cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Autoimmune VH gene family: PCR-generated murine germline VH10 genes.

Abstract A relatively large number of variable region genes (V) contribute, via gene rearrangements with smaller numbers of additional gene elements (D and J), to generate diversity in the immune response. While some vh gene families are thought to contain 100–1000 members, the vh10 family has only two known functioning members with 99% sequence homology. Both members (monoclonal antibodies) are capable of binding DNA, and since they were derived from inbred mice afflicted with the lupus syndrome they are considered autoimmune antibodies. Relative uniqueness of the vh10 primary nucleotide sequence presents a model system with which to examine unrearranged vh genes and attempt to identify germline genes eventually expressed as autoantibodies. PCR amplified germline sequences of the vh10 family are highly conserved, with few base substitutions evenly distributed between both framework and CDR regions. It was determined that the PCR amplified germline sequences are highly similar to the DNA sequences of the two monoclonal vh10 antibodies, and a non-functional psuedo-germline gene was found that is identical to a non-functional cDNA derived from a hybridoma cell line. These findings indicate that the use of unique CDR DNA sequences for the identification and amplification of specific germline V genes via PCR can yield vital information that may answer fundamental questions about the origins of autoimmune anti-DNA antibodies in afflicted individuals. The nature of the germline gene populations and the possible microheterogeniety of these genes may prove to be important in understanding the role of autoimmune antibodies in normal and diseased individuals.
Structure-activity relationships for antiplasmodial activity among 7-substituted 4-aminoquinolines.

Aminoquinolines (AQs) with diaminoalkane side chains (−HNRNEt2) shorter or longer than the isopentyl side chain [−HNCHMe(CH2)3NEt2] of chloroquine are active against both chloroquine-susceptible and -resistant Plasmodium falciparum. (De, D.; et al. Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. 1996, 55, 579−583). In the studies reported here, we examined structure−activity relationships (SARs) among AQs with different N,N-diethyldiaminoalkane side chains and different substituents at the 7-position occupied by Cl in chloroquine. 7-Iodo- and 7-bromo-AQs with diaminoalkane side chains [−HN(CH2)2NEt2, −HN(CH2)3NEt2, or −HNCHMeCH2NEt2] were as active as the corresponding 7-chloro-AQs against both chloroquine-susceptible and -resistant P. falciparum (IC50s of 3−12 nM). In contrast, with one exception, 7-fluoro-AQs and 7-trifluoromethyl-AQs were less active against chloroquine-susceptible P. falciparum (IC50s of 15−50 nM) and substantially less active against chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum (IC50s of 18−500 nM). Furthermore, most...
Media, Communication, and the Relevance of Caragiale's Work Today

Cristian Stamatoiu discusses in his paper "Media, Communication, and the Relevance of Caragiale's Work Today" media structures in the corpus of Romanian writer and thinker Ion Luca Caragiale (1852-1912). Stamatoiu argues that in addition to the artistic sophistication of his work, Caragiale anticipated the impact of new media revolution and its forms as an imitation of "pathological situations" of public discourse and communication per se. Caragiale is, therefore, a writer of surprisingly up-to-date relevance today because, despite his air of the belle epoque, in his grotesque farces and in his short stories we discover mental structures found in and characteristic of manipulations of and in the world of media in the time of Caragiale as well as today. These texts are also, as Stamatoiu argues, examples of ambitious ignorance which becomes public via journalism. In this study analyzed via examples from nineteenth-century newspapers and Caragiale's framework of thought, Stamatoiu highlights the systemic resemblances within a corrupted structure of media communication animated in contemporary Romanian media. The work of Caragiale has not been translated to date to English. Cristian Stamatoiu, "Media, Communication, and the Relevance of Caragiale's Work Today" page 2 of 8 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 8.4 (2006):
The multicast policy and its relationship to replicated data placement

In this paper we consider the communication complexity of maintaining the replicas of a logical data-item, in a database distributed over a computer network. We propose a new method, called the minimum spanning tree write, by which a processor in the network should multicast a write of a logical data-item, to all the processors that store replicas of the items. Then we show that the minimum spanning tree write is optimal from the communication cost point of view. We also demonstate that the method by which a write is multicast to all the replicas of a data-item affects the optimal replication scheme of the item, i.e., at which processors in the network the replicas should be located. Therefore, next we consider the problem of determining an optimal replicaiton scheme for a data item, assuming that each processor employs the minimum spanning tree write at run-time. The problem for general networks is shown NP-Complete, but we provide efficient algorithms to obtain an optimal allocation scheme for three common types of network topologies. They are completely-connected, tree, and ring networks. For these topologies, efficient algorithms are also provided for the case in which reliability considerations dictate a minimum number of replicas.
A practical, behavior-based oral hygiene program for elementary school children.

This project was based on active, preventive behavior developed and maintained by parents, teachers, and the children. At a small school near Lincoln, Neb, a program of oral hygiene was developed that was found to be effective, easily managed, acceptable to parents, and economically feasible.
Existence of optical solitons on wavelength division multiplexed beams in a nonlinear fiber.

