cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multidetector row computed tomography for identification of left atrial appendage filling defects in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation for treatment of atrial fibrillation: comparison with transesophageal echocardiography.

Background Advances in multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) technology now permit three-dimensional cardiac imaging with high spatial and temporal resolution. Historically, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been the gold standard for assessment of the left atrial appendage (LAA) in patients with atrial fibrillation and other atrial arrhythmias. Findings on TEE, including demonstration of LAA thrombus and dense nonclearing spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC), predict future fatal and nonfatal thromboembolic events. Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of 64-detector row MDCT in detecting LAA thrombus and dense nonclearing SEC as identified by TEE in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation for treatment of atrial fibrillation. Methods A total of 72 consecutive patients (69.4% male; mean age 56.1 ± 10.3 years) underwent both MDCT and TEE for evaluation of the LAA (median intertest interval 0 days, interquartile range 0–5 days). MDCT assessment of the LAA was performed by two methods: (1) comparison of Hounsfield unit (HU) densities in the LAA apex to the ascending aorta (AscAo) in the same axial plane and (2) nonquantitative visual identification of a filling defect in the LAA. TEE evaluation of the LAA included identification of echodense intracavitary masses in the LAA as well as pulsed-wave Doppler interrogation of the LAA ostium. Results Patients with LAA thrombus or dense nonclearing SEC by TEE exhibited significantly lower LAA/AscAo HU ratios than patients who did not (0.82 ± 0.22 vs 0.39 ± 0.19, P P P Conclusion Current-generation MDCT successfully identifies LAA thrombus and dense nonclearing SEC with high sensitivity and moderate specificity. Importantly, LAA/AscAo HU ratios >0.75 demonstrate 100% negative predictive value for exclusion of LAA thrombus or dense nonclearing SEC. These results suggest that in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation procedures, MDCT examinations that demonstrate LAA/AscAo HU ratios >0.75 may preclude the need for preprocedural TEE.
Coupling between anomalous velocity and passive scalar increments in turbulence

Given (and confirmed numerically) that the exponents α and β in the passive scalar and velocity structure functions 〈(ΔT3)a〉∼rα, and 〈(Δu3)a〉∼rβ are anomalous, the scaling of γ in 〈(u(x+r)−u(x))a(T(x+r)−T(x))2a〉∼rγ is investigated. Analytical estimates show that γ cannot be as anomalous as α or β. Numerical computations (Pr=1, Reλ=141) show that γ is closer to β than to α. In addition, the statistical dependence of the velocity and passive scalar differences leads to an enhanced anomaly in γ.
FKHR (FOXO1a) is required for myotube fusion of primary mouse myoblasts

Activation of the transcription factor FKHR (Forkhead in human rhabdomyosarcoma, FOXO1a) in various established cell lines induces cell cycle arrest followed by apoptosis. These effects are inhibited through activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway, resulting in FKHR phosphorylation and its export from the nucleus, thus blocking its pro-apoptotic activity. Here we report that FKHR regulates fusion of differentiating primary myoblasts. We demonstrate that FKHR is localized in the cytoplasm of proliferating myoblasts, yet translocates to the nucleus by a phosphorylation-independent pathway following serum starvation, a condition that induces myoblast differentiation. FKHR phosphorylation during terminal differentiation appears to downregulate its fusion activity, as a dominant-active non-phosphorylatable FKHR mutant dramatically augments the rate and extent of myotube fusion. However, this FKHR mutant exerts its effects only after other events initiated the differentiation pro cess. Conversely, enforced expression of a dominant-negative FKHR mutant blocks myotube formation whereas wild-type FKHR has no effect. We conclude that in addition to the role of FoxO proteins in regulating cell cycle progress and apoptosis, FKHR controls the rate of myotube fusion during myogenic differentiation.
On the displacement boundary value problem of shallow spherical shells

Abstract By reformulating the displacement boundary conditions in terms of strain and curvature change measures, the displacement boundary value problem of shallow spherical shells becomes the static-geometric analogue of the corresponding stress boundary value problem. Without another set of independent calculations, the exact solution of the former and its asymptotic behavior are obtained directly from known results for the latter by applications of the rules of static-geometric analogy. This new formulation also offers a new perspective to a previous asymptotic solution of the displacement problem.
Proton occupation numbers for 44Ca

Abstract The (d, 3 He) proton pickup reaction on 44 Ca has been studied at a deuteron energy of E d = 19.0 MeV using the Minnesota MP Tandem Van de Graaff. Differential cross sections were measured at forward angles and spectroscopic factors were extracted in the usual fashion for the transitions to five states of 43 K. The results are compared with previous proton pickup and stripping reactions on the even Ca isotopes. Only about half of the sd hole state excitation strength observed in the stripping reactions could be found in the pickup from the fp orbitals if the data are analyzed by standard distorted wave calculations. This discrepancy can be removed by using bound state potential radii which are slightly larger for sd orbitals than for fp orbitals.
Isolation and characterization of 14 polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci for the endangered Whooping Crane (Grus americana) and their applicability to other crane species

