cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A test of the electronic stability criterion for some Fe-based amorphous metal series

Abstract An aspect of the electronic stability criterion, whereby conduction electrons contribute to the stability against crystallization, is examined experimentally for four Fe-based amorphous alloy series. The data for one of these series is inconsistent with such a criterion.
The Pittsburgh Decision Rule: triage nurse versus physician utilization in the emergency department.

The Pittsburgh Decision Rule (PDR) is a rule for ordering knee radiographs in patients with acute knee injuries. This study was designed to compare the utilization of the PDR between triage nurses and physicians. Consecutive patients presenting to the Emergency Department were enrolled. Nurses and physicians were blinded to each other's examinations. Of 182 subjects approached, 30 were excluded for incomplete data or refusal to obtain radiographs, leaving 152 subjects enrolled. Thirteen fractures (8.6%) were identified. Kappa scores were high for each component of the rule: mechanism of injury (fall or blunt trauma) kappa = 0.67, age ( 50 years) kappa = 1, inability to ambulate kappa = 0.67 and overall kappa = 0.83. Four of 13 fractures (31%) would have been missed using the PDR, resulting in a sensitivity of 77% for both physicians and nurses, and a specificity of 57% for physicians and 58% for nurses. Triage nurses and physicians were able to apply the PDR to patients who presented with acute knee injuries with a high level of agreement. However, the PDR demonstrated poor sensitivity in this patient population.
The experimental production of glycogen storage in cultured human fibroblasts.

Summary When normal human fibroblasts are cultured in the presence of D-(+)-trehalose added to a complete medium containing calf serum, the cells contain more glycogen than control cells grown in the absence of this disaccharide. Trehalose has been found to be a non-competitive inhibitor (KI = 5 to 8 mM) of the fibroblast α-glucosidase when this enzyme acts to degrade glycogen in vitro at pH 4.2. By growing normal cells in the presence of the non-metabolizable disaccharide, the half-life of their glycogen can be increased until its rate of turnover approaches that which is characteristic of glycogen in fibroblast cell lines from patients with Type II glycogen storage disease in which the α-glucosidase active at pH 4 is absent.
Modelling biplanes on surfaces

A biplane is a geometry corresponding to a symmetric (k2)+1, k, 2). block design. Noutrivial biplanes are known to exist only for k = 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11 and 13. Group difference set constructions exist for the unique biplanes having k = 3, 4, and 5, for all three biplanes having k = 6; and for one of the four biplanes having k = 9. We find models for these seven biplanes, using Cayley graph imbeddings on closed 2-manifolds.
Investigating the effects of Pleistocene events on genetic divergence within Richardsonius balteatus, a widely distributed western North American minnow

Biogeographers seek to understand the influences of global climate shifts and geologic changes to the landscape on the ecology and evolution of organisms. Across both longer and shorter timeframes, the western North American landscape has experienced dynamic transformations related to various geologic processes and climatic oscillations, including events as recently as the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; ~20 Ka) that have impacted the evolution of the North American biota. Redside shiner is a cyprinid species that is widely distributed throughout western North America. The species’ native range includes several well-documented Pleistocene refugia. Here we use mitochondrial DNA sequence data to assess phylogeography, and to test two biogeographic hypotheses regarding post-glacial colonization by redside shiner: 1) Redside shiner entered the Bonneville Basin at the time of the Bonneville Flood (Late Pleistocene; 14.5 Ka), and 2) redside shiner colonized British Columbia post-glacially from a single refugium in the Upper Columbia River drainage. Genetic diversification in redside shiner began in the mid to late Pleistocene, but was not associated with LGM. Different clades of redside shiner were distributed in multiple glacial age refugia, and each clade retains a signature of population expansion, with clades having secondary contact in some areas. Divergence times between redside shiner populations in the Bonneville Basin and the Upper Snake/Columbia River drainage precedes the Bonneville Flood, thus it is unlikely that redside shiner invaded the Bonneville Basin during this flooding event. All but one British Columbia population of redside shiner are associated with the Upper Columbia River drainage with the lone exception being a population near the coast, suggesting that the province as a whole was colonized from multiple refugia, but the inland British Columbia redside shiner populations are affiliated with a refugium in the Upper Columbia River drainage.
Failure of naive parton models for inclusive electron-positron annihilation

