cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of high performance stress-biased actuators through the incorporation of mechanical pre-loads

Abstract Stress-biased actuators, commonly referred to as thin unimorph driver (THUNDER ® ) and reduced and internally biased oxide wafer (RAINBOW), were first invented in 1994, and have been the subject of intense investigation since that time. Despite the exceptional performance of these devices, actuators with even greater performance are needed to pursue new applications. In this study, mechanical pre-loads, in the form of elongated springs, were added to standard stress-biased devices to alter domain switching behavior, and thus increase electromechanical response. The incorporation of the mechanical pre-load also results in an increase in stored mechanical and elastic energy within the device, which likely also contributes to the improved response of the modified devices compared to the standard devices. The displacement performance of the new actuators is two times that of the standard devices. The pre-load forces may also be employed to shift displacement resonance peaks to give additional improvements in response. Results are reported for the increased resistance of the modified devices to deformation under applied mass, the effects of pre-load force on actuator displacement response, and the capabilities of the new devices to move large (>3 kg) masses over millimeter distances at low applied power. Indirect evidence is presented that suggests that at least part of the improved response of the new devices is due to greater 90° domain switching.
Algebraic inversion of the Laplace transform

A new algebraic scheme for inverting Laplace transforms of smooth functions is presented. Expansion of the Laplace transform F(s) in descending powers of s is used to construct the Taylor series of the corresponding time function f(t). This is done through entirely algebraic evaluations of F(s) at symmetric points around circles in the complex plane. Test functions are used to examine the method and the results show good convergence over a broad region near t = 0. The method is especially well-suited to computer-based inversion of Laplace transform.
Myostatin and insulin-like growth factors in uremic sarcopenia: the yin and yang in muscle mass regulation

Myostatin and the insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and -II) play inhibitory and stimulatory roles, respectively, in the development and regulation of skeletal muscle mass. The findings of Sun et al. in this issue shed light on the potential regulation and actions of this yin-and-yang system in uremic sarcopenia and the salutary effects of exercise.
Ion energy distributions in inductively coupled plasmas having a biased boundary electrode

In many plasma materials processing applications requiring energetic ion bombardment such as plasma etching, control of the time-averaged ion energy distributions (IEDs) to surfaces is becoming increasingly important to discriminate between surface processes having different threshold energies. Inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs) are attractive in this regard since the plasma potential is low and so the energy of ion fluxes can be more finely tuned with externally applied biases. In these situations, pulsed plasmas provide another level of control as the IEDs from different times during the pulse power period can be combined to create the desired time-averaged IED. A recent development in controlling of IEDs in ICPs is the use of a boundary electrode (BE) in which a continuous or pulsed dc bias is applied to shift the plasma potential and modify the IEDs to surfaces without significant changes in the bulk plasma properties. Combinations of pulsing the ICP power and the BE bias provide additional flexibility to craft IEDs. In this paper we discuss results from a computational investigation of IEDs to a grounded substrate in low-pressure (a few to 50 mTorr) ICPs sustained in argon. Results are compared with experimental measurements of plasma properties and IEDs. We demonstrate the ability to customize IEDs consisting of three energy peaks corresponding to the plasma potential during the plasma active glow, plasma afterglow and the plasma potential with the applied boundary voltage.
Monitoring radiation exposure to medical personnel during percutaneous nephrolithotomy

To ascertain radiation exposure to medical personnel during percutaneous nephrolithotomy, lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were utilized for the radiographic monitoring of 7 consecutive patients. Average fluoroscopy time per procedure was 27.8 minutes of which 15.1 minutes were for nephrostomy tube insertion and 12.7 minutes were for calculi extraction. The 2 radiologists received 4.5 and 5.1 mrad per procedure, while the 2 urologists received 2.5 and 3.7 mrad. All other ancillary personnel received less than 2.1 mrad per procedure except the anesthesiologists whose mean exposure was 4.7 mrad. By taking appropriate precautions and using the proper equipment, percutaneous nephrolithotomy can be performed with a low level of radiation exposure for all involved physicians and personnel.
Organization of corticospinal neurons in the cat.

