cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Importance of Matrix Construction for Multiple-Resolution Categorical Map Comparison

This paper describes three important inter-related factors in multipleresolution categorical map comparison that can affect the measured association between two maps: resolution effect, matrix effect, and parameter effect. We demonstrate how cross-tabulation matrix construction affects the quantitative comparison of categorical maps by analyzing synthesized and empirical examples at fine and several coarser resolutions. We consider three soft classification rules and their corresponding matrices—multiplication, minimum, and composite. We measure association using popular coefficients of agreement at multiple resolutions. The results show that the composite matrix has useful interpretability because it assesses clearly the information of quantity and spatial allocation concerning map categories.
Synthesis of narrow-distribution 'perfect' polyethylene and its block copolymers by polymerization of cyclopentene

Polycyclopentene with controllable molecular weight and polydispersity below 1.1 was obtained by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of cyclopentene at room temperature using a commercial...
The effect of fasting on thyroidal T4-5' monodeiodinating activity in mice.

Complete fasting induces a significant decrease of serum T3 and a fall in TSH in rodents and man. To evaluate the effect of starvation on thyroidal T4 5'monodeiodinating activity, in vitro conversion of T4 to T3 by thyroid and liver homogenate from one to three days fasted mice was compared with homogenates from control mice on animal chow. 5'monodeiodinating activity was significantly lower in thyroid homogenates of fasted mice than in those of chow-fed control [100 +/- 5.0 and 92 +/- 5.0 pmol T3.(mg protein)-1.h-1 at 48 and 72 h fasting, respectively, vs 132 +/- 5.0 pmol T3.(mg protein)-1.h-1 of fed control, p less than 0.01]. A similar decrease in thyroidal 5'monodeiodinating activity was seen in the liver. The decrease in thyroidal 5'monodeiodinating activity induced by fasting was not reversed by the supplementation of homogenates with the thiol-protecting agent, dithiothreitol (0.2-4.0 mmol/l). Physiological replacement of T4, 0.58 nmol.(100 g)-1.day-1, did not alter the effect of starvation in either the thyroid or liver. TSH (0.02 IU/day) injection, on the other hand, stimulated 5'monodeiodinating activity in homogenates of thyroids from 3-days fasted mice which was no different from TSH-treated fed control. It is postulated that starvation-induced decrease in thyroidal T4 to T3 converting activity may play a role, together with decreased hepatic 5'monodeiodinating activity, in fasting-induced low serum T3 in mice.
Effect of epinephrine deficiency on cold tolerance and on brown adipose tissue

Catecholamines are involved in thermogenesis. We investigated the specific role of epinephrine in regulation of temperature homeostasis in mice. We subjected adult wildtype (WT) and phenylethanolamine N-methyl transferase knock out mice (Pnmt(-/-)) lacking epinephrine to cold for 24h. Body temperature and thyroid hormone levels were not different between WT and Pnmt(-/-) mice. Although temperature was normal in Pnmt(-/-) mice, the brown fat response to cold was abnormal with no increase in Ucp-1 or Pgc-1alpha mRNA levels (but with an exaggerated cold-induced lipid loss from the tissue). Our results show that epinephrine may have a role in brown fat mitochondrial uncoupling through regulation of Ucp-1 and Pgc-1alpha, although this is not required to maintain a normal temperature during acute cold exposure. We conclude that epinephrine may have an important role in induction of Ucp-1 and Pgc-1alpha gene expression during cold stress.
Enhancement of gas sensor response of nanocrystalline zinc oxide for ammonia by plasma treatment

Abstract The effect of oxygen plasma treatment on nanocrystalline ZnO thin film based gas sensor was investigated. ZnO thin films were synthesized on alkali-free glass substrates by a sol–gel process. ZnO thin films were treated with oxygen plasma to change the number of vacancies/defects in ZnO. The effect of oxygen plasma on the structural, electrical, optical and gas sensing properties was investigated as a function of plasma treatment time. The results suggest that the microstructure and the surface morphology can be tuned by oxygen plasma treatment. The optical transmission in the visible range varies after the oxygen plasma treatment. Moreover, it is found that the oxygen plasma has significant impact on the electrical properties of ZnO thin films indicating a variation of resistivity. The oxygen plasma treated ZnO thin film exhibits an enhanced sensing response towards NH 3 in comparison with that of the as-deposited ZnO sensor. When compared with the as-deposited ZnO film, the sensing response was improved by 50% for the optimum oxygen plasma treatment time of 8 min. The selectivity of 8 min plasma treated ZnO sensor was also examined for an important industrial gas mixture of H 2 , CH 4 and NH 3 .
THE DETERMINANTS OF THE DEGREE OF INSUFFICIENCY OF BANK CREDIT TO SMALL BUSINESS

s of Doctoral Dissertations 695 2. That the principal determinants of the level of credit risk of a firm for both shortand long-term bank borrowings are: (a) profitability measured by the average of rate of return on net assets and (b) solvency measured by the average of debt-assets ratio. 3. That the level of credit risk of a firm for both shortand longterm bank borrowings is not affected by: (a) liquidity measured by the average of current ratio or (b) the growth of debt-assets ratio. 4. That the growth of rate of return on net assets, a supplementary measure of profitability, affects the level of credit risk of a firm in case of short-term bank borrowings only and not long-term bor-
Smilansky, Arneson, and the asymmetry of desert

