cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Eyeglass. 1. Very Large Aperture Diffractive Telescopes

The Eyeglass is a very large aperture (25–100-m) space telescope consisting of two distinct spacecraft, separated in space by several kilometers. A diffractive lens provides the telescope’s large aperture, and a separate, much smaller, space telescope serves as its mobile eyepiece. Use of a transmissive diffractive lens solves two basic problems associated with very large aperture space telescopes; it is inherently launchable (lightweight, packagable, and deployable) it and virtually eliminates the traditional, very tight surface shape tolerances faced by reflecting apertures. The potential drawback to use of a diffractive primary (very narrow spectral bandwidth) is eliminated by corrective optics in the telescope’s eyepiece; the Eyeglass can provide diffraction-limited imaging with either single-band (Δλ/λ ∼ 0.1), multiband, or continuous spectral coverage.
Influence of temperature and moisture on eggs and embryos of the white-throated Savanna monitor Varanus albigularis: Implications for conservation

Abstract Eggs of the white-throated savanna monitor Varanus albigularis were incubated on vermiculite substrates at each of three temperatures (27, 29, 31°C) and moisture regimes (−150, −550, −1100kPa) in a factorial experiment to assess the effects of these variables on embryonic development. Hatching success was high in all treatments, so the chosen conditions did not drastically affect viability of embryos. Net absorption of water, duration of incubation by embryos, and size of hatchlings were positively correlated with moisture content of the substrate and negatively correlated with ambient temperature. Duration of incubation and size of hatchlings were similar for artificially and naturally incubated eggs, but hatching success of eggs in natural nests was only about half that of artificially-incubated eggs. Results from this study indicate that variations in moisture and temperature probably cause ecologically significant variation of physical characteristics in hatchling monitor lizards.
Effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on plasma disappearance and biliary excretion of foreign compounds in rats.

Abstract Plasma disappearance and biliary excretion of ouabain, phenol-3,6-dibromphthalein (DBSP), and sulfobromophthalein (BSP) were determined in rats, 2, 10, 20, 25, or 40 days after oral administration of a single dose of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), 10 or 25 μg/kg. Treatment with either dose of TCDD increased the plasma concentration of ouabain and decreased its excretion into bile. Both effects could be detected 2 days after TCDD and reached a peak between 10 and 20 days, and a slight recovery trend was seen at 40 days. The magnitude of the depression in ouabain excretion was directly related to the dose of TCDD. Plasma disappearance and biliary excretion of DBSP and BSP were affected differently by TCDD treatment than was ouabain. The low dose of TCDD enhanced initial biliary excretion of DBSP and BSP 25 days after TCDD. On the other hand, the high dose depressed biliary excretion and increased the plasma concentration of the dyes at 10 days. The depression in DBSP and BSP biliary excretion after the high dose of TCDD was of lesser magnitude and shorter duration than that of ouabain, being fully recovered after 25 days. Both doses of TCDD decreased body weight and increased liver wet weight. Bile flow was decreased by TCDD and the magnitude of depression was directly related to the dose of TCDD. The time course of the depression in bile flow was similar to that for the depression in ouabain excretion. Light microscopic examination of the liver 10 and 20 days after TCDD revealed swelling and occasional necrosis of individual hepatocytes and aggregations of mononuclear inflammatory cells in periportal areas. Our findings reveal that TCDD depresses the biliary excretion of ouabain in a dose-related manner and emphasize the long duration of the effect.
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism in CO2 treated tomatoes

Abstract γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism has been investigated in breaker and light red maturation stages of ‘Tricia’ tomatoes exposed to air, or 10% CO 2 in air during storage, at 13 °C for 12 d, to examine whether GABA responses to elevated CO 2 differ in fruit at different maturity stages. At harvest, the GABA concentration in red fruit was about a third of that in breaker fruit. The ripening of breaker stage fruit was inhibited by CO 2 to a greater extent than the red fruit as judged by hue and chroma values, but the red fruit were more sensitive to development of water soaking, pitting and decay than the breaker fruit. During storage, GABA concentrations in breaker fruit decreased during storage but were usually higher in CO 2 treated than air treated fruit. GABA concentrations in red fruit increased in CO 2 treated fruit, but they increased and then decreased in air treated fruit over time. When CO 2 treated fruit were transferred to air, GABA concentrations declined to similar levels as those found in fruit stored in air. Although glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity was higher in breaker than red fruit at harvest, activities in air and CO 2 treated fruit were similar. GABA transaminase (GABA-T) activity was higher in red than breaker fruit, but activity declined more in CO 2 than air treated fruit. Although, CO 2 treatment did not affect GAD1 expression, it resulted in higher GAD2 and GAD3 expression, and to a greater extent in breaker than red fruit. No consistent effects of high CO 2 conditions on the expression of GABA-T or succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase ( SSADH ) genes were found. A decline in succinic semialdehyde reductase 1 ( SSR1 ) gene expression was found only in CO 2 treated red fruit, while CO 2 treatment resulted in a more rapid decrease of SSR2 expression in both breaker and red fruit. The results reveal differences in GABA metabolism in breaker and red fruit in response to CO 2 treatment.
Why Applied Baccalaureates Appeal to Working Adults: From National Results to Promising Practices