Abstract The cells of origin of the corticospinal tract of the cat were identified using the retrograde horseradish peroxidase (HRP) labeling technique. Cortical neurons labeled from the spinal cord were confined to layer V and included large Betz cells, as well as many smaller neurons of this layer. Collections of 5–10 labeled neurons concentrated in areas of 300–500 μm diameter were observed, suggesting a columnar-type of organization of corticospinal neurons. Injections of HRP into different spinal segments were used to determine the somatotopic distribution of corticospinal neurons. Cortical neurons projecting to the cervical spinal enlargement were found in the lateral hemisphere, with more caudal spinal levels being represented successively more medial. There appeared to be little, if any, overlap in the distributions of neurons labeled from the cervical versus the lumbosacral spinal cord. Neurons projecting to the spinal enlargements were most abundant in the primary are 4, motor cortex (MI), but substantial populations of neurons were located in each of the subfields, areas 3a, 3b, 1 and 2, of the primary somatic sensory cortex (SI), plus area 2 pre-insularis of the second somatic sensory region (SII), and area 5 of the suprasylvian gyrus. This suggested, in view of the differences in inputs and response properties of neurons in these cortical regions, that the corticospinal projections from the different areas could represent multiple, independent functions in spinal cord sensory and motor control. The soma diameters of HRP-labeled corticospinal neurons varied widely, with a distinct, large-celled (Betz-type) and a small-celled population being present in the area 4 motor cortex. The largest labeled neurons of the somatic sensory cortical areas were intermediate in size. Three types of corticospinal neurons may exist, corresponding to the giant pyramidal (Betz) cells, the largest pyramidal neurons of the somatic sensory regions, and the abundant, smaller pyramidal cells which are found throughout the sensory and motor cortical fields.
Comparative biological characterization of mouse adenovirus strains FL and K 87 and seroprevalence in laboratory rodents

The growth, stability and seroprevalence in laboratory rodents of the two known strains of mouse adenovirus were compared. The FL strain of mouse adenovirus grew in both L 929 murine fibroblasts and in CMT-93 murine rectal carcinoma cells, whereas the K 87 strain grew only in CMT-93 cells. The bulk of the FL progeny virus was released from the host cells. K 87 virus was largely cell-associated. Both virus strains were stable at 37° C in liquid medium. The K 87 strain was completely inactivated after 5–15 minutes at 56° C, whereas FL infectivity was still detected after two hours at this temperature. Both virus strains were stable in the dessicated state for 14 days, although FL viability was more dependent on the presence of protein in the virus diluent. Seroepidemiologic data suggest that viruses antigenically related to mouse adenovirus are more prevalent among laboratory rats than among laboratory mice and that the virus(es) infecting rats differ from those infecting mice. Results of retrospective serologic testing suggest an association between mouse adenovirus and an outbreak of disease in a mouse breeding colony.
Estimating aquifer recharge due to rainfall

Abstract An existing dynamic model of the annual water balance is modified to account for two phenomena peculiar to arid climates, i.e. variable rainy season length, and soil dessication during the dry season. Model parameter values are estimated for two locations in the Central Zone of Saudi Arabia and the cumulative distribution function of annual recharge from precipitation is found for two of the primary sedimentary aquifers outcripping in this zone. Results quantify the large uncertainty of annual recharge in such climates, and confirm the accepted notion that these aquifers are being “mined”.
Cyanosis following right pneumonectomy: importance of patent foramen ovale.

A patient with chronic lung disease became cyanotic following right pneumonectomy for cancer. He was found to have right-to-left shunting through a patent foramen ovale in the absence of pulmonary hypertension, and he improved remarkably after surgical therapy. This case vividly illustrates the subtlety with which acquired right-to-left shunting may appear in the setting of chronic hypoxemia. The frequency of patent foramen ovale in the general population (20 percent) and the ease and efficacy of treatment for this lesion underscore the need for general awareness of this potential problem in the chronically or critically ill.
Life-span Socioeconomic Trajectory, Nativity, and Cognitive Aging in Mexican Americans: The Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging

Objectives. Early life circumstances influence health across the life span. Migration and ethnicity may modify the lifetime trajectory of socioeconomic status (SES) and lead to heterogeneity in cognitive aging in later life. Methods. We examined the effects of both lifetime socioeconomic trajectory and cumulative disadvantage from childhood through adulthood on late life cognitive performance in a 9-year cohort of 1,789 Mexican Americans aged 60–100 years in 1998–1999. Results. Compared with those with low SES sustained over the life course, we found that those with more advantaged lifetime SES trajectories experienced fewer declines on a test of global cognitive function and a short-term verbal memory test. These associations are larger in first- and second- generation immigrant families. Discussion. Heterogeneity of cognitive aging among diverse race/ethnic groups may be influenced by intergenera tional changes in SES, cultural norms, and behaviors and changes in health related to changes in the social and physical environment.
Gender Bias in Skills and Social Policies: The Varieties of Capitalism Perspective on Sex Segregation

This article develops a novel skilled-based theory to explain patterns of occupational segregation by gender in advanced industrial societies. This new approach brings together insights from two critical literatures: the varieties of capitalism literature and feminist studies of welfare states. The central claim is that firm-specific skills discriminate against women whereas general skills are more gender-neutral. This article thus attributes cross-national variations in occupational segregation to differences in national skill profiles: those countries in which a large number of employers rely on firm-specific skills experience greater degrees of occupational segregation by gender. This work also explores the potential interactive effects of social policy regimes and national skill profiles on occupational segregation by gender. (authors)
Early Language Intervention

