cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A High-Temperature Catalytic Oxidation Technique for Determining Total Dissolved Nitrogen

A high-temperature catalytic oxidation method for determination of total dissolved N has been developed and tested on soil solution and throughfall. Unlike methods generally used for total dissolved N, this method is rapid, quantitative, and does not require use of strong acids or bases. The technique couples a commercially available chemiluminescent N detector with the combustion furnace of a commercially available C analyzer. An aqueous sample is combusted in an ultra pure oxygen environment at 680°C, converting all forms of N to nitric oxide, which then reacts with ozone. The product, metastable NO 2 , is measured chemiluminescently by the N detector. The method is appropriate for samples collected in studies of forest soil solution and throughfall, having a method detection limit of 0.03 mg L -1 total N, and a range from 0.03 to 10.0 mg L -1 . Tests of several organic and inorganic N-containing compounds showed recoveries >90% for concentrations up to 5.0 mg N L -1 . Urea was the only compound tested with recoveries <90%. Numerous field samples were analyzed and compared with results obtained using persulfate oxidation and high-temperature oxidation (uncatalyzed oxidation at 1100°C). Results from this high-temperature catalytic oxidation method compare well with persulfate oxidation and high-temperature oxidation.
Learning Novel Words: Detail and Vulnerability of Initial Representations for Children with Specific Language Impairment and Typically Developing Peers.

Abstract This study examines the phonological representations that children with specific language impairment (SLI) and typically developing peers (TD) have during the initial process of word learning. The goals of this study were to determine if children with SLI attended to different components of words than peers, and whether they were more vulnerable to interference than peers. Forty 7- and 8-year-old children, half with SLI, took part in a fast mapping, word learning task. In addition to producing the word, there was a mispronunciation detection task that included mispronunciations of the target word in the initial position, final position or that modified the word's syllable structure. Children with SLI showed a different learning profile than peers, demonstrating stronger representations of the word-initial phonemes, but less information about word-final phonemes. They were more prone to interference overall, but especially from word-final foils. Children with SLI did not demonstrate less-defined phonological representations, but did attend to different features than TD children, perhaps in an attempt to compensate for problems learning longer words. The greatest weakness of children with SLI appears to be their susceptibility to interference, particularly for word-final information. Learning outcomes: Readers will be able to: (1) explain what children attend to when learning new words; (2) state the pattern of recognition and production performance for both children with SLI and their typical language peers; and (3) identify specific parts of novel words that are most susceptible to interference in children with SLI.
A sensitive electrochemical sensor based on chitosan and electropolymerized Meldola blue for monitoring NO in brain slices

Abstract We report the development of a novel electrochemical NO microsensor using electrodeposited Meldola blue (MB) as an electron mediator, o-phenylenediamine (o-PD) as a permselective membrane and a natural biocompatible polymer, chitosan as a protective coating, all deposited sequentially on a platinum microelectrode with a diameter of 125 μm. The electron transfer kinetics and the role of each component in the sensing layer were systematically studied in relation to the analytical performance of the corresponding chemically modified Pt microelectrodes. The use of an electropolymerized MB layer ensured stability of the mediator while the chitosan biopolymer provided a protective layer for the o-PD and MB as well as some sieving function against interferents, ascorbic acid and dopamine. The new NO microsensor demonstrated an extended linear range between 10 nM and 600 μM, with a R2 value of 0.9993, one order of magnitude wider than that of other NO microsensors reported to date, and a sensitivity of 20 nA μM−1. The detection limit of the sensor was 1 nM and the response time was 8 s. The chemically modified microelectrode was able to measure induced NO production in brain slices in a dose dependent manner. The stability of the active sensing surface was established both in standard NO solutions and in rat brain slices, and the sensitivity decreased by only 4% post-NO measurement in the brain slice.
The kinetic and chemical mechanism of high-fidelity DNA polymerases

This review summarizes our current understanding of the structural, kinetic and thermodynamic basis for the extraordinary accuracy of high-fidelity DNA polymerases. High-fidelity DNA polymerases, such as the enzyme responsible for the replication of bacteriophage T7 DNA, discriminate against similar substrates with an accuracy that approaches one error in a million base pairs while copying DNA at a rate of approximately 300 base pairs per second. When the polymerase does make an error, it stalls, giving time for the slower proofreading exonuclease to remove the mismatch so that the overall error frequency approaches one in a billion. Structural analysis reveals a large change in conformation after nucleotide binding from an open to a closed state. Kinetic analysis has shown that the substrate-induced structural change plays a key role in the discrimination between correct and incorrect base pairs by governing whether a nucleotide will be retained and incorporated or rapidly released.
Influence of Nitrogen Doping on the Defect Formation and Surface Properties of TiO 2 Rutile and Anatase

Nitrogen doping-induced changes in the electronic properties, defect formation, and surface structure of TiO2 rutile(110) and anatase(101) single crystals were investigated. No band gap narrowing is observed, but N doping induces localized N 2p states within the band gap just above the valence band. N is present in a N(III) valence state, which facilitates the formation of oxygen vacancies and Ti 3d band gap states at elevated temperatures. The increased O vacancy formation triggers the 1 x 2 reconstruction of the rutile (110) surface. This thermal instability may degrade the catalyst during applications.
Predictors of 30-year mortality in depressed and comparison samples.