The asymptotic scaling behavior of inclusive electron-positron annihilation, e/sup -/e/sup +/ ..-->.. nX, is discussed in the context the parton model. We show that, unlike processes governed by the by the short-distance structure of current products, the naive perturbation theory prediction for this reaction is not generally correct and, in particular, is not correct for a quark-gluon gauge theory. Drawing on the ''solvable'' model of quantum chromodynamics in two space-time dimensions, we construct a simple example which differs from expectations based on free quarks but which, paradoxically, not only scales but even satisfies Feynman's interpretation of the scaling emission of hadrons by quarks.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrine disorder of premenopausal women, is characterized by chronic hyperandrogenism, oligo- or anovulation, obesity, and insulin resistance. Women who have PCOS are at increased risk for glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disorders. Recent reports indicate an unexpectedly high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in women who have PCOS. Alterations in sex steroids and increased visceral adiposity could potentially contribute to the increased prevalence of OSA in this disorder, and there may be strong associations between the presence and severity of OSA and the metabolic disturbances that characterize PCOS. Causal mechanisms in the link between PCOS and OSA remain to be elucidated. Clinicians who manage PCOS patients should be aware of the high prevalence of OSA and should systematically evaluate these women for sleep disturbances.
Information Processing with Electron Spins

Information processors process information in a variety of ways. The human brain processes information through a highly interconnected system of neurons and synapses, while a digital computer processes information by having a binary switch toggle on and off in response to a stream of binary bits. The “switch” is the most primitive unit of the modern computer. The better it is (faster, more energy efficient, more reliable, etc.), the more advanced is the computer hardware. Energy efficiency, however, is more important than any other attribute, not so much because energy is costly, but because too much energy dissipation prevents increasing the density of switches on a chip that is necessary to make the chip increasingly more powerful. Reducing dissipation entails radically new and often revolutionary approaches for implementing the switch. One such approach is to encode digital bit information in the spin polarization of a single electron (or ensemble of electrons) and then using two mutually antiparallel polarizations to represent the binary bits 0 and 1. Switching between the bits can be accomplished by simply flipping the polarizations of the spins, which takes very little energy. Such switches are extremely energy efficient if designed properly, but they are somewhat slower than traditional transistor-based switches and can be more error prone. This paper discusses the pros and cons of spin-based switches and introduces the reader to the most recent advancements in information processing predicated on encoding information in electron spin polarization.
Outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infections at an outpatient chemotherapy center

Background Four patients were hospitalized July 2011 with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infection (BSI), 2 of whom also had Klebsiella pneumoniae BSI. All 4 patients had an indwelling port and received infusion services at the same outpatient oncology center. Methods Cases were defined by blood or port cultures positive for K pneumoniae or P aeruginosa among patients receiving infusion services at the oncology clinic during July 5-20, 2011. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed on available isolates. Interviews with staff and onsite investigations identified lapses of infection control practices. Owing to concerns over long-standing deficits, living patients who had been seen at the clinic between January 2008 and July 2011 were notified for viral blood-borne pathogen (BBP) testing; genetic relatedness was determined by molecular testing. Results Fourteen cases (17%) were identified among 84 active clinic patients, 12 of which involved symptoms of a BSI. One other patient had a respiratory culture positive for P aeruginosa but died before blood cultures were obtained. Available isolates were indistinguishable by PFGE. Multiple injection safety lapses were identified, including overt syringe reuse among patients and reuse of syringes to access shared medications. Available BBP results did not demonstrate iatrogenic viral infection in 331 of 623 notified patients (53%). Conclusions Improper preparation and handling of injectable medications likely caused the outbreak. Increased infection control oversight of oncology clinics is critical to prevent similar outbreaks.
Influence of Orbit Size on Aspects of the Tarsier Postorbital Septum

Explanations invoking the complex mechanical effects of orbital enlargement in Tarsius have been extended to several areas of the skull, including the conformation of the postorbital septum. The strong cline in the degree of relative orbital enlargement across tarsier species groups presents an unexploited opportunity to test such scenarios. Our goal is to evaluate hypotheses concerning the impact of orbital hypertrophy on the size of specific components of the postorbital region including the frontal, zygomatic, alisphenoid, and maxillary bones. The frontal process is almost always viewed as a functional projection whose bracing role requires a positive morphometric association with orbital hypertrophy. Conversely, the periorbital expansion of the zygomatic is often perceived as functionally unrelated to orbital enlargement and therefore is not expected to track increases in relative orbit size. Interpretations of the alisphenoid and maxillary periorbital processes range from vestigial remnants of once larger structures reduced because of ocular enlargement to structures large in tarsiers because of their functionally relevant role in supporting the enlarged ocular apparatus. We measured these attributes in an extensive sample of 4 tarsier species groups including Tarsius bancanus, T. syrichta, T. spectrum, and T. pumilus. In contrast to proposed functional interpretations, our results indicate that variation in most linear parameters might be better explained by differences in body size than intrageneric differences in orbit size. As expected, width of the zygomatic postorbital contribution does not parallel intrageneric variation in orbit size. However, morphometric relationships between relative orbit size and other parts of the septum are complex but not clearly associated with orbit size differences within Tarsius.
Nitrotyrosine formation in the airways and lung parenchyma of patients with asthma.