Fourteen microsatellite DNA loci were isolated from the endangered Whooping Crane (Grus americana) and genetic variability assessed from 45 captive reared individuals. Allele numbers detected at each locus ranged from 2 to 6, the highest seen for this species. Mean observed heterozygosity varied from 0.04 to 0.79. These markers were then successfully amplified for two non-migratory populations of Sandhill Crane [Florida (Grus canadensis pratensis) and Missisippi (Grus canadensis pulla)], underscoring their utility for the conservation of threatened crane species.
Seasonal Distribution of Magnetite and Ilmenite in Beach Sand of Malaga Cove, California: ABSTRACT

In 1961, 1962, and 1963, surveys of part of the "black sand" beach at Malaga Cove, California, included profiles for measuring seasonal variations in beach erosion and accretion, and sampling for grain-size, mineral composition, and magnetite percentage. Profiles show maximum beach erosion during August and maximum accretion during January, contrary to the cycle of summer accretion and winter erosion for most beaches. Mean grain-sizes, determined from analyses of samples extracted on October 19, 1963, are largest for all depth intervals within a narrow strip midway between the cliff and the swash. Particle size gradually decreases both oceanward and shoreward and increases northward. The average percentage of magnetite decreases with an increase in grain-size. Magnetite, ilmenite, epidote, zircon, and quartz are the most abundant of 27 minerals identified petrographically in the very fine size. For all samplings, the magnetite content in the beach sand increases with depth and shoreward; maximum concentrations are at the "slope break" near the cliff. During beach buildup, high-energy waves temporarily erode the foreshore, carry the lighter, fine materials offshore, and concentrate the magnetite and other heavy minerals as laminations and layers at depth in the beach. The magnetite concentration high on the beach reflects the superiority of onshore wave energy over other types of wave energy. The magnetite and ilmenite in the sand at Malaga Cove are believed to have been transported from the western San Gabriel Mountains to Santa Monica Bay when the Los Angeles River channel followed the present course of Ballona Creek. The minerals were carried southward along the coast by predominant littoral movement in this direction and concentrated by wave action on the beach at Malaga Cove. End_of_Article - Last_Page 648------------
Estimating Downward Cross-Tropopause Ozone Flux using Column Ozone and Potential Vorticity

A new method of estimating the downward ozone flux across the midlatitude tropopause is introduced. The algorithm derives the estimate from total column ozone observations. Vertical information is given by analysis potential vorticity fields. This method yields an annual estimate of 500 +/- 140 Tg/yr stratospheric injection of ozone into the northern hemisphere, midlatitude troposphere. The downward ozone flux exhibits the expected spring maximum and autumn minimum. The annual distribution of the cross-tropopause ozone, transport by latitude is consistent with the seasonal frequency and (list distribution) of baroclinic systems. This algorithm also produces localized results and call thus be applied to a single case or global studies.
Concurrent processes: The affect-cognition relationship within the context of the "mere exposure" phenomenon

The affect-cognition relationship and Zajonc’s (1968) “mere exposure” hypothesis were examined in two studies that involved ratings of: (1) preference and familiarity for geometric forms previously scaled for complexity and (2) preference or height and familiarity for male yearbook pictures previously scaled for attractiveness or height. Two exceptions to his hypothesis were noted: simple geometric forms and unattractive faces showed satiation, and faces seen once before were rated more attractive than both novel faces and faces seen twice before. Moreover, mere exposure effects were noted with a nonaffective dimension (height). The major finding was that presentation frequency generally manifested independent relations to affect and rated familiarity, as well as to height and rated familiarity, therefore evoking a concurrent response process Eriksen, 1960).
Living Anionic Surface-Initiated Polymerization (LASIP) of Styrene from Clay Nanoparticles Using Surface Bound 1,1-Diphenylethylene (DPE) Initiators

Nanocomposite materials of clay nanoparticles and polystyrene were prepared using living anionic surface-initiated polymerization (LASIP). The montmorillonite clay surface and intergallery interfaces were intercalated with 1,1-diphenylethylene (DPE), an organic cation and initiator derivative for anionic polymerization. Its intercalation was confirmed by a series of characterization methods including X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed a complete replacement of the Na counterions by the charged initiators. LASIP was performed in a high-vacuum reaction setup for anionic polymerization using different styrene monomer/initiator ratios. A living anionic polymerization mechanism was determined from molecular weight (MW) data and the molecular weight distribution. A comparison of FT-IR, TGA, XPS, XRD, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) data confirmed that polystyrene was indeed “grafted from” clay surfaces f...
The role of science in the decision to site a high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, USA

Actions during most of this decade concerning where and how to locate a repository for high-level commercial and defence nuclear wastes have been guided by the National Environmental Policy Act and the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. Issues of repository siting have been controversial, and in December 1987 Congress passed the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act, which identified Yucca Mountain, Nevada, as the nation's first and only site to be characterized for a potential repository. This decision has generated understudied questions regarding the role of science and ethics derived from the mandates of the legislation and use of environmental impact methodology which is predicated upon a positivistic model of science. Because of the importance of choosing an acceptable repository site to protect humans and natural resources for thousands of years into the future, the broadest spectrum of views and in-depth critiques of the role of science in the repository program is required in order that understudied questions can be resolved.
Considerations of magnetic resonance angiography by selective inversion recovery