Abstract Background Although higher rates of depression and lower rates of social behaviors (i.e., social support and activities) and physical activities are associated with mortality, the independent contribution of each of these factors needs examination. Methods A prospective sample of 848 individuals (55% female) was used; half were clinically depressed at baseline; the other half comprised a comparison sample matched on census tract, gender, and marital status. Depressive symptoms, social behaviors, and physical activities were examined as time-varying predictors of mortality over a 30-year period using multiple imputation for missing data and Cox proportional hazards regression, controlling for demographic factors and health risk factors. Results By the end of the study, 137 individuals from the depressed sample and 99 individuals from the comparison sample had died. Although the mortality rate is higher in the depressed sample, after controlling for demographic, health risk factors, social behaviors, and physical activity, there was no significant difference in mortality between the depressed and control samples. Among participants in the depressed sample, reduced participation in social activities was significantly associated with a higher risk of mortality. Limitations Frequency and intensity of activities were not assessed and all data except for mortality were self-report. Conclusions Promoting social engagement through activities may hold promise for delaying mortality among individuals who are depressed. Potential methods to promote social engagement and factors such as positive emotions that should be considered in future studies are discussed.
Divergent Function in the Crotonase Superfamily: An Anhydride Intermediate in the Reaction Catalyzed by 3-Hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA Hydrolase

3-Hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA hydrolase (HICH), a member of the enoyl-CoA (crotonase) superfamily, catalyzes the hydrolysis of 3-hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA to 3-hydroxyisobutyrate. Like other members of the s...
Counselling people with addictive behavior

A general framework for understanding addictive behaviors (involving chemical substances as well as other forms of compulsions) is presented with special reference to excessive drinking, overeating and compulsive gambling. Treatment procedures for each of these problem behaviors are described and some general conclusions drawn for dealing with other forms of addictions.
Assimilation and contrast in motion perception: Explorations in cooperativity

Motions within one region of the field influence motion seen elsewhere. To explore this phenomenon we used cinematograms comprised of alternating strips within which dots (i) tended to move in one direction, or (ii) moved in random directions (dynamic noise). When alternating strips were narrow, motion in one direction induced a similar direction of illusory motion in the adjoining dynamic noise (assimilation); when alternating strips were wide, motion tended to induce an illusory opposed motion in the dynamic noise (contrast). Since this illusory motion exhibits hysteresis, it probably results from spatially distributed, cooperative processes. The shift from assimilation to contrast, as the cinematogram's strips increase in size, suggests that facilitatory and inhibitory influences of the network extend over different distances.
Assessing trade-offs to inform ecosystem-based fisheries management of forage fish

Twenty-first century conservation is centered on negotiating trade-offs between the diverse needs of people and the needs of the other species constituting coupled human-natural ecosystems. Marine forage fishes, such as sardines, anchovies and herring, are a nexus for such trade-offs because they are both central nodes in marine food webs and targeted by fisheries. An important example is Pacific herring, Clupea pallisii in the Northeast Pacific. Herring populations are subject to two distinct fisheries: one that harvests adults and one that harvests spawned eggs. We develop stochastic, age-structured models to assess the interaction between fisheries, herring populations and the persistence of predators reliant on herring populations. We show that egg- and adult-fishing have asymmetric effects on herring population dynamics - herring stocks can withstand higher levels of egg harvest before becoming depleted. Second, ecosystem thresholds proposed to ensure the persistence of herring predators do not necessarily pose more stringent constraints on fisheries than conventional, fishery driven harvest guidelines. Our approach provides a general template to evaluate ecosystem trade-offs between stage-specific harvest practices in relation to environmental variability, the risk of fishery closures and the risk of exceeding ecosystem thresholds intended to ensure conservation goals are met.
Valproate-associated encephalopathy☆

Abstract Valproate (VPA) has been infrequently associated with encephalopathy. This was possibly the effect of secondary hyperammonemia or co-medications such as phenobarbital or phenytoin. We describe several patients with primary generalized seizures who had acute febrile delirium with alternating periods of stupor, confusion, and agitation shortly after initiating VPA therapy. They were without signs of hepatic dysfunction or medication toxicity, and they had no evidence of acute cerebral lesions. These observations suggest that VPA may produce delirium by direct central nervous system effects, possibly mediated by γ-aminobutyric acid pathways. Young adults with pre-existing encephalopathy may be at greater risk, especially those with generalized epilepsy.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in Molten Salts