Simple analytic expression for the initial fundamental optical solitons on wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) beams in a nonlinear fiber has been found.
Shiverer jimpy double mutant mice. I. Biochemical evidence for reciprocal intergenic suppression.

Abstract Shiverer and jimpy are neurological mutations that cause hypomyelination in the mouse CNS. The 3 major protein components of CNS myelin are: myelin basic protein (MBP), proteolipid (PLP) and 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide phosphohydrolase (CNP). Previous work has shown that in jimpy animals the CNS contains reduced levels of MBP and CNP while PLP is undetectable. In shiverer animals the major forms of MBP ae undetectable in either the CNS or PNS, but the level of CNP is unaffected by the mutation. In this study we have measured MBP, PLP and CNP in both the CNS (cerebral hemispheres) and PNS (sciatic nerve) of mice carrying the jimpy and shiverer mutations, individually and in combination. The results indicate that in the double mutant the levels of all 3 myelin proteins in both the CNS and PNS are intermediate between the levels in jimpy and the levels in shiverer animals. This means that part of the biochemical phenotype of the jimpy mutation (reduced levels of CNP and absence of PLP) is suppressed by the shiverer mutation, and part of the biochemical phenotype of the shiverer mutation (absence of MBP) is suppressed by the jimpy mutation. Possible mechanisms for this reciprocal intergenic suppression are discussed.
Surface characterization and catalytic properties of La1−xAxMO3 perovskite type oxides. Part I. Studies on La0.95Ba0.05MO3 (M = Mn, Fe or Co) oxides.

Abstract Perovskite type La 0.95 Ba 0.05 MO 3 ( M = Mn , Fe or Co ) oxides were prepared by a liquid precursor method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, oxygen desorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies. XPS analysis revealed the characteristic changes of the O1s peak (∼530 eV) resulting from the substitution of Ba in LaMO 3 . The methane deep oxidation reaction was carried out in a plug flow reactor with 2% CH 4 in air in the temperature range of 200 to 700°C. Among the three compounds, the Mn perovskite showed the lowest temperature for the methane conversion with a maximum at 700°C. Temperature programmed desorption (TPD) experiments also indicated the maximum oxygen desorption for Mn perovskite in this temperature range. The results for oxygen chemisorption and surface area of these samples were found to be consistent with the observed variation in the catalytic oxidation of methane.
Isotopic transient analysis of ammonia synthesis over Ru/MgO catalysts promoted by cesium, barium, or lanthanum

Abstract The global and intrinsic kinetics of ammonia synthesis over ruthenium supported on MgO (∼2 wt% Ru) and promoted with Cs, Ba, or La were examined at 3 atm and various dihydrogen pressures with steady-state and isotopic transient measurements. Steady-state, global measurements revealed that Cs–Ru/MgO was strongly inhibited by dihydrogen whereas Ba–Ru/MgO and La–Ru/MgO were weakly inhibited by the reactant. However, the isotopic transient measurements showed that the intrinsic turnover frequency was a weak positive function of dihydrogen pressure regardless of the added base. Promotion by these compounds appeared to be electronic in nature because their presence increased the intrinsic turnover frequency of an active site, with Cs being the most effective. However, the coverage of nitrogen-containing intermediates was greater on Ba- and La-promoted catalysts than on Cs–Ru/MgO at 673 K and stoichiometric conditions. Therefore, the global activity of a promoted catalyst is a competition between inhibition by dihydrogen and enhancement of dinitrogen dissociation. Furthermore, promotion with Cs, Ba, and La introduced a new and highly active class of sites to the Ru/MgO system.
Characterizing the Permeability of Kansas Concrete Mixes Used in PCC Pavements

Reliable and economical design of portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement structural systems relies on various factors, among which is the proper characterization of the expected permeability response of the concrete mixes. Permeability is a highly important factor that strongly relates the durability of concrete structures and pavement systems to changing environmental conditions. One of the most common environmental attacks that causes the deterioration of concrete structures is the corrosion of reinforcing steel due to chloride penetration. On an annual basis, corrosion-related structural repairs typically cost millions of dollars. To properly characterize the permeability response of a PCC pavement structure, the Kansas DOT (KDOT) generally runs the rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT) to determine the resistance of concrete to penetration of chloride ions. RCPT typically measures the number of coulombs passing through a concrete sample over a period of 6 h at a concrete age of 7, 28, and 56 days. In this study, back-propagation artificial neural network (ANN) and regression-based permeability response prediction models for rapid chloride penetration test were developed by using the database provided by KDOT to reduce the duration of the testing period or ultimately eliminate the need to conduct the RCPT. The back-propagation ANN learning technique proved to be an efficient methodology to produce relatively accurate permeability response-prediction models. Comparison of the prediction accuracy of the developed models proved that ANN models have outperformed their counterpart regression-based models. The sensitivity analysis also was performed on randomly selected data sets to evaluate the reliability of developed models. The developed ANN models proved effective in characterizing the permeability (RCPT results) response of concrete mixes used in PCC pavements.
Simplification of amino acid incorporation and other assays using filter paper techniques

