cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recognition of Topological Isomerism: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties of Two Pentanuclear High-Spin Molecules of the Type [NiII(N-N)2]3[FeIII(CN)6]2

The syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of two pentanuclear cyanide-bridged compounds are reported. The trigonal bipyramidal molecule {[Ni(tmphen) 2 ] 3 [Fe(CN) 6 ] 2 }.14H 2 O, (1).14H 2 O (tmphen = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) crystallizes in the space group P2 1 /c (No. 14) with unit cell parameters a = 19.531(4) A, b = 24.895(5) A, c = 24.522(5) A, β = 98.68(3)°, V = 11787(4) A 3 , and Z = 4. The π-π interactions between the tmphen ligands provide the closest intermolecular contacts of 3.37 A leading to large intermolecular M...M distances (> 8.68 A). The dc magnetic susceptibility of 1 indicates a ferromagnetically coupled S = 4 ground state best fit to the parameters g = 2.23, J = +4.3 cm - 1 , and D N i = +8.8 cm - 1 for the Hamiltonian H = -2J [(S F e ( 1 ) + S F e ( 2 ) ).(S N i ( 1 ) + S N i ( 2 ) + S N i ( 3 ) )] + D[S N i ( 1 ) z 2 + S N i ( 2 ) z 2 + N i ( 3 ) z 2]. The extended square molecule [Ni(bpy) 2 (H 3 O)]{[Ni-(bpy) 2 ] 2 [Fe(CN) 6 ] 2 }.12H 2 O, (2).12H 2 O (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) crystallizes in the space group P1 (No. 2) with unit cell parameters a = 13.264(3) A, b = 17.607(4) A, c = 18.057(4) A, α = 94.58(3)°, β = 103.29(3)°, γ = 95.18(3)°, V = 4065(2) A 3 , and Z = 2. The π-π interactions of 3.29 A between the bpy ligands are the closest intermolecular contacts, and the intermolecular M...M separations are greater than 7.76 A. The dc magnetic susceptibility data for 2 are also in accord with an S = 4 ground state arising from intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling. The data were best fit to the parameters g = 2.25, J = J = +3.3 cm - 1 , and D N i = +5.8 cm - 1 for the Hamiltonian H = -2J[(S F e ( 1 ) + S F e ( 2 ) ).(S N i ( 1 ) + S N i ( 2 ) )] - 2J'[(S F e ( 2 ) .S N i ( 3 ) ] + D[S N i ( 1 ) z 2 + S N i ( 2 ) z 2 + S N i ( 3 ) z 2]. No evidence for long-range magnetic ordering was observed for crystalline samples of 1 or 2.
THE CULTURE OF ALBINO MAIZE

A number of attempts have been made to grow albino plants by means of artificial nutrition, but so far as I am aware, in none of these have plants been grown to maturity or with any material gain in dry weight. Knudson and Lindstrom (6) succeeded in keeping albino maize plants alive when supplied with sugar, and noted the formation of five to seven leaves, while the check plants had only two to three leaves. But the albino plants failed to make a sustained growth or to show a marked increase in weight. By the use of a sterile culture method Rischkow and Bulanowa (12) were able to maintain albino seedlings of Artemisia vulgaris alive for three months with the formation of three to four leaves. The seedlings were grown in test tubes containing mineral nutrient and glucose. In the attempts just cited the experiments were so arranged that dependence was placed upon the capacity of the roots to absorb sufficient sugar for the development of the plants. However, this method in principle offers little promise of success, for it is known from earlier experiments that organic matter supplied to the roots cannot compensate for the lack of photosynthetic activity of the leaves of higher plants [Cerbian de Besteiro and Michel-Durand (1) ]. The roots of plants appear to be ill adapted for the absorption of carbohydrates. At least for the practical purpose ?f culturing larger quantities of plants the method of organic nutrition through the roots involves an inordinate amount of labor if the culture solutions are
Cyclic stress fields ahead of tension fatigue cracks in amorphous polymers

Abstract Cyclic near-tip stress fields which evolve ahead of fatigue cracks are known to have a pronounced effect on the fracture response of materials. This region of reversed damage is responsible for the initiation of fatigue cracks from stress concentrations under fully compressive cyclic loads, crack growth retardation following tensile overloads, and transient crack growth response under spectrum fatigue loading. By recourse to photoelasticity and laser interferometry, we provide direct and in situ measurements of cyclic near-tip stresses ahead of notches and fatigue cracks in amorphous polymers subjected to cyclic tension loading. The near-tip stresses are quantified during both the loading and unloading phases of the fatigue cycle, as well as during various stages of crack advance, in an attempt to establish a link between the evolution of near-tip stress fields and the advance of the fatigue crack. In addition, transmission electron microscopy analyses of the near-tip region have been performed to characterize cyclic deformation mechanisms.
Origin of the pituitary body of chordates.

