cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Matching Color Differences

A new visual colorimeter has been designed and built to be used primarily for matching color differences. The colorimeter provides seven visual fields, arranged in a cluster of seven regular hexagons, one in the center and six adjacent to it. Both eyes of the observer see each field uniformly filled with light. The color of each field is a mixture of three primary lights (red, green, blue) and can be controlled by the observer independent of the color of the other fields. Depending on the nature of the experiment, the observer can be presented with all seven fields in operation or with some fields switched off. The colorimeter is calibrated to convert instrumental readings to CIE color coordinates. The first experiment performed with the colorimeter was to assess quantitatively the ability of the observer to make matches of color difference in an array of three adjacent fields of constant brightness. Fixing the colors of two fields, the observer was required to produce a color in the third field so as to form a perceptually equilateral triangle of colors of constant brightness. The repeatability of such matches is presented graphically in the 1960 CIE–UCS diagram.
The Relationship of Subordinate Upward‐Influencing Behavior, Health Care Manager Interpersonal Stress, and Performance1

This investigation examined the relationship among subordinate upward-influencing behavior, superior interpersonal stress, and superior performance within a health care setting. It was predicted that hard upward-influencing behavior as exerted by subordinates would be (a) inversely related to subordinate ratings of health care manager performance and (b) positively associated with health care manager interpersonal stress. Data were collected from 76 females and 4 males who were subordinates to 10 health care managers. All were employees in a 116-bed not-for-profit acute care community hospital. Subordinates completed the Satisfaction With My Supervisor Scale (Scarpello & Vandenberg, 1987), work unit and health care manager effectiveness scales (Bass, 1985b), and Form M of the Profiles of Organizational Influence Strategies (Kipnis & Schmidt, 1982). Interpersonal stress was assessed by the 10 health care managers' completion of the Responsibility for People subscale of the Stress Diagnostic Survey (Ivancevich & Matteson, 1980). The results generally supported the two hypotheses. The implications of these findings were discussed. It was recommended that organizations should encourage rational subordinate upward-influencing behavior to reduce interpersonal stress and promote performance.
A novel approach for testing antennas with internal sources: Phaseless near-field measurements

Integrated antennas are increasingly becoming common components within modern wireless devices. This is advantageous from both a design and fabrication standpoint. In general, these devices provide an internal source for the antenna and do not contain a port to inject an external source. Clearly from antenna testing standpoint, verifying performance and conducting measurements presents a very challenging problem. In conventional near-field measurements, a referenced signal is required because both amplitude and phase must be measured for the calculation of the far-field radiation pattern from the measured near fields. For antennas that feature their own internal source, the input signal must have some way to be referenced. Unless the original device specifically allows a way to do so, this is usually not possible. Thus, for measurements of an antenna with an internal source, one cannot use the measurement configuration in the conventional way.
Purposeful gazing in active vision through phase-based disparity and dynamic vergence control

ABSTRACT In this research we propose solutions to the problems involved in gaze stabilization of a binocular active vision system, i.e., vergence error extraction, arid vergence servo control. Gazing is realized by decreasing the disparity which represents the vergence error. A Fourier transform based approach that robustly and efficiently estimates vergence disparity is developed for holding gaze on selectedvisual target. It is shown that this method has certain advantages over existing approaches. Our work also points out that vision sensorbased vergence control system is a dual sampling rate system. Feedback information prediction and dynamic vision-based self-tuningcontrol strategy are investigated to implement vergence control. Experiments on the gaze stabilization using the techniques developedin this paper are performed.Keywords: Active and real time vision; Vision guided robotics; Systems and applications 1. INTRODUCTION Active vision system is the trend in the state-of-the-art computer vision technologies. An active vision system combines bothcomputer vision technology and intelligent control technology to give more flexibility to an active vision based mechanism in
Elementary School Students Benefit from Food Labeling Education

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To discuss the understanding and comprehension by 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students after completion of a food labeling education program. The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 (NLEA) ensures that nutrition information is provided to consumers to help them choose a more nutritious diet. However, in order to choose a healthier diet, individuals, including children, need to have an understanding of the new food label developed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This study assessed the understanding and comprehension of the food label by 4th-6th graders after participation in food labeling education. Children enrolled in a rural, northeastern Ohio elementary school participated in the program (N=271). Nutrition education included an educational video developed by the FDA on labeling and a hands-on label-reading activity facilitated by 9 trained dietetics students and 2 trained RDs. Both pre- and post-tests (9 item questionnaire) were completed by 198 students. These were administered to assess improvement in their understanding of the food label. SPSS for Windows (Version 7.0, Chicago, IL) was used to compute data, including descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and paired T-Test. P 0.05). Pre- and post-test scores were 5.6±1.4 and 6.9±1.3, respectively. Paired T-Test analysis indicated there was a significant improvement (P
An Investigation of Potential Consequences of Satisfaction with Appraisal Feedback

