cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing the vulnerability of the Mississippi Gulf Coast to coastal storms using an on-line GIS-based Coastal Risk Atlas

Natural disaster losses in the U.S. have been estimated to be between $10 billion and $50 billion annually, with an average cost from a single major disaster estimated at approximately $500 million. One of the primary factors contributing to the rise in disaster losses is the steady increase in the population of high-risk areas, such as coastal areas. The population in coastal counties represents more than half of the U.S. population, but occupies only about one-quarter of the total land area. Coastal areas are particularly susceptible to the catastrophic impacts of hazards. Between 1992 and 1997, nearly three-quarters of the federally declared disasters in the U.S. occurred in coastal states or territories (Ward and Main, 1998). Efforts to mitigate the effects of coastal hazards can be complicated by insufficient information concerning coastal vulnerability. Vulnerability factors include the geologic nature of the coast, the patterns and characteristics of the built environment, and socio-economic conditions. Providing a better understanding of these factors to allow communities to undertake the most appropriate mitigation strategies provides the rational for developing the Coastal Risk Atlas (CRA). The CRA is under development by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC) in collaboration with the NOAA Coastal Services Center (CSC). Its purpose is to deliver an on-line risk/vulnerability atlas for the coastal U.S. using NCDDC information technologies (Stinus et al., 2002) and methodologies proven by the CSC. The project has been initially implemented in two pilot areas, the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Northeast Florida. Based on success and lessons learned, it will be expanded to a larger coastal region, and eventually nationwide. This phased approach enables identification and resolution of technical issues, better identification of necessary data, and determining data inadequacies that could drive future data collection and coastal research initiatives. This paper documents the development of the CRA and its application in the pilot areas.
Universal Constructs in Distributed Computations

This paper identifies two classes of communication patterns that occur in distributed computations and explores their properties. It first examines local patterns, primarily IO and OI intervals, that occur at nodes in distributed computations. These local patterns form building blocks that are then used to define the global patterns, termed segments and paths, that occur across nodes in distributed computations. By controlling the predicates on the local patterns used to define segments and paths, various types of segments and paths can be defined. A number of key concepts and structures characterizing distributed computations are special cases of and are expressed in terms of the patterns identified.
Design of programmable FIR digital filter to optimize the detection of signals embedded in white noise

The order of a multiband FIR filter is reduced using a programmable passband filter for normalized frequencies. The parameters of a single-band passband filter are extracted from the parameters of a normalized lowpass digital FIR filter using a bilinear transformation. The stopbands of the low-pass digital filter are designed to limit the maximum response from a strong sinusoid, and also to minimize the total energy from the wideband background noise. The parameters of the filter are programmed to detect each frequency band sequentially. The digital filter design is used to shunt the white noise generated by the thermal noise of a 150-W, 100-900-MHz Class A amplifier. The amplifier is fed from five different sensors. In this simulation, the thermal noise amplitude pulses in the frequency range of the amplifier is reduced by about 40 dB. >
Testing sonar data for multivariate normality

The hypothesis of multivariate normality is frequently made for sonar data. Signal processing systems where design is based on this assumption may perform poorly if the assumption is not satisfied. Tests for multivariate normality are thus of interest. A test is described that can be used when the covariance matrix and mean vector of the data are known.
Moral Psychology And Moral Intuition: A Pox On All Your Houses

Peter Singer has argued for a radical anti-intuitionism on the basis of recent empirical research into the psychological and evolutionary origins of moral intuition. There is, however, a gap between the putative genealogy of moral intuition that Singer offers and his desired methodological claim. I explore three ways to bridge the gap, and argue that the promising way is to construe the genealogy as a debunking genealogy. I sketch an account of how debunking arguments work, and then show that this causes problems for Singer, since utilitarianism itself is liable to be debunked. Finally, I suggest how we can take lessons for ethics from the empirical work, but that the result is a far more restricted kind of anti-intuitionism than Singer was hoping for.
Are Anti-LGBT Homicides in the United States Unique?

An integral issue to the study of bias crimes is how violence targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) victims is different from other more common forms of violent crimes. Limitations in official bias crimes data have inhibited our understanding of the relative nature of anti-LGBT crimes. The purpose of this study is to examine the similarities and differences in anti-LGBT homicides and average homicides in the United States between 1990 and 2008. The current study addresses methodological issues by relying on an open-source database of anti-LGBT homicides. This study found that the nature of these homicides is both similar and significantly different from the average homicide. Implications for the ongoing bias crimes discourse are discussed.
Symbolic dynamics for triangle groups

We generalize E. Artin’s continued fraction coding of the geodesics on the modular surface to any finite index subgroup Θ of a nonuniform hyperbolic triangle group Γ. D. Mayer’s study of the Selberg zeta function of PSl (2, Z ) is extended to Θ and its group representations. We give representatives for Γ-primitive conjugacy classes and derive a Markov system of interval maps for Γ and a Markov partition for the billiard flow on Γ\ SH 2 . This leads to identities for values of the dilogarithm function at algebraic numbers. We also find the Γ-analogues of Gauss measure on [0,1].
Neuroendocrine‐derived peptides promote prostate cancer cell survival through activation of IGF‐1R signaling

