cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sex and Power of Preschool Teachers and Children's Sex Role Preferences.

The relationship between sex and power of preschool teachers and children's sex role preferences was investigated using the It Scale for Children with 19 matched pairs of chil dren in two preschools. Results indicated boys were more masculine in their sex role prefer ences than girls were feminine. While boys tended to increase in their masculinity from 3½ to 4½ years of age, girls' femininity showed no increase. In addition, as predicted by social power theory, boys in the preschool with powerful male teachers were more masculine than boys with powerful female teachers. Power referred to the degree to which teachers con trolled and dispensed resources valued by the children. No significant difference was found between the femininity of girls with powerful male or female teachers. The presence of female aides in the preschool with powerful male teachers may have minimized the effects of the powerful male teachers. These findings suggest that a combination of male and female teachers may be the optimal classroom arrangement for children's learning of sex- typed behaviors.
Reality with a Moral Twist: Ahmed Midhat's Müşahedat as an Image of an Ideal Ottoman Society

The country in this story is not Pakistan, or not quite … There are two countries, real and fictional, occupying the same space, or almost the same space. My story, my fictional country exists, lik...
Goal‐Striving Stress and the Mental Health of College‐Educated Black American Men: The Protective Effects of System‐Blame

The present study examined the relationship between goal-striving stress and well-being in a survey of 399 college-educated Black American men who were members of a Black fraternal organization. Regression analyses revealed that goal-striving stress was associated with decreased psychological well-being, controlling for demographics and various psychosocial factors. When asked to explain their failure to reach life goals, half of the men attributed setbacks to racial discrimination. The association of goal-striving stress with diminished well-being was stronger among those who did not attribute setbacks to race than among those who did. These findings suggest that even with material success, Black men face blocked opportunities that could be consequential to their well-being.
The Fornix in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease

The fornix is an integral white matter bundle located in the medial diencephalon and is part of the limbic structures. It serves a vital role in memory functions and as such has become the subject of recent research emphasis in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). As the characteristic pathological processes of AD progress, structural and functional changes to the medial temporal lobes and other regions become evident years before clinical symptoms are present. Though gray matter atrophy has been the most studied, degradation of white matter structures especially the fornix may precede these and has become detectable with use of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and other complimentary imaging techniques. Recent research utilizing DTI measurement of the fornix has shown good discriminability of diagnostic groups, particularly early and preclinical, as well as predictive power for incident MCI and AD. Stimulating and modulating fornix function by the way of DBS has been an exciting new area as pharmacological therapeutics has been slow to develop.
A Restorative Justice Approach to Empathy Development in Sex Offenders: An Exploratory Study

The authors describe an exploratory study in sex offender treatment using a restorative justice approach to examine the shame, guilt, and empathy development of convicted sexual offenders. Implications for clinical practice and future research are highlighted.
The influence of communicative competence on perceived task, social, and physical attraction

Although previous research has found that perceived attractiveness (especially physical attractiveness) is associated with perceptions of communicative effectiveness (Brandt, 1979; Chaiken, 1979; Zakahi & Duran, 1984), research has not been conducted to determine whether communicative competence influences perceived task, social, and physical attractiveness. The present study utilized a pretest‐posttest design with posttests of perceived task, social, and physical attractiveness serving as the dependent variables, and communicative competence as the independent variable, with the pretests of perceived task, social, and physical attractiveness as the covariates. Results indicated communicative competence accounted for 17%, 14%, and 8% of the variance in perceived task, social, and physical attractiveness, respectively. The discussion addresses the theoretical implications of these results.
Changes in plasma bone GLA protein during treatment of bone disease.

Bone Gla protein (BGP) was measured in the plasma by radioimmunoassay (RIA) during treatment of 59 patients with bone diseases including Paget's disease (N=9), primary hyperparathyroidism (N=25), chronic renal failure (N=20), and cancer involving bone (N=5). Plasma BGP was increased above normal in all patients. BGP decreased in the patients with Paget's disease following the acute and chronic administration of salmon calcitonin. Plasma BGP was higher in women then in men with primary hyperparathyroidism. Following parathyroidectomy, BGP decreased in both sexes but the decrease was significant in women only. Plasma BGP was increased in patients with renal osteodystrophy and did not change after hemodialysis. In the patients with bone cancer, plasma BGP decreased during treatment of the attendant hypercalcemia with salmon calcitonin. Although plasma BGP and serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels were generally correlated in these studies, there were examples of dissociation between the two. The measurement of plasma BGP appears to provide a specific index of bone metabolism that may in some circumstances be more sensitive than serum alkaline phosphatase measurement. However, further studies are necessary to establish the clinical value of plasma BGP measurement by RIA in the management of patients with bone diseases.
Mutations within the mepA Operator Affect Binding of the MepR Regulatory Protein and Its Induction by MepA Substrates in Staphylococcus aureus