This investigation focused on the effectiveness of classroom versus individual interventions in promoting initial lexical acquisition for young preschool children with language delays. Twenty children aged 20–47 months were randomly assigned to individual and classroom-based early intervention programs. Progress was measured in terms of children’s spontaneous and productive use of the target items in treatment and home-based generalization settings at mid- and posttreatment measurement points. Results indicated that use of target words as measured by treatment data was equal for children in the two intervention conditions. Differences were apparent when home generalization data were considered. Children in the classroom intervention condition demonstrated a greater degree of productive use of target words in the home generalization measures than did children in the individual intervention condition. The children also demonstrated differences in use of target words in treatment versus home settings. A fair...
Defective fatty acid oxidation in renal tubular epithelial cells has a key role in kidney fibrosis development

Renal fibrosis is the histological manifestation of a progressive, usually irreversible process causing chronic and end-stage kidney disease. We performed genome-wide transcriptome studies of a large cohort (n = 95) of normal and fibrotic human kidney tubule samples followed by systems and network analyses and identified inflammation and metabolism as the top dysregulated pathways in the diseased kidneys. In particular, we found that humans and mouse models with tubulointerstitial fibrosis had lower expression of key enzymes and regulators of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and higher intracellular lipid deposition compared to controls. In vitro experiments indicated that inhibition of FAO in tubule epithelial cells caused ATP depletion, cell death, dedifferentiation and intracellular lipid deposition, phenotypes observed in fibrosis. In contrast, restoring fatty acid metabolism by genetic or pharmacological methods protected mice from tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Our results raise the possibility that correcting the metabolic defect in FAO may be useful for preventing and treating chronic kidney disease.
Summer habitat affinities of estuarine fish in US mid‐Atlantic coastal systems

Fisheries management strategies based on habitat protection require definitive assessment of fish habitat affinities, but most habitat association information is based on disparate data from multiple sampling strategies. Habitat affinities were quantitatively defined using consistently collected data with a 16-m high-rise otter trawl at 314 Virginian Province (US) sites from 1990 to 1993. Catch rates and field-recorded salinity, depth, sea bed type, and geography (coastal system) associated with each trawl were analysed. Habitat affinity was quantified by comparing the concentration of fish in a particular habitat with the prevalence of that habitat. Fishes exhibited a specific habitat affinity even though they occurred across a range of environmental gradients. Fish were most associated with salinity (14 of 19 species/life-stage groups had a significant affinity for at least one salinity zone). Three-quarters of the flatfish displayed an affinity for a selected sea bed type; the same percentage of sciaenids had an affinity for a particular salinity zone.
Microcellular extrusion of PLA utilizing solid‐state nucleation in the gas‐saturated pellet extrusion process

In this study, we explore the use of solid-state nucleation in polymer pellets as a means to create microcellular PLA foams in extrusion. This is achieved by using gas-saturated PLA pellets as input to the extruder. Foam density, bubble size, and bubble density is reported and compared with microcellular foams created in the gas-injection extrusion process. PLA pellet gas concentrations between 17 and 29 mg CO2/g PLA was found to produce quality microcellular foams in this process. Gas concentrations within this range were achieved by varying methods that included partial saturation, desorption from full saturation, and blending saturated with unsaturated pellets. This gas concentration window that produced microcellular foams was found to be independent of the saturation and desorption process used to achieve the desired concentration. We further compare the pressure drop and pressure drop rate of the gas-saturated pellet extrusion process showing that similar foams can be produced at pressures orders of magnitude lower than the alternative gas-injection extrusion processes. Investigations into extrusion pressures support the hypothesis that the gas-saturated pellet extrusion process utilizes solid-state nucleation in the feed section of the extruder to achieve high bubble density foams. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
The serologic diagnosis of heartworm infection in dogs and cats

W hether performing routine screening of asymptomatic dogs or confirming heartworm infection in dogs with suggestive clinical signs, veterinarians rely heavily on the use of serologic tests. With recent advances in serology, the potential now exists for veterinarians to use these tests in the diagnosis of heartworm disease in cats. Heartworm assays today also allow semiquantification of heartworm infection allowing the practitioner to better plan adulticide therapy considering disease severity. These assays also are used in the assessment of adulticidal efficacy. Considering the geographical increase of heartworm endemic areas and the prevalence of heartworm disease in dogs and cats, these tests are integral components of veterinary practice. This report reviews the temporal serologic consequences of heartworm infection, the varying methods of serologic testing, and guidelines for the practical use of these tests m veterinary practice.
Metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation: Indications for open surgical reduction

In complex dislocations of the metacarpophalangeal joint, the volar plate is separated from the proximal phalanx and the metacarpal head is entrapped within surrounding tissue structures. These complex dislocations must be managed by open surgical reduction to reduce the dislocation and realign the volar plate. A 58-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a complex dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the left little finger, which was successfully treated by open reduction in the operating room. The indications for open reduction of metacarpophalangeal joint dislocations are reviewed.
Octamethyloctahydrodibenzofluorenyl: Electronic Comparisons between a Sterically Expanded Ligand and Its Cyclopentadienyl Analogues

