cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Self-Harm Inventory: a meta-analysis of its relationship to the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4 as a measure of borderline personality disorder

Objective. The purpose of the present study was to further examine the efficacy of the Self-Harm Inventory (SHI) as a proxy measure in diagnosing borderline personality disorder, with the comparison measure being the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4 (PDQ-4). Methods. We undertook a meta-analysis of data from our previous studies of psychiatric inpatients (N = 270) and internal medicine outpatients (N = 2587), all of whom completed both the SHI and the PDQ-4. Results. Scores on the SHI and PDQ-4 were strongly correlated, especially after correcting for attenuation due to measurement unreliability (0.78 in the compiled inpatient psychiatry sample and 0.83 in the compiled internal medicine sample). Moreover, the SHI demonstrated statistically significantly greater reliability coefficients relative to the PDQ-4. Conclusions. Based upon comparison with the PDQ-4, the SHI appears to be an efficacious proxy measure of borderline personality symptomatology in both psychiatric inpatient samples and primary c...
Fungi and Algae Co-Occur in Snow: An Issue of Shared Habitat or Algal Facilitation of Heterotrophs?

Late season alpine snows are often colonized by psychrophilic snow algae that may provide a source of nutrients for microbes. Such late season snows are a harsh environment, but support a diverse and complex fungal community. We used culture independent methods (Illumina MiSeq) to test if the presence of snow algae influences fungal communities. We compared algae-colonized snows to adjacent (3 m distant) noncolonized snows in a paired experimental design. Our data indicate that several fungi are locally enriched in algae colonized snows. Although many such fungi were basidiomycetous yeasts, our analyses identified a large number of snow-borne members of phylum Chytridiomycota. While the ecology and function of these Chytridiomycetes remain unclear, we hypothesize that their enrichment in the algal patches suggests that they depend on algae for nutrition. We propose that these chytrids are important components in snow ecosystems, highlighting the underestimation of their diversity and importance. Taken together, our data strongly indicate that fungal communities are heterogeneous in snow even among adjacent samples. Further, fungal and algal communities may be influenced by similar environmental drivers resulting in their co-occurrence in snow.
Iodine–Silver(I) Fluoride

(I2) [7553-56-2] I2 (MW 253.80) InChI = 1S/I2/c1-2 InChIKey = PNDPGZBMCMUPRI-UHFFFAOYSA-N (AgF) [7775-41-9] AgF (MW 126.87) InChI = 1S/Ag.FH/h;1H/q+1;/p-1 InChIKey = REYHXKZHIMGNSE-UHFFFAOYSA-M (source of electrophilic iodine, I+, in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions;1 ‘IF’ addition reagent across double bonds;2 mild oxidant which fluoridates selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons via radical cationic intermediates3) Physical Data: AgF: mp 435 °C; bp 1150 °C; d 5.85 g cm−3. Solubility: AgF: sol acetonitrile; sparingly sol aromatic and halogenated solvents. Form Supplied in: AgF: orange and brown chunks. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: AgF: corrosive, harmful dust, hygroscopic, light sensitive. This reagent should be handled in a fume hood.
Short time state space method for human motion identification

In this paper, UWB radar system is introduced and the applicability of the short time state space method (STSSM) is investigated for the extraction of micro-Doppler (m-D) features from a walking subject. A full wave model of human motion and the Boulic model are used to validate the proposed STSSM and calibrate the parameters before it was applied to experimental data. It is experimentally demonstrated that STSSM can successfully distinguish the motion of different body joints by identifying corresponding m-D frequencies.
TFTR status and plans

The Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) has been operating and providing physics data in regimes approaching those required for a fusion power reactor. Much progress has been made in improving the fusion product gain, Q, and TFTR routinely produces plasmas yielding a neutron source strength >10/sup 16/ neutrons/second from D-D reactions resulting from up to 30 mW of neutral beam injection. TFTR has already produced D-D fusion plasmas which correspond to Q=0.5 if a D-T fuel mixture were substituted and enhancement factors due to higher neutral beam power capability with D/sup 0/+T/sup 0/ beams, increased global energy confinement time from favorable mass scaling using tritium, and a modest contribution of alpha-particle heating are taken into account. Recent redirection of the Magnetic Fusion Energy Program has shifted the near-term emphasis on TFTR from preparing for tritium operation and demonstration of energy breakeven to studying plasma fluctuations and transport in order to improve understanding and develop physics-based models of the plasma heat loss mechanisms. >
Synthesis of L-Methionyl-L-Glutamyl-L-Histidyl-L-Phenylalanyl-L-Arginyl-L-Tryptophyl-Glycine and its Melanocyte-stimulating and Corticotropin-releasing Activity

