance plans.
Silicon Nanotips Antireflection Surface for Micro Sun Sensor

We have developed a new technique to fabricate antireflection surface using silicon nano-tips for use on a micro sun sensor for Mars rovers. We have achieved randomly distributed nano-tips of radius spanning from 20 nm to 100 nm and aspect ratio of ∼200 using a two-step dry etching process. The 30° specular reflectance at the target wavelength of 1 μm is only about 0.09 %, nearly three orders of magnitude lower than that of bare silicon, and the hemispherical reflectance is ∼8%. By changing the density and aspect ratio of these nanotips, the change in reflectance is demonstrated. Using surfaces covered with these nano-tips, the critical problem of ghost images that are caused by multiple internal reflections in a micro sun sensor was solved.
Fetal acoustic stimulation in the early intrapartum period as a predictor of subsequent fetal condition

Fetal acoustic stimulation has recently received much attention in the literature. This study evaluates fetal acoustic stimulation in the early intrapartum period as a predictor of subsequent fetal condition. The study group consisted of 201 patients, approximately 60% of whom had complicated pregnancies. All were in the latent phase of labor with singleton, vertex-presenting fetuses. Gestational age ranged from 37 to 43 weeks. Fourteen of the 201 fetuses (7%) showed a nonreactive response to fetal acoustic stimulation and those fetuses were at significantly greater risk of initial and subsequent abnormal fetal heart rate patterns, meconium staining, and cesarean delivery because of fetal distress and Apgar scores less than 7 at both 1 and 5 minutes. Transient fetal heart rate decelerations after a reactive response occurred in 25% of patients; however, fetal outcome was not worse in this group. A reactive response to fetal acoustic stimulation was associated with high specificity and negative predictive values. Therefore we conclude that fetal acoustic stimulation in the early intraprtum period may discriminate the compromised from the noncompromised fetus.
Derivation of Double-Input DC-DC Power Electronic Converters

Abstract The energy storage unit in an all-electric, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid power-train directly impacts the performance, fuel economy, cost, and weight of the vehicle. New structures for energy storage units that utilize both batteries and ultra-capacitors are widely under investigation. In order to fully utilize the advantages of each energy storage mechanism, the employment of multi-input power electronic converters is inevitable. In this article, two new double-input converters are introduced. Their different steady-state operating modes are analysed, and their voltage transfer ratios are derived. Simulation and experimental results are used to verify the expected operational characteristics.
The rise and fall of American posture.

THE DECLINE OF ONCE-FERVENT STANDARDS is always an interesting historical phenomenon. "Stand up straight"; "Get your elbows off the table"; "If you're not careful, you'll grow up like that" once echoed through American homes. While the advice still lingers in obscure corners, there is no question that the American population has relaxed its collective backbone. Robert Bork used posture decline as the symbol for a larger decay of national standards in his recent book, Slouching towards Gomorrah.1 In their heyday, posture concerns were partly symbolic, so it is not inappropriate to interpret their relaxation in the same light, without reducing the slackening of standards to a Borkian jeremiad. From another, less political vantage point, some contemporary doctors are wondering whether contemporary Americans have not pushed the neglect of posture too far, reducing their capacity to deal with injuries and painful back problems in an increasingly lengthy adulthood. Unquestionably, modern posture history provides another important chapter concerning the roles of discipline in nineteenth-century life and the growing informality of the twentieth century. While the origins of explicit posture standards have been fruitfully traced, their evolution has not gained historians' attention, yet it is at least as significant. Shifts in posture norms involved alterations in what parents and teachers expected of children, as well as in the ways strangers were evaluated. The changes reveal much about the rise of new leisure habits and changes in material culture, especially furniture. They even suggest alterations in larger social relationships, serving as part of the decline of middle-class identification through etiquette standards and raising interesting questions about the centrality of military imagery. The basic issue is a classic case of historical change, applied to intimate perceptions of the body: why did what was once regarded as proper become too stiff and uninviting? Yet the posture story also offers revealing complexities. Posture standards did not ease with the advent of new leisure patterns and the intensification of consumerism around 1900. When shifts in clothing and furniture began to reduce structural supports of rigid posture, a vigorous counterattack emerged that
Early events in speciation: Polymorphism for hybrid male sterility in Drosophila

Capturing the process of speciation early enough to determine the initial genetic causes of reproductive isolation remains a major challenge in evolutionary biology. We have found, to our knowledge, the first example of substantial intraspecific polymorphism for genetic factors contributing to hybrid male sterility. Specifically, we show that the occurrence of hybrid male sterility in crosses between Drosophila mojavensis and its sister species, Drosophila arizonae, is controlled by factors present at different frequencies in different populations of D. mojavensis. In addition, we show that hybrid male sterility is a complex phenotype; some hybrid males with motile sperm still cannot sire offspring. Because male sterility factors in hybrids between these species are not yet fixed within D. mojavensis, this system provides an invaluable opportunity to characterize the genetics of reproductive isolation at an early stage.
Applications of thermal distillation—pyrolysis to petroleum source rock studies and marine pollution

