cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CO gas sensing by ultrathin tin oxide films grown by atomic layer deposition using transmission FTIR spectroscopy.

Ultrathin tin oxide films were deposited on SiO2 nanoparticles using atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques with SnCl4 and H2O2 as the reactants. These SnOx films were then exposed to O2 and CO gas pressure at 300 °C to measure and understand their ability to serve as CO gas sensors. In situ transmission Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to monitor both the charge conduction in the SnOx films and the gas-phase species. The background infrared absorbance measured the electrical conductivity of the SnOx films based on Drude−Zener theory. O2 pressure was observed to decrease the SnOx film conductivity. Addition of CO pressure then increased the SnOx film conductivity. Static experiments also monitored the buildup of gas-phase CO2 reaction products as the CO reacted with oxygen species. These results were consistent with both ionosorption and oxygen-vacancy models for chemiresistant semiconductor gas sensors. Additional experiments demonstrated that O2 pressure was not necessary for th...
Methods School Administrators Can Use to Help Teachers Manage Stress.

These writers suggest a number of ways principals can help teachers to reduce stress, and thus avoid burnout. The same tech niques, of course, will work for ad ministrators them selves.
Probing the Heterogeneity in the Distribution of Binding Properties of Immobilized Surface Sites through Bayesian Analysis

When studying the binding of ligands to macromolecules immobilized at a surface, the question arises whether the surface binding sites are heterogeneous, as one might expect considering many factors such as intrinsic surface roughness, nonuniform density distribution of polymeric linkers and nonuniform chemical attachment producing different protein orientations and conformations. We previously developed a computational tool to determine the distribution of affinity and kinetic rate constants from the analysis of experimental surface binding data. In order to avoid an ill-posed computational analysis, the previous approach used a regularization strategy assuming a priori an equal probability for all binding constants, which results in the broadest possible distribution of all that are consistent with the data. In the present work, we implemented a Bayesian approach of regularization to incorporate the opposite assumption, i.e. that the surface sites a priori are expected to be uniform (as expected in free solution). The data analysis with this new approach results in the narrowest distribution given the experimental data. We applied this method to several protein systems immobilized on a carboxymethyl dextran surface and with protein interactions measured by surface plasmon resonance. The obtained distributions are highly reproducible. The results demonstrate microheterogeneity of the binding sites on the surface, in addition to broad populations of significantly altered affinity. The variation of immobilization conditions and the total surface density of immobilized sites indicates a considerable impact of these parameters on the distribution of the surface binding sites.
Transient pore structure of cellulosic materials

Abstract Three conceptually different approaches to measuring surface area have demonstrated the existence of a large solid-water interfacial area of transient pores in swollen cellulosic materials. The surface area of these transient pores is constant over most of the relative humidity range.
MRSA in conventional and alternative retail pork products.

In order to examine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus on retail pork, three hundred ninety-five pork samples were collected from a total of 36 stores in Iowa, Minnesota, and New Jersey. S. aureus was isolated from 256 samples (64.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 59.9%–69.5%). S. aureus was isolated from 67.3% (202/300) of conventional pork samples and from 56.8% (54/95) of alternative pork samples (labeled “raised without antibiotics” or “raised without antibiotic growth promotants”). Two hundred and thirty samples (58.2%, 95% CI 53.2%–63.1%) were found to carry methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). MSSA was isolated from 61.0% (183/300) of conventional samples and from 49.5% (47/95) of alternative samples. Twenty-six pork samples (6.6%, 95% CI 4.3%–9.5%) carried methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). No statistically significant differences were observed for the prevalence of S. aureus in general, or MSSA or MRSA specifically, when comparing pork products from conventionally raised swine and swine raised without antibiotics, a finding that contrasts with a prior study from the Netherlands examining both conventional and “biologic” meat products. In our study spa types associated with “livestock-associated” ST398 (t034, t011) were found in 26.9% of the MRSA isolates, while 46.2% were spa types t002 and t008—common human types of MRSA that also have been found in live swine. The study represents the largest sampling of raw meat products for MRSA contamination to date in the U.S. MRSA prevalence on pork products was higher than in previous U.S.-conducted studies, although similar to that in Canadian studies.
Enhanced retrieval of unpleasant memories influenced by shock controllability, shock sequence, and rat strain

The propensity to recall unpleasant events may be related to depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. This study examined the extent to which the recall of a previously unpleasant event (i.e., passive avoidance training) may be influenced by another aversive event. The other aversive event was tail shock. Since the Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rat strain has been proposed as an animal model of depressive behavior, this study was conducted with WKY and Wistar rats. Parameters manipulated included shock controllability, shock sequence (i.e., tail shock before avoidance training versus tail shock after training), and rat strain. Performance of the passive avoidance (PA) response was greater in WKY rats. Exposure to inescapable tail shock was related to greater PA performance compared to exposure to escapable or no-shock treatments. Tail shock prior to PA training led to greater recall of the PA response. The magnitude of the PA response was influenced by the rat strain, shock controllability, and shock sequence. The applicability of these data to the memory bias phenomenon in depression is discussed.
Sampling properties of the alternating projection distance geometry algorithm applied to unconstrained polypeptide chains