THE occurrence of the heptapeptide, L-methionyl-L-glutamyl-L-histidyl- L-phenylalanyl-L-arginyl-L-tryptophyl-glycine, in both adrenocorticotropins (ACTH) and melanotropins (MSH)1–3 has led to synthesis of various peptides4–7 related to all or part of this amino-acid sequence. In recent reports8 the synthesis of the glutamine analogue of this heptapeptide has been described, and it was shown to possess corticotropin-releasing (CRF) activity. In the course of the synthesis of a nonadecapeptide9 which has a sequence identical with the first 19 amino-acid residues of ACTH and which possesses ACTH and MSH activity, we have synthesized the heptapeptide in its natural form and found it to have both MSH and CRF activity.
The Relationship Between Information, Sampling Rates, and Parameter Estimation Models

To estimate parameters from experiments requires the specification of models and each model will exhibit different degrees of sensitivity to the parameters sought. Although experiments can be optimally designed without regard to the experimental data actually realized, the precision of the estimated parameters is a function of the sensitivity and the statistical characteristics of the data. The precision is affected by any correlation in the data, either auto or cross, and by the choice of the model used to estimate the parameters. An informative way of looking at an experiment is by using the concept of Information. An analysis of an actual experiment is used to show how the information, the optimal number of sensors, the optimal sampling rates, and the model are affected by the statistical nature of the signals. We demonstrate that one must differentiate between the data needed to specify the model and the precision in the estimated parameters provided by the data
Preparation and testing of low-energy radiation sources

Abstract Low energy radiation sources, to be of value in industrial and medical radiography, must emit essentially no high-energy photons. They must have high specific activity, good mechanical strength and small physical size. Sources having these characteristics can be made by standard powder metallurgical techniques from certain powdered rare-earth oxides and aluminum powder. Tests designed to determine mechanical strengths and radioisotopes retention abilities of sources of varying compositions formed at various pressures are described and the results reported.
Is variation in total antioxidant capacity of human milk associated with levels of bio-active proteins?

Is variation in total antioxidant capacity of human milk associated with levels of bio-active proteins?
On the validity of using semilogarithmic plots to determine initial velocities of enzyme-catalyzed reactions.

Abstract It has been proposed ( Johnston & Diven, 1969a ) that it is valid to use semilogarithmic (first-order) plots of the extent of reaction versus time for graphic determination of initial velocities of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. This proposition suggests the assumption that the initial velocity error expected to be introduced by the proposed procedure is smaller than or comparable to the error introduced by the customary graphic procedure. The latter is based on the assumption that the progress curves of enzyme-catalyzed reactions have an initial linear segment of sufficient duration to permit accurate determination of slope. The validity of the procedure proposed by Johnston and Diven is examined in this report. It is concluded that the procedure is applicable to a very small class of enzyme-catalyzed reactions and only under certain experimental conditions.
Role of Middle Turbinate Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Fulminant Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis

Objective To determine the efficacy of middle turbinate biopsy in the diagnosis of fulminant invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. Study Design Nonrandomized prospective study. Methods Directed middle turbinate biopsy was performed in 25 patients suspected of having fulminant invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. All patients were immunocompromised and had fever of unknown origin, symptoms of rhinosinusitis, or both. Results Six patients were found to have fungal invasion on histopathological review (6 true-positive findings), disease developed in 2 patients with negative results on biopsy (2 false-negative findings), and disease never developed in 17 patients with negative results on biopsy (17 true-negative findings), resulting in an overall sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 100%. Conclusions Middle turbinate biopsy is a safe and effective method of making a timely diagnosis of fulminant invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. The added morbidity and cost of surgery can be avoided in the patient with a negative finding on biopsy. However, the effect of earlier diagnosis on overall patient survival is unclear at present.
Attributions and moral judgments: Kohlberg’s stage theory as a taxonomy of moral attributions

Individuals who cheated or did not cheat on a test and observers who watched a test taker cheat or not cheat evaluated the causal importance of internal factors, external factors, and factors associated with each of the six stages of Kohlberg’s model of moral development as determinants of the moral or immoral action. The results indicated that cheating was explained more in terms of the lower stages of moral thought, whereas the higher stages were used to account for not cheating, but few actor-observer differences were obtained. Overall, support was found for an attributional model of moral judgments that incorporates Kohlberg’s stage model as a taxonomy of causes of moral and immoral actions, but the findings also suggest that Kohlberg’s assumption that the stages are content free may be invalid.
Relative T-cell specificity of lymphocytotoxins from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Lymphocytotoxic antibody activity of dera from 23 patients with systemiclupus erythematosus (SLE) was compared using three different sets of lymphocytes-peripheral blood lymphocytes from 20 normal controls, perpheral blood lymphocytes from 10 patients with chronic lymphocytic leudemia (CLL) and thymic [thymus-derived (T)] cells of 5 human fetuses. A marked decreased reactivity of the SLE sera with CLL lymphocytes and marked increased reactivity with fetal thymic cells as compared to controls was found. These data suggest T-cell specificity of lymphoctotoxic antibodies in SLE.
Control of Stereochemistry: A General Synthesis of cis- or trans-β,γ-Disubstituted-γ-butyrolactones Following Z-Crotylboration

