cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Digestion time and reemergence in the desert grassland scorpion Paruroctonus utahensis (Williams) (Scorpionida, Vaejovidae).

The desert grassland scorpion Paruroctonus utahensis spends most of its life in its burrow. During the active season, only about 5% of the individuals in a population appear on the surface each night. Individuals do not appear on the surface for several nights following a meal. To determine if physiological digestion time could account for this delay in reemergence after eating, I measured changes in oxygen consumption immediately following a meal. Oxygen consumption exceeded 125 μl O2g-1h-1 just after completion of a meal, then dropped to normal levels (53 μl O2g-1h-1) within 6 h. I also measured the interval between completion of the meal and subsequent defecation. All individuals defecated by 72 h following ingestion (median 12 h). In field enclosures, scorpions returned to the surface after a mean of 20.3 days (median=16) following a successful predation event. Lack of correspondence between estimates of physiological digestion time and the reappearance interval lead me to reject the idea of a long digestive pause in Paruroctonus utahensis. This conclusion lends support to the hypothesis that scorpions remain in their burrows to minimize exposure to predation.
The effects of social comparison on inaction inertia

In this paper, we examine inaction inertia in a social context where the decision-maker is among others who are faced with similar current and past opportunities. We specifically investigate whether the likelihood of taking advantage of a current opportunity after having missed a previous, relatively superior opportunity depends on whether a referent other did or did not take advantage of the previous opportunity. We report results from three studies that provide evidence for the interplay between the past actions and inactions of a referent other and the extent of inaction inertia displayed by a focal decision-maker. We also show that the proximity of the other and the valence of the relationship between the decision-maker and the other influence the extent to which the decision of the other impacts the likelihood to take action. And, finally, we show that regret mediates the relationship between the decision of the other with respect to the past opportunity and the decision-maker's likelihood of taking advantage of the current opportunity.
The tRNA-like structure of Turnip yellow mosaic virus RNA is a 3'-translational enhancer.

Many positive stand RNAviral genomes lack the poly(A) tail that is characteristic of cellular mRNAs and that promotes translation in cis. The 3V untranslated regions (UTRs) of such genomes are expected to provide similar translation-enhancing properties as a poly(A) tail, yet the great variety of 3V sequences suggests that this is accomplished in a range of ways. We have identified a translational enhancer present in the 3V UTR of Turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV) RNA using luciferase reporter RNAs with generic 5V sequences transfected into plant cells. The 3V terminal 109 nucleotides comprising the tRNA-like structure (TLS) and an upstream pseudoknot (UPSK) act in synergy with a 5V-cap to enhance translation, with a minor contribution in stabilizing the RNA. Maximum enhancement requires that the RNA be capable of aminoacylation, but either the native valine or engineered methionine is acceptable. Mutations that decrease the affinity for translation elongation factor eEF1A (but also diminish aminoacylation efficiency) strongly decrease translational enhancement, suggesting that eEF1A is mechanistically involved. The UPSK seems to act as an important, though nonspecific, spacer element ensuring proper presentation of a functional TLS. Our studies have uncovered a novel type of translational enhancer and a new role for a plant viral TLS. D 2004 Published by Elsevier Inc.
Dynamic mechanical response of plasticizer-laden acoustic polyurethanes extrapolated to higher frequencies using time–temperature superposition technique

Acoustically transparent elastomers are the windows through which the US Navy views the ocean. For acoustic clarity and sensitivity, it is important that these elastomers operate well outside damping conditions as dictated by the temperatures and frequencies of interest. Damping behavior is characterized by a peak in the loss tangent and is associated with transitions in molecular mobility, such as the primary glass–rubber or alpha transition. However, the temperature and frequency location of this peak can shift in response to absorbed plasticizing fluids. This material characteristic is under investigation using dynamic mechanical analysis to assess its dependence on the plasticizer and polyurethane component chemistry. In this second stage of the research, the time–temperature superposition technique was employed to extrapolate storage modulus and loss factor to frequencies beyond the limits of the equipment. The technique appears to be valid for plasticized primary transition behavior but becomes circumspect when applied to secondary transition behavior.
Good features to track: A view geometric approach

Despite many alternatives to point tracking problem, iterative least squares solution solving the optical flow constraint has been the most popular approach used by many in the field. This paper attempts to leverage the former efforts to enhance such tracking methods by introducing geometric constraint to the tracking problem. In contrast to alternative geometry based methods, the proposed approach provides an online solution to optical flow estimation by exploiting Horn and Schunck flow estimation regularized by view geometric constraints. We particularly use the geometric invariants in the projective coordinates and conjecture that the traditional appearance solution needs to be geometrically regularized. Geometric regularization is achieved by estimating the posterior distribution of possible locations given the samples drawn from other tracked points which specify the scene geometry. Our experiments demonstrate that tracking can still be performed with great accuracy even when the features undergo appearance changes due to projective deformation of the template. Hence the resulting algorithm judges the quality of the tracked points based on not only appearance similarity but also geometric consistency.
Efficient solution of the Schroedinger-Poisson equations in layered semiconductor devices

