cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonparametric approaches to testing and multiple comparisons in a one-way anova

Two questions of interest involving nonparametric multiple comparisons are considered. The first question concerns whether it is appropriate to use a multiple comparison procedure as a test of the equality of k treatments, and if it is, which procedure performs best as a test. Our results show that for smaller k values some multiple comparison procedures perform well as tests. The second question concerns whether a joint ranking or a separate ranking multiple comparison procedure performs better as a test and as a device for treatment separation. We find that the joint ranking procedure does slightly better as a test, but for treatment separation the answer depends on the situation.
Mechanisms Of Resistance to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) in Two Species of Marine Diatoms

Clones of Ditylum brightwellii and Thalassiosira nordenskioldii were isolated from New York coastal waters, and PCB-resistance in D. brightwellii was induced in the laboratory by exposure to increasing concentrations of PCB. Resistance could not be similarly induced in T. nordenskioldii, but was serendipitously discovered in unexposed cultures that had undergone sexual reproduction.Cells of the resistant strain were substantially larger than those of the sensitive strain in both species. Larger vacuole space seemed to account for this in D. brightwellii, but in T. nordenskioldii larger cells contained more carbon. Experiments with14C-PCB tracer indicated that PCB accumulation was less in resistant strains of both species. Neutral lipid content per cell, as determined using the fluorophore Nile Red, was similar for resistant and sensitive strains of both species. Sub-cellular examination of lipid droplets in D. brightwellii suggested that the PCB-resistant strain may be sequestering this lipophilic toxicant in a location removed from physiological activity. In T. nordenskioldii a decreased ratio of neutral lipidxarbon may reduce intracellular accumulation of PCB. These diatom species have developed PCB resistance in the highly PCB-polluted Hudson River estuary and, since they are the preferred food of dominant copepods, they may offer less PCB per unit ration to zooplankton grazers.
Single-beam analysis of damaged beams: Comparison using Euler–Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam theory

Abstract A new general formulation that is applicable to the damaged, linear elastic structures ‘unified framework’ is used to obtain analytical expressions for natural frequencies and mode shapes. The term mode shapes is used to mean the displacement modes, the section rotation modes, the sectional bending strain modes and sectional shear strain modes. The formulation is applicable to damaged elastic self-adjoint systems. The formulation has two unique aspects: First, the theory is mathematically rigorous since no assumptions are made regarding the physical behavior at a damage location, therefore there is no need to substitute the damage with a hypothetical elastic element such as a spring. Since the beam is not divided at the damage location, rather than an 8 by 8, only a 4 by 4 matrix is solved to obtain the natural frequencies and mode shapes. Second, the inertia effects due to damage which have till now been neglected by researchers are accounted for. The formulation uses a geometric damage model, perturbation of mode shapes and natural frequencies, and a modal superposition technique to obtain and solve the governing differential equation. Timoshenko beam theory is then taken as an example, and its results are compared with results using Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and finite element models. The range of applicability of the two theories is ascertained for damage characteristics such as depth and extent of damage and beam characteristics such as slenderness ratio and Poisson׳s ratio. The paper considers rectangular notch like non-propagating damage as an example of the damage.
The Thermal Insulating Properties of Vermiculite

A study has been carried out to determine the thermal insulating properties of expanded vermiculite mineral in the form of loose particles and in the form of compressed vermiculite boards. Measurem...
L2-ANALYTIC TORSION FUNCTIONS FOR SEMIFINITE VON NEUMANN ALGEBRAS

We introduce determinant andL2-analytic functions forn-tuples of commuting elements in a semifinite von Neumann algebra. Some fundamental properties of these functions are investigated.
Reactions of Prospective English Teachers toward Speakers of a Non-Standard Dialect.

This study tests the hypothesis that prospective English teachers have unfavorable stereotypes of speakers of non-standard English dialects. After listening to a recorded tape of black and white speakers with standard and non-standard styles of pronunciation, subjects were asked to judge solely on phonological variation certain personality characteristics, the races, and probable occupations of the speakers. Results tend to support the original hypothesis.
Restoration of ability to reject xenografts and clear carbon after hypophysectomy of adult rats

Earlier work suggested that a new pituitary function might account for the decline of minimal O2 consumption with age by decreasing peripheral tissue responsiveness to thyroxine and triiodothyronine. It was of interest to see if removal of the pituitary from adult rats could restore juvenile competence in other systems of the body by reversing the postulated age-associated end-organ hypthyroidism. Four and 64 week old intact rats reject xenografts in 6 and 13.8 days, respectively. After hypophysectomy and thyroxine replacement, 64 week old rats reject xenografts in 6.5 days. Four and 64 week old intact rats have a Vmax of colloidal carbon clearance of 18.9 and 2.5 mg/kg fat free body weight, respectively. After hypophysectomy and thyroxine replacement 60 week old rats have a Vmax of 15.5 mg. Corticosterone was the only other hormone given to the hypophysectomized rats and at the various doses tested it did not appear to affect the rates of the two functions studied.
The Wrath of Capital: Neoliberalism and Climate Change Politics – Reflections

