cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Negative motivational control of saccadic eye movement by the lateral habenula.

Abstract: Reward is crucial for survival of animals and influences animal behaviours. For example, an approaching behaviour to reward is more frequently and quickly elicited when a big reward is expected than when a small reward is expected. Midbrain dopamine neurons are thought to be crucial for such reward-based control of motor behaviour. Indeed, dopamine neurons are excited by cues predicting reward and inhibited by cues predicting no-reward. These excitatory and inhibitory signals would then be used for enhancing and depressing sensorimotor processing, respectively, in the brain areas targeted by dopamine neurons (e.g., striatum). However, it was unknown which parts of the brain provide dopamine neurons with reward-related signals necessary for their responses. We recently showed evidence that the lateral habenula transmits reward-related signals to dopamine neurons, especially to inhibit dopamine neurons. This recent study suggested that the lateral habenula suppresses less rewarding saccadic eye movements by inhibiting dopamine neurons. In the present review, we first summarize anatomical and functional aspects of the lateral habenula. We will then describe our own study. Finally, we will discuss how the lateral habenula, as well as dopamine neurons, contributes to the reward-based control of saccadic eye movements.
Maternal Obesity is Negatively Associated with Breastfeeding Success among Hispanic but Not Black Women

Prepregnant overweight and obesity have been associated with failure to initiate and to sustain breastfeeding (BF) among Caucasian women; however, this relationship has not been studied among either Black or Hispanic women. Information extracted from medical records was used to examine the relationship between prepregnant overweight (BMI = 26.1-29.0 kg/m(2)) and obesity (BMI > 29.0 kg/m(2)) and the initiation and duration of BF among Black and Hispanic women living in an urban area. Among 587 Hispanic women, those who were obese were more likely than normal-weight women to feed formula and breast milk rather than to feed breast milk alone before discharge [odds ratio (OR): 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2-3.1]. Obese Hispanic women also had higher rates of discontinuation of exclusive BF [relative risk (RR): 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1-2.0]) and higher rates of discontinuation of BF to any extent (RR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1-2.1) during the first 6 mo postpartum. Among 640 Black women, prepregnant BMI was neither associated with differences in feeding pattern before discharge nor with differences in rates of discontinuation of exclusive or any BF. We concluded that among healthy women who attempt to breastfeed in the hospital, maternal prepregnant obesity was negatively associated with initiation and duration of BF in Hispanic women. In contrast, prepregnant BMI did not have the same association among Black women who attempted to breastfeed. We speculate that obesity may have a different biological meaning for BF success in Black women than it does in those who are Caucasian or Hispanic.
Warning signal as a component of a compound stimulus in human eyelid conditioning.

One hundred human Ss conditioned and extinguished in a parallel fashion to both the warning signal of a masking probability learning task and the programmed CS. Acquisition and extinction curves were similar for early and nonearly responders though early responders had a higher response rate during acquisition.
The Catalytic Nanodiode: Detecting Continous Electron Flow at Oxide–Metal Interfaces Generated by a Gas-Phase Exothermic Reaction

Continuous flow of ballistic charge carriers is generated by an exothermic chemical reaction and detected using the catalytic metal-semiconductor Schottky diode. We obtained a hot electron current for several hours using two types of catalytic nanodiodes, Pt/TiO2 or Pt/GaN, during carbon monoxide oxidation at pressures of 100 Torr of O2 and 40 Torr of CO at 413-573 K. This result reveals that the chemical energy of an exothermic catalytic reaction is directly converted into hot electrons flux in the catalytic nanodiode. By heating the nanodiodes in He, we could measure the thermoelectric current which is in the opposite direction to the flow of the hot electron current. The chemicurrent is well correlated with the turnover rate of CO oxidation, which is separately measured with gas chromatography. The influence of the flow of hot charge carriers on the chemistry at the oxide-metal interface, and the turnover rate in the chemical reaction are discussed.
Novel Approach To Cross-Terms Elimination In Wigner Distribution Using Adaptive Filtering In Frequency Domain

The proposed adaptive filter approach for cross-terms elimination relies on the fact that the Wigner distribution (WD), when windowed in time, due to computations and availability problems, does not change its spectral characteristics at the signal frequencies. The only time-varying components, as the window slides on stationary data, are those corresponding to the signal cross-terms, where they exhibit a phase change. The constant and the time-varying behavior in Pseudo Wigner Distribution (PWD) can be distinguished by adaptive filtering. In this paper, frequency-domain least mean squares (LMS) algorithm is used to both track and suppress the cross-terms, and therefore, allows a much better reading of the time-varying distribution of power over frequency. In the adaptive filtering approach, the desired input (primary) takes the PWD's for different data blocks, while the filter input (reference) is assigned unit values. Due to the nature of the primary and reference data, the frequency domain filter adapts to the constant sinusoidal peak values. However, because of the uncorrelatedness, it fails to track the time-varying components in the desired signal, leaving out the cross-terms to propagate to the output filter error. The cross-correlation between the constant values in the reference and the time-varying components in the desired signal can be controlled by the mechanism by which the PWD's are generated. Random sliding over the data may show improved performance compared to regular sliding with disjoint or overlapping blocks.
Fast association-rule based similarity search in 3D models