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy provides information about the structure of molten salts and about interactions among molten salt components. This contribution reviews the application of NMR spectroscopy to molten salts done in this laboratory and by others. The fundamentals of the NMR method are presented, with emphasis on aspects particularly useful to molten salt samples. The limitations to the method resulting from the nature of molten salts and nuclei encountered are discussed. Examples of the types of information about molten salts provided by NMR experiments that are useful to chemists are presented. Chloroaluminate molten salts are the primary melt system used to illustrate the usefulness of NMR spectroscopy. Experiments in organic melts and the use of 205Tl as a probe in nitrates and halides are also treated.
A calculation of the electronic band structure of KC

Abstract Results of an ab initio band structure calculation for first stage potassium-graphite, KC 8 , are presented along several high symmetry directions in the Brillouin zone. In the first step, we find the KKR band structure using the muffin tin approximation. In the second step we introduce the corrections to the muffin tin potential, leading to the final bands. Our band structure, excludingthe bands originating from the 3p and 4s levels of potassium, is in good agreement with the predictions of the folded band model of two dimensional graphite. The bottom of the K 4s band lies about 1.5 eV above the Fermi level. Preliminary indications are that our Fermi surface will lack the central, isotropic pocket of carriers predicted earlier, and will be more in agreement with the folded bands. We have also studied the lowest energy critical point transitions and find a series of saddle point transitions centered at 4.1 eV, roughly consistent with the experimental low energy electron loss spectra.
Deposition of iron and β‐amyloid plaques is associated with cortical cellular damage in rabbits fed with long‐term cholesterol‐enriched diets

Hypercholesterolemia is a potential trigger of Alzheimer's disease, and is thought to increase brain levels of beta-amyloid (Abeta) and iron. However, animal models to address the mechanisms by which Abeta and iron accumulation may cause neuronal damage are poorly defined. To address this question, we fed adult rabbits a 1% cholesterol-enriched diet for 7 months. This diet was associated with increased regional deposition of both iron and Abeta peptide in the brain. Iron preferentially accumulated around Abeta plaques in the adjacent cortex, but was not found in the hippocampus. Co-localization of iron and Abeta was accompanied by apoptosis, DNA damage, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, as well as dysregulation in the level of the iron-regulatory proteins, ferritin and heme-oxygenase-1. We further demonstrate that the cholesterol diet-induced apoptosis is mediated by the activation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway, involving the down-regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum chaperones, calreticulin, grp78 and grp94, and the activation of the growth and arrest DNA damage protein, gadd153. Our results suggest that BBB damage and disturbances in iron metabolism may render the cortex more vulnerable than the hippocampus to the cholesterol-induced cellular stress.
Reconciling Ecological Educational Planning with Access to the Common Core: Putting the Cart before the Horse?: A Response to Hunt and McDonnell:

There is a well-worn joke retold with multiple variations, most of which involve either rival universities or college majors looked at with disdain. It starts off with something like BWhat did the political science graduate say to the engineering graduate?[ and finishes with BWelcome to Starbucks. What can I get started for you?[ The suggestion, clearly, is that what one learns in schoolVwhat one studiesVwill influence the sorts of jobs available to them and where they fall in the social hierarchy. Hunt, McDonnell, and Crocket (2012) highlight the current curriculum debate occurring in the area of severe disabilities and suggest that that a middle ground exists between these competing views: one emphasizing the general curriculum (e.g., Common Core) for all students and the other one stressing an ecological approach focused on current and future student needs. Their effort at reconciling these vying points is, in part, a way to provide educators with a framework to navigate the demands of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the needs of a students not captured by typical educational standards. The field needs an open, in-depth, and scientific discussion on this matter; any less would be unjust. In this brief commentary, I hope to draw attention to some of the ideas proposed by Hunt et al., first at the individual level and then at the broader level of the field at large. Regarding the tired joke above, there are some systemic issues beyond what students study in school (and how effectively it is taught) that have not fully entered the debate; as in the joke, these issues relate, at least partially, to employment. I plan to elaborate on this later in the discussion. At the Student Level, What Should Drive Curriculum Decisions?
An introduction to digitial matched filters

In this introductory exposition, the class of noncoherent digital matcted filters (DMF's) which are matched to AM signals is analyzed. Attention is focused on the special case of binary signals and one-bit digitization. Expressions are obtained relating output and input signal-to-noise ratios when the channel interference is additive and a) white Gaussian, b) incoherent and of constant amplitude, and c) coherent and of constant amplitude. These expressions are compared with expressions for the performance of the corresponding noncoherent analog matched filter under the same conditions Improvements in DMF performance obtained by thresold biasing and by dithering are investigated; it is shown that DMF's can be made to outperform analog matched filters by proper use of the former technique. All theoretical results are corroborated by computer simulation.
Relativistic particle motion in nonuniform electromagnetic waves

