cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing a Constraints Model within the Context of Nature-Based Tourism

This study focused on pleasure travelers’ perceived constraints to nature-based tourism. Eleven constraint statements were identified through a literature review and were chosen a priori to represent three types of constraint as outlined by Crawford, Jackson, and Godbey. The purpose of the study was to determine whether the three types of constraints (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural) existed in the context of nature-based tourism. A confirmatory factor analysis using the EQS program was used to “confirm” that the data fit the three-constraint model. MANOVA was then employed to identify whether respondents differed in their perception of constraints based on demographic variables. The findings indicated that differences existed with regards to age and family life cycle stage.
Instability of fellowship intentions during general surgery residencies.

Purpose To determine whether PGY-1 future fellowship preferences are stable during progression through residency. Methods Residents who took the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) were surveyed about fellowships. Three data files were created: categorical and nondesignated preliminary trainees at all postgraduate years (PGY); categorical PGY-1 and chief residents; and individual categorical residents with paired PGY-1 and PGY-5 responses. Gender was self-reported; residency characteristics were retrieved via program identifier codes. Annual frequency distributions were generated by specialty and for other, any fellowship (AF), and no fellowship (NF). Results Categorical plus contains more than 80,000 responses. Undecided leads PGY-1 intentions at all times, which reached 55% by 2007 and decreased near linearly as PGY level advances. The AF rates increase by PGY level in a decelerating curve. The other rates accelerate at PGY-3 and beyond. The NF rates are low for PGY-1 and 2, nearly double from PGY-3 to 4, and double again from PGY-4 to 5. The categorical group contains more than 20,000 residents with their demographics. The undecided group predominates for both genders, but more women were undecided by 2003. Specialty distribution varies with gender; women were overrepresented in oncology, pediatric, plastic, and other. The undecided group leads choices of university and independent PGY-1 residents, with university overrepresentation in all areas except colorectal, plastic, and no fellowship. Small, medium, and large program PGY-1 residents all choose undecided first but diverge thereafter. Over 12,000 paired categorical PGY-1 and PGY-5 responses reveal that most PGY-1 residents (78%) change future specialties by PGY-5. Undecided residents most often choose no fellowship (25%), vascular (12%), or other (12%). Conclusion PGY-1 residents are increasingly unsure about future fellowships. PGY-1 preferences are unstable whether examined in groups or as individuals. Gender and residency characteristics are linked to differing selection patterns. PGY-1 residents rarely predict accurately their PGY-5 fellowship choices. Early specialization paradigms may disadvantage some residents and residency groups and risk greater attrition rates.
Software architecture of the SSC accelerator systems string test

Abstract The software architecture is described for the data acquisition and control systems implemented to support a full cell test of collider arc section lattice components. The discussion is divided into descriptions of the software applications for process controls, operator interfaces, and data acquisition, archiving, and analysis. Specifics are presented for the distributed implementation of the acquisition, archiving, and analysis services, and their integration with a commercial Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). The relational table structure used in the RDBMS is explained. Finally, system performance, lessons learned, and future plans are summarized.
Analysis of the Segmented Displaced Trapezoidal Winding for Force and Torque Production as a Self Bearing Motor

Self bearing motors have been identified as a potential technology for oil free turbomachinery where integral starter generator (ISG) technology may be used, among others. One of the key advantages of self bearing motors is that they reduce the shaft length of machines, hence increasing the rotordynamic performance. Until now, research has yielded self bearing motors that produce motoring torque and active force control of either the radial forces or the thrust force. In this paper, a new self bearing motor winding is analyzed for its potential to simultaneously produce actively controlled torque, radial forces and thrust force. The benefit of such a design is that the shaft length can be reduced even further as both the radial bearing and thrust bearing functions are performed by the motor. Experimental results are presented that verify the force and torque production capability of the motor to within 14% of the theoretical predictions. Another benefit of the motor is its ability to be used for large axial (thrust) movements, such that it could be used in precision axial positioning of high speed rotating loads over a large range (up to 25 mm or so for a 25 mm diameter rotor).Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Three new species of Dalea sect. Parosela (Leguminosae: Amorpheae) from western and southern Mexico

Dalea (ser.Pectinatae) cora from the pine-oak belt in Nayarit,D. (ser.Parosela) illustris from montane west ern Oaxaca and D. (ser.Versicolores) sousae from the Gulf of Tehuantepec in south-central Oaxaca are described, compared with kindred, and illustrated.
Analog-input digital phase-locked loops for precise frequency and phase demodulation