Advances in automated data collection tools in design and manufacturing have far exceeded our capacity to analyze this data for novel information. Techniques of data mining and knowledge discovery in large databases promise computationally efficient and accurate means to analyze such data for patterns and similar structures. In this paper, we present a unique data mining approach for finding similarities in classes of 3D models, using discovery of association rules. PCA is first performed on the 3D model to transform it along first principal axis. Transformed 3D model is then sliced and segmented along multiple principal axes, such that each slice can be interpreted as a transaction in a transaction database. Association-rule discovery is performed on this transaction space for multiple models and common association rules among those transactions are stored as a representative of a class of models. We have evaluated the performance of association rules for efficient representation of classes of shape models. The method is time and space efficient, besides presenting a novel paradigm for searching content dependencies in a database of 3D models.
Subintimal angioplasty: Our experience in the treatment of 506 infrainguinal arterial occlusions

Objective The treatment of patients with chronic arterial occlusions involving the superficial femoral artery has changed significantly with the incorporation of subintimal angioplasty (SIA) into vascular surgery practice. To more clearly define technical feasibility, patency, and clinical outcomes of SIA, we reviewed our cumulative experience. Methods A retrospective review of all patients who underwent SIA of arterial occlusions originating in the superficial femoral artery was performed. Patient history, demographics, procedural details, and follow-up information were collected and analyzed. Patency, limb salvage, sustained improvement in claudication, freedom from surgical bypass, and survival were determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results From December, 2002, through July, 2006, 506 infrainguinal SIA procedures were performed in 472 patients with chronic arterial occlusion involving the superficial femoral artery. The mean age of patients treated was 69.4 ± 11.9 years and the indication for intervention was critical limb ischemia in 63% of limbs (n = 317) and disabling claudication in 37% (n = 189). Forty-seven percent of limbs (n = 237) had isolated SFA occlusions, 40% (n = 205) had femoropopliteal occlusions, and 13% of limbs had occlusions beginning in the SFA and extending into the tibial arteries (n = 64). Technical success was achieved in 87% of procedures. Following successful SIA, the mean ankle-brachial index increased by 54%, from 0.50 ± 0.16 to 0.77 ± 0.23 ( P Conclusion SIA is an effective percutaneous technique for the revascularization of patients with lower extremity chronic arterial occlusions involving the superficial femoral artery. The procedure is successfully performed in all segments of the lower extremity with minimal morbidity or mortality. Rates of limb salvage and improvement in claudication are similar to those achieved by open surgical bypass, while modest reductions in limb salvage and primary patency are experienced in limbs with femorotibial occlusions.
Vibration analysis of plates on intermediate supports using finite strip method

Abstract A finite strip analysis of the vibration of rectangular plates with intermediate supports is described. This approach incorporates the stiffness of the support element in a direct stiffness methodology. The support element, which is modeled as a space frame element, has been combined directly to the stiffness matrix of the strip. The validity of the method is demonstrated in an example. Results are presented to demonstrate convergence of the method.
Speckle imaging over horizontal paths

Atmospheric aberrations reduce the resolution and contrast in surveillance images recorded over horizontal or slant paths. This paper describes our recent horizontal and slant-path imaging experiments of extended scenes as well as the results obtained using speckle imaging. The experiments were performed with an 8-inch diameter telescope placed on either a rooftop or hillside and cover ranges of interest from 0.5 km up to 10 km. The scenery includes resolution targets, people, vehicles, and other structures. The improvement in image quality using speckle imaging is dramatic in many cases, and depends significantly upon the atmospheric conditions. We quantify resolution improvement through modulation transfer function measurement comparisons.
Rapid Conventional PCR and Real-Time-qPCR Detection of Low Numbers of Salmonella enterica from Ground Beef without Enrichment

Detection of low numbers of Salmonella in complex food matrices such as ground beef by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) without enrichment is particularly difficult because of the presence of PCR inhibitors and fat. This study used soluble starch for the removal of fat in ground beef followed by the use of activated carbon coated with milk proteins for the removal of PCR inhibitors prior to conventional PCR and RealTime qPCR. This methodology without pre-enrichment allowed detection with conventional PCR of 5 CFU/g and 1 CFU/g with the real-time qPCR in ground beef containing 7%, 15%, and 27% fat. The total assay time was 5 h from the seeding of a 25 g sample of ground beef to agarose gel detection of amplicons of a 284 bp invA gene fragment specific for Salmonella and 4.5 h for real-time qPCR detection.
An Image Archive With The ACR/NEMA Message Formats

An image archive has been designed to manage and store radiologic images received from within the main Hospital and a from a suburban orthopedic clinic. Images are stored on both magnetic as well as optical media. Prior comparison examinations are combined with the current examination to generate a 'viewing folder' that is sent to the display station for primary diagnosis. An 'archive-manager' controls the database managment, periodic optical disk backup and 'viewing-folder' generation. Images are converted into the ACR/NEMA message format before being written to the optical disk. The software design of the 'archive-manager' and its associated modules is presented. Enhancements to the system are discussed.© (1988) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Response to dietary phosphorus deficiency is affected by genetic background in growing pigs.