A comparison of the sampling properties of the alternating projection algorithm (APA) with those of other distance geometry algorithms for poly-L-alanine conformations is presented. The effects of several additions and modifications to the algorithm and the input data are studied. These include a parameter that controls the compactness of conformations and metrization, which chooses initial distances that satisfy the triangle inequalities. The effect of adding short-range distance bounds implied by steric interactions is also investigated. We find that with metrization our algorithm has similar sampling properties to the DISGEO program, as measured by mean square end-to-end distance, RMS coordinate deviation, and dihedral angle deviation. As an alternative to metrization, the compactness parameter can be used to sample conformations in a desired compactness range. We also find that improving short-range bounds leads to improved local geometry in the computed conformations with no additional computational cost. In appendices we show that the rms coordinate deviation is a metric on the set of equivalence classes of coordinate matrices varying by a rotation, and we present our pseudo code to compute random column metrization in O(n3) flops.
UNPLANNED IMPARTING OF TEACHERS' PERSONALITIES TO STUDENTS IN A RUSSIAN SCHOOL

This study examined unplanned imparting of teachers' personalities to their students in the classroom. A check list was administered to 300 students in a Russian school before and after a class period. Analysis of their self-perceptions obtained by self-reported egograms indicated changes on this measure of their Parent, Adult, and Child ego states.
Exploring Advanced Technology Gas Turbine Engine Design and Performance for the Large Civil Tiltrotor (LCTR)

A Large Civil Tiltrotor (LCTR) conceptual design was developed as part of the NASA Heavy Lift Rotorcraft Systems Investigation in order to establish a consistent basis for evaluating the benefits of advanced technology for large tiltrotors. The concept has since evolved into the second-generation LCTR2, designed to carry 90 passengers for 1,000 nautical miles at 300 knots, with vertical takeoff and landing capability. This paper explores gas turbine component performance and cycle parameters to quantify performance gains possible for additional improvements in component and material performance beyond those identified in previous LCTR2 propulsion studies and to identify additional research areas. The vehicle-level characteristics from this advanced technology generation 2 propulsion architecture will help set performance levels as additional propulsion and power systems are conceived to meet ever-increasing requirements for mobility and comfort, while reducing energy use, cost, noise and emissions. The Large Civil Tiltrotor vehicle and mission will be discussed as a starting point for this effort. A few, relevant engine and component technology studies, including previous LCTR2 engine study results will be summarized to help orient the reader on gas turbine engine architecture, performance and limitations. Study assumptions and methodology used to explore engine design and performance, as well as assess vehicle sizing and mission performance will then be discussed. Individual performance for present and advanced engines, as well as engine performance effects on overall vehicle size and mission fuel usage, will be given. All results will be summarized to facilitate understanding the importance and interaction of various component and system performance on overall vehicle characteristics.
Identification of the constituents of balsam of peru in tomatoes.

Background Studies show that balsam-restricted diets result in significant improvement of systemic contact dermatitis in patients with contact allergy to balsam of Peru (BOP). While tomatoes have been implicated as a frequent cause of BOP-related dermatitis, the presence of BOP in tomatoes has never been confirmed. Objectives High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (liquid chromatography [LC]-MS) and UV spectrometry (LC-UV) was used to detect the possible presence of BOP constituents in tomatoes. Methods Samples of beefsteak, cherry, and plum tomatoes were extracted in ethyl acetate and analyzed with LC-MS and LC-UV for the presence of the following sensitizing constituents of BOP: benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, trans-cinnamic acid, cinnamic alcohol, cinnamyl cinnamate, coniferyl alcohol, eugenol, isoeugenol, and methyl cinnamate. Results The initial LC-MS analysis of each tomato extract showed multiple peaks. Two of these peaks had molecular weights of 134 and 180, which correspond to cinnamic alcohol and coniferyl alcohol, respectively. The analysis did not show peaks corresponding to the molecular weights of the remaining compounds. Cochromatography of tomato extract with cinnamic alcohol and coniferyl alcohol using LC-UV further suggested the presence of these compounds in the tomato extract. Conclusion Coniferyl alcohol and cinnamic alcohol, constituents of BOP, are present in beefsteak, cherry, and plum tomatoes.
Souvenirs: Icons of meaning, commercialization and commoditization

Abstract This article examines the development of souvenirs research in tourism studies. It looks at souvenirs from four broad vantage points, namely historical perspectives on souvenirs research, souvenirs as messengers of meaning, souvenirs as tradable commodities and the commodification of souvenirs and handicrafts. Part of this includes the supply and demand aspects of souvenir production and consumption, including the distribution system and various aspects of producers. The paper also considers the commodification process of native arts and crafts into consumable tourism products and suggests future directions for additional works in this understudied area of tourism research.
In Situ Intracellular Spectroscopy with Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)-Enabled Nanopipettes