Abstract The preparation and use of prepunched and preprinted sheets of filter paper disks for radioassay of protein synthesis and other reactions is described. While similar results are obtained using precut paper circles, the use of a sheet of disks greatly expedites the process and simplifies the handling of numerous samples.
ARRIVING AT A STRATEGIC THEORY OF THE FIRM

The theory of the firm seeks to explain the existence and boundaries of the firm in relation to the market. Since the pioneering work of Coase (The nature of the firm. Economica, 4, 386–405, 1937), economics has developed a whole family of theories that focus on the ability of firms to economize on certain costs of using markets. More recently, researchers in strategic management have published several theories of the firm that have tended to emphasize the benefits of incorporation rather than the costs of using the market. Although researchers in the strategy profession have tentatively labeled their work as ‘moving towards’ a strategic theory of the firm, economists have been very critical of existing approaches. This paper seeks to begin ‘arriving’ at a strategic theory of the firm by addressing these criticisms and offering an integration of the strategic and economic perspectives within an institutional framework. The paper concludes with future directions for research in the theory of the firm.
Subpectoral implantation of the vagus nerve stimulator.

Objective To report the technique of subpectoral (SP) implantation of the vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) generator. Methods We retrospectively reviewed and compared demographics and complications from patients receiving either subcutaneous (SQ; n = 107) or SP (n = 138) VNS implants, performed by one surgeon (WKD) between 1999 and 2003. Selection of implant location was made during the preoperative surgeon-patient consultation on the basis of surgeon recommendation and patient preference. Results The standard VNS generator implantation is performed within a SQ pocket in the left infraclavicular region of the chest. We have modified this technique by placing the generator into a deeper pocket SP, beneath the pectoralis major muscle, while tunneling the electrodes SQ in the usual fashion. The SP group was substantially younger (median age 19 yr) compared with the SQ group (median age 29 yr). At an average follow-up of 52 months for SQ implants and 28.4 months for SP implants, there were 2.9% infections per patient in the SQ group and 2.5% infections per patient in the SP group. There were three cases of excessive generator mobility in the SQ group; no cases occurred in the SP group. Conclusion The SP implantation technique provides an attractive alternative to SQ VNS implantation. With increased soft tissue coverage, we provide improved cosmesis, increased wound durability to tampering and trauma, and a comparable infection rate with the SQ group.
Judgment by outcomes: When is it justified?

Abstract Use of outcome information in judgment is often taken to be an error of inference. In many cases, however, the outcome provides information about what was known to the decision maker but not to the judge of the decision. This fact makes it difficult to demonstrate nonnormative use of outcome information, and several investigators have not overcome the difficulty. We suggest three ways in which truly nonnormative use of outcome information can be shown.
Synthesis and Properties of a Cation-Conducting, High Temperature Polymer Electrolyte

Abstract A new class of polymer electrolyte, high temperature polymer electrolytes, as an electrolyte in high discharge rate batteries is proposed. As an initial effort in the development of these materials, sodium and lithium salts of sulfonated poly (p-phenyleneterephtalamide) have been prepared. DSC and electrical conductivity studies have been performed on these films. The conductivity exhibits Arrhenius behavior over the temperature range in which they are thermally stable (180–240°C) with the material containing sodium being more conductive than those containing lithium. Although the electrical performance of these materials is inadequate from a practical standpoint, it is suggested that with additional development these materials could function as electrolytes for high discharge rate batteries.
Building skill in heart failure self-care among community dwelling older adults: results of a pilot study.

Abstract Objective Most of the day-to-day care for heart failure (HF) is done by the patient at home and requires skill in self-care. In this randomized controlled trial (RCT) we tested the efficacy of a community-based skill-building intervention on HF self-care, knowledge and health-related quality of life (HRQL) at 1- and 3-months. Methods An ethnically diverse sample (n = 75) of patients with HF (53% female; 32% Hispanic, 27% Black; mean age 69.9 ± 10 years) was randomized to the intervention group (IG) or a wait-list control group (CG). The protocol intervention focused on tactical and situational HF self-care skill development delivered by lay health educators in community senior centers. Data were analyzed using mixed (between–within subjects) ANOVA. Results There was a significant improvement in self-care maintenance [F(2, 47) = 3.42, p = .04, (Cohen's f = .38)], self-care management [F(2, 41) = 4.10, p = .02, (Cohen's f = .45) and HF knowledge [F(2, 53) = 8.00, p = .001 (Cohen's f = .54)] in the IG compared to the CG. Conclusions The skill-building intervention improved self-care and knowledge but not HRQL in this community-dwelling sample. Practice implications Delivering an intervention in a community setting using lay health educators provides an alternative to clinic- or home-based teaching that may be useful across diverse populations and geographically varied settings.
Control of aggregation in protein refolding: The temperature‐leap tactic