In the selective inversion recovery method for projection angiography, upstream blood is tagged by an inversion excitation and then allowed to flow into the imaged region. The subtraction of this first image from a second image acquired without the tagging leaves a signal from only the selectively tagged blood. Pulse sequence design involves consideration of the duration of the blood transit interval, excitation timing and cardiac gating, static material suppression, inversion excitation pulses, and flow compensation. Each of these considerations must be viewed with respect to the particular application. The method has demonstrated potential application to areas such as the carotid arteries, aortic arch, and peripheral Vessels. © 1988 Academic Press, Inc.
Excurrent duct system of the male turtle Chrysemys picta

The epididymis and efferent duct system of the turtle Chrysemys picta were examined. Seminiferous tubules are drained by a series of ducts that form a rete exterior to the tunica albuginea. The rete is located lateral to the testis and consists of anastamosing tubules of varying diameters, lined by a simple epithelium consisting of squamous to cuboidal cells. The rete is highly vascularized. A series of tubules (efferent ductules) connect the rete to the epididymis proper. The efferent ductules are highly convoluted, running between the epididymal tubules and are of varying diameters. The simple columnar epithelium lining these tubules possesses tight junctions, with every third or fourth cell possessing long cilia that protrude into the lumen. The cytoplasm of these epithelial cells contains abundant mitochondria. In the central portion of the efferent ductule, epithelial cells possess granules that appear to be secreted into the lumen by an apocrine process. The epididymis proper is a single, long, highly convoluted tubule that receives efferent ductules along its entire length. It is lined by a pseudostratified epithelium containing several cell types. The most abundant cell (vesicular cell) lacks cilia, but has a darkly staining apical border due to numerous small vesicles immediately beneath the luminal membrane. The small vesicles appear to fuse with each other basally to form larger vesicles. These cells appear to have an absorptive function, and occasionally sperm are embedded in their cytoplasm. The second-most abundant cell is a basal cell found along the basement membrane. The number of these cells fluctuates throughout the year, being most abundant in late summer and early fall. A small narrow cell with an oval nucleus and darkly staining cytoplasm, extending from the basement membrane to the apical surface, is present in small numbers, particularly in the caudal regions of the epididymis. This cell is frequently found in association with another narrow cell having a rounded nucleus and abundant mitochondria in its cytoplasm.
The impact of the Paasche-Laspeyres choice upon econometric results

Does it make any difference to econometric results whether ones uses the Laspeyres or Paasche index? In general, the divergence between these two is small, suggesting that index choice makes little difference to econometric results. We estimate 72 Malthusian models and because the Paasche and Laspeyres indices we use show below average divergence, these reslts should be conservative. We find that parameters differ substantially, that parameter signs can be reversed, thatr 2s change markedly and that hypothesis test results are reversed. These findings indicate the importance of estimating exact indices.
Latitudinal variation of a defensive symbiosis in the Bugula neritina (Bryozoa) sibling species complex.

Mutualistic relationships are beneficial for both partners and are often studied within a single environment. However, when the range of the partners is large, geographical differences in selective pressure may shift the relationship outcome from positive to negative. The marine bryozoan Bugula neritina is a colonial invertebrate common in temperate waters worldwide. It is the source of bioactive polyketide metabolites, the bryostatins. Evidence suggests that an uncultured vertically transmitted symbiont, “Candidatus Endobugula sertula”, hosted by B. neritina produces the bryostatins, which protect the vulnerable larvae from predation. Studies of B. neritina along the North American Atlantic coast revealed a complex of two morphologically similar sibling species separated by an apparent biogeographic barrier: the Type S sibling species was found below Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, while Type N was found above. Interestingly, the Type N colonies lack “Ca. Endobugula sertula” and, subsequently, defensive bryostatins; their documented northern distribution was consistent with traditional biogeographical paradigms of latitudinal variation in predation pressure. Upon further sampling of B. neritina populations, we found that both host types occur in wider distribution, with Type N colonies living south of Cape Hatteras, and Type S to the north. Distribution of the symbiont, however, was not restricted to Type S hosts. Genetic and microscopic evidence demonstrates the presence of the symbiont in some Type N colonies, and larvae from these colonies are endowed with defensive bryostatins and contain “Ca. Endobugula sertula”. Molecular analysis of the symbiont from Type N colonies suggests an evolutionarily recent acquisition, which is remarkable for a symbiont thought to be transmitted only vertically. Furthermore, most Type S colonies found at higher latitudes lack the symbiont, suggesting that this host-symbiont relationship is more flexible than previously thought. Our data suggest that the symbiont, but not the host, is restricted by biogeographical boundaries.
Stimulation of cardiac alpha receptors increases Na/K pump current and decreases gK via a pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway.