Desert plays an important role in most contemporary theories of retributive justice, but an unimportant role in most contemporary theories of distributive justice. Saul Smilansky has recently put forward a defense of this asymmetry. In this study, I argue that it fails. Then, drawing on an argument of Richard Arneson’s, I suggest an alternative consequentialist rationale for the asymmetry. But while this shows that desert cannot be expected to play the same role in distributive justice that it can play in retributive justice, it does not fully vindicate the asymmetry, since desert can still play an important role in the former.
Progressive dolomitization of Florida limestone recorded by alkaline earth element concentrations in saline, geothermal, submarine springs

[1] Studies in the late 1970s revealed that the effluents of saline, geothermal, submarine springs on the West Florida Shelf have compositions nearly identical to seawater, except for distinct Ca enrichments and Mg depletions, probably resulting from dolomitization. During annual visits between 1996 and 2003 we collected high-purity effluents from four submarine springs and from Warm Mineral Springs (WMS), which is located on land. Filtered effluents were analyzed for major ions and for Sr and Ba. These analyses confirm the seawater-like composition of the effluents as well as the Ca enrichment and Mg depletion. The alkaline earth elements Sr and Ba, like Ca and Ra, are significantly enriched in the effluents compared to ambient seawater, by average factors of 1.6 and 3.8, respectively (about 9 and 12 for WMS). The Mg depletion, and the Sr and Ba enrichments, while invariant over the 7-year sampling period, increase gradually from south to north, consistent with progressive dolomitization of limestone along the purported convective flow path of the warm seawater. The Ca enrichment shows no obvious trend because, besides dolomitization, gypsum dissolution is an independent source of Ca. A simple mass balance indicates that the Ca excess is fully accounted for by these two processes in all four submarine springs. This is not the case for WMS, where a residual Ca excess points to a third source of Ca, presumably limestone dissolution that occurs upon mixing of the modified seawater with fresh groundwater from the Floridan Aquifer System.
Motion of ensembles of spherical particles in a fluid due to G-jitter

Abstract The reaction of ensembles of spherical particles (bubbles, drops, balls) embedded in a fluid to residual accelerations is studied. The creeping flow approximation is applied. The Fourier transform of the residual acceleration from the time representation to the frequency representation is used. The response of the particles in the frequency representation is calculated. Eventually the reverse Fourier transformation from the frequency representation to the time representation is applied. If a single particle is subjected to a constant external force, its velocity rises linearly in time and approaches the final Stokes velocity inversely proportional to the square root of time. Two identical particles aligned in the direction of a periodic external force move with equal velocity and phase shift. Pushing of the first particle by the second is as strong as pulling of the second particle by the first. The velocity of two closely spaced bubbles is larger by a factor 1/log2 than that of single bubbles. When several equally spaced particles are subjected to a periodic force, the inner particles assume a higher velocity than the outer particles, such that the condition of equal spacing gets violated and the former particles strike the latter.
Postnatal changes in free amino acid, DNA, RNA and protein concentrations of miniature swine brain.

— Postnatal developmental characteristics of miniature swine brain were evaluated through the first 9 weeks of age. Differential growth rates of cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem were defined in terms of DNA, RNA, protein and free amino acid concentrations at ages 5, 21, 35 and 63 days. Within the experimental conditions provided, hyperplasia ceased just prior to ages 21, 35 and 63 days for cerebellum, brain stem and cerebrum, respectively. An additional cerebral growth spurt, observed between weaning at age 35 days and sacrifice at age 63 days, may be indicative of impaired brain development due to inadequate nutrition provided by the dam's milk. Developmental changes in mean concentrations of brain free amino acids varied with anatomical area and differed somewhat from those of other species previously reported. For example, mean cerebral concentrations of aspartic acid, γ-aminobutyric acid and asparagine + glutamine decreased significantly (P < 0·05) with age and mean glutamic acid concentration was 5 times that of taurine.
Dynamics of dual film formation in boundary lubrication of steels part I. Functional nature and mechanical properties

Effective “breaking-in” of lubricated steel surfaces has been found to be due primarily to the rate of growth of “protective” films of oxides and compounds derived from the lubricant. The protection afforded by the films is strongly dependent on lubricant chemistry, steel composition, original surface roughness and the load/speed sequence or history in the early stages of sliding. Given the great number of variables involved it is not possible to follow more than a few of the chemical changes on surfaces using the electron, ion and X-ray column analytical instruments at the end of experiments. Ellipsometry was therefore used to monitor the formation and loss of dual protective films in real time, and detailed chemical analysis was done at various stages to calibrate the ellipsometer. This work is reported in three interlinking parts: I, functional nature and mechanical properties; II, chemical analyses; III, real-time monitoring with ellipsometry.
Cytochrome P-450 2C9 signaling does not contribute to age-associated vascular endothelial dysfunction in humans.