We report on a new analytical approach to intracellular chemical sensing that utilizes a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-enabled nanopipette. The probe is comprised of a glass capillary with a 100−500 nm tip coated with gold nanoparticles. The fixed geometry of the gold nanoparticles allows us to overcome the limitations of the traditional approach for intracellular SERS using metal colloids. We demonstrate that the SERS-enabled nanopipettes can be used for in situ analysis of living cell function in real time. In addition, SERS functionality of these probes allows tracking of their localization in a cell. The developed probes can also be applied for highly sensitive chemical analysis of nanoliter volumes of chemicals in a variety of environmental and analytical applications.
The Role of Faculty Development in a College of Medicine’s Promotion and Tenure Process

The history and genesis of an institutionalized approach to faculty development are discussed. The paper describes the development of a new program to improve the teaching skills of junior clinical faculty, Scholars for Teaching Excellence (STE) and how it was able to help faculty as they worked toward promotion and tenure under modified promotion and tenure procedures. The paper describes the origin of STE, changes in its original design, the theoretical bases for these changes, and initial program evaluation data. Implications for any program in a higher education setting are drawn. These may provide a practical and adaptable process for institutions confronting the research versus teaching controversy in the advancement of its faculty members.
Chemical modulation of the biological activity of reutericyclin: a membrane-active antibiotic from Lactobacillus reuteri.

Chemical Modulation of the Biological Activity of Reutericyclin: a Membrane-Active Antibiotic from Lactobacillus reuteri
Toward the development of a Trust-Tech-based methodology for solving mixed integer nonlinear optimization

Many applications of smart grid can be formulated as constrained optimization problems. Because of the discrete controls involved in power systems, these problems are essentially mixed-integer nonlinear programs. In this paper, we review the Trust-Tech-based methodology for solving mixed-integer nonlinear optimization. Specifically, we have developed a two-stage Trust-Tech-based methodology to systematically compute all the local optimal solutions for constrained mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problems. In the first stage, for a given MINLP problem this methodology starts with the construction of a new, continuous, unconstrained problem through relaxation and the penalty function method. A corresponding dynamical system is then constructed to search for a set of local optimal solutions for the unconstrained problem. In the second stage, a reduced constrained NLP is defined for each local optimal solution by determining and fixing the values of integral variables of the MINLP problem. The Trust-Tech-based method is used to compute a set of local optimal solutions for these reduced NLP problems, from which the optimal solution of the original MINLP problem is determined. A numerical simulation of several testing problems is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Enzyme Design From the Bottom Up: An Active Nickel Electrocatalyst with a Structured Peptide Outer Coordination Sphere

Functional, peptide-containing metal complexes with a well-defined peptide structure have the potential to enhance molecular catalysts via an enzyme-like outer coordination sphere. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of an active, peptide-based metal complex built upon the well characterized hydrogen production catalyst, Ni(PPh2NPh)2. The incorporated peptide maintains its B-hairpin structure when appended to the metal core, and the electrocatalytic activity of the peptide-based metal complex (~100,000 s-1) is fully retained. The combination of an active molecular catalyst with a structured peptide outer coordination sphere provides a scaffold that permits the incorporation of features of an enzyme-like outer-coordination sphere necessary to create molecular electrocatalysts with en-hanced functionality.
Optimizing soil fertility and ph to maximize cadmium removed by Indian mustard from contaminated soils

Abstract The effects of soil pH, different levels of nitrogen (N), phosphoras (P), and potassium (K), alone and in combination on cadmium (Cd) uptake by Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czen., cv ‘426308'] were studied under greenhouse conditions. Results showed that Cd concentration in aboveground biomass at soil pH 5.5 was three times more than at pH 6.5 and 7.5. Treatments without N application at pH 5.5 had the highest Cd concentrations in the aboveground biomass. Dry weight of aboveground biomass was significantly lower atpH 5.5 compared to pH 6.5 and 7.5. Total Cd uptake at pH 6.5 increased by 2 to 2.5 times compared to uptake at soil pH 5.5. Those conditions for maximum Cd accumulation by the aboveground biomass of Indian mustard from Cd‐contaminated soil occurs at soil pH 6.5 and when the application rates of N, P, and K are at 200, 100, and 66 kg ha‐1, respectively.
Selective Management of Isolated and Nonisolated Grade IV Renal Injuries

Purpose: We reviewed all grade IV renal injuries to report outcomes, and determined if operative and selective nonoperative management can lead to high salvage rates. We also determined if management and outcome differ significantly between cases of isolated grade IV renal injuries and those with associated multiorgan injuries.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 153 grade IV renal injuries from a 25-year period. We divided these into isolated grade IV renal injuries (43) and those with associated nonrenal injuries (110), and analyzed both groups on the basis of type of renal injury, operative vs nonoperative management, operative nephrectomy rate and renal salvage rate. Salvage was defined as 25% or greater overall renal function (50% or greater function of the injured kidney).Results: Of the 153 patients 103 were treated operatively and 50 nonoperatively with an overall salvage rate of 84%. Penetrating trauma accounted for 87 injuries and blunt trauma 66, while 52% (79 of 15...
Innate sensing of nickel.

