cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PREDICTING GENDER AND MAJOR-FIELD DIFFERENCES IN MATHEMATICAL SELF-CONCEPT DURING COLLEGE

Journal of Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering. vol. I. pp. 291-307. I994 PREDICTING GENDER AND MAJOR-FIELD DIFFERENCES IN MATHEMATICAL SELF-CONCEPT DURING COLLEGE Linda J. Sax Higher Education Research Institute, University of Califomto. Los Angeles. Los Angeles. CA 90095 Self-ratings of tnatltetnatical ability produce some of the largest gender dtferences among first-year college students. Further. mathematical self-concept is the one measure of academic self-concept that decline: during college. However. little research hasfacrtsed on the predictors of math cotﬁdence for college students. This study exantinexﬂxtots related to changes in tnatltetnatioal self-concept during college atdﬁxuse: speciﬁcally on how were factors drier by gender and major field. Regression results indicate that traditional predictors of math conﬁdence operate diﬂeretttly for men and women in science and nottscience ﬁelds. INTRODUCTION Among academic self-rating measures. self-concept in math ranks near the bottom among college students: while 53.8% of first-year college students rate themselves “above aver- ageq or in the “highest I095q in academic ability, only 37.7% choose these top categories for mathematical ability (Astin, Korn. Sax. & Mahoney. 1994). During the college years. while students gain confidence in their overall academic abilities, their conﬁdence in math has been shown to decline (Astin. I977, 1993). Additionally. such declines occur dispro- portionately among women (Sax. I99-ta). These findings are especially discouraging given the welI—documented connection between self-concept and achievement (Astin. I977. I993; Bailey, I971; Byme, 1984; Hansford and Hattie. I982). Mathematical self-concept has long been shown to be a positive predictor of persistence in math (Sherman, I983) and perfonnance on tests of math ability (Astin. I993; Ethington, I988; Marsh. Smith. & Barnes. I985; Meece, Parsons. Kaczala, Goff & Futterman. 1982; Sherman, I982). Even when one controls for math ability, math self-concept is uniquely predictive of a number of college outcomes, includ- ing overall college grades, GRE-Quantitative scores, and postcollege scientiﬁc career aspirations (Sax. 1993). Given the importance of math self-concept for college outcomes. it is important to outline the factors that promote math confidence during college. Unfortunately, little research is available on the factors associated speciﬁcally with the development of math An earlier version of this paper was presented at the I993 meeting or‘ the Association for the Study of Higher Education. in‘Piusburgh, Pennsylvania. This research is aided by grams from the Exxon Education Foundation and the National Science Foundation. ISSN I072-8325I94S3.00 Cnpyrighl 0 I994 by Begell House. Inc. 29]
Working memory contributions to relative clause attachment processing: A hierarchical linear modeling analysis

An eye-movement-monitoring experiment tested readers’ responses to sentences containing relative clauses that could be attached to one or both of two preceding nouns. Previous experiments with such sentences have indicated that globally ambiguous relative clauses are processed more quickly than are determinately attached relative clauses. Central to the present research, a recent study (Swets, Desmet, Hambrick, & Ferreira, 2007) showed that offline preferences for such sentences differ as a function of working memory capacity. Specifically, both English and Dutch participants’ preference for the second of two nouns as the host for the relative clause increased as their working memory capacity increased. In the present study, readers’ working memory capacity was measured, and eye movements were monitored. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to determine whether working memory capacity moderated readers’ online processing performance. The modeling indicated that determinately attached sentences were harder to process than globally ambiguous sentences, that working memory did not affect processing of the relative clause itself, but that working memory did moderate how easy it was to integrate the relative clause with the preceding sentence context. Specifically, in contrast with the offline results from Swets and colleagues’ study, readers with higher working memory capacity were more likely to prefer the first noun over the second noun as the host for the relative clause.
Coefficient relationship between rook and chromatic polynomials

Abstract It is shown that a p+q node graph Gc representation can be drawn for a chessboard C(p,q) i.e. an array of p rows and q columns. It is shown further that the coefficients of the rook polynomial for C(p,q) correspond 1:1 inversely with the coefficients of the chromatic polynomial for Gc written in factorial form.
On the dynamics of a general unitary operator

Abstract A unitary operator U acting on the weakly compact unit ball B of a Hilbert space H gives a topological dynamical system ( B , U ). We prove in this note that for every ergodic U -invariant measure m , the dynamical system ( B , U , m ) is conjugated to a strictly ergodic group translation. Especially, the topological entropy of ( B , U ) is zero. As an application, it follows that any flow on the unit ball given by a Schrodinger equation ihψ = Lψ has zero topological entropy.
Biomechanical Properties of Skin and Wounds in Ehlers‐Danlos Syndrome

The biomechanical properties of wounded and nonwounded skin were studied in three dogs and three cats affected with type I Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Three nonaffected dogs and one nonaffected cat served as controls. Samples of wounded skin and adjacent normal skin were harvested at days 75, 138, 141, 144, 147, and 150. Samples were subjected to uniaxial tensile strength testing. Tensile strength, energy absorbed, and site of failure were recorded. In the dogs with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, there was an increase in tensile strength in samples containing a scar over adjacent intact skin. In nonaffected dogs, affected cats and the nonaffected cat, the nonwounded skin samples had greater tensile strength. The energy absorbed by the skin samples during testing was highly correlated with tensile strength.
Body weight, body fat, and ovulation.

