cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct quantification of solute diffusivity in porous, viscoelastic materials using Correlation Spectroscopy

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease which results in altered fluid flow and solute-matrix interactions in affected articular cartilage. We propose that quantification of these changes could be used as a diagnostic measure of OA, early on in disease progression. This study validates the use of Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy and Raster Image Correlation Spectroscopy to quantify the equilibrium diffusivity of solutes in agarose and cartilage. We also demonstrate diffusion attenuation with increased solute size and gel concentration. Lastly, we characterize diffusion in three zones of bovine articular cartilage. Future work, utilizing Spatiotemporal Image Correlation Spectroscopy, will be able to quantify load-induced solute convection in situ, which will allow further characterization of solute-matrix interactions and fluid flow in articular cartilage.
Lubrication and Friction

This chapter describes in brief the basic lubrication and friction processes at the major engine components. It starts with a clarification of the common descriptors of mechanical losses and friction in the engine, followed by the topic of lubrication fundamentals such as lubrication regimes. Then the lubrication of the contacting surfaces in each of the major engine subsystems is discussed in turn. These subsystems include the piston assembly: ring-pack/liner, piston-skirt/liner, piston-pin/connecting-rod contacts; connecting rod and crankshaft bearings; and the valvetrain subsystem. The relative contributions to total friction from the various subsystems are discussed, with the piston-assembly contributing to about half of the total friction. The remainder of the friction comes from the crankshaft, connecting rod, and camshaft bearings, and the valvetrain oscillating parts. The bearings are in predominantly hydrodynamic lubrication, in contrast to the valvetrain oscillating components, which are characterized to be mostly in the mixed/boundary lubrication regimes. Lubricating oil composition is discussed in the final section. It is generally believed that the bulk oil viscosity, with proper viscosity and (boundary) friction modification, could be controlled to lower component friction, in conjunction with antiwear additives. Effects of lubricant-derived ash on diesel particulate filter (DPF) restriction are significant, with large differences observed among lubricant-derived ash originating from different metallic-based additives—such as among calcium, magnesium, or zinc compounds—at the same mass accumulation. Keywords: friction; lubrication; tribology; efficiency; lubricants; additives; ash; wear; mechanical losses; power cylinder
Structural Comparison of Polymorphic Hemoglobins of Deer with Those of Sheep and Other Species

Abstract The structure of deer hemoglobin III, associated with sickling of the erythrocytes of Florida white tailed deer, is compared with that of deer hemoglobin V, the presence of which precludes sickling of erythrocytes under appropriate conditions, by peptide mapping and amino acid analysis techniques. Peptide mapping techniques, including combined specific color reactions, have been utilized to relate hemoglobin peptides in the deer hemoglobins to those of several species for which the amino acid sequence is known. Certain structural regions of the α and β polypeptide chains of deer hemoglobin are closely homologous to the corresponding regions in the α and β chains of these other species, as illustrated by a graph based upon the peptide mapping studies and known sequences. The tryptic peptide mapping pattern of the α chains of deer hemoglobins III and V is nearly identical with that of the sheep α chains from the three polymorphic sheep hemoglobins. In contrast to the similarity of the α chains of these two species, the β chains exhibited numerous inter- and intraspecies differences. However, the marked variations of the β chains among the polymorphic hemoglobins of the ruminants are largely confined to distinct regions of these β chains. Although the significance of a linear comparison of the homologous regions is not apparent, the relationship of these regions is clarified by use of a three-dimensional model.
A Review of: “The Handbook of the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality”

A complete understanding of what it means to be human might be the ultimate goal of psychology; that is, why, who, what, and how we are. In their edited work, The Handbook of the Psychology of Reli...
Measuring the Activity of Arylamine N‐Acetyltransferase (NAT)

This unit describes methods for measuring the activity of arylamine N-acetyltransferases (NAT). Genetic polymorphisms in NAT 1 and NAT 2 have been associated with susceptibility to aromatic amines carcinogens and effects of therapeutic drugs. Evaluation of the activities associated with substrates of NATs is helpful in elucidating the contribution of these enzymes to the pharmacologic and toxicologic effects of arylamines and hydrazines.
Putting laughter in context: Shared laughter as behavioral indicator of relationship well-being

Laughter is a pervasive human behavior that most frequently happens in a social context. However, data linking the behavior of laughter with psychological or social outcomes is exceptionally rare. Here, we draw attention to shared laughter as a useful objective marker of relationship well-being. Spontaneously-generated laughs of 71 heterosexual romantic couples were coded from a videorecorded conversation about how the couple first met. Multilevel models revealed that, while controlling for all other laughter present, the proportion of the conversation spent laughing simultaneously with the romantic partner was uniquely positively associated with global evaluations of relationship quality, closeness, and social support. Results are discussed with respect to methodological considerations and theoretical implications for relationships and behavioral research more broadly.
Data Analysis and Modeling