A general and practical procedure for the highly diastereoselective preparation of either the cis- or trans-β,γ-disubstituted-γ-butyrolactones by appropriate choice of Lewis or Bronsted acid catalysts during crotylboration or lactonization is reported. The cis-stereochemistry of the Z-crotylboration product can be inverted with strong acids during lactonization. A carbocation mechanism and catalytic cycle has been proposed.
U.S. bilateral trade flows and exchange risk during the floating period

Abstract This paper tests for real exchange rate risk effects on U.S. bilateral trade flows during the floating period using several new as well as previously used risk measures. Significant negative effects occur in five of six U.S. import flows, and in two of six U.S. export flows, with one export flow showing a significant positive effect. These results are consistent with several previous findings for aggregate U.S. trade. Two risk measures using the forward exchange rate and assuming a time-varying risk premium provide marginally more significant results than the others.
Methodology for assessing hazards of contaminants in seafood.

The tragedy of fish contamination with mercury in Minimata Bay brought to public attention the dangers of human exposure to toxic chemicals via consumption of contaminated aquatic organisms. In this country, numerous surveys conducted since the midseventies demonstrated the presence of trace levels of metals, synthetic pesticides, and other toxic organic compounds in a variety of aquatic organisms. The 1976 National Marine Fisheries Service survey reported the presence of mercury, lead cadmium, chromium, and arsenic in sea and fresh water fish at concentrations ranging from 0.12 ppm for mercury to 2.6 ppm for arsenic (Zook et al., 1976). Some of the same metals, as well as additional ones (silver, cobalt, iron, manganese, nickel, and zinc) were found in several surveys of fish and shellfish in the New England waters in concentrations ranging from 0.1 ppm for cobalt to 53 ppm for zinc (Eisher et al., 1978; Capuzzo et al., 1987). Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are particularly ubiquitous contaminants of aquatic organisms because of their widespread presence in the environment and their persistence and ability to bioconcentrate. PCBs have been found in the organisms from various New England waters (Capuzzo et al., 1987) and in other locations along the U.S. coastline (Farrington et al., 1982) as well in Lake Ontario (New York State, 1982) in the Great Lakes, and in the Hudson River (New York State, 1985). Concentrations of PCBs were as high as hundreds of parts per million in extreme cases. In addition to PCBs several of the surveys reported the presence of organic pesticides such as DDT, DDE, aldrin, endrin, mirex, hydrochlorobenzene, dieldrin, kepone, chlordane, and toxaphene in concentrations of 1 ppm or less. In the United States the Federal Food and Drug Law requires the Food and Drug Administration to set action levels for contaminants in fish and seafood designated for interstate commerce (US FDA, 1982). The action levels are based on the toxicity of chemicals as well as on the economic impact of such regulation, and therefore do not address the public health concerns directly. To date, action levels have been set for 11 chemicals and chemical classes, clearly leaving a large number of contaminants known to be present in aquatic life unregulated. Increasing evidence of the presence of chemical contaminants in seafood, continuing public and institutional concerns over the potential hazards of consuming con-
Reconstructing Fourier’s law from disorder in quantum wires

The theory of open quantum systems is used to study the local temperature and heat currents in metallic nanowires connected to leads at different temperatures. We show that for ballistic wires the local temperature is almost uniform along the wire and Fourier's law is invalid. By gradually increasing disorder, a uniform temperature gradient ensues inside the wire and the thermal current linearly relates to this local temperature gradient, in agreement with Fourier's law. Finally, we show that while disorder is responsible for the onset of Fourier's law, the nonequilibrium energy distribution function is determined solely by the heat baths.
The Introduction of Price Competition in a Municipal Audit Market

We examine the effects of deregulation that introduced price competition in a municipal audit market. In 1993 Florida removed the competitive bidding restriction that prohibited disclosure of pricing information in the initial stages of auditor selection. This change led to significant shifts in the audit market from Big 6 firms toward established non‐Big 6 firms in the municipal market and reduced audit fees. If quality increases with auditor office experience in a given industry, then our results also suggest that the primary effect of introducing price competition was to make quality audits more affordable.
Resource allocation in broadband ISDNs

Broadband integrated services digital networks (BISDNs) have recently received significant attention among researchers in the field of telecommunications. These broadband telecommunication networks are being designed for handling, in their final form, a large variety of digital information, e.g, data, voice, video, facsimile, etc. Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) has been recommended by the CCITT as a means of providing efficient and fast packet switched communication among BISDN users. It supports a large variety of services in a simple and unified fashion. An efficient and simple, yet effective, technique for resource allocation in broadband networks is presented. This technique was simulated for a network with three types of services and results are presented in terms of call blocking probabilities for several different cases.
Development of the cognitive processing of trauma scale