Abstract Women with moderate weight loss (10%–15% of ideal weight) have secondary or primary amenorrhea. Athletic women also may have amenorrhea, or anovulatory cycles, though body weight may be in the normal range, since muscles are heavy (80% water compared with 5%–10% water in adipose tissue). The amenorrhea, which is usually reversible with weight gain, decreased exercise, or both, is due to hypothalamic dysfunction; the pituitary-ovary axis is intact, suggesting that this type of amenorrhea is adaptive, preventing an unsuccessful pregnancy. Evidence is presented that the high percentage of body fat (26%–28%) in mature women is necessary for regular ovulatory cycles and may influence reproductive ability directly: (a) as an extragonadal source of estrogen by aromatization of androgen to estrogen, (b) by influencing the direction of estrogen metabolism to more potent or less potent forms, or (c) by changes in the binding properties of sex-hormone-binding globulin. Indirect signals may be abnormal control of temperature and changes in energy metabolism that accompany excessive leanness.
Summary report of the 1952 World Health Organization conference on endemic goiter.

AMEETING for the purpose of considering various aspects of endemic goiter was sponsored by the World Health Organization in December 1952. The study group of physicians and other interested persons1 met at the National Institute of Medical Research, Mill Hill, London. The objectives, which were initially formulated by the chairman, Dr. F. W. Clements, were to define the magnitude of the problems from the Public Health point of view, to make a statement of what is known and what is not known of the disease and its prevention, and to suggest profitable lines of future inquiry. The details of the deliberations will be made available in a WHO bulletin. This summary report is prepared to acquaint the general reader with the findings of the study group, and particularly to point out the considerable gaps in our present knowledge. Endemic goiter is primarily a problem, of the economically underdeveloped areas of the world. Although it is one of the easiest of all diseases to prevent, it continues to be a major p...
Estimate of attenuation coefficient for ultrasonic tissue characterization using time-varying state-space model.

Abstract The images generated from ultrasound pulse-echo signals have long been used to aid clinical diagnosis. Recently, there has been a growing interest in quantitatively determining the acoustic parameters of the tissue as a means of classification and diagnosis. For example, the frequency-dependent attenuation is known to be correlated with different diseases in the liver. In this paper we introduce a new technique for estimating the attenuation coefficient. The effect of attenuation on an interrogating signal with a gaussian-shaped spectrum can be obtained by studying the Wigner distribution of reflected rf data based on a one-dimensional signal model. We show that under the condition that the attenuation varies linearly with frequency, the spectral mean of the reflected signal decreases linearly with time. The estimation algorithm models the pulse-echo signal as the output of a second-order time-varying state-space innovations model driven by white noise. The state coupling matrix A and the output coupling vector C vary with time in a known fashion; moreover, they are also functions of an unknown constant parameter θ . The attenuation coefficient, which is one of the elements of θ , can be estimated directly using a recursive system identification algorithm. The algorithm was verified using both computer-generated synthetic data and in-vivo liver data of known diagnosis. The results show correlation between the estimated parameter and the pathological state of the tissue.
Appendectomy prevalence in homogeneous populations

Abstract A remarkably high prevalence of antecedent appendectomy in a homogeneous white female population is reported. The great importance of the biases of age and source of patients is emphasized.
An analytics appliance for identifying (near) optimal over-the-counter medicine products as health indicators for influenza surveillance

In the era of "Big Data", a challenge is how to optimize our use of huge volumes of data. In this paper, we address this challenge in the context of a public health surveillance system which identifies disease outbreaks using individual and population health indicators. Our goal is to automate and improve the accuracy of the selection process of the health indicators, a process which is data-intensive and computationally expensive. The health indicators selection process traditionally has been carried out manually by public health experts in collaboration with health data providers. In particular, we present an approach for identifying sets of over-the-counter (OTC) medicine products whose aggregate sales correlate optimally with aggregate counts of emergency department (ED) visits. Towards this goal, we propose an OTC Analytics Appliance which utilizes a distributed search engine to efficiently generate time series of time-stamped records and supports "plug-and-play" search and correlation functionalities. Using the OTC Analytics Appliance with the Pearson correlation coefficient function, we evaluate Brute-force search, Greedy search, and Knapsack search for their ability to select the optimal or suboptimal set of OTC products automatically. Our results show that greedy search is the most preferable, producing a set of OTC products whose sales that correlate optimally or near optimally to ED visits, while achieving acceptable search times with large datasets. Also, our evaluations show that our approach using the greedy search can be potentially used to efficiently identify different optimal OTC medicine products for detection of different types of disease outbreaks.
Ventricular dilatation and remodeling after myocardial infarction.