Incorporating the octamethyloctahydrodibenzofluorenyl (Oct) ligand into metallocene and constrained geometry olefin polymerization catalysts has profound catalytic consequences. The steric influences are undoubtedly important, but it is shown herein that electronics likely also play a crucial role. The electron richness of the Oct− anion was directly measured by competitive deprotonation experiments, which reveal that the pKa of OctH is 3.9 units higher than that of fluorene. The HOMO−LUMO gap decreases by about 0.6 kcal/mol for each additional tertiary alkyl group appended to the metallocene R2C(C5H4)(C13H8)ZrCl2 (R = Me or Ph) in the 2, 3, 6, and 7 positions of the fluorenyl moiety, indicating the ability of these groups to increase the HOMO energy by electron donation. The carbonyl stretching frequencies for η5-OctMn(CO)3 (2009, 1924 cm−1) demonstrated that the Oct ligand is the most electron donating in the series of CpMn(CO)3, Cp*Mn(CO)3, and (C13H9)Mn(CO)3. DFT calculations universally corroborate t...
Leading organizational learning: Reflections on theory and research

This essay conveys some of the author's ideas about the influence of leaders on organizational learning. Limitations of some well known leadership theories for explaining this influence are described, and ideas for developing more comprehensive and accurate theories are suggested. Examples of specific ways leaders can influence organizational learning are provided. The methods used for most of the research on the subject are evaluated, and some alternative methods are suggested.
The multiple effects of a play-oriented parent training program for mothers of developmentally delayed children***

A behavior education program for teaching mothers to develop toy play in their developmentally delayed children was evaluated. During training, introduced in a multiple baseline fashion, mothers were sequentially instructed how to use prompts and rewards in teaching their children to play with developmentally appropriate toys. Measurement of training effects were assessed on multiple levels. After training, mothers displayed the target skills taught, and children showed an increase in their rate of appropriate play. A higher order analysis of the data revealed that mothers and infants were generally more responsive to each other's behavior and that the children self-initiated more frequently during interactions with their mothers. The implication of the results for designing early intervention programs and the merits of using complex units of analysis when examining a training program's effectiveness were discussed.
Role of cationic group structure in membrane binding and disruption by amphiphilic copolymers.

Cationic, amphiphilic polymers are currently being used as antimicrobial agents that disrupt biomembranes, although their mechanisms remain poorly understood. Herein, membrane association and disruption by amphiphilic polymers bearing primary, tertiary, or quaternary ammonium salt groups reveal the role of cationic group structure in the polymer−membrane interaction. The dissociation constants of polymers to liposomes of POPC were obtained by a fluorometric assay, exploiting the environmental sensitivity of dansyl moieties in the polymer end groups. Dye leakage from liposomes and solid-state NMR provided further insights into the polymer-induced membrane disruption. Interestingly, the polymers with primary amine groups induced reorganization of the bilayer structure to align lipid headgroups perpendicular to the membrane. The results showed that polymers bearing primary amines exceed the tertiary and quaternary ammonium counterparts in membrane binding and disrupting abilities. This is likely due to enhan...
The impact of D—3He fusion reactors on waste disposal

The suggestion that the surface of the moon may be mined for 3He to be used as a fuel in terrestrial fusion reactors has recently been made. A fusion reactor based on the D—3He reaction would have the advantage that most of the power produced would be in the form of charged non-radioactive particles. However, secondary D—D and D—T reactions also occur. A study is made of the consequences of the radioactivity induced by the neutrons from these reactions with respect to waste disposal. A generic first wall and shield 0.4 m thick consisting of 7% structure, 73% H2O and 20% void was used as a test case. The structural materials considered were two austenitic stainless steels (PCA and Tenelon), two ferritic alloys (HT-9 and a low activity modification of HT-9), and a vanadium alloy (V15Cr5Ti). The results of the calculations show that for operation at a fusion power loading of 1 MW/m2 for a thirty year reactor lifetime, Tenelon, the low activity HT-9 and the vanadium alloy meet surface waste disposal requirements consistent with those published in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (10CRF61). If five percent boron is added to the water to suppress (n, γ) reactions, HT-9 and PCA structures are acceptable. Calculations of a first wall and shield designed for a 600 MW reactor D—3He operating at a fusion power loading of 2.94 MW/m2 indicate that Tenelon may be used as structure and meet waste disposal requirements after thirty years of operation. It is concluded that the use of a D—3He cycle allows surface burial of activated reactor components and results in a significant reduction in the volume of waste.
Influence of deformation substructure on flow and fracture of fully pearlitic steel