We developed a 17-item scale to measure cognitive processing of traumatic experiences in two samples of college students. The Cognitive Processing of Trauma Scale (CPOTS) measures five aspects of cognitive processing: (1) Positive Cognitive Restructuring, (2) Downward comparison, (3) Resolution, (4) Denial and (5) Regrets. Confirmatory Factor Analysis confirmed the factor structure of the scale, and reliability was further established by computing the internal consistency and test–retest reliability of each subscale. Discriminant and convergent validity for the CPOTS were demonstrated by correlating the subscales with two existing measures, the Impact of Event Scale and the Stress Related Growth Scale. The scale is recommended for use in empirical studies incorporating written or spoken disclosure about a trauma as an intervention, and should also be considered for clinical use in populations who have experienced a major stressor or trauma. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forcing sequences and inexact Newton iterates in Banach space

Abstract We use inexact Newton iterates to approximate a solution of a nonlinear equation in a Banach space. Solving a nonlinear equation using Newton iterates at each stage is very expensive in general. That is why we consider inexact Newton methods, where the Newton equations are solved only approximately and in some unspecified manner. In the elegant paper [1], natural assumptions under which the forcing sequence is uniformly less than one were given based on the first Frechet-derivative of the operator involved. Here, we use assumption on the second Frechet-derivative. This way, we essentially reproduce all results found earlier. However, our upper error bounds on the distances involved are smaller.
Neuropsychological functioning in patients with borderline personality disorder

Although results have been variable, studies suggest that individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) exhibit cognitive deficits suggestive of frontal- and temporal-lobe dysfunction. Patients diagnosed with BPD (n = 18) using two structured interviews, and who were carefully screened for neurological and substance-use disorders, were compared to depressed patients (n = 18) and a nonpsychiatric control group (n = 18) on a series of neuropsychological tasks. The role of emotion on cognitive functioning was assessed by including emotional stimuli and interference on several of the tasks. Little support was found for the neurobehavioral hypothesis of BPD. The BPD group performance did not differ from the normal group on most tasks of executive functioning or memory, and the introduction of emotional stimuli did not impair performance. The depressed group performed less effectively than the other groups. Reasons for variable findings and factors affecting the cognitive functioning of patients with BPD are discussed. There may be considerable heterogeneity in the cognitive functioning of BPD patients, with those exhibiting significant cognitive deficits comprising only a subgroup.
Origins of metabolic complications in obesity: adipose tissue and free fatty acid trafficking.

Purpose of reviewObesity is associated with a number of serious medical complications that are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (e.g., insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and liver fat accumulation). Alterations in fatty acid trafficking, both between tissues and within cells, represent a key f
Using meta-knowledge within a multilevel framework for KBS development

This paper describes a multilevel development life cycle of representation refinement for knowledge-based systems that incorporates meta-knowledge at each level. The methodology uses formal techniques in the specification of the domain knowledge, the cognitive aspects and the representation. The methodology provides the knowledge engineer with a dynamic perspective of the system which can be used in conjunction with the static aspects found in the representation abstractions. To provide perspective, the paper details the refinement of one of the levels called the intermediate level, in which an implementation-independent representation is created by the use of a knowledge filter.
Observation of Ps(n=2) from well-characterized metal surfaces in ultrahigh vacuum.

The production of the n=2 state of positronium by slow-positron bombardment is observed from well-characterized metal surfaces of Cu and W under UHV conditions. The maximum fractions observed are (2.73\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.13)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ for Cu and (3.70\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.53)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ for W. Measurements made as a function of incident-positron energy show a substantial difference in the incident-energy dependence for the Ps(n=1) and Ps(n=2) fractions, with W exhibiting a threshold for Ps(n=2) formation at an energy near 5 eV. These observations are consistent with Ps(n=2) formation as a result of charge capture at the surface by backscattered nonthermalized positrons. An understanding of the Ps(n=2) emission mechanism is important for improving the yields of excited-state production for fine-structure measurements.
Critical rhetoric and postmodern theory

(1991). Critical rhetoric and postmodern theory. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 77, No. 1, pp. 67-70.
Control of Skeletal Connectivity in Indium Promoted Reactions: 1,2-Additions and Cope Rearrangements En Route to Lactol Formation

Indium promoted coupling reactions between propargyl aldehydes (3) and allyl halides under aqueous and organic conditions are reported. Coupling reactions under aqueous conditions occur via 1,2-addition with excellent yields to afford 4-hydroxy-1-ene-5-ynes (8). Coupling reactions under organic conditions also add in a 1,2-fashion, but the initial products can be induced to undergo oxy-Cope rearrangements giving 2,5-hexadienals (9). Oxy-Cope rearrangement of 8 followed by a secondary addition step under highly basic conditions leads to lactol formation (10) in good to excellent yields. This paper reveals the versatility and control of product formation which may be attained when working with propargyl aldehyde (3) and allyl halide systems under indium promoted coupling conditions.
Technical entrepreneurship: what do we know?