Objective To discuss the important predictors of ventricular enlargement after myocardial infarction and the appropriate time frame for the initiation of medical and pharmacologic therapy. Design A review of the important contributions relative to the process known as "postinfarction ventricular remodeling" is provided; current clinical implications and areas for future investigation are discussed. Material and Methods Ventricular dilatation is an important factor in the prognosis after infarction. Stretching and thinning of the myocardium within the infarct region can be seen within hours after the acute event and may be accompanied by delayed but potentially progressive stretching and thinning in the noninfarct regions. Development of left ventricular hypertrophy in the nonischemic myocardium, in response to increased wall stress, can be observed but may be insufficient for proper compensation. This process is referred to as postinfarction remodeling and can result in progressive and long-term changes in ventricular architecture and function in the absence of additional ischemic injury. Results The most effective way to limit the extent of postinfarction ventricular remodeling is to limit infarct size by prompt medical intervention within the first few hours. In addition to traditional post-infarction medications such as β-blockers, nitrates, and aspirin, long-term benefit may be derived by use of adjunctive pharmacologic therapy such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, which have been shown to be valuable in limiting the extent of ventricular chamber dilatation after infarction. Studies in animal models and conclusions from clinical trials have shown that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors also decrease late mortality and cardiac morbidity after infarction, likely through favorable effects on both hemodynamic and neurohumoral factors specific to this class of medication. Conclusion These investigations notwithstanding, further studies are necessary for a complete understanding of the pathogenesis of postinfarction ventricular remodeling and the appropriate timing of specific pharmacologic therapy intended to limit ventricular dilatation. The hemodynamic and neurohumoral interactions on and within the heart must be thoroughly understood relative to microscopic and macroscopic changes in cardiac size, shape, and function after myocardial infarction.
Surface Structure and Chemistry of the Boron-Rich Solids

In recent years the methods of modern surface science [1] have provided detailed information on the structure and chemistry of numerous solid surfaces on a scale that in many cases is of atomic dimensions. Because the techniques which specifically probe the surface region of a material are quite distinct from those that probe the bulk properties, surface science studies often yield insights into the fundamental nature of a given solid that transcend issues that pertain only to the surface region. For this reason studies of the surfaces of novel materials can provide insights not available through other means. The boron-rich solids constitute a unique class of materials with complex structures based on covalently bonded networks of boron atoms that are stabilized by the presence of atoms of other elements [2, 3]. In many cases the surfaces of various boron-rich solids are of direct relevance to current and future applications. In other cases surface science techniques can provide unique insights into the highly unusual nature of the bonding within these solids. For these reasons there has been a small but important number of studies over the past twenty five years or so in which surface science techniques have been used to characterize various boron-rich solids. The purpose of this review is to summarize this past work and to reach some general conclusions about the surface structure and chemistry of these materials.
Impact of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act on the management of colorectal cancer.

Purpose. The potential impact of changes in reimbursement for drugs and biologicals associated with the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act (MMA) on the management of colorectal cancer is described from the perspectives of health care providers and patients. Summary. The introduction of new chemotherapeutic agents and supportive therapies over the past several decades has increased survival in patients with colorectal cancer. The changes in reimbursement for these therapies associated with MMA may affect the financial viability of private physician office practices and hospital-based outpatient clinics where such therapies are administered. The MMA-related changes also have the potential to decrease patient access to treatment and adversely affect treatment choices, scheduling, and outcomes. Conclusion. The reimbursement changes brought about by implementation of MMA could affect health care delivery and patient care.
Plasma antithrombin III: a quantitative assay of biological activity.

Abstract A quantitative assay for AT-III, measured as heparin cofactor and based on the inhibition of Xa, is described. This assay is independent of 1) the rate of Xa inhibition, 2) large amounts of heparin in the test plasma, and 3) other naturally occurring plasma protease inhibitors. The results obtained using this assay procedure are compared to the results obtained using several other assay procedures. The differences in the data obtained using the various activity assays can be explained by postulating the existence of a compound which can inhibit AT-III activity.
Perspective of Photoacoustic Spectroscopy in Disease Diagnosis of Plants: A Review

Abstract Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) has revolutionized the fields of biological, environmental, and agricultural sciences. It is a very simple, sensitive, and non‐destructive technique that allows the determination of optical properties of bio‐samples. This review describes the importance of PAS in agricultural and life sciences and discusses benefits in using PAS as a tool to diagnose diseases in plants.
Field observations of multimode raindrop oscillations by high-speed imaging

Abstract Periodic oscillations of raindrops falling at terminal velocity in natural rain are visualized for the first time by high-speed imaging. These images show the existence of an oscillation mode with the same frequency as the fundamental harmonic, but with shape different than that predicted by linear theory. These oscillations cause a lateral drift with a speed of approximately 20%–30% of the drop terminal velocity and without a preferred direction. These experimental observations serve as an insightful illustration of the potential benefit of applying high-speed imaging technology to investigate the dynamical microstructure of rainfall at the raindrop scale.
Dental Caries Experience of School Children in Corvallis, Oregon, after 7 Years of Fluoridation of Water.