The expression of mepA, encoding the Staphylococcus aureus MepA multidrug efflux protein, is repressed by the MarR homologue MepR. Repression occurs through binding of two MepR dimers to an operator with two homologous and closely approximated pseudopalindromic binding sites (site 1 [S1] and site 2 [S2]). MepR binding is impeded in the presence of pentamidine, a MepA substrate. The effects of various mepA operator mutations on MepR binding were determined using electrophoretic mobility shift assays and isothermal titration calorimetry, and an in vivo confirmation of the effects observed was established for a fully palindromic operator mutant. Altering the S1-S2 spacing by 1 to 4 bp severely impaired S2 binding, likely due to a physical collision between adjacent MepR dimers. Extension of the spacing to 9 bp eliminated the S1 binding-mediated DNA allostery required for efficient S2 binding, consistent with positive cooperative binding of MepR dimers. Binding of a single dimer to S1 was maintained when S2 was disrupted, whereas disruption of S1 eliminated any significant binding to S2, also consistent with positive cooperativity. Palindromization of binding sites, especially S2, enhanced MepR affinity for the mepA operator and reduced MepA substrate-mediated MepR induction. As a result, the on-off equilibrium between MepR and its binding sites was shifted toward the on state, resulting in less free MepR being available for interaction with inducing ligand. The selective pressure(s) under which mepA expression is advantageous likely contributed to the accumulation of mutations in the mepA operator, resulting in the current sequence from which MepR is readily induced by MepA substrates.
4-Hydroxynonenal Induces G2/M Phase Cell Cycle Arrest by Activation of the Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated and Rad3-related Protein (ATR)/Checkpoint Kinase 1 (Chk1) Signaling Pathway

4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE) has been widely implicated in the mechanisms of oxidant-induced toxicity, but the detrimental effects of HNE associated with DNA damage or cell cycle arrest have not been thoroughly studied. Here we demonstrate for the first time that HNE caused G2/M cell cycle arrest of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 (p53 wild type) and Hep3B (p53 null) cells that was accompanied with decreased expression of CDK1 and cyclin B1 and activation of p21 in a p53-independent manner. HNE treatment suppressed the Cdc25C level, which led to inactivation of CDK1. HNE-induced phosphorylation of Cdc25C at Ser-216 resulted in its translocation from nucleus to cytoplasm, thereby facilitating its degradation via the ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal pathway. This phosphorylation of Cdc25C was regulated by activation of the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR)/checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) pathway. The role of HNE in the DNA double strand break was strongly suggested by a remarkable increase in comet tail formation and H2A.X phosphorylation in HNE-treated cells in vitro. This was supported by increased in vivo phosphorylation of H2A.X in mGsta4 null mice that have impaired HNE metabolism and increased HNE levels in tissues. HNE-mediated ATR/Chk1 signaling was inhibited by ATR kinase inhibitor (caffeine). Additionally, most of the signaling effects of HNE on cell cycle arrest were attenuated in hGSTA4 transfected cells, thereby indicating the involvement of HNE in these events. A novel role of GSTA4-4 in the maintenance of genomic integrity is also suggested. Background: HNE is an important signaling molecule. Results: HNE induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and phosphorylation of H2A.X. ATR/Chk1-mediated regulation of Cdc25C and activation of p21 is the predominant mechanism of HNE-induced cell cycle arrest. GSTA4-4 overexpression inhibits HNE-induced cell arrest. Conclusion: HNE causes DNA damage and G2/M arrest. Significance: HNE and GSTA4-4 play a role in the maintenance of genomic integrity.
Avascular necrosis of bone in dyskeratosis congenita

A case of dyskeratosis congenita, a rare X-linked disorder, is presented. The patient had the classic triad of cutaneous findings: reticulated hyperpigmentation, nail dystrophy, and leukoplakia. In addition, a previously unreported finding developed, avascular necrosis of bone without systemic steroid therapy. Recognition of this disorder is important because pancytopenia and malignancy develop in up to 50 percent of patients.
Twelve Turning Points of the Second World War

P.M.H. Bell, New Haven and London, Yale University Press, 2011, xv + 264 pp., ISBN 9780300148855 (hdk) (£18.99), 9780300187700 (pbk) (£10.00) A plethora of books on various aspects of the Second Wo...
Toward reducing some critical gaps in work–family research

Social science researchers have devoted considerable attention to examining the interrelationships between work and family. The growing diversity of family structures represented in the workforce—including dual-earner couples, single parents, blended families, and employees with responsibility for elder care—has heightened the relevance of balancing work and family roles for a substantial segment of employed men and women (Googins, 1997; Greenhaus & Parasuraman, 1986, 1994; Parasuraman & Greenhaus, 1997). These developments have greatly increased the complexities of the interface between work and family. Against the backdrop of these changes and the projected growth in the diversity of the work force in the new millennium (Johnston & Packer, 1987), it is appropriate to assess the gaps in our knowledge of work–family relationships. Greenhaus and Parasuraman (1999) recently observed that although the literature provides abundant evidence that work and family are interconnected in many ways, the links between the two arenas are more complex than was envisaged initially. In her presentation to the Conference Board on the status of work–family research, MacDermid (1998) concluded that there are many more unanswered questions than those for which we have ‘‘firm footholds.’’ According to Barling & Sorensen (1997), changes in the nature of jobs and organizations, as well as social changes in family structure, have rendered much of the research-based knowledge of the interdependence of work and family outdated. In our view, the empirical research to date has been useful in explaining many of the relationships between work and family domains. The different perspectives from which
Enhancement of somatostatin-receptor-targeted 177Lu-[DOTA0-Tyr3]-octreotide therapy by gemcitabine pretreatment-mediated receptor uptake, up-regulation and cell cycle modulation