The factors influencing the birth of new, high-technology firms have been investigated in a number of separate studies. This paper summarizes and reports upon this research. New, technologically-based firms have had, in the aggregate, substantial economic impact. The birth of these companies has been concentrated in particular places and at particular times. The decision to found a new company appears to be influenced by three major factors. The characteristics of the entrepreneur, including the many aspects of his background which make him more or less inclined toward entrepreneur-ship, are important. The organization for which he has been working, which might be termed ‘the incubator organization’ also influences the entrepreneurial decision in various ways. A third factor consists of a complex of external influences, including the availability of venture capital and the collective attitudes toward entrepreneurship. Feedback processes appear to be at work such that past entrepreneurship makes future entrepreneurship more likely.
Expert perspective: reducing cardiovascular risk in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus beyond low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering.

Even with optimal statin therapy, many patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus or metabolic syndrome fail to achieve all lipid targets and remain at high risk of cardiovascular events. Add-on lipid-modifying therapy that is effective in improving the triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol abnormalities characteristic of these conditions is a recommended approach to reduce this risk. Fibrates or niacin is a logical option, supported by clinical studies showing improved lipid control in combination with a statin. Of the fibrates, fenofibrate may offer microvascular benefits in type 2 diabetes—as demonstrated by the Diabetes Atherosclerosis Intervention Study (DAIS) and the Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) study—as well as a low risk of myopathy when combined with statins compared with gemfibrozil. Although there is good evidence that both agents favorably affect clinical outcome, we need to evaluate their impact against a baseline of statin therapy. We await data from ongoing large-scale studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these combinations and to determine the most appropriate option for reducing residual cardiovascular risk in this important patient population.
Herbivore deme formation on individual trees: a test case

We examined the deme-formation hypothesis, which states that sessile herbivores on long-lived hosts become locally adapted to the defensive phenotypes of individual trees. We showed a five-fold increase in resistance by individual pinyon pines (Pinus edulis) to the pinyon pine needle scale (Matsucoccus acalyptus). Although such variation could represent a significant selection pressure favoring deme formation, two lines of evidence led to rejection of the hypothesis. First, there were no significant differences in mortality among scale populations in a reciprocal transfer experiment. Second, a seven-year experiment showed that mortality of newly founded, incipient scale populations was similar to established scale populations. While our experiments fail to support the deme-formation hypothesis, they do demonstrate significant variation in the resistance traits of a natural tree population. Although we feel that demeformation is still probable in this system, it is likely to occur on a larger geographic scale than individual trees as proposed by Edmunds and Alstad.
Healthcare Performance and the Effects of the Binaural Beats on Human Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

Binaural beats are the differences in two different frequencies (in the range of 30-1000 Hz). Binaural beats are played through headphones and are perceived by the superior olivary nucleus of each hemisphere of the brain. The brain perceives the binaural beat and resonates to its frequency (frequency following response). Once the brain is in tune with the binaural beat it produces brainwaves of that frequency altering the listener's state of mind. In this experiment, the effects of the beta and theta binaural beat on human blood pressure and pulse were studied. Using headphones, three sounds were played for 7 minutes each to 12 participants: the control,- the sound of a babbling brook (the background sound to the two binaural beats), the beta binaural beat (20 Hz), and the theta binaural beat (7 Hz). Blood pressure and pulse were recorded before and after each sound was played. Each participant was given 2 minutes in-between each sound. The results showed that the control and the two binaural beats did not affect the 12 participant's blood pressure or pulse (p > 0.05). One reason for this may be that the sounds were not played long enough for the brain to either perceive and/or resonate to the frequency. Another reason why the sounds did not affect blood pressure and pulse may be due to the participant's age since older brains may not perceive the binaural beats as well as younger brains.
Radar topography data reveal drainage relics in the eastern Sahara

The Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) elevation data reveal segments of inactive drainage channel systems in the eastern Sahara. Four sites are investigated and their drainage networks are delineated and compared with processed Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) images. These include parts of the drainage lines that lead to the Kufra Oasis in Libya; the eastern Gilf Kebir drainage system that straddles the border region between Egypt and Sudan; the lower reach of Wadi Howar, the extinct western Nile tributary in Sudan; and a reversed flow channel of Wadi Kubbaniya northwest of Aswan in Egypt. These features are delineated using SRTM data and a Geographic Information System (GIS) hydrologic routine. The results show that the SRTM signals penetrate the desert-sandy surfaces and map ancient drainage systems in the same way as SAR. The study also demonstrates that SRTM data can be used to confirm or modify pathways of channel courses mapped from radar images alone. Because of this capability, it is also recommended that SRTM data be used in place of GTOPO30 elevation data in hydrologic modelling of sand-covered deserts.
Using a Programming Approach to Measure International Agricultural Efficiency and Productivity

Multifactor agricultural productivity for seventy countries is calculated using a programming method. Productivity measures are divided into indices that measure technical efficiency and technical change. Agriculture in many developing countries is technically inefficient but technical change has had a greater impact on agricultural productivity. Multifactor productivity is declining in many developing countries where both agricultural output and the use of some agricultural inputs has rapidly grown. The level of education in a country and research services are factors which can explain differences in agricultural productivity growth between countries.
Chemically distinct rat olivocochlear neurons.