Abstract The technique of thermal distillation—pyrolysis involves heating a 0.5–50 mg sample of wet sediment from 200 to 800°C at 20° min and measuring evolved hydrocarbons as a function of temperature. Unaltered absorbed hydrocarbons evolve at 100–150°C, and cracked or pyrolyzed hydrocarbons at 650–800°C in two well-separated peaks, P 1 and P 2 . The compounds in P 1 and P 2 are analyzed by capillary gas chromatography (GC) and GC—mass spectrometry. An increasing ratio of P 1 (P 1 + P 2 ) indicates increasing petroleum source rock maturity. Data are presented for known source rocks and a test well (COST 1, Gulf of Mexico, U.S.A.). Applications of the method to examination of oil and chemical pollutants in organisms and surface sediments are given. Results to date have shown that an increasing degree of pollution causes an increasing P 2 P 2 ratio and increasing complexity of the P 1 peak. The hydrocarbon composition of P 2 has been used to fingerprint and trace high molecular weight organic-rich particles in the marine environment.
Conjugated alternating copolymers with 4,4′-dimesitylboryl-2,2′-bithiophene as a building block

The functionalization of polythiophene with dimesitylborane π-acceptor groups has a strong effect on the conjugated polymer backbone, resulting in interesting optical and electronic properties. To investigate the interplay between the electron-deficient organoborane substituents and the conjugated polymer main chain, a series of alternating copolymers was prepared. Several aromatic building blocks that are commonly used in organic semiconductors, i.e.fluorene, carbazole, and triphenylamine, were chosen as comonomers for combination with 4,4′-diboryl-2,2′-bithiophene units. First, the trimethylsilyl-substituted copolymers PFT-Si, PCT-Si, and PTT-Si were prepared via standard Suzuki coupling reaction of 5,5′-diiodo-4,4′-bis(trimethylsilyl)-2,2′-bithiophene and the respective pinacolborane-functionalized aromatic comonomer. Subsequent post-polymerization modification reactions, which involved treatment with BBr3 and then mesitylcopper, led to three borylated copolymers, PFT-B, PCT-B, and PTT-B. The degrees of polymerization (DPn) and the polydispersities are consistent with those of the silylated precursor polymers. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of these new polymers have been studied in detail.
EFFECTS OF AGE AND TRAINING FORMATS ON BASIC COMPUTER SKILL ACQUISITION IN OLDER ADULTS

This study examined the ability of young‐old (ages 60‐74 years) and old‐old (ages 75‐89 years) adults to acquire and retain basic computer skills. The effects of two types of training methods on computer skill acquisition in these age groups also were explored. Participants in this study were trained to perform basic computer procedures with either an animated interactive multimedia compact disk (CD‐ROM) or an illustrated manual. They were then tested on their ability to perform these procedures immediately after training and 1 week later. The findings revealed the following. The young‐old adults made fewer performance and motor control errors, required less assistance, and took less time for training than the old‐old adults. Some forgetting of factual information about the computers and how to per‐form some of the procedures took place over time in both age groups. In addition, measures of spatial and verbal working memory were significant predictors of computer skill acquisition in some instances. Final...
Topological Analysis of the Integral Membrane Protein, Type 1 Iodothyronine Deiodinase (D1)

Type 1 iodothyronine deiodinase (D1) is a microsomal selenoenzyme which catalyzes deiodination of thyroxine to 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine. Immunoblotting showed that endogenous hepatic, renal, and transiently expressed D1 remains in microsomes after pH 11.5 treatment. In vitro translation studies using pancreatic microsomes identified a single transmembrane domain with a cytosolic carboxyl-terminal catalytic portion. The transmembrane domain is located between conserved basic amino acids at positions 11 and 12 and a group of charged residues at positions 34-39. A transiently expressed D1 protein in which residues 2-25 were deleted was inactive and not integrated into membranes. Activity was not restored by replacing these residues with transmembrane domains from a cytochrome P450 or type 3 deiodinase enzyme despite their incorporation into membranes. Elimination of the positive charges at positions 11 and 12 reduced the amount of transiently expressed protein by 70%, but the enzyme formed was catalytically normal. Similar results were found after conversion of the Lys-27 in the transmembrane domain to Met or Glu. We conclude that the amino terminus of D1 contains uncleaved signal and stop transfer sequence properties. In addition, positively charged residues at positions 11, 12, and 27 are required for optimal formation of the protein but not for catalysis.
Enhancement of penicillin activity in vitro by Vitamin K5

Vitamin K5 (2‐methyl‐4‐amino‐1‐naphthol hydrochloride) in concentrations from 0.1 to 10 mg./L. enhances the effectiveness of penicillin in vitro against Stapbylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, and Escberichia coli. Depending upon the test organism used, the zones of inhibition around cylinders containing a solution with 1 unit penicillin and 1 microgram K5/ml. were as large as could be obtained around cylinders containing penicillin alone in concentrations ranging from 1.5 to 100 units/ml. Since the activity of combinations of vitamin K5 and of penicillin in suitable concentrations is greater than would be expected from the sum of the activities of the two compounds acting separately, the effect appears to be one of synergism rather than merely the result of two antibacterial agents acting simultaneously but independently.