A charged particle moving in a strong nonuniform electromagnetic wave which suffers a net acceleration in the direction of the negative intensity gradient of the wave was investigated. Electrons will be expelled perpendicularly from narrow laser beams and various instabilities result.
The role of triglyceride accumulation and of necrosis in the hemodynamic responses of the isolated perfused rat liver after administration of carbon tetrachloride

Abstract Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) treatment in the rat results in an increase in hepatic vascular resistance in the subsequently perfused isolated liver. The effects of several agents, which protect against various effects of CCl4, on the increased hepatic resistance to perfusate flow induced by this hepatotoxic substance are presented. β-TM-10 and promethazine do not block increases in hepatic triglyceride content and, likewise, do not abate the early (3-hour) hemodynamic changes. These agents do protect against necrosis and also protect against the late (12-hour) increase in resistance if the animals are allowed to become hypothermic. If normal body temperature is maintained, protection against both responses is lost. The administration of EDTA does not protect against either the early or late response. Female rats, which show greater accumulation of fat, exhibit a greater 3-hour hemodynamic response than do males. This effect is antagonized by prior ovariectomy and treatment with testosterone. The administration of ethionine to female rats, which causes accumulation of fat, produces a significant increase in hepatic resistance to perfusate flow. This effect can be ameliorated by concomitant administration of methionine. The administration of thioacetamide, which leads to necrosis but not triglyceride accumulation, is also capable of producing a marked increase in hepatic resistance. However, this increase is seen only at 24 hours. The data are consistent with the previously reported biphasis effect of CCl4 on hepatic resistance to perfusate flow and indicate the involvement of triglyceride accumulation in the early (3-hour) change and necrosis in the later (12-hour) change in resistance.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism in rats with an experimental chronic renal disease

Abstract Benign secondary hyperparathyroidism was induced in rats by experimental chronic renal disease. A gross parathyroid gland enlargement was present in 6 out of 11 rats. The cells of the enlarged parathyroid glands had increased tortuosity of the cytoplasmic membranes, enlarged mitochondria with increased electron lucency of their mitochondrial matrix, and an apparently increased number of ribosomes. The Golgi apparatuses were prominent and had numerous Golgi vesicles. It is suggested that the formation of secretory material of parathyroid glands takes place at rough endoplasmic reticula. A similarity of morphologic changes of the enlarged parathyroid glands of the 5 6 nephrectomized rats to those seen by others in stimulated glands in vivo and in vitro appears to indicate that the mechanism of control of parathyroid hormone synthesis and secretion is similar in both in vivo and in vitro systems and is not interfered with by uremia.
The Economic Value of Catching and Keeping or Releasing Saltwater Sport Fish in the Southeast USA

Abstract To evaluate the economic effects of bag limit and minimum size regulations, it is important to understand how anglers’ valuation of catch varies. Using a sportfishing demand model, we estimated angler willingness to pay (WTP) for groupers Epinephelus spp. and Mycteroperca spp., red snapper Lutjanus campechanus, dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus, and king mackerel Scomberomorus cavalla by using data from a choice experiment survey with questions about fishing trips in the southeast USA. Beyond differentiating by species and the number of fish caught (second through sixth), our catch disposition model separately estimated angler WTP for one additional fish caught and kept, caught and released due to a minimum size limit, and caught and released due to a bag limit. Angler valuations of groupers, red snapper, and king mackerel were similar and more than five times the angler valuation of dolphinfish. For all species, the angler valuation decreased with each successive fish. For red snapper and groupers...
Body Mechanics Regulate the Force Threshold for Gentle Touch Sensation in the Nematode C. Elegans

Touch is among the least understood of our senses despite its importance in our daily lives. In the model organism C. elegans, gentle touch is detected by six touch receptor neurons situated in the outer shell of the animal. Force applied to the body is filtered by the outer shell (cuticle, hypodermis and body wall muscles) of the body, locally straining nearby touch receptor neuron(s) and opening mechanically-gated DEG/ENaC channels through an unknown mechanism. Previously we developed a piezoresistive cantilever force clamp system capable of applying calibrated loads to moving C. elegans [S.J. Park et al., Rev Sci Instr (2011), 82:043703] and showed that wild-type (N2) animals respond to forces of only 100s of nN. Further, we showed that the outer shell of the animal dominates overall body stiffness [S.J. Park et al., PNAS (2007), 104:17376]. Since the touch receptor neurons lie within the outer shell and the outer shell controls the overall mechanics of the body, we hypothesized that the force threshold for gentle touch avoidance is regulated by body stiffness. Building on our prior work showing that body stiffness can be reversibly modulated with optogenetically-induced changes in body wall muscle tone [B.C. Petzold et al., Biophys J (2011), 100:1977], we measured the force threshold for behavioral response while modulating body stiffness with Channelrhodopsin-2. In animals with hypercontracted muscles and elevated body stiffness, we found that larger forces were generally required to elicit a touch avoidance response. These findings suggest that body mechanics play an important role in filtering applied loads to the touch receptor neurons, ultimately modulating the force sensitivity of the animal, and imply that skin plays a critical role in touch sensation in both C. elegans and higher organisms.
The nitrogen loss in drained soils