Oxidative stress impairs endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD) with aging in healthy sedentary adults. Increased cytochrome P-450 2C9 (CYP 2C9) signaling can contribute to oxidative stress-mediated ...
Sti 571 induces caspase 9 and 3 dependent apoptosis of bcr-abl positive cells in-vitro; augmentation of apoptotic responses by trail

Abstract STI571 is an abl-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits growth of bcr/abl+ cells. It is unclear if this is due to cell cycle arrest, apoptosis or both. To test the hypotheses that: (a) caspase mediated apoptosis is the dominant effect of STI571 in leukemic cells, and (b) that the apoptotic response is specific to bcr/abl+ cells, we sought to identify apoptotic pathways in bcr/abl+ and bcr/abl− cells in vitro. Using the bcr/abl+ cell line K562, the leukemic cell line MO7e, and MO7e cells transfected with bcr/abl (MO7p210), we quantified apoptosis using morphological and flow cytometric analyses of cells exposed to STI571. After 24 hours, P.I. staining revealed G1 arrest in K562 and MO7p210. By 84 hours, there was a substantial sub-G1 population with morphological signs of apoptosis. By 2 hours, a majority of cells expressed annexin-V. Caspase 3 activation increased over 72 hours. A caspase 9 inhibitor markedly inhibited the degree of caspase 3 activation seen at 48 hours. A caspase 8 inhibitor was less effective. MO7e cells were unaffected by STI571. We next sought to determine the potential synergistic effects of STI571 and TRAIL. TRAIL induces apoptosis by binding to death receptors via a pathway that is p53 independent. In K562 cells, TRAIL induced caspase 8 dependent, caspase 3 activation and annexin-V within 24 hours. TRAIL and STI571 had an additive effect with respect to induction of caspase 3 and annexin-V. We conclude: (a) STI571 induces G1 arrest followed by apoptosis in bcr/abl+ cells, and (b) because STI571 and TRAIL may induce apoptosis via different pathways and appear to have an additive anti-leukemic effect, the combination of these agents may have therapeutic potential.
Fractalkine: a novel cardiac chemokine?

This editorial refers to ‘Detrimental effect of fractalkine on myocardial ischemia and heart failure’ by W. Xuan et al ., pp. 385–393, this issue. The endothelium plays a central role in maintaining cardiovascular integrity, function, and the response to injury. A multitude of bioactive molecules is known to be expressed in and secreted from the endothelium under both physiological and pathophysiological circumstances. Xuan et al. 1 uncover a unique role for fractalkine (FKN), a novel membrane-bound chemokine that is mainly expressed in endothelial cells in myocardial ischaemia and heart failure (HF). FKN, also known as CX3CL1, is an atypical chemokine that exists in either a membrane-bound form or as a cleaved soluble chemokine.1 The membrane-bound form acts as an adhesion molecule and can enable leucocyte adhesion via binding to CX3CR1, expressed on monocytes, NK cells, and a small subset of T cells.2,3 Under inflammatory conditions, the membrane-bound form can be cleaved to release a soluble chemokine that functions as a chemoattractant for monocytes and T cells.4 FKN has been implicated in a number of disease states, including atherosclerosis,5 glomerulonephritis,6 and cerebral ischaemia.7 Although also expressed in cardiomyocytes, very little is known about …
Nodal high-order methods on unstructured grids

We present a convergent high-order accurate scheme for the solution of linear conservation laws in geometrically complex domains. As our main example we include a detailed development and analysis of a scheme for the time-domain solution of Maxwell's equations in a three-dimensional domain. The fully unstructured spatial discretization is made possible by the use of a high-order nodal basis, employing multivariate Lagrange polynomials defined on the triangles and tetrahedra, while the equations themselves are satisfied in a discontinuous Galerkin form with the boundary conditions being enforced weakly through a penalty term. Accuracy, stability, and convergence of the semidiscrete approximation to Maxwell's equations is established rigorously and bounds on the growth of the global divergence error are provided. Concerns related to efficient implementations are discussed in detail. This sets the stage for the presentation of examples, verifying the theoretical results, and illustrating the versatility, flexibility, and robustness when solving two- and three-dimensional benchmark problems in computational electromagnetics. Pure scattering as well as penetration is discussed and high parallel performance of the scheme is demonstrated.
Long-term outcomes and clinical predictors for pacing after cardiac transplantation.