Mindful that applied baccalaureate degrees often have as their target audience adults who consider themselves workers first and students second, this chapter defines the AB degree, offers insights into why they are important, and presents results of a state-by-state inventory highlighting applied baccalaureate degree programs in Oklahoma and Washington.
Gas-Phase Production of Molybdenum Carbide, Nitride, and Sulfide Clusters and Nanocrystallites

Molybdenum carbide, nitride, and sulfide clusters were created via laser ablation in the presence of dilute and neat reactive carrier gases. Distributions of the neutral products were characterized by time-of-flight mass spectrometry after photoionization with 193 nm radiation. The carbide clusters show an increase in ion intensity up to Mo8C12 at which point there is a sharp drop in intensity. The latter suggests that the Mo8C12 neutral or ion is particularly stable, which we attribute to a Met-Car-like structure analogous to that observed for other early transition-metal carbides. Carbide clusters containing 10−23 Mo atoms exhibit a MoxCx+3 stoichiometry, while those containing >23 Mo atoms are closer to MoxCx+2, indicative of near cubic nanocrystallite structures. At low mass (Mox, x ≤ 6), cluster ions produced in expansions of ammonia gas contained up to three nitrogen atoms; however, heavier species (Mox, x ≤ 40) appear to be pure molybdenum metal clusters. The mass distributions for the sulfide clus...
Mechanisms of Membrane Shaping by Peripheral Proteins

Membrane curvature has developed into a forefront of membrane biophysics. Numerous proteins involved in membrane curvature sensing and membrane curvature generation have recently been discovered, and the structure of these proteins and their multimeric complexes is increasingly well-understood.Substantially less understood, however, are thermodynamic and kinetic aspects and the detailed mechanisms of how these proteins interact with membranes in a curvature-dependent manner. New experimental approaches need to be combined with established techniques to be able to fill in these missing details. Here we use model membrane systems in combination with a variety of biophysical techniques to characterize mechanistic aspects of the function of peripheral proteins such as BAR domains, ENTH domains, and synucleins. This includes a characterization of membrane curvature sensing and curvature generation. We also establish kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of BAR protein dimerization in solution, and investigate kinetic aspects of membrane binding. We present two new approaches to investigate membrane shape instabilities leading to stable membrane curvature. We demonstrate that membrane shape instabilities can be controlled by factors such as protein binding, lateral membrane tension, lipid shape and asymmetric bilayer distribution, and macromolecular crowding on the membrane.Our findings are relevant to the mechanistic understanding of membrane trafficking phenomena, including endocytosis.
Getting to the heart of social support

Abstract Purpose: Several epidemiological studies have identified social support as an important determinant of survival and quality of life among patients with coronary artery disease. However, there are still significant gaps in our understanding of the intervening mechanisms through which social support functions. The purpose of this study was to identify intermediary processes that social support might influence to promote positive health among this population. Methods: During a three-month study period, patients admitted with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction or angina were identified upon admission and invited to participate in individual interviews. Patients were asked to list the types of modifications that they have had to make in their lives in order to remain healthy. Patients were then asked to describe in an open-ended manner, activities performed by members of their social network that they perceived as being most supportive in helping them to make these modifications and to stay healthy. Using qualitative techniques, responses were grouped into similar categories. From these categories, themes describing processes through which social support may function were derived. Results: Of the 63 patients interviewed: the mean age was 69 years, 40% were female, 17% were African-American, 14% were Latino-American, 56% were married, and 80% had completed high school. Approximately 44% of patients had a previous diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Commonly cited modifications that patients felt they have had to make in order to stay healthy included: making changes in their diet, keeping more doctors appointments, taking their medications, increasing physical activity, and reducing stressful responsibilities at home. Activities performed by social network members that were perceived as being most supportive in helping patients make these modifications fell into the following categories: preparing healthier meals, suggesting recipes of healthy meals, grocery shopping for the patient, accompanying patients to medical visits, going to the pharmacy for the patient, encouraging participation in exercise programs, not smoking or drinking in the presence of the patient, and doing strenuous chores such as lifting, gardening, and shoveling snow. Underlying themes that emerged as potential mechanisms of social support included facilitating adherence, facilitating access to medical care, and minimizing exposure to stress. Conclusions: We have identified potential mechanisms through which social support functions to impact health. Social support may facilitate adherence to dietary, medication, and exercise regimens; it may facilitate access to medical care; it may also minimize exposure to potential stressors such as strenuous chores. These results may provide guidance in developing educational programs which help family, friends, and health care professionals provide more effective social support as well as serve as a theoretical framework for developing and testing social support interventions.
Selection, egg viability, and fecundity of the sugarcane borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) with tebufenozide.

