cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Density functional calculation of the geometric and electronic structure of a ( 1 × 1 ) and a ( 1 × 3 ) supported gold system: Au ∕ Ti O 3 ∕ Mo ( 112 )

We report a density functional calculation which optimizes a structure of supported Au on titania $\mathrm{Au}∕\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}∕\mathrm{Mo}(112)$. Our computations include two different surface configurations $(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1)$ and $(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}3)$. The results of our study detail the geometric and the electronic structure of these systems. The $(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1)$ structure has a ${\mathrm{Au}}^{\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{-}}$ monolayer for its top surface. When the Au coverage is increased, the partial second layer of Au (1/3 ML) causes the titania layer to reconstruct, providing a surface made up of three forms of Au (${\mathrm{Au}}^{\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\mathrm{Au}}^{0}$, and ${\mathrm{Au}}^{\ensuremath{\delta}+}$). We have added a vibrational component to our study which permits a possible experimental check on our proposed structures. We calculated the frequencies for a CO molecule when chemisorbed and optimized on these ${\mathrm{Au}}^{\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\mathrm{Au}}^{0}$, and ${\mathrm{Au}}^{\ensuremath{\delta}+}∕{\mathrm{Au}}^{0}$ bridge sites. The ${\mathrm{Au}}^{\ensuremath{\delta}+}∕{\mathrm{Au}}^{0}$ bridge site has the largest charge transfer with the adsorbing CO and the CO vibrational frequency is redshifted by $321\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ $(40\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{meV})$. We observe that the $2{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{*}$ antibonding level of the CO is above the Fermi level and the electronic density of states shows that the electronic levels reach continuously down passed the Fermi level.
Do landlords discriminate in the rental housing market? Evidence from an internet field experiment in US cities

Abstract This paper tests for racial discrimination in the rental housing market using matched-pair audits conducted via e-mail for rental units advertised on-line. We reveal home-seekers’ race to landlords by sending e-mails from names with a high likelihood of association with either whites or African Americans. Generally, discrimination occurs against African American names; however, when the content of the e-mail messages insinuates home-seekers with high social class, discrimination is non-existent. Racial discrimination is more severe in neighborhoods that are near “tipping points” in racial composition, and for units that are part of a larger building.
Highly swelling hydrogels from ordered galactose-based polyacrylates

High swelling galactose-based hydrogels have been prepared using a chemoenzymatic procedure. Regioselective acylation of β-O-methyl-galactopyranoside in nearly anhydrous pyridine with lipase from Pseudomonas cepacia yields the 6-acryloyl derivative (Compound I). Further lipase-catalysed acylation of the monoacrylate derivative in nearly anhydrous acetone yielded 2,6-diacryloyl-β-O-methyl galactopyranoside (Compound II) that can act as a cross-linker with a structure similar to that of the sugar-based monomer. The high selectivity of enzyme catalysis yielded apparently highly regular hydrogel networks with swelling ratios at equilibrium ranging from 170 to 1100, elastic moduli ranging from 0.005 to 0.088 MPa and calculated mesh sizes ranging from 1160 to 6600 A. These values are far higher than conventional uncharged or lightly charged hydrogels at similar elastic moduli. Gel swelling was fast, with 75% of the equilibrium swelling value reached in a fractional time of 0.17. Non-selective chemical acryloylation of β-O-methyl galactopyranoside followed by polymerization yielded a far lower-swelling hydrogel than that obtained using selective enzyme catalysis. These results indicate that the highly regular polymer structure achieved by regioselective enzyme-catalysed acylation yields relatively strong and highly swellable materials. Sugar-based hydrogels, such as those described herein, may find particular use as biomaterials because of their high water content, homogeneity, stability and expected non-toxicity. A wide range of pore sizes can be attained, suggesting that they may also be especially useful as matrices for enzyme immobilization and controlled delivery of biological macromolecules.
Relationships of plasma leptin levels to changes in plasma free fatty acids in women who are lean and women who are abdominally obese

HENNES, MAGDA MI, ARNAVAZ DUA, DIANA L MAAS, GABRIELE E SONNENBERG, GLENN R KRAKOWER, AHMED H KISSEBAH. Relationships of plasma leptin levels to changes in plasma free fatty acids in women who are lean and women who are abdominally obese. Regulation of leptin production by the hormonal and metabolic milieu is poorly understood. Because abdominal obesity is commonly associated with elevated plasma free fatty acid (FFA) flux, we examined the effects of augmenting FFA on plasma leptin levels in women who were lean and of suppressing FFA in women with abdominal obesity. In study 1, nine subjects who were lean, after a 12-hour overnight fast, received either intravenous saline or Intralipid plus heparin to increase the plasma FFA concentration to approximately 1000 μmol/ L. After 3 hours of additional fasting, subjects underwent 3-hour hyperglycemic clamps. In study 2, seven subjects with abdominal obesity were evaluated by a similar protocol, but lipolysis and plasma FFA flux were instead maximally suppressed by acipimox. In the individuals who were lean, leptin levels were unchanged during clamping. Increasing plasma FFA reduced plasma leptin from 7.66 ± 0.66 to 7.05 ±0 0.66 (p=0.03), but 3 hours of hyperglycemia plus hyperinsulinemia had no additional effect on leptin levels (7.15 ± 0.71). Basal leptin levels, 4-fold higher in the subjects with obesity, were reduced from 34.6 ± 2.4 μg/L to 32.3 ± 1.1 μg/L (p=0.004) during the clamp period. When plasma FFA flux was suppressed, however, plasma leptin levels after clamped hyperglycemia/hyperinsulinemia were increased to 38.9 ± 1.2 μg/L (p=0.014 vs. time 0 and 0.001 vs. saline protocol). Changes in leptin concentrations are not correlated with changes in FFA. These results suggest that plasma FFA concentration does not regulate plasma leptin levels in basal, extended fasting, or hyperglycemic/hyperinsulinemic states.
Introducing young engineers to the appreciation of magnetic amplifier problems