Concern over the environmental effect of P excretion from pig production has led to reduced dietary P supplementation. To examine how genetics influence P utilization, 94 gilts sired by 2 genetic lines (PIC337 and PIC280) were housed individually and fed either a P-adequate diet (PA) or a 20% P-deficient diet (PD) for 14 wk. Initially and monthly, blood samples were collected and BW recorded after an overnight fast. Growth performance and plasma indicators of P status were determined monthly. At the end of the trial, carcass traits, meat quality, bone strength, and ash percentage were determined. Pigs fed the PD diet had decreased (P < 0.05) plasma P concentrations and poorer G:F (P < 0.05) over the length of the trial. After 4 wk on trial, pigs fed the PD diet had increased (P < 0.05) plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 and decreased (P < 0.05) plasma parathyroid hormone compared with those fed the PA diet. At the end of the trial, pigs fed the PD diet had decreased (P < 0.05) BW, HCW, and percentage fat-free lean and tended to have decreased LM area (P = 0.06) and marbling (P = 0.09) and greater (P = 0.12) 10th-rib backfat than pigs fed the PA diet. Additional- ly, animals fed the PD diet had weaker bones and also decreased (P < 0.05) ash percentage and increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of 1α-hydroxylase and parathy- roid hormone receptor mRNA in kidney tissue. Regard- less of dietary treatment, PIC337-sired pigs consumed more feed and gained more BW than their PIC280-sired counterparts (P < 0.05) during the study. The PIC337- sired pigs also had greater (P < 0.05) HCW, larger (P < 0.01) LM area, and tended to have (P = 0.07) greater dressing percentage. Meat from the PIC337-sired pigs also tended to have greater (P = 0.12) concentrations of lactate but decreased (P = 0.07) concentrations of to- tal glucose units 24 h postslaughter. Although plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations were elevated (P < 0.05) in all the animals fed the PD diet, this elevation due to P deficiency tended (P = 0.09) to be greater in the PIC337-sired pigs after 12 wk on the treatment. The PIC337-sired pigs had stronger (P < 0.01) bones with greater ash percentage than the PIC280-sired pigs. The difference in the strength of the radii between the PIC337-sired pigs fed the PA and PD diets was greater than their PIC280-sired counterparts, which resulted in sire line × treatment interactions (P < 0.05). These data indicate differing mechanisms of P utilization between these genetic lines. Elucidating these mecha- nisms may lead to strategies to increase efficiency of growth in a more environmentally friendly manner.
Computational enhancement of MOS gas sensor selectivity

Abstract A method to enhance the selectivity of MOS sensors using computational means and an array of sensors is presented. An example of this method is presented for the case of two gases and two sensors. The sensors show enhanced selectivity for both methane and ethane, although their responses are somewhat different to these very similar compounds. The sensors' responses are characterized using two separate models to compare how well each model fits the sensors' response characteristics. The two sensors, together with appropriate software for inverting the model equations, are used to measure ethane and methane over a wide range of concentrations. The results for both model equations are presented and compared.
Fogo Morto—The Epitaph of a Way of Life

W HEN Jos6 Lins do Rego published Fogo Morto,' he added the capstone to his Ciclo da Cana de A gicar, begun with Menino de Engenho in 1932. His Ciclo is a series of loosely knit novels concerning the rise and fall of a sugar dynasty in the Brazilian Nordeste. The novels, if not strictly autobiographical could pass as being so, as they are certainly written from first-hand knowledge, and they form a striking and authentic series. In this writer's opinion they alone would rank their author among Brazil's foremost novelists of all time, and show him forth as one who need not feel ashamed to stand among the outstanding contemporary writers of the world. Born July 3, 1901, on the Engenho Corredor, near Pilar, state of Paraiba, Jos6 Lins is plump and well-nourished, a bon-vivant. In personal appearance he is the antithesis of what is usually considered "literary," resembling rather a successful broker. A natural-born story-teller, he likes nothing better than to regale his friends with an apparently inexhaustible fund of stories; and he is really in his element when dealing with the folktales of Brazil, learned from the traditional colored "mammy"; and his books are impregnated with the flavor of these tales, strongly reminiscent of Uncle Remus.
Requirement of the Manx Gene for Expression of Chordate Features in a Tailless Ascidian Larva

An evolutionary change in development was studied in two closely related ascidian species, one exhibiting a conventional tadpole larva and the other a modified tailless larva. Interspecific hybridization restores chordate features to the tailless larva. The zinc finger gene Manx is expressed in cells that generate chordate features in the tailed species but is down-regulated in the tailless species. Manx expression is restored in hybrid embryos. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide treatment inhibited Manx expression and chordate features in hybrid embryos, which suggests that Manx is required for development of the chordate larval phenotype in ascidians.
The logical and the analytic