Data Analysis Scheme The Right Kind of Data Exploratory Analysis Discriminant Analysis Keywords: data analysis; modeling; neural networks; statistical analysis
Placebo-controlled study of pimozide augmentation of fluoxetine in body dysmorphic disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Although body dysmorphic disorder often responds to serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), most patients do not respond or respond only partially. However, placebo-controlled studies of augmentation of SRIs have not been done. Furthermore, although 40%–50% of patients are delusional, studies of antipsychotic medications have not been done. METHOD: Twenty-eight patients with body dysmorphic disorder or its delusional variant participated in an 8-week, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study of pimozide augmentation of fluoxetine. RESULTS: Pimozide was not more effective than placebo: two (18.2%) of 11 subjects responded to pimozide and three (17.6%) of 17 subjects responded to placebo. There was no significant effect of baseline delusionality on endpoint severity of body dysmorphic disorder. Delusionality did not decrease significantly more with pimozide than placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Pimozide augmentation of fluoxetine treatment for body dysmorphic disorder was not more effective than...
Increases in the locomotor activity of rats after intracerebral administration of cathinone.

Abstract There is a widespread practice among people living in Eastern Africa and Southern Arabia of chewing the leaves of the Khat shrub so as to produce pharmacological effects that are practically indistinguishable from those produced by amphetamine (AMPH). Cathinone (CATH) has been identified as the psychostimulant constituent of this plant and, although the locomotor elevating effects of centrally administered AMPH and cocaine (COC) in rats are well known, there is a paucity of data regarding CATH. Three experiments were, therefore, conducted to measure locomotor activity following central administeration of CATH in rats. The first experiment determined the dose-dependent effects of CATH on activity following intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration. As psychostimulant effects are believed, at least in part, to be mediated by dopaminergic systems, in Experiment 2 CATH was injected into the dopamine nerve terminals of the nucleus accumbens. Experiment 3 examined the effects of CATH injection into the dopamine cell body region of the substantia nigra, and activity was measured. Results of the ICV injection of CATH revealed a dose-dependent increase of activity. The highest dose tested (64 μg) yielded a 117% increase in activity when compared to baseline, whereas a 20 μg bilateral nucleus accumbens (NA) injection of CATH increased activity fivefold. These findings evidence the hypothesis that the effects of CATH are dopaminergically mediated. Substantia nigra (SN) injections of CATH were without effect.
Field dependence and differences between visual and verbal learning tasks.

50 female undergraduate students were administered 2 paired-associate learning tasks (verbal and visual) and assigned on the basis of their scores on the rod-and-frame test to extreme field-dependent and field-independent groups. No significant difference was found between the two groups on the visuo-perceptive paired-associate tests. Compared to the field-independent Ss, however, the field-dependent Ss showed significant impairment on the verbal task (U = 18, p < .01). These findings are discussed in terms of possible dominant (left) cerebral hemisphere involvement in field dependency.
The hangman technique: A modified loop snare technique for the retrieval of inferior vena cava filters with embedded hooks

The loop snare technique is a method for inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval that creates a wire loop between the filter legs; this technique may fail in cases with an embedded hook. This report describes the hangman technique, a modified loop snare technique for filter retrieval that creates a wire loop between the filter neck and IVC wall for release of embedded filter hooks. The hangman technique was attempted in 11 cases complicated by tilt (mean tilt, 13.3 degrees ± 3.9) and an embedded hook (mean dwell time, 194.5 d) with a retrieval success rate of 81.8% (9 of 11 cases) and no associated complications.
Optimizing an Actuator Array for the Control of Multi-Frequency Noise in Aircraft Interiors

Techniques developed for selecting an optimized actuator array for interior noise reduction at a single frequency are extended to the multi-frequency case. Transfer functions for 64 actuators were obtained at 5 frequencies from ground testing the rear section of a fully trimmed DC-9 fuselage. A single loudspeaker facing the left side of the aircraft was the primary source. A combinatorial search procedure (tabu search) was employed to find optimum actuator subsets of from 2 to 16 actuators. Noise reduction predictions derived from the transfer functions were used as a basis for evaluating actuator subsets during optimization. Results indicate that it is necessary to constrain actuator forces during optimization. Unconstrained optimizations selected actuators which require unrealistically large forces. Two methods of constraint are evaluated. It is shown that a fast, but approximate, method yields results equivalent to an accurate, but computationally expensive, method.
Using a PyMOL Activity to Reinforce the Connection between Genotype and Phenotype in an Undergraduate Genetics Laboratory

With the purpose of developing an activity that would help clarify genetic concepts related to the connection between genotype and phenotype and the nature of mutations, we designed a three hour teaching module using the PyMol software. The activity starts with two pre-laboratory assignments, one to learn how to use PyMol and the other to read about a specific protein or protein family. During the laboratory students are given instructions where and how to find additional information on a specific disease and its causal mutations in order to prepare a 10-minute, in-class presentation. Using a post activity, anonymous quiz, we found a statistically significant different grade distribution in students that participated in the PyMol activity relative to a control group. We also found a significant improvement in the student’s comprehension when answering questions regarding the nature of mutations and protein structure. This demonstrates the utility of this simulation activity as a vehicle to improve student’s understanding of specific key genetic concepts.
Stable expression of a Norwalk virus RNA replicon in a human hepatoma cell line