MY earlier investigations on the neural gland of tunicates may perhaps throw some light on the origin of the pituitary body in vertebrates. I have adduced evidence1–4 that the neural gland (plus ciliated pit) of tunicates is the homologue of the vertebrate pituitary body. The mouth of the ciliated pit, then, is the homologue of the opening of Rathke's pouch, and as such does not enter into the structure of the pituitary proper. The stage in the development of the tetrapod pituitary at which Rathke's pouch is open is thus a ‘recapitulation’ of a phylogenetic step, still extant in ascidians.
Evaluation and Improvement of Interface Aesthetics with an Interactive Genetic Algorithm

The goal of this research is to examine the effectiveness of the interactive genetic algorithm (IGA) procedure in evaluating and improving interface aesthetics. Though the procedure has been adopted by a few other researchers in investigating preference or in design scenarios, its ability to improve subject's preference has not been demonstrated quantitatively, particularly for the outcome measure of aesthetic appeal. Two experiments are presented that use identical IGA characteristics to help subjects choose a good design quickly from a large design space. The first experiment uses abstract imageries as stimuli, and the second uses Web page templates for a Web log. The statistical evaluation of the IGA illustrates that it is effective in both cases, showing an 8% increase in aesthetic appeal for abstract imagery and a 15% increase for the Web pages over the duration of the IGA procedure.
Turbulent mixed convection flow over a backward-facing step - the effect of the step heights

Effect of the backward-facing step heights on turbulent mixed convection flow along a vertical flat plate is examined experimentally. The step geometry consists of an adiabatic backward-facing step, an upstream wall and a downstream wall. Both the upstream and downstream walls are heated to a uniform and constant temperature. Laser–Doppler velocimeter and cold wire anemometer were used, respectively, to measure simultaneously the time-mean velocity and temperature distributions and their turbulent fluctuations. The experiment was carried out for step heights of 0, 11, and 22 mm, at a free stream air velocity, u∞, of 0.41 m/s, and a temperature difference, ΔT, of 30 °C between the heated walls and the free stream air. The present results reveal that the turbulence intensity of the streamwise and transverse velocity fluctuations and the intensity of temperature fluctuations downstream of the step increase as the step height increases. Also, it was found that both the reattachment length and the heat transfer rate from the downstream heated wall increase with increasing step height.
Tec family protein-tyrosine kinases and pleckstrin homology domains in mast cells.

Abstract Tec family protein-tyrosine kinases (PTKs) have been recognized as a distinct subfamily for only a few years. Two of them, Btk and Emt, are tyrosine-phosphorylated and enzymatically activated upon cross-linking of the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcϵRI), suggesting their involvement in mast cell activation. Since Lyn and other Src family PTKs phosphorylate Btk at Tyr-551 and activate the latter kinase, the receptor-associated Lyn seems to activate Btk in mast cells. The Btk kinase activity, on the other hand, is regulated negatively by phosphorylation by protein kinase C (PKC) that is associated with Btk via Btk's pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. PH domains also bind to phospholipids and the β subunit of heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that PH domains play roles in membrane localization.
Fiber probe for ring pattern

in some applications, we need a Laser beam to form a special pattern. For example, we need a ring pattern laser beam for correcting Cornea in Ophthalmology experiment. In this paper ie introduce a method to create a ring pattern by use of a muitimode fiber. The arrangement is very simple that we create different diameter ring pattern by adjusting the fiber angle with corresponding to incident light rays or by changing different distance that is away from the output end of the fiber.
Infrared and 31P-NMR studies of the effect of Li+ and Ca2+ on phosphatidylserines

Abstract Infrared and 31P-NMR spectra of solid samples of 1,2- dimyristoyl -sn- glycero -3- phospho - l - serine (DMPS), 1- palmitoyl -2- oleoyl -sn- glycero -3- phospho - l - serine (POPS) and 1,2- dioleoyl -sn- glycero -3- phospho - l - serine (DOPS) have been recorded. Comparison of the spectra of the Na+ salts of these phospholipids with those of complexes formed with Li+ and Ca2+ ions allows the characterization of conformational changes induced by complexation with Li+ and Ca2+. Ca2+ forms tight, crystalline complexes with these phosphatidylserines (PS), irrespective of the degree of unsaturation in the hydrocarbon chains. In these PS-Ca2+ complexes the torsion angles of the two P-O ester bonds exhibit the antiplanar-antiplanar conformation which is significantly different from the standard gauche-gauche conformation commonly found in phosphodiesters. In contrast, complexation with Li+ does not induce this conformational change in the phosphodiester group. It is shown that the degree of unsaturation in the hydrocarbon chains, and related to it, the cross-sectional area of the phospholipid or the surface charge density, determine the affinity of the phosphatidylserine for the metal ion. In general, the affinity of phosphatidylserines for both Li+ and Ca2+ decreases with increasing unsaturation in the hydrocarbon chains or decreasing surface charge density; it is in the order DMPS > POPS > DOPS.
Neutral, three-coordinate, chelating diamide aluminum complexes: Catalysts/initiators for synthesis of telechelic oligomers and high polymers