Abstract Two separate attempts to select the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), for resistance to tebufenozide were unsuccessful. Both selected colonies were lost after the fourth generation due to a lack of oviposition. Differences were not detected in fecundity or percent egg viability for 5-d-old third instars exposed to concentrations (EC5, EC15, and EC30) of tebufenozide for 7 d. Decreases (P ≤ 0.01) in mean female pupal weights were detected in larvae exposed to EC15 and EC30 concentrations. An ovicidal impact using serial dilutions of tebufenozide (10, 100, and 200 ppm) also was detected. Percent viability was reduced from 98% for untreated eggs to 61% for eggs dipped in 10 ppm and below 6% for eggs dipped in ≥100 ppm. Eggs treated with 200 ppm did not hatch. Though some embryonic development was observed on eggs treated with the high concentrations (100 and 200 ppm), sclerotization of head capsule was not apparent. The ovicidal property of tebufenozide may enhance its effectiveness in con...
The Western Angler, an account of Pacific salmon and Trout

Abstract By Roderick L. Haig-Brown: Two Volumes, Vol. I - 200 pp.: Vol. II - 192 pp.: Derrydale Press, New York, 1938. $25.00 set.
Infectious nature of pancreatic necrosis

Abstract To determine if pancreatic necrosis is a communicable disease of trout, lots of eyed brook trout eggs were obtained from four hatcheries. Pancreatic necrosis appeared spontaneously in trout from one of these hatcheries and the other strains were exposed to infection by suspension prepared from diseased fish. In all cases, typical pancreatic necrosis appeared in fish exposed to infection and the control fish remained healthy. Disease was more acute in fry fed brine shrimp nauplii than in those fed beef liver. Mortality data suggest that susceptibility to pancreatic necrosis decreases with the increased age of trout. No treatment for the disease is known, but sanitary measures were effective in preventing its spread.
Oil County Traffic Safety: Perspective of Western North Dakota Residents

The sharp increase in travel volumes, the shift in traffic mix, and the large increases in traffic crashes have transformed the travel environment in the oil region of western North Dakota. Roads once used only for local access and agricultural purposes are now being used at high volumes to serve expanding oil production. Oil companies, oil workers, commercial trucks, and industrial equipment associated with gas and oil development all use these roads to access oil drilling and production sites. This change has led to an increase in traffic volume and a larger number of overweight and oversized vehicles on the road. A survey questionnaire was sent to drivers to understand better the perceptions and behaviors of road users in this region. County-level crash data were gathered for the state of North Dakota to understand changes in driving conditions during the latest oil boom, specifically between 2004 and 2011. This study addresses two key goals related to improving traffic safety in the region: first, to ...
HPLC Determination of Fructose, Glucose, and Sucrose in Potatoes

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method has been developed to determine fructose, glucose, and sucrose content of potatoes. The HPLC system consisted of a μBondapak/ carbohydrate column, a solvent system of acetonitrile-water (75: 25), a flowrate of 1.8 ml/min, and a refractive index detector. Analysis, including sample preparation, was complete in 30 min. With the exception of high concentrations of sucrose (8 mg/g or above), the method recovered 93% or more of all sugars. The coefficients of variation for the procedure ranged from 1.39-13.31%. TLC indicated that there were no interfering compounds eluting with any of the three sugars.
Determination of Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio for coatings

Abstract Designing thin-film coatings to meet engineering needs requires the knowledge of accurate mechanical properties of the coatings. Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio are two basic mechanical properties of materials, which should be conveniently measured. This paper reports a direct and non-destructive method for the measurement of the Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of a thin-film coating and its substrate based on the extended Hertz theory for the contact of coated bodies. The theory is used to analyze load–displacement data from a spherical indentation in the elastic range, in which the substrate effect is intrinsically modeled. The Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio are determined at the same time through minimizing the difference between the measured and specially defined modified Young's moduli. Two sets of validation experiments are also reported. This new method does not require any assumptions on pressure distribution and Poisson's ratio and can be easily incorporated into current indentation analysis systems.
Oxidation at a sol-gel composite electrode doped with a dirhodium-substituted polyoxometalate for amperometric detection of peptides separated by HPLC.