In this paper we present several mathematical models that can be used to create approximate solutions of the three-dimensional Schroedinger-Poisson equation in layered semiconductor devices. A general algorithmic strategy that can be used to create efficient solution procedures for each of these models is described. Computational results demonstrating the accuracy and efficiency that can be obtained with the use of these models is presented.
Translational suppression by trinucleotide repeat expansion at FMR1

Fragile X syndrome is the result of the unstable expansion of a trinucleotide repeat in the 5'-untranslated region of the FMR1 gene. Fibroblast subclones from a mildly affected patient, each containing stable FMR1 alleles with 57 to 285 CGG repeats, were shown to exhibit normal steady-state levels of FMR1 messenger RNA. However, FMR protein was markedly diminished from transcript with more than 200 repeats. Such transcripts were associated with stalled 40S ribosomal subunits. These results suggest that a structural RNA transition beyond 200 repeats impedes the linear 40S migration along the 5'-untranslated region. This results in translational inhibition by trinucleotide repeat expansion.
Effects of reformer gas addition on the laminar flame speeds and flammability limits of n-butane and iso-butane flames

Abstract One of the many difficulties associated with reducing unburned hydrocarbon emissions during a cold-start from port-fuel injected engines is that the engine must be operated fuel rich to avoid partial burns and obtain suitable idle quality. If the dilution tolerance of the engine can be enhanced during the cold start, it would be possible to operate closer to stoichiometric or even fuel lean and thereby obtain significant reductions in hydrocarbon emissions. The overall objective of this study is to computationally explore the feasibility of extending the dilution limit of an engine during cold-start conditions by adding reformer gas to the inlet manifold of the engine. Because the gas mixture produced by reforming a hydrocarbon fuel contains large amounts of H2, its addition to the hydrocarbon/air mixture holds the potential to enhance both the ignitability and flammability. n-Butane and iso-butane are chosen as surrogate hydrocarbon fuels because of their relevance to gasoline. In addition, comprehensive chemical kinetic models are available for these fuels. Numerical computations of the effect of reformer gas addition on the laminar flame speeds, lean flammability limits, and auto-ignition delay times of butane/air mixtures are performed with detailed chemistry and transport properties. Results show that addition of a first-stage reformer gas, H2/CO/N2 with volume percentages of 30/25/45, can increase the flame speed, extend the lean flammability limit, and reduce the ignition delay of butane/air mixtures over a wide pressure range. Although the second-stage reformer gas, H2/CO2/N2 with volume percentages of 45/20/35, contains more hydrogen than the first-stage reformer gas, its addition is shown to have an adverse effect on the burning rate due to the larger concentrations of N2 and CO2 diluents. The present study demonstrates that the addition of a first-stage reformer gas, H2/CO/N2, in the intake of an engine would be a viable approach to reduce cold-start hydrocarbon emissions.
Plasma arginine and ornithine levels and selected enzyme activities in uremic rats fed various amounts of arginine

Abstract Rats weighing 100 g were made chronically uremic by partial left renal artery ligation and contralateral nephrectomy. Rats with urea clearances below 0.30 ml/min and sham-operated controls were pair-fed arginine-free diets, diets containing normal amounts of arginine or diets with high levels of arginine. After 4 to 8 weeks, rats were killed and plasma levels of arginine, ornithine and lysine were measured. In addition, activities of various urea cycle enzymes in liver and kidney and renal transamidinase were determined. Plasma amino acid levels and enzyme activities of the urea cycle remained constant in control rats fed diets differing in arginine content. However, renal transamidinase activity was elevated in control rats fed arginine-free diets. In plasma of uremic as compared with control rats, arginine levels varied with the arginine intake, and lysine levels were elevated when arginine supplements were fed. With all diets, plasma ornithine remained constant in uremic rats at slightly but not significantly increased levels. Hepatic carbamoyl phosphate synthetase activity and renal arginine synthetase activity were reduced in uremic as compared to control rats. Renal transamidinase activity, expressed per g of kidney, was elevated in uremic rats with all diets except arginine-free. When amino acid diets were fed, hepatic arginase activity was higher in uremic rats and this increase was enhanced by arginine-free diets. Other enzyme activities in uremic rats were not affected by the amount of arginine in the diet.
Interrelationships between sensitivity and selectivity measures for spectroscopic analysis

Abstract Quantitative analysis based on spectroscopic data often uses the matrix equation R = CK + E, which is the K-matrix form of the Beer-Lambert law. This equation's utility depends on the character of K's numbers. The quality of these numbers is often discussed by referring to how strongly components respond to measured wavelengths and the extent one component responds toward measured wavelengths compared to other components, i.e. by referring to the sensitivity and selectivity of the used wavelengths. Over the years, various measures for quantifying sensitivity and selectivity at the local (analyte specific) and global (all analytes simultaneously) levels have been put forth with varied degrees of success. This tutorial introduces and discusses many of the commonly used local and global measures and establishes interrelationships between them. It is hoped that this presentation will give the user a better understanding of their utility and drawbacks, as well as provide a background for future work in the assessment of spectroscopic information.
The role of transnasal esophagoscopy in head and neck oncology.