Most conventional analog-input digital phase-locked loops (ADPLL's) suffer from the effect of in-loop quantization and from nonlinear behavior caused by the approximations inherent in practical digitally controlled oscillators (DCO's). The resulting errors limit the accuracy of ADPLL-based frequency demodulation and usually make ADPLL-based phase demodulation impractical because of severe phase-drift problems. This paper presents a new class of ADPLL's that are insensitive to the deleterious effects of quantization, and do not exhibit nonlinear behavior when implemented with practical DCO's. The ADPLL's are well suited to applications requiring precise frequency demodulation, and can also be used for phase demodulation because their quantization error is well behaved even after discrete-time integration. The paper establishes an analogy between the ADPLL's and delta-sigma modulators, and applies existing delta-sigma modulator results to predict the frequency and phase demodulation accuracy of the ADPLL's. A mechanization of the general architecture consisting of easily implemented components such as analog integrators, digital flip-flops, and digital counters is then presented and analyzed. >
US Atlantic coast striped bass: issues with a recovered population

Striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum), is an anadromous species naturally occurring along the US Atlantic coast, which historically supported valuable commercial and recreational fisheries. In response to a near order-of-magnitude decline in landings, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission enacted a management plan in 1981 protecting fish until they could spawn at least once. By 1989, recruitment increased in natal rivers and regulations were relaxed, permitting limited fisheries by 1990. By 1995, the stock was declared fully recovered. Since the recovery, concern has increased over the health of the stocks. In the 1990s, fish in poor physical condition with dermal lesions became common in Chesapeake Bay. Pathogens of most concern in cultures from fish include the genus Mycobacterium. Coincident with declines in fish health were changes in diets, declines of preferred prey, and reduced growth and condition. Theories were suggested linking declines in condition to reductions in forage base or pathogens. Diets have changed since the 1950s and while many Chesapeake fish are infected with mycobacteria, it is still not known how or if these factors are linked. The highest priorities for research were considered to be: linking numerous local and regional studies to provide a coast-wide perspective; continuation of investigations linking population health to the prey-base; determination of the cause-effect of mycobacteria infections; and formulation of management options.
RELATION OF THE SIZE OF THE INOCULUM AND THE AGE OF THE INFECTION TO THE CURATIVE DOSE OF PENICILLIN IN EXPERIMENTAL SYPHILIS, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE FEASIBILITY OF ITS PROPHYLACTIC USE

1. A relatively small amount of penicillin sufficed to abort syphilitic infection in rabbits when administered during the incubation period of the disease. 2. The abortive dose, given as a single intramuscular injection in oil and beeswax, varied with the age of the infection. (a) With a fixed intratesticular inoculum, the amount of penicillin necessary to prevent infection in half the animals remained at a constant level for 4 days. By the end of the 2nd week more than seven times this dosage was needed; and by the 6th week, after the chancre had appeared, more than thirty times the amount was needed to obtain the same result. The progressive increase in the abortive dose of penicillin with the passage of time probably reflects the interim multiplication of organisms. (b) Qualitatively similar results were obtained in rabbits inoculated intracutaneously. 3. The abortive dose varied also with the size of the inoculum. In animals inoculated intracutaneously with 20, 2,000, and 200,000 spirochetes, and treated 4 days later, it required 200, 500, and 3,500 units per kg., respectively, to protect half the animals, and the corresponding PD(90) dosages were 500, 2,000, and 16,000 units per kg. 4. The present observations, indicating the ease of aborting experimental rabbit syphilis during the incubation period by a single injection of penicillin, are perhaps applicable to the prevention of the disease in man. 5. Asymptomatic infections were rare in animals receiving inadequate doses of penicillin during the incubation period. Sixty-four of sixty-five such animals developed darkfield-positive lesions at the inoculated site. In animals treated 6 weeks after inoculation, however, after the development of lesions, inadequate treatment was usually manifested by an asymptomatic redissemination of organisms demonstrable only by lymph node transfer. The difference in the two groups probably reflects the beginning development of immunity in the rabbits treated 6 weeks after inoculation. 6. As suggested by Rake and Dunham (11), the treatment of animals during the incubation period permits a rapid assay of antisyphilitic agents, and one which requires only small amounts of material. Possible limitations of the method are discussed in the text.
End-of-life transitions among nursing home residents with cognitive issues.

Background Health care transitions in the last months of life can be burdensome and potentially of limited clinical benefit for patients with advanced cognitive and functional impairment. Methods To examine health care transitions among Medicare decedents with advanced cognitive and functional impairment who were nursing home residents 120 days before death, we linked nationwide data from the Medicare Minimum Data Set and claims files from 2000 through 2007. We defined patterns of transition as burdensome if they occurred in the last 3 days of life, if there was a lack of continuity in nursing homes after hospitalization in the last 90 days of life, or if there were multiple hospitalizations in the last 90 days of life. We also considered various factors explaining variation in these rates of burdensome transition. We examined whether there was an association between regional rates of burdensome transition and the likelihood of feeding-tube insertion, hospitalization in an intensive care unit (ICU) in the...
Conjugate addition of allylsilanes to α,β-unsaturated acylsilanes

Abstract α,β-Unsaturated acylsilanes serve as highly reactive carboxylic acid equivalents in conjugate allylation reactions with allylsilane derivatives.
Distribution of enzyme-bearing cells in GM2 gangliosidosis mice: regionally specific pattern of cellular infiltration following bone marrow transplantation