Abstract Oxidation of a variety of compounds, including methionine (Met), using a complex formed between dirhodium(II) acetate and the lacunary form of phosphotungstic acid as the catalyst is effective over a wide range of conditions, including pH 2–10. Thus, amperometric detection at a composite in which this complex is immobilized in a sol–gel material does not place restrictions on selection of conditions for separations by reverse-phase HPLC. A demonstration of this point is shown by a study of Met, Met–Phe, Phe–Met, Met–Met, and Gly–Met–Gly (Phe, phenylalanine; Gly, glycine). Using a 0.05 M phosphate buffer at pH 6.7, a C18 column, and a flow rate of 1 ml min −1 , capacity factors for Met, Gly–Met–Gly, Met–Met, and Phe–Met were 1.4, 2.1, 5.6, and 34, respectively. Phe–Met and Met–Phe co-eluted.
A nursing historical perspective on the medical home: Impact on health care policy

Abstract Background The idea of a “medical home” is rapidly gaining in popularity in health policy circles today. In the face of a shortage of primary care physicians, it has led to a national debate about who should lead the homes, who should deliver care, the kind of care that should be offered, and the location of that care. A historical examination of nurses' role in primary care can provide evidence to inform the current dialogue. Purpose This article provides insight into nursing's role in primary health care during the early 20th century. Methods Traditional historical methods were used. Discussion/Conclusions Three historical case studies provide evidence of how nursing and medicine worked together in the past and informs the discussion about using nurses to deliver primary health care today. Policy makers should not overlook the central role nurses have long played in providing access to care for numerous underserved populations. Makers should not overlook the central role nurses have long played in providing access to care for numerous underserved populations.
Thermal assessment of RF-integrated LTCC front end modules

The thermal performance of front end module (FEM) incorporating low-temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) substrate is investigated. An infrared microscope system was used to measure device surface temperature with both RF and dc power. Various duty cycles (25% to 100%) were applied to characterize the thermal performance of the device for different power densities. The maximum junction temperature occurs at the second stage: under dc powering at 100% duty cycle, it reaches 134/spl deg/C. The comparison between numerical and experimental data indicates good agreement, with less than 10% difference in the peak temperature values. When replacing the common 2-layer organic substrate with a 14-layer LTCC substrate and silver paste metallization, the peak junction temperature reaches 130.1/spl deg/C, /spl sim/51% higher compared to the baseline case using a 2-layer organic substrate with copper metallization. However, by increasing the silver paste thermal conductivity from 90 to 350 W/mK, a significant drop in peak temperatures occurs, indicating the impact on the module's overall thermal performance. For the case with 350 W/mK, the peak temperature reaches 82.9/spl deg/C, almost 3% lower than the baseline case with 2-layer organic substrate. The top metal layer thickness (10 versus 30 /spl mu/s) contributed only to 5%-8% change in the peak junction temperature. An improved FEM design incorporates a higher thermal conductivity silver paste material (300 W/mK) and a new thermal via array structure (25 vias, 150 /spl mu/s in diameter each) in the LTCC substrate. The module junction temperature reaches 96/spl deg/C (based on 25/spl deg/C reference temperature and 100% duty cycle), corresponding to a junction-to-substrate (R/sub js/) thermal resistance of 14/spl deg/C/W. Further study reveals that 20% voiding placed at the die center has no impact on FEM thermal performance, while the voiding placed at the die corner (under the heat dissipating stages) increases the stage peak temperature by more than 40/spl deg/C. The last part of this paper focuses on several designs to reduce the manufacturing and assembly costs, while maintaining reasonable FEM thermal performance. Analyses suggest that two particular designs provide the optimal thermal performance when reducing the thermal via number/costs by almost 40%.
A sex-chromosome mutation in Silene latifolia

Silene latifolia is dioecious, yet rare hermaphrodites have been found, and such natural mutants can provide valuable insight into genetic mechanisms. Here, we describe a hermaphrodite-inducing mutation that is almost certainly localized to the gynoecium-suppression region of the Y chromosome in S. latifolia. The mutant Y chromosome was passed through the megaspore, and the presence of two X chromosomes was not necessary for seed development in the parent. This result supports a lack of degeneration of the Y chromosome in S. latifolia, consistent with the relatively recent formation of the sex chromosomes in this species. When crossed to wild-type plants, hermaphrodites performed poorly as females, producing low seed numbers. When hermaphrodites were pollen donors, the sex ratio of offspring they produced through crosses was biased towards females. This suggests that hermaphroditic S. latifolia would fail to thrive and potentially explains the rarity of hermaphrodites in natural populations of S. latifolia. These results indicate that the Y chromosome in Silene latifolia remains very similar to the X, perhaps mostly differing in the primary sex determination regions.
Adolescent gambling: a review of an emerging field of research.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this review was to summarize the research on adolescent gambling with implications for research and prevention or intervention. Method The methodology involved a comprehensive and systematic search of "adolescent or youth gambling" in three diverse electronic databases (MedlineAdvanced, PsycINFO, and Sociological Abstracts) and three peer-reviewed journals (International Journal of Gambling Studies, International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, and Journal of Gambling Issues). Results The search resulted in 137 articles (1985–2010) focusing on gambling among youth aged between 9 and 21 years: 103 quantitative, 8 qualitative, and 26 non-empirical. The study of adolescent gambling can be summarized as follows: (a) it is conducted by a relatively small group of researchers in Britain, Canada, and the United States; (b) it is primarily prevalence-focused, quantitative, descriptive, school-based, and atheoretical; (c) it has most often been published in the Journal of Gambling Studies ; (d) it is most often examined in relation to alcohol use; (e) it has relatively few valid and reliable screening instruments that are developmentally appropriate for adolescents, and (f) it lacks racially diverse samples. Conclusion Four recommendations are presented for both research and prevention or intervention which are as follows: (1) to provide greater attention to the development and validation of survey instruments or diagnostic criteria to assess adolescent problem gambling; (2) to begin to develop and test more gambling prevention or intervention strategies; (3) to not only examine the co-morbidity of gambling and alcohol abuse, but also include other behaviors such as sexual activity; and (4) to pay greater attention to racial and ethnic differences in the study of adolescent gambling.
An inverse scattering approach to the partial realization problem