Objectives/Hypothesis To review the current role of transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) in all aspects of head and neck cancer patient treatment. Study Design A retrospective database and chart review. Methods A retrospective review of head and neck cancer patients undergoing TNE for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic indications. Results In a series of 17 patients with presumed head and neck malignancies, TNE provided 100% accuracy in biopsy results and staging of the tumor when compared with standard panendoscopy. The utility of TNE in other areas of head and neck cancer management, such as stricture dilation and secondary tracheoesophageal puncture, is demonstrated. This preliminary report strongly suggests that TNE may play a vital role in the management of head and neck oncology patients. Conclusions Transnasal esophagoscopy gives the surgeon the ability to perform a remarkable variety of procedures in the outpatient setting without sedation. It may obviate the need for routine panendoscopy in head and neck cancer patients.
Mueller-matrix measurement using the four-detector photopolarimeter.

A scheme for complete, accurate, and fast determination of the Mueller matrix M of elastic light scattering by a given sample is presented. The Stokes vector of the scattered radiation is virtually instantaneously measured using the recently described four-detector polarimeter (FDP) [Opt. Lett. 10, 309 (1985)] for various input polarizations generated by a fixed polarizer followed by a quarter-wave retarder (QWR) of adjustable fast-axis azimuth C. The output signal vector I of the FDP is recorded at four or more settings of C. If the periodic function I(C) is Fourier analyzed, a series of four terms is obtained whose coefficients determine M column by column. The QWR azimuth C can be changed manually, by a stepping or synchronous motor, or by Faraday-cell magneto-optical rotation, leading to various semiautomatic and fully automatic modes of operation with a range of speed to suit various applications.
α-aminoisobutyric acid transport in the amphibian crystalline lens

Abstract The amino acid α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) is accumulated by the amphibian lens; tissue to medium concentration ratios as high as 15:1 were observed. This process is saturable, dependent on metabolism and can be inhibited by alanine or leucine. Accumulation of AIB is Na-dependent and is inhibited by ouabain. This amino acid transport appears to be active and has similarities to the ‘A’ system. Uptake of AIB occurs across all surfaces of the lens but is greater across the anterior epithelium. A gradient in concentration of AIB is built up, highest concentrations are in the periphery and the lowest are in the nucleus. Efflux of AIB is very slow; only 35% is lost in 16 h. The decline is exponential and not related to a decrease in the total concentration of AIB. It is changed little by removal of the capsule and anterior epithelium or an excess of ‘cold’ AIB. Efflux can, however, be promoted by a Na-free external bathing solution. The retention of this amino acid by the lens may reflect its unique morphology.
Retrieving marine inherent optical properties from satellites using temperature and salinity-dependent backscattering by seawater

Time-series of marine inherent optical properties (IOPs) from ocean color satellite instruments provide valuable data records for studying long-term time changes in ocean ecosystems. Semi-analytical algorithms (SAAs) provide a common method for estimating IOPs from radiometric measurements of the marine light field. Most SAAs assign constant spectral values for seawater absorption and backscattering, assume spectral shape functions of the remaining constituent absorption and scattering components (e.g., phytoplankton, non-algal particles, and colored dissolved organic matter), and retrieve the magnitudes of each remaining constituent required to match the spectral distribution of measured radiances. Here, we explore the use of temperature- and salinity-dependent values for seawater backscattering in lieu of the constant spectrum currently employed by most SAAs. Our results suggest that use of temperature- and salinity-dependent seawater spectra elevate the SAA-derived particle backscattering, reduce the non-algal particles plus colored dissolved organic matter absorption, and leave the derived absorption by phytoplankton unchanged.
Isoxazole analogues bind the system xc- transporter: structure-activity relationship and pharmacophore model.

Abstract Analogues of amino methylisoxazole propionic acid (AMPA), were prepared from a common intermediate 12, including lipophilic analogues using lateral metalation and electrophilic quenching, and were evaluated at System x c - . Both the 5-naphthylethyl-(16) and 5-naphthylmethoxymethyl-(17) analogues adopt an E-conformation in the solid state, yet while the former has robust binding at System x c - , the latter is virtually devoid of activity. The most potent analogues were amino acid naphthyl-ACPA 7g, and hydrazone carboxylic acid, 11e Y = Y′ = 3,5-(CF3)2, which both inhibited glutamate uptake by the System x c - transporter with comparable potency to the endogenous substrate cystine, whereas in contrast the closed isoxazolo[3,4-d] pyridazinones 13 have significantly lower activity. A preliminary pharmacophore model has been constructed to provide insight into the analogue structure–activity relationships.
Hydrophilic molecularly imprinted poly(hydroxyethyl‐methacrylate) polymers