Abstract Tensile stress-strain data over the whole strain range were obtained for a range of pearlites from very coarse to relatively fine (interlamellar spacings 0.53 and 0.13 μm, respectively). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for pearlite subjected to various amounts of strain was performed. Coupling mechanical data with TEM examination provided a detailed picture of how pearlite yields, deforms, work hardens, and fails under uniaxial tension. It is shown that yielding and work hardening of pearlite are largely controlled by processes occurring in ferrite. The role of a cementite plate at low stresses is mainly to limit the slip distance in ferrite. It is found that the tensile fracture is determined by processes in the colonies with lamellae parallel to the tensile axis and that the stress necessary to break a cementite plate corresponds to the true U.T.S. The influence of interlamellar spacing on the yield strength, flow stress, and the true U.T.S. is quantitatively explained.
A Worldly Vernacular: Urdu at Osmania University

Twinned as Urdu has become with the fate of India's largest religious minority, Muslims, and with the emergence of the independent state of Pakistan, for which Urdu is the official national language, the story of Urdu holds a peculiar place and a special significance in histories of the subcontinent. Stories of the Urdu language are dramatic, bound up as they are in questions of politics, the fate of Hindus and Muslims and the vicissitudes of both the Urdu and the Hindi languages. Though Hindi–Urdu language politics are an important part of these languages' colonial history, this article emphasizes another story. For, like the other vernaculars of south Asia, Urdu had to contend as much with English as with Hindi, and it is that story that is emphasized here. This article details how early-twentieth-century Hyderabad's Urdu educators engaged with questions of native education, language, and Western science. It highlights the discussions and disagreements that accompanied this educational project as Urdu advocates re-evaluated their language and its sources of authority, attempting to make the Urdu language a worldly vernacular, useful for more than the subcontinent's Muslim population.
Gender-related differences in expression of murine glutathione S-transferases and their induction by butylated hydroxyanisole.

Abstract The basal levels of μ and π class glutathione S -transferases RNA were 18-fold higher in the male mouse liver as compared with the female. When 0.75% (w/w) BHA was included in the diet it altered the RNA levels of α, μ, π GST classes and mGSTA4-4 in a tissue and sex specific manner. The most marked induction of RNA was seen for the μ class GSTs of female liver, lung and kidney (52, 10 and 8-fold, respectively), and of male liver and kidney (25 and 3.5-fold, respectively), the π class GSTs of female liver, lung, and kidney (11, 10, and 5-fold, respectively), and mGSTA4-4 of female liver (4-fold). The effect of BHA on the induction of the μ and π class GST RNA was 2–9 fold greater in female as compared with male tissues. The degree of induction of GST RNA did not correlate directly with changes in GST protein indicating that post-transcriptional events regulating GST expression may be affected by BHA particularly for GST μ and mGSTA4-4.
Oxygen-ion conductivity and defect interactions in yttria-doped ceria

Conductivity, σ, of the oxygen-ion conductivity solid electrolyte system CeO2:Y2O3 is studied in detail as a function of temperature and dopant concentration, c0, from 0.05 to 40 mole% Y2O3. It is shown that the well-known maximum in σ versus c0 is composed of two distinct ranges. In the dilute range (<1%Y2O3), an oxygen vacancy is associated with one Y3+ ion to form a charged (incompletely compensated) pair. Here σ increases, due to a linear decrease in association enthalpy HA with c130 resulting from electrostatic interactions. In the high-concentration range, on the other hand, σ decreases and HA increases due to the development of deep vacancy traps.
High-pT pion quenching versus anti+baryon enhancement in nucleus-nucleus collisions

Abstract Jet quenching of quarks and gluons in central A + A collisions suppresses the high-pT meson production and exposes novel baryon dynamics that we attribute to (gluonic) baryon junctions. This mechanism predicts baryon enhancement in a finite moderate-pT window that decreases with increasing impact parameter. We also extend recent calculations of the transverse momentum behavior of p/π+ and p ¯ / π − to other baryon species and show that a similar pattern is expected for the K−/Λ and K + / Λ ¯ ratios. Within the framework of the model constant p ¯ / p and Λ ¯ / Λ ratios are found in central Au + Au collisions at RHIC energies up to pT ≅ 4 – 5 GeV.
Gastrulation in zebrafish: what mutants teach us.

A major approach to the study of development is to compare the phenotypes of normal and mutant individuals for a given genetic locus. Understanding the development of a complex metazoan therefore requires examination of many mutants. Relatively few organisms are being studied this way, and zebrafish is currently the best example of a vertebrate for which large-scale mutagenesis screens have successfully been carried out. The number of genes mutated in zebrafish that have been cloned expands rapidly, bringing new insights into a number of developmental pathways operating in vertebrates. Here, we discuss work on zebrafish mutants affecting gastrulation and patterning of the early embryo. Gastrulation is orchestrated by the dorsal organizer, which forms in a region where maternally derived beta-catenin signaling is active. Mutation in the zygotic homeobox gene bozozok disrupts the organizer genetic program and leads to severe axial deficiencies, indicating that this gene is a functional target of beta-catenin signaling. Once established, the organizer releases inhibitors of ventralizing signals, such as BMPs, and promotes dorsoanterior fates within all germ layers. In zebrafish, several mutations affecting dorsal-ventral (D/V) patterning inactivate genes functioning in the BMP pathway, stressing the central role of this pathway in the gastrula embryo. Cells derived from the organizer differentiate into several axial structures, such as notochord and prechordal mesoderm, which are thought to induce various fates in adjacent tissues, such as the floor plate, after the completion of gastrulation. Studies with mutants in nodal-related genes, in one-eyed pinhead, which is required for nodal signaling, and in the Notch pathway reveal that midline cell fate specification is, in fact, initiated during gastrulation. Furthermore, the organizer coordinates morphogenetic movements, and zebrafish mutants in T-box mesoderm-specific genes help clarify the mechanism of convergence movements required for the formation of axial and paraxial mesoderm.
Density of basic rocks at very high pressures