Young engineers entering a field of electrical development and design probably are equipped with some initial knowledge of that area, but may lack a balanced perspective of the relative significance of phenomena and facts and methods. In fact, they may have altogether immature notions of the ways by which engineering problems are solved. This is particularly true if their college training has been of a dreary ?learning-by-the-book? variety, where procedures and ?formulas? may have been derived or accepted without adequate effort to appreciate their physical significance, limitations and implications, and where so-called problems really may not have extended beyond disguised pretexts for algebraic or arithmetical manipulations within the rigid frame of those formulas.
Lake Trout Population Dynamics in the Northern Refuge of Lake Michigan: Implications for Future Rehabilitation

Abstract The Northern Refuge was established in 1985 as part of the lake trout Salvelinus namaycush rehabilitation effort for Lake Michigan. To evaluate progress toward lake trout rehabilitation in the Northern Refuge, we conducted annual (1991–2008) gill-net surveys in the fall to assess the adult population and beam trawl surveys in the spring to assess naturally reproduced age-0 lake trout. Our criteria for evaluating progress included the density of “wild” age-0 fish within the Northern Refuge, the proportion of wild fish within the adult population, density of spawners, adult survival, growth, and wounding rate by sea lampreys Petromyzon marinus. No wild age-0 lake trout were caught in the Northern Refuge during 1991–2008. Overall, wild lake trout did not recruit to the adult population to any detectable degree. The mean density of spawning lake trout decreased from 45 fish·305 m of gill net−1·d−1 during 1991–1999 to only 4 fish·305 m−1·d−1 during 2000–2008. Although the sea lamprey wounding rate mor...
The Combinatorics of String Alignments: Reconsidering the Problem*

Abstract In recent work, Covington discusses the number of alignments of two strings. Thereby, Covington defines an alignment as “a way of pairing up elements of two strings, optionally skipping some but preserving the order”. This definition has drawbacks as it excludes many relevant situations. In this work, we specify the notion of an alignment so that many linguistically interesting situations are covered. To this end, we define an alignment in an abstract manner as a set of pairs and then define three properties on such sets. Secondly, we specify the numbers of possibilities of aligning two strings in each case.
Prolonged antibody production in rats after single injection of KLH coated on bentonite.

Abstract KLH coated on bentonite stimulated a high titer and a prolonged production of anti-KLH antibody. After one injection of 100 μg or 300 μg KLH coated on bentonite the anti-KLH titer detected one year later by passive hemagglutination was equal to 8200 and 20,480 respectively.
Proton‐Ionizable crown compounds. 8. Synthesis and structural studies of macrocyclic polyether ligands containing a 4‐thiopyridone subcyclic unit

Three new proton-ionizable macrocyclic polyether ligands containing the 4-pyridone subcyclic group have been prepared. Two of these ligands contain lipophilic n-octyl substituents, the other ligand contains a phenyl substituent. The 15-crown-5 ligand containing both a 4-pyridone subcyclic unit and an n-octyl substituent selectively transported lithium cations in a water-methylene chloride-water bulk liquid membrane system. Five crown compounds containing the 4-pyridone subcyclic unit were converted to the 4-thiopyridono-crown compounds when treated with Lawesson's Reagent. The crystal structure of 4-thiopyridono-18-crown-6 shows a carbon-sulfur double bond and a molecule of water hydrogen bonded inside the macrocycle cavity.
A study of convergence properties of adaptive algorithms for robotic systems

A comparison is made between two types of adaptive control algorithm. The first type is based on Lyapunov functions, and mechanical energy considerations play a key role in their construction. A second method studied involves a majorizing function approach in which a linear function bounds the modeling error which implicitly involves different types of nonlinearity. A gravity vector nonlinearity is studied as an example. This latter method is more of a dominant eigenvalue method and is compared to the time constant approach using the Lyapunov functions. >
Hankel based maximum margin classifiers: A connection between machine learning and Wiener systems identification