Reaction of the bulky chelating diamine ligand ArNH(CH2)3NHAr (Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3) with AlMe3 cleanly affords the monomeric, three-coordinate, chelating diamide aluminum complex [N∩N]AlMe (1). The isobutyl derivative [N∩N]AliBu (2) is prepared in the same manner using triisobutylaluminum. The Al/B alkyl/aryl ligand exchange between 1 and B(C6F5)3 in refluxing toluene cleanly produces the pentafluorophenyl-substituted derivative [N∩N]AlC6F5 (3). Studies of model reactions between 1 and e-caprolactone as well as analyses of low-molecular-weight oligomers demonstrate the ability of 1 to produce telechelic oligomers. At high monomer/initiator ratios, all three complexes are active for ring-opening polymerization of e-caprolactone and cyclohexene oxide, producing high-molecular-weight polymers. The isobutyl derivative 2 exhibits the highest activity for both polymerizations in this catalyst series and produces poly(e-caprolactone) having a number-average molecular weight over 1,000,000 Da.
Nanoparticle-Induced Apoptosis Propagates through Hydrogen-Peroxide-Mediated Bystander Killing: Insights from a Human Intestinal Epithelium In Vitro Model

The ability to assess the risks of human exposure to engineered nanomaterials requires fundamental understanding of the fate and potential cytotoxicity of nonbiodegradable nanoparticles, for instan...
Ecological aspects of sex expression in subdioecious Schiedea globosa (Caryophyllaceae)

The importance of ecological factors such as sex lability, spatial segregation, and resource allocation in the evolution of dioecy were examined in Schiedea globosa. S. globosa is a subdioecious species with equal numbers of plants possessing strictly male or female function and a small proportion of hermaphrodites. The propensity for labile sex expression was under both environmental and genetic control; some plants with male function became hermaphroditic (by producing female flowers) under better growing conditions in the field and in the greenhouse. There was some spatial segregation of the sexes. Because of sex lability, more hermaphrodites than males occurred on moister slopes. Although there were not measurable sex-related differences in mortality within or between two flowering seasons, more females than males and hermaphrodites occurred at the bottom of slopes. Males and females produced the same number of ramets and inflorescences, but females had a greater number of flowers per inflorescence. Males and females had the same number of ovules (vestigial in males), but females had larger ovules and longer stigmas. Hermaphrodites and males had the same amount of pollen per flower despite the production of fruit by the hermaphrodites. In hermaphrodites, there was no apparent tradeoff within flowers between pollen production and ovule production. These results indicate that spatial segregation, sex lability, and environmental conditions influence allocation patterns of S. globosa, and in combination with high inbreeding depression and selfing rates, may promote
Nitric oxide and superoxide transport in a cross section of the rat outer medulla. I. Effects of low medullary oxygen tension

To examine the impact of the complex radial organization of the rat outer medulla (OM) on the distribution of nitric oxide (NO), superoxide (O2−) and total peroxynitrite (ONOO), we developed a math...
Effect of Premixed Asphaltenes and Demulsifier on Oil-Water Interfacial Properties

During crude oil recovery, asphaltene-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions are formed. Asphaltenes is the component of crude oil, which is insoluble in n-alkane and is considered to be largely responsible for the stability of water-in-crude oil emulsions. To avoid wide range of problems, water has to be removed from these emulsions by using chemical ‘demulsifiers’. How demulsifiers act is still poorly understood. As the real crude oil system is extremely complex, system consisting of model oil with 100 ppm asphaltenes concentration is used as this concentration corresponds to nanoaggregation in the bulk fluid as shown in previous work. The surface pressure values appear to be a result of both asphaltenes and demulsifier competing to adsorb at the interface. The fractional interfacial coverage achieved by each appears to depend on their respective bulk concentrations. Thus demulsifier-asphaltene systems exhibit an equilibrium surface pressure, reached at higher demulsifier concentrations possibly due to adsor...
Myelodysplasia. The clinical spectrum of 51 patients

Background Over a 15 year period, the authors followed 51 male patients with myelodysplastic syndromes whose clinical findings, laboratory data, and evolution demonstrated a wide spectrum of disease. Methods The following characteristics were assessed: age at diagnosis, risk factors, clinical presentation, laboratory features, category of myelodysplasia, leukemic conversion, and overall survival. Results The clinical manifestations included hemolytic episodes in two patients, antibody-mediated thrombopenia in one, marked marrow fibrosis in two; thrombocytosis in three, and simultaneous lymphoproliferative disorders in two. There were 21 patients whose marrow was either normo- or hypocellular. Six patients presented with single cytopenia but not anemia. There were six instances of overlapping of the French-American-British classification. Eighteen patients progressed to acute leukemia and 1 to chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Conclusions These observations indicate that patients with myelodysplastic syndromes may have single cytopenia without anemia that progresses to acute leukemia and may, rarely, evolve into chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. The clinical aspects of these syndromes may include autoimmune phenomena and myeloproliferative features.
Representation of the spectral dominance region of pitch in the steady-state temporal discharge patterns of cochlear nucleus units