Norwalk virus (NV) is a prototype strain of the genus Norovirus in the family Caliciviridae. The human noroviruses have emerged as major agents of acute gastroenteritis in all age groups, but there are no vaccines or antiviral agents partly due to the absence of a cell culture system. We report the generation of cells expressing self-replicating NV RNA (NV replicon) following transfection of NV RNA bearing an engineered neomycin resistance gene into cell lines of human (Huh-7) or hamster (BHK21) origin. Expression of replicon RNA was significantly reduced in the presence of interferon (IFN)-alpha in a dose-dependent manner in the NV replicon-bearing cells, suggesting a role for innate immunity in the control of human norovirus replication. This stable NV replicon system should lead to new insights into norovirus replication, virus-host interactions, and approaches for the treatment of norovirus disease.
Velocity of optical Airy beams

Optical Airy beams have gained significant attention due to their parabolic trajectory, accelerating and nondiffractive behavior. The phase velocity of the Airy solution to the paraxial wave equation is described showing a unique behavior. The velocity is shown to vary spatially and in magnitude as the beam propagates through vacuum along its curved trajectory.
GROWTH OF ANDROPOGON SCOPARIUS (LITTLE BLUESTEM)IN PHOSPHORUS DEFICIENT SOILS

Summary The capacity of a native prairie grass, Andropogon scoparius (little bluestem), to grow successfully in an extremely P deficient soil of central Wisconsin was investigated. This grass is invading ridges, but not depressions, of abandoned fields of Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass). Ridge soils contain less available phosphorus than depression soils. The yield and P absorption of Andropogon and Poa were compared when grown in the low P soil and in nutrient sand culture at various levels of added P. The former consistently outyielded the latter at all levels of P in both soil and sand cultures. Andropogon, which exhibited less yield response to increasing P supply than did Poa when grown in the P deficient ridge soil, was able to absorb much more P from ridge soil. It also utilized absorbed P more efficiently in producing plant dry matter when grown under extreme P stress in sand culture. The critical P concentration for Andropogon was lower than for Poa.
Performance Measurement and Managerial Thinking

(2002). Performance Measurement and Managerial Thinking. Public Performance & Management Review: Vol. 25, No. 4, pp. 344-347.
Oxidation of gas-phase hydrated protonated/deprotonated cysteine: how many water ligands are sufficient to approach solution-phase photooxidation chemistry?

We present a study on the reactions of singlet oxygen O2[a1Δg] with hydrated protonated and deprotonated cysteine (Cys) in the gas phase, including measurements of the effects of collision energy (Ecol) and hydration number on reaction cross sections over a center-of-mass Ecol range from 0.05 to 1.0 eV. The aim is to probe how successive addition of water molecules changes the oxidation chemistry of Cys in the gas phase. Hydrated clusters, generated by electrospray ionization, have structures of HSCH2CH(NH3+)CO2H(H2O)1,2 and HSCH2CH(NH2)CO2−(H2O)1,2 for protonated and deprotonated forms, respectively. In contrast to 1O2 reactions with dehydrated protonated/deprotonated Cys of which hydroperoxide products all decomposed, reactions with hydrated protonated/deprotonated Cys yielded stable hydroperoxide products, analogous to photooxidation reaction of Cys in solution. We investigated the number of water ligands necessary to produce a stable hydroperoxide, and found that a single water molecule suffices—that is, to relax nascent, energized hydroperoxide in the hydrated cluster by elimination of water. Hydrated protonated Cys shows higher reaction efficiency than the hydrated deprotonated one, particularly with the addition of the second water ligand. Reactions of hydrated protonated/deprotonated Cys are suppressed by Ecol, becoming negligible at Ecol ≥ 0.5 eV. Density functional theory calculations were used to locate reaction coordinates for these systems. Quasi-classical, direct dynamics trajectory simulations were performed for HSCH2CH(NH3+)CO2H(H2O) + 1O2 at the B3LYP/4-31G(d) level of theory. Analysis of trajectories highlights the importance of complex mediation in the early stages of the reaction, and illustrates that water can catalyze proton transfer within the hydrated complex.
Cell-free supernatant from hepatocyte cultures improves survival of rats with chemically induced acute liver failure

Abstract Current support or replacement therapies for fulminant hepatic failure are frequently inadequate. Hepatocyte transplantation has been found to permit or facilitate recovery from chemically induced liver failure in rats. The mechanisms are unclear, but function of the transplanted cells or stimulation of host liver regeneration by factors released from the cells could improve survival; there is evidence from experiments by other investigators using cell fractions to support the latter hypothesis. We compared intact cells and the supernatant from cultured liver cells for their influence on the survival of Fischer male rats with d -galactosamine ( d -Gal) induced acute liver failure (ALF). All treatments were given 20 to 24 hr after poisoning. Cell supernates were injected intrasplenically (sp), intraperitoneally (ip), or intravenously (iv). Liver cells (2 × 10 7 ) suspended in Hanks' solution were injected intrasplenically. Untreated rats and rats treated with Hanks' solution or culture medium alone had a 94–100% mortality, with all deaths occurring between 38 and 74 hr after poisoning. Improved survival was seen in all experimental groups: 47% of the rats receiving intact liver cells survived; 50, 55, and 62% of the rats receiving cell-free supernate by the sp, ip, or iv routes, respectively, survived. A chronologic electron micrographic study of livers from rats serially sacrificed in parallel experiments showed that recovery from morphological changes induced by d -Gal occurred in treated rats. These studies demonstrate that intact hepatocytes are not required to improve survival in rats with drug-induced ALF. Improved survival may be achieved by factors liberated by cultured hepatocytes that enhance the regeneration of the damaged liver. Supernatant from cultured liver cells may have a therapeutic potential in acute hepatic failure.
ras1 and pat1 alleles interact to quantitatively and qualitatively alter conjugation in fission yeast