Background Prior studies have yielded inconsistent results on bradyarrhythmias requiring a permanent pacemaker (PPM) after cardiac transplant. This study evaluated the predictors for PPM requirement, long-term outcomes, and influence of implant timing and device programming on prognosis after cardiac transplant. Methods This study prospectively evaluated 1,307 recipients from 1985 to 2007 at Cleveland Clinic by structured follow-up and compared the outcomes of patients with and without bradyarrhythmias requiring PPM after transplantation. The primary end point was all-cause mortality or retransplant. Results Recipients, aged 50 ± 15 years (donors, 33 ± 14 years), were monitored 82 ± 59 months, with PPM indicated in 106 (8.1%), including 61 (57.5%) early and 44 (42.5%) late. Biatrial technique strongly predicted PPM requirement (OR [odds ratio], 2.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63–4.20; p p = 0.480) and 80.4% (early) vs 73.2% (none, p = 0.550) and 72.6% (late) vs 73.2% (none; p = 0.960). Excess atrial fibrillation was noted among PPM recipients (PPM, 12.3% vs no PPM, 6.3%; p = 0.02) with high initial DDD programming in 92.5% (98 of 106). Sinus rhythm with intact atrioventricular conduction at 6 months was present in 69 (85%), yet 67 (67%) remained DDD programmed, with mean 26.0% ± 38.0% right ventricular pacing. Conclusions No excess mortality is associated with a PPM after cardiac transplantation, and biatrial technique strongly predicts PPM requirement. Increased atrial fibrillation among PPM recipients may be related to right ventricular stimulation with dual-chamber pacing.
Physiological and affective responses to family caregiving in the natural setting in wives versus daughters

This study examined differences in hemodynamic responses to usual caregiving duties undertaken in the natural setting by caregiving wives versus daughters. Participants were 88 women (36 daughters, 52 wives), 50 years of age or older, caring for a relative with dementia. Participants underwent 2 standard laboratory challenges (1 physical and 1 emotional) and ambulatory monitoring in the natural setting. Although wives and daughters showed similar physiological responses to the laboratory challenges, daughters evidenced greater hemodynamic responses in the natural setting relative to wives when the care recipient was present (p < .02). The increases in hemodynamic responses were accompanied by increased negative interactions with the care recipient as well as other family members (p < .0009). The results add to the small body of research indicating that family caregiving may have negative acute effects on psychosocial and physiological responses in the natural setting, particularly in daughters.
The Application of Soil Magnetic Techniques For Determining the Original Form of Prehistoric Earthworks

Mounds located within the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in southwestern Illinois are being used as test cases for the development of this methodology. To date, work has concentrated on conical and platform mounds. Soil magnetic results from three mounds (Mound 36, Mound 62, and Mound 56) are presented below. Detailed topographic interpretations can be found in Dalan and Watters, 1994. We propose a methodology consisting of a combination of topographic and soil magnetic techniques as a relatively nondestructive and economic means of determining the original form of prehistoric earthworks. We have tested such an approach on earthen mounds at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a Mississippian period (ca. A.D. 900-1400) center located in southwestern Illinois. Erosion and sedimentation, exacerbated by cultivation and other modern cultural activities, have worked to blur and sometimes completely eradicate the original shapes of these mounds. Laboratory magnetic analyses are applied to provide an understanding of the erosional history of a mound, that, together with topographic data and an understanding of hillslope evolution, can be used to determine what it looked like during the Mississippian period occupation. To date, we have used this methodology to distinguish platform and conical mounds as well as to identify less common forms such as multi-terraced platforms.
Parents of Babies with Severe Handicaps: Concerns About Early Intervention

Early intervention services offer benefits to babies with severe handicaps, to their parents, and to society; yet because of the special demands of adjusting to the birth of a handicapped baby, par...
A modified high‐output, size‐selective aerosol generator

A compact and commercial aerosol generator capable of generating narrowly size-distributed aerosols with high mass concentrations was designed, fabricated and tested. The aerosol generator, consisting of a Delavan simplex nozzle (Model 30610-4), an L-shaped settling chamber and a virtual impactor with a clean air core, was modified and improved from Chein and Lundgren's work [20] to be more compact and readily commercial. The performance of the aerosol generator was evaluated using corn-oil, sodium chloride and uranine solutions. The results indicated that the cornoil droplets produced by the generator had a mass medium aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 7.20 ± 0.32 μm with a geometric standard deviation (GSD) of 1.48 ± 0.01 and the aerosol generation rate was 13.8 ± 1.3 mg/min. Solid aerosols generated from NaCl solution were found to have an MMAD in the range 1.39–4.88 μm with a GSD of 1.34–1.47 with the volumetric solution concentration varying from 0.1% to 9%. At the same time, the aerosol generation rate varied from 0.27 ± 0.05 to 15.8 ± 1.8 mg/min. depending on the solution concentration and the particle size produced. In addition, a 0.01% uraniane solution was tested to generate a submicron aerosol with an MMAD of 0.93 μm and a GSD of 1.48.
King John's military reputation reconsidered