The densities of two gabbros and one dunite bave been measured at several pressures in the range from 150 to 750 kilobars (1 kilobar = 986.9 atmospheres). These pressures were attained in shock fronts generated by high explosives. The densities were computed from the observed shock waves. The dunite, initial density of 3.25 g/cc, was compressed to a density of about 4.9 g/cc at 720 kilobars. The gabbros, initial density 3.0 g/cc, were compressed to 5.0 g/cc at 750 kilobars. Both gabbros show evidence of a polymorphic transition at some pressure around 150 kilobars to a more dense, but less compressible phase. The agreement obtained from these data with a crust of dunite 400 kilometers thick underlain by a gabbroic rock with Bullen's Model A is very close.
Pesticides in surface water runoff in south-eastern New York State, USA: seasonal and stormflow effects on concentrations.

Samples from two streams (Kisco River and the Middle Branch of the Croton River) in the Croton Reservoir system in south-eastern New York State, USA were sampled from May 2000 through to February 2001 in order to document the effect of land use, streamflow and seasonal patterns of application on pesticide concentrations in runoff from developed watersheds. Many of the pesticides detected most commonly in this study are generally used in developed areas, and particularly on turfgrass. Pesticide concentrations were generally higher, and the numbers of compounds were generally larger, in samples from the Kisco River than in samples from the Middle Branch, probably because the Kisco River drainage has a greater population density and is more extensively developed. Four pesticides (2,4-D, 2,4-D-methyl, dicamba and metalaxyl) were detected in at least one sample from the Kisco River at a concentration >1 μg litre -1 , and no pesticides were detected at concentrations >0.4 μg litre -1 in Middle Branch samples. No human-health-based water-quality standards were exceeded by samples from either site in this study, but samples from the Kisco River contained four insecticides (carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, diazinon and malathion) and one herbicide (2,4-D) in concentrations that exceeded water quality criteria for the protection of aquatic life. The highest concentrations of most compounds occurred during stormflows in both streams in June, September and December, 2000. The lowest concentrations of most compounds at both sites occurred during baseflows from October 2000 through February 2001, even though the concentrations of many compounds increased substantially at the Kisco River site during stormflows in November and December. Detailed data on the variability of pesticide concentrations during stormflows indicate that there may be two sources of pesticides in the Kisco River watershed: (1) elevated concentrations of pesticides during peak flows that occur early in stormflows likely reflect runoff from paved areas, and (2) elevated concentrations during peak flows that occur later in stormflows from areas with lesser amounts of pavement. Data from the Kisco River indicate that the relation between storm discharge and pesticide concentrations varies among compounds, in part because of variation in seasonal application patterns. These variations in the timing of application result in not all stormflows producing increased concentrations of pesticides. Overall, these results indicate the importance of stormflow sampling throughout the year in assessing pesticide fate and transport in urbanized, developed areas.
Uses of Laboratory Data in anti Infective Drug Approval Processes

Laboratory data represent a largely unused body of data in the drug approval process. Such data, when properly collected and used, can provide invaluable insights into drug efficacy and safety in subgroups of the target population. The Statistical Evaluation and Research Branch's use of these data for these two purposes uncovered several problems. These include the lack of standard nomenclature and terminology, properly established reference intervals, and documented auditing methods plus doubts about the validity of data due to lack of proof of good laboratory practices (GLP). There were errors in computerization of data that adversely affected evaluation and interpretation of these data.
Shell growth of sea scallops ( Placopecten magellanicus ) in the southern and northern Great South Channel, USA