Tissue distribution of β-hexosaminidase was investigated using 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl N-acetyl β-d-glucosaminide (X-Hex) as substrate in wild-type mice, four GM2 gangliosidosis model mice (Hexa-/-, Hexb-/-, Gm2a-/- and Hexa-/-Hexb-/-) and Hexb-/- mice that received bone marrow transplantation (BMT). In wild-type mice histochemical localization of β-hexosaminidase was detected in the perikarya of the majority of neurons, small process-bearing microglial cells, perivascular macrophages, and macrophages in the choroid plexus and leptomeninges. X-Hex positivity was also noted in the renal tubular epithelium and macrophages in the liver and spleen. The staining pattern in the Gm2a-/- and Hexa-/- mice was generally similar to those of wild type, but in these mice, X-Hex stain was also noted in some storage neurons with swollen perikarya. No X-Hex-positive cells were detected in Hexb-/- or Hexa-/-Hexb-/- (DKO) mice. In Hexb-/- mice that received wild-type BMT (Hexb-/-+WBMT), many X-Hex-positive cells were detected in the spleen, and to a far lesser extent, in liver and kidney. In the CNS of these mice, X-Hex-positive cells were largely detected in the leptomeninges and choroid plexus. Some positive cells were also detected, mostly in the perivascular regions of the cerebrum, in particular in the regions of the posterior thalamus, brain stem and spinal cord. Some of X-Hex-positive cells were immunoreactive with Mac-1 and F4/80 antibodies and, thus, were cells of microglia/macrophage lineage. X-Hex-positive staining was not detected in neurons in these mice despite clinical improvement following BMT. This is the first time, as far as we know, that the regional distribution of the donor cells in the CNS has been investigated in a model of neuronal storage disease. Our study indicated that donor-derived cells of microglia/macrophage lineage infiltrated the CNS in a regionally specific manner following the BMT.
Glycosylation of Proteins: Lack of Influence of Aging

In elderly nondiabetic individuals, increased glycosylation of hemoglobin has been reported. Most elderly subjects suffer from chronic disorders and consume one or more medications. Thus, it is conceivable that the increased glycosylation of hemoglobin may be secondary to factors other than old age. Furthermore, the data are sparse regarding the effect of aging on glycosylation of other proteins. In this study, glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb), glycosylated protein (GP), glycosylated albumin (GA), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) concentrations were determined in 93 healthy nondiabetic subjects after an overnight fast. Strict criteria were observed to define the healthy status of these subjects to eliminate the influence of all other factors known to facilitate glycosylation of hemoglobin. No significant correlations were noted between age and FPG, GHb, GP, or GA (P greater than .05 for all correlations). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between groups according to age for any of the parameters studied. Therefore, this study demonstrates that aging may not influence glycosylation of proteins in healthy subjects, and the previously observed increase in GHb concentrations in elderly populations may be related to associated factors rather than old age.
Normal approximation diagnostics for the Cox model.

Summary. We discuss two diagnostic methods for assessing the accuracy of the normal approximated confidence region to the likelihood-based confidence region for the Cox proportional hazards model with censored data. The proposed diagnostic methods are extensions of the contour measures of Hodges (1987, Journal of the American Statistical Association82, 149–154) and Cook and Tsai (1990, Journal of the American Statistical Association85, 770–777) and the curvature measures of Jennings (1986, Journal of the American Statistical Association81, 471–476) and Cook and Tsai (1990). These methods are also illustrated in a study of hepatocyte growth factor in patients with lung cancer and a Mayo Clinic randomized study of participants with primary biliary cirrhosis.
Direct methanol fuel cell performance of Nafion®/poly(vinyl alcohol) blend membranes

Abstract In this study, the direct methanol fuel cell performance of Nafion ® /poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blend membranes at 5, 10, and 20 wt% PVA (annealed at 230 °C) was investigated at various methanol feed concentrations (2, 4, 8, and 16 M) and compared to the performance of Nafion ® 117 at similar membrane thicknesses and fuel cell conditions. For Nafion ® 117, the maximum power density decreased three-fold when the methanol feed concentration increased from 2 to 16 M. The Nafion ® /PVA (5 wt% PVA) blend membrane reveals a similar trend, however the decrease in power is only 26% compared to 47% when methanol concentration is increased from 2 to 8 M. Furthermore, the maximum power density of the blend membrane (5 wt% PVA) is higher than Nafion ® 117 at 2, 4, and 8 M methanol feed concentrations, while the maximum power density at 16 M is comparable between the two membranes. Specifically, at 8 M methanol, the maximum power density of the blend at 5 wt% PVA is 33% higher than Nafion ® 117. Blend membranes at higher PVA concentrations are noticeably lower in performance compared to Nafion ® 117. Overall, fuel cell performance trends match observed transport property (proton conductivity and methanol permeability) trends.
Supercritical fluid synthesis and characterization of catalytic metal nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes

A rapid, convenient and environmentally benign method has been developed for the fabrication of metal nanoparticle–multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites. Nanoparticles of palladium, rhodium and ruthenium are deposited onto functionalized MWCNTs through a simple hydrogen reduction of metal–β-diketone precursors in supercritical carbon dioxide, and are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. These highly dispersed nanoparticles, with a narrow range of size distribution and good adhesion on MWCNT surfaces, are expected to exhibit promising catalytic properties for a variety of chemical reactions. Preliminary experiments demonstrate that Pd nanoparticles supported on MWCNTs are effective catalysts for hydrogenation of olefins in carbon dioxide. The Pd nanoparticle–MWCNT composite also shows a high electrocatalytic activity in oxygen reduction for potential fuel cell application.
Modes of inhibiting polymer flammability

Evidence is presented that burning polymethyl methacrylate and polyoxymethylene do not react chemically with the gas around them, but merely vaporize in the heat of the surrounding diffusion flames. The pyrolysis products oxidize subsequently in the flames. Polyethylene probably burns similary, but Teflon may react directly with oxygen. The two-stage burning of polymers which gasify merely by heating might be inhibited at either stage—in the condensed phase, or in the flame—and the mode of action of some known inhibitors is investigated. It is shown that chlorine substituted in polyethylene inhibits by affecting the pyrolysis of the condensed phase, but the pair of reactants, antinomy plus a little chlorine, poisons the flame. Bromine is more effective than chlorine because bromine also poisons the flame.
FLIP: A method for adaptively zoned, particle-in-cell calculations of fluid flows in two dimensions

A method is presented for calculating fluid flow in two dimensions using a full particle-in-cell representation on an adaptively zoned grid. The method has many interesting properties, among them an almost total absence of numerical dissipation and the ability to represent large variations in the data. The method is described using a standard formalism and its properties are illustrated by supersonic flow over a step and the interaction of a shock with a thin foil.
Flow and Displacement of Bingham Non-Newtonian Fluids in Porous Media

well-test-analysis method was developed, and its application dem­ onstrated by analyzing two simulated pressure-drawdown and -buildup tests of a Bingham fluid. The displacement of a Bingham fluid by a Newtonian fluid is shown to proceed with rather limited efficiency owing to the presence of an ultimate (limited) displace­ ment saturation, which is a characteristic of two-phase Bingham flow. Once the saturation in the two-phase flow system reaches the ultimate saturation, no further improvement of displacement effi­ ciency can be obtained regardless of how long the displacement operation continues under the same flow conditions. We also developed a numerical model for single- and multiphase Bingham-fluid flow through porous media by suitably modifying a general-purpose multiphase reservoir simulator. The model was used to test our analytical solutions and to generate well-testing data for the proposed well-test analysis for Bingham fluids. Bingham Fluid and Rheological Model As a special kind of non-Newtonian fluid, Bingham fluids (or plas­ tics) exhibit a finite yield stress at zero shear rate. The physical behavior of fluids with a yield stress usually is explained as an in­ ternal structure in three dimensions that is capable of preventing movement for values of shear stress less than the yield value, Ty . For shear stress T> T y' the internal structure collapses completely, allowing shearing movement to occur. The characteristics of these fluids are defined by two constants: the yield stress, T y , which is the stress that must be exceeded for flow to begin, and the Bing­ ham plastic coefficient, Jl.B' The rheological equation for a Bing­ ham plastic is 14
Primary tumor size, not race, determines outcomes in women with hormone-responsive breast cancer.

Introduction We sought to determine if there was a difference in outcomes in African-American compared with Caucasian women with hormone-responsive breast cancer, and whether this was related to race or other tumor and treatment variables. Methods We included 1,205 patients with hormone-responsive breast cancer were identified in the Kentucky Cancer Registry (1996–2007). The effect of race on survival was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression methodologies. Results In this cohort, 76.9% were Caucasian and 21.7% were African American. Compared with Caucasians, African-American women were older (57 vs 55 years; P = .032) and more likely to have larger tumors (19 vs 17 mm; P = .009). No significant racial differences in grade, operative, or systemic treatment were noted. Univariate analysis found no significant differences in disease-specific overall survival (DSS) or disease-free survival (DFS) between Caucasians and African Americans (5-year actuarial DSS, 93.6% vs 90.7%, respectively; P = .205; 5-year actuarial DFS, 91.5% vs 90.4%, respectively; P = .829). On multivariate analysis, only tumor size remained an independent predictor of DSS (odds ratio [OR], 1.021; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.013–1.028; P P = .913 and P = .857). Conclusion African Americans present with larger tumors than Caucasians; treatment is similar. Tumor size, not race, affects disease-specific outcomes in patients with breast cancer.
Analysis of balloon dilatation of human vein graft stenoses