Abstract Background: Recent evidence has shown that nitric oxide (NO) levels are increased in asthmatic airways. Although the role of NO in asthma is unknown, reactive metabolites of NO may lead to nitrotyrosine formation and promote airway dysfunction. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether nitrotyrosine, as a marker of nitrating species, could be found in the airways and lung parenchyma of subjects with asthma who died of status asthmaticus or other nonrespiratory causes. Methods: Lung tissue specimens were obtained from 5 patients who died of status asthmaticus, 2 asthmatic patients who died of nonrespiratory causes, and 6 nonasthmatic control subjects who died of nonrespiratory causes. Lung sections were stained for immunofluorescence with use of an antinitrotyrosine antibody, followed by a indiocarbocyanine (Cy5, Jackson Immunochemicals, Westgrove, Pa)–conjugated secondary antibody. Results: Nonasthmatic lungs showed little or no nitrotyrosine staining, whereas asthmatic lungs demonstrated significantly more staining of nitrotyrosine residues distributed in both the airways and lung parenchyma. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the presence of nitrotyrosine, and hence evidence of formation of nitrating species, in the airways and lung parenchyma of patients with asthma who died of status asthmaticus or other nonrespiratory causes. This finding supports the concept that widespread airway and parenchymal inflammation occurs in asthma, and, more specifically, that NO and its reactive metabolites may play a pathophysiologic role in asthma. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;104:747-54.)
Teaching the APA Practice Guidelines to Psychiatry Residents

In anticipation that the APA Practice Guidelines will find broad acceptance in clinical practice, the authors introduced the guidelines into their psychiatry residency curriculum. Small resident teams were used to cross-teach the essential material to each other. Thirty-seven residents participated in an 18-month trainee-led teaching program. Nine resident teams were constructed, one for each of the Practice Guidelines available at the time. Every other Friday, the residents from one guideline team presented it to the other residents at site lunchtime meetings. A pre- and post-study examination, assessing knowledge of the content of the guidelines, was administered to 27 residents. Each resident showed statistically significant increases in scores on the post-study test. A follow-up survey of resident attitudes about this teaching strategy revealed that it facilitated the learning process. Resident-led, small-group teaching may be an effective way to incorporate the APA Practice Guidelines into psychiatry curricula.
Aerodynamic Shape Optimization Using A Real-Number-Encoded Genetic Algorithm

A new method for aerodynamic shape optimization using a genetic algorithm with real number encoding is presented. The algorithm is used to optimize three different problems, a simple hill climbing problem, a quasi-one-dimensional nozzle problem using an Euler equation solver and a three-dimensional transonic wing problem using a nonlinear potential solver. Results indicate that the genetic algorithm is easy to implement and extremely reliable, being relatively insensitive to design space noise.
HEPATITIS C INFECTION IN TRANSPLANTATION

HCV is a common cause of chronic liver disease, accounting annually for 8000 to 10,000 deaths resulting from liver-related complications. As such, HCV is an important indication for liver transplantation, representing a major financial burden to the health care system in the United States (from $150 million to $300 million annually). HCV has a worldwide prevalence of 5% to 15% in transplant recipients, causing a relatively indolent course of infection, the clinical impact of which usually is not seen until more than 5 years after transplantation. 40 Recurrence of HCV after liver transplantation is nearly universal; thus, HCV infection, modified by immunosuppression, has the potential to affect both graft and patient survival. Because of prior parenteral exposure, HCV infection is present in other potential organ recipients (kidneys, hearts, and bone marrow), and, hence, also may play an important role in post-transplantation morbidity in these groups. Finally, transplantation is a risk factor for acquiring HCV infection, either through the donor organ or through transfused blood products, which in turn, can contribute to liver-related morbidity and mortality in the post-transplantation period. In this review we will focus on the spectrum of HCV infection in organ transplantation, with particular emphasis on liver and kidney transplant recipients. Diagnosis, natural history of disease, and current options for treatment are outlined. This information will guide us to make rational choices regarding transplantation of anti-HCV-positive patients and utilization of anti-HCV–positive donors.
Regulation of the cytoskeleton in mesothelial cells: Reversible loss of keratin and increase in vimentin during rapid growth in culture

Human mesothelial cells grew rapidly in culture when provided with serum, EGF, and hydrocortisone, adopting a fibroblastoid shape and forming parallel, multilayered arrays at saturation density. In the absence of EGF, the cells grew slowly to a flat, epithelioid monolayer similar to their normal pattern in vivo. Mesothelial cells normally have a high keratin and a low vimentin content in vivo. In culture, rapidly growing cells greatly reduced synthesis and content of their four major keratins to levels undetectable by immunofluorescence in most cells, but keratin synthesis and content returned to high levels whenever growth slowed. Vimentin synthesis and content was high during serial culture, but decreased several-fold in nondividing cells. The unique ability of the mesothelial cell to reversibly alter its morphology and intermediate filament composition is of unknown function and mechanism, but accounts for the morphological heterogeneity and the presence of keratin-negative cells in mesotheliomas.
What Genomic Sequence Information Has Revealed About Vibrio Ecology in the Ocean—A Review