Alpha-adrenergic amines exert concentration-dependent actions on the automaticity of cardiac Purkinje fibers (Posner, P., E. L. Farrar, and C. R. Lambert. 1976. Am. J. Physiol. 231:1415–1420; Rosen, M. R., A. J. Hordof, J. P. Ilvento, and P. Danilo, Jr. 1977. Circ. Res. 40:390–400; Rosen, M. R., R. M. Weiss, and P. Danilo, Jr. 1984. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 231:1415–1420). At high concentrations they induce a largely beta adrenergic increase in the spontaneous firing rate of adult canine Purkinje fibers, whereas at concentrations less than 10(-6) M, their effect is mediated through alpha-adrenergic receptors and is seen predominantly as a decrease in the fibers' spontaneous firing rate. The mechanism for this decrease in spontaneous firing rate remains unexplained. We report here that phenylephrine (10(-7) M) increases the activity of the Na/K pump and decreases background gK in Purkinje myocytes. Both effects appear to be alpha-1 adrenergic and, in addition, are abolished on pretreatment with pertussis toxin. These results suggest that like the atrial muscarinic receptor (Pffafinger, P. J., J. M. Martin, D. D. Hunter, N. M. Nathanson, and B. Hille. 1985. Nature [Lond.]. 317:536–538; Breitwieser, G. E., and G. Szabo. 1985. Nature [Lond.]. 317:538–540) the Purkinje fiber alpha-1 receptor is coupled to background gK via a GTP-regulatory protein. Further, they suggest that the phenylephrine-induced decrease in spontaneous firing rate is due to stimulation of the Na/K pump via a novel coupling of the Na/K pump to a pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP regulatory protein.
Relation of the Big Five and Factor V subcomponents to social intelligence

Factor analysis of trait terms defining Factor V yielded five oblique subcomponents (Creativity, Intellect, Reflectiveness, Conservatism, and Closed Minded), the last of which seems to be an artifa...
THE ADRENAL CORTEX AND ELECTROLYTE METABOLISM

Some years ago (Zwemer, 1927) we observed that cats with adrenal insufficiency had “many symptoms that coincided with those of anhydremia. There is a rapid weight loss, the skin becomes gray, dry and wrinkled and loses its elasticity (as shown by the dry neck fold when the animal is picked up); the mucous membranes become dry and lustreless; the extremities are cold, although the rectal temperature may be high.” In a study of the “Pathologic Histology of Adrenalectomized Cats” with Dr. H. E. MacMahon (1929) we reported the fact that “the body is dehydrated, the surfaces of the peritoneal cavity, though smooth, lack their usual sheen. The liver and spleen are moderately congested, and the blood that flows from the freshly cut surfaces is unusually viscid.” “The clinical symptoms of (experimental) adrenal insufficiency include asthenia, anorexia, dehydration with loss of tissue turgor, decreased or stagnated peripheral circulation and early coldness of the extremities” (Zwemer, 1931). Many similar observati...
A physical model to predict STT-MRAM performance degradation induced by TDDB

STT-MRAM is one of the most promising candidates as a next generation nonvolatile memory due to its high speed, low power consumption and superior scalability. While much insight on device physics of MTJ has been gained in recent years, understanding of the impact of TDDB on STT-MRAM performance has been rather limited. In particular, for continuously improving the performance of MTJ, scaling of oxide thickness and increasing voltage drop across MTJ (Vmυ) are the two main solutions which can degrade the reliability margin. Therefore, an accurate TDDB reliability model with sound underlying physics is needed for evaluation of post-BD reliability of STT-MRAM. In this work, a physical model that captures the random nature of oxide BD time and post-BD current is proposed. Base on the simulation results (validated with experimental results), we suggest new design constraints for better reliability of STT-MRAM.
Hibernation Study with Lysiphlebus testaceipes, Parasite of the Greenbug

A significant, although low, number of the hymenopterous parasites, Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson), emerged from mummies of the parasitized greenbugs, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) during refrigeration at 3.3°C. After refrigeration, high numbers of adult progeny emerged at 24°C from parasite mummies stored at –4.4, –1.1, and 3.3°C for 7 days. The difference in the emergence numbers between the temperatures was non-significant, as were the differences between adult progeny numbers from mummies produced by virgin parasites and female parasites placed with males for copulation. Low numbers of adult parasites emerged at 24.0°C from mummies stored for 30 days at all 3 temperature levels and for 60 days at –1.1 °C. Development and emergence required 2–5 days more for those few parasites which emerged from mummies stored at –1.1°C, excluding the refrigeration period, when compared to uninterrupted development at 24.0°C which required 9–11 days.
Life and illness satisfaction for patients with chronic hepatitis C

Purpose: There has been an increased focus on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV), but global life satisfaction and the possibility of positive consequences of chronic disease (e.g., valuing life) have not yet been well clarified. The purpose of this study was to explore these issues in patients with HCV and to examine their relationships to demographic characteristics and HRQOL.
Age‐related differences in serum gonadotropin (FSH and LH), salivary testosterone, and 17‐β estradiol levels among Ache Amerindian males of Paraguay