This paper considers the problem of nonparametric identification of Wiener systems in cases where there is no a-priori available information on the dimension of the output of the linear dynamics. Thus, it can be considered as a generalization to the case of dynamical systems of non-linear manifold embedding methods recently proposed in the machine learning community. A salient feature of this framework is its ability to exploit both positive and negative examples, as opposed to classical identification techniques where usually only data known to have been produced by the unknown system is used. The main result of the paper shows that while in principle this approach leads to challenging non-convex optimization problems, tractable convex relaxations can be obtained by exploiting a combination of recent developments in polynomial optimization and matrix rank minimization. Further, since the resulting algorithm is based on identifying kernels, it uses only information about the covariance matrix of the observed data (as opposed to the data itself). Thus, it can comfortably handle cases such as those arising in computer vision applications where the dimension of the output space is very large (since each data point is a frame from a video sequence with thousands of pixels).
Endorphin analogs with potent and long-lasting analgesic effects.

Abstract The analgesic effects of intracerebroventricular administration of α , γ , and β -endorphin and their D-Ala 2 -analogs were examined in the rat using the tail-flick test. Analgesia was produced by all substances. The actions of D-Ala 2 - α and - β -endorphin were considerably greater than the parent forms, whereas D-Ala 2 -γ-endorphin was approximately equivalent to the parent compound. The marked analgesia was dose dependent and prolonged for all analogs. Since these effects were reversed by the opiate antagonist naloxone, it was concluded that opiate receptors mediate the action of these analogs. It is suggested that these analogs may be useful in behavioral tests when a longer duration of action is desirable.
Sleep Quality and Temperament Among University Students: Differential Associations With Nighttime Sleep Duration and Sleep Disruptions

Sleep-temperament associations have not yet been examined among university students, despite awareness of the high incidence of sleep problems in this population. The present study was conducted (a) to examine whether sleep quality was associated with temperament among university-attending young adults and (b) to determine whether particular components of sleep quality were differentially associated with temperament. University students completed questionnaires designed to assess sleep quality and temperament. Poor sleep quality was associated with increased negative affect and orienting sensitivity as well as decreased effortful control; regression analyses revealed differential associations between components of nighttime sleep quality and temperament ratings. The presented study reveals conceptual continuity in sleep-temperament relations from infancy to young adulthood and highlights important avenues for future research.
An evaluation of the inverted metamorphic gradient at Langtang National Park, Central Nepal Himalaya

The crystalline core of the Himalayan orogen in the Langtang area of Nepal, located between the Annapurna-Manaslu region and the Everest region, contains middle to upper amphibolite grade pelitic gneisses and schists. These rocks are intimately associated with the Main Central Thrust (MCT), one of the major compressional structures in the northern Indian plate, which forms a 3.7-km-wide zone containing rocks of both footwall and hangingwall affinity. An inverted metamorphic gradient is noticeable from upper footwall through hangingwall rocks, where metamorphic conditions increase from garnet grade near the MCT zone to sillimanite + K-feldspar grade in the upper hangingwall. Petrographic data distinguish two metamorphic episodes that have affected the area: a high-pressure, moderate-temperature episode (M1) and a moderate-pressure, high-temperature episode (M2). Comparison with appropriate reaction boundaries suggests that conditions for M1 in the hangingwall were approximately 900–1200 MPa and 425–525°C. Thermobarometric results for 24 samples from the footwall, MCT zone and hangingwall reflect P-T conditions during the M2 phase of 400–1200 MPa and 490–660° C. The decrease in estimated palaeopressures from footwall to hangingwall approximate a lithostatic gradient of 27 MPa km-1, with slight fluctuations in the MCT zone reflecting structural discontinuities. In contrast to the palaeopressures, palaeotemperatures are indistinguishable across the entire area sampled. Although field evidence suggests the presence of the inverted palaeothermal gradient well known in the Himalaya, quantitative thermobarometry indicates that temperatures of final equilibration were all within error of each other across 17 km of section. At Langtang, change in pressure is responsible for the presence of the sequence of index minerals through the section. I interpret these data to reflect diachronous attainment of equilibrium temperature conditions in a lithostatic palaeopressure profile after ductile faulting of the sequence.
Adrenalectomy reverses stress-induced suppression of luteinizing hormone secretion in long-term ovariectomized rats

An inhibitory effect of stress on reproductive function is well established. This inhibition involves activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which leads to a suppression of LH secretion. It has been proposed that this suppression is mediated by a direct effect of CRF that is independent of glucocorticoid actions. We tested this proposition by examining plasma LH levels in adult rats that were both ovariectomized (OVX) and adrenalectomized (ADX). Each animal was surgically implanted with an indwelling atrial cannula and exposed to intermittent foot shock for 100 min. Blood samples were drawn just prior to putting the animals into the test cage and then at 20-min intervals. Results revealed normal castrate levels of plasma LH in both ADX and ADX/OVX animals prior to shock. A significant shock-induced suppression of LH was observed in OVX animals within 20 min after the onset of shock and remained throughout the duration of the session. In contrast, no evidence was obtained for a suppression of LH in OVX/ADX animals at any time point. Additional studies demonstrated a marked suppression of LH in experimentally naive OVX/ADX females implanted with corticosterone capsules for 2 weeks prior to blood sampling. Overall, these results support a primary role for glucocorticoid actions in the stress-induced inhibition of reproductive function.
Interaction of Arrestins with Intracellular Domains of Muscarinic and α2-Adrenergic Receptors