Abstract In this article the author responds to the criticism that The Wrath of Capital: Neoliberalism and Climate Change Politics does not provide solutions to problems the book identifies. The author argues for the importance of developing a deep understanding of how neoliberalism has become the standard against which all social, economic, cultural, and political responses to climate change are measured. She goes onto re-iterate the main thesis of The Wrath of Capital, namely that this does not constitute an effective or equitable response to the challenges climate change presents. In her view understanding and thinking are important ingredients in developing a sustainable and equitable solution to climate change.
Physical properties of the natural satellites

This paper reviews the physical nature of the satellites of the planets, excluding the Moon but including the rings of Saturn. Emphasis is placed on the best studied objects: Titan, Phobos and Deimos, the four Galilean satellites (Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto), and the rings of Saturn.
The development of a graphic multidimensional Markov Chain modeler to diagram large state spaces

Existing Markov modeling tools include high level Petri nets and process algebras, or low level statistical packages with programmed or form matrices. However, we and other modelers often describe our work in Markov Chain state space format. With the rising popularity of graphical tools, a graphical Markov Chain state space modeler makes sense to simplify development of these models. However, as networks become large and complex, the graphical tool must implement large state spaces quickly, by allowing the modeler to specify patterns for state and transition generation. Our graphic multidimensional Markov Chain modeler implements the Gauss-Seidel solution. It enables modelers to design state spaces graphically, eliminating programming and associated debugging. This tool can be used by programmers and non-programmers alike to speed up research efforts of all types, and can also be used as a training tool for probability or simulation courses teaching modeling. As an example application, we analyze a case study involving Common Radio Resource Management (CRRM) applied to load shared wireless networks.
Applicability of ptilochronology as a conservation tool in waterbird studies

Ptilochronology is a cost effective tool for determining the nutritional condition of birds. The technique uses the daily growth of feathers to decipher diet and habitat quality as well as contaminant load. To date, most studies using ptilochronology have focused primarily on passerines. The use of the technique in other orders, primarily waterbirds, could lead to a significant increase in their utility as bioindicators of estuarine health. I performed a survey of study skins from the Museum of Natural History in New York, NY and the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, DC to determine whether feather growth bars are present in waterbird species. Three hundred specimens representing 52 species were examined (orders: Pelicaniformes, Suliformes, Gruiformes). Few species did not possess discernible feather growth-bars, and in one case, this may be attributed to a nocturnal foraging habit. Because the majority of species did exhibit measurable growth-bars, it seems as though ptilochronology can be applied in waterbird studies as an efficient tool for management purposes in estuarine habitats.
Dualizing complexes over noncommutative graded algebras

The motivation for the work presented in this paper was two questions posed by M. Artin. Let A be a d dimensional regular graded algebra over the field k, with augmentation ideal m (see Def. 4.13). Denote by Hi(A) (resp. Hi,(A)) the dth left (resp. right) local cohomology of A at the ideal m; i.e., Hi(A) = lim,, Extd,(A/m”, A) and similarly for Hi,(A). As left modules and as right modules, Hi(A) and H$,(A) are both isomorphic to A’ := Hom,(A, k) (up to a twist in degrees; all operations are taking place in the graded category).
Common omissions and misconceptions of wave propagation in turbulence: discussion

This review paper addresses typical mistakes and omissions that involve theoretical research and modeling of optical propagation through atmospheric turbulence. We discuss the disregard of some general properties of narrow-angle propagation in refractive random media, the careless use of simplified models of turbulence, and omissions in the calculations of the second moment of the propagating wave. We also review some misconceptions regarding short-exposure imaging, propagation of polarized waves, and calculations of the scintillation index of the beam waves.
Extraction of nucleic acids from agarose gel--a quantitative and qualitative comparison of four different methods.