Abstract Introduction Clinical studies of patients treated with somatostatin-receptor (sstr)-targeted [DOTA 0 -Tyr 3 ]-octreotide (DOTATOC) labeled with 177 Lu and 90 Y have shown overall response rates in the range of 9–33%. This study evaluates the potential for combination therapy with gemcitabine in an effort to improve clinical outcomes. Methods Human pancreatic adenocarcinoma Capan-2, rat pancreatic cancer AR42J and human small cell lung cancer NCI-H69 cells were each treated with 1 μg/ml gemcitabine for 4 days followed by replacement of the medium alone for four additional days. Cell cycle and direct receptor-uptake studies were performed with 177 Lu-DOTATOC after the total 8-day treatment as described. Cell viability and apoptosis experiments were performed to study the effects of gemcitabine pretreatment and 177 Lu-DOTATOC radionuclide therapy. Parallel control studies were performed with receptor-non-targeted 177 Lu-DOTA and DOTATOC. Results Cells treated with gemcitabine for 4 days showed a down-regulation of sstr expression as determined by 177 Lu-DOTATOC uptake. However, after 4 days of additional growth in absence of gemcitabine, the uptake of 177 Lu-DOTATOC was 1.5–3 times greater than that of the untreated control cells. In gemcitabine-pretreated Capan-2 cells, 84% of the cell population was in the G 2 M phase of the cell cycle. Due to sstr up-regulation and cell cycle modulations, synergistic effects of gemcitabine pretreatment were observed in cell viability and apoptosis assays. 177 Lu-DOTATOC resulted in two to three times greater apoptosis in gemcitabine-pretreated Capan-2 cells compared to the untreated cells. Conclusion Gemcitabine pretreatment up-regulates sstr expression and acts as a radiosensitizer through cell cycle modulation. The rational combination of gemcitabine and sstr-targeted radiopharmaceuticals represents a promising chemoradiation therapeutic tool with great potential to improve clinical outcomes and, thus, merits further study.
Purification, crystallization, and preliminary crystallographic analysis of 3‐deoxy‐D‐arabino‐heptulosonate‐7‐phosphate synthase from Escherichia coli

The phenylalanine-regulated isozyme of 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase (DAHPS) from Escherichia coli, its binary complexes with either substrate, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), or feedback inhibitor, Phe, and its ternary complexes with either PEP or Phe plus metal cofactor (either Mn2+, Cd2+, or Pb2+) were crystallized from polyethylglycol (PEG) solutions. All crystals of the DAHPS without Phe belong to space group C2, with cell parameters a = 213.5 A, b = 54.3 A, c = 149.0 A, beta = 116.6 degrees. All crystals of the enzyme with Phe also belong to space group C2, but with cell parameters a = 297.1 A, b = 91.4 A, c = 256.5 A, and beta = 148.2 degrees.
Participation of the 3'-CCA of tRNA in the binding of catalytic Mg2+ ions by ribonuclease P.

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) contains a catalytic RNA that cleaves precursor tRNA (pre-tRNA) to form the mature 5‘-end of tRNA. Previous kinetic analyses with mutant pre-tRNAs indicated that both C residues of the invariant 3‘-terminal CCA form specific interactions with RNase P RNA that contribute to the energetics of substrate binding (1, 2). In the present study, we have used single-turnover kinetic analysis to investigate whether specific changes in the 3‘-terminal CCA influence the rate of the chemical step through which enzyme-bound substrate is converted to product (k2). At optimal ionic strength (1.0 M NH4Cl, 25 mM MgCl2), deletion or substitution of the 3‘-proximal C residue (CCA) reduced the rate of the chemical step of cleavage (k2) by 60-fold. Similar changes to the 5‘-proximal C residue (CCA) or the 3‘-terminal A residue (CCA) reduced k2 only a few fold. Each mutant substrate exhibited weakened affinity for Mg2+, as measured by Hill plots, and the severity of these defects correlated with the obs...
The Signification of Mark 10:45 among Gentile Christians

One of the many contributions that Helmut Koester has made to New Testament scholarship is his attention to the importance of archaeological and epigraphical evidence for the study of early Christianity. I offer this study as a small token of gratitude to him for that contribution. It attempts to show the importance of certain inscriptions for the signification of the saying attributed to Jesus in Mark 10:45: “For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
The Post Oral Reading Cloze Test: New Link between Oral Reading and Comprehension