Age-related differences in serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), salivary testosterone, and 17-β estradiol levels are reported for Ache Amerindian males (n = 17; mean age, 37.1 ± 14.2 SD) of Paraguay in order to explore population variation in patterns of male reproductive senescence in a foraging/agricultural community. Hormone associations were examined to test various hypotheses for age-related differences in hypothalamic-pituitary function. Significant increases in FSH (r = 0.75, P < 0.0005) and LH (r = 0.65, P < 0.01) were noted in association with aging. No significant correlation was observed between morning or evening testosterone and age. Morning and evening estradiol levels were associated with morning and evening testosterone, respectively (morning, r = 0.53, P = 0.05; evening, r = 0.63, P = 0.02). Evening estradiol was also positively associated with LH (r = 0.66, P = 0.02), suggesting testicular production to be an important source of circulating estradiol. Morning estradiol tended to rise with age, but was not significant (r = 0.39, P = 0.15). Anthropometric measurements of height, weight, body mass index, and fat percent did not change significantly with age. In contrast to testosterone, age-related differences in gonadotropin levels may be independent of energetic status, less variant, and more universal among male populations. Implications for gonadotropin function and aging on human male reproductive senescence and life histories are discussed. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Author's I: adolescents mediating selfhood through writing

This article looks across two ethnographic case studies on immigrant youth literacy practices in order to understand how two 10th-grade, Caribbean immigrant, high-school students use discourses of academic writing to mediate selfhood. Drawing on the concept of writing as ecology and Black Diaspora theory, the study asked the question: How do immigrant adolescents use writing to frame their experiences and mediate selfhood? The adolescents' use of curricular-based writing represents the dynamic intersection of their school, home and community contexts and it becomes the modes of discourse by which they re-inscribe definitions of themselves. Writing as ecology reflects the purposeful, intertextual ways in which adolescents negotiate “self” across intersecting H/home spaces.
The Americas literature review on internal auditing

Purpose – By conducting the 2006 global Common Body of Knowledge (CBOK) study, The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) attempts to better understand the expanding scope of internal auditing practice throughout the world. The purpose of this review of recent internal auditing literature in The Americas is to document how the internal audit function is changing in response to the shifts in global business practices.Design/methodology/approach – The literature in The Americas is reviewed with a focus on developments that have implications for the expanded scope of internal auditing and the changing skill sets of internal auditors. This focus has implications for CBOK 2006.Findings – The literature indicates a paradigm shift in the activities performed by internal auditors. The increasing complexity of business transactions, a more dynamic regulatory environment in the USA, and significant advances in information technology have resulted in opportunities and challenges for internal auditors. Although in ...
Chiral Solitons in 1+2 Dimensions

This paper obtains the exact 1-soliton solution to the chiral nonlinear Schrodinger’s equation in 1+2 dimensions. Both constant coefficients and time-dependent coefficients are considered. The topological as well as bright soliton solutions are obtained. The soliton ansatz method is used to carry out the derivation of the soliton.
Profile of undergraduate software engineering courses: results from a survey

A survey of undergraduate software engineering courses was conducted. The survey covered the issues of course level, course content, course organization, project characteristics and department demographics. The descriptive statistics show that the typical course focuses on the software development life cycle and includes a project intended for actual use. The project is carried out by teams of students, with student leaders. The issues of suitable textbooks, staffing, obtaining suitable software and sources of materials and training for teaching user-interface design surfaced as problem areas.
Systematics of Conduction in a Band Tail

Systematic trends in the transport properties of a series of slightly Eu-rich EuS crystals, which strongly suggest that conduction occurs in a band tail, are reported and analyzed. A quantitative model for transport in band tails is developed. The model achieves good agreement with the high-temperature resistivity and Hall coefficient of our samples, and gives accurate predictions of their low-temperature properties.
Graphene encapsulated gold nanoparticle-quantum dot heterostructures and their electrochemical characterization

Abstract A simple technique for patterning multilayer graphene shell encapsulated gold nanoparticles (GNPs) on the silicon substrate and their further surface decoration with semiconducting quantum dots (QDs) is reported. This leads to the fabrication of a novel silicon electrode decorated with GNP-QD hybrids or heterostructures. The morphology, structure, and composition of the GNPs and GNP-QD heterostructures were evaluated using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The heterostructures decorated silicon electrode was also evaluated for the electronic and electrochemical properties. The results showed that the electrical characteristics of the silicon substrate were significantly improved by decorating with GNPs and quantum dots. Furthermore, GNP-QD heterostructure electrode was observed to show significantly increased electrochemical charge transfer activity.
Saving for a rainy day

Critics of solar energy repeatedly point to the technology's ineffectiveness at night or during cloudy days. Proponents argue that storage systems can provide the necessary backup, but the critics counter that the development of storage systems will slow solar energy's growth and add to the already high cost per kilowatt. Now a National Research Council committee adds its voice to the chorus. The Solar Panel of the Committee on Advanced Energy Storage Systems says that the need for storage systems will not delay solar energy development. Present growth for most applications can proceed in the short run as expected. Delays may occur, however, with ‘stand alone’ electricity-generating systems, which are not connected to a utility network.
A comparison of slice characteristics and sensory characteristics of bacon from immunologically castrated barrows with bacon from physically castrated barrows, boars, and gilts.

