cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reform of Criminal Law in the Soviet Union

8. Metcdicheskeye pis'mo o lechenii alkogolizma i Instruktsiya po lecheniyu bol'nvkh khronicheskim alkogolizmom tetraetiltiuramdisul'fidom (antabusom). [Methodological Letter on Treatment of Alcoholism and Instruction on Treatment of Patients with Chronic Alcoholism with Tetraethylthiuram Disulfide (Antabuse)]. (Mosccw: Ministerstvo Zdravookhraneniya SSSR, 1954). 9. Portnov, A. A., (ed.), Alkogolizm. Sbornik rabot po klinike, patogenezu, lecheniyu i profilaktike. [Alcoholism. Collection of Studies on Clinical Data, Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prophylaxis.] Mosc-w: Ministerstvo Zdravookhraneniya SSSR; 1959).
Kinetic spectrophotometric method for the simultaneous quantitation of amino acids in two- and three-component mixtures

Abstract The development and evaluation of a kinetic method for the simultaneous quantitation of two- and three-component mixtures of amino acids are described. The method is based on reaction with ninhydrin. Multipoint kinetic data collected during one or more half-lives of the slower-reacting component are processed with a nonlinear regression program to resolve the data into the concentrations of the individual components in the mixture. Results demonstrate good linearity between prepared and calculated concentrations of each component and total amino acid in the mixture (10–50 μM). Slopes of least-squares fits of calculated vs. prepared concentrations vary from 0.98 to 1.13 and intercepts vary from −0.1 to 2.9 μM with standard errors of the estimate ( S yx ) between 0.67 and 1.7 μM.
Determining affinity-selected ligands and estimating binding affinities by online size exclusion chromatography/liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) isolation of affinity-selected ligands combined with reverse phase liquid chromatography−mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is an effective means for identifying members of mixtures which form tightly bound noncovalent complexes with target proteins. A potential liability of the approach is that the SEC isolation is carried out under nonequilibrium conditions favoring protein/ligand complex dissociation. At long SEC isolation times and/or for complexes with fast off-rates the extent of dissociation can jeopardize the ability to detect the affinity-selected components. Additionally, equilibrium binding affinities cannot be exactly determined from the measured distribution of isolated ligands. We present here an online SEC/LC-MS system for determining affinity-selected members of active mixtures which reduces this liability. A kinetic model of the SEC isolation process is developed to determine the practical limits for the application of the method and to extrapolate equilibrium b...
Simultaneous evaluation of on-line microcalorimetry and fluorometry during batch culture of Pseudomonas putida-ATCC 11172 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 18824

Abstract Application of on-line sensors (flow calorimeter, fluorescence probe, dissolved oxygen and CO 2 probes) was assessed to monitor microbial biomass and physiological state of cells during a biological process. Two systems were studied; diauxic growth of Pseudomonas putida ATCC 11172 on glycerol and phenol, and the aerobic growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 18824 on glucose. The results showed that the cells produced a heat output which could be quantitatively related to the various phases of the growth cycle. The initial stage of enzymatic induction and substrate mobilization during the diauxic growth of P. putida was easily detected, and a clear oscillation phenomenon was observed during enzymatic rearrangement in shifting from phenol to glycerol metabolism. Glucose oxidation in ethanol and then in acetate was also clearly delineated from the growth of S cerevisiae . NADH (fluorescence probe) measurements gave a strong correlation with various biomass indicators such as optical density, dry weight, ATP content and cellular protein. The fluorescence signal appeared to be very sensitive to the quenching effect of the culture medium and of the cells themselves. The fluorescence emitted from the NADH molecules in a culture medium can be reduced from 30–70% depending on the chemical composition and the optical density.
Derivation of Maxwell-Bloch-type equations by projection of quantum models

A simple algebraic procedure is described for deriving Maxwell-Bloch-type equations from single-atom cavity quantum electrodynamics (cavity QED) master equations via orthogonal projection onto a manifold of semiclassical states. In particular, the usual Maxwell-Bloch equations are obtained---up to a state-dependent correction factor of order unity---straightforwardly from the unconditional Jaynes-Cummings master equation. The technique of projecting onto a semiclassical manifold can also be applied with conditional master equations (quantum filters), leading to stochastic simulation models that include multiplicative noise terms associated with fluctuations of the atomic dipole. The utility of such models is briefly explored in the context of single-atom absorptive bistability.
Spatio-temporal distortions in ultrashort laser pulses and their measurement

We describe two different definitions of spatial chirp and discuss their differences. We also show that pulse-front tilt arises, not only from angular dispersion, but also from simultaneous spatial and temporal chirp. We verify these results experimentally using GRENOUILLE, which measures both spatial chirp and pulse-front tilt.
Insights into the Structures of the Gas-Phase Hydrated Cations M+(H2O)nAr (M = Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs; n = 3–5) Using Infrared Photodissociation Spectroscopy and Thermodynamic Analysis