To identify novel components of ras1+ signalling in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, extragenic suppressors of the mating defect of ras1 effector mutants were isolated. A novel allele of pat1, pat1-e1, was isolated that increases the mating of ras1-D43E mutants to near wild-type levels but does not suppress the mating defect of ras1-I41M, ras1-Y37F, or ras1-Y45I mutants. This allele-specific suppression is not a characteristic of all pat1 alleles since pat1-3 and pat1-114 partially and equally suppress ras1-D43E and ras1-I41M mutants. Analysis of mating cultures showed that ras1-D43E and pat1-e1 interact to qualitatively alter the mating response. While pat1-e1 ras1-D43E cells were delayed in agglutination, cell-cycle delay, and mat1-Pm transcription, they induce mat1-Mc at the same time and mate more rapidly than other mating cultures. These results suggest that pheromone signalling, but not nutritional signalling, is delayed in pat1-e1 ras1-D43E cells. We hypothesize that this delay causes an elevated pheromone response and thus suppression of the mating defect of the ras1-D43E mutant by pat1-e1.
Impact of ATM switch architectures on CBR video performance

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) has become one of the leading high-speed networking technologies in the local and wide area environments. ATM offers great promise to meet the real-time requirements of emerging multimedia applications. In the last few years, many ATM networks have been deployed and use different types of ATM switches, many of which differ in their implementations. In this paper, we explore the impact of two ATM switches, namely DEC GIGAswitch/ATM and IBM 8265 on the performance delivery of real-time digital video over native ATM connections. We also demonstrate experimentally the effects of different types of cross-traffic (delivered over both UDP/IP and native ATM) network loads on end-user application performance using QoS metrics such as jitter and packet loss.
Are beach erosion rates and sea-level rise related in Hawaii?

Abstract The islands of Oahu and Maui, Hawaii, with significantly different rates of localized sea-level rise (SLR, approximately 65% higher rate on Maui) over the past century due to lithospheric flexure and/or variations in upper ocean water masses, provide a unique setting to investigate possible relations between historical shoreline changes and SLR. Island-wide and regional historical shoreline trends are calculated for the islands using shoreline positions measured from aerial photographs and survey charts. Historical shoreline data are optimized to reduce anthropogenic influences on shoreline change measurements. Shoreline change trends are checked for consistency using two weighted regression methods and by systematic exclusion of coastal regions based on coastal aspect (wave exposure) and coastal geomorphology. Maui experienced the greatest extent of beach erosion over the past century with 78% percent of beaches eroding compared to 52% on Oahu. Maui also had a significantly higher island-wide average shoreline change rate at − 0.13 ± 0.05 m/yr compared to Oahu at − 0.03 ± 0.03 m/yr (at the 95% Confidence Interval). Differing rates of relative SLR around Oahu and Maui remain as the best explanation for the difference in overall shoreline trends after examining other influences on shoreline change including waves, sediment supply and littoral processes, and anthropogenic changes; though, these other influences certainly remain important to shoreline change in Hawaii. The results of this study show that SLR is an important factor in historical shoreline change in Hawaii and that historical rates of shoreline change are about two orders of magnitude greater than SLR.
Enhancing a digital book with a reading recommender

Digital books can significantly enhance the reading experience, providing many functions not available in printed books. In this paper we study a particular augmentation of digital books that provides readers with customized recommendations. We systematically explore the application of spreading activation over text and citation data to generate useful recommendations. Our findings reveal that for the tasks performed in our corpus, spreading activation over text is more useful than citation data. Further, fusing text and citation data via spreading activation results in the most useful recommendations. The fused spreading activation techniques outperform traditional text-based retrieval methods. Finally, we introduce a preliminary user interface for the display of recommendations from these algorithms.
Wavelengths, classifications, and ionization energies in the isoelectronic sequences from Yb ii and Yb iii through Bi xv and Bi xvi†

Spectral observations are reported for transitions to the ground term and first excited term of the one-electron configurations in the 4f145p6nl isoelectronic sequence from Yb ii through Bi xv. Resonance lines are reported for the isoelectronic sequence Yb iii through Bi xvi in which the ground state is 4f145p61S0 and the upper levels are the J = 1 levels of the 4f135p6nd, 4f145p5nd, and 4f145p5ns configurations. The wavelengths fall in the range 70–3700 A. The spectra were produced by means of sliding and triggered spark discharges and photographed with 10.7 m normal and grazing incidence spectrographs. The data in the Yb iii sequence demonstrate the crossing of binding energies of the 4f and 5p shells at W vii. Rydberg series terms were found in a sufficient number of cases to provide extrapolation curves through Bi xv and Bi xvi. These data enabled us to calculate ionization energies for each of these ions with an uncertainty of ~1% or better.
Effect of double polarization data in fits to single pion photoproduction