Highly cross-linked 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate with poly(ethylene glycol) of molecular weight 600 (PEG600DMA) were molecularly imprinted with hydrophilic templates glucose and proxyphylline using water as a solvent. Glucose-imprinted polymers showed increased recognitive capacity compared to nonimprinted polymers as well as increased glucose uptake compared to structurally similar galactose and methylglucopyranoside. Increasing glucose concentration in the imprinting mixture resulted in higher capacity and selective binding. Similar results were obtained for proxyphylline-imprinted P(HEMA-co-PEG600DMA) polymers, where the proxyphylline uptake was higher than structurally similar theophylline. Glucose-imprinted networks also showed diffusion coefficients on the order of 10(-6) cm2/s, conducive to applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. This work showed that using pairs of hydrogen-bonding monomers and templates, selective, high-affinity sites could be created despite nonspecific binding.
Hybrid Photomultiplier: Its Characterization and Application as a Wide-Dynamic-Range Photon Detector:

The hybrid photomultiplier (HPMT) is commercially available in proximity- and electrostatically focused versions, and both contain a photocathode and a PIN-diode substrate. This recent addition to the family of photon detectors offers good timing characteristics, reasonable gain, excellent pulse height distribution, and a wide dynamic range. This report provides details on the wiring and characterization of a typical electrostatically focused production device for gain, impulse response, and pulse height and pulse integral linearity. A gain of 1.8 X 10 3 was obtained at less than the maximum high-voltage bias. The impulse response rise time was 1.0 ns and the fall time was 0.9 ns. The full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the impulse response was 4.3 ns at 160 V reverse diode bias. The pulse height was linear up to 4.45 X 10 4 photoelectrons, and the pulse integral was linear up to the maximum tested (2.23 X 10 5 photoelectrons). The HPMT is not damaged by light levels that are three orders of magnitude beyond the range of linear response for a conventional PMT. Therefore, the HPMT can be directly implemented in spectroscopic applications that previously required elaborate gating schemes to protect a detector from a large optical flash that preceeds a weak subsequent optical event of interest.
The prospects for sociology into the twenty-first century

In contrast to the malaise that Collins (1986), characterized for sociology of the 1980s, I argue that the future for sociology and sociologists is bright. There are three structural changes that lead to my optimism. First, the professoriate is changing from one that has been overwhelmingly white, male, and tenured, to one that will become younger and more diverse by gender and race. Second, the fiscal crisis of the state will limit monies for funded research, which will lead to more critical and more qualitative research. Third, societal and global changes will present sociologists with unprecedented opportunities. Globally, three momentous historical turning points present sociologists with incredible opportunities: (a) the shift to a post cold war era; (b) the ecological crises threatening the worlds’s ecosystem; and (c) the transformation of the economy. Within the United States, there are many contemporary trends with considerable sociological relevance: the aging of the baby boom; the increasing proportion of the elderly; the growing racial/ethnic diversity; the regional shifts as the frost belt loses population, resources, and power, while the sun belt gains; and the growing urban underclass that is being left further and further behind. In short, the next two decades or so will present sociologists with exciting opportunities and challenges.
Description of the Biosphere-Atmosphere Transfer Scheme (BATS) for the Soil Moisture Workshop and evaluation of its performance

Abstract This paper has two major emphases. First, a concise description of the framework of the Biosphere-Atmosphere Transfer Scheme (BATS) is given to help better understand the results of research including BATS. Focus is put on the formulations of drag coefficients, soil surface evaporation, infiltration, surface runoff, drainage, soil internal water fluxes, canopy interception loss and transpiration, and soil water budgets. Secondly, the simulations from BATS using the default parameters are compared with those using the parameters provided during the workshop, as well as with observations. The simulations of soil moisture content from these two sets of parameters are similar, and are both in agreement with observations. In particular, the model results are discussed in the context of the applicability of the demand-supply approach. We have examined the model's sensitivity to the parameters in the formulations of runoff components. The excessive surface runoff can be fixed using a modified scheme for surface runoff. When the averaged soil moisture threshold is close to field capacity, the modified surface runoff scheme produces results essentially identical to the default scheme. With the modified scheme, in which the averaged soil moisture threshold is set to unity, the best simulation of annual evaporation and runoff components has to be obtained at the expense of the soil moisture content in the bottom layer.
Polar cap potential during magnetic storms: MHD simulations

Abstract In this paper, we will examine the variation of the polar cap potential during magnetic storms using global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of the interaction of the solar wind with the magnetosphere. We present the time evolution of the polar cap potential and correlate changes in the potential with changes in the solar wind input during three events. We show that the simulation potential behaves very similar to predictions based on the solar wind electric field, but that there is also a noticeable dependence on solar wind density, with higher values of polar cap potential for larger values of solar wind density.
Mechanisms mediating lipoprotein responses to diets with medium-chain triglyceride and lauric acid.