BACKGROUND Neuroendocrine (NE) cells promote the progression of prostate cancer to a castration-resistant state through the production of paracrine growth factors. We have demonstrated this principle using in vitro and in vivo proliferative endpoints; however, the contributions of NE-derived pro-survival factors and anti-apoptosis to this phenomenon have not been thoroughly investigated. METHODS Here, we utilized conditioned-medium (CM) from LNCaP cells, engineered to undergo NE differentiation, and examined its effects on PC3 and LNCaP cell survival. RESULTS Statistically significant changes in clonogenic survival, Annexin V staining, PARP cleavage and trypan blue positivity of approximately twofold were observed in the presence of NE-derived CM relative to control-CM for both LNCaP and PC3 cells. These changes were partially abrogated by antagonists of the neuropeptides neurotensin, bombesin, and PTHrP. Selective inhibitors of IGF-1R, EGFR or Src caused significant and nearly complete blockade of prostate cancer cell survival due to NE secretions. Similar increases in cell survival were observed for LNCaP or PC3 cells treated with NE-derived medium in the presence of docetaxel. Increased phosphorylation of IGF-1R, following treatment with NE-derived medium, was accompanied by decreased protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type F (PTPRF) mRNA, and protein levels. Overexpression of PTPRF decreased cell survival, the amplitude and duration of IGF-1R phosphorylation, and enhanced PARP cleavage in the presence of NE-derived medium. CONCLUSIONS These data support the hypothesis that NE-derived factors act upon prostate cancer cells to stimulate pro-survival signaling and describe a novel mechanism of cross-talk between NE-derived factors and IGF-1R, mediated in part by PTPRF. Prostate 73: 801–812, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antagonism between two natural enemies improves biological control of a coffee pest: The importance of dominance hierarchies

Abstract The relationship between two natural enemies of Coccus viridis (green coffee scale), an important hempiteran coffee pest was determined using a combination of experimental and observational approaches. Adult and larval forms of Azya orbigera, a coccinellid beetle predator were included on leaves of coffee plants with healthy scale populations resulting in lower proportions of scales infected with the second natural enemy, an entomopathogenic fungus ( Lecanicillium lecanii ) . C. viridis populations on leaves where A. orbigera were excluded exhibited twice as much fungal infection by L. lecanii . In addition, field surveys of C. viridis populations on whole coffee plants corroborated experimental findings with eight times less fungal infection for coffee plants where A. orbigera was present than for plants where the predator was absent a month prior to surveys of L. lecanii . Despite a reduction in fungal infection in both the experiment and survey, the presence of the beetle reduced overall biological control of the pest only in the experiment where the receiver of the antagonism ( L. lecanii ) was more dominant in controlling C. viridis than the instigator of the antagonism ( A. orbigera ). In the survey, A. orbigera was dominant over L. lecanii , resulting in equal to greater levels of biological control depending on the degree to which A. orbigera was dominant over L. lecanii . Our results indicate that a negative relationship exists between A. orbigera and L. lecanii , but that contrary to expectations, this antagonism may in some cases improve overall biological control of the shared pest target.
Dynamic behavior of electron tunneling and dark current in quantum well systems under an electric field

A time evolution method is used to study the time dependence of electron tunneling in a quantum well under an electric field. A comparison of phase-shift analysis and the full time-dependent calculation is presented. Good agreement between the two on a large time scale is found, but discrepancy exists on the small time scale especially at high fields. Our studies confirm that the direct tunneling rate $(1/{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{t})$ evaluated by the phase-shift analysis is reliable at low fields. The phonon-assisted tunneling rate $(1/{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{p})$ is also calculated. We found that $1/{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{p}$ dominates at low fields, while $1/{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{t}$ increases exponentially with increasing field and becomes dominant at high fields. Contributions due to the thermionic emission, direct tunneling as well as phonon-assisted tunneling to the dark current are also evaluated.
A Matrix Analysis of Operator-Based Upscaling for the Wave Equation