The intracellular domains of G-protein-coupled receptors provide sites for interaction with key proteins involved in signal initiation and termination. As an initial approach to identify proteins interacting with these receptors and the receptor motifs required for such interactions, we used intracellular subdomains of G-protein-coupled receptors as probes to screen brain cytosol proteins. Peptides from the third intracellular loop (i3) of the M2-muscarinic receptor (MR) (His208-Arg387), M3-MR (Gly308-Leu497), or alpha2A/D-adrenergic receptor (AR) (Lys224-Phe374) were generated in bacteria as glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins, bound to glutathione-Sepharose and used as affinity matrices to detect interacting proteins in fractionated bovine brain cytosol. Bound proteins were identified by immunoblotting following SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Brain arrestins bound to the GST-M3 fusion protein, but not to the control GST peptide or i3 peptides derived from the alpha2A/D-AR and M2-MR. However, each of the receptor subdomains bound purified beta-arrestin and arrestin-3. The interaction of the M3-MR and M2-MR i3 peptides with arrestins was further investigated. The M3-MR i3 peptide bound in vitro translated [3H]beta-arrestin and [3H]arrestin-3, but did not interact with in vitro translated or purified visual arrestin. The properties and specificity of the interaction of in vitro translated [3H]beta-arrestin, [3H]visual arrestin, and [3H]beta-arrestin/visual arrestin chimeras with the M2-MR i3 peptide were similar to those observed with the intact purified M2-MR that was phosphorylated and/or activated by agonist. Subsequent binding site localization studies indicated that the interaction of beta-arrestin with the M3-MR peptide required both the amino (Gly308-Leu368) and carboxyl portions (Lys425-Leu497) of the receptor subdomain. In contrast, the carboxyl region of the M3-MR i3 peptide was sufficient for its interaction with arrestin-3.
Interaction of Chromium(VI) with the α-Aluminum Oxide−Water Interface

Interfacial processes can control the transport, speciation, and ultimate fate of aqueous pollutants in groundwater. Here, we apply resonantly enhanced second harmonic generation as well as the χ(3...
Performance of OFDM Systems in Rayleigh Fading Channels with Phase Noise and Channel Estimation Errors

This paper provides the analysis of the joint effects of oscillator phase noise and channel estimation errors on the performance of OFDM in Rayleigh Fading channels. The contribution of the above impairments to the signal distortion is mathematically described, and a proof of the distribution of the Intercarrier Interference (ICI) is also provided. Analytic and simulation results for the bit error rate (BER) of the system, with and without channel estimation errors, are then presented.
Effect of insulin and 2-deoxy-D-glucose on feeding and plasma glucose levels in the spiny mouse

Abstract Adult male spiny mice ( Acomys cahirinus ) were challenged with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) or regular insulin, and food intake or plasma glucose concentration was measured. Mice did not increase their food intake over baseline levels following treatment with 2-DG (62.5–1000 mg/kg). In contrast, regular insulin injections (1–50 U/kg) stimulated a modest, but significant increase in feeding, which was apparent within 2 hr at a low dose of 1 U/kg. However, a marked hyper- and hypoglycemia (compared to saline controls), respectively, were induced within 30 min by 2-DG (250 and 500 mg/kg) and regular insulin (1 and 3 U/kg). Reduced glucose levels may not account for the insulin-induced hyperphagia.
Vector magnetic fields, subsurface stresses and evolution of magnetic helicity

Observations of the strength and spatial distribution of vector magnetic fields in active regions have revealed several fundamental properties of the twist of their magnetic fields. First, the handedness of this twist obeys a hemispheric rule: left-handed in the northern hemisphere, right-handed in the southern. Second, the rule is weak; active regions often disobey it. It is statistically valid only in a large ensemble. Third, the rule itself, and the amplitude of the scatter about the rule, are quantitatively consistent with twisting of fields by turbulence as flux tubes buoy up through the convection zone. Fourth, there is considerable spatial variation of twist within active regions. However, relaxation to a linear force-free state, which has been documented amply in laboratory plasmas, is not observed.
Combining numerical model output and particulate data using Bayesian space–time modeling

Over the past few years, Bayesian models for combining output from numerical models and air monitoring data have been applied to environmental data sets to improve spatial prediction. This paper develops a new hierarchical Bayesian model (HBM) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that combines U. S. EPA Federal Reference Method (FRM) PM2.5 monitoring data and Community Multi-scale Air Quality (CMAQ) numerical model output. The model is specified in a Bayesian framework and fitted using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques. We find that the statistical model combining monitoring data and CMAQ output provides reliable information about the true underlying PM2.5 process over time and space. We base these conclusions on results of a validation exercise in which independent monitoring data were compared with predicted values from the HBM and predictions from a standard kriging model based solely on the monitoring data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating protein interactions through cross-linking mass spectrometry