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are often used in specialized formula diets or designer fats because of their special properties. Yet their influence on lipid metabolis is not completely understood. In this two-period cross-over study, the effects of MCT (8∶0+10∶0) in contrast to a similar saturated fatty acid (12∶0) were compared. Eighteen healthy women ate a baseline diet [polyunsaturated (PUFA)/saturated fat=0.9] fer 1 wk. Then, they consumed test diets (PUFA/saturated fat=0.2) for 4 wk. Monounsaturated fat and cholesterol were constant in baseline and treatment diets. MCT and 12∶0, substituted for part of the PUFA, provided 14 energy (en)% of the test diets. In comparison to the PUFA baseline diet, a 16% increase in mean serum low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (C) on the 12∶0 diet was accompanied by a 21% decrease in mean receptormediated degradation of LDL by freshly isolated mononuclear cells (MNC) in vitro. The MNC assay theoretically gives an indication of receptor-mediated degradation of LDL. In contrast, the MCT diet raised mean receptor-mediated degradation of LDL by 42%, a finding out of line with the mean 11% increase in serum LDL-C. Perhaps MCT, by increasing the rate of LDL-C production, overcame the rate of LDL-C clearance. The 12∶0 diet enhanced some factors involved in reverse cholesterol transport (e.g., high density lipoprotein fractions) while MCT had a different of less pronounced effect. The overall effects of MCT on cholesterol metabolism may or may not be desirable, whereas those of 12∶0 appear largely undesirable as previously reported.
Additive effects of nicotine and high-fat diet on hepatocellular apoptosis in mice: Involvement of caspase 2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase-mediated intrinsic pathway signaling

Smoking is a major risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular disease and may contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The health risk associated with smoking is exaggerated by obesity and is the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We recently demonstrated that combined treatment with nicotine and a high-fat diet (HFD) triggers greater oxidative stress, activates hepatocellular apoptosis, and exacerbates HFD-induced hepatic steatosis. Given that hepatocellular apoptosis plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, using this model of exacerbated hepatic steatosis, we elucidated the signal transduction pathways involved in HFD plus nicotine-induced liver cell death. Adult C57BL6 male mice were fed a normal chow diet or HFD with 60% of calories derived from fat and received twice daily IP injections of 0.75 mg/kg BW of nicotine or saline for 10 weeks. High-resolution light microscopy revealed markedly higher lipid accumulation in hepatocytes from mice received HFD plus nicotine, compared to mice on HFD alone. Addition of nicotine to HFD further resulted in an increase in the incidence of hepatocellular apoptosis and was associated with activation of caspase 2, induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and perturbation of the BAX/BCL-2 ratio. Together, our data indicate the involvement of caspase 2 and iNOS-mediated apoptotic signaling in nicotine plus HFD-induced hepatocellular apoptosis. Targeting the caspase 2-mediated death pathway may have a protective role in development and progression of NAFLD.
Poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase inhibition modulates spinal cord dysfunction after thoracoabdominal aortic ischemia-reperfusion.

Objective Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a source of morbidity after thoracoabdominal aortic reconstruction. These studies were designed to determine whether PJ34, a novel ultrapotent inhibitor of the nuclear enzyme poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase (PARP) could modulate neurologic injury after thoracic aortic ischemia reperfusion (TAR) in a murine model of SCI. Methods Forty-one anesthetized male mice were subject to thoracic aortic occlusion (11 minutes) through a cervical mediastinotomy followed by 48 hours of reperfusion (TAR) under normothermic conditions. PJ34-treated mice (PJ, n=12) were given 10 mg/kg PJ34 intraperitoneally 1 hour before ischemia and 1 hour after unclamping. The control group (UN, n=21) received normal saline intraperitoneally 1 hour before ischemia and 1 hour after unclamping. Sham animals (n = 10) were subject to thoracic aortic exposure with no aortic clamping and similar intraperitoneal normal saline injections. PARP-1−/− (KO, n=8) mice were subjected to the same conditions as the UN mice. Blinded observers rated murine neurologic status after TAR by using an established rodent paralysis scoring system. Murine spinal cords were subjected to cytokine (GRO-1) protein analysis as a marker of inflammation and immunohistochemical analysis (hematoxylin-eosin and PAR staining). Paralysis scores (PS) and GRO-1 levels were compared with analysis of variance, and survival data were compared with χ 2 . Results Immediately after TAR, UN and PJ mice had severe neurologic dysfunction (PS = 5.8 ± 0.1 and 4.6 ± 0.6, respectively; P > .05), which was significantly worse than the KO mice (PS = 1.0 ± 0.7, P P P = .012), and 0% for Sham. GRO-1 levels were significantly decreased in PJ and KO versus UN mice (UN, 583 ± 119 vs PJ, 5.8 ± 0 vs KO, 5.3 ± 1.4 mg/pg; P Conclusions Genetic deletion of PARP or inhibition of its activity (PJ34) rescued neurologic function in mice subjected to TAR. PARP inhibition might represent a novel therapeutic approach for prevention of SCI after TAR.
Biogenic amine metabolites in delusional (psychotic) depression and melancholia subtypes of major depression.