We have produced a neurochemical map of the cell bodies of origin of the cochlear efferent terminals in rat by combining glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)immunocytochemistry with retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase. The location of cochlear efferent cell bodies are in general agreement with the medial and lateral systems described by White and Warr (J. Comp. Neurol. 219:203–214, 1983) with some minor modifications. The lateral system consists of at least two pools of chemically distinct neurons located within the lateral superior olive (LSO) ipsilateral to the injected cochlea. One pool immunostains with an antibody to GAD while the other immunostains with antibodies to ChAT and to CGRP. The medial efferent system consists of periolivary neurons that are almost exclusively large and ChAT-positive but CGRP-negative. They are located both ipsilateral and contralateral to the cochlea they project to. There are a few GAD-positive small neurons in the medioventral and rostral periolivary regions that project ipsilaterally, but these may prove to be ectopic neurons. The ipsilateral lateroventral periolivary region (LVPO) contains some efferent neurons, all of which are ChAT-positive but CGRP-negative. Additional cochlear efferent neurons, some of which are ChAT-positive and others GAD-positive, are present within and immediately dorsal to the fiber capsule surrounding the medial limb, and to a lesser extent the lateral limb, of the ipsilateral LSO. Not all GAD-positive or ChAT-positive olivary cells project to the cochlea. We have complemented the results in the brainstem by demostrating two immunocytochemically distinct populations of efferent terminals in the cochlea simultaneously, one CGRP-positive and the other GAD-positive. Approximately, equal numbers of boutons immunoreactive for both markers are present beneath inner hair cells throughout the entire length of the cochlea. Surprisingly high numbers of GAD-positive and CGRP-positive boutons are also present on outer hair cells, with each class having its spatially and morphologically ditinct features. The lack of CGRP-positive periolivary cells that are retrogradely labeled by cochlear injections of HRP suggests that the lateral olivocochlear system sends projections to outer hair cells. Our results raise questions about species differences in the organization of targets of the lateral and medial olivocochlear systems.
Integrating computer- and teacher-based scaffolds in science inquiry

Because scaffolding is a crucial form of support for students engaging in complex learning environments, it is important that researchers determine which of the numerous kinds of scaffolding will allow them to educate students most effectively. The existing literature tends to focus on computer-based scaffolding by itself rather than integrating it with teacher support. This study examined students' inquiry learning skills and content knowledge when they utilized a virtual learning environment called Supervolcano: Kikai Caldera. The present study specifically explored how the timing of teacher-based metacognitive scaffolding in combination with different types of computer-based procedural scaffolding affected students' science inquiry learning. To answer this question, a 2 x 2 factorial design was conducted. One factor examined continuous and faded computer-based procedural scaffolds, and the other factor investigated early and late teacher-based metacognitive scaffolds. Students who received both continuous computer-based procedural scaffolding and early teacher-based metacognitive scaffolding performed best in acquiring scientific inquiry skills. Students using both faded computer-based procedural and early teacher-based metacognitive scaffolding had the worst performance in learning scientific inquiry skills. However, although we applied different types of scaffolding, the results showed no statistically significant difference among the groups' science learning knowledge.
Role of NAD+ in the stimulation of protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocyte lysates.

Abstract The stimulation of protein synthesis by NAD+ in rabbit reticulocyte lysates has been reported. [Lennon M. B., Wu, J., and Suhadolnik, R. J., (1976) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 72, 530–538]. NAD+ can replace the creatine phosphate-creatine phosphokinase ( CP CPK ) energy regenerating system normally used in in vitro protein synthesizing systems. The replacement of CP CPK by NAD+ is optimal at 37 °C. A significant lag in the rate of protein synthesis with NAD+ is observed with decreasing temperatures. Analysis of the adenylate energy charge with NAD+ shows an initial rapid decrease. This decrease in the energy charge recovers with increasing NAD+ concentrations. The energy level correlates with the rates of incorporation of d , l -[4,5-3H(N)]leucine into protein. ATP production via NAD+ pyrophosphorylase or oxidative phosphorylation does not explain the stimulation by NAD+. Rather, the stimulation is correlated with the activation of glycolysis. Glycolysis is not active in lysate preparations because NAD+ is absent. Additional possible roles of NAD+ in protein synthesis are discussed.
The impact of poultry litter application on sediment chemistry of the Broadkill River estuary system, Delaware