The link between oral reading responses and comprehension performance bears strengthening and promises new insights into the reading process and new tools for interpreting reading performance. In a cloze test, the subject faces a passage with blanks substituted for words in some fashion. The subject is asked to write the word that fits best in the blank (Wilson Taylor, 1953). When a blank is substituted for every fifth word, the cloze test is an indicator of literal comprehension as measured by multiple choice comprehension tests (John Bormuth, 1969, p. 365). A conventional cloze test is administered without prior contact of the subject with the passage. A post oral reading cloze test is administered immediately following an oral reading of the passage by the subject. This study investigates the relationship between performance on a conventional cloze test and performance on a post oral reading cloze test. Three questions center on the relationship between conventional cloze test performance and post oral reading cloze test performance. 1) Can conventional cloze test scores be predicted from post oral reading cloze test scores? 2) Is the relationship strong enough to warrant use of the post oral reading cloze test as comprehension criteria in oral reading research? 3) Is the relationship strong enough to warrant use of the post oral reading cloze test as a measure of comprehension in reading diagnosis? These questions guide the study.
Extensive postmortem stability of RNA from rat and human brain

The postmortem stability of brain RNA was measured in rat and human samples for up to 48 hr. Whole rat brains, cooled at a rate approximating that of human brains awaiting autopsy, were collected at intervals from 0 to 48 hr after death and frozen. These samples were compared with freshly obtained, unfrozen rat brains. Two potentially independent characteristics of these RNA populations were measured: the recovery or yield of RNA/gram tissue (quantity) and the integrity or extent of degradation (quality). Total RNA yields were similar after all postmortem delays. Hybridization of [32P]-labeled cDNA probes to nitrocellulose filter blots of electrophoretically separated rat brain RNA failed to reveal degradation of the specific rat brain mRNAs during the postmortem period. Similarly, in vitro translation of these same rat total RNA samples produced high molecular weight translation products with no differences between long and short postmortem times. Human cerebral cortex RNA was prepared by the same methods as those used for rat brain from a neurosurgical sample and four other donors with postmortem intervals from 7 to 36 hr. Typically, the yield of total RNA from human brain was 40-50% of the yield from rat brain. When analyzed by RNA gel blot hybridization studies, as for rat brain RNA, human cortical RNA appeared slightly degraded. However, the degree of apparent RNA degradation was not related to the postmortem interval. In vitro translation products of human cortical RNA revealed high molecular weight peptides at all postmortem intervals, but slightly less [35S]incorporation into these bands was found at the longer postmortem intervals relative to the shorter times. Together, these results demonstrate an extensive stability of brain RNA that invites aggressive use of molecular genetic techniques for the study of human neurodegenerative diseases.
PREPAYMENT RISK AND THE DURATION OF DEFAULT‐FREE MORTGAGE‐BACKED SECURITIES

The conventional duration measure for mortgage-backed pass-through securities assumes that the prepayment rate is invariant to changes in market interest rates. In this paper, the conventional duration is modified to take into account the interest-rate sensitivity of mortgage prepayments. Including interest rate sensitivity is shown to reduce substantially the duration of a mortgage-backed pass-through security when the current mortgage rate is less than the contract rate.
Corneal damage thresholds for multiple-pulse exposures to 2.02 μm radiation from a Tm:YAG laser

Corneal epithelial damage thresholds were determined for exposures to sequences of pulses from a Tm:YAG laser (wavelength 2.02 ?m). Pulse repetition frequencies were 1, 10, 20, and 100 Hz and individual pulse durations were 0.300 sec at 1 Hz, 0.025 sec at 10 and 20 Hz, and 0.005 sec at 100 Hz. Threshold damage is correlated by an empirical power lawof the form '1th= CN?, in which '1th is the threshold irradiance and N is the number of pulses. The constant C differs depending on the pulse repetition frequency and individual pulse duration. The exponent a varies between 0.22 and 0.29. For some exposure conditions the empirical power law underestimates the damage threshold for small numbers of pulses.
The effects of trained peer response on ESL students' revision types and writing quality

Abstract Since the late 1980s, peer response to writing has gained increasing attention in the English as Second Language (ESL) field. Whereas affective benefits have been reported in the literature, little is known about the effects of peer response on ESL students' revision and writing outcomes. This study investigates these effects and also considers an often-cited suggestion for successful peer response, that is, training students to effectively participate in the peer response activity. The principal question addressed by the study is whether trained peer response shapes ESL students' revision types and writing quality. Effects of trained peer response were investigated through a comparison of 46 ESL students divided into two groups, one trained in how to participate in peer response to writing and the other not trained. Revision types were identified based on a taxonomy that discriminates between two types of changes: those that affect text meaning and those that do not (Faigley & Witte, 1981). Writing quality was determined by a holistic rating procedure of first versus revised drafts. Results of the investigation indicate that trained peer response positively affected ESL students' revision types and quality of texts.
PHYSICS OF ULTRA-PURE GERMANIUM