This paper considers various objections to Carnap’s logical syntax definition of ’logical expression’, including those by Saunders Mac Lane and W. V. O. Quine. While the specific objections of these two authors can be answered, if necessary by a slight modification of Carnap’s definition, there are other objections that I do not see how to meet. I also consider the proposal by Denis Bonnay for avoiding the objections to Carnap’s definition. In light of the unresolved problems with Carnap’s definition, I go on to consider what Carnap’s assumptions must have been in framing his definition and to assess how much damage is caused by this failure of Carnap’s definition. This damage is not as much as might be assumed.
A music context for teaching introductory computing

We describe myro.chuck, a Python module for controlling music synthesis, and its applications to teaching introductory computer science. The module was built within the Myro framework using the ChucK programming language, and was used in an introductory computer science course combining robots, graphics and music. The results supported the value of music in engaging students and broadening their view of computer science.
Evaluation of topical hesperetin matrix film for back-of-the-eye delivery.

Abstract Purpose The goal of the present study was to develop a poly (ethylene oxide) N10 (PEO N10) based melt-cast matrix system for efficient and prolonged delivery of hesperetin (HT), a promising bioflavonoid, to the posterior segment of the eye through the topical route. Methods HT film was prepared by melt-cast method using PEO N10 and cut into 4 mm × 2 mm segments, each weighing 8 mg. This film was evaluated with respect to in vitro release rates and also transmembrane delivery across Spectra/Por® membrane (MWCO: 10,000 Daltons) and isolated rabbit corneas. Ocular tissue concentrations were also determined postapplication of the film in ex vivo and in vivo models. Results HT release from the film was determined to be about 95.3% within 2 h. In vitro transcorneal flux was observed to be 0.58 ± 0.05 μg/min/cm 2 across the isolated rabbit cornea. High levels of HT were detected in the retina-choroid (RC) and vitreous humor (VH) in the ex vivo model following topical application of the film. Significant levels of HT were observed in both anterior and posterior segment ocular tissues 1 h post topical application of the 10 and 20%w/w HT films on the rabbit eye. Moreover, HT was detected in the VH and RC even after 6 h following topical application of the film in vivo . Conclusion The results from this study suggest that the melt-cast films can serve as a viable platform for sustained topical delivery of bioflavonoids, and other therapeutic agents, into the back-of-the eye tissues.
A computational study of the respiratory airflow characteristics in normal and obstructed human airways

Obstructive lung diseases in the lower airways are a leading health concern worldwide. To improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of lower airways, we studied airflow characteristics in the lung between the 8th and the 14th generations using a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model, where we compared normal and obstructed airways for a range of breathing conditions. We employed a novel technique based on computing the [email protected]?s correlation coefficient to quantitatively characterize the differences in airflow patterns between the normal and obstructed airways. We found that the airflow patterns demonstrated clear differences between normal and diseased conditions for high expiratory flow rates (>2300ml/s), but not for inspiratory flow rates. Moreover, airflow patterns subjected to filtering demonstrated higher sensitivity than airway resistance for differentiating normal and diseased conditions. Further, we showed that wall shear stresses were not only dependent on breathing rates, but also on the distribution of the obstructed sites in the lung: for the same degree of obstruction and breathing rate, we observed as much as two-fold differences in shear stresses. In contrast to previous studies that suggest increased wall shear stress due to obstructions as a possible damage mechanism for small airways, our model demonstrated that for flow rates corresponding to heavy activities, the wall shear stress in both normal and obstructed airways was <0.3Pa, which is within the physiological limit needed to promote respiratory defense mechanisms. In summary, our model enables the study of airflow characteristics that may be impractical to assess experimentally.
SPECTRAL DEPENDENCE OF ULTRAVIOLET-INDUCED DEGRADATION OF COATINGS FOR SPACECRAFT THERMAL CONTROL

Thermal control coating spectral sensitivity to UV induced degradation, noting rapidly increasing damage as incident radiation wavelength decreases
Eigenvector analysis of reconstructed Holocene July temperature departures over northern Canada

July temperatures for the past 6000 yr at 11 sites in northern Canada have been predicted by transfer-function equations. Normalized departures from the mean of each time series at 250-yr intervals are analyzed by principal component (eigenvector) analysis. An initial analysis included 9 sites and the first three principal components accounted for 85.7% of the variance. Maps of the loadings on the principal components show broad spatial coherence on all three components. Temporal coefficients (principal component scores) illustrate major regional and local midsummer temperature variations. An additional 2 sites were then included but the spatial pattern of the loadings remained essentially unchanged. A further test of this approach, with a view toward predicting paleoclimates of northern regions, was to use the spatial coefficients (loadings) to estimate the July temperature departures at an “unknown” site (Long Lake, Keewatin). This reconstruction compares favorably with an independent transfer-function reconstruction (Kay, 1979). Power spectrum analysis of the significant principal component scores (temperature departures) over the 6000 yr showed that the temporal fluctuations associated with the first three principal components follow a “red noise” spectrum, indicative of strong persistence in the reconstructed climatic records. The scores on the fourth principal component approximate a “white noise” spectrum. A peak in power between 2000 and 3000 yr occurs in the variance spectrum of the second principal component (significance 10%). We conclude that eigenvector analysis of Holocene paleoclimatic data has considerable power and may be useful for identifying regional and local climatic variations.
Embodied and Disembodied Emotion Processing: Learning From and About Typical and Autistic Individuals