Performance feedback supposedly enhances performance, attitudes and intentions but these benefits are likely to depend on ratee's reactions to feedback. A longitudinal design was used to overcome limitations of previous studies that investigated the relationship between satisfaction with feedback and performance. In a sample of 256 professional employees, satisfaction with feedback predicted performance. Satisfaction with feedback was positively related to organizational commitment, job satisfaction, commitment toward manager and satisfaction with manager, and negatively related to turnover intentions. Implications of results are discussed and suggestions for future research are offered.
The presence of 5′-nucleotidase in Swiss chard chloroplasts

Summary Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris) chloroplasts contain an enzyme of adenylate nucleotide metabolism that is not observed in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) chloroplasts. This enzyme has been identified as a 5′-nucleotidase; the enzyme cleaves the α-phosphate from AMP to yield free adenosine. The 5′-nucleotidase found in isolated chloroplasts appears to be localized in the stroma. The relationship between 5′-nucleotidase activity and chloroplast metabolism is discussed.
The Effects of Ethanol on Dopaminergic Neurons of the Ventral Tegmental Area Studied with Intracellular Recording in Brain Slices

Dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area of Tsai (VTA) have been implicated in the mediation of the rewarding effects of ethanol and many other drugs of abuse. Our previous extracellular studies in brain slices have demonstrated that ethanol increases the firing rate of dopaminergic neurons in the VTA. In the present intracellular study, ethanol (40-160 mM) increased the spontaneous firing rate of most (77%) VTA neurons. In addition, most (75%) VTA neurons were depolarized by ethanol. Ethanol also changed the shape of the spontaneous action potential in VTA neurons, reducing the amplitude of the spike after-hyperpolarization (in 74% of neurons) and also reducing the amplitude of the depolarizing phase of the action potential (in 86% of neurons tested). Furthermore, analysis of Voltage/Current curves in the presence and absence of ethanol showed that ethanol had little effect on the resistance of the cell membrane at membrane potentials near rest, but enhanced the time-dependent inward rectification activated at more hyperpolarized membrane potentials (Ih). This intracellular study identifies several electrophysiological effects of ethanol that may underlie the ethanol-induced excitation of VTA neurons and, therefore, may be important for the rewarding effects of ethanol.
Diversification of fuel costs accounting for load variation

A practical mathematical programming model for the strategic fuel diversification problem is presented. The model is designed to consider the tradeoffs between the expected costs of investments in capacity, operating and maintenance costs, average fuel costs, and the variability of fuel costs. In addition, the model is designed to take the load curve into account at a high degree of resolution, while keeping the computational burden at a practical level. The model is illustrated with a case study for Indiana's power generation system. The model reveals that an effective means of reducing the volatility of the system-level fuel costs is through the reduction of dependence on coal-fired generation with an attendant shift towards nuclear generation. Model results indicate that about a 25% reduction in the standard deviation of the generation costs can be achieved with about a 20–25% increase in average fuel costs. Scenarios that incorporate costs for carbon dioxide emissions or a moratorium on nuclear capacity additions are also presented.
Nonbasal deformation modes of HCP metals and alloys: Role of dislocation source and mobility

A review is presented on the role of dislocation cores and planar faults in activating the nonbasal deformation modes, pyramidal slip and deformation twinning, in hcp metals and alloys and in D019 intermetallic compounds. Material-specific mechanical behavior arises from a competition between alternate defect structures that determine the deformation modes. We emphasize the importance of accurate atomistic modeling of these defects, going beyond simple interatomic energy models. Recent results from both experiments and theory are summarized by discussing specific examples of Ti and Mg single crystals; Ti-, Zr-, and Mg-base alloys; and Ti3Al ordered alloys. Remaining key issues and directions for future research are also discussed.
Nodamura Virus RNA Replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Heterologous Gene Expression Allows Replication-Dependent Colony Formation

Nodamura virus (NoV) and Flock House virus (FHV) are members of the family Nodaviridae. The nodavirus genome is composed of two positive-sense RNA segments: RNA1 encodes the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and RNA2 encodes the capsid protein precursor. A small subgenomic RNA3, which encodes nonstructural proteins B1 and B2, is transcribed from RNA1 during RNA replication. Previously, FHV was shown to replicate both of its genomic RNAs and to transcribe RNA3 in transiently transfected yeast cells. FHV RNAs and their derivatives could also be expressed from plasmids containing RNA polymerase II promoters. Here we show that all of these features can be recapitulated for NoV, the only nodavirus that productively infects mammals. Inducible plasmid-based systems were used to characterize the RNA replication requirements for NoV RNA1 and RNA2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Induced NoV RNA1 replication was robust. Three previously described NoV RNA1 mutants behaved in yeast as they had in mammalian cells. Yeast colonies were selected from cells expressing NoV RNA1, and RNA2 replicons that encoded yeast nutritional markers, from plasmids. Unexpectedly, these NoV RNA replication-dependent yeast colonies were recovered at frequencies 10(4)-fold lower than in the analogous FHV system. Molecular analysis revealed that some of the NoV RNA replication-dependent colonies contained mutations in the NoV B2 open reading frame in the replicating viral RNA. In addition, we found that NoV RNA1 could support limited replication of a deletion derivative of the heterologous FHV RNA2 that expressed the yeast HIS3 selectable marker, resulting in formation of HIS+ colonies.
DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING: A TOOL FOR FARM FIRM GROWTH RESEARCH