The hydration of alkali cations yields a variety of structural conformers with varying numbers of water molecules in the first solvation shell. How these ions move from the aqueous phase into biological systems, such as at the entrance of an ion channel, depends on the interplay between competing intermolecular forces, which first must involve ion–water and water–water interactions. New infrared action spectra, using argon as a messenger or “spy”, for Li+, Na+, and K+, with up to five water molecules are reported, and new structural conformers determined from ab initio calculations, combined with previous results on Rb+ and Cs+, have identified structural transitions at each hydration level. These transitions are a result of the delicate balance between competing noncovalent interactions and represent a quantitative microscopic view of the macroscopic enthalpy–entropy competition between energy and structural variety. Smaller cations (Li+ and Na+), with higher charge density, yield structural configuratio...
Development of finite strain in the convecting lower mantle and its implications for seismic anisotropy

[1] Seismological observations have revealed patches of seismic anisotropy in regions related to mantle upwelling and paleosubduction within an otherwise isotropic lower mantle. A combination of numerical modeling and mineral physics is used to constrain the source of anisotropy in these regions in an effort to better understand lower mantle dynamics and mineral physics. Specifically, it is investigated whether lattice-preferred orientation (LPO) can explain the anisotropy observed in regions of paleosubduction. Since LPO is caused by dislocation creep and is destroyed by diffusion creep, we can develop deformation mechanism maps to determine which regions allow for the development of a mineral fabric. Strain is then calculated in these regions and is related to mineral physics experiments combined with high-pressure elastic constants of lower mantle minerals in order to assess the predicted seismic anisotropy. Uncertainties in rheological parameters such as the transition stress between dislocation creep and diffusion creep necessitate a full evaluation of the parameter range. The effect of variations in transition stress, activations parameters, and strength of slabs on fabric development is investigated. It is shown that LPO is a likely candidate for the cause of lowermost mantle anisotropy in regions of paleosubduction.
Thin film solar cells and a review of recent results on GaAs

The merits of several semiconducting compounds which can be used to build thin film photovoltaic devices are discussed, considering in particular their absorption coefficient. Photocells using polycristalline GaAs films, formed by different techniques, are then described. The best cells, obtained with GaAs films chemically formed on Mo foil, and covered with cuprous selenide, have efficiencies reaching 5 % and a good stability.
Effect of intravenous injection speed on responses to cocaine and hydromorphone in humans

Rationale: It is commonly accepted that the relative abuse liability of drugs is positively related to the rate of delivery to the central nervous system; however, few controlled studies have tested this hypothesis in humans. Objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate systematically the effects of modifying intravenous infusion speed on the pharmacodynamic responses related to abuse liability and toxicity of intravenous cocaine and hydromorphone. Methods: Twelve experienced opiate and cocaine users completed this 3-week inpatient study. After completing a safety session, participants were tested on 9 separate test days with intravenous cocaine (30 mg/70 kg), hydromorphone (3 mg/70 kg), and placebo, each administered under double-blind and randomized conditions at infusion rates of 2, 15, and 60 s. Dependent outcome measures included a range of physiological, subjective, and observer-rated measures, and continuous electrocardiographic monitoring was conducted for safety monitoring. Results: Subjective responses to cocaine (for example, "high," "liking") were significantly greater when cocaine was infused more rapidly. Physiological responses to cocaine were largely unaltered with no evidence of increased toxicity with faster infusion speeds. None of the effects of hydromorphone were altered by varying the speed of infusion. Conclusions: This study provides empirical evidence for the commonly accepted belief that the abuse liability of cocaine can be enhanced by increasing the rate of the intravenous infusion; this principal may not hold true for opioids but further work would be required to rule this out. The data also indicate that moderate doses of cocaine can be administered over a range of infusion speeds commonly used in experimental settings without appreciably altering the apparent medical risks.
Comment on “Irreversible sorption of trace concentrations of perfluorocarboxylic acids to fiber filters used for air sampling” by Arp and Goss (Atmospheric Environment 42, 6869–6872, 2008)

Abstract This discussion paper reflects concerns as to the technical arguments set forth in the Arp and Goss paper. The authors of the paper, Arp and Goss, hypothesize that vapor phase perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFAs) are irreversibly sorbed to the surface of air sampling filters, and that this sorption erroneously biases vapor/particle speciation measurements toward the particle phase. These authors also suggest a surface treatment of the filters is necessary. As authors of some of the experimental data used in the Arp paper, we believe Arp and Goss have misstated the case for irreversible adsorption, and that untreated filters provide adequate vapor/particle speciation results for PFAs. Additional field data are offered to help prove the point.
Toward a Unified Treatment of Electronic Processes in Organic Semiconductors