Successful social functioning requires quick and accurate processing of emotion and generation of appropriate reactions. In typical individuals, these skills are supported by embodied processing, r...
Parenteral nutrition and urban legends.

Purpose of review To assess the recent literature regarding parenteral nutrition to identify publications that have purported to support various beliefs about the utility of parenteral nutrition, and then to critically evaluate the data presented in those (as well as prior) publications. Recent findings Artificial nutrition improves nutritional markers but not clinical outcomes, suggesting that malnutrition is not causatively associated with a poor outcome. There are no convincing data that parenteral nutrition is beneficial in severely malnourished surgical patients. Glutamine supplementation of parenteral nutrition solutions may reduce the infectious complication rate, but it is unknown if glutamine-supplemented parenteral nutrition is better than no parenteral nutrition. Most, but not all, systematic reviews have demonstrated that enteral nutrition produces fewer problems than parenteral nutrition; no data suggest that either modality is better than doing no artificial nutrition. Randomized trials have not uniformly been able to demonstrate that parenteral nutrition is efficacious in acute pancreatitis. There is some, but not convincing, data that a regimen of glutamine, growth hormone, and a specialized diet will reduce the need for parenteral nutrition in patients with short bowel syndrome. Summary It is important for clinicians to be able to critically evaluate the medical literature.
The nonlinear dielectric behavior of water: comparisons of various approaches to the nonlinear dielectric increment.

A number of connections between the first nonlinear dielectric increment and dipole correlation functions have been proposed over a large span of years. These range from the Langevin–Debye approach, the use of cavity and reaction fields, a cavity free formulation, to modified Langevin–Debye approaches. Comparisons of the predictions of a number of these approaches, together with results of molecular dynamics simulations and an experimental result, are given. The relations include those by Booth and by Kielich based on the use of cavity and reaction fields as traditionally used in the determination of such connections but also including a partial correction by Booth for some ignored nonlinear effects, those by Sandberg and Edholm and by Jha and Freed based on the use of a Langevin–Debye type of approach, and one based on a cavity free non-Langevin–Debye formulation that automatically includes all nonlinear effects to the appropriate order. The local structures of water used for the determination of the per...
Fluidity and optimum packing in suspensions of mixed dissimilar particles

This is a study on the rheological properties and packing efficiency of a fluid suspension, composed of a mixture of two dissimilar particulate species. A generalized analytic expression for the viscosity of the blend is first developed, and then utilized to derive quantitative ways of maximizing the fluidity and optimizing the filling capacity of the composite system. These, results are compared with earlier experimental and theoretical findings, and with the rheological measurements performed in the course of this work on a series of calcium carbonate-carbon black suspensions in poly-dimethylsiloxane.
New polyisobutylene‐based model elastomeric ionomers. VI. The effect of excess neutralizing agents on solid‐state mechanical properties

The role of excess neutralizing agents on the mechanical properties of three-arm star polyisobutylene-based model ionomers is discussed. The stress level, particularly at high elongations, is significantly affected by the presence of excess neutralizing agents, and these effects are observed with different cations such as potassium, calcium, and zinc. A morphological model is proposed that can account for the observed mechanical behavior.
Antioxidant and stomatal responses of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) to boron toxicity

Abstract Although of considerable agronomic importance, our understanding of B toxicity mechanism in plants is still not completely understood, and remains an open question. Therefore, we investigated the effect of increasing levels of B (0, 10, 20 and 30 mg kg−1) on the growth, boron (B) concentrations, stomatal resistance, lipid peroxidation (MDA), membrane permeability (MP), lypoxygenase activity (LOX), proline (PRO) and H2O2 accumulation, and the activities of major antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT and ascorbate peroxidase, APX) of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Kalecik Karasi) grafted on 5BB rootstock (V. berlandieri × V. riparia) was investigated. Applied toxic levels of B significantly reduced leaf and root growth and increased the B concentration of the leaf, and stem, bark and root of rootstock. In the all B levels leaf tissues of grapevine accumulated more B than that of the other plant parts. In order to restrict excessive uptake of B, stomatal resistance of the leaves increased especially at high B treatments (20 and 30 mg kg−1). The concentrations of H2O2, MDA and membrane permeability were increased as the result of B toxicity while proline and the activity of lypoxygenase were decreased. Compared with control plants, the activities of SOD and CAT were increased by B treatments while the activity of APX was decreased. To our knowledge, this is the first report that B toxicity elevated the antioxidant enzymes to protect the membrane functions from reactive oxygen species (ROS) injury in grapevine and it was hoped that this study would provide a basis for developing strategies for reducing the risks associated with B toxicity.
Observed and Theoretical Creep Rates for an Alumina Ceramic and a Silicon Nitride Ceramic in Flexure