Scientists and engineers who wish to understand the earth's subsurface are faced with a daunting challenge. Features of interest range from the microscale (centimeters) to the macroscale (hundreds of kilometers). It is unlikely that computational power limitations will ever allow modeling of this level of detail. Numerical upscaling is one technique intended to reduce this computational burden. The operator-based algorithm (developed originally for elliptic flow problems) is modified for the acoustic wave equation. With the wave equation written as a first-order system in space, we solve for pressure and its gradient (acceleration). The upscaling technique relies on decomposing the solution space into coarse and fine components. Operator-based upscaling applied to the acoustic wave equation proceeds in two steps. Step one involves solving for fine-grid features internal to coarse blocks. This stage can be solved quickly via a well-chosen set of coarse-grid boundary conditions. Each coarse problem is solved independently of its neighbors. In step two we augment the coarse-scale problem via this internal subgrid information. Unfortunately, the complexity of the numerical upscaling algorithm has always obscured the physical meaning of the resulting solution. Via a detailed matrix analysis, the coarse-scale acceleration is shown to be the solution of the original constitutive equation with input density field corresponding to an averaged density along coarse block edges. The pressure equation corresponds to the standard acoustic wave equation at nodes internal to coarse blocks. However, along coarse cell boundaries, the upscaled solution solves a modified wave equation which includes a mixed second-derivative term.
THE B VITAMIN CONTENT OF BUDS AND SHOOTS OF SOME COMMON TREES.

Quiescent plant organs such as seeds, tubers, buds, etc., are among the most favorable materials for the study of growth because they are available in quantity, can be stored readily, and can be induced to grow easily by appropriate, simple manipulations of the environment. Numerous investigations of the processes and constituents of mature and sprouting seeds have resulted in a large body of descriptive data which at best may be said to represent a mere beginning in the complete story of plant growth. The metabolic transformations of carbohydrate, fat, and protein in growing seedlings are regulated by enzyme systems, and from studies on these regulating substances significant facts and principles are emerging. From the general field of metabolism we know that such vitamins as thiamine, riboflavin, and nicotinic acid play very important r?les in specific processes associated with energesis. Our studies on the vitamins of mature and sprouting seeds have shown significant increases in the content of several vitamins, including riboflavin and niacin, during germination (2). Little is known concerning the mechanism by which the amounts of these vitamins, and presumably also vitazymes, are augmented in plant tissues undergoing renewed growth activity; still, from the general field of comparative biochemistry, it seems reasonable to conclude that this class of substances has profound significance in the physiology of growing seedlings. Other quiescent plant materials worthy of consideration from the standpoint of their chemical regulators are the winter buds of trees and shrubs in temperate latitudes. The expanding buds and shoots of trees have been shown to contain substances which stimulate the growth of yeasts (4, 5). In the spring, auxin in woody plants appears to be generated first in the swelling buds and from there probably moves basipetally and stimulates cambial activity in the branches (1). A report on the thiamine found in buds, leaves, and bark of some common trees has been presented earlier (3). In the present paper results of microbiological assays for eight ? vitamins in the buds, leaves, or shoots of 18 kinds of woody plants are reported. It is hoped that these data may have some value to students of tree growth and to those who are concerned with the conservation of wild life.
Monkey see, monkey do.

A new study shows that the independent adaptation to a ruminant lifestyle in two leaf-eating monkeys relied on parallel amino acid substitutions in ribonuclease gene duplicates. This discovery suggests that, given similar initial conditions, proteins may repeatedly follow similar adaptive evolutionary paths.
Protein folding↔unfolding dynamics

Abstract There have been significant experimental advances in the field of protein folding in the past two to three years, and realistic simulation of protein denaturation is now becoming a reality. These approaches are complementary, in that there are inherent limitations to detailed experimental structural characterization of folding intermediates, and simulations can aid in overcoming these.
A random effects model for effect sizes

This chapter presents an analogue to random effects analysis of variance for effect size analyses. This model assumes that the population values of the effect size are samples from a distribution of effect size parameters. Thus, the observed variability in sample estimates of effect size is partly because of the variability in the underlying population parameters and partly because of the sampling error of the estimator about the parameter value. The chapter explains a method for obtaining unbiased estimates of the variance of population effect sizes, that is, the parameter variance component. It also presents a statistical test of the hypothesis that the variance in population effect sizes is zero. The chapter discusses the estimation of the mean of the effect size distribution and empirical Bayes estimation procedures for random effects models.
Label-free quantitative detection of biomarkers

A highly sensitive technique for detection and quantification of protein-analyte binding interaction using spectral domain low coherence interferometric technique is implemented. Using this technique, it is possible to study real time interactions by quantifying the changes in optical path length caused by protein-analyte binding. The technique does not require elaborate sensor preparation and calibration. Any coverslip with certain thickness and capability to bind protein can work using this technique. For proof of principle, the interaction between IgG antigen and anti-IgG was studied and quantification of the accumulation of anti-IgG on sensor surface was demonstrated. Additionally, for biological relevance interactions between cancer biomarker EGFr and EGF was also studied and the preliminary results are presented. The potential applications of the label free technique include point-of-care screening of cancer biomarkers and tumor cell adhesion analysis.
Cultivating the marine microalga Nannochloropsis salina under various nitrogen sources: Effect on biovolume yields, lipid content and composition, and invasive organisms