We investigate the influence of new Jefferson Lab polarization-transfer ${(C}_{{x}^{\ensuremath{'}}}$ and ${C}_{{z}^{\ensuremath{'}}})$ and recoil polarization ${(P}_{y})$ measurements in multipole fits to the single-pion photoproduction database. Results are compared to those found with the addition of a double-polarization quantity associated with the Gerasimov\char21{}Drell-Hearn sum rule.
One-, two- and three-photon spectroscopy of π-conjugated dendrimers: cooperative enhancement and coherent domains

Abstract We use wavelength tunable femtosecond pulses to measure intrinsic (simultaneous) two-photon absorption (2PA) and three-photon absorption (3PA) molecular cross section in two series of π-conjugated dendrimers built of identical 4,4′-bis(diphenylamino) stilbene (BDPAS) and 4,4′-bis(diphenylamino) distyrylbenzene (BDPADSB) repeat units. Record large 2PA cross sections, σ2=10−46 cm4 s are obtained for the largest second-generation BDPAS-based dendrimer, as well as zeroth-generation 4-arm BDPADSB-based dendrimer. In both series, maximum 2PA cross section increases nonlinearly with the number of π-electrons, whereas for higher generations this dependence turns to linear one. 3PA cross section also increases nonlinearly with the size of the system in the series of BDPAS-based molecules, amounting a record large value, σ3=10−79 cm6 s2, for the largest, second-generation dendrimer. We interpret these results in terms of direct inter-branch conjugation, which facilitates cooperative enhancement of the nonlinear-optical response. We propose a simple model which allows us to determine the effective size of coherent domains (extent of conjugation), which, in turn, determines the optimum dendrimer size for most efficient nonlinear response.
Acceleration of general circulation model convergence by exponential extrapolation

Abstract Numerical models of basin-to-global scale ocean circulation generally take thousands of model years to converge to a final steady-state. The long timescale is set by the slow adjustment of the ocean's overall stratification to the classical vertical advective–diffusive balance. During much of this adjustment period, the time evolution of many model variables appears to be an approximately exponential decay to the final state. The adjustment of the model can be accelerated by extrapolating zonal-average temperature and salinity fields forward in time based on this exponential decay. Tests with the GFDL MOM-2, a primitive-equation numerical model, show that the extrapolation does not yield an exact solution, but can shorten integration times by a factor of two to three.
The effects of electrostatic charging on the dust distribution at Halley's Comet

The distribution of fine dust near Comet Halley at its 1910 and 1986 apparitions is investigated by means of computer simulations, taking the effects of EM forces due to the dust electrostatic charge into account. It is found that the nucleus spin period and orbital obliquity estimated by Sekanina and Larson (1984) from the 1910 observations are unaffected by these EM forces because the 1910 dust morphology involved mainly large grains. For 1986, the orientation of the smaller dust is shown to depend on the interplanetary magnetic field, with implications for the dust distribution encountered by the Halley probes.
MANHUNTING — A SIMPLE SEARCH GAME

We consider a search game in which a hider chooses to hide in any one of many cells. A searcher looks in any of the cells. The probability of finding the hider depends (a) on the characteristics of the cell, and (b) on whether the searcher looks in the right cell. It is possible that the hider may be found even if the searcher looks in the wrong cell. In one variant, the searcher wishes to maximize the probability of capture; in the other, the searcher wishes to minimize the expected time to capture. We show that the game can be solved by an easy algorithm, which allows for the manual solution of games with (of the order of) one hundred cells in a relatively short time. Some examples are given.
A Study of the Relationships Between Faculty Characteristics, Subject Field, and Course Grading Patterns.

This paper describes an analysis of faculty grading patterns at a large public university. It introduces a methodology to both normalize and stabilize grade data by courses. Using this method, we report on grading patterns for over 1,000 teachers, giving more than 40,000 grades in approximately 2,000 courses. The findings indicate that the academic field of the course is strongly related to the types of grades assigned. Courses emphasizing quantitative and factual learning tend to have assigned lower grades. The higher grades are found in career-oriented courses, such as teacher training. This was shown in separate analyses for undergraduate and graduate courses. For undergraduate courses, lower grades were found in freshman and sophomore courses as compared with junior and senior courses. The academic credentials and personal characteristics of the teachers were only moderately related to grades. Temporary teachers had higher grades in their courses, but such personal characteristics as sex, marital, and minority status were not systematically related to grades given. There was a tendency in undergraduate courses that as class size increased, the proportion of higher grades decreased.
Multimodal sensory activation of cells in the magnocellular medial geniculate nucleus