A quantitative study of n-type doping in highly crystalline organic semiconductor films establishes the predominant influence of electrostatic forces in these low-dielectric materials. Based on these findings, a self-consistent model of doped (purposely or not) organic semiconductors is proposed in which: (1) the equilibrium free carrier density, nf, is a small fraction of the total charge density; (2) a superlinear increase in conductivity with doping density is universal; (3) nf increases with applied electric field; and (4) the carrier mobility is field-dependent regardless of crystallinity.
Single-sample decohesion test: mechanics and implementation

The Single-Sample Decohesion Test (SSDT), developed by the authors, eliminates shortcomings of current interfacial fracture toughness testing methods. In this approach, a highly stressed super layer is used to drive delamination and create any mode mix at the crack tip. SSDT uses the change in crack surface area to vary the available energy per unit area for crack growth and thus to bound the steady state interfacial fracture toughness. Therefore, this technique uses a single sample to measure the interfacial fracture toughness and maintains the advantages of the original decohesion test: (1) SSY conditions, (2) micro-electronics and MEMS representative interfaces, and (3) ability to generate any mode mix. Critical to the usefulness of this test is the availability of a mechanics based analytical model to calculate the test site energy release rate. The test sites are cantilevered thin film strips, which undergo large, nonlinear deflection, consist of multilayered materials, are subject to in-plane biaxial loading, have varying in-plane dimensions, and can be loaded from pure shear to pure peel. In this paper, one dimensional and linear and nonlinear classical laminate plate theories are compared to a finite element representation of the SSDT test site. The regions of applicability of linear and nonlinear analytical models are discussed and nonlinear effects such as the importance of capturing the bifurcation of curvature are highlighted. Application of the nonlinear plate theory model to the test is shown and interfacial fracture toughness results are provided for a Ti/Si interface at several mode mixes.
Intervillous blood flow in the third trimester gravid rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta): use of sonographic contrast agent and harmonic imaging.

A properly implanted and functioning placenta is essential for the normal outcome of pregnancy. As pregnancy advances, an increasing supply of maternal blood, which reaches the intervillous space of the placenta via the spiral arteries, is necessary for continued growth and development of the fetus. Presumably, deficient blood flow to the intervillous space can lead to placental ischaemia and an unfavourable outcome, such as pre-eclampsia. In this study, we used a primate model, where echocontrast-enhanced harmonic imaging was utilized to demonstrate placental intervillous blood flow without visualization of fetal blood circulation within the chorionic villi. We propose that this technique, which requires further assessment of efficacy and safety prior to use in humans, is a potentially useful non-invasive clinical tool for assessing intervillous blood flow in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in the remote North Atlantic marine atmosphere

We have developed a sampling strategy that allows us to determine femtogram/cubic meter concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) in remote marine atmospheres. Using this sampling strategy, a total of 37 air samples were taken during two extended sampling periods at Bermuda between September 1993 and August 1997. During this time, the average total PCDD/F concentrations at Bermuda decreased from 105 ± 30 to 35 ± 10 fg/m3, giving a half-life of about 2 years for these compounds in the remote marine atmosphere. PCDD/F concentrations during both sampling periods were somewhat higher in the winter when air parcels originated from North America. A second air-sampling station was established at Barbados where 22 air samples were taken between March 1996 and August 1997; an average total PCDD/F concentration at Barbados of 15 ± 7 fg/m3 was found. This value was not significantly different than the 27 ± 7 fg/m3 found at Bermuda during this time when air arrived...
Rigidizable Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment Space Flight Data Analysis

The Rigidizable Inflatable Get-Away-Special EXperiment (RIGEX) was run successfully on board STS-123 (Endeavor) in March 2008. RIGEX was built by graduate students at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) and returned there following the shuttle flight for post-flight analysis. The experiment’s objectives were to demonstrate in space the stowage, deployment, and rigidization techniques of carbon fiber composite inflatable rigidizable cylindrical booms. RIGEX was a Canister For All Payloads (CAPE) Space Shuttle cargo bay experiment designed to heat and inflate three 50.8 cm (20 in) long carbon fiber composite booms in a microgravity vacuum environment and measure both the structural characteristics and the deployment accuracy. Pressure, temperature, modal response, and position data were collected successfully on-orbit and are compared here to ground test data. This research is intended to help demonstrate the feasibility of using lightweight and low stowage volume (high packaging ratio) inflatable/rigidizable space structures for space mission applications.
Clustering billions of data points using GPUs

In this paper, we report our research on using GPUs to accelerate clustering of very large data sets, which are common in today's real world applications. While many published works have shown that GPUs can be used to accelerate various general purpose applications with respectable performance gains, few attempts have been made to tackle very large problems. Our goal here is to investigate if GPUs can be useful accelerators even with very large data sets that cannot fit into GPU's onboard memory.Using a popular clustering algorithm, K-Means, as an example, our results have been very positive. On a data set with a billion data points, our GPU-accelerated implementation achieved an order of magnitude performance gain over a highly optimized CPU-only version running on 8 cores, and more than two orders of magnitude gain over a popular benchmark, MineBench, running on a single core.
Electrophoretically deposited alumina as protective overlay for thermal barrier coatings against CMAS degradation