To date, the genomes of eight Vibrio strains representing six species and three human pathogens have been fully sequenced and reported. This review compares genomic information revealed from these sequencing efforts and what we can infer about Vibrio biology and ecology from this and related genomic information. The focus of the review is on those attributes that allow the Vibrios to survive and even proliferate in their ocean habitats, which include seawater, plankton, invertebrates, fish, marine mammals, plants, man-made structures (surfaces), and particulate matter. Areas covered include general information about the eight genomes, each of which is distributed over two chromosomes; a discussion of expected and unusual genes found; attachment sites and mechanisms; utilization of particulate and dissolved organic matter; and conclusions.
A thermo-mechanical viscoelastic analysis of orthotropic materials

Abstract This study introduces a numerical algorithm for nonlinear thermo-mechanical viscoelastic analyses of orthotropic composite materials and structures that follow thermo-rheologically complex behaviors. The algorithm is derived based on implicit stress integration solutions within a general displacement based finite element (FE) framework for small deformations and uncoupled thermo-mechanical problems. The Schapery’s nonlinear single integral form is generalized for modeling viscoelastic responses of an orthotropic medium. The effects of stress and temperature are incorporated in the elastic and time-dependent material properties, which allow prediction of time-dependent responses under general stress and temperature histories. A recursive–iterative method is developed to calculate the current stress state from the given strains and temperature, and the history variables stored at the previous time step. Furthermore, a consistent tangent stiffness matrix is formulated to enhance equilibrium and avoid divergence at the structural level. Available experimental data of nonlinear viscoelastic responses of orthotropic composite materials are used to verify the above numerical algorithm. An integrated recursive–iterative algorithm with FE structural analysis is also presented for creep responses of orthotropic composite plate with a hole.
Design of a new photo-emission/low-energy electron microscope for surface studies

Abstract We have designed a new photo-emission/low-energy electron microscope (PEEM/LEEM) for surface studies in ultra-high vacuum (UHV). While following the general design concepts developed by Bauer and Telieps, significant innovations are made to enhance the resolution and capabilities of the instrument: a piezoelectrically driven sample stage, a magnetic cathode objective lens, an in-vacuum deflection magnet, and a double-gap, in-vacuum projector lens. Particular attention was paid to integrating the electron-optical requirements and constraints with the stringent vacuum requirements. At the time of writing this paper, construction of the microscope is nearly completed.
Whole-genome analysis of mRNA decay in Plasmodium falciparum reveals a global lengthening of mRNA half-life during the intra-erythrocytic development cycle

The rate of mRNA decay is an essential element of post-transcriptional regulation in all organisms. Previously, studies in several organisms found that the specific half-life of each mRNA is precisely related to its physiologic role, and plays an important role in determining levels of gene expression. We used a genome-wide approach to characterize mRNA decay in Plasmodium falciparum. We found that, globally, rates of mRNA decay increase dramatically during the asexual intra-erythrocytic developmental cycle. During the ring stage of the cycle, the average mRNA half-life was 9.5 min, but this was extended to an average of 65 min during the late schizont stage of development. Thus, a major determinant of mRNA decay rate appears to be linked to the stage of intra-erythrocytic development. Furthermore, we found specific variations in decay patterns superimposed upon the dominant trend of progressive half-life lengthening. These variations in decay pattern were frequently enriched for genes with specific cellular functions or processes. Elucidation of Plasmodium mRNA decay rates provides a key element for deciphering mechanisms of genetic control in this parasite, by complementing and extending previous mRNA abundance studies. Our results indicate that progressive stage-dependent decreases in mRNA decay rate function are a major determinant of mRNA accumulation during the schizont stage of intra-erythrocytic development. This type of genome-wide change in mRNA decay rate has not been observed in any other organism to date, and indicates that post-transcriptional regulation may be the dominant mechanism of gene regulation in P. falciparum.
Acute stress affects the physiology and behavior of allergic mice

Physical and psychological stressors have been implicated in acute asthma exacerbation. The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of forced swimming stress (FST) on allergic pulmonary inflammation in BALB/c mice. Eighty female mice were allocated to one of four treatments arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial consisting of two levels of allergy and two levels of stress. The effects of stress and allergy were assessed by examination of cytokines and leukocyte differentials in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, corticosterone and immunoglobulin (Ig) E in the plasma, leukocyte differentials in the peripheral blood, natural killer cytotoxicity, and histopathology of the lungs. Behavior was recorded during the FST. Stress and allergy increased plasma corticosterone in mice. Allergy increased IgE concentrations and pulmonary inflammation. Interleukin-4 was greater among allergic stressed and non-stressed mice and stressed, non-allergic mice compared with non-stressed, non-allergic mice. Interleukin-5 (IL-5) and 6 (IL-6) were greater among allergic stressed and non-stressed mice compared with non-allergic mice. Interleukin-5 and 6 were reduced among stressed-allergic mice compared with non-stressed, allergic mice. Stress and allergy shifted mice towards a T-helper 2 response as shown by increased interleukin-4. Stress reduced IL-5 and IL-6 in allergic mice but not non-allergic mice. Pulmonary inflammation was not reduced among allergic stressed mice in spite of elevated glucocorticoids. Mice induced to be allergic responded to FST differently than non-allergic mice. Our findings suggest that stress induces a differential response among allergic and non-allergic mice.
A Raman spectroscopic study on the effect of cholesterol on lipid packing in diether phosphatidylcholine bilayer dispersions.