Algae can be a viable source for biofuel production, but the source of nitrogen used to cultivate could affect algae yields. Here, we observe how various nitrogen treatments can impact the growth and biovolume of microalga Nannochloropsis salina as well as invasion of undesired organisms. Invading organisms increase the likelihood of crashes of the desired microalgae culture. Experiments were conducted over 28 days in open aquaria in a greenhouse. We used five different nitrogen treatments; ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), sodium nitrate (NaNO3), urea (CH4N2O), and a mixture of all these sources. Highest values for Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY), a measure of potential harvest rate based on population productivity, were observed in the urea treatment, but cell size was smaller compared to other treatments. Sodium nitrate and the mixture of nitrogen sources also had high MSY values but larger cell sizes, making them the treatments with highest total biovolume. The highest percentages of lipid by weight, but also highest densities of invading organisms were observed in the mixed treatment. Our results suggest that tradeoffs between biovolume and lipid yields as well as culture success can ultimately decide what nitrogen sources to use.
Molecular insights into the development of the pancreas

There is general agreement that the exocrine pancreas derives from the endoderm of the embryonic foregut. The cellular origin of the endocrine pancreas has been debated for a long time. A hypothesis existed that the endocrine cells of the pancreas originated from the neural crest of the embryo. The recent application of microdissection of the mouse embryo and an exquisitely sensitive polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR) indicates that both the exocrine and endocrine cells of the pancreas develop from the endoderm of the foregut as evidenced by the expression of genes responsible for acinar enzymes and islet hormones in the foregut at the site where the future pancreatic diverticulum would form. Furthermore, the mesenchyme surrounding the primitive endoderm cells from which the pancreas would form exerts significant regulation of differentiation of the pancreas. In culture or in vivo explants, these endoderm cells differentiate only into islet cells in the absence of mesenchyme. On the other hand, when these cells are cultured in vitro with mesenchyme, they differentiate to form not only islets but also ducts and acini.
The user interface for interactive bibliographic searching: An analysis of the attitudes of nineteen information scientists

Since little substantiated evidence exists concerning the features that should or should not be included in the man-machine interface of interactive bibliographic search and retrieval (IBSR) systems, an informal survey tapping the opinions of scientists active in this research area was conducted. An analysis of the responses showed a significant level of agreement concerning interface features.
The influence of H-bonding in liquid crystalline polyazomethine ethers

The model compound 1,4-bis(anisylimido)benzene has been characterized by solution and CP/MAS 13C NMR to assist in the characterization of liquid crystalline polyazomethines (PAM) based on the same mesogenic structure. Thermal behavior of several homologs of this PAM series have been compared before and after treatment with the end capping agent benzaldehyde. The results suggest that PAM oligomers containing large quantities of amine termination can strongly effect thermal behavior at constant oligomer molecular weight.
Effects of medullary area I(s) cooling in respiratory response to muscle stimulation

Abstract The respiratory response to afferent input from both peripheral and central chemoreceptors can be decreased progressibley by bilateral graded cooling of the intermediate, or I (s) , areas of the ventral medulla (Millhorn et al ., 1982). The present study was undertaken to determine if the phrenic nerve response to calf muscle afferent test stimulation is also affected by graded cooling of the I (s) areas. Anesthetized, paralyzed cats whose vagi and carotid sinus nerves had been cut were studied. Unlike the response to chemoreceptor input, the response to calf muscle input was not affected by moderate (40°C to 20°C) cooling of the I (s) areas. Thus, we concluded that input from both chemoreceptors travels to the respiratory controller via a common pathway that includes the I (s) areas, whereas input from peripheral muscle reaches the controller via an independent pathway that does not inlude the I (s) areas.
Analysis of High Recovery Brackish Water Desalination Processes using Fuel Cells

Abstract The production and supply of potable water and the disposal of wastewater are among the major challenges of the 21st century. Inadequate supply of potable water, coupled with increasing water demand in developing countries due to rapid population growth and industrialization are among the major reasons for the worsening water situation (1). Desalination of brackish water by reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) are the leading technologies used in supplying potable water. Typically, these plants operate at 75% product water recovery so that 25% of RO feed water is wasted as concentrated brine. However, the recovery can be increased by processing the primary RO reject water with the aid of selective membrane processes such as a secondary RO or NF unit. Hybrid RO/NF processes were modeled using the membrane manufacturer's software for various membranes and for two specific brackish waters studied (total dissolved solids, TDS = 1700 and 3700 mg/1). The analyses show that 90% product water rec...
Targeting Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs) for Cancer Therapy

Abstract Since cell death by apoptosis plays a key role in the regulation of tissue homeostasis, dysregulation of the cell's intrinsic death program may foster tumor formation and progression. "Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins" (IAPs) block apoptosis at the core of the apoptotic machinery by inhibiting effector caspases. Aberrant expression and/or function of IAPs are found in many human cancers and have been implied in resistance to current treatment approaches. Recent insights into the role of IAPs have provided the basis for various exciting discoveries that aim at modulating expression or function of IAPs. Thus, targeting IAPs, e.g. by antisense approaches or small molecule inhibitors, presents a promising novel approach for future drug development and may proof to be a successful strategy to overcome apoptosis resistance of human cancers.
1H-NMR spectroscopic manifestations of ligand binding to the kringle 4 domain of human plasminogen.