T H E high susceptibility to dental caries of children living in certain regions of the State of Oregon has been demonstrated, a, 2 One of the geographic areas where the residents were shown to have a high incidence of caries is the Willamette Valley, 1-3 located in western Oregon between the Coastal and Cascade Ranges. In January, 1953, Corvallis, a community in the Willamette Valley, had the municipal water fluoridated. The amount of fluoride in the water was 0.1 ppm 4 before its concentration was adjusted to 1.0 ppm in January, 1953. This amount has been recognized as opt imum in temperate climates for reducing dental caries susceptibility, yet this concentration is low enough to prevent any but isolated instances of dental fluorosis, as demonstrated by the epidemiologic studies of Dean, Arnold, and Elvove. 5 The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 7 years of fluoridation on the teeth of Corvallis school children.
Decoherence, the measurement problem, and interpretations of quantum mechanics

Environment-induced decoherence and superselection have been a subject of intensive research over the past two decades, yet their implications for the foundational problems of quantum mechanics, most notably the quantum measurement problem, have remained a matter of great controversy. This paper is intended to clarify key features of the decoherence program, including its more recent results, and to investigate their application and consequences in the context of the main interpretive approaches of quantum mechanics.
Ascorbate reduces superoxide production and improves mitochondrial respiratory chain function in human fibroblasts with electron transport chain deficiencies

Abstract The present paper attempts to ascertain the role of ascorbate on the generation of superoxide radicals in skin fibroblasts of patients with deficiency of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes. Fibroblast cell lines were grown with or without ascorbate for the last 48 h of their growth period. The amount of superoxide radical production in cells was measured by the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium and the activities of respiratory chain enzymes were examined in isolated fibroblast mitochondria. The results indicated a significant inverse correlation between the amount of superoxide radicals and the specific activities of complexes I-III and II-III of the respiratory chain. The ascorbate treatment of fibroblasts from control subjects did not show any effect on either superoxide radical production or respiratory chain enzymes' activities. While in patient's fibroblasts, this vitamin significantly decreased the superoxide radicals and increased the specific activities of I-III and II-III complexes but not complex IV. These observations indicate that superoxide radicals are increased in patients with deficient respiratory chain enzymes in their fibroblasts and ascorbate can prevent the loss of these enzymes by acting on the selected sites in the respiratory chain, which are related to the production of free radicals.
Observation of Coriolis Coupling between ν2 + 4ν4 and 7ν4 in Acetylene X̃1Σ+g by Stimulated Emission Pumping Spectroscopy

Abstract Stimulated emission pumping (SEP) spectroscopy has been used to examine a low energy region ( E vib ≈ 4400 cm −1 ) of X 1 Σ + g acetylene at higher resolution than was possible in previous dispersed fluorescence studies. The expected bright state, ν 2 + 4ν 4 , is observed to be coupled to the nearly degenerate 7ν 4 state by a Coriolis mechanism. A least-squares analysis yields values for zero-order vibrational energies, rotational constants, and a Coriolis-coupling coefficient that are all consistent with expectations. Calculated relative intensities of SEP transitions, accounting for interference due to axis-switching effects, are also consistent with observations. Implications of the observed Coriolis resonance with regard to global acetylene vibrational dynamics are also discussed.
Apparent Atmospheric Nitrogen Loss from Hydroponically Grown Corn

Isotopic 15 N tracers have been important tools in the understanding of N cycling in agricultural and natural soil-plant systems. The objectives of this research were to quantify losses of 15 N under controlled conditions, evaluate 15 NH 3 transport between plants, and assess the potential for error associated with the use of N isotopes. Corn (Zea mays L.) was grown hydroponically in 5- to 15-mm-diam. gravel in twelve 162-L barrels. All N was applied as NO 3 with enrichment periods of full season, planting through anthesis, anthesis to harvest, or no 15 N applied. Plant growth and total N accumulation followed normal growth curves and maximum N content was obtained at anthesis. When 15 N treatments stopped at anthesis, plants lost 15 N (presumably as 15 NH 3 ) equivalent to about 23% of total plant N between anthesis and harvest. In treatments in which 15 N applications started at anthesis, total N content in the leaves and stems decreased between anthesis and harvest while 15 N content increased indicating a substitution of recently absorbed N for N compounds translocated to the fruit. Volatile losses of N indicate that caution must be exercised when conducting and interpreting 15 N experiments. Significant plant-to-plant transport of 15 NH 3 showed that decreases in plant 15 N content could not be used to estimate NH 3 volatilization for an entire field.
Development of the Novel PEG-PE-Based Polymer for the Reversible Attachment of Specific Ligands to Liposomes: Synthesis and in vitro Characterization