This paper is concerned with dynamic programming as a tool for studying the process of farm firm growth. Studies of growth are restricted by characteristics of the analytical tools used. Dynamic programming provides a method for including added realism in conceptual and analytical growth models. This paper illustrates the formulation of a firm growth problem in a dynamic programming framework and discusses advantages and disadvantages of such models. The type of results obtained from dynamic programming is contrasted with that normally obtained from dynamic linear programming formulations.
McCune-Albright syndrome: surgical and therapeutic challenges in GH-secreting pituitary adenomas.

McCune–Albright syndrome (MAS) is a postzygotic (non-germline) disorder characterized by polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, cafe-au-lait macules and hypersecretory endocrinopathies. A significant percentage of MAS patients have pituitary adenomas that are either growth hormone (GH) or mixed GH/prolactin (PRL)-producing. Surgical excision may be challenging—or even impossible—due to the associated severe fibrous dysplasia of the skull base. Treatment relies on an interdisciplinary, multi-modal approach from endocrinologists, neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists. We present two cases of women with MAS and GH-secreting pituitary adenomas, encountered in our 30-year experience with pituitary diseases. The first patient successfully underwent transsphenoidal surgical resection for a pituitary microadenoma in 1997 (at age 18) and again in 2009 for recurrent disease, with a significant reduction in IGF-1 level. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and electron microscopy (EM), performed on both specimens, showed a mammosomatotroph adenoma with GH, PRL, alpha subunit (+) IHC, with increased fibrous bodies developing over the 13-year interval. Focal hyperplasia could be discerned. EM in 1997 showed an admixture of mammosomatotrophs, mature lactotrophs and somatotrophs, with a bimodal population identified in 2009. The second MAS patient had long-standing polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, but was only recently diagnosed with GH excess and a pituitary adenoma, at the age of 29 years. Surgical resection was not advised in this patient because of the massive obstructive skull-base fibrous dysplasia. Medical therapy was initiated with somatostatin analogues, although responses in both patients have been suboptimal to date. We review the literature on GH excess in MAS to highlight its surgical and medical challenges.
Subunits of the Snf1 kinase heterotrimer show interdependence for association and activity.

The Snf1 kinase and its mammalian orthologue, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), function as heterotrimers composed of a catalytic α-subunit and two non-catalytic subunits, β and γ. The β-subunit is thought to hold the complex together and control subcellular localization whereas the γ-subunit plays a regulatory role by binding to and blocking the function of an auto-inhibitory domain (AID) present in the α-subunit. In addition, catalytic activity requires phosphorylation by a distinct upstream kinase. In yeast, any one of three Snf1-activating kinases, Sak1, Tos3, or Elm1, can fulfill this role. We have previously shown that Sak1 is the only Snf1-activating kinase that forms a stable complex with Snf1. Here we show that the formation of the Sak1·Snf1 complex requires the β- and γ-subunits in vivo. However, formation of the Sak1·Snf1 complex is not necessary for glucose-regulated phosphorylation of the Snf1 activation loop. Snf1 kinase purified from cells lacking the β-subunits do not contain any γ-subunit, indicating that the Snf1 kinase does not form a stable αγ dimer in vivo. In vitro kinase assays using purified full-length and truncated Snf1 proteins demonstrate that the kinase domain, which lacks the AID, is significantly more active than the full-length Snf1 protein. Addition of purified β- and γ-subunits could stimulate the kinase activity of the full-length α-subunit but only when all three subunits were present, suggesting an interdependence of all three subunits for assembly of a functional complex.
Demonstration of AC machine behavior through interactive color graphics

A microcomputer program that graphically illustrates steady-state polyphase machine behavior under a variety of balanced and unbalanced operating conditions is described. Implemented in the C language, the interactive program employs sophisticated screen color graphics to show the slow-motion progression of the appropriate voltage or current waves, the loci of the resulting magnetic fields, and the movement of the machine rotor. It can be used to illustrate dynamically revolving-field concepts, the use of symmetrical components, and the operation of synchronous and induction machines under conditions of sustained electrical unbalance. The motivation for such a program, its operation, and its capabilities are described. >
Christian and Muslim Anti-Semitic Beliefs

One hundred Muslims and one hundred Christians were administered a battery of tests to determine the nature and extent of anti-Semitic beliefs. The two groups differed considerably in terms of rationale, level, and course of anti-Semitic beliefs. Specifically, differences may be explained via dimensions of personal and social identity. The implications for emotional development and its role in understanding prejudices are discussed.
Selective effects of behaviorally active doses of methamphetamine on mRNA expression in the gerbil brain