Abstract Structural aspects of the binding of the linear ligands N α -acetyl- l -lysine (AcLys) and ϵ-aminocaproic acid (ϵACA) and of the cyclic analogs trans -(aminomethyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (AMCHA) and p -benzylaminesulfonic acid (BASA) to the intact plasminogen kringle 4 domain have been investigated by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy at 300 and 600 MHz. Ligand binding results in consistent shifts of the His-II (His 31 ), Trp-I (Trp 25 ?), Trp-II (Trp 62 ?), Trp-III (Trp 72 ), Tyr-II (Tyr 50 ), and Phe 64 ring signals. BASA tends to induce larger shifts than elicited by the aliphatic ligands, most noticeably on Trp-II and on Trp 72 , suggesting that the ligand aromatic ring interacts with the two indole groups. Trp-II and, to lesser extent, Trp-I interact with an acidic side chain group, in a manner that is blocked by BASA. BASA binding also perturbs Tyr-II (Tyr 50 ), Tyr-III (Tyr 41 ), and Tyr-IV (Tyr 74 ) over a wide pH range and lowers the p K a ∗ of His 31 from ~4.8 to ~4.6. His-III (His 33 ) responds to BASA and AMCHA but is relatively insensitive to the linear ligands. His 33 carries a sterically shielded side chain which, in conjunction with Leu 46 , Trp-I, Tyr 50 , and Tyr 74 , participates in structuring the kringle hydrophobic core, contiguous to the binding site. Pronounced shifts are observed for aliphatic resonances stemming from the kringle-bound molecules of AMCHA, AcLys, and ϵACA. It is proposed that the lysine-binding site is mostly supported by the loop that extends from Cys 51 through Cys 71 and that aromatic residues, which include Trp-II, Trp 72 , and Phe 64 , play a major role in interacting with the nonpolar segment of the ligand molecule. The binding site also encompasses Tyr 50 , Tyr 74 , His 31 , and His 33 although it is not clear the extent to which these residues interact directly with the ligand.
Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma of the vulva

Abstract Background. Vulvar sarcomas are rare tumors. A distinctive low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma is described. Case. A 46-year-old female presented with a progressively enlarging vulvar mass. Pathological evaluation revealed a low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma. The immunophenotype is outlined and ultrastructural features are highlighted. Tumor cells were positive for p53 protein, smooth muscle actin, steroid receptors, and showed myofibroblastic differentiation on electron microscopy. The patient has been followed for >14 months without evidence of recurrence. Conclusion. The tumor was positive for p53, mitotically active, but was categorized as a low-grade malignancy. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural criteria were utilized to distinguish this tumor from other neoplasms.
Iron as an ergogenic aid: Ironclad evidence?

Iron supplementation for the iron-depleted nonanemic athlete is a controversial issue. Athletes may be iron deficient due to poor dietary intake, significant or obligatory blood loss, or deficiency via increased need secondary to intense physical activity. Athletes who are found to be anemic secondary to iron deficiency do benefit and show improved performance with appropriate iron supplementation. There is contradictory evidence for iron supplementation and improving performance in the iron-depleted nonanemic athlete. An athlete's iron status is usually monitored via serum ferritin. Currently, there is no standardized ferritin level at which supplementation is recommended, nor is there a consensus as to the appropriate maintenance of ferritin. Screening endurance athletes or female athletes in general for iron deficiency and also educating these athletes regarding the importance of a balanced diet to maximize performance would seem prudent and beneficial. Based on the literature, supplementation for the iron-depleted nonanemic athlete does not appear to be justified to solely improve performance.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Undergraduate Multicultural Course

The American Psychological Association (APA) recently revised their Guidelines for the undergraduate psychology major in 2013. In this updated version diversity is included in the broad goal of ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world. Indicators associated with this goal include student awareness of prejudice within themselves and others, sensitivity to issues of power, privilege and discrimination, and knowledge of cultural diversity. Previous researchers have discussed the conditions necessary and processes by which intercultural learning and prejudice reduction occur. The current study utilized a measure of multicultural competence to assess the effectiveness of a semester-long undergraduate multicultural course. The results indicated the multicultural course was more effective than a personality course in increasing multicultural knowledge but had no impact on multicultural awareness. The discussion focused on the conditions that may have influenced the results.
Grain Growth Suppression and Enhancement by Interdiffusion in Thin Films