Harris, B. P., and Stokesbury, K. D. E. 2006. Shell growth of sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) in the southern and northern Great South Channel, USA. e ICES Journal of Marine Science, 63: 811e821. Shell growth of sea scallops in two commercially productive regions of the Great South Channel (GSC) (41(4 0 N6 9(16 0 W) was studied using tagerecapture experiments. Commercial fishers captured and returned 9.7% of the 11 704 sea scallops tagged in the southern GSC study area, and 7.9% of the 18 274 sea scallops tagged in the northern GSC study area. Scallop density and shell height distribution were sampled with underwater video in the two study areas. In the southern GSC tagged scallops grew faster, reached larger asymptotic size, and had higher growth performance (f 0 ) than in the northern GSC study area. Mean sea scallop density in the southern GSC was 0.117 scallops m � 2 (s.e. ¼ 0.01), and 2.601 scallops m � 2 (s.e. ¼ 0.28) in the northern GSC. Environmental factors, fishing pressure, and sea scallop density all influence shell growth on a fine geographic scale (1e100 km 2 ) and should be considered in area-specific management strategies, such as that currently used in the USA sea scallop fishery.
Effect of drought on sorbitol and sucrose metabolism in sinks and sources of peach

In peach (Prunus persica [L.] Batsch.), sorbitol and sucrose are the two main forms of photosynthetic and translocated carbon and may have different functions depending on the organ of utilization and its developmental stage. The role and interaction of sorbitol and sucrose metabolism was studied in mature leaves (source) and shoot tips (sinks) of'Nemaguard' peach under drought stress. Plants were irrigated daily at rates of 100, 67, and 33% of evapotranspiration (ET). The relative elongation rate (RER) of growing shoots was measured daily. In mature leaves, water potential (ψ w ), osmotic potential (ψ s ), sorbitol-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (S6PDH, EC 1.1.1.200), and sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPS, EC 2.4.1.14) activities were measured weekly. Measurements of ψ s , sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH, 1.1.1.14), sucrose synthase (SS, EC 2.4.1.13), acid invertase (Al, EC 3.2.1.26), and neutral invertase (NI, EC 3.2.1.27) activities were taken weekly in shoot tips. Drought stress reduced RER and ψ w of plants in proportion to water supply. Osmotic adjustment was detected by the second week of treatment in mature leaves and by the third week in shoot tips. Both SDH and S6PDH activities were reduced by drought stress within 4 days of treatment and positively correlated with overall ψ w levels. However, only SDH activity was correlated with ψ s . Among the sucrose enzymes, only SS was affected by drought, being reduced after 3 weeks. Sorbitol accumulation in both mature leaves and shoot tips of stressed plants was observed starting from the second week of treatment and reached up to 80% of total solutes involved in osmotic adjustment. Sucrose content was up to 8-fold lower than sorbitol content and accumulated only occasionally. We conclude that a loss of SDH activity in sinks leads to osmotic adjustment via sorbitol accumulation in peach. We propose an adaptive role of sorbitol metabolism versus a maintenance role of sucrose metabolism in peach under drought stress.
Scholarship and Teaching that Matters: Juxtaposing Inner Freedom with Street-Smart Credibility.

This article describes a step-process approach to scholarship that links a scholar's personal interests with societal needs. It allows professional insight (knowledge from experience) to be juxtaposed with theoretical insight (knowledge from science). It also facilitates a publication flow protective of academic career advancement.
Student characteristics for online learning success

Higher education has been impacted significantly by the proliferation of online instruction. Despite this trend, empirical investigations of this delivery method have lagged. Many have documented the need for research on online student characteristics, yet current literature consists of personal teaching experiences and anecdotal observations. To address these issues the authors conducted three studies. The goals were to describe how the new measure of online student characteristics (i.e., TOOLS — Test of Online Learning Success) was constructed and validated, outline the contributions the measure has made to our knowledge of online learners, and review the research literature that supports the findings. The results demonstrated the measure's simple and stable structure, construct validity, criterion validity, internal reliable, and test–retest reliability. The measure, administration guidelines, scoring procedures, and outcome interpretations are provided in the public domain. The different purposes for which the measure may be used are discussed. The paramount student characteristics that emerged are presented and discussed in regards to other research findings.
Live and web-based orientations are comparable for a required rotation

Background and Objectives: Studies show equivalency in knowledge when measured following Web-based learning and live lecture. However, the effectiveness of a Web-based orientation for a required clinical rotation is unknown. Methods: Medical students viewed a Web-based orientation and completed a 13-item evaluation before beginning a required 6-week community medicine rotation. Evaluation data from 2007–2008 live orientation sessions were compared to responses from 2008–2009 Web-based orientation sessions. Data were analyzed by two-sample tests of proportion. Results: A total of 169 students completed surveys during the study period—78 following the live and 91 following the Web-based orientation. Response rates were equal in the two groups. The survey tool had a high level of reliability (Cronbach’s alpha=0.96). There was no statistical difference in student evaluations for 12 of 13 orientation evaluation items. Conclusions: Live and Web-based formats are comparable for presenting orientation materials to a required clinical rotation. Students felt the purpose of the rotation, educational goals, course structure, and requirements were clearly presented regardless of format. Transition from a live to Web-based format reduced faculty time required to present at rotation orientations.
Mechanism of Protein Access to Specific DNA Sequences in Chromatin: A Dynamic Equilibrium Model for Gene Regulation