Surface grafting of liposomes with the wide variety of ligands including antibodies and other proteins is a promising approach for targeted delivery of therapeutics. In this paper, we describe a simple method of synthesizing a hydrazine-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)-phosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-PE)-based amphiphilic polymer which can conjugate a variety of ligands via a reversible, pH-cleavable bond. In this method, the targeting ligand is attached to the distal end of the PEG chain, which facilitates its easy access to the targeted site of interaction. The reversible attachment of targeting ligands is useful especially in multifunctional liposomal systems, whereafter successfully performing the function of targeting to the specific site, the bulky ligands, such as proteins or antibodies, are cleaved off in response to an environmental stimulus to expose some other functionalities such as ligands for intracellular penetration or organelle-specific targeting. To investigate the applicability of the protocol, the model ligands monoclonal antinucleosome antibody 2C5 and antimyosin antibody 2G4, and glycoproteins concanavalin A (Con-A) and avidin were conjugated to the synthesized polymer and incorporated into liposomes. In vitro assays including biochemical, enzyme-linked immunosorbent, fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry were used to confirm three key characteristics of the modified and/or liposome-attached proteins: successful conjugation of the targeting ligands to the polymer, preservation of specific activity of the ligands after the conjugation and liposome attachment, and the facile pH-sensitive ligand detachment. Monoclonal antibody 2C5 and 2G4, immobilized on the liposome surface, retained their binding affinity to corresponding antigens as confirmed by ELISA. The Con A-bearing liposomes showed significantly higher agglutination in the presence of its substrate mannan compared to plain liposomes (PL) and avidin-functionalized liposomes bound specifically with biotin-agarose. The study on the pH-dependence showed that almost 80% of the hydrazone bond was cleaved after rather brief preincubation of the immunoliposomes at pH 5 for 0.5 to 1 h. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analysis of cancer cells (HeLa and MCF-7) treated with cancer cell-specific targeting ligand mAb 2C5-bearing liposomes showed enhanced cellular binding. Studies at low pH clearly confirmed the easy cleavability of the targeting ligand from the liposomes resulting in significantly less or virtually no cellular association.
The autoignition of polymers

A consistent and relatively simple method is presented for studying the unpiloted ignition of polymeric materials in contact with hot air. The ignition behavior of a particular polymer as determined by its bulk properties may be characterized by the relationship between sample mass and ignition time at constant area for a series of furnace temperatures. Extrapolation of this linear relationship at a given furnace temperature to zero mass results in an intrinsic ignition time which represents the rate of the ignition process when the time required to heat the sample to its decomposition temperature has been eliminated, i.e., the sample is brought to its decomposition temperature instantaneously. The temperature dependence of this intrinsic ignition time shows an Arrhenius relationship with an apparent activation energy of 8–10 kcal/mole for all but one material investigated. This indicates that the mechanism controlling the kinetics of such an ignition process is a physical one, most likely the diffusion of combustible gaseous products into the heated air surrounding the sample.
Herpes zoster vaccination among adults aged 60 years or older in the United States, 2007: uptake of the first new vaccine to target seniors.

Abstract Background Approximately one million new cases of shingles (herpes zoster [HZ]), a severely painful and debilitating disease caused by reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV), occur in the United States each year. HZ incidence increases with age, especially after age 50. A vaccine to prevent HZ and its sequelae was licensed in May 2006 for those aged 60 years or older, making it the first new vaccine targeted to this age group in many years. In October 2006 the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended HZ vaccination of persons aged ≥60 years; these recommendations were published in 2008. We examined HZ vaccination coverage among persons aged ≥60 years in the U.S. in 2007, and evaluated factors affecting the uptake of HZ vaccine in this population. Methods Data from the 2007 National Immunization Survey-Adult (NIS-Adult) restricted to individuals aged ≥60 years were analyzed using SUDAAN software to estimate national HZ vaccination coverage, and reasons for not receiving the HZ vaccine. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify factors independently associated with HZ vaccination. Results Of 3662 respondents, 1.9% (95% confidence interval = 1.3%, 2.8%) reported having received the HZ vaccine. A total of 72.9% of respondents were unaware of the HZ vaccine but 77.8% stated that they would accept HZ vaccination if their doctor recommended it. Of the remaining 556 respondents, key reasons reported for not accepting HZ vaccine included ‘vaccination not needed’ (34.8%), ‘not at risk’ (12.5%), and ‘don’t trust in doctors or medicine’ (9.5%). Conclusions Soon after its availability in the United States, coverage among adults recommended to receive the HZ vaccine was low. Our data provide evidence that the lack of patient awareness and of physician recommendations were barriers to vaccine uptake.
Stochastic modeling of the neuronal activity in the thalamus of Essential Tremor patient