Abstract 1. 1. The levels of the urinary main metabolites of norepinephrine 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), of dopamine homovanillic acid (HVA) and of serotonin 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured in 84 patients with major depressive disorder, 34 delusional and 50 nondelusional. Melancholia subtype was also defined (N=62). 2. 2. MHPG was significantly higher in the delusional depressed group (p=0.023). Female patients with delusional major depression also had significantly higher HVA excretion than female patients with non delusional major depression (p=0.036). 5-HIAA excretion was similar in the two patient subgroups. 3. 3. No significant differences in the three monoamine metabolites were found between the melancholic and nonmelancholic depressed patients.
Evaluating new product ideas….systematically

Abstract Survival, growth, and the creation of a comparative advantage are all important concerns of smaller enterprises. In order to address those concerns, new product ideas must be found, screened, and developed, but over 80% of these enterprises do not, according to a survey, have a systematic process to carry out these tasks. This paper suggests potential sources for finding new product ideas and presents a simple model, which has been tested extensively, that may be used to screen them. This systematic approach, the authors conclude, should help to minimize the costs and risks of developing products that are likely to fail in the marketplace.
Investigating a drop-on-demand microdispenser for standardized sample preparation

The existing assortment of reference sample preparation methods presents a range of variability and reproducibility concerns, making it increasingly difficult to assess chemical detection technologies on a level playing field. We are investigating a drop-on-demand table-top printing platform which offers precise liquid sample deposition and is well suited for the preparation of effective reference materials. Current research includes the development of a sample preparation protocol for explosive materials testing based on drop-on-demand technology. A quartz crystal microbalance and Raman spectroscopy are used to investigate droplet and sample uniformity and reproducibility. Results are compared to samples prepared using a drop and dry method.
Aberration insensitive resonators for OPS lasers

Phase aberrations play an important role in shaping the beam and in determining the losses of laser resonators. An efficient method is presented for modeling arbitrary phase aberrations in a resonator and for computing modes, modal losses and frequencies in the aberrated resonator. The method is then used to assess the effect of thermal phase aberrations in lasers where the active medium is a solid state rod, and in lasers where the active medium is an OPS (Optically Pumped semiconductor). The adverse effect of the thermal aberrations is found to be severe in the case of rod geometries and small and less significant in the case of OPS lasers. The analysis conducted allows one to identify simple design criteria that further minimize the effect of thermal aberrations in the case of OPS lasers.
The effects of water-level fluctuations on vegetation in a Lake Huron wetland

The diversity and resultant habitat value of wetland plant communities in the Laurentian Great Lakes are dependent on water-level fluctuations of varying frequency and amplitude. Conceptual models have described the response of vegetation to alternating high and low lake levels, but few quantitative studies have documented the changes that occur. In response to recent concerns over shoreline management activities during an ongoing period of low lake levels in lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron that began in 1999, we analyzed a quantitative data set from Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron collected from 1988 to 1993 during a previous lake-level decline to provide the needed information on vegetation responses. Transects were established that followed topographic contours with water-level histories that differed across a six-year period, ranging from barely flooded to dewatered for varying numbers of years to never dewatered. Percent cover data from randomly placed quadrats along those transects were analyzed to assess floristic changes over time, document development of distinct plant assemblages, and relate the results to lake-level changes. Ordinations showed that plant assemblages sorted out by transects that reflect differing water-level histories. Distinction of assemblages was maintained for at least three years, although the composition and positioning of those assemblages changed as lake levels changed. We present a model that uses orthogonal axes to plot transects by years out of water against distance above water and sorted those transects in a manner that matched ordination results. The model suggests that vegetation response following dewatering is dependent on both position along the water level/soil moisture gradient and length of time since dewatering. This study provided quantitative evidence that lake-level fluctuations drive vegetative change in Great Lakes wetlands, and it may assist in making decisions regarding shoreline management in areas that historically supported wetlands.
Regenerative medicine for the kidney: stem cell prospects & challenges

The kidney has key roles in maintaining human health. There is an escalating medical crisis in nephrology as growing numbers of patients suffer from kidney diseases that culminate in organ failure. While dialysis and transplantation provide life-saving treatments, these therapies are rife with limitations and place significant burdens on patients and healthcare systems. It has become imperative to find alternative ways to treat existing kidney conditions and preemptive means to stave off renal dysfunction. The creation of innovative medical approaches that utilize stem cells has received growing research attention. In this review, we discuss the regenerative and maladaptive cellular responses that occur during acute and chronic kidney disease, the emerging evidence about renal stem cells, and some of the issues that lie ahead in bridging the gap between basic stem cell biology and regenerative medicine for the kidney.
ShiverPad: A device capable of controlling shear force on a bare finger