Abstract Administration of methamphetamine results in neuronal damage that may be mediated through the production of oxygen-free radicals and modulations in levels of calcium and glutamate in the brain. These changes have been associated with alterations in gene expression, which may play a role in cell damage. To assess the differences in gene expression related to treatment with methamphetamine, levels of mRNA were evaluated for the proto-oncogene c-fos, heat-shock protein (HSP 70) and actin. It was found that c-fos mRNA expression increased in a dose-dependent manner after administration of methamphetamine. Whereas, levels of HSP mRNA dropped at small doses of methamphetamine and increased dramatically at large doses. In addition, both c-fos and HSP mRNA showed increased levels throughout the brain. Actin mRNA expression was unaffected by any dose of the drug. At the doses that altered gene expression, methamphetamine produced dose-related behavioral changes. Spontaneous locomotor activity was increased at 1.0 mg kg of methamphetamine, while, larger doses did not alter activity. The data demonstrated that effects of methamphetamine on gene expression occurred within the behaviorally-active dose range and might correlate with the degree of neuronal damage. Selective modulation of gene expression may have a role in determining the acute quantitative and qualitative effects of methamphetamine and the long-term changes that occur after administration of methamphetamine.
A balanced-force algorithm for continuous and sharp interfacial surface tension models within a volume tracking framework

A new balanced-force algorithm is presented for modeling interfacial flow with surface tension. The algorithm is characterized by a pressure-correction method with the interfaces represented by volume fractions. Within this flow algorithm, we devise a continuous (e.g., continuum surface tension model) and a sharp (e.g., a ghost fluid method) interface representation of the surface-tension-induced interfacial pressure jump condition. The sharp interface representation is achieved by temporarily reconstructing distance functions from volume fractions. We demonstrate that a flow algorithm designed to legislate force balance retains an exact balance between surface tension forces and the resulting pressure gradients. This balance holds for both continuous and sharp representations of interfacial surface tension. The algorithm design eliminates one of the elusive impediments to more accurate models of surface tension-driven flow, the remaining of which is accurate curvature estimation. To validate our formulation, we present results for an equilibrium (static) drop in two and three dimensions having an arbitrary density jump across the interface. We find that the sharp surface tension method yields an abrupt pressure jump across the interface, whereas the continuous surface tension method results in a smoother transition. Both methods, however, yield spurious velocities of the same order, the origin of which is due solely to errors in curvature. Dynamic results are also presented to illustrate the versatility of the method.
A role for DNA polymerase V in G --> T mutations from the major benzo[a]pyrene N2-dG adduct when studied in a 5'-TGT sequence in E. coli.

Abstract Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a potent mutagen/carcinogen, is metabolically activated to (+)-anti-B[a]PDE, which induces a full spectrum of mutations (e.g. GC→TA, GC→AT, etc.) principally via its major adduct [+ta]-B[a]P-N2-dG. Recent findings suggest that different lesion bypass DNA polymerases may be involved in different mutagenic pathways, which is the subject of this report. [+ta]-B[a]P-N2-dG built into a plasmid in a 5′-T G T sequence gives approximately equal numbers of G→T and G→A mutations when host E. coli are UV irradiated prior to transformation, so this sequence context was chosen to investigate what DNA polymerases are involved in G→T versus G→A mutations. G→T mutations decline (>10-fold) if E. coli either are not UV-irradiated or are deficient in DNA polymerase V (ΔumuD/C), demonstrating a role for damage-inducible DNA Pol V in a G→T pathway. G→T mutations are not affected by transformation into E. coli deficient in either DNA polymerases II or IV. While the work herein was in progress, Lenne-Samuel et al. [Mol. Microbiol. 38 (2000) 299] built the same adduct into a plasmid in a 5′-G G A sequence, and showed that the frequency of G→T mutations was similar in UV-irradiated and unirradiated host E. coli cells, suggesting no involvement by damage-inducible, lesion bypass DNA polymerases (i.e., not II, IV or V); furthermore, a role for DNA Pol V was explicitly ruled out. The easiest way to reconcile the findings of Lenne-Samuel et al. with the findings herein is if two G→T mutagenic pathways exist for [+ta]-B[a]P-N2-dG, where sequence context dictates which pathway is followed. In contrast to the G→T mutations, herein G→A mutations from [+ta]-B[a]P-N2-dG in the 5′-T G T sequence context are shown not to be affected by UV-irradiation of host E. coli, and are not dependent on DNA Pol V, or Pol II, Pol IV, or the damage-inducible, but SOS-independent UVM system. Published studies, however, have shown that G→A mutations are usually enhanced by UV-irradiation of host E. coli prior to the introduction of plasmids either site-specifically modified with [+ta]-B[a]P-N2-dG or randomly adducted with (+)-anti-B[a]PDE; both findings imply the involvement of a lesion-bypass DNA polymerase. These disparate results suggest the existence of two G→A mutagenic pathways for [+ta]-B[a]P-N2-dG as well, although confirmation of this awaits further study. In conclusion, a comparison between the evidence presented herein and published findings suggests the existence of two distinct mutagenic pathways for both G→T and G→A mutations from [+ta]-B[a]P-N2-dG, where in each case one pathway is not damage-inducible and not dependent on a lesion-bypass DNA polymerase, while the second pathway is damage-inducible and dependent on a lesion-bypass DNA polymerase. Furthermore, DNA sequence context appears to dictate which pathway (as defined by the involvement of different DNA polymerases) is followed in each case.
Anisotropic energy gaps in copper oxide superconductors