Grain structure and grain growth in thin metallic films are important because of their effects on properties such as yield strength, electrical resistance and electromigration resistance. Since almost all thin films are used in contact with a substrate and many also have contacts with overlayers, it is important to consider how interactions with other materials affect the grain growth process. In this paper we consider the effects of diffusive interactions. We will show that interdiffusion often accompanies grain growth and that it can result in a number of novel grain boundary reactions, driven by a variety of effects. Using TEM techniques, we demonstrate cases of grain growth suppression and grain growth enhancement resulting from interdiffusion of solute atoms in gold thin films. The reasons for the observed effects will be considered with a view to providing a fundamental understanding of the types of systems that might be expected to exhibit the various phenomena.
Centrifugal innervation of the rat retina

Centrifugal fibers innervating the retina have been shown in all classes of vertebrate, except for mammals where conventional tract-tracing methods have not been able to unmistakably demonstrate their existence. In a previous study, a unilateral, intravitreal injection of 5, 7-dihydroxytryptamine was used to reveal indoleamine-accumulating centrifugal fibers which were visualized by an immunoreaction against serotonin. In the present study, I employed a modification of this method to stain retinopetal neurons in the rat. Terminals were located preferentially in the outer retina; labeled fibers could be traced back along an ipsilateral pathway to somata in the dorso-caudal portions of the chiasm or the medio-lateral preoptic area, and thence towards the suprachiasmatic nuclei. The unique beaded appearance of the fibers distinguishes them from retinal ganglion cell axons. The labeling of central cell bodies strongly suggests that they possess terminals in the retina. Thus, at least some mammalian retinas receive centrifugal innervation. This indoleamine-accumulating retinopetal pathway may be involved in retinal melatonin synthesis, coordination of circadian rhythms, and interocular phenomena.
Interactions of numerical and temporal stimulus characteristics on the control of response location by brief flashes of light

Pigeons pecked on three keys, responses to one of which could be reinforced after 3 flashes of the houselight, to a second key after 6, and to a third key after 12. The flashes were arranged according to variable-interval schedules. Response allocation among the keys was a function of the number of flashes. When flashes were omitted, transitions occurred very late. Increasing flash duration produced a leftward shift in the transitions along a number axis. Increasing reinforcement probability produced a leftward shift, and decreasing reinforcement probability produced a rightward shift. Intermixing different flash rates within sessions separated allocations: Faster flash rates shifted the functions sooner in real time, but later in terms of flash count, and conversely for slower flash rates. A model of control by fading memories of number and time was proposed.
Dielectric Stimulated Arcs in Lightning-Arrestor Connectors

Substantial lowering of breakdown voltage can occur between electrodes in air when a solid insulator surface bridges these electrodes. The breakdown mechanism involves a type of surface flashover across the insulator. The apparent triggering of the breakdown by the insulator is called a dielectric stimulated arc. This phenomenon, based on previous experimental results, has been incorporated into the lightning arrestor developed by Sandia Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM. The lightning-arrestor connector would be more useful if both the mean and standard deviation of breakdown levels were decreased. With this goal in mind several experiments were performed in order to study the dielectric stimulated arc in detail. Prebreakdown conduction was measured and was shown by image-enhanced photography to be caused by partial discharging. The partial discharge was found to occur in highfield regions far from the breakdown site. Ultraviolet light generated by the partial discharge was shown to sympathetically initiate a surface flashover on the insulator within a few tens of nanoseconds. These studies have led to a better understanding of dielectric stimulated arcs and will undoubtedly lead to improved lightning-arrestor designs.
Expectational diversity in monetary economies

Abstract We investigate an overlapping generations monetary economy in which expectations depend upon backward looking predictors of the future price level. We use discrete choice theory to model how agents select a predictor based on its past forecast error. Letting the number of available predictors tend to infinity, we obtain the large type limit of the system. Taking the large type limit dramatically reduces the number of free parameters, while maintaining the expectational diversity which we argue is necessary for constructing plausible learning-based models. The model's dynamics are strongly influenced by the intensity of choice , which measures how sensitive an agent's predictor choice is to differences in forecast errors across predictors. When the intensity of choice is low, the monetary steady state is stable. As the intensity of choice increases (and if certain parametric restrictions are met) the system undergoes a Hopf bifurcation, in which case we document the existence of highly irregular equilibrium price paths.
The computation of self- and mutual-radiation impedances for annular and elliptical pistons using Bouwkamp's integral

Abstract The self- and mutual-radiation impedances of uniformly vibrating pistons of various shapes in an infinite, plane, rigid baffle are obtained by the technique of integrating the square of the far-field directivity pattern over a complex set of bearing angles. Piston shapes considered include annular and elliptical as well as circular.
A matrix for DNA separation: genotyping and sequencing using poly(vinylpyrrolidone) solution in uncoated capillaries.