The kinetics of renaturation of bovine carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) were studied from 4 degrees to 36 degrees, at the relatively high [CAII] of 4 mg/mL. Following dilution to 1 M guanidinium chloride, aggregate formation is very rapid and reduces the formation of active enzyme. The CAII activity yield at 150 min, 20 degrees (approximately 60%), is greater than that at either 4 degrees or 36 degrees. However, if refolding is conducted at 4 degrees, aggregation is reduced dramatically and 37% yield is obtained at 120 min. If the solution is then rapidly warmed to 36 degrees, the yield rises rapidly to 95% at 150 min. This is an example of the "temperature leap" tactic. These results can be understood on the basis of two slow-folding intermediate whose kinetics have been studied. Only the first of these forms aggregates. Kinetic simulations show that, at 4 degrees, the first intermediate is depleted after 120 min, and the second intermediate rapidly isomerizes to active enzyme on warming. A series of experiments was conducted where the initial (120 min) folding temperature was systematically varied, followed by a "leap" to 36 degrees for 30 additional minutes. With initial incubations from 4 degrees to 12 degrees, the final yield is > 90%, drops rapidly from 12 degrees to 20 degrees, and decreases more gradually to approximately 45% at 36 degrees. The overall results qualitatively fit the simple idea of ordinary temperature-accelerated reactions in competition with hydrophobic aggregation, which is strongly suppressed in the cold. Qualifications are discussed for the temperature-leap approach to find application in refolding other proteins.
Song-learning behavior: the interface with neuroethology.

Abstract Behavioral studies of song learning in birds continue to raise new problems for neuroethological investigation. Evidence is emerging for a new form of vocal plasticity, called ‘action-based learning'. Motor patterns are overproduced during a particular phase of ontogeny, and are then subjected to attrition and selective reinforcement by various kinds of social stimulation as the young bird matures. This form of learning, analogous to operant conditioning, can occur at phases of development when the more traditional form of ‘memory-based learning' is no longer possible. There is evidence that different physiological mechanisms are involved in the development and the maintenance of mature singing, with a transition occurring at the time of song crystallization. Neural events associated with the developmental stabilization of motor patterns are worthy of more study.
KH-map: a new way of representing the hypercube structure

The hypercube structure is an attractive and powerful topology for interconnecting processing elements in a multiprocessor system since it allows simple deadlock-free routing and broadcasting. In a hypercube architecture, one has to visualize multidimensional objects to develop efficient algorithms or to analyze system behavior. However, human beings are habituated to at most three-dimensional objects. In this paper, we propose a novel two-dimensional representation of the hypercube structure. The proposed representation is used to design routing and broadcasting algorithms. Finally, a comparison of the proposed representation with the conventional hypercube representation is elucidated.
Adjunctive behavior of the rat under periodic food delivery in a 24-hour environment

The behavior of 4 rats living in complex environments was monitored 24 h per day during free-feeding baseline and under conditions of periodic access to food. Under the periodic schedules, the minimum interfood interval (IFI) was increased from 16 to 512 sec in an ascending series. Periodic food produced robust overall increases in investigation of the feeder, drinking, general activity, and rearing, but not in wheel-running. The temporal distribution of behavior within the IFI was similar across subjects and supported the hypothesis that some responses were largely time-locked to the period immediately following eating, while other responses expanded to fill the interval. However, these response differences were not adequately captured by present classification schemes. Finally, the distribution of drinking following a food pellet strongly resembled the distribution of drinking following bouts of feeding in baseline. The results suggest that adjunctive behavior stems from three sources: (1) a simple increase in the number of opportunities for expression of normal preprandial and postprandial behavior, (2) an increase in the preprandial behavior directed toward the site of expected food, and (3) an increase in the postprandial distribution of both site-directed and more general exploratory behavior. These findings suggest that adjunctive behavior is not extraneous, but is an orderly distribution of responses ordinarily related to feeding and foraging for food.
PRICES, CREDIT MARKETS AND CHILD GROWTH IN LOW-INCOME RURAL AREAS*

In this paper it is argued that fluctuations in child growth in rural areas of Bangladesh during and after severe floods in I988 can provide insight into the structure of credit markets. A model of intertemporal resource allocation is developed and Euler equations relating growth patterns of children to the cost of borrowing by household are then derived from the model. The evidence indicates that although some of the variation in growth patterns over the relevant period may be attributed to variation in illness and the price of rice, growth patterns for children in landless households were influenced by credit market imperfections. This paper links two prominent strands of research in economic development. The first strand examines the extent to which households in poor rural economies are able to protect themselves from the adverse weather and other shocks that importantly influence earnings in underdeveloped areas. While it has long been thought that credit market imperfections and other forms of market failure make it difficult for poor individuals in these economies to smooth consumption both within and across years, there remains some question about the magnitude and pervasiveness of these imperfections. While there is evidence that fluctuations in economic conditions result in inefficient allocation of resources (e.g. Morduch, 1990; Rosenzweig and Wolpin, I993), some recent papers have emphasised the fact that consumption patterns of households in the same village comove in a manner consistent with the idea that a substantial fraction of idiosyncratic variation in income is effectively
Enhanced functions of electrical junctions.