Abstract Agarose gel electrophoresis is commonly used to separate different species of nucleic acids. We compare four different methods of extraction which are commonly used. These methods include buffer extraction, electroelution, glass bead extraction and extraction of DNA from low-melting agarose. The results show that DNA extracted by these four methods is comparable in their ligability to the PMT 21 vectors and the plasmids with insert can be used for subsequent transfections of competent bacteria. There is a higher yield for buffer extraction and electroelution when compared with glass bead extraction and low melting agarose (p<0.05). To conclude, the four commonly used methods for DNA isolation are comparable qualitatively. But the simplest method, namely buffer extraction, has the highest yield.
Root-n Uniformly Consistent Density Estimation in Nonparametric Regression Models

The paper introduces a root-n consistent estimator of the probability density function of the response variable in a nonparametric regression model. The proposed estimator is shown to have a (uniform) asymptotic normal distribution, and it is computationally very simple to calculate. A Monte Carlo experiment confirms our theoretical results, and an empirical application demonstrates its usefulness. The results derived in the paper adapts general U-processes theory to the inclusion of infinite dimensional nuisance parameters.
Importance of Mn(III) Availability on the Rate of Cr(III) Oxidation on δ-MnO2

The oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) significantly increases its mobility and toxicity and therefore its environmental hazard. The oxidation rate of aqueous Cr(III) in a suspension of δ-MnO2 (birnessite) was investigated at different pyrophosphate concentrations and pH values. Pyrophosphate, which is known to form strong complexes with Mn(III), was added to the suspension in order to sequester available Mn(III) and thereby demonstrate the importance of Mn(III) availability on the rate of Cr(III) oxidation. Pyrophosphate concentrations of 3 μmol/L, equivalent to approximately 14% oxide surface site complexation, resulted in a greater than 45% reduction in kobs. Dramatic rate reductions were observed in the 0 to 7 μmol/L pyrophosphate region. At concentrations greater than 7 μmol/L, additional pyrophosphate had little effect on the reaction rate. On the basis of experimental results a two reaction pathway model in which the rate of one pathway scales with free Mn(III) concentration was created and fit to expe...
Verbal mediation underlying inductive reasoning: Cognitive tempo differences

A verbal mediation strategy underlying successful inductive reasoning and its differential utilization by impulsive and reflective children was explored. Eighty children (M age = 11.17) were identified as impulsive or reflective and subsequently administered an inductive reasoning task composed of figural matrices. The two cognitive tempo groups were equally distributed across four independent conditions intended to differentially encourage a verbal mediation strategy: standard administration or control (C), constrained nonverbal attention (A), experimenter-provided verbal cues (EL), and subject-elicited verbal cues (SL). These groups were given two task administrations: no verbal interference in Session 1 and verbal interference (i.e., concurrent word shadowing) in Session 2. The hypothesized verbal mediation strategy would be supported most clearly by a differential decrement in performance in the verbal conditions caused by the addition of verbal interference. Both impulsives and reflectives exhibited higher accuracy and lengthened response times in the EL and SL conditions without interference. However, only reflectives in the SL group demonstrated disrupted performance (decreased accuracy and shortened latency) with the verbal interference. It is proposed that reflectives may have incorporated the verbal labels into a covert verbal mediation strategy, whereas impulsives utilized the cues to construct a visual mental representation.
FOUNDATION MODELING FOR JOINTED CONCRETE PAVEMENTS

Issues related to the finite element modeling of base and subgrade materials under jointed plain concrete pavements are examined. The three-dimensional finite element program EverFE, developed in conjunction with the Washington State Department of Transportation, was employed for the analyses. The relevant modeling capabilities of EverFE are detailed, including the ability to model multiple foundation layers, the incorporation of loss of contact between slab and base, and the efficient iterative solution strategies that make large three-dimensional finite element analyses possible on desktop computers. The results of parametric studies examining the effects of foundation type (layered elastic and dense liquid) and properties on the response of jointed plain concrete pavements subjected to axle and thermal loads are presented. Special attention is paid to the interactions between joint load transfer effectiveness and foundation type, and joint load transfer is shown to change significantly with different foundation models and properties. A consideration of simultaneous thermal and axle loadings indicates that the effect of foundation type and properties on critical slab stresses caused by edge loading and a positive temperature gradient is relatively small. However, the slab response is quite sensitive to foundation type for a combined negative temperature gradient and corner loading. On the basis of these results, use of an equivalent dense liquid foundation modulus in mechanistic rigid pavement analysis or design is not recommended when stiff base layers are present.
Reactivity of 3d Transition Metal Cations in Diethylene Glycol Solutions. Synthesis of Transition Metal Ferrites with the Structure of Discrete Nanoparticles Complexed with Long-Chain Carboxylate Anions

Study of the reactivity of 3d transition metal cations in diethylene glycol solutions revealed several key features that made it possible to develop a new method for synthesis of the nanocrystalline transition metal ferrites. The 3−7 nm particles of {MFe2O4}n[O2CR]m, where M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Zn, ligated on their surface with long-chain carboxylate anions, have been obtained in an isolated yield of 75−90%. The key features are the following. Complexation of the first-row transition metal cations with diethylene glycol at a presence of alkaline hydroxide is sufficient to enable control over the rate of their hydrolysis. The reaction of hydrolysis leads to the formation of metal oxide nanocrystals in colloidal solution. The nanoparticles growth is terminated by an added long-chain carboxylic acid, which binds to their surface and acts as a capping ligand. The isolated nanocrystalline powders are stable against agglomeration and highly soluble in nonpolar organic solvents.
Primary reservoirs of Streptococcus mutans and their relationship to caries experience in adults with good oral hygiene