We report a new sieving matrix for DNA separation based on commercially available poly(vinylpyrrolidone). The new sieving matrix has a very low viscosity at moderate concentrations, e.g., 27 cP at 4.5%. Its excellent self-coating property can reduce electroosmotic flow to a negligible level. Column regeneration between runs is very simple and effective. Successful separations were achieved in uncoated capillaries. For genotyping, we show that D1S80 and amelogenin sex determination system can be baseline separated as double-stranded DNA, and vWF, TH01, TPOX, and CSF1PO short tandem repeats can be separated with single-base resolution as single-stranded DNA in this new matrix. Sequencing of M13mp18 showed good resolution up to 500 bases in a solution of high-molecular-weight fraction extracted from commercially available PVP. The feasibility of adaptation to a multicapillary array system is discussed.
Does Transformational Leadership Facilitate Follower Beliefs in Corporate Social Responsibility? A Field Study of Leader Personal Values and Follower Outcomes:

The authors tested an integrated model of transformational leadership consisting of leader personal values, follower beliefs in corporate social responsibility, and leadership performance outcomes....
Altered expression profile of renal α(1D)-adrenergic receptor in diabetes and its modulation by PPAR agonists.

-adrenergic receptor (-AR) plays important roles in regulating physiological and pathological responses mediated by catecholamines, particularly in the cardiovascular and urinary systems. The present study was designed to investigate the expression profile of -AR in the diabetic kidneys and its modulation by activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). 12-week-old Zucker lean (ZL) and Zucker diabetic fatty (ZD) rats were treated with fenofibrate or rosiglitazone for 8–10 weeks. Gene microarray, real-time PCR, and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy were performed to assess mRNA and protein expression of -AR in rat kidney tissue. Using microarray, we found that -AR gene was dramatically upregulated in 22-week-old ZD rats compared to ZL controls. Quantitative PCR analysis verified a 16-fold increase in -AR mRNA in renal cortex from ZD animals compared to normal controls. Chronic treatment with fenofibrate or rosiglitazone reduced renal cortical -AR gene. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed that -AR protein was induced in the glomeruli and tubules of diabetic rats. Moreover, dual immunostaining for -AR and kidney injury molecule-1 indicated that -AR was expressed in dedifferentiated proximal tubules of diabetic Zucker rats. Taken together, our results show that -AR expression is upregulated in the diabetic kidneys. PPAR activation suppressed renal expression of -AR in diabetic nephropathy.
Phase II clinical trial of parenteral hydroxyurea in combination with fluorouracil, interferon and filgrastim in the treatment of advanced pancreatic, gastric and neuroendocrine tumors.

Purpose Combined inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase (RR) and thymidylate synthase (TS), the enzymes responsible for a balanced supply of nucleotides for DNA synthesis, has been shown to induce synergistic antiproliferative effects in vitro. In the clinic, prolonged infusion of the RR inhibitor, hydroxyurea (HU), may be more effective than bolus or oral administration of drug. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether dose intensification of parenteral hydroxyurea in combination with fluorouracil could enhance the response rates of the combination against refractory upper gastrointestinal malignancies.
Uphill all the way: An investigation of attitudinal predispositions of preservice teachers toward diversity in urban classrooms

Abstract This study examined the attitudes and beliefs of preservice teacher education students regarding cultural diversity and teaching in an urban environment. The sample, 300 students enrolled in the mandatory overview course for education majors, responded to a questionnaire that collected data on respondent demographics and attitudes and beliefs about (a) teaching in urban environments, (b) attitudes and behaviors of urban students, (c) the effect of cultural background on learning, (d) learning abilities of urban children, (e) qualities of successful urban teachers, and (f) the teacher's role in effecting social change. Results revealed a predisposition toward urban teaching in many students who could detail diversity issues; however, incongruencies existed in attitudes and beliefs essential to the task. The data established a new direction for teacher preparation in urban education that allows students to assess beliefs and attitudes in relation to minority students using continuing dialogue, firs...
Electropolymerization of an N-heterocyclic carbene-gold(I) complex.

We report the first example of a polymer in which each monomer contains an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) orthogonally connected to its main chain. A polymerizable imidazolylidene−AuCl complex containing pendant bithiophene moieties was prepared in a high-yield multistep procedure. Oxidative electropolymerization of this monomer afforded the desired polymer, (Au[NHC]Cl)n, which was characterized via electrochemical studies as well as X-ray photoelectron and UV−vis spectroscopy.
Advances in Endoluminal Therapy for Esophageal Cancer

Advances in endoscopic therapy have resulted in dramatic changes in the way early esophageal cancer is managed as well as in the palliation of dysphagia related to advanced esophageal cancer. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are effective therapies for accurate histopathologic staging and provide a potential for complete cure. Mucosal ablative techniques (radiofrequency ablation and cryotherapy) are effective adjuncts to EMR and ESD and reduce the occurrence of synchronous and metachronous lesions within the Barrett esophagus. The successes of these techniques have made endoscopic therapy the primary means of management of early esophageal cancer.
Lead and bromine particle size distributions in the San Francisco Bay area.