The objectives were to compare slice char- acteristics and sensory attributes of bacon from immuno- logically castrated (IC) barrows with bacon from other sexes using a trained sensory panel. Bacon was obtained for sensory evaluation from 3 experiments. In Exp. 1, trimmed and squared bellies (n = 180) of IC barrows, IC barrows fed ractopamine hydrochloride (IC+RAC), physically castrated (PC) barrows, intact males (IM), and gilts were used. Data were analyzed as a general linear mixed model and pen (n = 48) served as the experimen- tal unit. Treatment (sex or diet) was a fixed effect in all 3 experiments. In Exp. 2, untrimmed, natural fall bel- lies (n = 96) from IC and PC barrows fed 0 or 30% or a withdrawal distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) program when slaughtered at 5 wk after the second dose (25 wk of age) were used. In Exp. 3, untrimmed, natural fall bellies (n = 96) from IC and PC barrows fed the same experimental diets as in experiment 2 but slaughtered at 7 wk after the second dose (27 wk of age) were used. Data from Exp. 2 and 3 were analyzed as a 2 × 3 facto- rial arrangement in a randomized complete block design and pen was the experimental unit. Bellies from all 3 experiments were processed using the same protocols. In Exp. 1, IM had the greatest (P < 0.0001) boar aroma and flavor scores among all treatments. No differences were detected among the other treatment groups for boar aroma or flavor. Intact males had the least (P < 0.0001) desirable cured bacon aroma and flavor among all treat- ments. No differences were detected among the other treatment groups for bacon aroma or flavor. There were no differences in bacon aroma or off-flavor between IC and PC barrows slaughtered at 5 wk after the second dose regardless of DDGS feeding program. Bacon from PC barrows was saltier (P < 0.01) than bacon from IC bar- rows when slaughtered at 5 wk after the second dose. There were no differences in bacon aroma, off-aroma, bacon flavor, or saltiness between IC and PC barrows slaughtered at 7 wk after the second dose regardless of DDGS feeding program. Total slice area of bacon slices from IC barrows slaughtered at 5 wk after the second dose were less (P < 0.01) than PC barrows, but the differences diminished (P = 0.16) when slaughtered at 7 wk after the second dose. Overall, panelists successfully detected boar odor and flavor in Exp. 1. Immunological castration was as effective as physical castration at eliminating boar aroma and boar flavor in bacon even when feeding dif- fering DDGS feeding programs or when slaughtered at 5 or 7 wk after the second dose.
The tree mortality regime in temperate old-growth coniferous forests: the role of physical damage

Aspects of the tree mortality regime were characterized for old-growth conifer forests in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA, using individual tree (stems ≥5 cm diameter at breast height ...
STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN POPULUS DELTOIDES TERMINAL BUDS AND IN THE VASCULAR TRANSITION ZONE OF THE STEMS DURING DORMANCY INDUCTION

Morphological and anatomical changes in shoots of vigorously growing cottonwood plants (Populus deltoides Bartr.) were studied during dormancy induction in 8-hr short days (SD) and in control plants grown in 18-hr long days (LD). Pronounced structural changes occurred in terminal buds after 4 wk and full dormancy was achieved in 7 wk of SD. Leaf expansion ceased after 5 wk of SD as foliage leaves matured to the terminal bud base at leaf plastochron index 0 (LPI 0). Within the bud, total leaf length (lamina + petiole) decreased and stipule length increased progressively each week; thus, the ratio total leaf length/stipule length decreased rapidly, especially at the position of incipient bud-scale leaves LPI -1 and LPI -2. These budscale leaves were fully developed by wk 6 and were derived from enlarged stipules and aborted laminae. The full complement of primordia within the bud at the start of SD eventually matured as foliage leaves and the first bud-scale leaf (LPI - 1) was initiated immediately following transfer to SD. Acropetal advance of the primary-secondary vascular transition zone (TZ) was associated with leaf maturation. However, it did not advance throughout the entire vascular cylinder as in LD, but only in those leaf traces serving mature leaves beneath the terminal bud. In both LD and SD treatments the same linear relationship was maintained between LPI of the TZ and LPI of the most recently matured leaf; both parameters simultaneously increased in LD and decreased in SD. Thus, the relationship between leaf maturation and advance of the TZ was maintained irrespective of environment.
One-step and multi-step linear equations: a content analysis of five textbook series

Being able to solve one-step and multi-step linear equations is a hallmark of algebraic proficiency in the United States and abroad. The purpose of this paper is to report on a textbook comparison study regarding the treatment of linear equations in five textbook series that are popular in the United States: Center for Mathematics Education Project Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 (CME), Core-Plus Mathematics Program Courses 1–3 (CPMP), Glencoe Algebra 1 and Algebra 2, Interactive Mathematics Program Years 1–3 (IMP), and University of Chicago School Mathematics Project Algebra and Advanced Algebra (UCSMP). Data are reported for the following curriculum variables: content, cognitive behavior, real-world context, and tools (technology and manipulatives). Sequencing of the content, and links between symbolic and functions-based approaches are discussed. Based on the data presented, what students experience relative to setting up and solving one-step and multi-step linear equations is likely to be markedly different, depending on which textbook is used in their classrooms. Implications for practice and ideas for further research are discussed.
DISCRIMINATION OF METHADONE AND COCAINE BY PIGEONS WITHOUT EXPLICIT DISCRIMINATION TRAINING