Abstract The effects of sound, caloric, tactile, nociceptive, photic, and vestibular stimulation upon 200 extracellularly recorded units of the cat's magnocellular medial geniculate nucleus were studied. Both frequency of firing and interspike interval distribution analysis were used to evaluate changes in the patterns of cellular activity. A prominent short-latency crossed pathway from the vestibular nuclei to the magnocellular nucleus was demonstrated. An ipsilateral projection of longer latency was also found. Repetitive vestibular stimulation, both ipsilateral and contralateral to the recording microelectrode altered firing rates and patterns of interspike intervals in a large number of units in the magnocellular nucleus, many of which were not discharged by single pulse vestibular nucleus stimulation. A multisensory input to the nucleus was shown. Fifteen of the 200 cells studied showed increases in their firing rates with each of four types of sensory stimulation. Not only were rates of unit discharge modified, but there were differential changes in the interspike interval histograms with each modality.
Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis of the HAZUS-MH Flood Model

AbstractEstimating flood losses for hazard mitigation planning is an increasingly important aspect of flood risk management. The loss estimation process typically includes sequential analysis of the flood hazard, building characteristics, structural damage, and economic loss. However, the reliability of economic loss estimates from the modeling process is not well understood. This research applies the method of global sensitivity analysis to the HAZUS-MH flood loss estimation model. The work is guided by two research questions: what is the uncertainty of the flood loss estimates, and what is the relative contribution of each model component to the overall uncertainty? Based on the uncertainty analysis, the estimate at the upper bound of loss distribution was found to be a factor of three higher than the lower-bound estimate. The sensitivity analysis revealed the choice of digital elevation data to be the most influential modeling stage. Recommendations are provided so that HAZUS-MH users can develop more ...
Inhibition of the photosynthetic electron transport of isolated thylakoids by hemolyzed rabbit sera. Evidence for the potential involvement of parallel electron transport in photosystem I Mehler reactions.

The inhibition patterns of rabbit sera (RS1 & RS2) from two different rabbits on the photosynthetic electron transport of isolated spinach thylakoids were studied. Fifty μl of RSI were required for 100% inhibition of a H2O → MV/O2 reaction, while only 10 μl of a 1:10 dilution of RS2 were needed for 100% inhibition. The RS2 serum was greatly hemolyzed. The γ-globulin fraction from purified rabbit serum (RS1) did not inhibit photosynthetic electron transport, indicating that the antibody fraction of the rabbit serum does not contain the inhibitor. It appears that the inhibitor is from the hemolyzed red blood cells. Rabbit sera added prior to chloroplast illumination caused no inhibition, while addition of rabbit sera during illumination inhibited a H2O → MV/O2 reaction within 1–3s. Aminotriazole, a catalase inhibitor, did not affect the efficacy of the rabbit sera indicating that the unknown rabbit serum inhibitor is not catalase. Various Hill reactions were employed to determine the site of inhibition. Rabbit sera inhibited the following reactions: DHQ/DCMU → MV/O2, DAD/Asc/DBMIB → MV/O2, and DCIP/Asc/DBMIB → MV/O2. Rabbit sera did not inhibit a H2O → DADox reaction indicating that inhibition is on the reducing side of PSI. However, a H2O → Fd/NADP+ reaction was not inhibited by rabbit sera. NADP did not interfere with the ability of RS2 to inhibit a MV-mediated Mehler reaction. In simultaneously measured assays of Fd-mediated O2 and NADP+ reductions, RS2 serum inhibited the reduction of O2 by ferredoxin without inhibiting the reduction of NADP+. These results indicate the potential involvement of parallel (branched) electron transport of the reducing side of PSI in the reduction of oxygen.
Weak turbulence in small Prandtl number convection in porous media

The dynamics of weak turbulence in small Prandtl number convection in porous media is substantially distinct than the corresponding dynamics for moderate and large Prandtl numbers. Linear stability analysis is performed and its results compared with numerical computations to reveal the underlying phenomena.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
High-yield syntheses and reactivity studies of Fe10 "ferric wheels": structural, magnetic, and computational characterization of a star-shaped Fe8 complex.

Convenient, high-yield routes have been developed to [Fe10(OMe)20(O2CR)10] (1) “ferric wheels” involving the alcoholysis of [Fe3O(O2CR)6(H2O)3]+ salts in MeOH in the presence of NEt3. Reactivity studies have established [Fe10(OMe)20(O2CMe)10] (1a) to undergo clean carboxylate substitution with a variety of other RCO2H groups to the corresponding [Fe10(OMe)20(O2CR)10] product. In contrast, the reaction with phenol causes a nuclearity change to give a smaller [Fe8(OH)4(OPh)8(O2CR)12] (2) wheel. Similarly, reactions of [Fe10(OMe)20(O2CR)10] with the bidentate chelate ethylenediamine (en) cause a structural change to give either [Fe8O5(O2CMe)8(en)8](ClO4)6 (3) or [Fe2O(O2CBut)(en)4](NO3)3 (4), depending on conditions. Complex 3 possesses a “Christmas-star” Fe8 topology comprising a central planar [Fe4(μ4-O)]10+ square subunit edge-fused to four oxide-centered [Fe3(μ3-O)]7+ triangular units. Variable-temperature, solid-state dc and ac magnetization studies on complexes 1a−4 in the 5.0−300 K range established t...
The Puzzle of Constituency Service