Primary reservoirs of Streptococcus mutans were identified in a group of 21 adults with intact dentitions and good oral hygiene by obtaining multiple plaque samples from all available tooth surfaces. Routine cultural methods and a rapid plate scoring method employing a 7-point ordinal scale were used to assess S. mutans levels. Oral hygiene status (DI-S) and caries experience (DMFT and DMFS) were determined clinically. Primary S. mutans reservoirs (high scores) were restricted essentially to the posterior interproximal areas and occasionally in the occlusal pits and fissures of partially erupted mandibular third molars. An anterior to posterior gradient of increasing S. mutans scores was observed for interproximal sites. Oral hygiene scores correlated poorly with DMFT, DMFS and the S. mutans scores obtained for different anatomic locations.
Design and calibration of a microfabricated floating-element shear-stress sensor

A microfabricated floating-element shear-stress sensor for measurements in turbulent boundary-layers is reported. Using surface micromachining of polyimide, a 500- mu m*500- mu m probe has been fabricated incorporating a differential-capacitor readout circuit. A model for the sensor response is described and is used for the design of an element to measure shear stresses of 1 Pa in air. The sensor is packaged for calibration in laminar flow, and electrical results obtained match the expected response. >
Business Ethics of Future Marketing Managers

This paper presents the findings of a study which examined the business ethics of college students. The study utilized a series of ten vignettes which posed five different types of ethical problems. The responses were analyzed to determine student values.
A comparative study of the bactericidal activity of horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) hemolymph and vertebrate serum

Abstract This paper describes a partially heat-labile, naturally occurring bactericidal factor in cell-free hemolymph preparations obtained from Limulus polyphemus. This bactericidal activity has been shown to be directed against two Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, whereas it had no effect on the Gram-positive bacteria tested, Micrococcus lysodeikticus and Staphylococcus aureus. Maximal bactericidal activity of this factor was observed at 30°C and pH 6.0. Since complement and antibody are required for antimicrobial activity in vertebrate sera, the activity of this factor in the presence of various complement inhibitors was assayed. The bactericidal activity of Limulus hemolymph is abolished by treatment with endotoxin; however, other anticomplementary substances were without effect. Limulus amebocyte lysate is known to contain protein which may be precipitated by endotoxin; it is possible that the reduction of bactericidal activity produced by endotoxin treatment may be caused by the denaturation of a bactericidal protein moiety produced by the hemocytes.
Evaluation of four template preparation methods for polymerase chain reaction-based detection of Salmonella in ground beef and chicken

Aims: To compare procedures for recovering template DNA from ground beef or chicken for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection of Salmonella. Methods and Results: The primer set of ST11 and ST15 was utilized to amplify a 429-bp product from Salmonella serotype Typhimurium. Boiling and three commercial kits were evaluated for extracting DNA from pure suspensions and artificially contaminated ground beef and chicken. The detection sensitivity of the PCR assay for pure cultures was independent of the template preparation method (P=0·946). Boiling and GeneReleaser™ failed to detect Salm. Typhimurium at 4 × 106 cfu g−1 in ground chicken. PrepMan™ Ultra and the high pure PCR template preparation kit facilitated reliable and sensitive detection of Salm. Typhimurium in two types of food. The sensitivities were approx. 4 × 103 cfu g−1. When spiked samples were enriched in peptone water for 6 h, an initial inoculum of 1 cfu g−1 was detectable. Conclusions: Four template DNA preparation methods differed in performance with respect to the type of samples tested. Significance and Impact of the Study: Template DNA for the PCR detection of pathogenic bacteria, such as Salmonella in meat and poultry, could be effectively obtained using a simple rapid method such as the commercially available PrepMan™ Ultra kit.
Modification of reversed-phase separations of small molecules using non-ionic surfactants and mixed ionic- non-ionic surfactants

The effects of non-ionic surfactants, Tween 20 and Tween 60, on reversed-phase separations of small molecules have been examined. Tween compounds were found to partition irreversibly into the ODS material used, markedly decreasing capacity factors for the compounds tested. Compounds which could hydrogen bond were less affected. Ion pairing using either anionic or cationic surfactants was possible in the presence of the non-ionic surfactants. While reversed-phase effects predominate under these conditions, secondary effects on retention order were observed and attributed to hydrogen bonding. Primary amines were retained longer than the corresponding secondary amine while catechols were retained longer than the corresponding methoxyphenols.
Objective evidence that bariatric surgery improves obesity-related obstructive sleep apnea.