Pigeons were trained to peck a key on a variable-interval 2-min schedule of food reinforcement. Prior to each session, either 2.0 mg/kg methadone (n = 3), 3.0 mg/kg cocaine (n = 4), or 5.6 mg/kg cocaine (n = 2) was administered. When each pigeon's rate of pecking was stable, a range of doses of the training drug and saline were administered prior to 20-min extinction sessions separated by at least four training sessions. Rate of pecking during these extinction tests was generally an increasing function of dose, with the lowest rates obtained following saline and low doses and the highest rates obtained following doses near the training doses. Dose functions from pigeons trained with 5.6 mg/kg cocaine were steeper than those from pigeons trained with 3.0 mg/kg cocaine. Pigeons trained with methadone or 3.0 mg/kg cocaine were then given discrimination training, in which food reinforcement followed drug administration and 20-min extinction sessions followed saline administration. Rates of pecking under these conditions quickly diverged until near-zero rates were obtained following saline and high rates were obtained following drug. Discrimination training steepened dose functions for the training drugs, and the effects of several other substituted drugs depended on the pharmacology of the training drug. The pigeons trained with 5.6 mg/kg cocaine were tested with d-amphetamine, methadone, and morphine prior to discrimination training. d-Amphetamine increased rates dose dependently, and methadone and morphine did not. The results suggest that discriminative control by methadone and cocaine was established without explicit discrimination training.
Synergistic effects of BDNF and NT‐3 on postnatal spiral ganglion neurons

Neurotrophins have profound effects on the development and maintenance of neurons that compose the VIIIth cranial nerve. In the auditory division of the nerve, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) have been localized to the sensory epithelium, and their respective high-affinity tyrosine kinase receptors (TrkB and TrkC) are expressed within the neuronal population. By using a culture methodology that allows evaluation of single neurons, we determined that BDNF and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), which both bind to the TrkB high-affinity receptor, greatly enhanced neuron survival above control cultures. NT-3, which acts via the TrkC high-affinity receptor, also increased survival, but to a lesser extent. By testing a variety of neurotrophin concentrations and combinations, we observed that simultaneous activation of the TrkB and TrkC receptors synergistically promoted neuron survival compared to cultures that contained either neurotrophin alone at the same total concentration. Antibody labeling showed that the high-affinity Trk receptors were localized predominantly to the neurons and not to the surrounding satellite cells; furthermore, TrkB- and TrkC-specific antibodies each labeled 100% of the cultured neurons. These results suggest that synergistic interactions between BDNF and NT-3 may be crucial for spiral ganglion neuron survival during the final stages of development.
Practical Extraction of Evidence Terms From Common-knowledge Reasoning

Knowledge, belief, and evidence are fundamental notions which appear in a wide range of areas. Over the last decade epistemic reasoning with justifications has broadened even more the scope of applications of epistemic logic as agents gained the ability to not only reason about epistemic states of knowledge and belief of agents, but also to track their justifications and to sort those which are pertinent to given facts and sufficient for epistemic conclusions.This paper extends realization algorithm for S4-to-LP case to S4nJ-to-S4nLP case. It converts cut-free derivations in S4nJ into derivations in the corresponding Justification Logic S4nLP where witnesses of knowledge, the justification terms, are recovered for all instances of justified common knowledge. The algorithm was implemented in the MetaPRL framework and was tested on several well-known epistemic puzzles, such as Muddy Children, Surprise Examination Paradox, etc.
Macromolecular inhibitors of HIV-1 protease. Characterization of designed heterodimers.

Abstract Defective variants of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease (HIV PR) have been engineered to inhibit wild-type (wt) HIV PR activity. These variants were designed to promote the formation of heterodimers and to destabilize the formation of inactive variant homodimers of HIV-1 protease through substitutions at Asp-25, Ile-49, and Gly-50 (Babe, L. M., Rose, J., and Craik, C. S. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 92, 10069–10073; McPhee, F., Good, A. C., Kuntz, I. D., and Craik, C. S. (1996)Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A.93, 11477–11481). The mechanism of action of these dominant-negative inhibitors was established using recombinantly expressed defective monomers. The defective monomers were refolded in vitro in the presence of wt HIV PR and showed dose-dependent inhibition of proteolytic activity. This inhibition was shown to result from the formation of inactive heterodimers between defective and wt HIV PR monomers. Heterodimer formation was detected by (i) isolating refolded, inactive heterodimers using histidine-tagged defective monomers and (ii) isolating heterodimers from bacteria coexpressing both wt and defective variants of HIV PR. Single-chain variants of HIV PR, in which the C terminus of the wt HIV PR monomer was covalently tethered to the N terminus of the defective monomer, were also expressed and analyzed. Thermal denaturation of these single-chain heterodimers using differential scanning calorimetry revealed a 1.5–7.2 °C greater thermal stability than single-chain wt HIV PR. The thermodynamic trend shown by these three variants mirrors their relative inhibition in provirus transfection assays. These data support the model that the effects seen both in tissue culture and in vitro arise from an increase in stability conferred on these heterodimers by interface mutations and identifies heterodimer formation as their mechanism of inhibition.
Characterization of neutral oligosaccharide-alditols from Xenopus laevis egg jelly coats by matrix-assisted laser desorption Fourier transform mass spectrometry