Although nickel allergy is very common, the specific receptor for nickel has not been identified. TLR4 is now shown to bind nickel and cause inflammation, an interaction that is specific to humans.
Aqueous phase organometallic catalysis using (MeCp)2Mo(OH)(H2O)+. Intramolecular attack of hydroxide on organic substrates

The hydrolysis of esters and difunctional ethers catalyzed by Cp‘2Mo(OH)(H2O)+ (1) (Cp‘ = η5-C5H4CH3) and the stoichiometric oxidation of CO to CO2 in the presence of 1 are described. These reactions, combined with the previously reported nitrile hydrations and phosphate esters hydrolyses catalyzed by 1, demonstrate that 1 is an effective homogeneous catalyst for hydration, hydrolysis, and oxidation reactions in aqueous solution under mild conditions (pH ∼7, ∼80 °C). Each reaction is proposed to proceed by intramolecular attack of the hydroxide ligand on a bound substrate. The intramolecular nature of the reaction is supported by the ester hydrolysis activation parameters (ΔH⧧ = 5.9 ± 0.7 kcal/mol and ΔS⧧ = −48 ± 9 eu), the lack of H/D exchange, and the significant increase (106−108) in the rate of hydrolysis over uncatalyzed hydrolysis.
Gain for pickling cucumber yield and fruit shape using recurrent selection

Qualitative traits of cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) such as disease resistance have been improved significantly during the past 30 yr. On the other hand, quantitative traits such as yield, earliness, and fruit shape have been improved less. The objective of this study was to determine the progress that could be made on such traits with recurrent selection in three pickling cucumber populations (NCMBP, NCEP1, and NCH1). During population improvement, one or two replications of 200 to 335 half-sib families were evaluated in the spring season for total, early, and marketable fruits per plot, a fruit shape rating, and a simple weighted index (SWI = 0.2 x total yield / 2 + 0.3 x Early yield + 0.2 x % marketable yield / 10 + 0.3 x quality). Families from each population were intercrossed in an isolation block during each summer with remnant seeds of the best 12% selected with the index. Progress was evaluated by means of a split-plot treatment arrangement in a randomized complete block design with 32 replications in each of two seasons (spring and summer). Whole plots were the three populations, and subplots were the 10 to 11 cycles (Cycles 0-9 plus checks). Populations were improved for performance in a selected (spring season) as well as a non-selected environment (summer season). Greatest gains were made for the NCMBP population, with an average of 54% gain from Cycle 0 to 9 over the five traits, and for early yield, with an average of 65% gain from Cycle 0 to 9 over the three populations. In other trials, NCH1 had the best mean performance. Based on those results, modified half-sib recurrent selection can be used to improve fruit yield and quality of NCMBP, NCEP1, and NCH1 populations. Further studies should be made on NCMBP because it had the greatest gain per year, and on NCH1 because it had the highest mean performance.
Drugs and the discrimination of duration.

The effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), d-amphetamine (AMP), chlorpromazine (CPZ), and the most active isomer of marihuana (Δ9-THC) on timing behavior were analyzed with a two-choice, discrete trial procedure in which pigeons were trained to discriminate visual stimuli that differed with respect to duration (‘long’ vs. ‘short’). LSD (0.01, 0.04, 0.16 mg/kg) decreased response speed (increased latency), but otherwise had no significant effects on performance of the discrimination. d-Amphetamine (1.0, 2.0, 4.0 mg/kg) increased perseveration or ‘spatial bias’ and, at a dose of 4.0 mg/kg, lowered response speed. This compound did not significantly alter accuracy (percentage correct). CPZ (7.5, 15.0, 30.0 mg/kg) significantly decreased accuracy and, at a dose of 30.0 mg/kg, significantly lowered speed; THC also decreased accuracy and lowered speed. Neither CPZ nor THC significantly altered perseveration.
Significant fish predation on zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha in Lake Champlain, U.S.A.