Gap anisotropy is discussed for a two-dimensional superconductor on a square lattice. For s-wave pairing the simplest form of anisotropy is \ensuremath{\Delta}(\ensuremath{\varphi})=${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{0}$+${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{1}$ cos(4\ensuremath{\varphi}), where tan(\ensuremath{\varphi})=${k}_{x}$/${k}_{y}$. This kind of gap anisotropy predicts a characteristic conductance in electron tunneling, which fits some of the reported experiments.
Redox mechanisms in "oxidant-dependent" hexose fermentation by Rhodopseudomonas capsulata.

Abstract Trimethylamine N -oxide (TMAO) can function as an electron acceptor in the anaerobic metabolism of both Rhodopseudomonas capsulata and Escherichia coli . In both bacteria, anaerobic growth in the presence of TMAO induces a system that can reduce TMAO to trimethylamine (TMA). Comparative studies, however, show that TMAO reduction serves different purposes in the organisms noted. In E. coli , anaerobic growth on sugars does not require the presence of TMAO, but in cells induced for TMAO reductase, TMAO can act as the terminal electron acceptor for membrane-associated oxidative phosphorylation. Anaerobic dark growth of R. capsulata is dependent on the presence of TMAO (or an analog) and in this organism a soluble system catalyzes anaerobic oxidation of NADH with TMAO. The mechanism, in R. capsulata , appears to involve a flavoprotein of the flavodoxin type and presumably represents a system for maintenance of redox balance during anaerobic dark fermentation of hexoses and related compounds.
Studies of African Wave Disturbances with the GISS GCM

Simulations made with the general circulation model of the NASA/Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS GCM) run at 4 deg latitude by 5 deg longitude horizontal resolution are analyzed to determine the model's representation of African wave disturbances. Waves detected in the model's lower troposphere over northern Africa during the summer monsoon season exhibit realistic wavelengths of about 2200 km. However, power spectra of the meridional wind show that the waves propagate westward too slowly, with periods of 5-10 days, about twice the observed values. This sluggishness is most pronounced during August, consistent with simulated 600-mb zonal winds that are only about half the observed speeds of the midtropospheric jet. The modeled wave amplitudes are strongest over West Africa during the first half of the summer but decrease dramatically by September, contrary to observational evidence. Maximum amplitudes occur at realistic latitudes, 12 deg - 20 deg N, but not as observed near the Atlantic coast. Spectral analyses suggest some wave modulation of precipitation in the 5-8 day band, and compositing shows that precipitation is slightly enhanced east of the wave trough, coincident with southerly winds. Extrema of low-level convergence west of the wave troughs, coinciding with northerly winds, were not preferred areas for simulated precipitation, probably because of the drying effect of this advection, as waves were generally north of the humid zone. The documentation of African wave disturbances in the GISS GCM is a first step toward considering wave influences in future GCM studies of Sahel drought.
Impulse Response Of A Multiaperture Vision System Eyelet

Multiaperture vision systems are of interest in the area of robotic vision. A facsimile of the insect eye may be as useful for transmitting information to robotics as conventional cameras, which are analogous to the human eye. A physical model of one multiaperture vision system, the insect apposition ommatidia, has been successfully constructed. To provide an understanding of the multiaperture vision system, the impulse response of a single eyelet, or ommatidium, was developed. Experimental measurements of the impulse response were found to closely match theoretical results.
Multiple circadian oscillators regulate the timing of behavioral and endocrine rhythms in female golden hamsters

A single daily "surge" in pituitary luteinizing hormone release was observed in ovariectomized-estrogen-treated hamsters expressing an intact circadian rhythm of locomotor activity. In contrast, two luteinizing hormone surges occurred within a single 24-hour period in hamsters whose activity rhythm had dissociated or "split" into two distinct components. These observations indicate that both behavioral and endocrine circadian rhythms are regulated by the same multioscillator system, which seems to be composed of at least two distinct circadian oscillators.
Thermal Transport From a Rotating Disk During Partially Confined Liquid Jet Impingement

This paper presents a numerical study that characterizes the conjugate heat transfer results of a semi–confined liquid jet impingement on a uniformly heated spinning solid disk of finite thickness and radius. The model covers the entire fluid region including the impinging jet on a flat circular disk and flow spreading out downstream under the confined insulated wall that ultimately gets exposed to a free surface boundary condition. The solution is made under steady state and laminar conditions. The model examines how the heat transfer is affected by adding a secondary rotational flow under semi-confined jet impingement. The study considered various standard materials, namely aluminum, copper, silver, Constantan and silicon; covering a range of flow Reynolds number (220–900), under a broad rotational rate range from 0 to 750 rpm, or Ekman number (7.08×10−5 – ∞), nozzle to target spacing (β = 0.25 – 1.0), disk thicknesses to nozzle diameter ratio (b/dn = 0.25 – 1.67), Prandtl number (1.29 – 124.44) using ammonia (NH3 ), water (H2 O), flouroinert (FC-77) and oil (MIL-7808) as working fluids and solid to fluid thermal conductivity ratio (36.91 – 2222). High thermal conductivity plate materials maintained more uniform and lower interface temperature distributions. Higher Reynolds number increased local heat transfer coefficient reducing the interface temperature difference over the entire wall. Rotational rate increases local heat transfer coefficient under most conditions. These findings are important for the design improvement and control of semi-confined liquid jet impingement under a secondary rotation induced motion.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Electroporatic Delivery of TGF-β1 Gene Works Synergistically with Electric Therapy to Enhance Diabetic Wound Healing in db/db Mice