Neutral oligosaccharides were released by alkaline sodium borohydride reduction of the jelly coating from the South African clawed toad, Xenopus laevis. The oligosaccharides were isolated by HPLC and analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI)-Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS). The mass spectrometry analysis allowed confirmation of 12 structures first proposed by Strecker et al. using nuclear magnetic resonance. In addition, seven new oligosaccharides with weak abundances were found and characterized by mass spectrometry. A method for discriminating metastable fragments from quasimolecular ions is described. It involves doping the sample with cesium chloride. Cesium-coordinated oligosaccharides do not fragment as readily as those coordinated to sodium. Tandem MS experiments are performed on an unknown oligosaccharide illustrating the potential of MALDI-collision-induced dissociation-FTMS.
Major League Baseball Performance as a Function of Being Traded A Drive Theory Analysis

The proposition that increased generalized drive interferes with complex task performance by enhancing a dominant response tendency (Zajonc, 1965) was tested in a nonreactive, real-life setting involving a natural and meaningful task. Batting performance (batting average and slugging percentage) of 59 major league baseball players was examined under four different motivational or drive conditions caused by being traded. A pattern of statistically significant performance changes in directions consistent with drive theory predictions (low drive-increased performance; high drive-decreased performance) emerged. The quality of the players and teams involved was unrelated to the magnitude of this effect, although a predicted interaction with player experience was borne out and supports a drive theory analysis. Several less viable interpretations of the data (e.g., statistical regression) are considered. Implications for sports psychology and applications to professional baseball are discussed.
Influence of Residual Stresses on the Wear Behavior of Alumina/Alumina–Zirconia Laminated Composites

Symmetric structures of laminated ceramic composites were produced by superimposing alternating layers of Al 2 O 3 and Al 2 O 3 /ZrO 2 composite prepared by tape casting. The composites were designed to have an alumina surface layer on either side. This configuration caused residual compressive stresses to be induced on the surface due to the different thermal expansion coefficients of the various layers, leading to an increase in the apparent surface toughness. The amount of residual stress was determined using the indentation technique. The tribological behavior of these laminated structures was evaluated using the pin-on-disk method for different loads and sliding speeds. Comparison with the results obtained from stress-free alumina showed that, within the range of these experimental conditions, the improvement in surface toughness leads to a reduced friction coefficient and increased wear resistance of the composites. Possible wear mechanisms are proposed.
Application of edge-based finite elements and vector ABCs in 3-D scattering

A FE-ABC (finite-element absorbing boundary condition) solution of the scattering by arbitrary 3-D structures is considered. The computational domain is discretized using edge-based tetrahedral elements. The specifics of the FE-ABC implementation are discussed. Some results are presented in order to demonstrate that remarkably accurate solutions can be obtained by enforcing the ABC a small fraction of a wavelength from the scatterer. >
Modern Treatment of Amyloidosis: Unresolved Questions

During the past 10 to 15 years, there has been substantial progress in developing new treatments for the systemic amyloidoses. These advances have improved patient outcomes but have also raised new questions with direct clinical implications. For example, development of less intensive treatments for AL amyloidosis has made less certain the role of autologous stem cell transplantation, and new quantitative assays should now allow determination of the importance of fully eliminating amyloidogenic light chain production in AL disease. Additionally, observations from a clinical trial in AA amyloidosis have generated hypotheses about the relative contributions of amyloid precursors and mature fibrils to amyloidosis-associated kidney disease.
Survival of Coliform Bacteria in Natural Waters: Field and Laboratory Studies with Membrane-Filter Chambers

Chambers with membrane-filter side walls were designed for studies of the survival of coliform bacteria in natural and artificial waters. Experiments were carried out in the field and in the laboratory. The initial uptake rate of inorganic ions, total carbon, and glucose into the chamber was greater than twice as fast as the accumulation of each into dialysis tubing. When the survival of a water-isolated fecal coliform bacterium was examined in two adjacent mountain streams, it was found that the organism persisted longer in Bozeman Creek than in Middle Creek. These data may be a reflection of the water chemistry because the concentration of inorganic constituents of the former was greater. Laboratory studies of the survival of a fecal coliform bacterium in artificial and natural water with continuous flow were used to determine the effect of chemical composition, temperature, and pH. The relation of this type of data to the use of fecal coliform bacteria as indicators of health hazard in water is discussed.