This project examined the impact of long-term poultry litter application on the chemical signatures of As, Cu, Zn, and P in stream sediments of the Broadkill River watershed within the Delmarva Peninsula, a region of intense poultry production. Thirty-seven sediment samples were collected from Broadkill River drainage systems and analyzed for litter-derived elements (As, Cu, Zn, P) and basic soil parameters such as particle size distribution, organic matter, and soluble salts. Results showed that concentrations of elements in stream sediments are approximately log-normally distributed. Spatial variability in concentrations of elements was evident, with most elements increasing in concentration and enrichment from upgradient headwaters to downgradient reaches draining predominantly agricultural areas. Results of correlation analyses showed positive significant correlation among elements; elements were also positively correlated with percent clay and silt in the sediment. Using GIS maps with overlays of hydrology and land use activities, statistical correlations between As, Cu, Zn, and P enrichment factors and land use were examined. Results showed statistically significant relationships between As, Mn, and Zn enrichment factors and residential areas within the watershed, but did not show a statistically significant relationship between element enrichment factors and agricultural land use. Factors that complicate this type of landscape-scale study include the presence of poultry processing plants, impoundments, changes in land use over time, and the influence of tides, all of which can have direct and indirect influences on element mobility.
Developmental origin of vaginal epithelium

The developmental origin of vaginal epithelium has been controversial for nearly a century, with speculation that vaginal epithelium originates from the Mullerian duct, Wolffian duct, and/or urogenital sinus. None of these possibilities have been definitively proven or disproven by direct scientific data. To define precisely the origin of vaginal epithelium, epithelial cells of the Mullerian duct, Wolffian duct, or urogenital sinus were fluorescently labeled in mouse embryos by crossing tdTomato-EGFP dual-reporter transgenic mice with transgenic mouse lines that express Cre-recombinase in each type of epithelium. In embryos and newborn mice, the vagina consisted of fused Mullerian ducts plus the sinus vagina of urogenital sinus origin. However, the proportion of the sinus vagina was significantly reduced as the Mullerian vagina grew caudally. By postpartum day 7, the Mullerian vagina extended to the caudal end of the body, whereas the sinus vagina remained only at the junction between the vagina and perineal skin. As the vagina opened in puberty, urogenital sinus epithelium was detected only in the vulva, but not in the vagina. Additionally, from embryo to adult stages, residual Wolffian duct epithelium was present in the dorsolateral stromal wall of the vagina, but not within vaginal or vulvar epithelium. In conclusion, adult mouse vaginal epithelium is derived solely from Mullerian duct epithelium.
Residual-life estimation for components with non-symmetric priors

Condition monitoring uses sensory signals to assess the health of engineering systems. A degradation model is a mathematical characterization of the evolution of a condition signal. Our recent research focuses on using degradation models to compute residual-life distributions for degrading components. Residual-life distributions are important for providing probabilistic estimates of failure time for use in maintenance planning and spare parts inventory management. To obtain residual-life distributions, our earlier work assumed the degradation model's stochastic parameters to be normally distributed. This paper investigates the performance of these residual-life distributions when the underlying normality assumptions are not satisfied. The paper also develops methods for estimating residual-life when the stochastic parameters of the degradation model follow more general distributions.
Learn Java in N games (abstract only)

The Learn Java in N Games project (LJING) aims to teach topics in CS1, CS2, and other courses by having students implement a variety of games. Each game is presented as a stand-alone module, easily incorporated into an existing course without committing to major curricular changes. Modules include unusually clear solution code, skeleton code for students to complete, JUnit tests for quick feedback to students and automated grading, and clear assignment statements with learning objectives. Program code strictly separates game logic from graphic user interfaces (GUIs), allowing the same code to be used in both conventional and mobile Android environments. In this three-hour tutorial, participants will complete two assignments. These assignments are ready to be used in classes the next day.
Polymorphism in dinuclear Cu(II) compounds – polymorphism caused by different degrees of hydration: the structures of [Cu(HL)]2Cl24H2O (I), [Cu(HL)]2Cl2 · 2H2O (II), [Cu(HL)]2)(NO3)2 · 4H2O (III), [Cu(HL)]2)(NO3)2 · 2H2O (IV) and [Cu(HL)]2)(ClO4)2 · 2H2O (V) (HL=[(3-aminopropyl)-di-(2-hydroxopropyl)]amine anion). Counterion control of the crystallization pathway. Part 11