Abstract For assessing lipid-sterol packing characteristics in model membrane systems, the vibrational Raman spectra of 1,2-di-O- hexadecyl -sn- glycero-3-phosphocholine (DHPC) multilamellar dispersions containing 18 mol% cholesterol were examined. The thermotropic behavior of the pure diether- and cholesterol-containing bilayers were studied in both the C-H stretching (2800–3100 cm−1) and C-C stretching (1000–1200 cm−1) mode regions, spectral intervals reflecting intermolecular and intramolecular order/disorder characteristics. Pure DHPC bilayers exhibit the pretransition and gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition temperatures at approx. 31 and 42.8°C, respectively. In contrast to the temperature behavior of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine-cholesterol bilayers in which the primary phase transition T m , is simply broadened, T m is increased to approx. 49.6°C in the DHPC (diether PC) liposomes containing 18 mol% cholesterol. As in the saturated chain diacyl-cholesterol bilayer systems, the sterol disorders the DHPC gel phase and eliminates the pretransition, while ordering the liquid-crystalline phase. Pure diether liposomes exhibit a headgroup dehydration effect as the multilamellar dispersions are cycled slowly over a temperature range including the gel and liquid-crystalline forms. That is, on multiple passages through the phase transitions, both the gel and liquid-crystalline bilayer forms assume an increased hydrocarbon chain order. In the cholesterol-containing diether bilayers, only the disordered intra- and interchain states are formed.
An automated assay for fecal estrogen conjugates in the determination of sex in avian species

Recently captive propagation of psitticines has become necessary in order to preserve and breed endangered species. As habitat destruction increases and importation restrictions become more stringent, the need for a reliable and noninvasive technique for sex assignment is essential to improve the productivity of breeding and raising birds in captivity. One aspect of breeding is the proper assignment of breeding pairs; however, sex identification can be challenging due to the lack of sexual dimorphism in approximately 30% of all avian species. Historically, visual, behavioral, surgical, cytogenetic, and endocrine methods have been utilized in sex identification of avian species; however, the practicality, safety, and reliability of these techniques have been questioned. Therefore, there remains a need for an accurate, simple, and non-invasive method to identify the sex of monomorphic birds so that the formation of breeding pairs and the success of breeding programs is facilitated. The data in this study support the concept that an automated fluorescence-immunoassay which measures fecal estrogen conjugates can have an 87% success rate in determining the sex of psitticines, as demonstrated with cockatiels, while offering the advantages of non-invasiveness, simplicity, and speed.
Status Consistency and Political Behavior: A Replication and Extension of Research

(1965). Status Consistency and Political Behavior: A Replication and Extension of Research. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 241-256.
A Convenient Cannulation Technique for Transposition Surgery

Abstract The left atrial appendage is used as an entry site for inferior vena cava cannulation in patients undergoing operation for transposition of the great vessels. Use of the left atrial appendage offers several advantages over the usual methods of cannulation.
Resolving the Mechanisms of Bacterial Resistance to Macrolide Antibiotics

Macrolides are a class of commonly used antibiotics that target the bacterial ribosome and prevent protein synthesis in the affected cells. Ribosomal residues A2058 and G2505 in the protein exit channel are considered to be particularly important for macrolide binding. Unfortunately, due to extensive use of macrolides, bacterial resistance, caused by mutation or methylation of specific rRNA residues in the ribosome, has become a growing concern. How these changes in rRNA induce macrolide resistance on a molecular level is still unclear. Here, we investigated macrolide resistance using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations.Presently, there are no force field parameters developed specifically for macrolides. Therefore, we have developed novel approaches for force field parametrization from first principles for large and bulky molecules, such as macrolides, using the Force Field Tool Kit plugin in VMD. Parameters were developed and validated for two commonly used macrolides: erythromycin and azithromycin. These macrolides were studied in wild-type and in two mutated ribosomes of E. coli: G2057A and A2058G. The simulation showed that both mutations caused rearrangements of the binding site and decreased hydrogen bonding between the macrolide and residue 2058. Surprisingly, the G2057A mutation prevented hydrogen binding to residue 2058 to a larger extent than the A2058G mutation.
Digital tomosynthesis parallel imaging computational analysis with Shift and Add and Back Projection reconstruction algorithms