New bioinformatics tools enable the recognition of neighboring amino acids in protein complexes.
Issues in meta‐analysis: An overview

A summary is provided for the relevant issues that investigators must address when wishing to synthesize data via a meta-analysis. The analogy is made to conducting a clinical trial and its components. Both design and statistical issues are discussed with the goal of assuring that the proper elements are included in the meta-analysis. Further, global concerns are presented so that the researcher is aware of the clinical controversies faced when conducting a meta-analysis. Finally a comparison is made of the advantages and disadvantages of a large-scale clinical trial versus a meta-analysis.
The embryonic diapause of Aulocara elliotti (Orthoptera, Acrididiae). Histological and morphometric changes during diapause development and following experimental termination with juvenile hormone analogue.

Progressive hypertrophy of fat body, muscles, gonads and pleuropodial glands was observed with lengthening diapause incubation in embryos of Aulocara elliotti. Embryonic hemolymph stained more darkly and lipoid materials accumulated in the fat body and other tissues. Gradual increase in volumes was observed in the corpora cardiaca, corpora allata and ventral head glands (ecdysial glands). Termination of diapause was achieved in embryos treated with juvenile hormone analogue (JHA) (4 ethyl phenyl 6.7 epoxy geranyl ether —87%, Stauffer Chemical) applied directly to the egg undiluted or when eggs were immersed in a 10% solution in methanol. Treated embryos terminating diapause underwent rapid teratological morphogenesis, achieving pigmentation and sclerotization as in definitive embryos without engulfing their yolk. In treated embryos which remained in diapause, unusual paired masses of pigmented cells, resembling the melanotic pseudotumors of Drosophila, were observed ventral and lateral to the stomodeum and are thought to be subesophageal body cells (pericardial cell homologues). In some embryos these cells were enlarged, lysed or their nuclei rhexic and pycnotic. This response suggests these cells are target organs for JHA, or perhaps for ecdysone or its precursor released by JHA treatment. Endocrine glands in treated embryos had significantly larger volumes (.01) than those of controls or untreated embryos. The ventral head glands of treated embryos appeared to be cytoplasmically depleted. It is suggested that JHA triggered the release of stored ecdysone (or its precursor produced in the ventral head gland) at a rate too rapid for normal morphogenetic processes, such as dorsal closure, to accompany epidermal maturation. The response to JHA cannot be interpreted as juvenilization, but rather must be considered to be precocious maturation. These results indicate that: 1. diapause development involves a transfer of nutrient materials from the yolk into the fat body and other embryonic tissues where they are available to meet the demands of post-diapause morphogenesis; 2. that embryonic diapause in A. elliotti is a consequence of endocrine deficiency which probably results ultimately from the lack of neurosecretory stimulus from the brain-corpora cardiaca complex; and 3. that the subesophageal body cells, and perhaps the pericardial cells, play an essential role in the embryonic physiology, perhaps in the production of carrier protein and/or an essential growth regulator.
Promotion of Seed Germination by Nitrates and Cyanides

MANY viable seeds fail to germinate in darkness after imbibing water, but do so to varying degrees in solutions of several compounds. Well known promoters of germination are nitrate, nitrite and various sulphydryl and gibberellin salts1. Hydroxylammonium salts, although often cited as inhibitory1, are known to promote germination at low concentrations2. The essential action of none of these is understood and the use of nitrates in seed testing remains empirical. In seeking underlying causes for the promotive effects of nitrates we examined the germination responses to other nitrogenous salts as well as compounds affecting respiration. Cyanides were found to promote germination of many kinds of seeds in extension of the observations of Roberts3.
The excess enthalpies of (ethane + chlorodifluoromethane) from 293.15 to 383.15 K at 5.15 MPa☆

The excess molar enthalpies HmE for (ethane+chlorodifluoromethane) were measured in the vicinity of the critical points of the components and in the supercritical region. Regions of large positive and negative HmE were obtained depending on the compositions and temperatures of the mixtures. The HmE values near and between the critical temperatures of ethane and chlorodifluoromethane were predicted using either an equation of state (modified Redlich-Kwong equation) or a model for heat capacities. Both models predicted the shapes of the HmE curves over the range of compositions and temperatures investigated and gave HmE values with an average standard deviation of less than 650 J·mol−1.
Risk Factors for Urinary Incontinence after Radical Prostatectomy