Abstract A measure that medieval chroniclers used for judging kings was success in battle. King John obviously failed this test with his loss of Normandy, 1202–04, and the failure of his 1214 continental campaign. Modern scholars prefer to depict the king as an able administrator, downplaying his military activity; they continue to follow medieval writers in labelling John an incompetent general, lacking boldness, even cowardly. In fact, John's poor military reputation is based on only a few comments in chronicles and verse narratives. While his defense of Normandy from the French was a disaster, partly because of his own failings, factors beyond his control contributed heavily to his loss of the duchy, such as the superior wealth of Philip Augustus. Critics neglect the link between the English king's warfare and his administrative activity, which aimed at raising men, money and other resources for wars. John conducted campaigns capably before and after the loss of Normandy. Some moderns accept traditional condemnation of his military skill, because of a misunderstanding of the nature of medieval warfare. Pitched battles were rare, and war consisted of seemingly aimless plundering raids and sieges of castles. John's supposed lack of boldness merely reflects a medieval commander's caution. His plans for the relief of Château Gaillard in 1203 and his 1214 two-pronged attack on Philip illustrate skill in strategy. Unlike many medieval generals John was skilled at siegecraft, seen at Rochester Castle in 1215. While King John's two greatest campaigns failed, costing him most of his continental lands, his failures in warfare are due neither to incompetence nor to cowardice.
Limits of detectability for clusters and solute segregation to grain boundaries

Abstract The abilities to detect and characterize the sizes and distribution of solute clusters, embryos, precipitates and solute atoms in the matrix by friends-of-friends methods in atom probe tomography are shown to improve with single atom position-sensitive detectors with high detection efficiency. In low solute matrices, clusters with as few as 5 atoms can be detected. A characterization method is presented that enables complete characterizations of grain boundaries and triple junctions by atom probe tomography in terms of the orientation relationships of the adjacent grains, as well as the local variations of the habit plane, surface curvature, and the solute excesses over the surface of a grain boundary with up to a 1 nm by 1 nm spatial resolution.
Perspective on multi-scale assets for clean energy technologies in buildings

Optimizing high-value energy efficiency and renewable energy in multi-scale systems that include buildings provides energy savings, energy reliability, indoor health and power quality, among other benefits. These benefits are not easily accounted for in traditional energy budget analysis, and their monetization is not included in typical cost-benefit calculations. Popular belief is that higher use of energy efficiency reduces return on investment (ROI) and that inclusion of renewable energy further reduces ROI. In fact, optimization of higher degrees of energy efficiency with on-site renewable has significantly greater positive economics. This is due to several factors including the aging electric grid—statistically having more and longer electric outages—and extremely poor electric power quality (electric surges, sags and transients) that wreaks havoc on digital equipment. Additionally, weather patterns are becoming more intense, stressing the wired electric system and fuel pipelines. As costs for energy efficiency and renewable energy are reduced and as these systems become more standardized and modular, it is more practical to begin utilizing these advances to increase operational resilience and make energy costs more predictable over longer periods.
ORIENTED FILM GROWTH, NOT EPITAXY IN HTSC FILM GROWTH

A survey of the literature reveals that the following materials have been used as the substrates for ‘‘epitaxial’’ deposition of YBCO high Tc superconducting (HTSC) thin films: SrTiO3, ZrO2 (or YSZ), MgO, LaAlO3, Si and Al2O3 (with or without buffer layers), SiO2, Pt, MgAl2O4, even noncrystalline substrates. An analysis of the structural relations between the substrate and HTSC phase is presented. It is obvious that the term ‘‘epitaxy’’ is misapplied in many of these cases. We analyze the evidence for actual crystal structural control from the substrate influencing the oriented growth of the desired phase and find it nonexistent in many cases, very weak in others, and persuasive in a few cases. For the superconductor quality what matters is the quality of the HTSC film, not what it is sitting on. This quality can be quantified in four steps, the first three describing the degree of orientation in none (random‐orientation), one (growth direction), or two (in film plane) crystallographic directions. The fou...
T cell receptor signaling can directly enhance the avidity of CD28 ligand binding.

T cell activation takes place in the context of a spatial and kinetic reorganization of cell surface proteins and signaling molecules at the contact site with an antigen presenting cell, termed the immunological synapse. Coordination of the activation, recruitment, and signaling from T cell receptor (TCR) in conjunction with adhesion and costimulatory receptors regulates both the initiation and duration of signaling that is required for T cell activation. The costimulatory receptor, CD28, is an essential signaling molecule that determines the quality and quantity of T cell immune responses. Although the functional consequences of CD28 engagement are well described, the molecular mechanisms that regulate CD28 function are largely unknown. Using a micropipet adhesion frequency assay, we show that TCR signaling enhances the direct binding between CD28 and its ligand, CD80. Although CD28 is expressed as a homodimer, soluble recombinant CD28 can only bind ligand monovalently. Our data suggest that the increase in CD28-CD28 binding is mediated through a change in CD28 valency. Molecular dynamic simulations and in vitro mutagenesis indicate that mutations at the base of the CD28 homodimer interface, distal to the ligand-binding site, can induce a change in the orientation of the dimer that allows for bivalent ligand binding. When expressed in T cells, this mutation allows for high avidity CD28–CD80 interactions without TCR signaling. Molecular dynamic simulations also suggest that wild type CD28 can stably adopt a bivalent conformation. These results support a model whereby inside-out signaling from the TCR can enhance CD28 ligand interactions by inducing a change in the CD28 dimer interface to allow for bivalent ligand binding and ultimately the transduction of CD28 costimulatory signals that are required for T cell activation.
Adult and adolescent arousal preferences: The revised reducer-augmenter scale