Digital tomosynthesis is a novel technology that has been developed for various clinical applications. Parallel imaging configuration is utilised in a few tomosynthesis imaging areas such as digital chest tomosynthesis. Recently, parallel imaging configuration for breast tomosynthesis began to appear too. In this paper, we present the investigation on computational analysis of impulse response characterisation as the start point of our important research efforts to optimise the parallel imaging configurations. Results suggest that impulse response computational analysis is an effective method to compare and optimise imaging configurations.
Graphics in psychology: Pictures, data, and especially concepts

Over the last 50 years, psychologists have included numerous graphics in their journals and textbooks. The textbooks have contained mostly pictures, whereas the journals have contained mostly data graphs. Surprisingly, conceptual graphs (such as a network chart of the relations among types of memory) have been very infrequent. There are two main reasons for this absence of conceptual graphs: a lack of awareness of the important role that they have played in the history of our discipline, and a lack of knowledge about how to make them. Four types of conceptual graphs are presented here: mathematical graphs (e.g., Fechner’s law), geometric models (e.g., Henning’s smell prism), networks (e.g., Atkinson and Shiffrin’s STM-LTM model), and EulerVenn graphs (e.g., Shiffrin and Schneider’s model of control and automatic processes). Suggestions are offered forheuristics that can be used to facilitate the perception of conceptual relations in these graphs. It is argued that appropriate conceptual graphs can help researchers and theorists communicate the “big picture” relevant to their ideas, can help educators more effectively communicate with students, and may help clinical psychologists communicate their ideas to clients better.
Genetic control and racial variation of beta-glucosidase isozymes in maize (Zea mays L.)

β-Glucosidase (β-D-glucoside glucohydrolase, E.C. 3.2.1.21, β-Glu) isozyme variants were studied in a large number of inbred lines, crosses, and races of maize (Zea mays L.). The pattern of Mendelian inheritance demonstrated for β-GLU variants indicated that they are under nuclear gene control. Twenty-two allelic forms at a single locus were identified in the materials studied by starch gel electrophoresis. Genetic data indicate that β-GLU in maize is functionally a dimer. Variation of β-GLU isozymes in 51 racial collections of maize from Mexico showed little correlation with morphological or geographical data. In 39 collections from Central America, variation patterns appeared to have some association with altitude.
A generalized multilength scale nonlinear composite plate theory with delamination

Abstract A new type of plate theory for the nonlinear analysis of laminated plates in the presence of delaminations and other history-dependent effects is presented. The formulation is based on a generalized two length scale displacement field obtained from a superposition of global and local displacement effects. The functional forms of global and local displacement fields are arbitrary. The theoretical framework introduces a unique coupling between the length scales and represents a novel two length scale or local-global approach to plate analysis. Appropriate specialization of the displacement field can be used to reduce the theory to any currently available, variationally derived, displacement based (discrete layer, smeared, or zig-zag) plate theory. The theory incorporates delamination and/or nonlinear elastic or inelastic interfacial behavior in a unified fashion through the use of interfacial constitutive (cohesive) relations. Arbitrary interfacial constitutive relations can be incorporated into the theory without the need for reformulation of the governing equations. The theory is sufficiently general that any material constitutive model can be implemented within the theoretical framework. The theory accounts for geometric nonlinearities to allow for the analysis of buckling behavior. The theory represents a comprehensive framework for developing any order and type of displacement based plate theory in the presence of delamination, buckling, and/or nonlinear material behavior as well as the interactions between these effects. The linear form of the theory is validated by comparison with exact solutions for the behavior of perfectly bonded and delaminated laminates in cylindrical bending. The theory shows excellent correlation with the exact solutions for both the inplane and out-of-plane effects and the displacement jumps due to delamination. The theory can accurately predict the through-the-thickness distributions of the transverse stresses without the need to integrate the pointwise equilibrium equations. The use of a low order of the general theory, i.e. use of both global and local displacement fields, reduces the computational expense compared to a purely discrete layer approach to the analysis of laminated plates without loss of accuracy. The increased efficiency, compared to a solely discrete layer theory, is due to the coupling introduced in the theory between the global and local displacement fields.
Seismic demand models and performance evaluation of self-centering and conventional concentrically braced frames