We present evidence for a mechanism by which regulatory proteins may gain access to their target DNA sequences in chromatin. In this model, nucleosomes are dynamic structures, transiently exposing stretches of their DNA. Regulatory proteins gain access to DNA target sites in the exposed state, and bind with an apparent dissociation constant equal to their dissociation constant for naked DNA divided by a position-dependent equilibrium constant for site exposure within the nucleosome. A sensitive assay, based on the kinetics of restriction digestion of sites within nucleosomes, reveals this dynamic behaviour and quantifies the equilibrium constants for site exposure. Our results have implications for many aspects of chromatin function. They offer new mechanisms for cooperativity (synergy) in regulatory protein binding and for active invasion of nucleosomes.
Hierarchical FDDI - an approach for FFOL

Looking toward the future of computer networking, we see that the need for increased interconnectivity will require continual growth in speed and features. Today there are several successful LANs competing in the 100 Mbps arena. Now we are considering the next generation of network. Ideally, users need a solution that provides the necessary bandwidth and connectivity while preserving their investments in hardware and software. This paper will present an architecturally different design for a new more effective LAN. The new architecture will provide a convenient solution to the need for higher total network capacity by interconnecting multiple FDDI networks (and/or network segments). The underlying network architecture is based on the FDDI protocols, which is an attractive feature for those who have invested resources in FDDI. Scalability is a required feature for any future network design and is addressed in detail by this architecture. This alternative next-generation networking solution has been presented to the ANSI standards committee X3T12 as a possible FDDI follow-on standard (FFOL).
A reliability estimator for model based software testing

This paper presents a reliability estimator based on current Markov chain usage model testing methodology. This reliability estimator is specifically formulated to take advantage of software testing performed using Markov chain models of the use of the software under test. The reliability estimator presented in this paper is useful in the absence of observed failures, behaves in a predictable manner, can make use of pretest reliability information, and has an associated variance.
Role of Science in the Treatment of Breast Cancer When Tumor Multicentricity is Present

During the past 100 years, there have been two major controversies with regard to the treatment of primary breast cancer. The first controversy, which occurred approximately 35 years ago, questioned the performance of radical mastectomy, as originally proposed by Halsted in the 1890s. That controversy was resolved by the use of laboratory and clinical research, hypothesis formulation, and evaluation of the efficacy of the latter through the conduct of randomized clinical trials. A second major controversy arose when magnetic resonance imaging began to detect the presence of tumor multicentricity in many breast cancer patients, resulting in a resurgence in mastectomy in women who could have been treated with breast-preserving surgery. Because the use of science resolved the first controversy, I investigated whether there was scientific evidence to justify the current reversion to mastectomy. Extensive examination of the vast amount of recent medical literature related to that subject, that is, individual articles, review articles, and reports from the use of clinical trials, demonstrated that many physicians are not familiar with the scientific method, and thus, were unable to present, in those articles, credible evidence to support mastectomy in the presence of tumor cell multicentricity. Aside from the randomized clinical trial conducted by the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project begun in 1976, which demonstrated no statistically significant difference in disease-free survival, distant disease-free survival, and overall survival between mastectomy and lumpectomy with or without radiation therapy, there has been no information in any of the few recently conducted studies involving multicentricity to justify the current resurgence in mastectomy.
External double hashing with choice

A novel extension to external double hashing providing significant reduction to both successful and unsuccessful search lengths is presented. The experimental and analytical results demonstrate the reductions possible. This method does not restrict the hashing table configuration parameters and utilizes very little additional storage space per bucket. The runtime performance for insertion is slightly greater than for ordinary external double hashing.
Semi-classical versus exact eigenvalues of He-benzene using cross-correlation filter-diagonalization

Abstract We determine semi-classically the eigenvalues of a He–benzene model where the benzene is held fixed in space (and non-rotating). The results are analyzed with an efficient approach toward extracting the eigenvalues from a short-time (set) of correlation functions: cross-correlation filter-diagonalization. The use of this analysis tool allows quite accurate determination of the eigenvalues, when compared to exact eigenvalues. One of the reasons that the eigenvalues are so accurate is that the cross-correlation filter-diagonalization approach allows the use of very short times, for which semi-classical is very accurate.
Use of Multiplex PCR To Detect Classical and Newly Described Pyrogenic Toxin Genes in Staphylococcal Isolates

Staphylococcus aureus may contain one or more genes that encode a variety of immunomodulatory pyrogenic toxins (PTs), including the staphylococcal enterotoxins and toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST). The PTs interact with several cellular targets to produce disease, such as food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome. At present, nine serologically distinct enterotoxins and one immunoreactive form of TSST have been identified and characterized. As isolates of S. aureus are further assessed, it is anticipated that this number will increase. To facilitate screening, a multiplex PCR was designed to simultaneously determine which of these 10 currently known PT genes an individual S. aureus isolate possesses. We show here, using S. aureus isolates with characterized PT phenotypes, that this novel PCR technique reliably detects each of the known PTs in a single reaction.