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with obesity. Our aim in this study is to report objective improvement of obesity-related OSA and sleep quality after bariatric surgery. Methods Prospective bariatric patients were referred for polysomnography if they scored ≥6 on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The severity of OSA was categorized by the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) as follows: absent, 0 to 5; mild, 6 to 20; moderate, 21 to 40; and severe, Results Of 349 patients referred for polysomnography, 289 patients had severe (33%), moderate (18%), and mild (32%) OSA; 17% had no OSA. At a median of 11 months (6 to 42 months) after bariatric surgery, mean body mass index (BMI) was 38 ± 1 kg/m2 (P Conclusions OSA is prevalent in at least 45% of bariatric surgery patients. Preoperative BMI correlates with the severity of OSA. Surgically induced weight loss significantly improves obesity-related OSA and parameters of sleep quality.
Immunopathogenetic aspects of infective endocarditis.

This article will focus upon the histopathologic, immunopathologic, and circulating immune complex data that have the been marshalled as evidence of the immune complex nature of endocarditis. We will also emphasize which immunologic pathways appear to be involved in the tissue injury phase of endocarditis, underlying the diseases extracardiac manifestations
Abstract 2825: Using SHG to study breast cancer tumor progression.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC The majority of cancer mortality is a result of metastatic events, making it increasingly important to uncover prognostic markers that can predict the metastatic potential of a primary tumor to aid in determining the best course of patient treatment. Stromal extracellular matrix restructuring increases efficiency of cell migration away from the primary tumor into surrounding tissues and vasculature, thereby enhancing metastatic potential. We have determined that the ratio of the forward propagating to backward propagating Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) signals from type I collagen can be used as a quantitative method of differentiating healthy and tumor breast tissue, and tracking stromal changes throughout tumor progression. Tumors were graded and staged according to standard pathological qualifications, incorporating morphological changes in the tissue as well as extent of tumor growth and invasion. As the tumor cells initiate development in the ducts of the breast tissue the F/B ratio of the fibrillar collagen does not change. Upon progression from an in situ to an invasive carcinoma the F/B ratio of ductal tumors significantly decreases. Taking a closer look at this phenomenon, to examine whether the invasion through the basement membrane into the surrounding tissue causes an immediate change in the F/B ratio, tumors of varying grade and stage were analyzed showing significant trends throughout development. Increased tumor grade was associated with a gradual decrease in the F/B ratio, whereas size of the tumor had no significant effect on the F/B but all sizes were significantly lower than healthy tissue. Interestingly, there was a significant increase in the F/B ratio associated with the furthest progression of lymph-node involvement. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma analysis revealed a similar decrease in F/B, but was not affected by lymph node involvement. On the other hand F/B of these tumors was significantly affected by an interaction with the chest or skin. These results provide insight into the different development processes undergone by two related breast carcinomas, which could differ due to their alternative methods of invasion and stromal components. F/B ratio measurements can be used alongside pathological analysis to provide information about the metastatic potential of the primary tumor, as demonstrated by the relationship between F/B ratio of IDC and lymph node metastasis. Enhanced scientific understanding of stromal development could be applied to the development of improved biomarkers and metastatic treatment methods. Citation Format: Kathleen A. Burke, Edward Brown. Using SHG to study breast cancer tumor progression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2825. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2825
Thermal Convection Measurements inside Aluminum Foam and Comparison to Existing Analytical Solutions

Abstract Metal foams have high thermal conductivity and large surface area per unit volume. The internal structure of the foams promotes vigorous mixing of a moving fluid inside the foams. As such, metal foams are very suited for convection heat transfer designs. Clear models for forced convection heat transfer inside the foam, as well as reliable thermal measurements are indispensable for convection-based thermal system designs. This paper present direct experiment for Darcy airflow and fluid's temperature inside a heated aluminum cylinder filled with aluminum foam. The experimental fluid temperature is compared to the available analytical solutions for the two-equation model for fully-developed forced convection. Peculiar, physically-unexplainable behavior is displayed when plotting the existing analytical solution in the literature. An error was discovered and corrected. Good agreement is obtained with the correct solution.
An Ethnographic Study of Norms of Inclusion and Cooperation in a Multiethnic Middle School.