Single-unit responses to infinitely iterated rippled noise and wideband noise were recorded from the cochlear nucleus of anesthetized chinchillas. Rippled noises had a fixed delay of 4 ms, and spectral depth was varied by attenuating the delayed version of the noise. Temporal discharge patterns were analyzed using neural autocorrelograms, and responses to rippled noises were compared to wideband noise responses. Chopper units with best frequencies in the range of the first to second harmonics of the rippled noise showed large differences in discharge patterns between rippled noise and wideband noise responses, but chopper units with best frequencies centered at higher harmonics did not show large differences. Consequently, the Chopper group of units showed no evidence of a neural representation of the dominance region. Primarylike units did show a neural representation of dominance that is related to behavioral performance. For Primarylike units with best frequencies around the third to fifth harmonics of the rippled noise, large differences in discharge patterns between rippled noise and wideband noise responses were observed. The results suggest that bushy cells play an important role in processing pitch-related information and should be included as important elements in neural models of periodicity processing.
Identification of a second polypeptide required for McrB restriction of 5-methylcytosine-containing DNA in Escherichia coli K12.

The McrB restriction system in Escherichia coli K12 causes sequence-specific recognition and inactivation of DNA containing 5-methylcytosine residues. We have previously located the mcrB gene near hsdS at 99 min on the E. coli chromosome and demonstrated that it encodes a 51 kDa polypeptide required for restriction of M.AluI methylated (A-G-5mC-T) DNA. We show here, by analysis of maxicell protein synthesis of various cloned fragments from the mcrB region, that a second protein of approximately 39 kDa is also required for McrB-directed restriction. The new gene, designated mcrC, is adjacent to mcrB and located distally to hsdS. The McrB phenotype has been correlated previously with restriction of 5-hydroxy-methyl-cytosine (HMC)-containing T-even phage DNA that lacks the normal glucose modification of HMC, formally designated RglB (for restriction of glucoseless phage). This report reveals a difference between the previously correlated McrB and RglB restriction systems: while both require the mcrB gene product only the McrB system requires the newly identified mcrC-encoded 39-kDa polypeptide.
The Dimensionality of Environmental Concern: Validation of Component Measures

Based on previous exploratory research by Zimmer, Stafford and Stafford (1994), this study develops and constructvalidates measures for three dimensions of environmental concern -- Concern for Wildlife, Concern for Conservation, and Concern for Waste. These dimensions of environmental concern were assessed in a nomological network with the Ecological Impact scale developed and validated by Leigh, Murphy and Enis (1988). The resulting structural model evidenced reasonably good fit: χ2 (119)·=178.9 ( p = .0003), χ2/df-=1.5, GFI=.92, AGFI=.88, RMSR=.06, SRMR=.04, NFI=.89. Predictive validity was tested using the scales in a discriminant analysis between a group of college students and the membership of a Sierra Club chapter; the scales proved capable of correctly classifYing Sierra club membership -- evidenced by increase environmental concern-- in 77% of cases. Since the structural model demonstrated good fit with a previously validated environmental construct, and reasonably good predictive ability in practical use, this scale is considered valid for research use in detecting consumer concern for environmental quality in the three general areas represented by the construct.
Preparticipation physical evaluation : getting to the heart of the matter

The cardiovascular evaluation is an important component of the preparticipation physical examination of the athlete. The history should be standardized to include questions ranging from those about chest pain and palpitations to ones about syncope. The physical examination should not be a perfunctory one, but rather a careful search for findings that might include a low grade heart murmur that accentuates with Valsalva'a maneuver (suggestive of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the leading cause of sudden death in a competitive athlete). The cardiovascular risks to the athlete are known. Fortunately, only a small percentage of athletes who are screened have such abnormalities. The validity of such screening remains to be proven. Recommendations are provided to make the present approach more time efficient and perhaps more cost effective.
Model Development and Experimental Analysis of a Virtually Variable Displacement Pump System

AbstractThis work presents the modelling and testing of a Virtually Variable Displacement Pump (VVDP). The system used a high speed on/off valve to modulate flow from a fixed displacement pump, directing the flow either to the tank or high pressure supply line of the hydraulic system. A lumped parameter model of the system was developed using sub-models to describe the dynamics of each component in the system. A test setup using currently available components was built to validate the overall system model and study the effects of switching frequency on system efficiency. Once verified, the model was used to simulate and further study the effects of changing the compressible fluid volume and line lengths. Simulation results show that reducing the line lengths and compressible volume improves the average VVDP system efficiency by 14% over a range of switching frequencies and duty cycles while holding other system parameters constant.
Benzotetramisole-Catalyzed Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Azlactones

Enantioselective acyl transfer catalyst benzotetramisole (BTM) has been found to promote dynamic kinetic resolution of azlactones providing di(1-naphthyl)methyl esters of α-amino acids with up to 96% ee.
Introduction of a lacZ reporter gene into the mouse int-2 locus by homologous recombination.