Abstract Self-centering concentrically braced frame (SC-CBF) systems have been developed to increase the drift capacity of braced frame systems prior to damage. The SC-CBF has a column base detail that permits column uplift at a specified level of overturning moment resulting from lateral forces, softening the lateral force-lateral drift behavior of the system. Restoring forces from vertically-oriented posttensioning bars provides self-centering and reduces residual drift in the SC-CBF. To demonstrate the effectiveness of SC-CBF systems, a comparative study of seismic performance of SC-CBF systems with that of conventional CBF systems is performed using seismic fragility and engineering demand (e.g., peak inter-story drift and residual inter-story drift) hazard curves. First, two prototype buildings are designed with the same configuration, with either CBF or SC-CBF frames as the lateral-load-resisting system. Then both structures are analyzed using nonlinear time history finite element modeling under earthquake records that have various seismic characteristics. The seismic responses are then utilized to build accurate probabilistic demand models for peak inter-story drift and residual inter-story drift. Finally, fragility curves for three performance levels (immediate occupancy, life safety, and collapse prevention) and engineering demand hazard curves are generated using the developed probabilistic demand models. The comparison of the fragilities and engineering demand hazard curves of the two structural systems reveals that the SC-CBF system exhibits better seismic performance than the conventional CBF system.
Transformaton and Tension: The Experience of Returning to School in a Liberal-Arts Program

This interpretive study examined the experiences of ten adults returning to college in a liberal-education degree program. Six themes emerged from the interviews: having experienced a lack of academic success earlier in life, having had the sense that something was missing in one's life, feeling confident that one is a smart person, believing that the degree does not carry as much weight as is commonly believed, wanting to be practical in one's academic work, and feeling that one has changed throughout the process. Further, personal transformation and contradictory feelings about academics were common elements of the experience.
Determining the Dopaminergic Feedback Pathway in Pancreatic β-Cells with Fluorescence Fluctuation Spectroscopy

Tight regulation of insulin and glucagon, two hormones secreted by the pancreatic islet, allows the body to maintain glucose homeostasis. Insulin resistance coupled with insufficient insulin secretion leads to type 2 diabetes. Insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells is regulated by multiple signaling inputs including the neurotransmitter dopamine. Upon treatment with dopamine, the amplitude and frequency of intracellular free calcium oscillations in β-cells decrease, leading to a concomitant decrease in insulin section. We hypothesize that activation of the dopamine receptor (DRD3) by dopamine releases the Gβγ complex to stimulate a G protein-coupled inwardly-rectifying potassium channel (GIRK3). This inward current keeps the cell polarized, and reduces currents through voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV1.2). This model predicts numerous protein interactions that may only be transient in nature, in particular, we expect close interactions between the DRD3 and GIRK3 as well as each of these with the Gβγ subunit. To test this hypothesis, we are utilizing fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy to determine protein interactions in stable β-cell lines. Fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy provides a method to determine interaction between two proteins in a live cell that surpasses many of the limitations of FRET. Single and two color studies allow us to determine diffusion constants of each protein before and after dopamine stimulation and the cross-correlation, or amount of interaction, between two proteins. Additionally, brightness analysis can be used to determine homo- and heterodimerization of the tagged proteins. Diffusion constants, cross-correlation rates, and protein clustering among the DRD3, GIRK3, and Gβγ subunit will be presented. Through this analysis, the dopamine signaling pathway in pancreatic β-cells can be determined, which will reveal novel potential therapeutic targets that can increase insulin secretion during diabetes mellitus.
Evidence of steroidogenesis in postovulatory follicles of the tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus

Postovulatory follicles of the tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, were examined with electron microscopy and enzyme histochemistry for evidence of steroid-hormone production. Light microscopy was also used to examine changes in the ovary with time after spawning. Electron microscopy detected the presence of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, lipid droplets, and mitochondria with tubular cristae in certain cells of the theca interna. These structures are suggestive of cells that synthesize steroid hormones. Granulosa cells also contained some smooth endoplasmic reticulum, along with an augmentation of Golgi complexes, vesicles, microvilli, and microfilaments within 5–7 days after spawning. Enzyme histochemistry demonstrated an intense reaction of Δ5, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) in variably placed thecal cells up to 7 days after spawning. At this time, the thecal cells of vitellogenic oocyte follicles also began to show strong 3β-HSD activity. During the first 7 days after spawning, there was an increase in young primary oocytes and recruitment of some of these to vitellogenic oocytes. By 10 days after spawning, certain thecal cells in the follicles of these vitellogenic oocytes showed an intense 3β-HSD reaction, while the postovulatory follicular tissue demonstrated a weak reaction. This arrangement continued for the lifespan of the postovulatory follicular tissue. Postovulatory follicles had a lifespan of up to 25 days after spawning in females that continued to hold the developing fry inside their mouths, i.e., mouthbrooders. At 25 days after spawning, the postovulatory follicular tissue showed signs of degeneration with the presence of vacuoles and lysosomes. In females that ate the zygotes, therefore exhibiting no parental behavior, the postovulatory follicular tissue showed signs of degeneration at l0days after spawning. In these females, the next clutch of eggs also developed at a higher rate than in mouthbrooders.
Temperature and Humidity Dependence of a Polymer-Based Gas Sensor