Electrical synapses and synchrony are nearly synonymous. In this issue of Neuron , Vervaeke et al. broaden this longstanding association. They found that in the Golgi cell network of the cerebellum, electrical synapses synchronize resting activity, and cause surround inhibition and de synchronization in response to excitatory input.
A Role and Expectancy Model of Participative Decision Making: A Replication and Theoretical Extension

Schuler's process model of employee participation in decision-making and job satisfaction (Schuler, 1980; Lee and Schuler, 1982) was tested using a path analytic approach. Reanalysis of Schuler's data and replication on a new sample indicated that (a) participation in decision-making has both direct and indirect effects on job satisfaction; and (b) performance–outcome expectancy, role conflict, and role ambiguity all appear to mediate the relationship between participation and satisfaction. In an extension of the model, organizational level and job involvement were hypothesized to moderate the participation–satisfaction relationship (i.e. function interactively). Although neither variable functions as a moderator, job involvement operates in a fashion similar to participation in the model. In general, consistent results across four independent samples strongly support Schuler's basic process model.
Spectroscopy and mid-IR lasing of Cr2+ ions in ZnSe/ZnS crystals under visible excitation

Recent efforts have demonstrated efficient Cr2+ :II-VI chalcogenide (e.g. ZnSe, ZnS) broadly tunable (1.9-3.3μm) lasers under direct intra-shell Cr2+ optical excitation. We report on the spectroscopic study of Cr2++:ZnSe/ZnS under visible excitation into the charge transfer band of Cr2+ ions. Polycrystalline samples prepared by thermal diffusion method were studied. Middle-infrared (mid-IR) photo-luminescence (PL) of Cr2+ ions was compared under continuous wave (CW) direct 1532nm (5T2→5E) excitation and under 532nm excitation into charge transfer band. The quantum yield of Cr:ZnSe mid-IR luminescence under CW green excitation was estimated as close to 100% at room temperature. To estimate Cr excitation rate via charge transfer band under short pulse excitation, mid-IR PL kinetic measurements were performed with the use of 532nm picosecond and nanosecond pumping. Mid-IR PL kinetics of Cr:ZnSe under pulsed green excitation exhibit a relatively slow growth reaching a peak at ~5-10μs for nanosecond and picosecond excitations, respectively, while PL kinetics in Cr:ZnS reveal shorter measured rise time (<1μs) limited by the response time of the detector. This rise of the PL intensity under 532nm pulsed excitation implies that 5E population continues to grow after the excitation pulse due to slow relaxation processes from higher-lying excited levels of Cr2+ to the upper laser level 5E. At the same time for nanosecond excitation the excited level is pumped at a rate faster than it is depleted and, hence, it is reasonable to expect that the population of the 5E level could be inverted. For laser experiments we used 5ns radiation from BBO based optical parametric oscillator tunable over 450-700nm. Cr:ZnSe lasing at 2.5μm induced by 2+→1+→2+ ionization transitions of chromium under visible excitation was achieved.
Effect of maleic acid on the kinetics of α-methyl-d-glucoside uptake by isolated rat renal tubules

Abstract α-Methyl- d -glucoside has been used to study the in vitro mechanism of the effect of maleic acid on sugar transport, using isolated rat renal tubule fragments. 6 mM maleate maximally inhibits the ability of the tubule to establish a concentration gradient for this model sugar with no evidence of ultrastructural changes. This inhibition is due to a 100% increase in efflux, as well as to a 50%, decrease in influx with more prolonged incubation. The data presented here are consistent with those of other workers, but their work does not explain our results, which therefore deserve further investigation by other techniques.
On the CO2O2 system in the Northeastern Pacific

Abstract The TCO2, O2, TA and δ13C data of the 1969 Geosecs Intercalibration Cruise was analyzed and found to be consistent with a vertical mixing model which assumes that each point along a vertical profile is a mixture of the upper and lower boundaries. Calculated regression coefficients are in agreement with the model of Redfield et al. (1963) and with the assumption that TA variation is due to carbonate reaction. Oxygen consumption and TCO2 production decrease exponentially with depth and approximately 80% of ΔCO2 can be accounted for, on average, by O2 consumption. The remaining 20% are probably due to carbonate solution which seems to take place at depths below 2,500 m. The present study suggests that the isotopic composition (δ13C) of the carbon source, required to account for most of the oxygen consumed, may be heavier than the value of −23%. assigned to dissolved organic carbon and particulate organic carbon.
Factors not synthesized by yeast in the presence of cyanide.