We demonstrate that the frequency of gene targeting is unaffected by the length of nonhomologous DNA transferred to a target chromosomal sequence. A result of this finding is that a much wider spectrum of designed genomic alterations is now feasible. As a first application, we inserted a 5.4-kilobase cassette of nonhomologous DNA into the int-2 locus in mouse embryo-derived stem cells by gene targeting. The inserted DNA contained a lacZ gene positioned to create an in-frame fusion with the int-2 protein-coding region. Upon differentiation of these cells to embryoid bodies, the int-2-lacZ fusion faithfully reproduced the expression pattern of int-2 RNA. This ability to target reporter genes, such as lacZ, to specific mouse loci, combined with the ability to move the tagged gene into different mutant backgrounds, may provide an ideal approach for analyzing interactions among genes that participate in a developmental network.
Inverse halftoning with nonlocal regularization

Conventional wisdom in inverse halftoning heavily relies on the assumption about the local smoothness of image signals. Motivated by the effectiveness of nonlocal denoising, we propose a new class of inverse halftoning techniques using nonlocal regularization in this paper. The continuous-tone image is characterized by the intersection of two constraint sets - one related to the quantization process of halftoning and the other specified by nonlocal similarity-based regularization. Our nonlocal inverse halftoning algorithms alternatively project onto these two constraint sets; since the nonlocal regularization constraint set is nonconvex, we have borrowed the idea of deterministic annealing to optimize the performance of the proposed technique. Our experimental results have shown that our nonlocal approach can significantly outperform several existing state-of-the-art techniques in terms of both subjective and objective qualities.
Principles-based vs. rules-based accounting standards: The effects of auditee proposed accounting treatment and regulatory enforcement on auditor judgments and confidence

Abstract Using an interest capitalization context, this paper examines the impact of accounting standard type (rules-based vs. principles-based) on the auditor's agreement with an auditee's proposed accounting treatment. Contrary to prior studies that have investigated lease classification contexts, results indicate that auditors are more likely to agree with the auditee's accounting treatment under a principles-based than a rules-based standard. The possibility of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation does not affect auditors' agreement with their auditee's accounting treatment. However, auditors are more confident in the rules-based scenario when they have no knowledge of a possible SEC investigation. Thus, the lack of precision inherent in a principles-based, interest capitalization standard may initially persuade auditors to agree with auditee judgments, but this perception may be moderated by a reduced level of confidence. Those interested in the standard setting process should look beyond the traditional lease structuring scenario and consider the possible effects of other principles-based standards on auditors' judgments and confidence.
In situ electrical resistivity measurement of self assembled Cu 3 Si nanowires on Si(111)

Self assembled Copper-Silicide nanowires were fabricated on a 600°C annealed Si(111) substrate by electron beam evaporation technique. In situ scanning electron microscopy images of self assembled Copper-Silicide nanowires and nanoislands were obtained. In situ four point probe electrical resistivity measurements were performed on Copper-Silicide nanowires using Pt-Ir probes. The cross section geometry of a nanowire was studied by transmission electron microscopy technique, which was prepared using a focused ion beam technique. The composition of the nanowire was analyzed with X-ray energy dispersive technique and determined its phase to be Cu3Si. In situ electrical resistivity measurements were performed on two Cu-Si nanowires. The electrical resistivity of one of the nanowire was obtained as ~63 μΩ-cm.
Anatomic relationships between the coronary venous system, surrounding structures, and the site of origin of epicardial ventricular arrhythmias

Epicardial VT Background Epicardial left ventricular (LV) idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) can be approached via the pericardial space, the coronary venous system (CVS), or other surrounding structures. The anatomic relationships between epicardial sites of origin (SOO) of VAs and surrounding anatomic structures have not been systematically described. Methods and Results In 17 patients with idiopathic epicardial VAs, the relationships between the SOO and the CVS and other neighboring anatomic structures were assessed by computed tomographic angiography. Ablation was successful in 12/17 patients (71%). In 10/17 patients, the SOO was at a distance of ≤4 mm from a coronary artery. The SOO was closer to the CVS (2.1 ± 1.5 mm) than to the pericardial space (9.7 ± 3.7 mm) or the LV endocardium (7.7 ± 2.7 mm). Successful ablations were carried out from the CVS (n = 3), the CVS and LV endocardium (n = 5), the CVS and the aortic cusp (n = 1), the CVS, the LV endocardium, and the aortic cusp (n = 1), the LV endocardium (n = 1), and the CVS and the pericardial space (n = 1). In the remaining 5 patients, a subxyphoid pericardial ablation procedure was attempted and failed in all 5 patients. Conclusion The CVS is closer to the SOO of epicardial idiopathic VAs than the pericardial space, the ventricular endocardium, and the aortic cusps. Given the proximity to coronary arteries at the SOO, radiofrequency energy often cannot be safely delivered to eliminate a VA and ablation may also need to be performed from adjacent structures. A subxyphoid pericardial ablation procedure has a low probability of success in patients with idiopathic epicardial VAs.
Measuring distributed affect in collaborative games