We discuss the theory, design, and performance of a flat-panel tactile display capable of controlling shear force on a finger. In previous research a TPaD variable friction device was presented. It modulates friction by using vertical ultrasonic vibrations to form a squeeze film of air between the finger and the horizontal glass surface. In this research, a TPaD is oscillated in the horizontal plane at 20-100Hz while alternating between low and high friction at the same frequency. As the plate moves in one direction, the squeeze film is turned on and friction is reduced. As the plate moves in the opposite direction, the squeeze film is turned off and the friction increases. The net time-averaged force is non-zero and can be used as a source of shear force to a finger in contact with the surface. We demonstrate the implementation of line sources and sinks using this new technology.
Multicarrier delay diversity modulation

Multicarrier delay diversity modulation (MDDM) is a scheme that uses orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) on a "multipath" channel that is generated by using delay diversity. The full diversity criterion for MDDM is proven and illustrative examples of full-diversity codes are obtained based on the established criterion. Coding gains and interleaver designs are also considered and analyzed. Simulation results for MDDM on quasistatic flat and frequency-selective fading channels are discussed. MDDM is established as a strong competitive technique to existing STBC and STTC techniques for MIMO systems.
Effects of Hypophysectomy and ACTH Administration on the Level of Adrenal Cholesterol Side-Chain Desmolase

Changes in the adrenal content of cholesterol side-chain desmolase in hypophysectomized ratswith or without ACTH administration have been determined and compared to changes in adrenal weight, 2 soluble NADPlinked dehydrogenases (glucose-6-phosphate and isocitric dehydrogenases), amitochondrial enzyme (succinic dehydrogenase) and “extractable protein” which probably reflects over-all protein content. After hypophysectomy, the desmolase declines more rapidly and extensively than any of the other parameters. With marginal dosage of ACTH, one can obtain good maintenance or recovery of the other parameters, while the desmolase level is severely depressed. Thedesmolase activity declines after hypophysectomy to a final level of approximately 10 % of thenormal value. Comparison of the results presented here with the recent report of Garren et al. indicates that the short-term tropic effect of ACTH stimulation of corticoid synthesis is not mediated via any of the enzymes studied here. (Endocrinology 85: 492, 1969)
Anomalous behavior of liquids in isolated contact with solids

Abstract Anomalous liquid behavior is viewed as a result of an increase in surface tension in isolated capillaries. Using a derived prime equation for this change several phenomena are treated including the strength of liquid bridges between solids, the lowering of vapor pressure, increased solubility, and adsorption-desorption hysteresis. Using experimental data available on the strength of liquid bridges and vapor pressure decreases, indicates the surface tension of water in micron sized capillaries has a surface tension of over 700 dyne/cm.
Toward a more comprehensive approach to evaluating teaching effectiveness: supplementing student evaluations of teaching with pre–post learning measures

The use of student evaluations of teaching (SETs) to assess teaching effectiveness remains controversial. Without clear guidelines regarding how to best document effective teaching, faculty members may wonder how to convincingly demonstrate teaching effectiveness in preparation for promotion and tenure review. Based on a study that examined the relations among student grades, learning, and SETs, we identify a relatively unencumbered approach to documenting teaching effectiveness more comprehensively than through the use of SETs alone. Students enrolled in eight sections of general psychology (N = 165) completed pre‐ and post‐ measures of learning, SETs, and a brief demographic questionnaire. Results of a regression analysis provided partial support for the notion that SETs and learning measures assess distinct aspects of teaching effectiveness. In preparing documentation for promotion and tenure review, faculty members should consider including measures of student learning along with SETs in order to docu...
Data fusion/data mining-based architecture for condition-based maintenance

Condition-based maintenance (CBM) is a maintenance philosophy wherein equipment repair or replacement decisions are based on the current and projected future health of the equipment. The constituents and sub-processes within CBM include sensors and signal processing techniques that provide the mechanism for condition monitoring, and decision support models. Since past research has been dominated by condition monitoring techniques for specific applications, the maintenance community lacks a generic CBM architecture that would be relevant across different domains. This paper attempts to fulfil that need by proposing a combined data fusion/data mining-based architecture for CBM. Data fusion, which is extensively used in defence applications, is an automated process of combining information from several sources in order to make decisions regarding the state of an object. Data mining seeks unknown patterns and relationships in large data sets; the methodology is used to support data fusion and model generation at several levels. In the architecture, methods from both these domains analyse CBM data to determine the overall condition or health of a machine. This information is then used by a predictive maintenance model to determine the best course of action for maintaining critical equipment.
Feasibility of tropical cyclone intensity estimation using satellite-borne radiometer measurements: An observing system simulation experiment