Electrical stimulation (ES) is a therapeutic treatment for wound healing. Electroporation, a type of ES, is a well-established method for gene delivery. We hypothesize that proper conditions can be found with which both electrical and gene therapies can be additively applied to treat diabetic wound healing. For the studies of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) local expression and therapeutic effects, full thickness excisional wound model of db/db mice was used, we measured TGF-β1 cytokine level at 24 h postwounding and examined wounds histologically. Furthermore, wound closure was evaluated by wound-area measurements at each day for 14 d. We found that syringe electrodes are more effective than the conventional caliper electrodes. Furthermore, diabetic skin was more sensitive to the electroporative damage than the normal skin. The optimal condition for diabetic skin was six pulses of 100 V per cm for 20 ms. Under such condition, the healing rate of electrically treated wound was significantly accelerated. Furthermore, when TGF-β1 gene was delivered by electric pulses, the healing rate was further enhanced. Five to seven days postapplication of intradermal injection of plasmid TGF-β1 followed by electroporation, the wound bed showed an increased reepithelialization rate, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis. The data indicates that indeed the electric effect and gene effect work synergistic in the genetically diabetic model.
Scanning-slit photon counting x-ray imaging system using a microchannel plate detector.

An experimental prototype of a novel photon counting x-ray imaging system was evaluated. This system is based on an “edge-on” microchannel plate (MCP) detector and utilizes scanning slit imaging configuration. The detector is capable of photon counting, direct conversion, high spatial resolution, controllable physical charge amplification, quantum limited and scatter free operation. The detector provides a 60 mm wide field of view (FOV) and its count rate is 200 kHz for the entire FOV. The count rate of the current system is limited by the position encoding electronics, which has a single input for all events from the entire detector, and incorporates a single channel ADC with 1 μs conversion time. It is shown that the count rate can potentially be improved to clinically acceptable levels using multichannel application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) electronics and multi-slit image acquisition geometry. For a typical acquisition time used in this study, the image noise was measured to be less than the typically acceptable noise level for medical x-ray imaging. It is anticipated that the noise level will be also low after the implementation of the ASIC electronics. The quantum efficiency of the detector was measured to be 40%–56% for an energy range of 50–90 kVp for MCPs used in this study and can be improved to >80% using MCPs with the optimized parameters. Images of resolution and anthropomorphic phantoms were acquired at an x-ray tube voltage of 50 kVp. The value of contrast transfer function for the detector was measured to be 0.5 at a spatial frequency of 5 lp/mm. The intrinsic spatial resolution of the system is 28 μm FWHM and was limited by the accuracy of the time-to-digital conversion of the position encoding electronics. Given the advantages of the edge-on MCP detector such as direct conversion and physical charge amplification, it can potentially be applied to mammography and chest radiography.
Plasmapheresis as Sole Therapy in a Patient With Essential Mixed Cryoglobulinemia

An 82-year-old woman with essential mixed cryoglobulinemia type II (IgM K IgG) presented with moderate renal failure and nephritic syndrome. Mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis with mesangial and subendothelial granular deposits containing IgG, IgM, and C3 in conjunction with small-vessel vasculitis was seen on renal biopsy. Renal symptomatology preceded by a period of 10 months the development of leg ulcers and purpura. The onset of the skin lesions was accompanied by an acute decline of renal function and an increase in liver alkaline phosphatase. Plasmapheresis with a 50% plasma exchange each week over 12 weeks led to improvement in renal function, healing of leg ulcerations, disappearance of purpura, and a return to the baseline of alkaline phosphatase in association with the disappearance of circulating cryoglobulins.
Courtship ultrasonic vocalizations in male Swiss-Webster mice: Effects of hormones and sexual experience

Abstract The effects of testosterone and its metabolites (estradiol and 5α-dihydrotestosterone) on male mouse ultrasonic vocalizations were investigated using Swiss-Webster mice. In the first experiment daily treatment with 50 μg or 200 μg of testosterone propionate (TP) restored ultrasonic calling in castrated sexually naive males. Treatment with 200 μg of dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP) also activated ultrasound production, but treatment with 50 μg of DHTP or estradiol benzoate (EB 0.5 μg and 2 μg/day) failed to have a significant effect on this measure. In experiment two, the animals used had shown male sexual behavior before castration. These sexually experienced males showed a marked reduction in ultrasound production after castration but significantly increased ultrasound production after daily treatment with either TP (50 μg or 200 μg), DHTP (50 μg or 200 μg) or 2 μg of EB. Hormones that facilitated ultrasound calling also activated other components of male sexual behavior in this and previous studies with Swiss-Webster mice. The results indicate that hormone dose and precastration sexual experience interact to determine the effects of postcastration treatment on male vocalizations.
The Effect of the Size of the Particle on the Intensity of Fluorescence of a Phosphor