We need to understand the effects of present-day agricultural production technology on chemical movement within and from watersheds. The soils and climate within a watershed, within a region, or both affect the movement of chemicals through the watersheds. The amounts of agricultural chemicals reaching the water sources are difficult to quantify since chemical loads usually cannot be directly measured or calculated with much confidence from water quality monitoring data. Estimation techniques or deterministic models simulating the water and chemical movement processes are useful tools to assess the magnitude of water pollution in large watersheds. Two computer simulation models were used in this study. The CREAMS model (Knisel, 1980) was used to predict the volume of drainage and NO"3-N loads in the water; the DRAINAGE model (Kanwar et al., 1983) was used as a check on the CREAMS model. Weather data for 23 years from Humboldt County in north-central Iowa were used in the model simulations to estimate the effect of various agricultural management practices on the quality of drainage water. The results of this simulation study show that larger applications of nitrogen fertilizer resulted in larger nitrate losses through subsurface drainage. Nitrate-nitrogen leaching losses were considerably less under a corn-soybean rotation than under continuous corn production; this difference shows that crop production activities and fertilizer management practices can make a significant impact on the quality of drainage water from agricultural watersheds.
Ku86-deficient mice exhibit severe combined immunodeficiency and defective processing of V(D)J recombination intermediates

Abstract Ku is a heterodimeric DNA end binding complex composed of 70 and 86 kDa subunits. Here, we show that Ku86 is essential for normal V(D)J recombination in vivo, as Ku86-deficient mice are severely defective for formation of coding joints. Unlike severe combined immunodeficient (scid) mice, Ku86-deficient mice are also defective for signal joint formation. Both hairpin coding ends and blunt full-length signal ends accumulate. Contrary to expectation, Ku86 is evidently not required for protection of either type of V(D)J recombination intermediate. Instead, V(D)J recombination appears to be arrested after the cleavage step in Ku86-deficient mice. We suggest that Ku86 may be required to remodel or disassemble DNA–protein complexes containing broken ends, making them available for further processing and joining.
Spatial and seasonal patterns in the crustacean zooplankton community of the St. Marys River

Abstract Zooplankton communities of the Great Lakes have received significant attention in light of recent food web changes. No recent attempts have been made, however, to characterize the zooplankton community of the St. Marys River, the sole connecting channel between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The purpose of this study was to provide new reference information for St. Marys River zooplankton communities and discuss the patterns observed in relation to recent changes in the Great Lakes. To address these objectives, sampling occurred at Lake Superior State University's Aquatic Research Laboratory from 2003 to 2007, and at 9 coastal wetlands in 2005. Compared to historical studies of St. Marys River riverine zooplankton, relative densities of calanoid copepods and daphnids have decreased while cyclopoid copepods and bosminids have increased. Coastal wetland communities continue to be diverse and exhibit similar community structure to previous studies, although Leptodora kindti , historically an abundant nearshore taxa, is now absent. Mechanisms driving differences in present community structure as compared to that noted in past studies of the St. Marys River are unknown but may be explained by the presence of the predatory, invasive zooplankton, Bythotrephes longimanus, local environmental variables, or changes upstream in Lake Superior . Temperature–zooplankton abundance patterns and nearshore community structure of Lake Superior are reflected in the St. Marys zooplankton community; thus, local environmental factors including changes in planktivory and proximity to upstream feeder communities likely play an important role in structuring St. Marys River zooplankton communities seasonally and spatially.
Dental cutting with diamond burs: heavy-handed or light-touch?