Observed creep curvature rates are compared to theoretical rates for both an alumina ceramic at 1000°C and a silicon nitride ceramic at 1200°C in four-point flexure. The observed rates have been calculated from published rise-displacement rates, and the theoretical rates have been calculated from published power-law parameters for compressive and tensile creep, which differ appreciably for these ceramics. Although both compressive and tensile creep measurements are easier to analyze than flexural creep measurements, the latter are usually less expensive and easier to conduct. The present work shows the usefulness of flexural creep tests to verify the accuracy of compressive and tensile creep tests.
Ultrasonic Assessment of Interfacial Oxidation Damage in Ceramic Matrix Composites

A new approach to characterizing oxidation damage in ceramic matrix composites using ultrasonic techniques is proposed. In this approach, the elastic constants of the composite are determined nondestructively by measuring the angular dependence of both longitudinal and transverse wave velocities. A micromechanical model for composites with anisotropic constituents is used to find the anisotropic properties of an effective fiber, which is a combination of the fiber and the interface. Interfacial properties are extracted from the properties of this effective fiber by analyzing the difference between effective and actual fiber properties. Unidirectional /0/28 SiC/Si3N4 composites with 30 percent fiber volume fraction and 30 percent matrix porosity are used. The samples are exposed in a flowing oxygen environment at elevated temperatures, up to 1400 C, for 100 hours and then measured by ultrasonic methods at room temperature. The Young's modulus in the fiber direction of the sample oxidized at 600 C decreased significantly but it was unchanged for samples oxidized at temperatures above 1200 C. The transverse moduli obtained from ultrasonic measurements decrease continuously up to 1200 C. The shear stiffnesses show behavior similar to the transverse moduli. The effective elastic moduli of the interfacial carbon coating are determined from the experimental data, and their change due to thermal oxidation is discussed.
The nature of a schematic description of a socially constructed organisational competency model (CCM)

This paper advances a dialogue on a co-constructed performance management model referred to as the CCM. The CCM is an alternative strategy designed to make an organisation effective. Arguments are drawn that indicate that competency models, in particular those concerned with organisational capabilities, are relatively ineffective when developed outside the organisation. A contrast of the competency models developed elsewhere is made with those espoused within the organisation by the communities of practice (COP) and effectiveness is demonstrated in the latter approach. By reviewing selections from the literature that established the competency development movement, a foundation on past knowledge is built. By taking this information into consideration and interpreting it, one may design and implement capabilities that advance organisation. The resultant competencies can be applied in any organisation.
Contextual Inequalities in Religious Youth Programming

Religious congregations are hypothesized to be a community organization affected by contextual inequalities. Survey and interview data are analyzed to investigate the type and prevalence of youth programming in a geographic area. Rather than drawing a sample of religious congregations in the area, the telephone survey was conducted with every congregation located in the three contiguous cities. Coupled with the high response rate (98.9%), this allows for a unique analysis of a total population of congregations in the specified area. In-person interviews were also conducted with religious youth ministers sampled from the broader population of congregations. U.S. Census (American Factfinder, 2000) data on the areas in which the congregations were located was linked to survey and interview data. Results demonstrate contextual effects in religious youth programming, net of denomination, congregation size, and budget. The availability and type of youth programming in different locations relates to the inequalities embedded in these contexts. This study indicates that social disorganization theories apply to religious organizations not in inequalities of the number of congregations located in any particular area but in inequalities in the level of youth programming density available within those congregations.
Diet Quality and Performance of Heifers in the Subtropics

The effects of continuous vs. rotational stocking of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge), previous winter nutritional regimen {corn (Zea mays L.) + soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] meal (CS) vs. soybean meal (SBM)}, and breed [Angus, Hereford, and Senepol (Bos taurus) and Brahman (B. indicus)] were determined in 1990 to 1992. Forage mass [kg ha -1 dry matter (DM)], forage nutritive value [crude protein (CP) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD)], average daily gain (ADG), body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and plasma urea N (PUN) and glucose (PGLU) were measured. There was a consistent carryover effect (P SBM while for PUN, SBM > CS. Breed affected most animal variables, with the general ranking of Angus ≤ Hereford ≤ Brahman and Senepol. Forage mass varied from an average of 1000 kg ha -1 in 1990 to 2000 kg ha -1 in 1992 because of rainfall distribution. Grazing treatment did not affect forage DM, CP, or IVOMD, but heifers that were continuously grazed had higher (P = 0.0001) PUN levels than heifers that were rotationally grazed. Only during 1990, when dry weather restricted forage growth, did this translate into a trend for improved ADG and final BW. Because grazing management did not affect heifer performance in most years, the effects noted in this study resulted from: (i) the change in forage nutritive value during the grazing season; (ii) the carryover effect of previous winter supplementation; and (iii) breed differences, particularly temperate vs. tropical breeds.
Inside Front Cover: Three-Dimensionally Ordered Gold Nanocrystal/Silica Superlattice Thin Films Synthesized via Sol–Gel Self-Assembly (Adv. Funct. Mater. 7/2006)