Abstract TBCs are increasingly susceptible to degradation by airborne CMAS deposits. In order to mitigate the CMAS attack, we fabricated a dense, crack-free alumina overlay for TBCs by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique. Overlay coatings of controlled thickness were successfully fabricated for YSZ TBCs, by EPD followed by controlled sintering at 1200 °C. YSZ with alumina overlay coatings were tested for CMAS attack at 1300 °C. Detailed examination of microstructural changes and phase evolution in CMAS tested specimens was performed by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Dense alumina overlay produced by EPD was found to physically suppress the infiltration of CMAS. Furthermore, CMAS was found to crystallize into anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8) and MgAl2O4 spinel by chemically interacting with EPD α-Al2O3. A shift in CMAS glass composition to a crystallizable Al-rich glass composition promoted the formation of anorthite platelets (CaAl2Si2O8) and localized enrichment of Mg promoted the formation of MgAl2O4 spinel. EPD alumina overlay on commercial-production TBCs retained its adhesion and structural integrity after 20 cycles of 1-hour furnace thermal cycle test at 1100 °C.
Conserved and Variable Functions of the σE Stress Response in Related Genomes

Bacteria often cope with environmental stress by inducing alternative sigma (σ) factors, which direct RNA polymerase to specific promoters, thereby inducing a set of genes called a regulon to combat the stress. To understand the conserved and organism-specific functions of each σ, it is necessary to be able to predict their promoters, so that their regulons can be followed across species. However, the variability of promoter sequences and motif spacing makes their prediction difficult. We developed and validated an accurate promoter prediction model for Escherichia coli σE, which enabled us to predict a total of 89 unique σE-controlled transcription units in E. coli K-12 and eight related genomes. σE controls the envelope stress response in E. coli K-12. The portion of the regulon conserved across genomes is functionally coherent, ensuring the synthesis, assembly, and homeostasis of lipopolysaccharide and outer membrane porins, the key constituents of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. The larger variable portion is predicted to perform pathogenesis-associated functions, suggesting that σE provides organism-specific functions necessary for optimal host interaction. The success of our promoter prediction model for σE suggests that it will be applicable for the prediction of promoter elements for many alternative σ factors.
Bilateral radical neck dissection with unilateral internal jugular vein reconstruction

To describe and evaluate the functional and oncologic results of one internal jugular vein replacement after bilateral radical neck dissection (RND).
Orchiectomy only for clinical stage I nonseminomatous germ cell testis tumors: Comparison with pathologic stage I disease

Twenty-three men with nonseminomatous germ cell tumors confined within the tunica albuginea of the testis and negative metastatic evaluation were placed on surveillance after radical orchiectomy. Metastatic disease developed in 3 for a relapse rate of 13 percent. During the same period, 17 men with pathologic Stage I disease were followed up in the same manner, and metastatic disease developed in 3 for a relapse rate of 18 percent. All six men were treated with either combination chemotherapy or retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy, and all are alive without disease for at least two years from end of therapy. If strict criteria are followed, surveillance has a place in the management of carefully selected young men with clinical Stage I disease.
Prebiotic Phosphate Ester Syntheses in a Deep Eutectic Solvent

We report a route to synthesize a wide range of organophosphates of biological significance in a deep eutectic solvent (2:1 urea and choline chloride), utilizing various orthophosphate sources. Heating an organic alcohol in the solvent along with a soluble phosphorus source yields phosphorus esters of choline as well as that of the added organic in yields between 15 to 99 %. In addition, phosphite analogs of biological phosphates and peptides were also formed by the simple mixing of reagents and heating at 60–70 °C in the deep eutectic solvent. The presented dehydration reactions are relevant to prebiotic and green chemistry in alternative solvents.
The hydrogenation of styrenes by hydridocobalt tetracarbonyl

Abstract The rates of hydrogenation of several styrene derivatives by stoichiometric hydridocobalt tetracarbonyl [HCo(CO) 4 ] were measured and compared. The relative rates are discussed in terms of conjugative and steric effects on the geminate radical pair mechanism. An improved method for determining HCo(CO) 4 concentration is described.
Mild diabetic neuropathy affects ankle motor function