The ability to engage children in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields early in their scholastic years is critical to ensure the success of the next generation of scientists and engineers. Given that 97% of American teens play video games, there is a tremendous opportunity to engage students in STEM concepts within the framework of a multi-player game. Research has shown that eliciting emotional and affective responses in players can actively increase engagement, learning, and creativity, yet surprisingly little attention has been paid to the role of emotion within a collaborative multi-player gaming environment. We propose the design and development of an automatic game master that responds to the emotional states of players based on their in-game dialogue and actions. This research offers insights into affective interfaces that can improve the collaborative engagement of students and has implications for other collaborative learning environments.
Developing morphological computation in tensegrity robots for controllable actuation

Conventionally control can be achieved by attempting to simplify complex dynamics. The field of morphological computation explores how mechanical complexity can be advantageous. In this paper we demonstrate morphological computation in tensegrity robots. We present a novel approach to tensegrity actuation and explore the capabilities of our self-evolving system. Methods of finding desirable gaits through both hand selection and evolution are described and the effectiveness of the system is demonstrated by our robot's ability to pursue a moving target. We conclude with a discussion of a bootstrapped system with the potential of significantly reducing evolution time and need for user presence.
Cracks Emanating From Circular Voids or Elastic Inclusions in PMMA Near a Bone-Implant Interface

Mechanical fracture is believed to be a primary reason for loss of fixation at the bone-cement-implant interface. In addition to the expected cracks at the bone-cement interface, cracks are also observed to be formed at voids and inclusions within the cement. An analytical solution is presented for cracks emanating from circular voids or elastic inclusions under uniaxial tension using the solution for a single dislocation as a Green's function. Stress intensity factors are calculated for arbitrary orientations of the cracks, and for varying relative stiffnesses of the inclusion and the matrix, to determine the most favorable combination of parameters for crack growth.
Photon interference and correlation effects produced by independent quantum sources

Interference effects produced by independent quantum sources are investigated, when the state of the field is not describable as a simple mixture of coherent states. The results of classical and quantum-mechanical calculations are compared. Whereas correlation effects are predicted both classically and quantum mechanically when the sources have random phases, there are important differences when the number of atoms is small. In particular, when each source consists of just one atom, the joint probability of detecting two photons at two different points in the receiving plane is found to vanish when the distance between them is an odd number of half fringes. Finally it is shown that when the number of atoms of each source is subject to Poisson fluctuations, one recovers the solution given by classical optics for thermal light, no matter how weak the sources may be on the average.
Tying bulk watershed properties to mountain river channel evolution

Rivers evolve over tens to thousands of years, winding and drifting and branching from single channels to braided, complex flows. Understanding exactly how and why rivers change course is a complex problem that depends on the erosion of the landscape and incorporates a range of variables, from local environmental conditions, such as the precipitation rate, to the topography, water chemistry, and properties of the rocks in the watershed. At smaller scales, channel evolution depends on the physical properties of, and interactions between, individual grains of sediment. Correlating across this entire range of scales is incredibly difficult, but using a set of comparable observations from 83 watersheds in the U.S. Rocky Mountains, Mueller and Pitlick tie climatic, topographic, and geologic features to sediment processes and river evolution.
Violent ejection observed from star near Sun

What is believed to be the first direct evidence of a violent ejection, or jet, from a star relatively close to the sun has been detected by astronomers at the Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.; the University of Maryland; and the Lick Observatory, University of California. Observable violent ejections are thought to be matter from the center of active galaxies or quasars. This most recent observation, however, reveals an extraordinary jet structure, known as the star R Aquarii, in a binary star system near our sun. In contrast to the only other star known to have jet structure in our galaxy, SS 433, R. Aquarii is much closer to our sun, a distance of only 750 light years.
When should a methacholine challenge be ordered for a patient with suspected asthma

This test is used if the diagnosis of asthma is in question, but it is currently not recommended for routine management of asthma.
An Econometric Analysis of the Determinants of Inflation in Turkey

High and variable inflation has been a central feature of the Turkish economy since the 1970s. This paper seeks to shed some light on the determinants of inflation in Turkey by analyzing price determination within the framework of a multi-sector macroeconomic model during 1970-95. The main findings are that monetary variables (initially money, more recently the exchange rate) play a central role in the inflationary process, that public sector deficits contribute to inflationary pressures, and that inertial factors are quantitatively important. Policymakers` commitment to active exchange rate depreciation on several occasions in the past 15 years has also contributed to the inflationary process.
Releasing the tourniquet in carpal tunnel surgery.