Purpose The cutting efficiency of diamond dental burs using different handpiece loads was evaluated against simulated enamel, a machinable glass ceramic (Macor). Materials and Methods An ultra-high-speed dental handpiece was mounted in a frictionless bearing so that the pressure applied at the contact interface between the dental bur and the cutting substrate was controlled. One type of coarse- and two types of medium-grit diamond burs were studied. Handpiece loads of 44,91.5, and 183 g were applied at the bur/Macor interface, and cutting efficiency was determined as the amount of Macor removed in ten 30-second-duration cuts that were 4 mm in length. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and a post-hoc Scheffe test at an a priori α= 0.05. Results Cutting efficiency depended on both the diamond grit of the bur and the load applied to the handpiece. Conclusion The pressure used by most dentists, about 100 g at the bur tip, appears to be optimal for medium-grit burs. If the pressure applied to the handpiece is markedly increased, there was no increase in cutting efficiency for medium-grit burs. In contrast, an increased handpiece pressure raises the cutting efficiency of coarse-grit burs but the effect of this enhanced rate of cutting on the pulpal tissues is uncertain. Cutting efficiency also appeared to be dependent on debris accumulation between the diamond chips.
Effects of activation sequence on the spatial distribution of repolarization properties

Abstract The electrotonic effects of activation spread on the spatial distribution of repolarization properties were studied in animal experiments and with computer simulations. Refractory periods (RPs) were measured at 36 sites within a 1.0 cm2 region of the epicardial surface of the canine pulmonary conus during 37 drives in 11 experiments. In each experiment three or four sites along the perimeter of the region bounding the RP test sites were driven. Activation propagated uniformly during some and nonuniformly during other drives in the same animals. In general, RPs were distributed uniformly when activation spread uniformly and nonuniformly when activation spread nonuniformly. The authors observed RP differences as large as 16 ms between sites with 2 mm separation during drive from some epicardial sites in these normal canine hearts. Indices of nonuniformity of activation and of relative RP values were used to quantify the relation between nonuniformity of activation spread and the spatial distribution of the RP. There was a significant negative correlation between nonuniformity of activation and RP indices during the 19 drives in which activation spread nonuniformly. This indicated that RPs were relatively long at sites where activation spread decelerated and relatively short at sites where activation spread accelerated. When nonuniform activation spread was simulated by introducing high-resistance barriers in a model with fixed anisotropic conductivities, there were marked spatial variations in action potential duration. The spatial variations in action potential duration were negatively correlated to acceleration and deceleration of activation spread. The major new finding of this study is that the spatial distributions of RPs are markedly affected by activation spread. Since both characteristics of activation sequence and nonuniformity of RP distributions have roles in reentrant arrhythmias, the findings suggest that some sites of origin of premature activity may be more arrhythmogenic than others. The findings may also explain why ventricular tachycardia can sometimes be initiated from one but not from other sites in patients undergoing electrophysiologic testing
Optimal energy management in grain drying

Grain drying is very specific to the geographic location, kind of drying system, and the type of grain. Under a given set of conditions, the optimal system can be selected based on careful evaluation. However, a good choice of drying systems, procedures, and management practices can be made from the information already available. The review of several grain-drying procedures has provided some insight in making a quick evaluation of the process and arriving at the most suitable system for a particular application. Despite extensive research efforts, the present knowledge of grain drying is yet insufficient to optimally design each drying process with respect to capacity, quality, and energy requirement. There is a need for incorporating grain and air parameters more accurately. It is also important to develop comprehensive drying simulation models to encompass agronomic practices, such as planting and harvesting. Recent efforts indicate a strong influence of planting and harvesting strategies on optimal drying and storage system selection. Results of the varietal trials at Ohio State University indicate that it is now possible to select midseason varieties, which dry down rapidly, without sacrificing yield. Also, low moisture at harvest is important to the energy management process because it affects total drying time and energy required. It is also important from a quality standpoint because kernel damage increases rapidly at harvesting moisture levels above 25%. The trend in grain-dryer design has shifted from focusing on drying capacity and operation reliability to energy consumption. The development in design of energy efficient continuous-flow dryers has been significant. Multistage concurrentflow dryers are excellent examples. Various aspects of dryer staging for efficient operation and control are yet to be determined. Recirculation of the exhaust air is a proven method of improving energy efficiency. Likewise, in batch-in-bin systems, stirring and intermittent drying are worth considering. Further research is required to formulate the best procedures for exhaust air recirculation and intermittent drying. Low temperature drying has a great potential in the U.S. corn belt. The suitability of low temperature drying at other places and for grains other than corn has not yet been well established. Energy savings resulting from low temperature drying entail careful planning and management on the part of the operator. Poor design and operation can result in a serious deterioration in grain quality.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Sustainable Concrete for the Urban Environment: A Proposal to Increase Fly Ash Use in Concrete

Sustainable concrete described as concrete incorporating by-products or waste materials is not a new topic. In fact, published research on the use of fly ash, as a replacement for cement in concrete dates back to the 1930s. Additionally, a considerable amount of research supports the use of sustainable concrete in pavements and/or structural components with beneficial results pertaining to reduction in CO2 emissions, reduction in cost, and achievements in strength and durability. Despite positive research, achieving a more permanent use of sustainable concrete in street and highway projects may require the advocacy for increased utilization of fly ash concrete. This paper argues that increased use of fly ash concrete can occur through continuing fly ash concrete research, motivating public policy efforts and, and furthering technology transfer. Additionally these strategies could contribute to a more committed application of sustainable concrete in street and highway projects.
Someone Else Can Use This Time More Than Me: Working with College Students with Impaired Siblings