AbstractPurpose: We identified risk factors associated with urinary incontinence after radical retropubic prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: The time from operation until urinary continence was achieved was determined by chart review and questionnaire in 581 patients who were continent before undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy between 1983 and 1994. Using univariate and multivariate analyses of data gathered prospectively, we examined risk factors associated with incontinence in these patients.Results: The actuarial rate of urinary continence at 24 months was 91 percent for the entire patient populations and 95 percent for those treated after 1990. Many factors were associated with the risk of incontinence in univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis (patient age and weight, degree of obstructive voiding symptoms, prior transurethral resection of the prostate, clinical stage, intraoperative blood loss, resection of neurovascular bundles, postoperative anastomotic stricture and tec...
Graphical modelling and the Mahalanobis distance

Abstract I consider the problem of estimating the Mahalanobis distance between multivariate normal populations when the population covariance matrix satisfies a graphical model. In addition to providing a clear understanding of the dependencies in a multivariate data set, the use of graphical models can reduce the variability of the estimated distances and improve inferences. I derive the asymptotic distribution of the estimated Mahalanobis distance under a general covariance model, which includes graphical models as a special case. Two examples are discussed.
Pain threshold in diabetic rats: effects of good versus poor diabetic control.

Abstract Pain threshold was assessed via tail flick latency in streptozotocin diabetic rats following a 1-month period of either good or poor diabetic control. Additionally, tail flick latencies were determined under test conditions of euglycemia (60–120 mg/dl) and hyperglycemia (>250 mg/dl) for both groups of diabetic rats. Conditions of hyperglycemia resulted in a significant decrease in tail flick latency in diabetic animals maintained in good as well as poor diabetic control. However, tail flick latencies for animals in the good but not in the poor diabetic control group increased when animals were euglycemic at the time of testing. Animals in the poor diabetic control group continued to have reduced tail flick latencies even after acute normalization of blood glucose levels. These results suggest that chronic states of hyperglycemia that attend prolonged periods of poor diabetic management may lead to persistent alterations in pain threshold. In contrast, the reduced pain threshold of rats maintained in good diabetic control was reversed by a normalization of blood glucose levels. These findings provide evidence for two patterns of hyperalgesia in diabetic rats: 1. (1) a readily reversible form in well-maintained diabetic rats that is altered by reducing circulating blood glucose levels to control values and 2. (2) a more persistent form found in poorly controlled diabetic rats that does not respond to acute normalization of blood glucose.
Research note: Sankey diagrams for visualizing land cover dynamics

Abstract Comparison of categorical maps from two or more points in time is a common technique to detect land cover and land use change. Cross-tabulation matrices, which contain information on the sizes of categorical differences between two maps, are often used to describe the amount and type of land cover change that has occurred between two points in time. However, the use of multiple matrices to describe changes occurring over more than one time interval can be difficult to interpret. This article presents a graphical method for presenting the land cover information contained in one or more cross-tabulation matrices based on Sankey diagrams, which depict the flow of energy or materials through a network. Through the example of a series of land cover maps of the San Juan, Puerto Rico area (1999–2003), this form of Sankey diagram is demonstrated to efficiently and elegantly present information on land cover persistence and change over multiple time intervals.
Spatial and Temporal Variability of Corn Growth and Grain Yield

Effects of factors influencing spatial and temporal variability of crop yields are usually expressed in crop growth patterns. Consequently, monitoring crop growth can form the basis for managing site-specific farming (SSF). This experiment was conducted to determine whether crop growth patterns forecast grain yields. Effects of irrigation rates (50 and 80% evapotranspiration, ET), elevation, soil texture, soil NO 3 -N, arthropods, and diseases on corn (Zea mays L.) growth and grain yield were evaluated at Halfway, TX, in 1998 and 1999. Data on plant height, leaf area index, leaf dry matter, stem dry matter, and ear dry matter were collected from geo-referenced locations (DGPS). These data were used to derive total dry matter, crop growth rate, and net assimilation rate (NAR). Grain yields at DGPS locations were classified into four distinct clusters. In 1998, a dry season, clusters were strongly influenced by elevation and soil texture. Grain yields were higher at high elevations where water use was high and soil texture was heavy compared with low elevations. Grain yields at low elevations also were reduced by common smut [Ustilago zeae (Beckm.) Unger] that preferred dry conditions. In 1999, a relatively wet season, clusters included areas with different elevation and soil texture combinations. Measured parameters forecast grain yields better in 1998 than in 1999. Differences in NAR were evident before the 12-leaf stage, making NAR a potentially useful measurement for early in-season management decisions. Biomass measurements, for which differences were observed after the 12-leaf stage, also may be used to formulate decisions for both in-season and the following season's management.
Influence of Individual Differences in Temporal Sensitivity on Timing Performance

This research was designed to examine the consistency of individual differences in timing. Subjects were tested initially on a temporal-signal-detection task. In a series of trials, subjects judged whether a stimulus figure was displayed for either 12 s or greater than 12 s. Task performance was used to classify the subjects into groups with high or low temporal sensitivity (d'). Later, the subjects were tested on two classic time-judgment tasks. In a temporal-interference task, subjects reproduced intervals of 8 – 16 s during which they had rehearsed 0, 3, or 7 digits. Absolute error in time judgments increased linearly as a function of task demands. However, subjects with low temporal sensitivity made more error under all conditions compared with those with high sensitivity. In an isochronous-tapping task, subjects produced a series of 2-s and 5-s intervals. The low-temporal-sensitivity group produced more variable and inaccurate responses than the high-sensitivity group. The results demonstrate cross-s...
Is Psychology Losing Its Foundations? 1