Controversy continues as to whether percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) or surgical revision is the ideal modality for the treatment of failing grafts. This prompted a histopathologic analysis of failing human vein graft segments subjected to ex vivo balloon dilatation to define variables responsible for the discrepant results. Fifteen vein graft lesions from 14 patients with failing infrainguinal bypasses were recovered after surgical excision. Each graft lesion was focal and uniform in length (2.1±0.3 cm). Rings sectioned from adjacent regions of each vein graft lesion before and after balloon inflation were processed for histologic study, photomicrography, and image analysis. Angioplasty balloon size was selected on the basis of preoperative arteriograms. Graft lesions were divided into three groups based on lesion thickness and the degree of fibrosis and cellularity seen on sections stained with Masson's trichrome. The luminal area before angioplasty was not significantly different for the three groups (p>0.2). Vein grafts with thick intimas (group 1) had significantly less luminal dilatation after angioplasty as compared with less thick intimal lesions (groups 2 and 3;p<0.001). Those lesions with varying degrees of cellularity (groups 2 and 3) showed no significant differences in luminal diameter after angioplasty. However, the cellular lesions in group 2 consistently formed multiple intimal flaps that could produce PTA failures even with good luminal restoration. The varying histology of vein graft lesions and associated differences in intimal thickness and cellularity may be responsible for the inconsistent results following PTA. Estimates of wall thickness before angioplasty, particularly in the intimal area, may be helpful in evaluating which lesions might benefit most from PTA.
Effects of thyroxine and thyroparathyroidectomy on circadian wheel running in rats.

Abstract Thyroparathyroidectomized (TPX) and thyroidectomized male rats display shorter free-running activity periods and enhanced activity levels. These experiments were designed to determine whether this effect is due to the loss of thyroid hormones. The running wheel activity of 36 male rats, 19 TPX and 17 sham operated, was studied. The animals were kept in constant conditions for 7 weeks to obtain baseline data. Half the rats were then injected SC with capsules containing T4, while the other half were injected with blanks. All animals were then allowed to free-run undisturbed for another 8–9 weeks. TPX rats displayed significantly shorter baseline periods (average difference: 0.26 h) and heightened activity. Thyroxine treatment significantly lengthened TPX animals' cycles (average increase: 0.28 h) but did not affect intact rats' circadian rhythms. Thyroxine did, however, significantly decreased the activity levels of both TPX and sham-operated rats. These findings indicate that changes in TPX rats' activity cycles are caused by a reduction in thyroid hormones and that thyroxine acts on activity rhythms and levels by different mechanisms.
A note on the Diophantine equation $$y^2=px(A{x^{2}}+2)$$

Recently, Li Min Chen (Acta Math Sinica Chin Ser 53:83–86, 2010) considered a variant $$y^2=px(x^2+2)$$ of Cassels’ equation $$y^2=3x(x^2+2)$$ . He proved that the equation has at most two solutions in positive integers $$(x, y)$$ . Therefore, he improved a result obtained Luca and Walsh (Glasgow Math J 47:303–307, 2005). In this note, we consider another variant of Cassels’ equation and we show that for any prime $$p$$ and any odd positive integer $$A$$ , the Diophantine equation $$y^2=px(Ax^2+2)$$ has at most seven solutions in positive integers $$(x, y)$$ .
Kinetic Selectivity in the N-Alkylation of 2-Pyridyl Porphyrins: A Facile Approach to the ααββ Scaffold

meso-Tetrakis(2-pyridyl)-porphyrin (2-PyP) was tetra-N-alkylated with three different alpha-bromoacetamides to generate a series of water-soluble N-alkylpyridinium porphyrins (1-3). The product mixtures showed a marked preference for the formation of the alphaalphabetabeta atropisomer. With alpha-bromo-N-n-butylacetamide, the corresponding alphaalphabetabeta 2-tetrakis (N-n-butylacetamido)-pyridyl porphyrin (2-TnBuPyP, 3) was obtained in 69% isolated yield in a single step. Prolonged heating lead to equilibration of the rotational isomers for the less bulky alkyl groups, indicating that the observed preference is a kinetic effect. The intermediate products for the N-bornyl case were identified by LC/ESI-MS to deduce an explanation for the observed nonstatistical selectivity.
Computer-assisted medical decision making: a critical review.

This paper presents an overview of the concepts underlying computer-assisted medical decision-making (CMD) systems. Alternative approaches to constructing CMD systems are reviewed, including “conventional programming techniques,” statistical pattern classification, rule-based deduction, modelling of diagnostic reasoning, and data base comparisons. Each of these methods is illustrated with examples taken from pulmonary medicine. Although much progress has been made over the last two decades, all existing methods for creating CMD systems are seen to be limited in their ability to represent and process medical knowledge. Other problems facing the field include the time and cost of CMD system development, physician resistance to using these systems, the question of transferability, and the lack of large, reliable data bases for many clinical problems. Recent trends that may overcome these problems are identified and discussed.
Differences in word associations to pictures and words.