This paper quantifies the temperature and humidity dependence of a polymer-based gas sensor. The measurement and analysis of three polymers indicates that resistance changes in the polymer films, due to temperature and humidity, can be positive or negative. The temperature sensitivity ranged from +1600 to -320 ppm/nd the relative sensitivity ranged from +1100 to -260 ppm/%.
Estimation of surface ionization constants for amphoteric solids

Abstract Modeling of aqueous ion adsorption onto amphoteric solids requires the determination of the equilibrium constants for the surface ionization reactions. From these data, the pH dependent surface charge development can be determined on the basis of any number of models for the electrical double layer. Experimentally, one can obtain the sum of these ionization constants, but an additional relationship is required to determine each uniquely. Numerous schemes have been proposed to accomplish this based on certain assumptions. Unfortunately, data analysis is often confined to a limited pH range, and contradicts the assumptions inherent to each scheme. It is proposed that a reasonable estimate of the ionization constants can be obtained by combination of a graphical method and numerical regression. The methodology was applied to existing data from simple oxide systems and recent data from activated carbons. The results show that the values of the ionization constants are strongly dependent on the pH range used. Consequently, it is suggested that a uniform range be established for the purpose of comparing inter-laboratory results: data within 3 pH units from the point of zero charge toward pH 7 should be taken as the data base for consistent regression results.
Militarization and Energy Consumption: A Test of Treadmill of Destruction Theory in Comparative Perspective

This article examines the impact of nations' military establishments on energy consumption, utilizing the "treadmill of destruction" theory within a comparative international perspective. Results of cross-national fixed effects panel models indicate that high-tech militarization in the form of military expenditures per solider contributes to the overall scale of nations' energy consumption levels. Likewise, total energy consumption is positively associated with military personnel in the context of the number of soldiers relative to the size of domestic populations. Overall, the findings support the proposed theorization and highlight the need for future research to consider the ecological consequences of nations' military establishments, regardless of whether they are engaged in conflicts or not.
Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation with a Multiple-Electrode Switching-Generator System

Purpose To determine the feasibility and safety of treating 35 hepatic tumors with a multiple-electrode switching-generator radiofrequency (RF) ablation system. Materials and Methods The authors performed a retrospective review of percutaneous RF ablation procedures in 35 hepatic tumors ranging in diameter from 0.9 to 3.8 cm and involving 22 patients. Tumors smaller than 2 cm were ablated with a single electrode, and larger tumors were ablated with two or three electrodes depending on tumor size and location of initial electrode placement. Electrodes were positioned 1–2 cm apart to create an intratumoral configuration that maximized index tumor coverage. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was performed within 24 hours of ablation. The ablation volume, maximum ablation size, and maximum tumor size were compared among the three electrode groups by using analysis of variance. If the global P value with analysis of variance was statistically significant ( P Results Ten tumors were treated with one electrode, 16 were treated with two electrodes, and nine were treated with three electrodes. The mean and median maximum sizes of the tumors ablated with one, two, and three electrodes were 1.2 and 1.1 cm, 2.7 and 2.8 cm, and 3.2 and 3.4 cm, respectively. The mean and median ablation volumes with two electrodes (40.9 and 31.9 cm 3 , respectively) and three electrodes (59.3 and 48.2 cm 3 , respectively) were significantly greater than that with one electrode (11.7 and 8.6 cm 3 , respectively; P ≤ .0363 among comparisons). No major complications occurred that were directly attributable to the RF ablation procedure. Minor complications occurred in two patients (9%). Conclusions Percutaneous RF ablation of hepatic tumors with a multiple-electrode switching-generator system is technically feasible, is safe, and generates ablation volumes greater than those seen with a single electrode.
Poetry writing as expressive pedagogy in an EFL context: Identifying possible assessment tools for haiku poetry in EFL freshman college writing

Abstract Japanese poetry, haiku, has been widely accepted in western countries. While previous studies have reported on the applicability of haiku poetry to teaching practices in a variety of contexts, few researchers have discussed assessment which is one of the most important factors in language teaching. The aim of this study is to produce assessment tools for haiku poetry writing as expressive pedagogy at the tertiary level in an EFL Japanese context. The study first discusses the concept of haiku poetry writing as expressive pedagogy, and then describes what factors need to be assessed in haiku writing in terms of peer assessment and teacher assessment. It lastly demonstrates a rubric which consists of analytic rating scales. This study also provides a model for designing a rubric for assessing haiku poetry in English language teaching.
Coverage dependence and isotope effect in quantum surface diffusion

We consider tunneling of an adatom through a substrate potential barrier in the presence of phonons. The phonon-adatom interaction leads to a concentration-dependent diffusion constant; the effective tunneling potential is significantly changed by the presence of nearby adatoms. We explain the coverage dependence of the low-temperature diffusion coefficient observed for hydrogen on the (110) plane of tungsten and the isotope effect as tritium is substituted for hydrogen.