Several stochastic models, with various degrees of complexity, have been proposed to model the neuronal activity from different parts of the human brain. In this paper, we use an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck Process (OUP) to model the spike activity recorded from the thalamus of a patient suffering from Essential Tremor at the time of implantation of the electrodes for Deep Brain Stimulation. From the recorded data, which contains information about the spike times of a single neuron, we identify the model parameters of the OUP.We then use these parameters to numerically simulate the inter-spike interval distribution. We show that the OUP provides excellent fits to the data recorded both without any external stimulation as well as with stimulation. We finally compare the fits with other stochastic models commonly used and we show the superiority of the OUP model in general.
Hybrid free-space optical bus system for board-to-board interconnections

A free-space optical bus system is described for board-to-board interconnections at the backplane level. The system uses active optoelectronic modules as the interface between the circuit boards and the electrical backplane. Substrate-mode holograms are used to implement signal broadcast operations between boards, and each board on the backplane shares common free-space channels for transmitting and receiving signals. System-design considerations are given, and the potential performance of the optical bus system is evaluated. An experimental demonstration is also presented for the signal broadcast operation through cascaded substrate-mode holograms at a data rate of 622 Mb/s.
A Simple Method for Measurement of Photoacid Generator Photoreaction Kinetics in Formulated, Chemically Amplified Photoresist Films

© 2007 The Electrochemical Society, Inc. All rights reserved. Except as provided under U.S. copyright law, this work may not be reproduced, resold, distributed, or modified without the express permission of The Electrochemical Society (ECS).
Foraminifera: Distribution of Provinces in the Western North Atlantic

All published distributional data on recent benthic foraminifera of the North American Atlantic continental margin were archived into computerized catalogs. Cluster analysis of these data delimited seven large, marginally overlapping provinces exhibiting a congruous relationship with western North Atlantic water masses. The single major latitudinal faunal change occurs at Cape Hatteras.
Polarization-Controlled Tunable Color Filters Fabricated in Silicon Nitride on Glass Substrates

We design and fabricate a polarization-controlled tunable color filter that tunes the output color from red to yellow when the polarization state of the input light changes from TE to TM.
Hematocrit levels and physiologic factors in relationship to cardiovascular risk in Tecumseh, Michigan.

Objective To investigate the relationship between hematocrit, blood pressure and other known cardiovascular risk factors. Design The Tecumseh Blood Pressure Study includes a cohort of subjects of average age 29.5 years (346 male, 277 female) who reside in Tecumseh, Michigan, USA Methods The body weight; home, work and clinic blood pressures; hematocrit level, plasma renin activity, baseline and mentally stimulated plasma catecholamines level; and fasting glucose, insulin and lipids levels were obtained. Since menstruation and childbearing affect the hematocrit, results are presented only for males. The males in Tecumseh were divided into tertiles of hematocrit (group I ≤43.25, group II 43.26–45.2 and group III >45.2%) Results Higher hematocrit levels were significantly related to higher blood pressures at home, at work and in the clinic, although all of the values measured were within the normotensive range (128/79 mmHg clinic blood pressure in group III). The metabolic factors weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin and glucose levels were significantly elevated in group III. The weight affected only the relationship of hematocrit to plasma insulin levels and not the other variables including the blood pressure. Groups II and III showed signs of sympathetic overactivity; their plasma renin levels, heart rates and norepinephrine levels after mental stimulation were elevated Conclusions Although the relationship of blood pressure to the hematocrit level was previously known, in Tecumseh hematocrit is also found to be associated with several other cardiovascular risk factors and with signs of a hypersympathetic state. We intend to evaluate prospectively the relative prognostic significance of a higher hematocrit level versus the other associated risk factors
A Biomechanical Analysis of Point of Failure During Lateral-Row Tensioning in Transosseous-Equivalent Rotator Cuff Repair