The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine which fishes were consistently eating zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha in Lake Champlain and document their feeding behaviour and (2) quantify the diet composition of the fish predators that were found to consume zebra mussels. From 2002 to 2005, freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunniens, pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus, yellow perch Perca flavescens and rock bass Ambloplites rupestris all consumed zebra mussels at varying frequencies and amounts. Aplodinotus grunniens and L. gibbosus chewed clumps of zebra mussels, expelling shells, whereas P. flavescens and A. rupestris swallowed small individuals whole. Lepomis gibbosus consumed zebra mussels at the highest frequency (65–89% of prey consumed) and zebra mussels comprised a large part of this fish’s diet (up to 40% by dry mass). Zebra mussels were also an important component of the diet of A. grunniens (up to 59% of the diet by dry mass, 40–63% frequency of consumption). The percentage of the diet comprising zebra mussels in P. flavescens and A. rupestris varied significantly from year to year but never exceeded 10%. Because A. grunniens and L. gibbosus crushed zebra mussels, the nutritional return from consuming zebra mussels would be similar to other prey; for P. flavescens and A. rupestris zebra mussels were only partially digested and the nutritional return would probably be low. As predation on zebra mussels is widespread and significant, it is possible that fish predators could contribute to regulating the population of zebra mussels in Lake Champlain.
Percutaneous transvenous Melody valve-in-ring procedure for mitral valve replacement.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of percutaneous transvenous mitral valve-in-ring (VIR) implantation using the Melody valve in an ovine model. Background The recurrence of mitral regurgitation following surgical mitral valve (MV) repair in both adult and pediatric patients remains a significant clinical problem. Mitral annuloplasty rings are commonly used in MV repair procedures and may serve as secure landing zones for percutaneous valves. Methods Five sheep underwent surgical MV annuloplasty (24 mm, n = 2; 26 mm, n = 2; 28 mm, n = 1). Animals underwent cardiac catheterization with VIR implantation via a transfemoral venous, transatrial septal approach 1 week following surgery. Hemodynamic, angiographic, and echocardiographic data were recorded before and after VIR. Results VIR was technically successful and required Conclusions This study demonstrated the feasibility of a purely percutaneous approach to MV replacement in patients with preexisting annuloplasty rings. This novel approach may be of particular benefit to patients with failed repair of ischemic mitral regurgitation and in pediatric patients with complex structural heart disease.
Isotherm parameters and intraparticle mass transfer kinetics on molecularly imprinted polymers in acetonitrile/buffer mobile phases

The equilibrium isotherm and the intraparticle mass transfer kinetics of the enantiomers of the template were investigated on an Fmoc-L-tryptophan (Fmoc-L-Trp) imprinted polymer at different pHs and water concentrations in acetonitrile/aqueous buffer mobile phases. The equilibrium isotherm data were measured using frontal analysis at 25±2∘C. The adsorption energy distribution was found to be trimodal, with narrow modes. Consistent with this distribution, the adsorption data were modeled using a tri-Langmuir isotherm equation and the best estimates of the isotherm parameters were determined. The intraparticle mass transfer parameters were derived by comparing the profiles of experimental overloaded bands and the profiles calculated using the isotherm model and the lumped pore diffusion (POR) model of chromatography. These results showed that different adsorption and mass transfer mechanisms exist in mobile phases made of acetonitrile/aqueous buffer and of acetonitrile/acetic acid solutions.
A New Look at the Promoter of the Human Monoamine Oxidase A Gene: Mapping Transcription Initiation Sites and Capacity to Drive Luciferase Expression

: Monoamine oxidase (MAO) A (EC 1.4.3.4) oxidizes norepinephrine and serotonin and is expressed in a cell type-specific manner. Recent evidence that MAO A-deficient males in a large Dutch kindred suffer from mild mental retardation and occasional episodes of impulsive aggressive behavior makes it important to understand how the human MAO A promoter is regulated. Conventional primer extension analyses of MAO A mRNA in earlier studies predicted incorrect transcription initiation sites for the human MAO A promoter. Reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) readily detected MAO A mRNA initiated 5′ to −135 bp but not 5′ to −226 bp (5′ to the ATG initiation codon). PCR-assisted primer extension and RNase protection assays reveal that most MAO A mRNA is initiated between −30 and −40, which resembles a eukaryotic initiator element. Depending on the tissue source, a minor, variable proportion of MAO A mRNAs is initiated more distally at approximately −95 and −136, within the more proximal of two 90-bp GC-rich tandem repeats. Genomic DNA segments spanning −4 to −200 and −465 or −935, but not −4 to −82, drive robust luciferase expression in mammalian cells. We conclude that (a) the primary transcription initiation site occurs at a putative initiator (Inr) element located between −30 and −40, with a minor, tissue-specific proportion of additional initiation near −95 and −136; and (b) MAO A-luciferase reporter constructs that contained all the known transcription initiation sites exhibited no evidence for inhibitory cis elements between −200 and at least −935. The apparent inhibitory activity previously reported for sequences 5′ to the most proximal PvuII site may have resulted from the use of partial promoter constructs that omitted the putative Inr element.
Influence of substituents and chain length on the optical properties of poly(p-phenylenevinylene) oligomers

Electronic-structure calculations based upon the Pariser-Parr-Pople semiempirical Hamiltonian were applied to short-chain oligomers of the conducting polymer poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) to study the effects of appending methoxy groups along the backbone as well as push-pull nitro and amino groups at the ends of the oligomers. Optical absorption spectra were calculated utilizing configuration interaction methods at the single-excitation level, and the nonlinear optical properties of the push-pull oligomers were studied using the sum-over-states approach. In short-chain oligomers, the calculated electronic and optical properties are controlled by the nature of the pendant groups. However, in the longest oligomers studied, these molecular properties are relatively insensitive to any of the studied modifications.
Impact of Biotic and Abiotic Stresses on the Competitive Ability of Multiple Herbicide Resistant Wild Oat (Avena fatua)