We present a inverse scattering interpretation of the classical minimal partial realization problem posed in a slightly generalized context. Our approach starts by considering a canonical cascadeform structure for the realization of arbitrary transfer functions Where the cascade structure can be interpreted as the description of a layered wave scattering medium. In this context the partial realization problem calls for a recursive layer identification from the input-output or scattering data. The realization algorithm operates on a pair of infinite sequences and uses a causality principle to progressively determine the parameters of the cascaded linear 2-ports that model the successive wave-interaction layers. This method turns out to fit nicely into a general framework that can also be used to obtain fast, structured linear estimation algorithms and cascade realizations for digital filters.
Investigating the function of CAF1 deadenylases during plant stress responses

Alteration of gene expression plays a central role in the transmission of developmental and environmental signals. The steady-state transcript level within a cell is determined by the combination of the rate synthesis and the rate of degradation. While altering the rate of mRNA turnover is known to provide a rapid mechanism to reprogram transcript levels, research has largely focused on changes in transcriptional regulation as a mechanism to control mRNA levels. However, recent studies have begun to explore the role of mRNA decay in reprogramming the transcriptome.
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF VOLATILE NITROSAMINES IN FOODS

Methods are presented for determination of certain volatile nitrosamines which have been reported to occur in foods. Nitrosamines were removed from foods using a Likens-Nickerson extractor; 60% of added dimethylnitrosamine and 70% of added diethyl-nitrosamine were recovered from 10 rig/g aqueous solutions. Potential gas chromatographic (GC) interferences were removed from the extract by a simple acid extraction step and, when needed, by liquid column chromatography. Dilute solutions containing nitrosamines were analyzed directly with a GC solvent stripping technique. Nitrosamines were detected with a Coulson electrolytic conductivity detector operated in the pyrolytic mode and with a flame ionization detector. Sensitivities of these detectors are compared for selected volatile alkyl and heterocyclic nitrosamines of potential significance in foods. The specificity of the Coulson detector is demonstrated for analysis of extracts of smoked fish and a number of processed meats. Additional clean-up of concentrates from foods is required to insure unambiguous identification of nitrosamines by combined GC-mass spectrometry.
Within-Tree Distribution of Acorns Infested by Curculio occidentis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Cydia latiferreana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) on the Coast Live Oak

Terminal shoots from coast live oaks, Quercus agrifolia Nee, were sampled to determine the abundance and spatial distribution of acorns infested by the filbert weevil, Curculio occidentis (Casey), and the filbertworm, Cydia latiferreana (Walsingham), at a site in northern California during 1989. Nine sampling strata in the tree crown were vertically aligned into blocks of three, each facing a different compass direction (NE, S, and NW). Overall, 25% of all acorns examined on shoots of sample trees revealed signs of insect-boring activity. Acorn numbers were most abundant in May and logarithmically declined throughout the season. The frequency of insect-infested acorns on shoots during the season resembled a random distribution; however, this resemblance was not significant. Peak numbers of infested acorns appeared in mid-September. Within crowns, most acorns occurred in sampling strata within the south-facing section. Significantly more infested acorns occurred in sampling strata within the northeasterly and south-facing sections of the crown. Dissection of 501 acorns revealed infestation rates of 38%. Of those acorns found to contain insect larvae, 66% contained C. occidentis and 27% contained C. latiferreana . Possible mechanisms for explaining the dissimilar distribution of total and infested acorns within crown strata are discussed. The implications of these findings to the development of sampling schemes for ecological studies of acorn and acorn-boring insects are also discussed.
Synthesis and characterization of titanium doped hematite for photoelectrochemical water splitting