Vando's (A personality dimension related to pain tolerance, unpublished doctoral dissertation, 1970, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 1, 28–29, 1974) Reducer-Augmenter Scale (RAS) was revised by adding a six point scale for each item and by revising several items. Each item was reviewed for comprehension level and readability by groups of high school students (n = 220). Based on this information items were rewritten, deleted, retained or added. College students (n = 210) completed the revised questionnaire (Revised Reducer-Augmenter Scale) along with the Reactivity Scale (RS) and the short version of the Affect Intensity Measure (AIM). Two techniques were used to reduce the number of items in the Revised Reducer-Augmenter Scale (RRAS) and insure that the items reflected the construct of interest. The alpha reliability and split half reliability for the RRAS was 0.79. Convergent validity, the correlation with the RS, was r = 0.44. Discriminant validity, the correlation with the AIM, was r = -0.02. Possible applications of the RRAS for investigating high risk adolescent behavior are discussed.
Heterophase dislocations — An approach towards interpreting high temperature grain boundary behavior

Abstract When the conditions of full thermodynamic equilibrium are added to the conventional linear elastic theory of dislocations a hybrid concept of “heterophase” dislocations arises. As developed here, heterophase dislocation theory provides a self-consistent method for calculating the core configuration, energy, and stress-strain field which minimize the thermodynamic potential of a dislocated crystal. Simple grain boundaries in crystals near the melting point are treated as constrained arrays of heterophase misfit dislocations with a liquid-like core phase similar to, but not identical with the properties of ordinary liquid phase. Measurements of the properties and behavior of {011} tilt boundaries in bismuth crystals near the melting point show that the new theory accounts accurately for the energetic dependence on tilt misorientation in the range 0° to 6°, and then deviates from the observed dependence. The new theory also permits prediction of a structural transition in grain boundaries which is extremely sensitive to the density of misfit dislocations. This transition, predicted to occur in bismuth at a tilt misorientation of 15° was also confirmed by hot-stage electron microscopy.
The BICM Capacity of Coherent Continuous-Phase Frequency Shift Keying

This paper presents a methodology for determining the capacity of coherently detected continuous- phase frequency shift keying (CPFSK) modulation under the constraints of binary coding and an ergodic channel. Building upon the capacity results, the coded CPFSK parameters of code rate, alphabet size, and modulation index are jointly optimized by using capacity as a cost function. From this optimization, it is possible to determine the minimum epsivb/No required for bit-interleaved coded CPFSK to achieve an arbitrarily low error rate as a function of spectral efficiency. Results showing this minimum epsivb/No are presented for a range of spectral efficiencies and several alphabet sizes in an AWGN channel.
Prediction with zero‐one loss structure

This paper poses a prediction problem in which a linear model is assumed. With a “zero-one” loss structure as the loss from incorrect prediction, it is suggested that least squares may not be appropriate for estimating the parameters of the model. An alternate criterion is proposed and integer programming is used in order to find the estimates, given the proposed criterion.
An experiment promoting interdisciplinary applied human development : the University of Pittsburgh model

Abstract The University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development is an unusual university facilitative and administrative unit that promotes, funds, plans, implements, manages, and conducts interdisciplinary applied education, research, service demonstration, program evaluation, and policy projects pertaining to children, youth, and families. In the 9+ years of its existence, its soft-money budget has grown more than 34 times, its number of employees has increased 27-fold, and it has played a major role $75 million worth of collaborative projects. This article describes the Office's rationale, structure, purposes, principles of operation, projects, evaluation, and positive and negative factors in its development so that others may benefit from this case-study experiment in interdisciplinary applied human development programming.
DYNAMICS OF CHOICE BEHAVIOR: THE LOGICAL RELATION BETWEEN LINEAR OBJECTIVE PROBABILITY AND NONLINEAR SUBJECTIVE PROBABILITY

Summay.-In choice behavior, researchers have noticed that humans have a preference for some pmbabhties. Most researchers in the past 40 yr. have been unable to account for the nonlinearity of this behavior. The convex shape of nonlinear subjective probabilities has been experimentally confirmed by every investigator fmm Preston and Baratta through Edwards, Handa, and Kahneman and Tversky. What has been lacking is a clear analysis of why the probabilities have a convex shape. Here, it is argued that Keynes provided a logical explanation and a mathematical formula for this phenomenon in 1921. Had researchers not overlooked this important work, the body of knowledge on choice behavior might be more advanced.
Fetal lamb lung lavage and its effect on lung phosphatidylcholine.