British legislators face overloaded schedules with conflicting priorities: the puzzle is to explain why they devote so much of their time to constituency service. This paper aims to compare the incentives facing members due to their career structures, role orientations, social backgrounds and constituency demands. This paper re‐examines these explanations based on the British Candidate Survey and personal interviews with MPs in the 1992 British general election.
Sexual dimorphism in responses to unfamiliar intruders in the tamarin, Saguinus oedipus

Abstract Aspects of social structure in group-living species can be inferred by observing the responses of individuals to unfamiliar animals. This study examined the responses of mated pairs of cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus oedipus) to presentation of either unfamiliar conspecifics or members of a related tamarin species, the saddle-back tamarin (Saguinus fuscicollis fuscicollis). Male and female responses to intruders differed: resident males threatened, displayed piloerection, approached, and attacked intruders, especially males, while resident females showed increases in suprapubic scentmarking in the presence of intruders. Both males and females discriminated between the species of intruders, exhibiting more threats, scent-marking, piloerection, and approaches in the presence of conspecific intruders. There are pronounced sex differences in the signals and behaviour patterns that are elicited in an aggressive or territorial encounter with unfamiliar conspecifics in this monogamous primate.
Brain seizure patterns and ESB-induced amnesia for passive avoidance.

Abstract Retrograde amnesia was produced in rats receiving electrical stimulation of posterior cortex immediately following footshock in a one-trial passive avoidance situation. No retrograde amnesia was observed when the cortical stimulus was delayed 1 hr. Four rats having anomalous avoidance scores also produced abnormal brain seizure records in response to brain stimulation. On the basis of these and other results, it was concluded that brain seizure pattern was related to retention of the passive avoidance tendency.
Where's the bio? Databases, Wikipedia, and the web

Purpose – This paper aims to compare biographical content for literary authors writing in English among Biography Reference Bank, Contemporary Authors Online, Wikipedia, and the web.Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 500 names was gathered from curricula and textbooks used in English courses and searched in the Contemporary Authors Online portion of Literature Resource Center, Biography Reference Bank, Wikipedia, and the web; the results and content were compared.Findings – Each source has core content plus its own unique offerings and specific challenges, as evidenced in searching, evaluative techniques such as authority and currency, and content.Research limitations/implications – This study can only offer a small part of the picture of what information resides where and a single snapshot in time.Practical implications – This study will help librarians decide whether to subscribe to a biographical database. It also reinforces the need for evidence‐based practice in librarianship.Originality/value...
Mechanical Design of the LAMPF Low Energy Pion Channel

A pion channel has been designed and nearly completed that will provide a good quality, high intensity pion beam of energies up to 300 MeV. Important channel features are a vertical bend plane, close alignment tolerances, short channel length, and remote handling near the production target. These features influenced the mechanical design of the magnets, support and alignment, collimation system, vacuum system, and shielding.
Study of Cryptococcus neoformans actin gene regulation with a β-galactosidase-actin fusion

An expression plasmid carrying a heterologous gene fusion between the Cryptococcus neoformans actin promoter and the Escherichia coli reporter gene, LACZ, was constructed to study actin regulation in C. neoformans. Two randomly stable transformants, designated 20·6 and 20·9, were selected for further examination. Both ectopic and homologous recombination with vector insertion in tandem repeats occurred in these transformants. Transformant 20·9 carried more copies of ACTp::LACZ in its genome than 20·6 and this was reflected in expressing higher levels of β-galactosidase activity. In vitro, these transformants were propagated at higher temperatures (37 °C vs 30 °C). However, β-galactosidase expression in the transformants was variable during logarithmic and stationary growth phases and this differential expression was temperature dependent. This report shows that the constitutive actin gene in C. neoformans is regulated by temperature and growth and this fact should be taken into consideration when actin ex...
The role of corporate governance in meeting or beating analysts’ forecast

Meeting or beating analysts’ forecasts is a topic of considerable interest in the academic and business communities. Some studies indicate a favorable market response when firms meet or beat analysts’ earnings forecasts, but others suggest managers opportunistically manage earnings to achieve earnings targets. We investigate the relation between corporate governance mechanisms and meeting or exceeding analysts’ expectations and find that attributes of corporate governance are related to the likelihood of consistently meeting or exceeding consensus forecasts. We extend current literature by showing that some attributes of strong corporate governance mechanisms lower agency costs associated with consistently meeting or beating analysts’ expectations. We also find that compensation committees reward managers for consistently meeting or beating analysts’ forecasts.
Significance of low water—solid ratio and temperature on the physico‐mechanical characteristics of hydrates of tricalcium aluminate