Abstract Objective. To evaluate the effect of age and diabetic neuropathy on ankle motor function in the frontal plane in terms of rate of torque development and capability for balance recovery. Design. Case control study. Six older women with diabetic neuropathy compared to six women without neuropathy, matched for age and presence of diabetes mellitus; and nine healthy young women. Background. Neuropathy causes a distal impairment in lower extremity sensory function which increases fall risk. Impairments in ankle inversion/eversion proprioceptive thresholds have been identified, but the effect of neuropathy on ankle motor strength in the frontal plane is unknown. Methods. Subjects' abilities to recover from a lateral lean (with center of gravity offset as percentage of foot width) while standing on one foot, and to rapidly generate inversion torque about the ankle, were quantified. Results. All nine of the young, but only one of six older, control subjects recovered from a 10% lean (P=0.0052). Three of six older controls, but no neuropathy subject, recovered from a 5% lean (P=0.083). Neuropathy subjects demonstrated half the ankle rate of torque development [78.2 (50.8) N m/s; P=0.016] of the young and older controls [162.0 (54.6) and 152.7 (22.2) N m/s, respectively]. Conclusions. Diabetic neuropathy leads to a decrease in rapidly available ankle strength which impairs balance recovery among older women. Younger women demonstrate similar ankle strength but superior balance recovery compared to older women without neuropathy. Relevance Older women with diabetic neuropathy and normal ankle strength, as judged by clinical muscle testing, demonstrate a sub-clinical impairment in ankle motor function suggesting a target for intervention.
Physiologic Basis for Improved Pulmonary Function after Lung Volume Reduction

It is not readily apparent how pulmonary function could be improved by resecting portions of the lung in patients with emphysema. In emphysema, elevation in residual volume relative to total lung capacity reduces forced expiratory volumes, increases inspiratory effort, and impairs inspiratory muscle mechanics. Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) better matches the size of the lungs to the size of the thorax containing them. This restores forced expiratory volumes and the mechanical advantage of the inspiratory muscles. In patients with heterogeneous emphysema, LVRS may also allow space occupied by cysts to be reclaimed by more normal lung. Newer, bronchoscopic methods for lung volume reduction seek to achieve similar ends by causing localized atelectasis, but may be hindered by the low collateral resistance of emphysematous lung. Understanding of the mechanisms of improved function after LVRS can help select patients more likely to benefit from this approach.
Natural history of unruptured intracranial aneurysms

Therapeutic decisions regarding the management of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms ultimately involve consideration of the natural history of these lesions as well as the morbidity and mortality associated with their repair. Available evidence regarding the natural history of unruptured intracranial aneurysms suggests low overall rupture rates with relatively higher rates among patients with unruptured aneurysms and a history of subarachnoid hemorrhage from a separate aneurysm as opposed to patients with no history of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Among patients with no subarachnoid hemorrhage, aneurysmal size and location are independent predictors of future rupture. Among patients with prior subarachnoid hemorrhage, aneurysmal location independently predicts future rupture.
Optimal Sensing and Power Control for Cognitive Radio Networks

We consider a cognitive radio network where secondary cognitive users communicate with an access point relying on opportunistic transmissions over wireless fading channels. For such a network, it is important to maximize aggregate utility of average user rates under the constraints of average user power budgets and maximum allowable probabilities of collisions with the primary communications. To this end, jointly optimal sensing selection and power control scheme for the cognitive users is derived in a quasi-closed form through a Lagrange dual-based gradient approach. Moreover, we develop a stochastic optimization algorithm that can operate without a-priori knowledge of the fading channel statistics. It is established that the proposed stochastic scheme is capable of approaching the optimal sensing and power control strategy.
EARLY INCREASE IN ENDOTHELIN-1 IN TRACHEAL ASPIRATES OF PRETERM INFANTS WITH BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA: CORRELATION WITH INTERLEUKIN-8 AND INTERLEUKIN-6 † 986

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoactive peptide that can induce a bronchopulmonary response via the generation of secondary mediators such as cyclooxygenase products and contribute to increased pulmonary vascular tone, both of which play significant roles in the mechanism of acute lung injury. The objectives of this study were to determine if ET-1 is a marker for pulmonary injury in infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), and to demonstrate a possible relationship between ET-1 and proinflammatory cytokines IL-8 and IL-6 as early mediators of BPD. Preterm infants (34) ≤28weeks with RDS were included, 17 of whom progressed to BPD (oxygen requirement at 36 weeks postconceptional age). Clinical characteristics of the 2 groups were similar for gestational age (26.7 ± 0.3 vs 26.2 ± 0.3), birth weight (890 ± 45 vs 845 ± 40), maternal steroid therapy, cesarian delivery, surfactant replacement therapy, and oxygenation index on day 1. Tracheal aspirates (TA) were collected from intubated infants on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. ET-1, IL-8 and IL-6 levels were measured by ELISA and normalized for dilution by quantitative analysis of TA urea.Table
Discussion of “A Wavelet Network Model for Short-Term Traffic Volume Forecasting”by Yuanchang Xie and Yunlong Zhang

This paper presents a Wavelet Network (WN) model for forecasting short-term traffic flow. The Levenberg-Marquardt learning algorithm is employed to train the WN model. Earlier, Jiang and Adeli (200...
Simple geometric shapes are implicitly associated with affective value