Abstract Normal subjects were asked to produce the “first word that comes to mind” in response to pictures or words that differed with respect to manipulability and animacy. In separate analyses across subjects and items, normal subjects produced a significantly higher proportion of action words (that is, verbs) to pictures as compared to words, to manipulable as compared to non-manipulable stimuli and to inanimate as compared to animate stimuli. The largest proportion of action words was elicited by pictures of non-living, manipulable objects. Furthermore, associates to words matched standard word associates significantly more often than those elicited by pictures. These data suggest that pictures and words initially contact different forms of conceptual information and are consistent with an account of semantic organization that assumes that information is distributed across different domains reflecting the mode of acquisition of that knowledge.
Simulating vertical flow in large peatlands

Ground-water flow simulations are used to evaluate the importance of three parameters on vertical flow in peatlands: regional slope, permeability of the mineral soil underlying the peat, and peatland topography. Our results indicate that the extent of vertical ground-water flow in peatlands is primarily controlled by mineral soil permeability. Local ground-water flow cells that form under small water-table mounds at bog domes can drive peat pore water into permeable mineral soil. However, when peat forms over low permeability mineral soil, vertical movement of peat pore water becomes negligible and lateral flow of water in the upper portion of the peat column dominates the peatland hydrology. This effect is not due to the low permeability of humified peat layers, as is commonly assumed in many peatland studies. Field data from the Hudson Bay Lowland (Canada) and the Glacial Lake Agassiz peatlands of northern Minnesota confirm the validity of these models. These results are relevant in settings other than peatlands where relief is low and small topographic mounds exist.
Evaluation of manometric temperature measurement (MTM), a process analytical technology tool in freeze drying, part III: Heat and mass transfer measurement

This article evaluates the procedures for determining the vial heat transfer coefficient and the extent of primary drying through manometric temperature measurement (MTM). The vial heat transfer coefficients (Kv) were calculated from the MTM-determined temperature and resistance and compared with Kv values determined by a gravimetric method. The differences between the MTM vial heat transfer coefficients and the gravimetric values are large at low shelf temperature but smaller when higher shelf temperatures were used. The differences also became smaller at higher chamber pressure and smaller when higher resistance materials were being freeze-dried. In all cases, using thermal shields greatly improved the accuracy of the MTM Kv measurement. With use of thermal shields, the thickness of the frozen layer calculated from MTM is in good agreement with values obtained gravimetrically. The heat transfer coefficient “error” is largely a direct result of the error in the dry layer resistance (ie, MTM-determined resistance is too low). This problem can be minimized if thermal shields are used for freeze-drying. With suitable use of thermal shields, accurate Kv values are obtained by MTM; thus allowing accurate calculations of heat and mass flow rates. The extent of primary drying can be monitored by real-time calculation of the amount of remaining ice using MTM data, thus providing a process analytical tool that greatly improves the freeze-drying process design and control.
The AF64A model of cholinergic hypofunction: An update

Based on numerous reports in the literature since 1980, one can now conclude that ethylcholine aziridinium (AF64A) is selective for the cholinergic system in vivo, and that the effect is both dose- and site-dependent. Thus, AF64A treatment, under the correct conditions of dose and time will result in selective reductions in levels of ACh, AChE, ChAT, HAChT, and K(+)- and ouabain-stimulated release of ACh. While other neurotransmitters may also be affected in brains of AF64A treated rats, the effect is only transient and is most probably secondary to the initial cholinergic deficit-induced by AF64A, reflecting an adaptive reaction of these neurotransmitter systems, which are normally integrated with cholinergic interconnections, to the cholinergic deficiency induced by AF64A. This paper provides a historical perspective for the development of AF64A as a selective cholinotoxin, and surveys its potential mechanisms of action at the neurochemical and molecular levels. Moreover, the availability of an animal model such as the AF64A-treated rat, in which the cholinergic system has been compromised selectively for an extended period of time, has allowed investigators to study a wide variety of questions that relate to factors controlling cholinergic function in vivo. Several key illustrations are presented at the end of this paper.
Influence of short-channel effects on dopant profiles obtained from the DC MOSFET profile method

Distortions in the dopant density profile obtained from dc MOSFET measurements due to short-channel effects are not properly predicted by present two-dimensional charge sharing, or charge conservation, models. The comparison of dopant profile data with predictions based on charge conservation models is a powerful technique for evaluating the accuracy of these models.
Reconsideration of harm's way: onsets and comorbidity patterns of disorders in preschool children and their caregivers following Hurricane Katrina

This study examined posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and comorbid disorders in 70 preschool children (ages 3-6) and their caregivers following Hurricane Katrina. Children's rate of PTSD was 50.0% using age-modified criteria. The rate of PTSD was 62.5% for those who stayed in the city and 43.5% in those who evacuated. Of those with PTSD, 88.6% had at least one comorbid disorder, with oppositional defiant disorder and separation anxiety disorder being most common. Caregivers' rate of PTSD was 35.6%, of which 47.6% was new post-Katrina. No children and only 2 caregivers developed new non-PTSD disorders in the absence of new PTSD symptoms. Differences by race and gender were largely nonsignificant. Children's new PTSD symptoms correlated more strongly to caregivers with new symptoms compared to caregivers with old or no symptoms.
Influence of dopamine D2-type receptors on motor behaviors in the green tree frog, Hyla cinerea.