Ecological theory predicts that fitness costs of herbicide resistance should lead to the reduced relative abundance of resistant populations upon the cessation of herbicide use. This greenhouse research investigated the potential fitness costs of two multiple herbicide resistant (MHR) wild oat (Avena fatua) populations, an economically important weed that affects cereal and pulse crop production in the Northern Great Plains of North America. We compared the competitive ability of two MHR and two herbicide susceptible (HS) A. fatua populations along a gradient of biotic and abiotic stresses The biotic stress was imposed by three levels of wheat (Triticum aestivum) competition (0, 4, and 8 individuals pot−1) and an abiotic stress by three nitrogen (N) fertilization rates (0, 50 and 100 kg N ha−1). Data were analyzed with linear mixed-effects models and results showed that the biomass of all A. fatua populations decreased with increasing T. aestivum competition at all N rates. Similarly, A. fatua relative growth rate (RGR) decreased with increasing T. aestivum competition at the medium and high N rates but there was no response with 0 N. There were no differences between the levels of biomass or RGR of HS and MHR populations in response to T. aestivum competition. Overall, the results indicate that MHR does not confer growth-related fitness costs in these A. fatua populations, and that their relative abundance will not be diminished with respect to HS populations in the absence of herbicide treatment.
Movement Substructures Change as a Function of Practice in Children and Adults

An experiment is reported in which participants at 6 (n = 20), 9 (n = 20), and 24 years (n = 20) of age either received or did not receive practice on a rapid aiming task using the arm and hand. The purpose of the experiment was to document the changes in movement substructures (in addition to movement time) as a function of practice. After receiving 10 baseline trials, subjects in the practice groups received 30 practice trials followed by 10 retention trials on each of 5 days, while subjects in the no-practice group had only baseline and retention trials. Retention-only trials were divided into primary (reflecting the ballistic controlled part of the movement) and secondary (reflecting corrective movement adjustments) submovements. In addition, jerk (the 3rd derivative of movement displacement) was calculated as an estimate of the smoothness of the movement. Participants increased the primary submovement as a function of practice; however, the increases were substantially larger in the children (25-30%) than in the adults (10%). Participants also decreased jerk as a function of practice and the decreases were greater in children than in adults. The results suggest that with practice the primary submovement is lengthened so that it ends nearer the target, especially in children. Associated with the primary submovement covering a larger percentage of the movement length and time, movements became smoother.
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients in Hierarchical Design Studies With Discrete Response Variables A Note on a Direct Interval Estimation Procedure

A latent variable modeling procedure that can be used to evaluate intraclass correlation coefficients in two-level settings with discrete response variables is discussed. The approach is readily applied when the purpose is to furnish confidence intervals at prespecified confidence levels for these coefficients in setups with binary or ordinal outcome measures and nesting of subjects within higher order units. The method can aid educational and behavioral researchers in their study of sources of observed outcome variability and model choice considerations in multilevel settings, and is illustrated with empirical survey data.
Observation of the Ã−X̃ electronic transition of the CF3O2 radical

Abstract The first observation of a sharp, structured electronic spectrum for a fluorinated alkyl peroxy radical is reported using the technique of cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS). The T 00 value for the A 2 A ′ − X 2 A ″ transition of CF 3 O 2 has been determined to be 6656(3) cm −1 ; values for A state vibrational frequencies have also been determined. Initial kinetic observations on CF 3 O 2 have been carried out, using CRDS to monitor its concentration.
The Influence of Fiction Versus Nonfiction on Political Attitudes

An experiment was conducted to test the influence of fictional versus real events portrayed in videos (defined by the fiction versus nonfiction labels of the videos) on political attitudes. It found that the labels interacted with individual differences in need for cognition (NC) to influence participants' support for social welfare programs such that introducing the videos as fictional films versus documentaries produced more support among low-NC participants but had little impact among high-NC participants. The interaction effect was explained by the extent to which participants argued against the videos. The findings not only shed light on the relative persuasiveness of fictional and nonfictional media messages but also suggest how people may process these messages.
Incorporation of Cl into Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon without Optical Band Gap Widening

Chlorine atoms were introduced into plasma deposited hydrogenated amorphous silicon films by adding HCl to SiH4 containing discharge. Bulk and surface infrared spectra, film thickness and optical band gap were examined by in situ multiple total internal reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The growing top surface was chlorinated effectively and chlorine was incorporated into the growing film by abstraction and replacement of surface H. Cl concentration in the film is increased at the expense of decreasing H concentration, resulting in films with little optical band gap widening as compared to a-Si:H in spite of containing over 1021 cm-3 chlorine atoms, a concentration that is comparable to that of hydrogen.
RECENT VARIATIONS IN ARCTIC AND ANTARCTIC SEA-ICE COVERS