Growing evidence suggests that the underlying geometry of a visual image is an effective mechanism for conveying the affective meaning of a scene or object. Indeed, even very simple context-free geometric shapes have been shown to signal emotion. Specifically, downward-pointing V’s are perceived as threatening and curvilinear forms are perceived as pleasant. As these shapes are thought to be primitive cues for decoding emotion, we sought to assess whether they are evaluated as affective even without extended cognitive processing. Using an Implicit Association Test to examine associations between three shapes (downward- and upward-pointing triangles, circles) and pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral scenes, in two studies we found that participants were faster to categorize downward-pointing triangles as unpleasant compared to neutral or pleasant. These findings were specific to downward-pointing shapes containing an acute angle. The present findings support the hypothesis that simple geometric forms convey emotion and that this perception does not require explicit judgment.
Age-Dependent Alterations in the Operations of Hippocampal Neural Networks

Results from numerous studies suggest that the functioning of rat hippocampal neural networks during the second postnatal week of life differs distinctly from that in the mature brain. During this critical period, network behavior might be considered hyperexcitable. Spontaneous network-driven bursts of synaptic potentials, which have not been reported in mature hippocampus, are commonly observed. While these events could be attributable to a late onset of GABAergic synaptic transmission, results suggest that this is not the case. In the immature hippocampus orthodromic stimulation leads to prolonged depolarizations and often repetitive synchronized discharging of the entire CA3 population. These events are in many ways reproduced by application of drugs that suppress GABAergic synaptic transmission. The synchronized discharging of the CA3 population is blocked by excitatory amino acid antagonists. This finding, coupled with our growing understanding of the role that recurrent excitation plays in CA3 network functioning, has led to the hypothesis that the differences in network behavior early in life may be largely attributable to an overabundance of local-circuit recurrent excitatory synapses. With maturation, axon collaterals and attendant synapses would regress to achieve an adult complement. Results from dual intracellular recordings as well as anatomical studies of individual CA3 pyramidal cells support this hypothesis. Unique properties of the NMDA receptor at these recurrent excitatory synapses early in life may also promote network excitability. The participation of extracellular Ca2+ in the voltage dependency of the NMDA receptor-linked iontophore could also contribute to synapse consolidation during maturation and thus in the establishment of network connectivity.
Comparative cytometric and microscopic analyses of oyster hemocytes

Abstract Automated techniques for counting molluscan hemocytes and measuring certain of their characteristics are becoming more common, but there has not been a concerted attempt to compare results with more traditional microscopy. We compared electrical resistance (Coulter counter) and light-scatter (flow-cytometry) measurements of eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, hemocytes with those from phase-contrast light microscopy. Our findings showed that the clarity of results from the two automated measurements was inversely related to the complexity, in type and size, of the cell population being analyzed. Microscopy produced the most detailed information, but flow-cytometric measurements, even when relying on light scatter alone, clearly surpassed the discriminatory ability of the Coulter counter. Microscopic measurements documented considerable size overlap among morphologically different types of hemocytes. Because it measures size only, the Coulter counter is relatively insensitive to these differences. The flow cytometer consistently described three subpopulations: two granular and one agranular. Because of the wide range and overlap in hemocyte size and intracellular contents (the two criteria measured by light scatter) within individuals, however, we found only a loose correlation between subpopulation counts from microscopy and from flow cytometry. By combining light scatter with the flow cytometer's ability to detect specific fluorescent dyes and its capacity to physically sort cells according to defined parameters, however, we expect to greatly increase its usefulness for studying molluscan hemocytes.
A comparison of the plane-stress approximation and full three-dimensional stresses in notched unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites

Abstract For a unidirectional fiber-reinforced composite lamina with a small centered circular hole subject to far-field uniaxial tension, the stresses near the hole cannot be computed accurately with a two-dimensional plane-stress analysis. The magnitude of the difference between the actual stresses and those predicted by the two-dimensional plane-stress approximation, and the size of the region over which these differences are significant, depend on the ratio of the hole radius to lamina thickness, the degree of orthotropy of the lamina, and the orientation of the load axis with respect to the reinforcing fibers. Three-dimensional stress solutions are presented for a range of hole radius to lamina thickness ratios and compared with two-dimensional plane-stress approximations; these results show that the plane-stress approximation is reasonable only for very small lamina thickness to hole size ratios. The use of plane-stress approximations in the analysis of the failure of such laminae is discussed.
High performance magnetostrictive actuators