Abstract Dopamine modulates a range of behaviors that include motor processes, learning, and incentive motivation. Research supports anatomical conservation of dopaminergic populations in the midbrain across vertebrate species, however, less evidence is available for dopamine receptor distributions. In order to test the behavioral role of dopamine in an anatomically conserved dopaminergic system, the effects of D2-type receptor manipulation on motor behaviors were examined in the anuran amphibian green tree frog, Hyla cinerea . In two different within-subject experiments, frogs were treated with a control treatment, and a high and low dose of either a D2 receptor-specific agonist, quinpirole, or antagonist, haloperidol, then exposed to a testing session to measure changes in swimming and climbing motor behaviors. No treatments resulted in complete immobility or catalepsy, however treatment-specific effects on certain motor behaviors were present. The high quinpirole dose (1 mg/kg bw) generally inhibited motor behaviors associated with exiting water and jumping, while both haloperidol treatments (0.12 mg/kg bw and 1.2 mg/kg bw) generally stimulated motor behaviors associated with exiting water, as predicted based on receptor mechanisms. Performance improvement also appeared in frogs in each experiment, suggesting that the D2 receptor is not involved in the motor learning mechanism in this species. Overall, the results support general conservation of D2 receptors in motor processes in vertebrate species.
Technical communique: Input-to-state stability of hybrid systems with receding horizon control in the presence of packet dropouts

We analyze the stability of a constrained piecewise continuous hybrid system that is controlled by a receding horizon controller across an unreliable communication channel. We assume the presence of a buffer at the actuator to store the control input sequence received from the controller to compensate for any possible packet dropouts in future transmissions. Input-to-state stability is considered under the assumption that the number of consecutive packet dropouts is bounded using tightened state constraints in the optimization problem solved by the controller.
PM2.5 co-benefits of climate change legislation part 2: California governor’s executive order S-3-05 applied to the transportation sector

California Governor’s Executive Order (CGEO) S-3-05 requires that California greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions be reduced to 80 % below 1990 levels by the year 2050. Meeting this target will require drastic changes in transportation technology, fuel, and behavior which will reduce criteria pollutant emissions as well as GHG emissions. The improvement to local air quality caused by the reduced criteria pollutant emissions must be calculated to fully evaluate the overall benefits and costs of CGEO S-3-05. In the present study, seven different transportation scenarios that move towards the goals of CGEO S-3-05 in the transportation sector were examined to determine how they would affect future airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in California: (1) hydrogen fuel cells, (2) electric vehicles, (3) high efficiency vehicles, (4) public mass transit, (5) biofuels, (6) biofuels + hybrid electric vehicles, and (7) hydrogen fuel cells + electric vehicles. The air quality implications of each scenario were evaluated using a chemical transport model applied during a wintertime stagnation episode representing future climate in California. Scenarios (6) and (7) reduced population-weighted PM2.5 mass concentrations by ~9 % and PM2.5 elemental carbon (EC) concentrations by ~30 % relative to base-case predictions.
Identification of genes encoding late expression factors located between 56.0 and 65.4 map units of the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus genome.

Abstract Using a previously developed method that allows the identification of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) genes which stimulate transient expression from a late and a very late viral promoter [Passarelli and Miller, J. Virol., 67, 2149-2158 (1993)], we have identified three genes between 56.0 and 65.4 map units of the AcMNPV genome involved in expression from a late and a very late promoter but not from an early viral promoter. One gene, p143, was previously shown to be essential for viral DNA replication and shares sequence motifs with DNA helicases [Lu and Carstens, Virology, 181, 336-347 ( 1991)]. The second gene, previously sequenced and originally referred to as open reading frame 6 (herein renamed late expression factor-5 (lef-5)), was located just downstream of the 6.9 kilodalton core protein gene, p6.9. The third gene, late expression factor-4 (lef-4), was defined and sequenced. The lef-4 gene was located immediately upstream of, and in opposite orientation to, the major capsid protein gene, vp39. The position and direction of lef-4 appeared to be conserved in the Orgyia pseudotsugata and Lymantria dispar nuclear polyhedrosis viruses. The gene product of lef-4, LEF-4, is predicted to be an acidic polypeptide (pl 4.91) of 464 amino acids in length with a molecular mass of 53,913 daltons.
The interaction of alcohol and stress A review