Variations in the extents of sea-ice cover at the poles and the areas of open water enclosed within them were observed every other day during the interval 1978-1987 by a satellite-borne scanning multispectral microwave radiometer. A band-limited regression technique shows that the trends in coverage of the Arctic and Antarctic sea-ice packs are not the same. During these nine years, there are significant decreases in ice extent and open-water areas within the ice cover in the Arctic, whereas in the Antarctic, there are no significant trends.
Food choices among newly married couples: convergence, conflict, individualism, and projects

Individuals entering marriage merge their personal food systems to create a joint spousal food system. This investigation examined newly married couples' food choices. Qualitative interviews conducted with 20 couples as they entered marriage and again 1 year later revealed that some reported initial food homogamy, while others had varying degrees of compatibility in food preferences and tolerances. All couples reported some dietary convergence. Convergence was initially symmetrical (similar merging for both partners) or asymmetrical (one partner changed more), and sometimes convergence patterns evolved further. Unresolved food choice negotiations led to food conflicts. Prior food broadening experiences, initial dietary congruity, health/weight philosophies, foodwork, and commensal patterns were conditions shaping couples' food choice negotiations and dietary convergence patterns. Some food individualism persisted for most partners, helping to alleviate food choice conflicts. Food projects occurred when one partner was committed to molding the other's food choices. Overall, food choice negotiations involving both convergence and conflict were important components of marital adjustments that may have later health consequences.
Twin-Boundary cavitation during creep in aged type 304 stainless steel

A transition from grain-to twin-boundary cavitation was observed in Type 304 stainless steel specimens aged at 593 and 649°C (1100 and 1200°F) and creep tested at 593°C (1100°F) and 207 MPa (30 ksi). Evidence of twin-boundary cavitation was also observed in unaged specimens tested at 649°C (1200°F) and 193 MPa (28 ksi). This same behavior was also found in aged Type 316 stainless steel. Several possible reasons have been suggested for the absence of frequently observed grain-boundary cavitation and its transition to twin-boundary cavitation.
Staying in School: The Efficacy of the McKinney-Vento Act for Homeless Youth.

The increasing number of homeless youth in the United States presents many social justice concerns, including issues of educational access, stigma, and self-advocacy. These problems become even more apparent when homelessness and educational attainment intersect. The McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 was enacted to address these concerns. While some schools attempt to implement the law to benefit homeless youth, clear limitations in service delivery remain. This article explores the perspectives of homeless youth who were trying to remain in high school. From a social justice framework using qualitative analyses, three focus groups were conducted at a transitional living program in a large urban area. Focus group transcripts were coded to capture key themes identified by youth. These include knowledge of McKinney–Vento rights, self-disclosure of homelessness, the negative effects of homelessness, and factors that protect youth from dropping out. Finally, the authors explore implications for s...
Ex vivo rapamycin treatment of human cord blood CD34+ cells enhances their engraftment of NSG mice.

Since cord blood (CB) has become a commonly used source of transplantable hematopoietic stem (HSC) and hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC), there has been a need to overcome the limited HSC and HPC numbers available to transplant from a single CB, especially for adult recipients. Our laboratory previously demonstrated that Rheb2 overexpression significantly impaired the repopulating ability of HSC. Since overexpression of Rheb2 leads to increased signaling through mTOR, we examined the effect of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin ex vivo on cytokine expanded CD34+ CB cells for the engraftment of these cells in non-obese diabetic, severe combined immunodeficient, IL-2 receptor γ chain null (NSG) mice. We observed significant enhancement in engraftment of the CB treated ex vivo with cytokines in the presence of rapamycin prior to transplant, effects seen in primary as well as secondary transplants. These pre-clinical results suggest a positive role for rapamycin during ex vivo culture of CB SCID repopulating cells/HSC.
Using a clinically aggressive sample to examine the association between impulsivity, executive functioning, and verbal learning and memory

Impulsive behavior has been conceptualized from several vantage points including biological, sociological and psychological phenomenon. A comprehensive review of the empirical literature revealed that there is a paucity of research examining the association between working memory, executive functioning and impulsivity. A total sample of 170 aggressive outpatient participants was recruited for the study. Participants were administered a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Principal components analysis of the 19 CVLT indices revealed five factors, accounting for 68% of the total variance. Results from the canonical correlation revealed one significant canonical variate with loadings from three CVLT factors (General Verbal Learning, Response Discrimination, and Proactive Interference), two executive functioning measures (Trail Making Test and Controlled Oral Word Association Test), and one impulsivity subscale (Attentional Impulsiveness). The findings of this study underscore the importance of memory functioning in determining impulsive aggressive behavior.
Efficient synthesis of globoside and isogloboside tetrasaccharides by using β(1→3)N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase/UDP-N-acetylglucosamine C4 epimerase fusion protein