The application of magnetostriction in the design of a hybrid, electromechanical/hydraulic high-performance linear (large force and stroke) and/or rotational (large moment and angle) actuator is considered. The design concept combines the high power density of actuation possible with magnetostriction (approaching 0.1 HP/cm/sup 3/ of the magnetostrictive material assuming 3 kHz excitation frequency) and the design flexibility of hydraulics. The objective of the research described was to validate the concept theoretically and to study alternatives and improvements. The system, as currently envisioned, offers very small packaging volume (approximately an order of magnitude smaller than conventional electromechanical systems), flexible packaging (relative location of the major system components is not critical), and easy control (precise control of actuation speed, quick reverse time, and inherent position lockup). The major technical problems associated with the design are outlined, and results of a computer simulation of a prototype actuator are presented. >
Antiarrhythmic benefits of targeting the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is the abnormal prolongation of the QT interval on the ECG. Individuals with LQTS have increased risk to syncope, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and sudden cardiac death (SCD) (for reviews, see Priori et al1; Moss and Kass2). LQTS may be acquired (drug-induced) resulting from action potential-prolonging antiarrhythmic drugs3-5 or may be inherited as a genetic channelopathy in which a number of ion channels function improperly to cause a delay in cardiac repolarization1. Currently, the prevalence of LQTS is approximately 1:5,000 individuals, and this may be an underestimate6. Presently, ten forms of the inherited LQTS have been identified and are associated with mutations in the genes encoding ion channels or their associated proteins. Thus, mutations have been identified in genes encoding the alpha subunits of voltage-gated K+, Na+ and Ca2+ channels (LQT1-3, LQT7&8), in genes encoding auxiliary subunits of K+, and Na+ channels (LQT5&6, LQT10), or in the gene encoding the cytoskeletal membrane adaptor protein, ankyrin-B (LQT4) and the scaffolding protein, caveolin-3 (LQT9). At the cellular level, prolongation of repolarization results from reduction of outward repolarizing (potassium) currents (loss-of-function mutations) or from a persistent or late influx of depolarizing (sodium or calcium) ions (gain-of-function mutations) during an action potential. LQTS is associated with SCD, caused by torsade de pointes (TdP) that are triggered by early afterdepolarizations (EADs). Other than ion channels, ion exchangers can also be electrogenic, generating currents that can modulate an action potential. The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) has a stoichiometry of 3Na+ 1Ca2+ and generates an inward, depolarizing current in the forward mode as calcium is extruded from the cell7-9. The activity of the NCX therefore is thought to play a role in maintaining the action potential plateau7, 9, 10. Given that the NCX functions in a bidirectional manner, its activity depends on parameters such as the transmembrane concentration gradients of Na+ and Ca2+, as well as the membrane potential. NCX activity has profound consequences on contractility and on arrhythmogenesis. In the latter case, it has been suggested that the effect is due to the generation of delayed after depolarizations (DADs) and EADs10-14. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms underlying the arrhythmogenesis are yet to be elucidated. Thus, experimental investigations that specifically target the NCX are warranted.
Postdiagnosis supplement use and breast cancer prognosis in the After Breast Cancer Pooling Project.

Vitamin supplement use after breast cancer diagnosis is common, but little is known about long-term effects on recurrence and survival. We examined postdiagnosis supplement use and risk of death or recurrence in the After Breast Cancer Pooling Project, a consortium of four cohorts of 12,019 breast cancer survivors from the United States and China. Post-treatment supplement use (vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and multivitamins) was assessed 1–5 years postdiagnosis. Associations with risk of recurrence, breast cancer-specific mortality, or total mortality were analyzed in Cox proportional hazards models separately by cohort. Individual cohort results were combined using random effects meta-analysis. Interactions with smoking, treatment, and hormonal status were examined. In multivariate models, vitamin E was associated with a decreased risk of recurrence (RR: 0.88; 95 % CI 0.79–0.99), and vitamin C with decreased risk of death (RR: 0.81; 95 % CI 0.72–0.92). However, when supplements were mutually adjusted, all associations were attenuated. There were no statistically significant associations with breast cancer mortality. The use of antioxidant supplements (multivitamins, vitamin C, or E) was not associated with recurrence, but was associated with a 16 % decreased risk of death (95 % CI 0.72–0.99). In addition, vitamin D was associated with decreased risk of recurrence among ER positive, but not ER negative tumors (p-interaction = 0.01). In this large consortium of breast cancer survivors, post-treatment use of vitamin supplements was not associated with increased risk of recurrence or death. Post-treatment use of antioxidant supplements was associated with improved survival, but the associations with individual supplement were difficult to determine. Stratification by ER status and considering antioxidants as a group may be more clinically relevant when evaluating associations with cancer risk and mortality.
Theoretical Study of the Structure, Energetics, and the n−π* Electronic Transition of the Acetone + nH2O (n = 1−3) Complexes

The structure, energetics, and vibrational spectra of the (CH3)2CO·(H2O)n (n = 1−3) complexes have been studied using density functional and ab initio B3LYP, MP2, and CCSD(T) methods. The excitation energies and the oscillator strength for the n−π* electronic transition in acetone and acetone−water complexes have been calculated using the CIS, CASSCF, and CASPT2 approaches. The results show that the first water molecule is coordinated to the carbonyl group of acetone, while the oxygen atom of H2O forms a weak hydrogen bond with a methyl hydrogen. The second H2O occupies a position between the first water and a methyl group, and the third H2O occupies a position between the second H2O and the methyl hydrogen of acetone. The energies of the coordination of the first, second, and third water molecules to the complexes are 3.7, 5.7, and 6.7 kcal/mol, respectively. The formation of the (CH3)2CO·(H2O)n complexes results in the shift of vibrational frequencies for acetone and water, particularly, red shifts for ...
Inside the Teaching Machine: Integrating Attribution and Reinforcement Theories:

Attribution theory is presented as a potentially useful framework for understanding the workings of operant conditioning principles. Causal attributions for the receipt of reinforcements are posited to have a moderating effect on reinforcement predictions emanating from the law of effect. Attributions are hypothesized to explain the effects of reinforcements, the workings of reinforcement schedules, and the administration of reinforcements.
Activity coefficient measurements of the system HCl−ZnCl2−H2O at 25 and 35°C

Electromotive force measurements were carried out on the HCl−ZnCl2−H2O system at constant total ionic strengths of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mol-kg−1 at 25 and 35°C using a cell consisting of Pt, H2(g, 1 atm)|HCl(mA), ZnCl2(mB)|AgCl/Ag. The data were interpreted by the mixed electrolyte equations of Pitzer and Kim in order to evaluate mixing ion-interaction parameters. The activity coefficients of ZnCl2 and the Gibbs excess free energies of mixing are calculated and presented at I=2.0 mol-kg−1 and compared with similar systems containing transition metal chlorides.
Strategy and environment as determinants of performance: Evidence from the Japanese machine tool industry

This study examines the roles played by the environment and realized strategies on firm-level performance in the Japanese machine tool industry. We examine the effect of environment and strategy on performance using longitudinal data on a sample of 25 Japanese machine tool firms over the period 1979-92. Our results indicate that both firm strategies and the environment play significant roles in influencing profitability and growth. More specifically, whereas both strategy and environmental variables are significantly related to firm profitability, only environmental variables are associated with firm growth. Additionally, in contrast to U.S. based studies, we find that capital expenditures and technological change are not negatively associated with profitability. Rather technological change has a positive impact on firm growth. We discuss the implications of these results for strategic management and provide suggestions for future research.
Let's motivate]

Few endeavors are successful without the proper preparation. For students to learn successfully, they must be prepared for the task; they must be motivated. In the past, much of this motivation has come from sources beyond the classroom. The instructor has had to do little to motivate the students as long as he did not discourage them. Those external motivational factors are not as prominent as they once were and this circumstance places more of the responsibility for motivating the students on the instructor. This paper, which suggests procedures for motivating students, is intended to emphasize the importance of motivation in learning and to foster an awareness of it. The paper also notes the need for greater recognition for those who provide the motivation, that is, the instructors.
Complete genetic models for altruism, kin selection and like-gene selection

Tractable difference-equation models, involving as many dynamic relations as there are unknown variables, are formulated to investigate like-gene selection. Unambiguous verdicts can then be rendered on intuitive conjectures and counter-conjectures that appear in the literature on altruism and kin selection. Thus, the 1978 Tullock view, that helping others with genes not exactly like your own lacks fitness, is verified to be incorrect. On the other hand, the 1978 correction of Tullock by Frech, with its dependence on environmental limitations and its omission of necessary and sufficient conditions for steady states with coexisting altruists and non-altruists, is provided with needed corrections, qualifications and amplifications. The scenarios considered, which include the fitness of incest and inbreeding and their unfitness, shed light on the 1976 Dawkins criticism of E. O. Wilson's 1975 association of kin selection as falling between individual and group selection. Ground is prepared for evaluation of the usefulness of a maximizing criterion in formulating neo-Darwinian systems of evolution.
The effects of fabrication and annealing on the structure and hydrogen permeation of Pd-Au binary alloy membranes

Abstract The addition of gold to palladium membranes produces many desirable effects for hydrogen purification, including improved tolerance of sulfur compounds, reduction in hydride phase formation, and, for certain compositions, improved hydrogen permeability. The focus of this work is to determine if sequential plating can be used to produce self-supported alloy membranes with equivalent properties to membranes produced by conventional metallurgical techniques such as cold-working. Sequential electroplating and electroless plating were used to produce freestanding planar Pd–Au membranes with Au contents ranging from 0 to 20 wt%, consisting of Au layers on both sides of a pure Pd core. Membranes were characterized by single-gas permeation measurements, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and high temperature, controlled-atmosphere XRD (HTXRD). Sequentially plated foils tested without any prior annealing had significantly lower H 2 permeabilities than either measured or literature values for homogeneous foils of equivalent composition. This effect appears to be due to the formation of stable gold-enriched surface layers. Pretreatment of membranes to 1023 K created membranes with hydrogen permeabilities equivalent to literature values, despite the fact that trace amounts of surface gold remained detectable with XRD.