I contend that, together with increasing diversity of subject matter, there is a contraction of methods and approaches in psychology today. There is decreasing room for small, but critical, parts of the field— particularly those in cultural-scientific aspects of psychology, such as the history, philosophy, and theory of psychology and general psychology. These areas provide the foundations of entire discipline. These changes occur in the context of growing anti-intellectualism in society at large and changing pressures in universities. I explore these trends at these three levels: society, universities, and psychology, and suggest some remedies for psychology. Much has been written about the increasing diversity of psy- chology, with greater attention given to such perspectives as racial, gender, sexual preference, and international matters, as well as the proliferation of specialties in psychology. Although these trends are important and beneficial to psychology, I also see a homoge- nization of the field. The focus on psychology as a science and profession and as a means of promoting health, education, and human welfare, as promulgated by the American Psychological Association (APA) appears to me to be incomplete. There are parts of psychology that do not fit readily into any of these cubbyholes and they are being squeezed out. These are the academic, nonsci- entific parts that provide the basic foundation for all of psycholo- gy's other efforts. Neglected parts of psychology concern issues related to the humanities including philosophy, theory, history, literature, the arts, and religions. It is difficult to provide a name for these approaches. Earlier, I called these the "Academic, Non-Science Psychologists" (Dews- bury, 2000), a term is both cumbersome and negative. The terms "human sciences" and "humanistic psychology" have been co- opted elsewhere. Perhaps the German Geisteswissenschaften, that refers to inquiry in the human or social sciences and that are different in kind from the natural sciences (Naturwissenschaften) fits best. For convenience, here I will use the term "cultural sciences" to refer to the fields of interest, although, according to many definitions of science, these may not be sciences at all. In no way do I wish to disparage psychology as a science, practice, and service to humanity. I merely suggest that there is an important, albeit small, part of psychology that is left out with such conceptualizations; it is these other parts of psychology that I address here. Whatever they are called, I believe that these fields have been an integral part of psychology at least from its beginning as an independent discipline and that they have an important founda- tional role in today's psychology. I explore recent developments at the levels of society in general, universities, and psychology itself because one needs to understand that they occur in the context of broader cultural influences. I am surely not the first to write about these issues. Indeed, I may be late to the game. Never- theless, I hope to provide a useful overview of the current situation as I view it.
Metabolic enzymes in liver and kidney of the germfree rat.

Abstract The effect of intestinal microflora on the activities of NADP-dependent dehydrogenases in liver and kidneys, and on fatty acid synthetase, ATP-citrate lyse, cytochrome oxidase and succinate dehydrogenase activities in liver of rats were studied. Germfree rats showed a decrease in liver succinate dehydrogenase activity, and no effect on liver cytochrome oxidase activity. The absence of an intestinal microflora resulted in a significant decrease of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase activities, and a substantial increase of ATP-citrate lyase and fatty acid synthetase activities in the liver. Liver malate dehydrogenase activity was comparable in both germfree and conventional animals. Germfree status had no effect on the activities of NADP-dependent dehydrogenases in the kidney. It is concluded that the absence of an actively metabolizing microflora was associated with quantitative shifts in the activity of hepatic enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
Modelling organelle transport after traumatic axonal injury.

This paper is motivated by recent experimental research (Tang-Schomer et al. 2012) on the formation of periodic varicosities in axons after traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI leads to the formation of undulated distortions in the axons due to their dynamic deformation. These distortions result in the breakage of some microtubules (MTs) near the peaks of undulations. The breakage is followed by catastrophic MT depolymerisation around the broken ends. Although after relaxation axons regain their straight geometry, the structure of the axon after TBI is characterised by the presence of periodic regions where the density of MTs has been decreased due to depolymerisation. We modelled organelle transport in an axon segment with such a damaged MT structure and investigated how this structure affects the distributions of organelle concentrations and fluxes. The modelling results suggest that organelles accumulate at the boundaries of the region where the density of MTs has been decreased by depolymerisation. Accor...
Is the choice of renewable portfolio standards random

This study investigated factors influencing the adoption or intention to adopt renewable portfolio standards (RPS) by individual states in the United States (U.S). Theory of adoption of innovation was applied as a conceptual framework. A logistic model was used to achieve the task. Gross state product (GSP), growth rate of population (GRP), political party dominancy, education level, natural resources expenditure, and share of coal in electricity generation were used as explanatory variables. Results indicated that the model predicts the dependent variable (state's choice of adopting or not adopting RPS) 82 times correctly out of 100. Results also suggested that education followed by political party dominancy, GSP and GRP are shown to have large impacts on the probability of RPS adoption.
On hindered settling of particles of different sizes