Abstract A broad review of the physics of point defects, i.e. electrically active and neutral impurities and impurity complexes is given. Basic material science which is crucial for understanding the physics is summarized in an introductory section. It is followed by the detailed description of the novel measurement techniques—photothermal ionization spectroscopy, high-Q electron paramagnetic resonance and deep level spectroscopy. These spectroscopic techniques have had a profound impact on the investigations of ultra-pure germanium. The major part of this work deals with the physics of point defects in ultra-pure germanium. The high purity of this semiconductor allows the undisturbed observation of highly excited bound states of shallow donors and acceptors. Many new previously unknown acceptor and donor centres have been discovered in ultra-pure germanium. The nature of several of these centres can be understood in terms of a complex consisting of two impurities—a light interstitial atom (for example, h...
Fundamental Limit of Nonscaling Fixed-Field Alternating-Gradient Accelerators

Systematic nonlinear space-charge resonances may cause substantial emittance growth in the nonscaling fixed-field alternating-gradient (FFAG) accelerators. To avoid systematic nonlinear space-charge resonances, the phase advance of each nonscaling FFAG cell must avoid pi/2 and pi/3. Using multiparticle numerical simulations, we empirically obtain a minimum tune ramp rate vs the systematic 4th order space-charge resonance strength. We also find that the emittance growth obeys a simple scaling property when the betatron tunes cross the linear half-integer and sum resonances.
Alternate transition matrices for Brenti's q-symmetric functions and a class of (q,t)-symmetric functions on the hyperoctahedral group

Recently, Brenti introduced a class of q-symmetric functions based on a simple plethysm with the power-sum symmetric functions. Brenti developed combinatorial interpretations for the transition matrices between these new symmetric functions and the standard symmetric function bases. We provide simplified versions of many of these that are sums over significantly smaller classes of combinatorial objects. We also show that two of our results generalize formulas of MacMahon relating vector compositions to the expansion of a product of binomial coefficients as a sum of binomial coefficients. We then extend Brenti's definitions to symmetric functions on the hyperoctahedral group, B"n, and give combinatorial interpretations of the analogous transition matrices. We also discuss new generating functions on permutation statistics that arise from Brenti's symmetric functions and our extensions, two of which show a curious connection to Stirling numbers of the second kind.
Altered immune function in demyelinative disease.

Experimentally induced demyelination has an autoimmune origin in some mouse models and is somehow virally induced in others. In June, invited participants in a Kroc Foundation workshop discussed the damaging mechanisms involved and their relevance to an understanding of multiple sclerosis and human encephalomyelitis.
Bidirectional soft-switched AC/AC high frequency link converter

This paper investigates a soft-switching partial-resonant link AC/AC converter. The proposed converter uses 12 unidirectional switches and overcomes the various shortcomings of conventional AC Link schemes. The switching operations occur at zero voltage instants thus lowering the switching losses. The input and output current is harmonic free and the controller also allows setting of desired power factor. It can perform buck and boost operations and has bi-directional power flow capability. As the converter operates at high switching frequency, it offers both improved performance and considerable reduction of volume, weight and cost. Detailed simulation results are presented and prototype converter system has been built and tested.
Exploration for Natural Resources

Exploration for natural resources has followed traditional trial-and-error procedures from the original prospector and burro to the latest airborne detection devices and each kind of resource tends to be associated with an individual type of search program. If the real-world objective of "making a profit" is substituted for the resource as the ultimate target of endeavor then a systems approach, in which the kind of target is immaterial and all targets are equally welcome, appears to be most efficacious. Under these circumstances systematic grid drilling is a financially feasible search program, and this conclusion is borne out by two independent simulation procedures. Drilling on a systematic grid across areas such as Kansas, or Pennsylvania and Ohio, leads to returns that appear ample to pay for both search and development costs, and to include a profit. Similarly, using the "Engel Model" for search and varying the parameter values over ranges such that some "real-world" situations must be included, also indicates that a reasonable profit is assured. Given a systematic search procedure, such as a drilling grid, then the geological information that accrues would form a sound basis for development of all the resources of an area.
Genotype × Cohort Interaction on Completed Fertility and Age at First Birth

Microevolutionary projections use empirical estimates of genetic covariation between physical or psychological phenotypes and reproductive success to forecast changes in the population distributions of those phenotypes over time. The validity of these projections depends on relatively consistent heritabilities of fertility-relevant outcomes and consistent genetic covariation between fertility and other physical or psychological phenotypes across generations. However, well-documented, rapidly changing mean trends in the level and timing of fertility may have been accompanied by differences in the genetic mechanisms of fertility. Using a sample of 933 adult twin pairs from the Midlife Development in the United States study, we demonstrate that genetic influences on completed fertility and age at first birth were trivial for the 1920–1935 birth cohort, but rose substantially for the 1936–1955 birth cohort. For the 1956–1970 birth cohort, genetic influences on completed fertility, but not age at first birth, persisted. Because the heritability of fertility is subject to change dynamically with the social context, it is difficult to project selection pressures or the rate at which selection will occur.
Response to: Sufficiently entangled polymers do show shear strain localization at high enough Weissenberg numbers”