This article discusses and illustrates with case examples the impact on the college experience for students who have impaired—medically or mentally ill, substance abusing, developmentally disabled—siblings. Although these students often show resilience and a well-developed sense of compassion, they may also struggle with developmental tasks of the college years. Compulsive altruism and conflicts about needing or receiving special attention influence normal developmental dilemmas of leaving home, forming new relationships, and vocational choice in characteristic ways. These challenges are elucidated and illustrated in this article with case examples. Implications for conducting psychotherapy, including transference and countertransference complications, are discussed. Understanding the difficulties of students with seriously impaired siblings may also alert clinicians to more subtle sibling issues in the broader student population.
The Future Favors Smaller Private Liberal Arts Colleges

What is the future of the small private liberal arts college? The popular media would have us believe that the trends now sweeping over higher education favor large, non-residential, technology-bas...
A 105-GHz VCO With 9.5% Tuning Range and 2.8-mW Peak Output Power in a 65-nm Bulk CMOS Process

To demonstrate high tuning range and large output power, we propose a loop of coupled oscillators in this work. Two different tuning mechanisms are simultaneously exploited. First, each core oscillator is tuned using a variable capacitor. Next, by controlling the phase/delay between the coupled oscillators, the entire loop dynamics, and hence, its frequency is tuned. In this paper, we analyze a loop of “n” coupled oscillators using Adler's equation and derive the expression for the maximum tuning range. Perturbation analysis is used to study the stability conditions of the loop of coupled system. The analysis is extended toward a nested loop of coupled oscillators. The activity condition from two-port theory is used to squeeze maximum power out of active devices. The proposed system is designed and implemented using four coupled Colpitts voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) in a 65-nm bulk CMOS process. The VCO achieves continuous tuning range of 9.5% at the center frequency of 105 GHz with the peak output power of 2.8 mW. The circuit consumes 54 mW from a 1.2-V supply. To the best of our knowledge, this VCO has the highest output power and tuning range among all the CMOS oscillators at or above 100 GHz.
The mass media are an important context for adolescents' sexual behavior.

Abstract Purpose This study compared influences from the mass media (television, music, movies, magazines) on adolescents' sexual intentions and behaviors to other socialization contexts, including family, religion, school, and peers. Methods A sample of 1011 Black and White adolescents from 14 middle schools in the Southeastern United States completed linked mail surveys about their media use and in-home Audio-CASI interviews about their sexual intentions and behaviors. Analysis of the sexual content in 264 media vehicles used by respondents was also conducted. Exposure to sexual content across media, and perceived support from the media for teen sexual behavior, were the main media influence measures. Results Media explained 13% of the variance in intentions to initiate sexual intercourse in the near future, and 8–10% of the variance in light and heavy sexual behaviors, which was comparable to other contexts. Media influences also demonstrated significant associations with intentions and behaviors after all other factors were considered. All contextual factors, including media, explained 54% of the variance in sexual intentions and 21–33% of the variance in sexual behaviors. Conclusions Adolescents who are exposed to more sexual content in the media, and who perceive greater support from the media for teen sexual behavior, report greater intentions to engage in sexual intercourse and more sexual activity. Mass media are an important context for adolescents' sexual socialization, and media influences should be considered in research and interventions with early adolescents to reduce sexual activity.
Identification of autoimmune gene signatures in autism

The role of the immune system in neuropsychiatric diseases, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has long been hypothesized. This hypothesis has mainly been supported by family cohort studies and the immunological abnormalities found in ASD patients, but had limited findings in genetic association testing. Two cross-disorder genetic association tests were performed on the genome-wide data sets of ASD and six autoimmune disorders. In the polygenic score test, we examined whether ASD risk alleles with low effect sizes work collectively in specific autoimmune disorders and show significant association statistics. In the genetic variation score test, we tested whether allele-specific associations between ASD and autoimmune disorders can be found using nominally significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms. In both tests, we found that ASD is probabilistically linked to ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Association coefficients showed that ASD and AS were positively associated, meaning that autism susceptibility alleles may have a similar collective effect in AS. The association coefficients were negative between ASD and MS. Significant associations between ASD and two autoimmune disorders were identified. This genetic association supports the idea that specific immunological abnormalities may underlie the etiology of autism, at least in a number of cases.
The evolution of costly traits through selection and the importance of oral speech in e-collaboration