The purpose of this study was to determine if letting down the tourniquet prior to closure after carpal tunnel release decreases the amount of post-operative ecchymosis and subsequent post-operative pain. We prospectively studied 18 consecutive patients who were undergoing bilateral open carpal tunnel releases. The side done first was randomized and the tourniquet was released to obtain hemostasis prior to closure on this side only. The second side was completed, closed, and dressed prior to letting the tourniquet down. The patients’ pre-operative and post-operative pain scores were recorded, as was an ecchymosis score at the 10-day follow-up visit. The results showed no significant difference between the two groups in either pain or ecchymosis. We conclude that the added surgical time required for letting the tourniquet down and obtaining hemostasis prior to closure in a carpal tunnel is unnecessary.
Moments of a wave propagating with dispersion and damping

When a wave propagates in a medium with dispersion and damping, different frequencies propagate at different velocities and are attenuated at different rates. Accordingly, the wave changes as it propagates. These propagation effects can negatively impact automatic classification, since what is observed changes from location to location. We examine various moments of a wave, such as duration and bandwidth, which are often used as features for classification, and quantify the effects of dispersion and damping on these moments. We also identify moment-like features that are invariant to dispersion and damping, and thus may offer advantages over ordinary moments as features for classification.
Fatigue hardening in niobium single crystals

Nb single crystals of various orientations were cyclically deformed in tension-compression under strain control. At low strain amplitudes all crystals oriented for single slip and some oriented for multiple slip showed a two stage hardening. When present, the first stage was characterized with almost no cyclic work hardening. The rate of hardening in the second stage increased with strain amplitude and the amount of secondary slip. In crystals oriented for single slip kink bands developed on their side faces during rapid hardening stage which resulted in considerable amount of asterism in Laue spots. A cyclic stress-strain curve independent of prior history was found to exist which was also independent of crystal orientation. Furthermore, this curve differed only slightly from that of polycrystalline Nb obtained from data in literature.
Good looking: in defense of scenic landscape aesthetics

Abstract Among US writers on environmental aesthetics, it has become de rigueur to leverage Aldo Leopold’s legacy against the proliferation of “popular” landscape tastes, which are typically seen to have their origins in 17th–19th century European traditions of landscape painting and aesthetics. These writers regard victims of popular or “scenic” landscape tastes (exemplified by Olmsted’s Central Park) as intellectually shallow, motivated by momentary “sensory pleasures”, and passively and anthropocentrically drawn to “naturalistic” environments rather than actively and biocentrically engaged with natural environments. This implicit refusal to grant sensory information and affective processing the power to catalyze and inform serious reflection is not new; neither is the attribution of popular landscape aesthetics to the elite society of a limited culture and historical period surprising, given the current preponderance of post-modernist sensibilities. However, in the often highly-charged atmosphere of local environmental planning and management arenas, both positions are needlessly polemical. More importantly, there is good evidence to suggest that both positions are founded on misconceptions about how the human mind works. In this paper, we will review work that establishes the intellectual bona fides of visual imagery, the important contributions that emotions make to cognition, and the likelihood that explanations of environmental aesthetics rooted in European enlightenment-era landscape painting are inadequate. This review suggests that frequent calls for new normative environmental aesthetics based on a cognitive understanding of ecological sustainability are likely premature. As social scientists, we suggest that attempts to impose prescribed environmental aesthetics (albeit ecologically pure environmental aesthetics) are inappropriate and may well be self-defeating. Instead, we suggest that a thorough understanding of visual and non-visual environmental aesthetics is needed, including examinations of the possibility that affect elicited by scenic encounters with preferred landscapes can lead people to form emotional attachments to the land and thereby develop a greater appreciation for sustainability goals.
On the Convergence of Fitting Algorithms in Computer Vision

We investigate several numerical schemes for estimating parameters in computer vision problems: HEIV, FNS, renormalization method, and others. We prove mathematically that these algorithms converge rapidly, provided the noise is small. In fact, in just 1-2 iterations they achieve maximum possible statistical accuracy. Our results are supported by a numerical experiment. We also discuss the performance of these algorithms when the noise increases and/or outliers are present.
A Note on the Nonlinearity of the Age‐Job‐Satisfaction Relationship

Research assessing the relationship between age and job satisfaction has typically provided mixed results. Inherent problems including limited samples and a failure to control for tenure and affective disposition have potentially contributed to these conflicting results. Moreover, a significant concern has been researchers' focus on detecting linear effects alone. In the current study, we statistically controlled for gender, supervisor and position tenure, quadratic tenure terms, and affective disposition (NA and PA) based on previous research regarding the relationship between these variables and job satisfaction. Finally, we used hierarchical polynomial regression to assess the form of the age-satisfaction relationship. Results confirmed that a U shape best characterized the relationship between age and job satisfaction. Implications of these findings as well as directions for future research are discussed.
Associations between Community Attachments and Adolescent Substance Use in Nationally Representative Samples