The authors have used various sized particles of phosphors and have found that within the range of sizes used, the smaller the size the greater is the intensity of fluorescence. The graph bears out this relation. The phenomenon of fluorescence seems to be a surface phenomenon.
Failure to observe testosterone-induced nucleus-lysosome interaction in rat ventral prostate.

Abstract The possibility that sex steroids act to promote the association of lysosomcs with nuclei was studied by 2 methods in the secretory epithelium of ventral prostate of castrated rats treated with androgcns: (a) electron microscopic (EM) examination of intact tissue and (b) study of fresh nuclear suspensions isolated from prostate homogenates using the fluorescing dye acridine orange (AO) and EM. AO-stained particles in nuclear suspensions were found to correspond to either (i) section granules, (ii) primary lysosomes or (iii) hetcrogenous dense bodies (HDB), considered to be lysosomes. Intact prostate tissue and crude nuclear suspensions were studied in adult rats 3–21 days after castration and in normal rats. Changes in nuclear architecture are evident 8 days or more after castration; the number of HDB increase while secretion granules and primary lysosomes decrease. Whether from prostate of castrated, normal or hormone-treated animals, a small number of the lysosomal HDB or primary lysosomes are seen closely apposed to epithelial cell nuclei. In response to short-term testosterone administration (15 or 60 min) in 10- and 21-day castrate rats, chromatin distribution appears to become more condensed; yet the number of associations of nuclei with lysosomal elements does not change. These studies of androgen action in rat ventral prostate (a classical target organ for the study of androgen action) provide no evidence to support the idea that lysosomal association with, or invasion of, nuclei in target cells is a general feature of sex steroid hormone action.
Evaluation of CCl4 and CS2 as carbon doping sources in MBE growth of GaN

Abstract GaN:C epilayers were grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy-GaN/sapphire templates using CCl 4 and CS 2 vapors as carbon doping sources. The resulting epilayers were characterized by secondary ion mass spectrometry, photoluminescence, and electrical resistivity among other techniques. Both sources were found to controllably introduce carbon in the concentration range 1×10 18 –3×10 19 cm −3 with insignificant contamination by other impurities. The CCl 4 source drastically reduced the effective Ga/N flux ratio due to a parasitic reaction, necessitating greatly increased Ga flux to maintain Ga-rich conditions. On the other hand GaN:C was successfully obtained with CS 2 with no parasitic reaction. For both sources an anomalous concentration dependence of the carbon incorporation behavior was observed, leading to reduced concentrations of electrically active C N acceptors for higher total doping levels.
The impact of extended insurance benefits on octogenarian medical experience.

Abstract Data are presented from an interview and record study on the utilization of medical care before and after implementation of an extended health benefit program. The study group is a sample of over 1300 octogenarian retirees from the automobile industry. Findings indicate greater utilization of medical care resources. Prior medical care experiences are directly related to utilization in the new benefit period. The increase in hospital care and surgical procedures, benefits not changed between the study periods, are concentrated among those who died during the second year of the study. But the increase in the use of nursing homes and outpatient physician care, benefits expanded, are found among both survivors and decedents. Findings indicate that increased utilization is benefit-specific and related to removal of economic barriers. Support is not found for the expectations that removal of economic barriers to medical care and a less “deviant” definition of the “sick role” lead to across the board increases in the use of health resources. Rather, rates of utilization can be expected to accelerate significantly only in those areas of care at which expanded coverage is directed.
Attention on autopilot: Past experience and attentional set

What factors determine the implementation of attentional set? It is often assumed that set is determined only by experimenter instructions and characteristics of the immediate stimulus environment, yet it is likely that other factors play a role. The present experiments were designed to evaluate the latter possibility; specifically, the role of past experience was probed. In a 320-trial training phase, observers could use one of two possible attentional sets (but not both) to find colour-defined targets in a rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) stream of letters. In the subsequent 320-trial test phase, where either set could be used, observers persisted in using their pre-established sets through the remainder of the experiment, affirming a clear role of past experience in the implementation of attentional set. A second experiment revealed that sufficient experience with a given set was necessary to facilitate persistence with it. These results are consistent with models of executive control (e.g., Nor...
OCCURRENCE AND CONTROL OF Salmonella IN FRESHWATER CATFISH