Hydration characteristics are reported of tricalcium aluminate studied at 20 and 80 °C using water-solid ratios of 0.2 and 1.0. Hydration products were subjected to differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, length change, porosity and pore size distribution, and micro-hardness measurements. Hydration proceeds faster at 80 °C than at 20 °C and the cubic C3AH6 phase is detected in the first few seconds. At 20 °C hydration occurs with the initial formation of the hexagonal phases and expansion is continuous. At higher temperatures and a water-solid ratio of 0.2, after an initial small expansion, the dimensional change is low. The product at 80 °C develops more than fourfold the hardness value developed at 20 °C. After 2 days of hydration, porosity, per cent C3AH6 and microhardness are 15.2%, 83% and 38.9 kg/mm2; corresponding values for the product obtained at 20 °C are 21.5%, 75% and 9.1 kg/mm2. Microstructural examination of the material formed at 80 °C indicates a closely welded and continuous network of the cubic phase. These results reveal that at a low water-solid ratio and higher temperatures the formation of the cubic phase from C3A results in an enhancement of strength.
Org 3770 (mirtazapine) versus trazodone: A placebo controlled trial in depressed elderly patients

Results are reported from a randomized, double-blind, trazodone- and placebo-controlled, 6 weeks' efficacy and safety study of a new antidepressant Org 3770 (Remeron®), in 150 outpatients over 55 years of age, with a DSM III diagnosis of moderate to severe major depressive disorder. On the 21-item HAMD, the differences between Org 3770 and placebo were statistically significant at weeks 2, 3, 4 and 6 in both Observed Case and Last Observation Carried Forward analyses. Statistically significant differences between both active compounds and placebo were registered at weeks 2 and 3 on the MADRS. The treatments with both Org 3770 and trazodone were associated with a significantly higher frequency of somnolence and dry mouth as compared to placebo, whereas treatment with trazodone also resulted in significantly higher frequencies of dizziness and blurred vision as compared to placebo.
Early detection of chronic wasting disease prions in urine of pre-symptomatic deer by real-time quaking-induced conversion assay.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a prion disease of captive and free-ranging deer (Odocoileus spp), elk (Cervus elaphus nelsonii) and moose (Alces alces shirasi). Unlike in most other prion diseases, in CWD prions are shed in urine and feces, which most likely contributes to the horizontal transmission within and between cervid species. To date, CWD ante-mortem diagnosis is only possible by immunohistochemical detection of protease resistant prion protein (PrPSc) in tonsil or recto-anal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (RAMALT) biopsies, which requires anesthesia of animals. We report on detection of CWD prions in urine collected from pre-symptomatic deer and in fecal extracts by using real time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC). This assay can be useful for non-invasive pre-symptomatic diagnosis and surveillance of CWD.
Genomic Organization and Genetic Mapping of the Bovine PREF-1 Gene

Abstract As a potential regulator of nutrient partitioning in beef cattle, we have cloned and genetically mapped the bovine PREF-1 gene. A full-length PREF-1 cDNA was isolated by iterative purification from a mixed-tissue cDNA library to which adipose contributed mRNA. Analysis of partial cDNAs from this library revealed that the 3′-terminal exon of the bovine PREF-1 mRNA is spliced in a manner analogous to its murine ortholog. However, we have also detected a PREF-1 splice form apparently unique to cattle. Aside from this alternative selection of a splice donor in the bovine fifth exon, the exon/intron junctions of the bovine PREF-1 gene recapitulate those observed for mice. The sequences proximal to the bovine PREF-1 transcription start site are homologous to the mouse PREF-1 promoter. Importantly, the sequence experimentally identified as critical to PREF-1 “suppression in adipocyte differentiation” is conserved in the bovine gene. The bovine PREF-1 gene was mapped to the telomeric end of BTA 21 by virtue of a physically linked microsatellite with seven alleles and 285 informative meiosis.
New Metric Based Algorithm for Test Vector Generation in VLSI Testing

A new algorithm for test-vector-generation (TVG) for combinational circuits has been presented for testing VLSI chips. This is done by defining a suitable metric or distance, in the space of all input vectors, between a vector and a set of vectors. The test vectors are generated by suitably maximising the above distance. Two different methods of maximising the distance are suggested. Performances of the two methods for different circuits are presented and compared with the random method of TVG. It was observed that method B is superior to the other two methods. Also, method A is slightly better than method R.
Model studies directed toward the avermectins: A route to the spiroketal subunit

Abstract Oxidative cyclization of a dihydropyran bearing a pendant alcohol is used to synthesize a spiroketal system of the type found in the avermectins.
Factitious Hemoptysis: Adding to the Differential Diagnosis

Background We report a dramatic case of factitious hemoptysis in a 36-year-old black man who presented with hemoptysis and chest pain. Methods After an exhaustive evaluation, including many invasive procedures, we discovered that the patient's complaints were fabricated, although the method used to simulate hemoptysis was not determined. Documentation was obtained of at least 23 other hospital admissions with similar complaints. During these hospitalizations, numerous diagnostic procedures were performed, including 16 fiberoptic bronchoscopies and 3 cardiac catheterizations, with negative results. Results Review of 11 other reported cases of factitious hemoptysis reveals that these patients are generally young (mean age, 32 years; range, 21 to 47 years) and often health-care workers (4 of 12 cases) and that the method of simulating hemoptysis, if discovered, usually involves a self-inflicted wound (5 cases). Conclusion A factitious cause should he considered in the differential diagnosis of hemoptysis of unclear etiology, especially when the medical history or the patient's behavior is unusual.