Genes code for the expression of phenotypic traits, such as behavioral (e.g., aggressiveness) and morphological (e.g., opposing thumbs) traits. Costly traits are phenotypic traits that evolved in spite of imposing a fitness cost, often in the form of a survival handicap. In non-human animals, the classic example of costly trait is the peacock’s train, used by males to signal good health to females. It is argued here that oral speech is a costly trait evolved by our human ancestors to enable effective knowledge communication. It is shown that, because it is a costly trait, oral speech should be a particularly strong determinant of knowledge communication performance; an effect that generally applies to e-collaborative tasks performed by modern humans. The effects of oral speech support in e-collaborative tasks are discussed based on empirical studies, and shown to be consistent with the notion that oral speech is a costly trait. Specifically, it is shown that the use of e-collaboration technologies that suppress the ability to employ oral speech, when knowledge communication is attempted, leads to the two following negative outcomes: (a) a dramatic decrease in communication fluency, and (b) a significant increase in communication ambiguity. These effects are particularly acute in e-collaborative tasks of short duration.
Implicit and explicit preferences for physical attractiveness in a romantic partner: A double dissociation in predictive validity.

Five studies develop and examine the predictive validity of an implicit measure of the preference for physical attractiveness in a romantic partner. Three hypotheses were generally supported. First, 2 variants of the go/no-go association task revealed that participants, on average, demonstrate an implicit preference (i.e., a positive spontaneous affective reaction) for physical attractiveness in a romantic partner. Second, these implicit measures were not redundant with a traditional explicit measure: The correlation between these constructs was .00 on average, and the implicit measures revealed no reliable sex differences, unlike the explicit measure. Third, explicit and implicit measures exhibited a double dissociation in predictive validity. Specifically, explicit preferences predicted the extent to which attractiveness was associated with participants’ romantic interest in opposite-sex photographs but not their romantic interest in real-life opposite-sex speed-daters or confederates. Implicit preferences showed the opposite pattern. This research extends prior work on implicit processes in romantic relationships and offers the first demonstration that any measure of a preference for a particular characteristic in a romantic partner (an implicit measure of physical attractiveness, in this case) predicts individuals’ evaluation of live potential romantic partners.
Acute effect of exercise on blood glucose and insulin levels in women with gestational diabetes.

Objective : To evaluate the effect of a single session of exercise (cycling), at rest (control condition) and at two intensity levels (low- and moderate-intensity exercise conditions), on blood glucose and insulin in pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods : A one-group repeated measures design was used. Women aged 18-38 with GDM, no other complications, not on insulin, and not exercising regularly were recruited. The women rested or exercised at the two intensities for 30 min and rested for 2 h after each session. Blood was sampled for blood glucose, insulin and hematocrit at baseline and every 15 min. Results : There was no difference at baseline in blood glucose levels. The blood glucose level was significantly lower for each exercise condition compared to rest, and for moderate compared to low-intensity exercise (5.2 vs. 4.3 vs 3.9 mmol/l) at the end of exercise (30 min), and for the two exercise conditions compared to rest at 15 min after exercise (4.9 vs 4.4 vs. 4.0 mmo...
The N -Glycans Determine the Differential Blood Clearance and Hepatic Uptake of Human Immunoglobulin (Ig)A1 and IgA2 Isotypes

Human immunoglobulin (Ig)A exists in blood as two isotypes, IgA1 and IgA2, with IgA2 present as three allotypes: IgA2m(1), IgA2m(2), and IgA2m(n). We now demonstrate that recombinant, chimeric IgA1 and IgA2 differ in their pharmacokinetic properties. The major pathway for the clearance of all IgA2 allotypes is the liver. Liver-mediated uptake is through the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGR), since clearance can be blocked by injection of excess galactose-Ficoll ligand and suppressed in ASGR-deficient mice. In contrast, only a small percentage of IgA1 is cleared through this pathway. The clearance of IgA1 lacking the hinge region with its associated O-linked carbohydrate was more rapid than that of wild-type IgA1. IgA1 and IgA2 that are not rapidly eliminated by the ASGR are both removed through an undefined ASGR-independent pathway with half-lives of 14 and 10 h, respectively. The rapid clearance of IgA2 but not IgA1 through the liver may in part explain why the serum levels of IgA1 are greater than those of IgA2. In addition, dysfunction of the ASGR or altered N-linked glycosylation, but not O-glycans, that affects recognition by this receptor may account for the elevated serum IgA seen in liver disease and IgA nephropathy.
Proposed digital-correlator design with four-valued threshold logic

A monolithic digital-correlator circuit design is proposed and described which uses four-valued or quad threshold logic to develop its binary coded output. The use of four-valued logic provides a reduced device count, fewer signal lines and a reduced chip area. This design is compared to a conventional all-binary design of the same digital correlation function