Summary: The lungs of intrauterine 135–136-day-old lambs were lavaged with amnionic fluid, with or without meconium, to determine the effect on lung phosphatidylcholine (PC) concentration, synthesis, and function. No differences were apparent between animals lavaged with amnionic fluid or amnionic fluid with meconium. When lavaged lungs were compared to nonlavaged controls, no detectable differences were observed in histology or the quantity of saturated (SPC) and unsaturated phosphatidylcholine (UPC). However, the lavaged lungs retained a larger fraction of maximal lung volume at 5 cm H2O distending pressure and the incorporation of (32P) orthophosphate into lung PC was significantly reduced. In addition, two lavaged animals who became acidotic (pH < 7.20) exhibited decreased incorporation of (14C) palmitate into whole lung unsaturated, and saturated phosphatidylcholine.
Laser Raman Spectroscopy of Crystal Powders

The problem of exciting Raman spectra of crystal powders with a laser is examined. Various methods of sample illumination are considered. An expression for the signal-to-noise ratio in the presence of stray exciting flux and fluorescence is derived and discussed. An experimental setup with sample holder, beam positioner, double monochromator, and pulse-counting detection is described. In many cases, fluorescence is the major source of unwanted background. Typical data are given for fluorescence, stray light, and signal-to-noise ratios in Raman lines. The probabilities of making a false observation of a line or missing a real line are discussed.
Managerial coaching behaviors in learning organizations

Limited published research has examined the role of leaders and managers in building learning capability and learning organizations. It is speculated that leaders and managers will assume roles such as facilitators of learning, coaches, and teachers. However, these roles and the micro‐behaviors manifested in them remain an area that has not been fully explored. This article reports specific findings from a qualitative critical incident study that was designed to investigate the multiple ways exemplary managers facilitate their employees’ learning in organizations considered to be learning organizations. Thirteen behavior sets emerged from this research that help to define the role of facilitator of learning. Implications for management development are discussed and areas for future research are identified.
Optimal time-delayed open/closed-loop control of a damped beam

Vibration suppression of a structurally damped beam via open and closed-loop controls is investigated. In doing so, minimization of a weighted, energy-based performance measure leads to closed-form expressions for optimal open-loop parameters in terms of feedback gains. The control problem is then completed by optimizing these feedback parameters numerically. Methods to determine optimal terminal time of control are also presented. Furthermore, techniques are established to optimize the response and performance of a system experiencing a known feedback time delay. Different types of optimization are proposed and, for each one, the trade-off between performance and computational efficiency is fully discussed.
Vitamin D and the development of allergic disease: how important is it?

Vitamin D has known effects on lung development and the immune system that may be important in the development, severity and course of allergic diseases (asthma, eczema and food allergy). Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent worldwide and may partly explain the increases in asthma and allergic diseases that have occurred over the last 50–60 years. In this review we explore past and current knowledge on the effect of vitamin D on lung development and immunomodulation and present the evidence of its role in allergic conditions. While there is growing observational and experimental evidence for the role of vitamin D, well-designed and well-powered clinical trials are needed to determine whether supplementation of vitamin D should be recommended in these disorders.
The Multicanonical ensemble: A New approach to computer simulations

The multicanonical ensemble is reviewed. Simulations of this ensemble promise improvements for a wide range of systems. Applications to first order phase transitions and spin glasses are summarized.
Microiontophoretic study of the GABA receptor in the feline caudate nucleus.

Abstract The effect of microiontophoretic application of GABA and its antagonist, picrotoxin, on the firing of neurons in the feline caudate nucleus (CN) was studied. Firing was elicited by stimulation of the CN a few millimeters from the recording site. Increasing ejection currents of GABA produced a dose-dependent decrease and eventual blockade of the firing of CN neurons. The GABA current which reduced firing by 50% (ED50) was 7 nA. The Hill coefficient for the action of GABA was calculated as 1.8, indicating that a minimum of two independent subunits of the GABA receptor might need to be simultaneously occupied to activate the conductance change which produces the depressant effect. Picrotoxin blocked the action of GABA in a manner suggestive of a competitive antagonism. Dose ratios for the effects of GABA alone and of GABA during picrotoxin iontophoresis showed the dissociation constant (KD) of picrotoxin for the GABA receptor in the CN to be approximately 5 μM. Our results agree with those reported for different parts of the nervous system in various species, suggesting that the receptor which mediates the depressant effect of GABA in the CN has properties similar to striatal GABA receptors characterized in in vitro studies.
Collaboration: Strength in diversity

Richard B. Freeman and Wei Huang reflect on a link between a team's ethnic mix and highly cited papers.
Contribution of periderm material and blanching time to the quality of pasteurized peach puree.