Abstract Lead and bromine particle size distributions have been measured in the San Francisco Bay area. Samples taken with Andersen impactors during a 4-day period were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence and neutron activation analysis. The results, including approximately 50 per cent mass concentration on the afterfilter, nearly constant Br/Pb ratio at all stations, and the good correlation with CO levels, are consistent with the properties of a condensation aerosol from automobiles. No greater loss of Br from the smaller particles was observed, in contradiction to expectations from a diffusion mechanism.
Generalization of multivariate optical computations as a method for improving the speed and precision of spectroscopic analyses

Multivariate optical computations (MOCs) offer improved analytical precision and increased speed of analysis via synchronous data collection and numerical computation with scanning spectroscopic systems. The improved precision originates in the redistribution of integration time from spurious channels to informative channels in an optimal manner for increasing the signal-to-noise ratio with multivariate analysis under the constraint of constant total analysis time. In this work, MOCs perform the multiplication and addition steps of spectral processing by adjusting the integration parameters of the optical detector or adjusting the scanning profile of the tunable optical filter. Improvement in the precision of analysis is achieved via the implicit optimization of the analytically useful signal-to-noise ratio. The speed improvements are realized through simpler data post-processing, which reduces the computation time required after data collection. Alternatively, the analysis time may be significantly truncated while still seeing an improvement in the precision of analysis, relative to competing methods. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopic sensors and visible reflectance spectroscopic imaging were used as test beds for assessing the performance of MOCs. MOCs were shown to reduce the standard deviation of prediction by 15% compared to digital data collection and analysis with the SPR and up to 45% for the imaging applications. Similarly, a 30% decrease in the total analysis time was realized while still seeing precision improvements. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NMR microspectroscopy using 100 /spl mu/m planar RF coils fabricated on gallium arsenide substrates

A family of planar gold RF microcoils were fabricated using microlithography on a gallium arsenide substrate. The microcoils were used in /sup 1/H nuclear magnetic resonance (PIMR) spectroscopy experiments at 300 MHz (7.05 T). These new microcoils are a key component in the design of integrated MR coils and amplifiers for NMR microspectroscopy. >
Energy-linked nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide transhydrogenase in membrane particles from Escherchia coli.

Abstract The energy-linked nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide transhydrogenase from Escherichia coli can be driven by energy obtained from ATP or from respiration. E. coli grown anaerobically has the ATP-driven transhydrogenase but no respirationdriven transhydrogenase activity. The ATP-driven activity is inhibited by 50 μM N , N ′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) in membrane particles prepared from both aerobically and anaerobically grown cells, but the respiration-driven transhydrogenase is not inhibited. Low levels of DCCD enhance the respiration-driven transhydrogenase activity in membrane particles prepared from aerobically grown cells. The oxidation of NADH is one-fifth as low in particles prepared from anaerobically grown cells and is less sensitive to KCN than in particles from aerobically grown cells. The results suggest that anaerobically grown E. coli can produce and utilize the nonphosphorylated high-energy intermediate from ATP. However, this membrane appears to be depleted in its ability to transduce oxidative energy to form the high-energy intermediate.
Inhibition by 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol of hormonal secretion of rat parathyroid gland in organ culture

The effect of vitamin D metabolites on parathyroid hormone secretion was studied using rat parathyroid gland cultured in basal medium Eagle containing 5% serum obtained from thyroparathyroidectomized rat, 1 mM magnesium, and calcium concentration varying from 0.75–2.25 mM, and radioimmunoassay for rat parathyroid hormone (rPTH). 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D3), 5×10−10−2.5×10−8M, consistently decreased rPTH secretion in dose-related manner; the effect reached steady state after 24 hin vitro addition of 1,25(OH)2D3 and was also observed at different medium calcium concentrations (0.75, 1.25, 1.75 mM). Comparison of dose-responses for inhibitory activity of some vitamin D metabolites on rPTH secretion showed: 1,25(OH)2D3=1,24,25(OH)3D3>1α OHD3>25 OHD3. Cholecalciferol (10−5M), 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (10−8−10−6M) and 25,26-dihydroxycholecalciferol (5×10−9−5×10−7M) did not inhibit rPTH secretion. Analysis of structural activity relation of vitamin D metabolites studied indicated that 1α or pseudo-1α hydroxylated metabolites or analogs were active in inhibiting rPTH secretion, while, non-1α hydroxylated metabolites were without or were weakly inhibitory only at very high concentrations. This study provides further evidence for a direct role of 1,25(OH)2D3 on a negative feedback loop for regulation of parathyroid gland function.
Ectopic Vas Deferens Opening Into The Bladder Found During Routine Evaluation Of Male Factor Infertility

Ectopic vas deferens is a rare congenital anomaly that is frequently associated with anorectal malformations, ureteral ectopia and renal abnormalities. Diagnosis is usually made in the child with urinary tract infection, epididymitis or scrotal swelling. Less commonly this anomaly can be found in an older patient with infertility. We report on a patient with azoospermia who was found to have an ectopic vas deferens inserting into the bladder.