The β(1→3) N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase/UDP-N-acetylglucosamine C4 epimerase fusion protein was constructed and used in coupled enzymatic reactions to synthesize a variety of globotetraose and isoglobotetraose derivatives from the corresponding lactoside acceptors.
Personal Attributes as Predictors of Superiors' and Subordinates' Perceptions of Military Academy Leadership

Relationships between military academy leaders' personal attributes (e.g., traits, thinking styles) and others' ratings of transformational and transactional leadership were assessed in this study. Regression analyses indicated that personal attributes significantly predicted leadership ratings. Consistent with implicit leadership theories, however, the relevant predictors differed as a function of the positions of the individuals who rated leadership (i.e., superiors vs. subordinates of focal leaders). For example, leader intelligence and athletic experience were related to subordinate ratings of leadership while the leader's degree of conformity was associated with superiors' ratings of leadership. Implications for organizations and for understanding the leadership rating process are discussed.
A personal computer software package for power engineering education

The author describes a personal-computer software package recently incorporated in the power engineering program at Northeastern University. The package includes a set of computer programs which can be utilized to support classroom instruction and student design projects. The programs cover matrix operations, symmetrical components, line constant, steady-state operation of transmission lines, power flow (100 buses), symmetrical short circuits (100 buses), short circuits (100 buses), transmission-line transients, and transient stability. The computer programs, the way they are utilized, and initial student reaction are discussed. It is concluded that the availability of the power system analysis and design software package has extended classroom capabilities and enhanced student interest in power engineering courses. The reaction of students to the software has been positive, and it has allowed them to work on more difficult and realistic problems and make it an innovative tool in the learning process. >
Error Diagnosis for Transistor-Level Verification

This paper describes a diagnosis technique for locating design errors in circuit implementations which do not match their functional specification. The method efficiently propagates mismatched patterns from erroneous outputs backward into the network and calculates circuit regions which most likely contain the error(s). In contrast to previous approaches, the described technique does not depend on a fixed set of error models. Therefore, it is more general and especially suitable for transistor-level circuits, which have a broader variety of possible design errors than gate-level implementations. Furthermore, the proposed method is also applicable for incomplete sets of mismatched patterns and hence can be used not only as a debugging aid for formal verification techniques but also for simulation based approaches. Experiments with industrial CMOS circuits show that for most design errors the identified problem region is less than 3% of the overall circuit.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: an immunopathology review.

Abstract Context.—Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HSP) is an immunologically mediated alveolar and interstitial lung disease caused by repeated inhalation of organic dusts and some occupational agents. Objective.—The pathogenesis of HSP is uncertain. A number of unexplained features of HSP remain, namely (1) why do so few exposed individuals develop clinical HSP, (2) what triggers an acute episode after prolonged periods of previous sensitization, and (3) what leads to disease progression. This article considers these issues and aims to discuss and clarify current concepts in pathogenesis. Data Sources.—Pertinent literature review in conjunction with the author's personal interpretive opinion. Conclusions.—Current data suggest that individuals with a TH1 dominant response are likely to develop clinical disease. There is also some evidence that genetic factors such as polymorphisms in the major histocompatibility complex, tumor necrosis factor α, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 are associated wit...
Development of long Y-123 coated conductors for coil-applications by IBAD/PLD method

Long length Y-123 superconducting tapes were produced by reel-to-reel continuous vacuum processing, by using Ion-Beam-Assisted Deposition (IBAD) and Pulsed-Laser-Deposition (PLD). Biaxially textured Gd/sub 2/Zr/sub 2/O/sub 7/ buffer layers up to 255-m long were fabricated by IBAD with production speed of 0.5-1.0 m/h. Y-123 films were formed on them by PLD with production speed of 1.0-4.0 m/h. A 105-m long Y-123 film was fabricated with uniform thickness of 1.0 /spl mu/m and /spl Delta//spl phi/ of 3-4/spl deg/. I/sub c/ of 126 A was obtained in end-to-end at 77 K, 0 T, whose I-V curve had n-value of 28.5. I/sub c/ times length reached 13,230 Am. Another 70-m long Y-123 tape with I/sub c/ over 90 A (77 K, 0 T) was wound into a Solenoid type magnet whose inner diameter was 60 mm. The central field of 0.27 T was obtained at 66 K, with operating current of 130 A.
Effectiveness of Quarantine in Worm Epidemics

Quarantine is a natural concept borrowed from human disease control to slow down worm outbreaks. We study the effectiveness of partial quarantine for simple epidemics (without removals) and find that the optimal quarantine strategy is not as simple as expected. The strategy depends on which networks are most important to protect. We also investigate the effectiveness of quarantine for general epidemics (with removals) and derive the critical threshold for networks to have herd immunity. We show that, given a limited capability to quarantine a given number of networks, the optimal quarantine strategy is to isolate the networks small enough to have herd immunity, and then divide the remaining networks as evenly as possible.