SummaryYeast extract has been shown to reverse the inhibition of yeast growth caused; by cyanide. No known compound was found which duplicated the action of yeast extract, although methionine and cysteine had some “anti-cyanide” activity. Excess pantothenic acid had a beneficial effect on growth under certain conditions.It has been demonstrated that the action of yeast extract depends on at least 2 substances which can be separated by charcoal adsorption. Indirect evidence indicates that the activity of both filtrate and eluate principles is due to more than a single substance.
THERMOELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF THE HALF-HEUSLER COMPOUND (Zr,Hf)(Ni,Pd)Sn

Recent measurements of the thermoelectric transport properties of a series of the half- Heusler compound ZrNiSn are presented. These materials are known to be bandgap intermetallic compounds with relatively large Seebeck coefficients and semimetallic to semiconducting transport properties. This makes them attractive for study as potential candidates for thermoelectric applications. In this study, trends in the thermoelectric power, electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity are examined as a function of chemical substitution on the various fcc sub-lattices that comprise the half-Heusler crystal structure. These results suggest that the lattice contribution to the thermal conductivity may be reduced by increasing the phonon scattering via chemical substitution. The effects of these substitutions on the overall power factor and figure-of-merit will also be discussed.
CARDIAC DECELERATION AND REACTION TIME: AN EVALUATION OF TWO HYPOTHESES

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate two hypotheses concerning the basis of the association between performance on a simple reaction time (RT) task and the deceleration of heart rate found as the S responds. The RT task consisted of 96 trials in which the foreperiod was randomly varied between 2, 4, 8, and 16 sec. Two groups of 31 Ss each were used, with the cardiac response blocked pharmacologically in one group, in order to determine if the occurrence of the cardiac response facilitated performance through an afferent feedback mechanism. Two aspects of somatic activity, EMG bursts from chin muscles and eye movements and blinks, were also assessed in order to determine if the cardiac response and the associated behavioral facilitative effects were linked to a common mediating process involving cardiac deceleration and the inhibition of ongoing, task-irrelevant somatic activities. The latter hypothesis was consistently supported. Blocking the cardiac response did not significantly influence performance. However, a within-S analysis revealed a pronounced direct relationship between RT and the magnitude of the inhibition of somatic effects and the magnitude of the cardiac deceleration when the latter was not blocked pharmacologically. These data along with several other lines of evidence are considered to indicate that heart rate deceleration may not be significantly involved in an afferent mechanism but rather can be best understood as a peripheral manifestation of central processes.
Development and Validation of the College Mattering Inventory With Diverse Urban College Students

The perceived impact of mattering is quite accepted in higher education yet has not been well measured with diverse college students. This article describes the development and validation of the College Mattering Inventory with community college and university students. Results and implications for faculty and student affairs professionals are discussed.
A Measure of Objectified Body Consciousness for Preadolescent and Adolescent Youth

Objectified body consciousness (OBC)—the tendency to view oneself as an object to be looked at and evaluated by others—has received recent attention as a possible vulnerability factor for depression and disordered eating. Although OBC generally is discussed in developmental terms, extant research has examined primarily the experiences of undergraduates and adults. Our goal in this study was to develop an age-appropriate measure to allow study of OBC development during preadolescence and adolescence. We modeled the OBC-Youth after McKinley and Hyde's (1996) OBC-Classic to measure three components of OBC: body surveillance, body shame, and appearance control beliefs. The 14-item scale contains modified vocabulary and syntax to make it appropriate for use with preadolescent and adolescent youth. Results indicate that the OBC-Youth scale is a reliable, valid measure of OBC. Initial findings about the correlates of OBC in preadolescence are discussed.
The Influence of the Joint Wind-Wave Environment on Offshore Wind Turbine Support Structure Loads

Our objective here is to establish long-term loads for offshore wind turbines using a probabilistic approach. This can enable one to estimate design loads for a prescribed level of return period, generally on the order of 20-50 years for offshore wind turbines. In a probabilistic approach, one first needs to establish "short-term " distributions of the load random variable(s) conditional on the environment; this is achieved either by using simulation or field measurements. In the present study, we use field data from the Blyth offshore wind farm in the United Kingdom, where a 2 MW wind turbine was instrumented, and environment and load data were recorded. The characteristics of the environment and, hence, that of the turbine response at the site are strikingly different for wind regimes associated with different wind directions. Here, we study the influence of such contrasting environmental (wind) regimes and associated waves on long-term design loads. The field data, available as summary statistics, are limited in the sense that not all combinations of environmental conditions likely to be experienced by the turbine over its service life are represented in the measurements. Using the available data, we show how distributions for random variables describing the environment (i.e., wind and waves) and the turbine load of interest (i.e., the mudline bending moment) can be established. By integrating load distributions, conditional on the environment with the relative likelihood of different environmental conditions, long-term (extreme/ultimate) loads associated with specified return periods can be derived. This is demonstrated here by carefully separating out the data in different wind direction sectors that reflect contrasting wind (and accompanying wave) characteristics in the ocean environment. Since the field data are limited, the derived long-term design loads have inherent uncertainty associated with them; we investigate this uncertainty in such derived loads using bootstrap techniques.
Control of Residual Stresses in As-Grown Polysilicon by Multi-Layer Deposition: The “Multipoly” Process