Abstract The literature on the interaction of ethanol and stress is reviewed. Stress has amethystic properties in both experimental animals and human subjects when analgesia or various behavioral parameters were evaluated. In addition studies have shown that ethanol counteracts some effects of stress in non-alcoholic subjects. Improvement in performance and in the affective state of humans and reversal of some behavioral and pathological concomitants of stress in experimental animals have been reported. Although there is indication that ethanol improves the affective state in humans, reduction of anxiety has not been a universal finding. Recent studies have pointed out a number of variables (the drinking environment, cognitive set, mood and personality of subjects, prior experience with ethanol, sex, dose and type of beverage) which can significantly alter the effects of alcohol in human subjects. These may account for the variability in results in the literature. Although some studies have shown that alcohol ingestion increases under stressful conditions, others have failed to do so in both experimental animals and in humans. In alcoholics ethanol ingestion, in general, does not appear to relieve anxiety. In fact anxiety usually increases with time during a drinking binge. Therefore more research needs to be done to assess the validity of the anxiety-reducing theory for alcohol abuse. Possible mechanisms for the interaction of stress and alcohol are discussed.
Integrated and Personalized Diabetes Coach for Children

Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, exact a considerable social and fiscal burden, both in the United States and worldwide. Diet, exercise and in general the lifestyle can help enormously to manage diabetes. However, especially for children it is not easy to manage diabetes. In this paper we present the design of an Integrated and Personalized Diabetes Coach for Children. In particular, we focus on the game interface of our system. We think that our system will have a great impact in managing diabetes in children.
A new class of promoter mutations in the lactose operon of Escherichia coli

Abstract The isolation and genetic characterization of a number of mutations that are located in the promoter region of the lac † operon are described. These mutations have reduced levels of lac operon expression in a wild, type ( crp + cya + ) genetic background. Three of the mutations also have lower levels of lac operon expression than lacP + in a crp − cya − genetic background, that is in the absence of the catabolite activator protein and 3′,5′-adenosine cyclic monophosphate. These three mutations are located nearest to the lac operator. They define a second essential site in the promoter region.
Differences in sexual function and quality of life after nerve sparing and nonnerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Purpose: We determine the impact of nerve sparing techniques on quality of life after radical retropubic prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: The RAND/UCLA Prostate Cancer Index and several questions about surgical outcomes, including sexual function, were sent to 170 consecutive patients at least 1 year after radical retropubic prostatectomy. Statistical analysis was performed on data for the entire group as well as subgroups of patients after nerve sparing and nonnerve sparing surgery. Results: Nonnerve sparing surgery was performed in 83 of 129 responders (nonnerve sparing group) and the remaining 46 were treated with unilateral nerve sparing surgery (nerve sparing group). Scores for sexual function, sexual bother, physical function and physical limitation domains were significantly better in the nerve sparing group. Spontaneous erectile activity was reported by 50% of nerve sparing group patients. Nerve sparing status did not affect urinary function, bowel function or disease outcome. Conclusions: Nerve sparing techniques have positive effects on quality of life and sexual function for patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy.
Glass‐reinforced composites of antifouling organotin epoxy polymers

The use of a new class of thermoset organotin epoxy polymers as matrix resin for composites has been evaluated. Copolymers of maleic anhydride with hexene-1, decene-1, or styrene were partially esterified with tributyltin, and the residual carboxyl groups were crosslinked with glycidyl methacrylate when preparing glass fabric-reinforced composites. Glass composites were also prepared from DGEBA cured by tributyltin 3,5-diaminobenzoate. The tensile, flexural, and impact strengths of the composite specimens warrant their use in structural applications requiring antifouling protection.
Geometrical alignment errors in the measurement of prismatic retroreflectors

Measurements of the coefficient of luminous intensity R for prismatic retroreflectors contain errors due to misalignment of the photometric range and samples. A procedure for assessing these errors has been developed for the two-orientation hexagon-cube clear prismatic retrore-flector that is included in the NBS Measurement Assurance Program (MAP) for retroreflection. This procedure involves experiments in which the geometrical setting of the range is deliberately varied so that the dependence of R on small variations in the geometry can be estimated. These experiments followed a fractional factorial design. Bounds on the uncertainties in the observation angle α, the two components of the entrance angle β1 and β2, and the rotation angle ϵ can be used to bound the corresponding uncertainty in R due to geometrical effects. Results of this experiment are reported along with some repeated measurements of R for an internal NBS MAP. Similar coefficients have been reported previously for retroreflective bead sheeting, and their implication is discussed.
Qualitative Interview Design: A Practical Guide for Novice Investigators

Qualitative research design can be complicated depending upon the level of experience a researcher may have with a particular type of methodology. As researchers, many aspire to grow and expand their knowledge and experiences with qualitative design in order to better utilize diversified research paradigms for future investigations. One of the more popular areas of interest in qualitative research design is that of the interview protocol. Interviews provide in-depth information pertaining to participants’ experiences and viewpoints of a particular topic. Often times, interviews are coupled with other forms of data collection in order to provide the researcher with a well-rounded collection of information for analyses. This paper explores the effective ways to conduct in-depth, qualitative interviews for novice investigators by employing a step-by-step process for implementation. Key Words: Informal Conversational Interview, General Interview Guide, OpenEnded Interviews