In response to the Letter Wang et al. (2014) challenging the results of Li et al. (2013), the present letter addresses the specific concerns in the order that they are raised. (1) Whether the material properties (molecular weight, concentration, and polydispersity index) of the samples used in [Li et al. (2013)] agree with Table I in the same paper? (2) What is the true shear banding phase diagram, if any? (3) Are the shear cessation tests carried out by Li et al. (2013) in the regime where nonquiescent relaxation is expected? (4) How to minimize edge effects? (5) How would other factors, such as location of particle tracking velocimetry observation, plastic film on meniscus, misalignment, and surface treatment, affect the velocity profiles?
Optical and transport studies of Ni(dmit) 2 -based organic conductors

Single-crystal Ni(dmit${)}_{2}$ salts, (${\mathrm{Ph}}_{4}$P)[Ni(dmit${)}_{2}$${]}_{3}$, (${\mathrm{Bu}}_{4}$N${)}_{2}$[Ni(dmit${)}_{2}$${]}_{7}$\ensuremath{\cdot}${2\mathrm{C}\mathrm{H}}_{3}$CN, and (${\mathrm{Me}}_{3}$S)[Ni(dmit${)}_{2}$${]}_{2}$, have been synthesized. All show semiconducting behavior in their temperature-dependent dc conductivities. Room-temperature polarized reflectance measurements have been made over the range between 100 and 32 000 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ (12 meV--4 eV). For light polarized along the Ni(dmit${)}_{2}$ stacking axis, all spectra show an energy gap, with superimposed vibrational fine structure at low frequencies and charge-transfer bands at high frequencies. Band gaps determined from the optical conductivities are consistent with thermal activation energies from dc transport measurements. The stacking-axis conductivity shows the effect of electron-molecular vibration interaction; analysis for (${\mathrm{Me}}_{3}$S)[Ni(dmit${)}_{2}$${]}_{2}$ yields a dimensionless electron-phonon coupling constant \ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\sim}0.27. For light polarized perpendicular to the stacking axis, only weak vibrational features are observed. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Hydrogen for Vehicle Applications from Hydrothermolysis of Ammonia Borane: Hydrogen Yield, Thermal Characteristics, and Ammonia Formation

Among chemical hydrides, ammonia borane (AB) is of interest as a hydrogen storage material due to its high hydrogen capacity (19.6 wt %). In this paper, our recently developed hydrothermolysis process was investigated over a wide range of AB weight percentages (wt %) in water, pressures, and heating rates. It was found that hydrogen yield and thermal characteristics were influenced by these operating conditions. Ammonia generation was also observed during AB hydrothermolysis, where 14―53% of AB was converted to NH 3 depending on the reaction conditions. It is remarkable that some AB (2-4%) was converted to NH 3 , which must be removed for use in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, even by neat thermolysis. It was also found that during the hydrothermolysis reaction at T rcactor of 85 °C, the T sample can exceed 500 °C, where AB can be completely decomposed to boron nitride (BN). The 11 B NMR characterization of hydrothermolysis products showed compounds with B―O and B―N bonds. This paper suggests directions for future research to identify optimal conditions, where the hydrothermolysis process provides the best balance between H 2 yield and undesirable products, for PEM fuel cell vehicle applications.
The Spatial-Temporal Hierarchy of Regional Inequality of China

This paper advances the multi-scale and multi-mechanism framework of regional inequality in China by using the most recent statistical data. We analyze the multi-scalar patterns of China’s regional inequality with GIS and statistical techniques, and demonstrate the significance of the municipality effect. The authors also apply multilevel modeling to identify the spatial structure and time dimension of the underlying forces driving regional development. This study illustrates that China’s regional inequality is sensitive to the spatial-temporal hierarchy of multi-mechanisms, and reveals the relative influence of globalization, marketization, and decentralization.
Robust Dense Registration of Partial Nonrigid Shapes

This paper presents a complete and robust solution for dense registration of partial nonrigid shapes. Its novel contributions are founded upon the newly proposed heat kernel coordinates (HKCs) that can accurately position points on the shape, and the priority-vicinity search that ensures geometric compatibility during the registration. HKCs index points by computing heat kernels from multiple sources, and their magnitudes serve as priorities of queuing points in registration. We start with shape features as the sources of heat kernels via feature detection and matching. Following the priority order of HKCs, the dense registration is progressively propagated from feature sources to all points. Our method has a superior indexing ability that can produce dense correspondences with fewer flips. The diffusion nature of HKCs, which can be interpreted as a random walk on a manifold, makes our method robust to noise and small holes avoiding surface surgery and repair. Our method searches correspondence only in a small vicinity of registered points, which significantly improves the time performance. Through comprehensive experiments, our new method has demonstrated its technical soundness and robustness by generating highly compatible dense correspondences.
Central limit theorem for quadratic forms for sparse tables