Purpose: Social capital and social attachment theories of substance use argue that positive bonds to society and the conventional values they promote deter adolescents from substance use. Using nationally representative samples of U.S. high school seniors, we hypothesized that adolescents’ community attachments, measured by social trust, social responsibility, and religiosity, would be negatively associated with lifetime and 30-day substance use. Method: We used repeated cross-sectional nationally representative high school senior data from 1976 to 2008 Monitoring the Future Study cohorts (weighted N 64,246; 51.6% female). Participation rate ranged from 77% to 86% across years. A series of multiple linear and logistic regressions examined unique associations of adolescents’ social trust, social responsibility, and religiosity with lifetime and 30-day use of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, hallucinogens, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, tranquilizers, and narcotics. Models controlled for gender, race, college aspirations, high school grades, parents’ education, and survey year. Results: Social trust, social responsibility, and religiosity showed independent negative associations with use of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, and six other types of drugs. After accounting for controls, community attachments related to lower lifetime and past 30-day use. Associations were consistent across measures, except social responsibility was not associated with binge drinking or lifetime illicit drugs besides marijuana. Conclusions: Study strengths included nationally representative samples, diverse substance use measures, and inclusion of controls. We extend theory by suggesting that distinct aspects of adolescents’ community attachments uniquely relate to lower substance use. Results suggest potential public health benefits of integrating promotion of community attachments with substance use prevention. 2012 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. All rights reserved.
Further observations on the effect of furosemide on mesenteric blood flow in dogs

Summary The mechanism of the vasodilatory effect of furosemide on the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was investigated in dogs. The vasodilating effect of 10 mg/kg of furosemide on the SMA was unmodified by: hydration or dehydration; bilateral nephrectomy; depletion of serotonin and catecholamines by reserpine pretreatment; methysergide blockage of serotonin; α and β adrenergic blockade, and angiotensin inhibition. It is concluded that furosemide does not cause SMA vasodilatation by inhibiting the vasoconstrictor action of serotonin catecholamines or angiotensin, and its action is probably direct on vascular smooth muscle.
The histogenesis and development of pulmonary tumorlets

A lung, which was surgically removed from a patient who had oat cell carcinoma, contained multiple tumorlets and showed extensive Kultschitsky-type cell proliferation of bronchial and bronchiolar mucosa. On the basis of light and electron microscopic observations, it is shown that pulmonary tumorlets arise from focal areas of bronchial and bronchiolar Kultschitsky cell proliferation which may advance to luminal obliteration. Involvement of the pulmonary parenchyma takes place by extension of these newly proliferated cells along the terminal branches of the bronchiolar tree or by penetration of the bronchial or bronchiolar wall; the latter process evokes a striking proliferation of connective tissue which forms the matrix in which the cells of some fully developed tumorlets are embedded. Because of striking morphologic similarities between tumorlets and spindle cell carcinoid tumors, and the proven origin of tumorlets from pulmonary Kultschitsky-type cells, it is suggested that the more complete and histogenetically acceptable term "carcinoid tumor-let" be used to distinguish this lesion from other forms of epithelial proliferations in the lung.
Spectroscopic studies of ionic solvation. XX. Cesium-133 NMR study of cesium salts in different solvents

Cesium-133 chemical shifts were measured in a number of solvents as a function of salt concentration and of the counterion. Infinite-dilution chemical shifts (vs. aqueous Cs+ ion at infinite dilution) ranged from +59.8 ppm for nitromethane solutions to −29.4 ppm for pyridine. In general, the magnitude of the downfield chemical shift reflected the donor ability of the solvents. Ion-pair formation constants were calculated from the concentration dependences of133Cs chemical shifts in several nonaqueous solvents.
The mGlu5 receptor antagonists MPEP and MTEP attenuate behavioral signs of morphine withdrawal and morphine-withdrawal-induced activation of locus coeruleus neurons in rats.

Abstract N-Methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) antagonists have been demonstrated to suppress the signs of opiate withdrawal; however, side effects limit their clinical use. Since the metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) 5 receptor has been shown to affect glutamate release and modulate NMDA receptor function, we examined the effects of two selective mGlu5 receptor antagonists, 2-methyl-6-(phenyl-ethynyl)-pyridine (MPEP) and 3-[(2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)ethynyl]pyridine (MTEP), on morphine withdrawal. Pretreatment with MPEP or MTEP (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly attenuated behavioral signs of morphine withdrawal. Specifically, both MPEP and MTEP attenuated the occurrence/severity of chews, digging, salivation, and weight loss, and increased the occurrence of erections. Neither compound changed the occurrence of wet-dog shakes, ptosis, irritability, or lacrimation. Both MPEP and MTEP produced a modest, but significant, attenuation of morphine-withdrawal-induced activation of locus coeruleus neurons in anesthetized rats. These results indicate a role for mGlu5 receptors in morphine withdrawal and suggest the potential for mGlu5 antagonists in the treatment of withdrawal from opiates and other drugs of abuse.
Perceived Spatial Layout of a Simulated Scene as a Function of Experience

A critical question in simulation is the degree of correspondence or alignment between what is seen in a generated graphics world and it's intended actual physical structure. An allied concern, is the role of perceptual experience as a potential influence on this perceived spatial layout. The present experiment examined the potential for these perceived distortions. Eight observers estimated the location of nine object locations embedded in a graphical scene of a traffic intersection. Participants were asked to judge the relative and absolute distances between objects in the display. Half the subjects viewed the intersection after driving for thirty minutes through the simulated traffic world while the remaining participants did not receive any prior experience. A multidimensional scaling analysis revealed differences between simulator and no simulator experience groups for absolute and relative 3-D solutions. Scaled representations of actual and perceived spaces are discussed in the framework of a model ...