This study used ethnographic methods to examine cultural norms regarding inclusion and cooperation at Banner Middle School, in a western U.S. metropolitan area. Banner's students were predominantly working-class Caucasians and Chicanos. Much middle-school and multicultural educational literature calls for the inclusion of students of diverse abilities and race or ethnicity in school and classroom contexts, and for cooperative rather than competitive norms. There was generally powerful and consistent support at Banner for inclusive and cooperative norms at the sociocultural levels of the school as an institution, peer groups, and parents. Two factors stand out in explaining the high degree of inclusion and cooperation: the strong, effective leadership provided by the principal and the cultural congruity of these norms. This study supports the theoretical compatibility of middle-school and multicultural educational philosophy.
Imitation and Affordance Learning by Pigeons (Columba livia)

The bidirectional control procedure was used to determine whether pigeons (Columba livia) would imitate a demonstrator that pushed a sliding screen for food. One group of observers saw a trained demonstrator push a sliding screen door with its beak (imitation group), whereas 2 other groups watched the screen move independently (possibly learning how the environment works) with a conspecific either present (affordance learning with social facilitation) or absent (affordance learning alone). A 4th group could not see the screen being pushed (sound and odor control). Imitation was evidenced by the finding that pigeons that saw a demonstrator push the screen made a higher proportion of matching screen pushes than observers in 2 appropriate control conditions. Further, observers that watched a screen move without a demonstrator present made a significantly higher proportion of matching screen pushes than would be expected by chance. Thus, these pigeons were capable of affordance learning.
July: National Ice Cream Month

Since the birth of this country, Americans have had a love affair with ice cream. Statistics show that United States residents consume more ice cream per capita than residents of any other country in the world. In recent years, with the advent of what are called “designer” ice creams such as Haagen Dazs, Bassetts, and Carvel, the population's passion for this dessert has increased even more. However, it is this author's strong belief that we spend much more time eating the stuff than writing about it. Some cookbooks are available, but not one periodical is devoted exclusively to ice cream, and the majority of articles in general interest magazines focus only on the competition for a share of the market among manufacturers of premium ice cream. There are two classic textbooks in the field, and they devote a good deal of print to examining and explaining the composition, butterfat content, percentage of air, and other qualities of ice cream. Obviously, it is much more fun just to sit down and enjoy a big bowl of vanilla, America's favorite flavor, and let someone else write about it.
Human epidermal transglutaminase: stimulation by trypsin, organic solvents, and chaotropic salts.

Abstract The activity of pure human epidermal transglutaminase was enhanced 3- to 10-fold by various treatments. Incubation with trypsin caused a time-dependent enhancement in activity, up to 3 times the initial activity, with no apparent change in electrophoretic mobility as detected by disc and sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis, and with no apparent change in immunological properties. This enhancement was specific for trypsin among the several enzymes tested. Preincubation of transglutaminase with 0.1 to 2.0 m potassium thiocyanate or potassium iodide, and with 10 to 50% solutions of alcohols and other organic solvents caused a time-dependent enhancement of activity up to 10-fold over control. The presence of calcium was required for the observed enhancement. Kinetic studies suggest that the K m values of the substrates putrescine and casein determined for the native enzyme are similar to those for the stimulated forms of the enzyme. These in vitro methods of altering enzyme activity may be indications of potential in vivo controls of transglutaminase activity.
Long-Term Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury: Current Status of Potential Mechanisms of Injury and Neurological Outcomes

Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant clinical problem with few therapeutic interventions successfully translated to the clinic. Increased importance on the progressive, long-term consequences of TBI have been emphasized, both in the experimental and clinical literature. Thus, there is a need for a better understanding of the chronic consequences of TBI, with the ultimate goal of developing novel therapeutic interventions to treat the devastating consequences of brain injury. In models of mild, moderate, and severe TBI, histopathological and behavioral studies have emphasized the progressive nature of the initial traumatic insult and the involvement of multiple pathophysiological mechanisms, including sustained injury cascades leading to prolonged motor and cognitive deficits. Recently, the increased incidence in age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases in this patient population has also been emphasized. Pathomechanisms felt to be active in the acute and long-term consequences of TBI inc...
Job Status and High-Effort Coping Influence Work Blood Pressure in Women and Blacks

Work-related stress has been associated with an increased risk of hypertension and more severe cardiovascular problems in white men but has been less studied in women and black men. To determine whether the trait of high-effort coping (John Henryism) was related to higher blood pressure during work and laboratory challenges, we studied a biracial sample of 72 men and 71 women working full time outside the home who underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for one 8-hour workday. This was followed by laboratory monitoring of blood pressure during resting baseline and five brief stressors. Women who were high-effort copers and had high status jobs had higher diastolic pressures at work and in the lab than other women; their pressure levels did not differ from those of men, but other women had lower pressures than men. In blacks, the same combination of high-effort coping plus high job status was similarly associated with high work and laboratory diastolic pressure, as well as higher work systolic pressure. The trait of high-effort coping was observed in the large majority (71%) of the women and blacks who had achieved high status jobs but was seen in a minority (36%) of white men with high status jobs and was unrelated to increased blood pressure in the latter group.
The nature of the surface species formed on Au/TiO2 during the reaction of H2 and O2: An inelastic neutron scattering study