The synthesis of three-dimensionally ordered, transparent gold-nanocrystal (NC)/silica superlattice thin films using the self-assembly (by spin-coating) of water-soluble gold nanocrystal micelles and soluble silica is reported by Fan and co-workers on p. 891. The robust, 3D NC/silica superlattice films are of interest for the development of collective optical and electronic phenomena, and, importantly, for the integration of NC arrays into device architectures. Nanocrystals and their ordered arrays hold many important applications in fields such as catalysis, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy based sensors, memory storage, and electronic and optical nanodevices. Herein, a simple and general method to synthesize ordered, three-dimensional, transparent gold nanocrystal/silica superlattice thin films by self-assembly of gold nanocrystal micelles with silica or organosilsesquioxane by spin-coating is reported. The self-assembly process is conducted under acidic sol–gel conditions (ca. pH 2), ensuring spin-solution homogeneity and stability and facilitating the formation of ordered and transparent gold nanocrystal/silica films. The monodisperse nanocrystals are organized within inorganic host matrices as a face-centered cubic mesostructure, and characterized by transmission electron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction.
Herding over the career

Abstract We develop a model of decision-making when managers have private information about their abilities. With no private information about ability, managers ‘herd’. However, with sufficient private information, managers inefficiently ‘anti-herd’. The model potentially illuminates recent empirical work on career concerns.
Factors in life science textbooks that may deter girls' interest in science

In order to examine factors that may deter girls' interest in science, five seventh-grade life science textbooks were analyzed for sexism in language, images, and curricular content, and for features of activities that have been found to be useful for motivating girls. Although overt sexism was not apparent, subtle forms of sexism in the selection of language, images, and curricular content were found. Activities had some features useful to girls, but other features were seldom included. Teachers may wish to use differences that were found among texts as one basis for text selection.
An analytical model for optimization of NC tool cutting path

A two step analysis was performed to solve the tool path optimization problem. A computer program was initially created to estimate the tool path as a function of the orientation of cut. An analysis was performed using this program and graphical plots were obtained on different convex polygonal shapes. It was inferred from these plots that an optimization was possible. A detailed analytical model was hence created that allowed the nature of the relationship between the variables to be studied. This analytical function related the total path to orientation as an arithmetic progression of trigonometric functions based purely on object geometry and cutter diameter. The transformation orientations provided the optimal tool paths. The global minima of the length of cut function was obtained by orienting the cutter parallel to the longest edge. The present algorithm can be extended to include generic prismatic shapes in the future. Therefore the feasibility of analytical modelling as well as the results of tool...
Meson Production in p + d Collisions and the I = 0 π − π Interaction. IV. Double-Pion Production and Pion-Pion Scattering

We present an analysis of the measurements on the reaction $p+d\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{He}}^{3}+2\ensuremath{\pi}$, and show that the anomalous bump in the ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ spectrum cannot be accounted for by $\ensuremath{\pi}$-${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ final-state interactions, by Bose statistics for the two pions, or by the deuteron and ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ wave functions. However, the anomaly can be satisfactorily explained by a strong final-state interaction between the two pions. We determine the $S$-wave $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\pi}$ scattering length in the $I=0$ state to be 2\ensuremath{\Elzxh}/\ensuremath{\mu}c.
Immobilization of Savannah River High-Level Wastes in Synroc: Results From Product Performance Tests *

Large samples (up to 15cm diameter) of SYNROC D containing simulated Savannah River (SRL) waste sludge have been prepared and performance tested. Waste loadings of 60–65 wt% for the SRL composite sludge have been achieved; this corresponds to a waste concentration (volumetric) loading of approximately 2.3–2.5 g/cm3. A typical SYNROC D sample has a density of about 4.0 g/cm3 with less than 0.2% porosity. The compressive and flexural strengths of SYNROC D are 51,200 and 9,400 psi, respectively and Young’s Modulus is 20.1 × 106 psi by ultrasonic measurement. The quantity of respirable fines (less than 10 µm) generated during a constant energy density impact (10J/cm3) was less than 0.16 wt%. Values for the thermal conductivity (22°C) and the thermal expansion coefficient (22–950°C) were measured to be 1.7 W/m·K and 11 × 10−6 K−1, respectively. Normalized elemental leach rates determined by 28-day MCC-1 tests (90°C) for Cs, Sr, U and Nd are 0.7, 0.3, 5×10−5 and < 8×10−3 g/m2·d respectively.
The influence of nitrogen fertilisation on quantities and proportions of different protein types in wheat flour.