National Science Foundation (U.S.). Graduate Research Fellowship Program (Grant DGE1255832)
An Empirical Typology of Perfectionism in Academically Talented Children

A nationally gathered sample of 820 academically talented sixth graders at the Center for Talented Youth of Johns Hopkins University took the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, and scores were cluster analyzed using both hierarchical and nonhierarchical cluster analysis with cross-validation. A three-cluster solution was indicated. Students also took the Adjective Check List (Gough & Heilbrun, 1983), the NEO-Five Factor Inventory (Costa & McCrae, 1992), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965), and the Brief Symptom Inventory (Derogatis, 1993) to determine characteristics of cluster membership. Results indicated that the cluster groups comprised a nonperfectionistic type (32.8%), a healthy perfectionistic type (41.7%), and a dysfunctional perfectionistic type (25.5%). Parent perceptions of the children were consistent with the students' self-perceptions. The construct of perfectionism was primarily associated with conscientiousness and secondarily with agreeableness and neurosis.
Characterization and Mapping of Fuel Types for the Mediterranean Ecosystems of Pollino National Park in Southern Italy by Using Hyperspectral MIVIS Data

Abstract The characterization and mapping of fuel types is one of the most important factors that should be taken into consideration for wildland fire prevention and prefire planning. This research aims to investigate the usefulness of hyperspectral data to recognize and map fuel types in order to ascertain how well remote sensing data can provide an exhaustive classification of fuel properties. For this purpose airborne hyperspectral Multispectral Infrared and Visible Imaging Spectrometer (MIVIS) data acquired in November 1998 have been analyzed for a test area of 60 km2 selected inside Pollino National Park in the south of Italy. Fieldwork fuel-type recognitions, performed at the same time as remote sensing data acquisition, were used as a ground-truth dataset to assess the results obtained for the considered test area. The method comprised the following three steps: 1) adaptation of Prometheus fuel types for obtaining a standardization system useful for remotely sensed classification of fuel types and ...
Reproducibility of coronary artery calcified plaque with cardiac 64-MDCT: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE. The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis is a longitudinal study evaluating determinants of future cardiac events and progression of atherosclerosis. Emerging data are showing that coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a robust independent predictor of future cardiac events and that measurement of progression depends on reproducibility of the measure. Reproducibility previously was reported on baseline scans obtained with both electron-beam tomography (EBT) and MDCT. The aim of this study was to compare the interscan variability for both Agatston and volume scores derived with newer (16- and 64-MDCT) scanners with that derived with older scanners in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.SUBJECTS AND METHODS. The participants in this study were 4,054 persons who underwent dual scanning with EBT (n = 1,716), 4-MDCT (n = 370), 16-MDCT (n = 1,245), or 64-MDCT (n = 723). Agreement on the presence or absence of CAC was assessed with logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, body mass in...
The Assessment of Poverty and Inequality through Parametric Estimation of Lorenz Curves: An Evaluation

Poverty and inequality are often estimated from grouped data as complete household surveys are neither always available to researchers nor easy to analyze. In this study we assess the performance of functional forms proposed by Kakwani (1980a) and Villasenor and Arnold(1989) to estimate the Lorenz curve from grouped data. The methods are implemented using the computational tools POVCAL and Sim-SIP, developed and distributed by the World Bank. To identify biases associated with these methods, we use unit data from several household surveys and theoretical distributions. We find that poverty and inequality are better estimated when the true distribution is unimodal than multimodal. For unimodal distributions, biases associated with poverty measures are rarely larger than one percentage point. For data from multi-peaked or heavily skewed distributions, the biases are likely to be higher and of unknown sign.
Ephrin reverse signaling mediates palatal fusion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition independently of Tgfß3.

The mammalian secondary palate forms from shelves of epithelia-covered mesenchyme that meet at midline and fuse. The midline epithelial seam (MES) is thought to degrade by apoptosis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), or both. Failure to degrade the MES blocks fusion and causes cleft palate. It was previously thought that transforming growth factor s3 (Tgfs3) is required to initiate fusion. Members of the Eph tyrosine kinase receptor family and their membrane-bound ephrin ligands are expressed on the MES. We demonstrated that treatment of mouse palates with recombinant EphB2/Fc to activate ephrin reverse signaling (where the ephrin acts as a receptor and transduces signals from its cytodomain) was sufficient to cause mouse palatal fusion when Tgfs3 signaling was blocked by an antibody against Tgfs3 or by an inhibitor of the TgfsrI serine/threonine receptor kinase. Cultured palatal epithelial cells traded their expression of epithelial cell markers for that of mesenchymal cells and became motile after treatment with EphB2/Fc. They concurrently increased their expression of the EMT-associated transcription factors Snail, Sip1, and Twist1. EphB2/Fc did not cause apoptosis in these cells. These data reveal that ephrin reverse signaling directs palatal fusion in mammals through a mechanism that involves EMT but not apoptosis and activates a gene expression program not previously associated with ephrin reverse signaling.