The incidence of Salmonella was determined in farm-raised catfish and in their environment. The effect of the processing procedure on Salmonella contamination also was investigated. In addition, domestic and imported retail samples were also examined for Salmonella. Salmonella was isolated from processed farm catfish and catfish pond water. Its source could not be established in that feed, cattle manure, frogs, turtles and crayfish from the ponds were Salmonella-negative. The detection of Salmonella in catfish and catfish pond water seemed to be enhanced by high stocking densities and water temperatures approaching 26°C. Cross-contamination may have occurred between the skin and viscera and the finished dressed fish if Salmonella-positive fish were not processed properly. By changing the processing procedure, the incidence of Salmonella in the finished product was reduced from 48.6 to 0%. Retail samples exhibited a wide range of total plate and coliform counts with a good correlation (0.86 farm-raised and 0.80 wild) between the two in fresh fish. This correlation was not noted in frozen imported fish (−0.10 for Mexican and −0.0047 for Brazilian). Salmonella was isolated from only 13 of 153 (8.4%) retail samples. The overall food quality and safety of dressed cattish was good.
The Transitron Oscillator

The negative-resistance oscillator possesses many advantages over the ordinary triode feed-back types. The most common of negative-resistance oscillators, the dynatron, has not been generally adopted owing to its dependence on secondary emission, an unsteady property. The retarding-field negative-transconductance oscillator possesses the advantages of the dynatron without its disadvantages. This type of oscillator is discussed from the practical standpoint, the theoretical treatise having been given in a previous article. The oscillator will generate sinusoidal oscillations of any frequency from the lowest audio to 60 megacycles by simply changing the tuned circuit constants. It will function with direct plate and anode voltages of 2 and 4 volts, respectively, or 50 and 200 volts, respectively, or any intermediate values. An alternating-current output of a fraction of a volt to over 20 volts effective value is obtainable across the tuned circuit. The simplicity of construction and operation and the assurance of constant performance make this type of oscillator a valuable addition to the laboratory.
Random logistic maps and Lyapunov exponents

Abstract We prove that under certain basic regularity conditions, a random iteration of logistic maps converges to a random point attractor when the Lyapunov exponent is negative, and does not converge to a point when the Lyapunov exponent is positive.
Antibodies to Squalene in Recipients of Anthrax Vaccine

We previously reported that antibodies to squalene, an experimental vaccine adjuvant, are present in persons with symptoms consistent with Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) (P. B. Asa et al., Exp. Mol. Pathol 68, 196-197, 2000). The United States Department of Defense initiated the Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program (AVIP) in 1997 to immunize 2.4 million military personnel. Because adverse reactions in vaccinated personnel were similar to symptoms of GWS, we tested AVIP participants for anti-squalene antibodies (ASA). In a pilot study, 6 of 6 vaccine recipients with GWS-like symptoms were positive for ASA. In a larger blinded study, only 32% (8/25) of AVIP personnel compared to 15.7% (3/19) of controls were positive (P > 0.05). Further analysis revealed that ASA were associated with specific lots of vaccine. The incidence of ASA in personnel in the blinded study receiving these lots was 47% (8/17) compared to an incidence of 0% (0/8; P < 0.025) of the AVIP participants receiving other lots of vaccine. Analysis of additional personnel revealed that in all but one case (19/20; 95%), ASA were restricted to personnel immunized with lots of vaccine known to contain squalene. Except for one symptomatic individual, positive clinical findings in 17 ASA-negative personnel were restricted to 4 individuals receiving vaccine from lots containing squalene. ASA were not present prior to vaccination in preimmunization sera available from 4 AVIP personnel. Three of these individuals became ASA positive after vaccination. These results suggest that the production of ASA in GWS patients is linked to the presence of squalene in certain lots of anthrax vaccine.
Evapotranspiration from Northern Semiarid Grasslands

Management of forage production for livestock grazing on semiarid grasslands depends on water availability. Evapotranspiration (ET) was measured using the Bowen ratio energy balance method on three grasslands at Mandan, ND: a nongrazed mixed-grass prairie (prairie), a grazed mixed-grass prairie (grazed prairie), and a grazed western wheatgrass [Pascopyrum smithii (Rybd) Love] site (western wheatgrass). Measurements were made from 24 April to 17 October (the growing period) in 1996, 1997, and 1998. Peak ET rates generally coincided with periods of peak biomass production and occurred between early July and early August. Peak biomass averaged 1097 kg ha -1 for the prairie, 1227 kg ha -1 for grazed prairie, and 1725 kg ha -1 for western wheatgrass, and peak leaf area index averaged 0.38 for the prairie, 0.44 for grazed prairie, and 0.59 for western wheatgrass. Growing period (175 d) ET averaged 489 mm for the prairie, 455 mm for the grazed prairie, and 497 mm for the western wheatgrass while growing period precipitation averaged 320 mm. Evapotranspiration of grazed prairie was 7% less than nongrazed prairie and 8% less than western wheatgrass. Evapotranspiration of the nongrazed prairie and the grazed western wheatgrass were similar. The ratio of the latent heat of ET to net radiation averaged 0.25 for grazed prairie and 0.28 for prairie, suggesting that grazing changed the canopy structure and energy budget components that affected ET. These results suggest that in a semiarid environment, proper grazing of prairie grasslands conserves soil water.