The flours of 13 wheat varieties grown at different levels of nitrogen fertilisation were characterised by the quantitative determination of flour protein groups and gluten protein types using a combined extraction/HPLC procedure. The results demonstrate that the quantities of albumins and globulins were scarcely influenced by different nitrogen fertilisation, whereas those of gluten proteins (gliadins, glutenins) were strongly influenced. The effect on gliadins was more pronounced than on glutenins, as well as the effect on major protein types (α-gliadins, γ-gliadins, LMW subunits of glutenin) in comparison with minor types (ω-gliadins, HMW subunits of glutenin). The proportions of hydrophilic proteins (ω-gliadins, HMW subunits of glutenin) were increased by high levels of nitrogen and those of hydrophobic proteins (γ-gliadin, LMW subunits of glutenin) were decreased. The degree of the effects on both quantities and proportions of flour protein groups and gluten protein types was strongly dependent on the variety. © 1998 SCI.
Influence of pentobarbital on synaptic plasma membrane protein synthesis

Abstract The effects of acute and chronic pentobarbital treatment on the incorporation of 3 H-lysine into rat brain synaptic plasma membranes (SPM) were examined by means of SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The data suggest the major effects of both drug treatments are found in a unique population of SPM derived from a light population of nerve ending particles (NEP). These light NEP preferentially accumulate labelled GABA, suggesting this fraction is enriched in GABA containing nerve terminals.
The protestant ethic and the spirit of democracy: what is the democratic effect of Calvinism?

Purpose – The paper considers whether and how Calvinism as a specific type of religion, ideology, and social system impacts political democracy in modern society. In contrast to the previous sociological and related literature assuming only a positive or negative linear effect, the paper proposes that Calvinism exerts mixed positive-negative and non-linear effects on democracy. The purpose of this paper is to aim at making a contribution to the sociological theory and research on Calvinism and democracy and modern society in general. Design/methodology/approach – A combination of comparative and historical sociological methodology. Findings – The main proposition and finding is that whether Calvinism is likely to have a positive or negative impact on democracy is the function of its specific position within social structure and its concrete phase of development. Thus, different positions of Calvinism in social structure are linked to its differential consequences in aggregate for democracy, and various st...
Beta-adrenergic receptor in the brain: Comparison of 3H-dihydroalprenolol binding sites and a beta-adrenergic receptor regulating adenylyl cyclase activity in cell free homogenates

Abstract The properties of specific 3H-dihydroalprenolol binding sites resemble the properties of the beta-receptor regulating hormone-sensitive adenylyl cyclase activity in an homogenate of rabbit cerebellum. The rabbit cerebellum has 5 to 6 pmole per gm (wet weight) of high affinity (KD=1.3 nM) specific binding sites for 3H-dihydroalprenolol. the interaction of several beta-adrenergic agonists and antagonists with the specific binding sites is rapid, reversible, and demonstrates stereospecificity which parallels the properties of the beta receptor. Beta-adrenergic agonists show a similar potency as agonists upon adenylyl cyclase activity and as inhibitors of 3H-dihydroalprenolol binding: i.e. l-isoproterenol > l-epinephrine > l-norepinephrine (suggesting a beta2 adrenergic receptor). The binding affinities of several beta-adrenergic agonists and antagonists for the specific binding sites approximate the affinities of these compounds for the stimulation of adenylyl cyclase. Thus, the 3H-dihydroalprenolol binding sites have properties similar to the beta-adrenergic receptor regulating adenylyl cyclase activity in a rabbit cerebellar homogenate.
Hydraulic conductivity of variably saturated porous media: Film and corner flow in angular pore space

Many models for hydraulic conductivity of partially saturated porous media rely on oversimplified representation of the pore space as a bundle of cylindrical capillaries and disregard flow in liquid films. Recent progress in modeling liquid behavior in angular pores of partially saturated porous media offers an alternative framework. We assume that equilibrium liquid-vapor interfaces provide well-defined and stable boundaries for slow laminar film and corner flow regimes in pore space comprised of angular pores connected to slit-shaped spaces. Knowledge of liquid configuration in the assumed geometry facilitates calculation of average liquid velocities in films and corners and enables derivation of pore-scale hydraulic conductivity as a function of matric potential. The pore-scale model is statistically upscaled to represent hydraulic conductivity for a sample of porous medium. Model parameters for the analytical sample-scale expressions are estimated from measured liquid retention data and other measurable medium properties. Model calculations illustrate the important role of film flow, whose contribution dominates capillary flow (in full pores and corners) at relatively high matric potentials (approximately −100 to −300 J kg−1, or −1 to 3 bars). The crossover region between film and capillary flow is marked by a significant change in the slope of the hydraulic conductivity function as often observed in measurements. Model predictions are compared with the widely applied van Genuchten–Mualem model and yield reasonable agreement with measured retention and hydraulic conductivity data over a wide range of soil textural classes.