Hematite is a potential candidate for hydrogen production by photoelectrochemical (PEC) decomposition of water due to its good bad gap and excellent chemical stability. However, its poor conductivity limits its PEC performance. Titanium has been predicted to be a good choice of dopant for improving the conductivity. Most of the Ti-doped hematite films are produced by solution based method. However, such procedure may introduce impurities. RF sputtering is a clean vacuum deposition technique, which is perfect for the synthesis of metal oxide. In this paper, we report our synthesis of Tidoped hematite thin films by RF magnetron co-sputtering of iron oxide and titanium targets at various conditions. Our work shows that the structure and morphology of iron oxide can be modified by controlling the doping concentration of titanium. Moreover, we confirmed that the PEC performance of Ti-doped iron oxide film is significantly better than the undoped one.
Piezoelectric properties of layered perovskite A2Ti2O7 (A=La and Nd) single‐crystal fibers

Lanthanum and neodymium titanate A2Ti2O7 (A=La, Nd) single‐crystal fibers were grown via the laser‐heated pedestal growth technique. The single‐crystal fibers were 600 μm in diameter and 3–4 cm in length. The piezoelectric, k23 and d23, and elastic compliance, s33, coefficients were measured using the standard resonance‐antiresonance technique. From a comparison of the measured coefficients to poled single crystal data in the literature, it is concluded that the La2Ti2O7 single‐crystal fiber grew in a single domain state.
Who gains, who loses from changing U.S. child support policies?

This article examines the empirical and theoretical research on child support policies to assess the effects of recent changes on the well-being of women, men, and children. In addition to considering the intra-family and inter-family distributional effects of child support payments across gender, race, and income categories, the essay explores several criteria central to a feminist cost-benefit analysis. Thus, recent changes in child support policies are analyzed in relation to the prevention of poverty, the reduction of women's economic dependence on men, and the reduction of gender inequalities in income and leisure time.
Indirect Effects of Acute Alcohol Intoxication on Sexual Risk-taking: The Roles of Subjective and Physiological Sexual Arousal

Three experiments supported the idea that alcohol fosters sexual risk-taking in men and women, in part, through its effects on sexual arousal. In Experiment 1, increasing alcohol dosage (target blood alcohol levels of .00, .04, .08%) heightened men’s and women’s risk-taking intentions. Alcohol’s effect was indirect via increased subjective sexual arousal; also, men exhibited greater risk-taking than women. In Experiment 2, an extended dosage range (target blood alcohol levels of .00, .06, .08, .10%) heightened men’s risk-taking intentions. Alcohol’s effect again was indirect via subjective arousal. Physiological sexual arousal, which was unaffected by alcohol, increased risk-taking via increased subjective arousal. In Experiment 3, alcohol increased women’s risk-taking indirectly via subjective arousal, but alcohol-attenuated physiological arousal had no effect on risk-taking. Implications for alcohol myopia theory and prevention interventions are discussed.
A note on the combination of estimates of a recombination fraction.

SUMMARY A number of ways of combining two or more independent estimates of the same recombination fraction can be found in the literature. We revisit this topic in the context of human gene mapping, and explore the value of transforming the recombination fraction to a new parameter whose log-likelihood function is more nearly quadratic. It is shown that the arcsine of the cube-root is one such function. These observations lead naturally to a way of summarizing and combining the summarized set of log-likelihood functions of a common recombination fraction. This idea is illustrated using pedigree data concerning six loci on chromosome 10 from the CEPH consortium. A comparison is also made with the method of summarizing and combining using ‘equivalent numbers’ of recombinants and informative meioses.
Farmers’ views of the environment: the influence of competing attitude frames on landscape conservation efforts

Understanding factors that motivate farmers to perform conservation behaviors is seen as key to enhancing efforts to address agri-environmental challenges. This study uses survey data collected from 277 farmers in the La Moine River watershed in western Illinois to develop new measures of farmers’ environmental attitudes and examine their influence on current usage of agricultural best management practices (BMPs). The results suggest that a Dual Interest Theory approach reflecting two separate, competing psychological frames representing a stewardship view of the environment and a farm as a business (or profit maximization) view of the environment are present within the decision making domain. Using a cluster analysis technique to examine the interaction between these attitude frames reveals four groups of farmers who hold distinct views of the environment. Further exploration of these distinct belief systems reveals little evidence of differences in participation or willingness to participate in agricultural BMPs; however, we observe significant differences between these groups with regard to their willingness to support rural conservation planning priorities that address agri-environmental challenges. Further discussion focuses on the implications of these interactive dual interest typologies and the implications of these findings on efforts to engage farmers in conservation efforts.
The peptidoglycan of Pseudomonas solanacearum: Chemical composition and biological activity in relation to the hypersensitive reaction in tobacco☆