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum load and point of failure of the construct during tensioning of the lateral row of a transosseous-equivalent (TOE) rotator cuff repair. Methods In 6 fresh-frozen human shoulders, a TOE rotator cuff repair was performed, with 1 suture from each medial anchor passed through the tendon and tied in a horizontal mattress pattern. One of 2 limbs from each of 2 medial anchors was pulled laterally over the tendon. After preparation of the lateral bone for anchor placement, the 2 limbs were passed through the polyether ether ketone (PEEK) eyelet of a knotless anchor and tied to a tensiometer. The lateral anchor was placed into the prepared bone tunnel but not fully seated. Tensioning of the lateral-row repair was simulated by pulling the tensiometer to tighten the suture limbs as they passed through the eyelet of the knotless anchor. The mode of failure and maximum tension were recorded. The procedure was then repeated for the second lateral-row anchor. Results The mean load to failure during lateral-row placement in the TOE model was 80.8 ± 21.0 N (median, 83 N; range, 27.2 to 115.8 N). There was no statistically significant difference between load to failure during lateral-row tensioning for the anterior and posterior anchors ( P = .84). Each of the 12 constructs failed at the eyelet of the lateral anchor. Retrieval analysis showed no failure of the medial anchors, no medial suture cutout through the rotator cuff tendon, and no signs of gapping at the repair site. Conclusions Our results suggest that the medial-row repair does not appear vulnerable during tensioning of the lateral row of a TOE rotator cuff repair with the implants tested. However, surgeons should exercise caution when tensioning the lateral row, especially when lateral-row anchors with PEEK eyelets are implemented. Clinical Relevance For this repair construct, the findings suggest that although the medial row is not vulnerable during lateral-row tensioning of a TOE rotator cuff repair, lateral-row anchors with PEEK eyelets appear vulnerable to early failure.
Temperature-dependent defect properties from ion-irradiation in Pu(Ga)

We report the measured decrease of electrical resistivity during isochronal-annealing of ion irradiation damage accumulated at lowtemperature (10 or 20 K), and the temperature dependence of the resistance of defect populations produced by low-temperature damageaccumulation and annealing in a stabilized -phase plutonium alloy, Pu(3.3 at.% Ga). The normalized change in resistivity is compared for a specimen that was either self-irradiated (from Pu -decay and the associated uranium-recoil) or 3.8 MeV proton-irradiated with a Pelletron electrostatic accelerator. Modeling of the annealing data through combined molecular dynamics (MD) and kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) methods describes the defect populations as a function of irradiation type and annealing temperature. It is observed that interstitial clustering is extant for the self-irradiation, but that the corresponding vacancies from the uranium damage cascade appear to be more point defect-like, as exhibited by their subsequent annealing behavior and comparison with the experimental annealing properties from the proton-irradiation. We also report the temperature dependence of the resistance of defects resulting from low-temperature damage accumulation and subsequent annealing at three temperatures: 30, 150, and 250 K. For the two defect populations dominated by vacancies and vacancy clusters (150 and 250 K), we observe a temperature-dependent defect population resistance of the form −a[ln(T)] + b suggestive of a Kondo impurity. A discussion of possible causes leading to this observation and their effects, as it might relate to the nature of the -phase of Pu, are presented. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. PACS: 71.27.+a; 61.72.Cc; 61.80.Jh; 61.80.Az
Part 4. Fused pyrimidines. Annelation using formamide to synthesize 2,4‐disubstituted‐pyrimido[4,5‐d]pyrimidines

A one-step synthesis of 2,4-disubstituted-pyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidines has been investigated. Cyclization of 6-amino-2,4-disubstituted-pyrimidines with formamide as solvent and reagent affords the title compounds in 50-70% yield. Strongly electron-donating groups are required. Based on model compounds, a pathway for the cyclization is suggested. The method is an improvement on previous methods of synthesis, albeit a limited one.
The Insulin Secretory Granule Is the Major Site of KATP Channels of the Endocrine Pancreas

With ATP sites on K ir 6.2 that inhibit activity and ADP sites on SUR1 that antagonize the inhibition, ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K ATP channels) are designed as exquisite sensors of adenine nucleotide levels that signal changes in glucose metabolism. If pancreatic K ATP channels localize to the insulin secretory granule, they would be well positioned to transduce changes in glucose metabolism into changes in granule transport and exocytosis. Tests for pancreatic K ATP channels localized to insulin secretory granules led to the following observations: fluorescent sulfonylureas that bind the pancreatic K ATP channel specifically label intracellular punctate structures in cells of the endocrine pancreas. The fluorescent glibenclamides colocalize with Ins-C-GFP, a live-cell fluorescent reporter of insulin granules. Expression of either SUR1-GFP or K ir 6.2-GFP fusion proteins, but not expression of GFP alone, directs GFP fluorescence to insulin secretory granules. An SUR1 antibody specifically labels insulin granules identified by anti-insulin. Two different K ir 6.2 antibodies specifically label insulin secretory granules identified by anti-insulin. Immunoelectron microscopy showed K ir 6.2 antibodies specifically label perimeter membrane regions of the secretory granule. Relatively little or no labeling of other structures, including the plasma membrane, was found. Our results demonstrate that the insulin secretory granule is the major site of K ATP channels of the endocrine pancreas.
Hydrodynamics of surface irrigation: vertical structure of the surge front