Abstract Sufficient conditions for asymptotic normality for quadratic forms in { n t − np t } are given, where { n t } are the observed counts with expected cell means { np t }. The main result is used to derive asymptotic distributions of many statistics including the Pearson's chi-square.
Effective Realization Of Systolic Functions In Logic Programs

This paper presents methods to concurrently exploit AND and OR parallelism in logic programs. The execution sequence of the system is driven by the demand to reduce complexity. The concept of environment copying is applied to achieve modularity when OR parallelism is exploited. As a result, multiple independent structures can be dynamically constructed according to the data dependency to solve various systolic algorithms.
International mergers and acquisitions: A jump diffusion model application

This paper empirically investigates international mergers and acquisitions (M&As) of foreign targets and bidders by analyzing the stock price behavior of the firms involved. The jump diffusion model is employed to study the effects of the M&A announcements on stock prices. The results indicate that acquisition announcements are perceived as a surprise by the market, but prices seem to adjust rather rapidly, supporting the semi-strong form of the market efficiency hypothesis. In addition, a comparison of the pure diffusion and jump diffusion models indicates that the jump diffusion model is statistically superior to the traditional event study methodology (pure diffusion model). (JEL G34)
Studies directed toward the total synthesis of the rubradirin antibiotics. 5. A convenient preparation of functionalized isoprene units for the diels-alder reaction

Abstract A simple procedure has been developed for the synthesis of functionalized isoprene units for use in the assembly of the rubradirin antibiotics.
Cadaveric fascia lata sling for stress urinary incontinence: a prospective quality-of-life analysis.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the effects of full-length cadaveric fascia lata (CFL) sling on quality-of-life outcomes. Study design Patients were 102 women (aged 29 to 87 years) who underwent the sling procedure for stress incontinence associated with intrinsic sphincter deficiency. They were followed up at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months with the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), and a patient satisfaction questionnaire. Results Mean IIQ score declined from 55.1 before surgery to 11.0 at 12 months ( P P Conclusion The CFL sling procedure has an enduring beneficial effect on lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life.
A 1.6 GHz NEMS actuator built from carbon nanotube layer by layer composite films

MEMS or NEMS devices have been studied as a candidate to substitute for CMOS devices because of their ability to have off-state currents much less than 1 pA [1]. This is a particularly compelling attribute when one compares them to deeply scaled CMOS. However, MEMS devices have not shown high speed switching capability [2]. Indeed, there is an inherent tradeoff in cantilever design between frequency of operation and pull-in voltage. Thus, there have been no reports of switching a fabricated cantilever at speeds less than 1 μsec with pull-in voltages of a few volts or less. A careful investigation of the device parameters governing cantilever operation suggests that the way to make high speed devices with low pull-in voltages is to use extremely small gaps and light weight materials. Therefore cantilevers were made from an aligned composite single wall carbon nanotube membrane was prepared by a dielectrophoretic self-assembly process (AC-SWNT). The process, as detailed in our recent report [3] uses alternating layers of aligned carbon nanotubes and polymer. The fixed-beam switch consists of a gate electrode and a 20 nm thick AC-SWNT membrane suspended between two electrodes.
In the Eye of All Trade: Bermuda, Bermudians, and the Maritime Atlantic World, 1680–1783

In the Eye of All Trade: Bermuda, Bermudians, and the Maritime Atlantic World, 1680–1783, by Michael J. Jarvis, Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina Press, 2010, 704 pp., US$65.00 (hardback), ...
Effect of Vehicle-Pavement Interaction on Pavement Response

The structural response of flexible pavements is studied under different dynamic loads and pavement roughness conditions. The factors affecting dynamic load variability are investigated with regard to pavement-vehicle interaction. Furthermore, the study considers the viscoelastic nature of asphalt concrete and the nonlinearity and plasticity of granular and subgrade materials. The Florida COMPAS computer program was used to estimate the dynamic wheel force, and the ABAQUS three-dimensional finite-element program was used to determine the pavement response. The effects of vehicle and pavement characteristics such as vehicle type, vehicle speed, suspension type, level of roughness, pavement stiffness, and layer thickness were studied and statistically analyzed. The walking-beam suspension causes more dynamic load variation than the air-bag and leaf-spring suspension. The dynamic load coefficient for the walking-beam suspension is approximately twice the other suspensions. Vehicle speed is an important factor; the 20 km/hr speed resulted in permanent displacement approximately 10 times the permanent displacement produced by the 130 km/hr speed. The pavement response varies with distance due to roughness. Pavement stiffness and thickness had some effect on pavement response, but truck type and truck suspension type did not have a large effect.
Representation of modality in cutaneous sensibility

Morphologically identical nerve endings subserve more than one sensory modality. Two possible explanations are: such endings are functionally different, responding to one type of physical excitation only, or such endings are capable of responding to more than one type of physical stimulus, but central mechanisms discriminate between different stimuli. A simple network is described to illustrate how thermal receptors could discriminate between thermal and mechanical stimuli.
Characterization of the acetyltransferase used in pheromone biosynthesis in moths: specificity for the Z isomer in Tortricidae