Abstract Cell wall constituents of Pseudomonas solanacearum prevent the hypersensitive reaction normally induced in tobacco leaves by the introduction of incompatible plant-pathogenic bacteria. Such protective activity may be due to glycoproteins. The peptidoglycan layer is an important constituent of the bacterial cell wall and was thought to be at least partly responsible for the biological activity of crude preparations. Isolation and purification of the peptidoglycan of P. solanacearum virulent and avirulent strains were carried out by standard extraction procedures with Na dodecyl sulfate and phenol. As in other gram-negative bacteria, the major components of the P. solanacearum peptidoglycan were muramic acid, glucosamine, alanine and glutamic acid. The ratio of glutamic acid to alanine, however, was higher than expected (1:1 rather than 1:2) and other amino acids (methionine and glycine) were present at higher than trace amounts. These abnormal amino acid concentrations may have resulted from incomplete removal of cell wall proteins during extraction, however. There were no significant differences in composition of the peptidoglycan of the virulent and avirulent strains of the bacterium. Infiltration of tobacco leaves with the purified peptidoglycan did not prevent development of the hypersensitive reaction when these leaves were challenged 24 h later with live avirulent cells. Protective activity was detected in the non-mucopeptide portion removed by extraction with 45% phenol. The results support the concept that the active compound (or compounds) is a glycoprotein associated with the bacterial cell wall, but not including the peptidoglycan layer.
Selected Acoustic Characteristics of Voices Before Intubation and After Extubation

Effects of endotracheal intubation on acoustic characteristics of voices were investigated for 8 male and 8 female subjects using a miniature neck accelerometer and computerized analysis methods. V...
The appearance of "forbidden lines" in spectra

A rough calculation shows that the quadrupole term in the radiation of a forbidden line is usually larger than the dipole produced by an external electric field. This is not true, however, when there is an intermediate state, with which both initial and final states combine, and which lies close to one of them. If the J selection rule is violated, and the Laporte rule is obeyed, the radiation cannot be due to the quadrupole term and must be ascribed to the octopole. Hg 2270 is such a line. An octopole transition will have a Zeeman effect distinctively different from that of a dipole or quadrupole.
Chemical feeding deterrent mobilized in response to insect herbivory and counteradaptation by Epilachna tredecimnotata.

Experimentally damaged leaves of Cucurbita moschata mobilize substances to the damaged region within 40 minutes. These substances stimulate feeding by Acalymma vittata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and inhibit feeding by Epilacha tredecimnotata (Coleoptera: Coccinelidae). Under natural conditions, Epilachna cuts a circular trench in the leaf before feeding on the encircled leaf material, thus preventing mobilization of the deterrent substances to the feeding area.
Structure–property relationships in metallocene polyethylenes

The development of new polyolefins based on metallocene technologies represent a considerable advance in the performance of polyethylenes available for a wide range of applications. The ability to obtain a homogeneous short chain branching distribution and control molecular weight is remarkable. The added ability to introduce long chain branching (LCB) into what would otherwise be linear polyethylenes has opened up a broad range of processing possibilities. Through a review of this technology, it becomes apparent that significant elements of the fundamentals underlying the materials science of these new polyolefins are in need of clarification. The morphology of metallocene polyethylenes, particularly in the low-crystallinity range, has yet to be conclusively resolved. The occurrence of multiple melting endotherms for ethylene/α-olefin copolymers with, ostensibly, a homogeneous branching distribution is in need of explanation. LCB incorporated into the linear copolymers enhances shear thinning and melt elasticity. Yet to be fully determined, however, are the types of long chain branch architectures that most effectively promote these desirable rheological attributes, and to what degree these types are present in metallocene polyolefins.
Communication in Africa: Implications for development planning

Development communication has given little attention to the peculiar circumstances and traditions of various world regions, choosing instead to search for continuities and broadly generalizable principles, the present analysis argues for the need to treat African nations according to a culturally sensitive approach. Some of the details of that approach are offered.
A model for estimating spectral properties of water from RGB images

This paper presents an underwater image formation model incorporating scatter and spectral absorption curves of pure water and three other particle classes; phytoplankton, non-algal particles and colored dissolved organic matter. We also describe an algorithm allowing to derive these depth dependent curves from a sequence of RGB images of a known target. Underwater images generated using the model closely resemble the experimental ones acquired in a variety of conditions. Similarly, the estimated absorption curves, and relative particle concentrations agree with common sense expectations.
Bile salts regulate intestinal epithelial cell migration by nuclear factor–κB–induced expression of transforming growth factor–β

Abstract Background Mucosal restitution is an important repair modality in the gastrointestinal tract. We have shown that taurodeoxycholate increases intestinal epithelial cell migration by increasing TGF-β expression, and that the transcription factor NF-κB regulates TDCA induced cell migration after injury. The objectives of this study were to determine if this is a property shared by other bile salts or an effect specific to TDCA, and to determine if NF-κB regulates TGF-β expression. Study design Studies were conducted in IEC-6 cells. Cell migration was examined using an in vitro model. TGF-β protein and mRNA expression was determined by ELISA and Northern blot analysis. Sequence-specific NF-κB binding activity was measured by gel shift assays. Results Taurocholate and deoxycholate at physiologic concentrations significantly increased intestinal epithelial cell migration 6 hours after wounding (p Conclusions We conclude that bile salts at physiologic conditions increase cell migration after injury, an effect regulated by NF-κB. Further, NF-κB elicits TGF-β gene transcription during cell migration. These data support a physiologic role of bile salts in the maintenance of intestinal mucosal integrity.
Dopant profiling and surface analysis of silicon nanowires using capacitance-voltage measurements