A model for surface irrigation is developed that allows the determination of the vertical structure of the ve- locity profile in the vicinity of the wave front. The pres- sure is not assumed to be hydrostatically distributed and no assumptions are made regarding the shape of the free- surface profile. The turbulent kinetic energy and rate of dissipation are computed by a two-equation model and ac- curate determination of the bottom shear makes possible the analysis of particle suspension. The model is based on a two-dimensional finite element model in the vertical plane and uses the kinematic condition for determining the position of the free surface. It also incorporates a numeri- cal technique for describing surface penetration and wave breaking by combining a Lagrangian approach that allows the computational nodes to move individually and then au- tomatically reshapes the element grid. The potential value of the model lies in its ability to provide information on vertical mixing, settling and suspension of contaminated solids commonly found in irrigation applications.
Introduction: The geologic mapping of Vesta

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Geologic Mapping of Vesta Special Issue/Section of Icarus, which includes several papers containing geologic maps of the surface of Vesta made to support data analysis conducted by the Dawn Science Team during the Vesta Encounter (July 2011–September 2012). In this paper we briefly discuss pre-Dawn knowledge of Vesta, provide the goals of our geologic mapping campaign, discuss the methodologies and materials used for geologic mapping, review the global geologic context of Vesta, discuss the challenges of mapping the geology of Vesta as a small airless body, and describe the content of the papers in this Special Issue/Section. We conclude with a discussion of lessons learned from our quadrangle-based mapping effort and provide recommendations for conducting mapping campaigns as part of planetary spacecraft nominal missions.
Psychosocial predictors of long-term adjustment to lower-limb amputation and phantom limb pain.

Purpose: To evaluate the utility of a biopsychosocial model to predict long-term adjustment to lower-limb amputation and phantom limb pain (PLP).Method: One month after lower-limb amputation, 70 participants completed measures of PLP intensity, cognitions (catastrophizing, perceived control over pain), coping (pain-contingent rest), social environment (social support, solicitous responding), and functioning (pain interference, depressive symptoms). The measures of functioning were administered again at 1- and 2-years post-amputation. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine the ability of the psychosocial variables at 1-month post-amputation to predict changes in the functioning measures over time.Results: The psychosocial variables at 1-month post-amputation, controlling for initial PLP intensity, accounted for 21% of the variance in change in depressive symptoms at 1-year (p < 0.05), and 27% and 22% (p's < 0.01 and 0.05, respectively) of the variance in change in pain interference and depressiv...
Improved quarter-point crack tip element

We present a modification to the quarter-point crack tip element and employ this element in two-dimensional boundary integral fracture analysis. The standard singular element is adjusted so that the near-tip crack opening displacement satisfies a known constraint: the coefficient of the term which is linear in the distance to the tip must vanish. Stress intensity factors calculated with the displacement correlation technique are shown to be highly accurate, and significantly more accurate than with the standard element. The improvements are especially dramatic for mixedmode problems involving curved and interacting cracks. 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Charge detection mass spectrometry of bacteriophage P22 procapsid distributions above 20 MDa

RATIONALE Charge state resolution is required to determine the masses of ions in electrospray mass spectrometry, a feat which becomes increasingly difficult as the mass increases. Charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS) circumvents this limitation by simultaneously measuring the charge and the m/z of individual ions. In this work, we have used electrospray CDMS to determine the number of scaffolding proteins associated with bacteriophage P22 procapsids. METHODS P22 procapsids containing a native cargo of scaffolding protein were assembled in E. coli and purified via differential centrifugation. Electrospray CDMS was used to measure their mass distribution. RESULTS The procapsid peak was centered at 23.60 MDa, which indicates that they contain an average of ~112 scaffolding proteins. The distribution is relatively narrow, less than 31 scaffolding proteins wide. In addition, a peak at 19.84 MDa with a relative abundance of ~15% is attributed to empty capsids. Despite having the same sizes in solution, the empty capsid and the procapsid have significantly different average charges. CONCLUSIONS The detection of empty capsids is unexpected and the process that leads to them is unknown. The average charge on the empty capsids is significantly lower than expected from the charge residue model, which probably indicates that the empty capsids have contracted in the gas phase. The scaffolding protein presumably limits the contraction of the procapsids. This work shows that electrospray CDMS can provide valuable information for masses greater than 20 MDa. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global land cover mapping from MODIS: algorithm design and preliminary results

The authors describe the operational algorithm being used to map global land cover on a quarterly basis using data from MODIS. This algorithm uses a supervised classification methodology and exploits a database of over 1000 training sites identified from Landsat TM data globally. Land cover classes being mapped include the 17 categories defined by the International Geosphere-Biosphere program. However, the site database has been specifically designed to map a much richer set of classes based on the needs of the user community. The classification algorithms being developed for this purpose include decision trees and artificial neural networks. Recent results from prototyping efforts using AVHRR data demonstrate that the algorithms are performing well.