Inelastic neutron spectroscopy (INS) has been employed to identify surface species formed during the H2−O2 reaction on Au/TiO2 catalysts. Determination of the surface intermediates formed in this reaction is crucial to develop a mechanistic understanding for the direct vapor-phase propylene epoxidation reaction and synthesis of H2O2. Although the presence of intermediate hydroperoxo species (during these reactions) has been suggested in literature, it has never been demonstrated. Our studies provide direct evidence for the formation of surface hydroperoxo species during the H2−O2 reaction.
IL-23 and IL-17 in the establishment of protective pulmonary CD4 + T cell responses after vaccination and during Mycobacterium tuberculosis challenge

IL-23 and IL-17 in the establishment of protective pulmonary CD4 + T cell responses after vaccination and during Mycobacterium tuberculosis challenge
Measurement of field emission from nitrogen-doped diamond films

Abstract This study explores issues related to the measurement of the field emission properties of nitrogen-doped diamond grown by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Growth conditions have been optimized to produce films with a low concentration of sp 2 -bonded carbon which results in high electrical resistance. Field emission characteristics were measured in an ultrahigh vacuum with a variable distance anode technique. For samples grown with gas phase [N]/[C] ratios less than 10, damage from micro-arcs occurred during the field emission measurements. Samples grown at higher [N]/[C] content could be measured prior to an arcing event. The occurrence of a micro-arc is related to the film properties. The measurements indicate relatively high threshold fields (>100 V μm −1 ) for electron emission.
Uncertainty modeling for spatial data fusion and mining

Fusion and mining of uncertain heterogeneous spatial data in the cyber-physical space are challenging problems especially to deal in a coordinated way with both topological and geometrical uncertainties. This paper explores opportunities to meet these challenges by generalizing the Dynamic Logic of Phenomena (DLP) and the Neural Modeling Field (NMF) Theory for geo-spatial data. The main idea behind success of NMF and DLP in applications is matching the levels of uncertainty of the problem/model and the levels of uncertainty of the evaluation criterion used to identify the model with data. When a model becomes more certain then the evaluation criterion is also adjusted dynamically to match the adjusted model. This process mimics processes of the mind and natural evolution. This paper also outlines a generalization of k-nearest neighbors' algorithm in the DLP framework for geo-spatial structural data mining and fusion. The generalization is demonstrated on the problem of vector to raster conflation (VRC) of topologically and geometrically uncertain geo-spatial data. In this problem, multiple sources of data uncertainty include feature extraction from satellite imagery, vectorization of extracted features, and the whole process of generation of vector layers such as road and drainage networks. The derived conflation algorithm exploits generalized DLP with the lattice of models based on the hierarchy of topological and geometric uncertainties. The efficiency of this algorithm is shown on conflating satellite imagery with Tiger vector data.
Miller Fisher Syndrome, a Brainstem Encephalitis, Mimics Brain Death

Miller Fisher syndrome is a rare focal encephalitis of the brainstem characterized by cranial nerve palsy, ataxia, and areflexia. While this condition usually is mild and self-limiting, as this case documents, findings may fulfill many of the criteria in the clinical examination for brain death. Unlike brain death, however, it is not associated with irreparable structural damage of the brain or, as is mandatory, does it fulfill a very important prerequisite of brain death, the exclusion of potentially reversible causes of coma. Treatment of Miller Fisher syndrome is supportive.
The Drosophila Hrb98DE locus encodes four protein isoforms homologous to the A1 protein of mammalian heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein complexes.

Abstract The Drosophila Hrb98DE locus encodes proteins that are highly homologous to the mammalian A1 protein, a major component of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles. The Hrb98DE locus is transcribed throughout development, with the highest transcript levels found in ovaries, early embryos, and pupae. Eight different transcripts are produced by the use of combinations of alternative promoters, exons, and splice acceptor sites; the various species are not all equally abundant. The 3'-most exon is unusual in that it is completely noncoding. These transcripts can potentially generate four protein isoforms that differ in their N-terminal 16 to 21 amino acids but are identical in the remainder of the protein, including the RNP consensus motif domain and the glycine-rich domain characteristic of the mammalian A1 protein. We suggest that these sequence differences could affect the affinities of the proteins for RNA or other protein components of heterogeneous nuclear RNP complexes, leading to differences in function.
Pyrite and Marcasite Coated Grains in the Ordovician Winnipeg Formation, Canada: An Intertwined Record of Surface Conditions, Stratigraphic Condensation, Geochemical Reworking, and Microbial Activity