Silicon nanowires could be central components in electronic and thermoelectric devices, but understanding nanowire surface properties and dopant distribution will be essential for making reproducible high-performance devices. Present methods for determining these parameters are problematic. Now, by using capacitance-voltage analysis, the radial profile and interface state density of silicon-nanowire field-effect transistors have been measured.
Quality, Quantity, Distribution and Audience Effects on Food Calling in Cotton—Top Tamarins

Despite extensive documentation in many taxa of vocalizations specific to feeding contexts, little is known of the variables leading to production of food-associated calls. We thus experimentally investigated food-associated calls in cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus). In one experiment, we examined the roles of food quantity, quality and distribution and of social condition of individuals on food-associated calling. Paired adults without offspring gave more vocalizations than immature individuals and adults with offspring. We observed no effects of food quantity or distribution on calling rate. Tamarins called more often to peaches, a food of intermediate preference that was also consumed the fastest. Tamarins gave more food-associated calls when in closer proximity to other group members. Low rates of moderate aggression were observed in single, but not multiple, feeder conditions. We saw no consistent evidence of dominance among adults, and all aggression in family groups was directed toward immature animals. In another experiment, we presented a tamarin with food in a separate cage, either in view of or visually isolated from its mate. Tamarins presented with food called at an equal rate whether or not their mates were visible, suggesting no effect of audience on calling. Individuals not presented with food called in response to the food calls of their mates equally often, irrespective of whether or not the mate or the food was visible. Since food calling occurs at extremely low rates in the absence of food, the food calling by tamarins that cannot see the food suggests that the calls of their mates provide representational information about food.
Photophysics of DsRed, a Red Fluorescent Protein, from the Ensemble to the Single-Molecule Level

DsRed, a tetrameric fluorescent protein cloned from the Discosoma genus of coral, has shown promise as a longer-wavelength substitute for green fluorescent protein (GFP) mutants for in vivo protein labeling. Bulk and single-molecule studies of the recombinant protein revealed that the DsRed chromophore shows high stability against photobleaching as compared to GFP mutants. Stark modulation spectra confirm that the electronic structure of the DsRed chromophore is similar to that of GFP. However, the tetrameric nature of DsRed leads to intersubunit energy transfer, as evidenced by the molecule's unusually low fluorescence anisotropy when immobilized (0.23 ± 0.02). This value is approximately consistent with an estimate of the energy transfer rates based on preliminary crystallographic information. The fluorescence emission bleaches at a rate linear in the applied excitation intensity, implying that the cessation of emission during pumping at 532 nm is light-driven and, consistent with the tetrameric structu...
Prospective study of accuracy and outcome of emergency ultrasound for abdominal aortic aneurysm over two years.

Determination of the presence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is essential in the management of the symptomatic emergency department (ED) patient. Objectives: To identify whether emergency ultrasound of the abdominal aorta (EUS-AA) by emergency physicians could accurately determine the presence of AAA and guide ED disposition. Methods: This was a prospective, observational study at an urban ED with more than 100,000 annual patient visits with consecutive patients enrolled over a two-year period. All patients suspected to have AAA underwent standard ED evaluation consisting of EUS-AA, followed by a confirmatory imaging study or laparotomy. AAA was defined as any measured diameter greater than 3 cm. Demographic data, results of confirmatory testing, and patient outcome were collected by retrospective review. Results: A total of 125 patients had EUS-AA performed over a two-year period. The patient population had the following characteristics: average age 66 years, male 54%, hypertension 56%, coronary artery disease 39%, diabetes 22%, and peripheral vascular disease 14%. Confirmatory tests included radiology ultrasound, 28/125 (22%); abdominal computed tomography, 95/125 (76%); abdominal magnetic resonance imaging, 1/125 (1%); and laparotomy, 1/125 (1%). AAA was diagnosed in 29/125 (23%); of those, 27/29 patients had AAA on confirmatory testing. EUS-AA had 100% sensitivity (95% CI ¼ 89.5 to 100), 98% specificity (95% CI ¼ 92.8 to 99.8), 93% positive predictive value (27/29), and 100% negative predictive value (96/96). Admission rate for the study group overall was 70%. Immediate operative management was considered in 17 of 27 (63%) patients with AAA; ten patients were taken to the operating room. Conclusions: EUS-AA in a symptomatic population for AAA is sensitive and specific. These data suggest that the presence of AAA on EUS-AA should guide urgent consultation. Emergency physicians were able to exclude AAA regardless of disposition from the ED. Key words: abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA); emergency ultrasound (EUS); emergency physician; accuracy. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2003; 10:867‐871.