Abstract Characterization of the acetyltransferase (acetyl-CoA: fatty alcohol acetyltransferase) that catalyzes the conversion of fatty alcohols to acetate esters was carried out in the redbanded leafroller moth, Argyrotaenia velutinana. This enzyme is one of the last enzymes used in the pheromone biosynthetic pathway of many moths. Characterization of the acetyltransferase involved an in vitro enzyme assay using a pheromone gland homogenate. The enzyme found only in the pheromone gland, was active during the photophase and at all adult ages tested (1–5-days-old). The enzyme was derermined to be microsomal and exhibited specificity for the Z isomer of all 12, 14 and 16 carbon monounsaturated fatty alcohol substrates tested. The shape of the kinetic curves for the Z and E isomers of Δ11-tetradecenol were similar for time of incubation, protein and substrate concentration, with the Z isomer always forming 1.5–2 times more product. Substrate competition assays between Z and E11-tetradecenol indicate that one enzyme is involved and it converts the Z isomer to product faster than the E isomer. Substrate preference assays conducted with the enzyme from Choristoneura rosaceana, C. fumiferana and Platynota idaeusalis (all Tortricidae) pheromone glands also indicate specificity for the Z isomer. On the other hand, assays conducted with Trichoplusia ni (Noctuidae) and three strains (Z, E and hybrid) of Ostrinia nubilalis (Pyralidae) indicate no preferences between the Z and E isomers.
Differential Expression and Distribution of α-, β-, and γ-Synuclein in the Developing Human Substantia Nigra

Abstract Although the functions of α-, β-, and γ-synuclein (αS, βS, γS, respectively) are unknown, these synaptic proteins are implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and related disorders. For example, αS forms Lewy bodies (LBs) in substantia nigra (SN) neurons of PD. However, since it is not known how these hallmark PD lesions contribute to the degeneration of SN neurons or what the normal function of αS is in SN neurons, we studied the developing human SN from 11 weeks gestational age (GA) to 16 years of age using immunohistochemistry and antibodies to αS, βS, γS, other synaptic proteins, and tyrosine hydoxylase (TH). SN neurons expressed TH at 11 weeks GA and αS, βS, and γS appeared initially at 15, 17, and 18 weeks GA, respectively. These synucleins first appeared in perikarya of SN neurons after synaptophysin, but about the same time as synaptotagmin and synaptobrevin. Redistribution of αS from perikarya to processes of SN neurons occurred by 18 weeks GA in parallel with synaptophysin, while βS and synaptotagmin were redistributed similarly between 20 and 28 weeks GA and this also occurred with γS and synaptobrevin between 33 weeks GA and 9 months postnatal. These data suggest that αS, βS, and γS may play a functional role in the development and maturation of SN neurons, but it remains to be determined how sequestration of αS as LBs in PD contributes to the degeneration of SN neurons.
Estimation of Gestational Age: Implications for Developmental Research.

Recent research in neonatology and obstetrics has challenged the validity of standard gestational age assessment methods. Length of gestation is a central component of research on the development of at-risk infants, yet issues concerning accuracy of this information are rarely addressed by developmental researchers. This article reviews prenatal and postnatal methods of gestational age estimation and evaluates implementation of this information in research. Recommendations concerning the assignment of gestational age in the perinatal period and the use of age correction for preterm infants are offered.
Experimental investigation of the expansion of moist air around a sharp corner

The results of an experimental study of two-dimensional supersonic expansions of moist air around a sharp corner are reported. Condensation of water vapor by homogeneous nucleation occurs within the expansion fan. Measurements of the location of the onset of condensation show that the leading edge of the condensation zone is concave with respect to the oncoming flow. Density measurements, obtained from the analysis of flow-interfer ograms, indicate that the flowfield within the condensation zone is a function of both expansion angle and radial distance from the corner. An empirical relation between experimentally determined adiabatic supercooling and expansion cooling rate is obtained. Nomenclature C = constant, Eq. (5) h* = nozzle throat height K = Gladstone-Dale constant L = optical path length M = Mach number n = exponent, Eq. (5) p = pressure R = universal gas constant r = radial distance measured from the corner A$i2 = nondimensional fringe shift T = temperature ATad = adiabatic supercooling 7 = ratio of specific heats X = wavelength JLI = molecular weight p = density 3> = relative humidity <£ = expansion angle measured from the vertical at the corner a) = specific humidity Subscripts a = air c = saturated conditions, condensed phase k = onset of condensation v — water vapor 0 = stagnation conditions 1 = reference conditions 2 = measured properties oo = plane surface
Hyperdynamic circulation following cardiopulmonary bypass predisposes to postoperative bleeding

Cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may initiate a clinical state of hyperdynamic circulation that is presumed to be due to activation of inflammatory mediators. This state of high cardiac indices/low SVR is considered analogous to the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS); however its epidemiology and clinical significance have not yet been elucidated. We hypothesized that a persistent inflammatory response to CPB leads to systemic vasodilatation and accompanying high cardiac indices requiring vasopressor therapy.