Sulfide-coated grains are enigmatic sedimentary particles that occur in sediments ranging in age from Archean to Jurassic. Although their oolitic and pisoidal texture suggests energetic and agitated conditions, their mineralogy seems to require a reducing and stagnant environment. Because of this conflict, they have long been considered diagenetic replacements of precursor iron oxide, chamosite, or carbonate ooids. Coated iron sulfide (CIS) grains from the Ordovician Winnipeg Formation of Saskatchewan, Canada, formed as primary diagenetic precipitates under shallow burial conditions, involving intermittent episodes of tractional reworking, grain abrasion, reburial, and precipitation of further concentric laminae. These iron sulfide grains are found in shallow marine sandstones with indications of episodic wave reworking, and indicate sufficient organic-matter burial to promote reducing pore waters and iron sulfide formation. Horizons with strong enrichment of iron sulfide grains (up to 40%) indicate negative net sedimentation to facilitate geochemical "reworking" of iron. CIS grains formed during intervals of maximum sediment starvation, when organic matter was enriched in surface sediments, and rare storm waves intermittently reworked the surface sediment. Alternating laminae of pyrite and marcasite within these grains point to substantial fluctuations in pore-water pH, driven by intermittent oxidation of previously formed iron sulfides. Filamentous and coccoid structures within cortical laminae suggest microbial involvement in lamina formation through providing a growth medium for sulfate-reducing bacteria and potentially a template for mineral growth. Coated iron sulfide grains of the Winnipeg Formation preserve a combined record of condensation, seafloor reworking, fluctuating chemical conditions in the surface sediment, and high surface productivity. This information-rich record is made even more valuable by the fact that the host sediment consists largely of heavily bioturbated monotonous sandstones that could not provide these insights on their own merit.
Preparation for Terrorist Threats: Biologic and Chemical Agents

This article is part of a collaborative effort by experts in the field of emergency preparedness to complete an overview begun by the late Michael Shannon, MD, MPH, on the current challenges and future directions in pediatric disaster readiness. This particular article, "Preparation for Terrorist Threats: Biologic and Chemical Agents," will address pertinent clinical management issues relating to biologic and chemical agents and the unique vulnerabilities and care needs of children as potential victims of such terrorism.
Teachers’ Reactions to Pre-Differentiated and Enriched Mathematics Curricula

Modern classrooms are often comprised of a heterogeneous student population with varying abilities. To address this variance, third-grade teachers implemented researcher-designed, pre-differentiate...
From the Unity of Nature to Sustainability Science: Ideas and Practice

The ideas of sustainability science are at least two centuries old, but only a decade in practice. This introductory paper reviews some of the key concepts underlying sustainability science beginning with Alexander von Humboldt and the unity of nature, discusses the basic foundation of the science, and illuminates the three major tasks of sustainability science: fundamental research on use-directed problems; nurturing the next generation of sustainability scientists; and moving knowledge into action.
Active versus passive teaching styles: An empirical study of student learning outcomes

This study compares the impact of an active teaching approach and a traditional (or passive) teaching style on student cognitive outcomes. Across two sections of an introductory business course, one class was taught in an active or nontraditional manner, with a variety of active learning exercises. The second class was taught in a passive or traditional manner, emphasizing daily lectures. Although the active learning approach does not appear to have improved overall mastery of the subject, we did find evidence that active learning can lead to improved cognitive outcomes in class-specific materials. The discussion emphasizes the role of delivery style on learning outcomes.
Spike timing dependent plasticity promotes synchrony of inhibitory networks in the presence of heterogeneity.

Recently Haas et al. (J Neurophysiol 96: 3305-3313, 2006), observed a novel form of spike timing dependent plasticity (iSTDP) in GABAergic synaptic couplings in layer II of the entorhinal cortex. Depend- ing on the relative timings of the presynaptic input at time tpre and the postsynaptic excitation at time tpost, the synapse is strengthened (� t = tpost − tpre > 0 )o r weakened (� t < 0). The temporal dynamic range of the observed STDP rule was found to lie in the higher gamma frequency band (≥40 Hz), a frequency range important for several vital neuronal tasks. In this paper we study the function of this novel form of iSTDP in the synchronization of the inhibitory neuronal network. In particular we consider a network of two unidirec- tionally coupled interneurons (UCI) and two mutu- ally coupled interneurons (MCI), in the presence of heterogeneity in the intrinsic firing rates of each cou- pled neuron. Using the method of spike time response curve (STRC), we show how iSTDP influences the dynamics of the coupled neurons, such that the pair synchronizes under moderately large heterogeneity in the firing rates. Using the general properties of the STRC for a Type-1 neuron model (Ermentrout, Neural Comput 8:979-1001, 1996) and the observed iSTDP