Fresh peaches were blanched for either a long (20 min) or short (2 min) time, with and without periderm material. Samples were then macerated into purees and pasteurized in boiling water for 30 min. Samples were subsequently stored at 40 °C for 4 weeks to determine physicochemical and sensory changes affecting overall quality and nutritional content. Purees containing periderm had higher antioxidant activity (AOX) and individual phenolic acid content after processing and storage, with good correlation to AOX observed with chlorogenic acid (r = 0.82). Long blanch times resulted in increased levels of extraction and retention of both total soluble phenolics and ascorbic acid. Quantitative descriptive analysis demonstrated increased aromatic perception of skin in samples containing periderm material, but the remaining sensory attributes were indistinguishable between treatments. Macerating peaches without periderm removal was demonstrated to increase levels of bioactive phytochemicals and increase the proces...
A computational model of the human glucose-insulin regulatory system

Abstract Objective A computational model of insulin secretion and glucose metabolism for assisting the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in clinical research is introduced. The proposed method for the estimation of parameters for a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) that represent the time course of plasma glucose and insulin concentrations during glucose tolerance test (GTT) in physiological studies is presented. The aim of this study was to explore how to interpret those laboratory glucose and insulin data as well as enhance the Ackerman math-ematical model. Methods Parameters estimation for a system of ODEs was performed by minimizing the sum of squared residuals (SSR) function, which quantifies the difference between theoretical model predictions and GTT's experimental observations. Our proposed perturbation search and multiple-shooting methods were applied during the estimating process. Results Based on the Ackerman's published data, we estimated the key parameters by applying R-based iterative computer programs. As a result, the theoretically simulated curves perfectly matched the experimental data points. Our model showed that the estimated parameters, computed frequency and period values, were proven a good indicator of diabetes. Conclusion The present paper introduces a computational algorithm to biomedical problems, particularly to endocrinology and metabolism fields, which involves two coupled differential equations with four parameters describing the glucose-insulin regulatory system that Ackerman proposed earlier. The enhanced approach may provide clinicians in endocrinology and metabolism field in-sight into the transition nature of human metabolic mechanism from normal to impaired glucose tolerance.
Location Learning for Smart Homes

In this paper, we investigate the problem of monitoring patients in an assisted living environment. We apply machine learning techniques for localization and tracking. We consider an environment such as a smart home, assisted living facility, or recovery unit that is equipped with tiny wireless devices which interact with a device carried by the patient. These indoor, multi-room environments are well suited to learning approaches as barriers usually inhibit the operation of systems which calculate location via ranging and multilateration. The location information can be logged over time to monitor a patient's activity. Based on data collected in experiments using real-life test beds, we conduct simulations comparing the location estimation accuracy of several learning algorithms.
Repeated measurements of reinforcement effects on gradients of stimulus control.

Abstract Two experiments studied the effects of reinforcement schedules on generalization gradients. In Exp. 1, after pigeons' responding to a vertical line was reinforced, the pigeons were tested with 10 lines differing in orientation. Reconditioning and the redetermination of generalization gradients were repeated from 8 to 11 times with the schedule of reinforcement varied in the reconditioning phase. Stable gradients could not be observed because the successive reconditionings and tests steepened the gradients and reduced responding. Experiment 2 over-came these effects by first training the birds to respond to all of the stimuli. Then, brief periods of reinforced responding to the stimulus correlated with reinforcement alternated with the presentation of the 10 lines in extinction. The development of stimulus control was studied eight times with each bird, twice with each of four schedules of reinforcement. Gradients were similar each time a schedule was imposed; the degree of control by the stimulus correlated with reinforcement varied with particular schedules. Behavioral contrast occurred when periods of reinforcement and extinction alternated and was more durable with fixed-interval, variable-interval, and variable-ratio schedules than with fixed-ratio or differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate schedules.
A zinc ribbon protein in DNA replication: primer synthesis and macromolecular interactions by the bacteriophage T4 primase.

The gene product 61 primase protein from bacteriophage T4 was expressed as an intein fusion and purified to homogeneity. The primase binds one zinc ion, which is coordinated by four cysteine residues to form a zinc ribbon motif. Factors that influence the rate of priming were investigated, and a physiologically relevant priming rate of ∼1 primer per second per primosome was achieved. Primase binding to the single-stranded binding protein (1 primase:4 gp32 monomers; Kd ∼ 860 nM) and to the helicase protein in the presence of DNA and ATP-γ-S (1 primase:1 helicase monomer; Kd ∼ 100 nM) was investigated by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Because the helicase is hexameric, the inferred stoichiometry of primase binding as part of the primosome is helicase hexamer:primase in a ratio of 1:6, suggesting that the active primase, like the helicase, might have a ring-like structure. The primase is a monomer in solution but binds to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) primarily as a trimer (Kd ∼ 50−100 nM) as demonstr...