Abstract Compounds of composition [Cu(HL)]2Cl2 · 4H2O (I), [Cu(HL)]2Cl2 · 2H2O (II), [Cu(HL)]2)(NO3)2 · 4H2O (III), [Cu(HL)]2)(NO3)2 · 2H2O (IV) and [Cu(HL)]2)(ClO4)2 · 2H2O (V) (HL=[(3-aminopropyl)-di-(2-hydroxopropyl)]-amine anion) were prepared and their crystal structures determined. Compounds I, IV and V crystallize in the same space group, P21/n, and are very close to being isomorphous and isostructural. II Crystallizes in space group Pcab, while III crystallizes in C2/c. The pairs of compounds I–II and III–IV are examples of hydration polymorphism. Efforts to obtain polymorphic forms of V have, thus far, been negative. All five compounds contain a central bi-metallic core consisting of two Cu(II) cations bridged by two oxygens. The resulting species are antiferromagnetically coupled and can nicely be fitted to a Bleany–Bowers model with great precision. Electron spin resonance studies were carried out in solid powders and in frozen solutions, at 77 K in both instances. The g-factors obtained from the latter studies were used in the fitting of the magnetism measurements, which were made between 5 and 295 K. Counter anions were changed on purpose in order to ascertain the manner in which counter ions exert an effect in the selection of the crystallization pathway chosen. Also, solvent changes were made which resulted in the polymorphism observed, and which was due to variations in the ratios of the solvent components (e.g., methanol–water). All five cations contain one Cu(II)–OH2 bond; and, the length of this bond is the primary difference in the stereochemistry of the cations. They range from 2.731 to 3.959 A. A discussion is given of the arguments for and against considering the two longest distances (3.827 and 3.959 A) as true bonds.
Homoclinic orbits and oscillation for the planar three-body problem

Sitnikov proved the existence of oscillation and capture for a special motion of the restricted three-body problem, m, = 0 [ 141. Alekseev made a systematic study of this situation [ 11. He also proved the same result for all nonzero masses. (See Section 5 below for a discussion of this case.) A good exposition of this example following lectures of Conley is contained in [9] using the stable manifold result for a degenerately hyperbolic closed orbit of McGehee [ 81. Easton and McGehee proposed a planar three-body example with negative energy which could (possibly) exhibit similar oscillation and capture [3]. While Sitnikov’s example has two degrees of freedom, this planar example, after all the integrals and symmetries are removed, has three degrees of freedom. They studied a model example which completely decouples when the third body is near infinity and proved oscillation and capture exist for this model example. Their work left the following three steps undone: (1) show the parabolic orbits form a submanifold for the real equations, (2) show the a-parabolic orbits and w-parabolic orbits are transverse in a strong sense (see the definition of a hyperbolic homoclinic orbit defined below), and (3) show that symbolic dynamics can be used to show oscillation and capture exist using only the fact that the binary asymptotically decouples and not that it completely decouples when the third body is near infinity. For negative energy h, as the third particle goes to infinity parabolically, the asymptotic motion of q = r2 rl is that of a two-body problem with energy h. After regularization the set of all two-body motions with energy h < 0 is the Hopf flow on the three sphere, S3. Let IVs(S3) (resp. wU(S”)) be the set of w-parabolic orbits (resp. w-parabolic orbits). Easton has now shown that Ws(S3) and wl((S3) are Lipschitz manifolds [2]. This paper proves they are real analytic manifolds and “Cm at infinity” (at S”)
Improved Health Care for Sexual Minority and Transgender Veterans

The recent article by Blosnich et al.1 discusses survey data that indicate greater suicidal ideation among lesbian, gay, and bisexual veterans compared with heterosexual veterans. The article also emphasizes that sexual minority veterans have poor mental health as well as less availability of social and emotional support. A sense of social isolation may be a factor resulting in this negative outcome.1 Transgender individuals also struggle with mental health problems such as depression and poor self-esteem. Publications have described transgender youths as an invisible population that is marginalized and underserved. Pollock and Eyre discuss how female-to-male youths gradually discover and adapt to their transgender identity.2 The authors emphasize the medical and social service needs of this population as well as their struggle for acceptance. In addition, they emphasize the need for transgender youths to have culturally sensitive, transgender-specific medical providers. They also comment that for the young transgender population to see their lives as worth living, they need to feel valued by our society.2 Lombardi emphasizes the violence and discrimination that are frequently experienced by this population and that low self-esteem in this group may lead to drug and alcohol abuse.3 In addition, the lack of sensitivity on the part of health care providers adversely affects the willingness of transgender individuals to seek and stay in treatment for their psychological and social service needs. Lombardi discusses several strategies to improve the health of transgender individuals, including acknowledging the authenticity of the identities of this population, promoting the view that discrimination against transgender men and women will not be tolerated, and advocating for better and expanded health care services. Finally, innovative policies to help this patient population need to be instituted.3 Recognizing the unique needs of sexual minority and transgender veterans is a priority of the Veteran Affairs (VA) Manhattan Healthcare Center. We applaud the research that focuses on these needs; it enables us to advocate strongly for this group. Our goal is to provide all veterans with excellent, sensitive, and empathetic health care. VA Manhattan is determined to institute the strategies necessary to achieve this goal.