LPCVD polysilicon thin films deposited between ∼550 and ∼600 °C have an equiaxed microstructure (resulting from crystallization of an initially amorphous deposit) and contain ∼200 MPa residual tensile stresses after deposition, whereas polysilicon films deposited above ∼600 °C have a columnar microstructure and contain ∼300 MPa residual compressive stresses after deposition. Both types of films also contain stress gradients. We have grown films containing multiple layers of polysilicon (“MultiPoly”) by cycling the growth temperature between 570 and 615 °C. The multilayer films thus formed are comprised of alternating tensile and compressive layers, and by control of the thickness of the individual layers, the overall stress of the polysilicon can display any value between that of the tensile layer and that of the compressive layer. We have focussed on producing films with zero overall residual stress, as measured by wafer curvature, and have characterized the microstructures by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Because of the stress gradients present in both layers, devices made from films with zero overall residual stress may show distortions after release. We have measured the stress gradients in each type of layer and can design films with zero overall stress and zero overall stress gradients. It is also possible to design films with any level of overall (tensile or compressive) stress but with controlled displacements upon release.
Ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometric study of ion—molecule reactions in toluene—pyridine mixtures

Ion-molecule reactions in toluene, toluene-d s , pyridine, 4-methyl-, 4-ethyl- and 4-tert-butylpyridine and quinoline and their mixtures were studied by ICR mass spectrometry at 10 −7 Torr (1 Torr = 133.3 Pa). The reactions of benzyl (m/z 91), benzyl-d 7 (m/z 98), methylbenzyl (m/z 105), and azabenzyl (m/z 92) ions with pyridines and quinoline were observed. The reactions of protonated pyridines with unprotonated molecules leading to homoconjugated ions (BHB) + were detected
Low T/sub c/ superconductive circuits fabricated on 150-mm-diameter wafers using a doubly planarized Nb/AlO/sub x//Nb process

We have used a doubly planarized all-refractory technology for superconductive electronics (DPARTS) process to fabricate mixed-signal circuits that have more than 200 junctions per circuit and operate at 2 GHz. A 150-mm-diameter wafer can produce more than 400 chips, each 5 mm on an edge. The junctions had a critical current density of 1.7 kA/cm/sup 2/. The wafers were evaluated at room temperature, both in- and post-process. In-process testing was used to detect parameter shifts during processing, while post-process testing used an automated testing station to test more than 3500 structures across each completed wafer and thus establish a large set of statistical data for studying the spread and targeting of parameter values. The circuits were fabricated in a class-10 clean room in which 0.25 /spl mu/m CMOS and CCD devices were also produced. The DPARTS process could also be used for sub-/spl mu/m fabrication, as it includes optical lithography with an i-line stepper; chemical-mechanical planarization at two levels; a self-aligned via process; and dry, anisotropic etching for all metal etching and via definition steps. The use of 150-mm-diameter wafers ensures that this process will be able to exploit technological advances in the standard silicon tool set as improvements become available. The results demonstrated here are a necessary precondition to yielding large volumes of superconductive electronic circuits containing devices with sub-/spl mu/m dimensions.
Does mixed lognormal channel holding time affect the handover performance of guard channel scheme

While most analytical studies on handover performance assume exponential channel holding times, recent field measurements have shown that channel holding time follows a mixed lognormal distribution. In this paper, the impact of mixed lognormal channel holding time on the handover performance of guard channel scheme with first-in first-out (GCM-FIFO) queuing examined. Our results show that the handover performance of GCM-FIFO is almost the same as the one when the channel holding time follows an exponential distribution. Hence, to evaluate the handover performance of PCS networks where the channel holding time follows a mixed lognormal distribution, one could use the analytical framework developed for the case of exponential channel holding time distributions.
Effect of body image on pregnancy weight gain

The majority of women gain more weight during pregnancy than what is recommended. Since gestational weight gain is related to short and long-term maternal health outcomes, it is important to identify women at greater risk of not adhering to guidelines. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between body image and gestational weight gain. The Body Image Assessment for Obesity tool was used to measure ideal and current body sizes in 1,192 women participating in the Pregnancy, Infection and Nutrition Study. Descriptive and multivariable techniques were used to assess the effects of ideal body size and discrepancy score (current—ideal body sizes), which reflected the level of body dissatisfaction, on gestational weight gain. Women who preferred to be thinner had increased risk of excessive gain if they started the pregnancy at a BMI ≤26 kg/m2 but a decreased risk if they were overweight or obese. Comparing those who preferred thin body silhouettes to those who preferred average size silhouettes, low income women had increased risk of inadequate weight gain [RR = 1.76 (1.08, 2.88)] while those with lower education were at risk of excessive gain [RR = 1.11 (1.00, 1.22)]. Our results revealed that body image was associated with gestational weight gain but the relationship is complex. Identifying factors that affect whether certain women are at greater risk of gaining outside of guidelines may improve our ability to decrease pregnancy-related health problems.
Women: the taste-makers in tourism.