Abstract The flow of a non-dilute fluid suspension is considered in which the dispersed phase consists of particles or droplets of different sizes. A phenomenological two-phase flow theory is formulated for both continuous and discrete distributions of particle sizes and illustrated by considering the batch settling of such a mixture. The volume fractions and particle distribution functions are determined, as well as the composition of the sedimentary layer.
Perspectives on Psychogenic Versus Biogenic Factors in Orofacial and Other Pain States

Abstract The term psychogenic pain has been applied to pain conditions, including specific chronic orofacial states, that present without an adequate pathophysiologic basis to account for the pain. The position taken in this focus article is that the concept of psychogenic pain can be provocative and heuristic for research but that its use in clinical settings is highly problematic. Moreover, although the concept of psychogenic pain is provocative, the term psychogenic pain reinforces a dualistic notion about pain, as either psychogenic or not, that is contrary to current biopsychosocial models of pain. Based on such a model of pain, findings from neurophysiologic and psychologic research are incorporated into a discussion of issues central to the problem, including whether or not pain can arise in the absence of any pathophysiologic signals, indeed, in the absence of any observable physical signal, pathologic or otherwise. Finally, the suggestion is offered that current knowledge has led to a blurring of the boundaries between physical and psychological processes. Attempts to search for the biogenic versus psychogenic etiology of pain symptoms can only be unsatisfying and unproductive.
Techniques to Maximize Software Reliability in Radiation Fields

Microprocessor system failures due to memory corruption by single event upsets (SEUs) and/or latch-up in RAM or ROM memory are common in environments where there is high radiation flux. Traditional methods to harden microcomputer systems against SEUs and memory latch-up have usually involved expensive large scale hardware redundancy. Such systems offer higher reliability, but they tend to be more complex and non-standard. At the Space Astronomy Laboratory we have developed general programming techniques for producing software which is resistant to such memory failures. These techniques, which may be applied to standard off-the-shelf hardware, as well as custom designs, include an implementation of our Maximally Redundant Software (MRS) model, error detection algorithms and memory verification and management.
Reactivity study of a hydroperoxodicopper(II) complex: hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, and ligand cross-link reactions.

Employing a binucleating phenol-containing ligand PD‘OH, a μ-phenoxo-μ-hydroperoxo dicopper(II) complex [CuII2(PD‘O−)(−OOH)(RCN)2](ClO4)2 (1, R = CH3, CH3CH2 or C6H5CH2; λmax = 407 nm; ν(O-O) = 870 cm-1; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 15360) is generated by reacting a precursor dicopper(I) complex [CuI2(PD‘OH)(CH3CN)2](ClO4)2 (2) with O2 in nitrile solvents at −80 °C. Species 1 is unable to oxidize externally added substrates, for instance, PPh3, 2,4-tert-butylphenol, or 9,10-dihydroanthracene. However, upon thermal decay, it hydroxylates copper-bound organocyanides (e.g., benzylcyanide), leading to the corresponding aldehyde while releasing cyanide. This chemistry mimics that known for the copper enzyme dopamine-β-monooxygenase. The thermal decay of 1 also leads to a product [CuII3(L‘ ‘)2(Cl-)2](PF6)2 (6); its X-ray structure reveals that L‘ ‘ is a Schiff base-containing ligand which apparently derives from both oxidative N-dealkylation and then oxidative dehydrogenation of PD‘OH; the chloride presumably d...
A New Look at an Old Problem: The Survival and Organ-Specific Growth of Metastases

Despite improvements in cancer detection and therapy, metastatic disease is largely incurable. Recent research indicates that tumor cells disseminate widely early in the process of pathogenesis, and that the survival and proliferation of these cells--and thus the development of metastases--depend on interactions between the disseminated cells and their particular microenvironment. Proliferative signals and the inhibition of proapoptotic responses are both critically involved in the development of clinically significant metastases. Identification of the underlying signaling cascades may provide additional targets for antimetastatic therapy.
Generation of Vacuum Ultraviolet Radiation in Phase-Matched Cd Vapor

We report the generation of 1773-, 1520-, and 1182-\AA{} radiation by frequency tripling and summing in a phase-matched mixture of Cd and Ar. For the third-harmonic process, $5320\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1773$ \AA{} phase matching occurs for Cd and Ar atoms in the ratio 1: 25, and ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{(3)}\ensuremath{\cong}2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}34}$ esu/atom. The energy conversion efficiency to 1773 \AA{} was about ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$, yielding a peak picosecond power of 7 kW.
Effects of renal failure

The multiple features of the syndrome of uremia are a result of the retention of a wide variety of metabolic end products. Although a number of metabolites have been incriminated as "the uremic toxin," none of them accounts for all aspects of uremia. It is likely that the uremic syndrome is a result of the pathological effects of many retained substances. Of major current interest is the development of toxicity in brain, bone and other tissues due to accumulation of aluminum. The recognition of aluminum toxicity may have implications not only in patients with impaired renal function but also in other disease states.