Abstract Using data derived from a statistical sample as well as interviews, women are the taste-makers of American tourism because they dominate in the decision-making process. Culturally-specific motivations, generated within a narrowly-defined home community, prompt travel to “in” destinations and the traveler later gains social approval at home for having been to a currently-popular vacation center. The implications for market research suggest that to attract American tourism, the destination must be appealing to American women, and it must be marketed through, channels that American women see and/or read.
A RESERVED READING OF CARNAP'S AUFBAU

: The two most popular approaches to Carnap's 1928 Aufbau are the empiricist reading of Quine and the neo-Kantian readings of Michael Friedman and Alan Richardson. This paper presents a third “reserved” interpretation that emphasizes Carnap's opposition to traditional philosophy and consequent naturalism. The main consideration presented in favor of the reserved reading is Carnap's work on a physical construction system. I argue that Carnap's construction theory was an empirical scientific discipline and that the basic relations of its construction systems need not be eliminated.
Strontium Isotope Zoning in Garnet: Implications for Metamorphic Matrix Equilibration, Geochronology and Phase Equilibrium Modelling

In principle, garnet growth rates may be calculated from 87 Rb/ 86 Sr and 87 Sr/ 86 Sr measurements in garnet subsamples and the surrounding rock matrix. Because of low Rb/Sr, garnet should passively record the matrix decay of 87 Rb to 87 Sr as a progressive increase in 87 Sr/ 86 Sr from core to rim. This concept was tested by collecting Rb-Sr data for five garnet grains from four major orogenic belts: eastern Vermont (c. 380 Ma), western New Hampshire (c. 320 Ma), southern Chile (c. 75 Ma) and northwestern Italy (c. 35 Ma). Both normal Sr isotope zoning (increasing 87 Sr/ 86 Sr from core to rim) and inverse Sr zoning (decreasing 87 Sr/ 86 Sr from core to rim) were observed. Garnet and matrix iso- tope data commonly yielded grossly inaccurate model ages. Incomplete Rb and Sr equilibration among matrix minerals is invoked to explain the deviations between theoretical v. measured zoning patterns and the age disparities. Initially, the reactive matrix is dominated by rapidly equilibrating Rb-rich mica, which imparts high 87 Sr/ 86 Sr values in garnet cores. Progressive participation of slower equilibrating Sr-rich plagioclase buffers or even reduces 87 Sr/ 86 Sr, possibly leading to flat or decreas- ing 87 Sr/ 86 Sr from garnet cores to rims. Unusually high 87 Sr/ 86 Sr in garnet in combination with bulk matrix compositions causes erroneously young apparent ages, so metamorphic ages, growth rates, and associated heating and loading rates are likely suspect. Although Rb-Sr may be the most suscep- tible because of the profound disparities between mica and feldspar, zircon reactivity might influence the Lu-Hf system by up to a few per cent. The Sm-Nd system seems generally immune to these effects. Pseudosection analysis and conventional garnet geochronology, which presume complete matrix equilibration during metamorphism, may require modification to account for differences between whole-rock v. reactive matrix compositions.
Phylogeny of lichen- and non-lichen-forming omphalinoid mushrooms and the utility of testing for combinability among multiple data sets.

As an initial step toward developing a model system to study requirements for and consequences of transitions to mutualism, the phylogeny of a group of closely related lichenized and nonlichenized basidiomycetes (Omphalina) was reconstructed. The phylogenetic analyses are based on four data sets representing different regions of the nuclear ribosomal repeat unit (ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2, and 25S) obtained from 30 species of Omphalina and related genera. The resulting phylogenetic trees from each of these four data sets, when analyzed separately, were not identical. Testing for the combinability of these four data sets suggested that they could not be combined in their entirety. The removal of ambiguous alignments and saturated sites was sufficient, after reapplying the combinability test on the pruned data sets, to explain the topological discrepancies. In this process, the first of two complementary tests developed by Rodrigo et al. (1993, N.Z. J. Bot. 31:257-268) to assess whether two data sets are the result of the same phylogenetic history was found to be biased, rejecting the combinability of two data sets even when they are samples of the same phylogenetic history. Combining the four pruned data sets yielded phylogenies that suggest the five lichen-forming species of Omphalina form a monophyletic group. The sister group to this symbiotic clade consists mostly of dark brown Omphalina species intermixed with species from the genera Arrhenia and Phaeothellus. The genera Omphalina and Gerronema are shown to be polyphyletic. The lichen-forming species O. ericetorum and the nonmutualistic species O. velutipes, O. epichysium, and O. sphagnicola are the best candidates for experimental work designed to gain a better understanding of mechanisms involved in symbiotic interactions and the role symbiosis has played in the evolution of fungi.
Microgravity studies of aggregation in particulate clouds

[1] Aggregation in clouds of submillimeter quartz and volcanic ash particles was studied in microgravity. Particle clouds generated by pulses of air immediately formed electrostatic filamentary aggregates upon cessation of air turbulence. Manual agitation of experiment chambers produced cm-size loose grain clusters which voraciously scavenged free-floating material in their vicinity. A dipole model accounts for these observations. Experimental results have ramifications for the behavior of natural cloud systems and primary accretion of solids in the early solar nebula.