cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of habitat fragmentation on meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) population dynamics in experiment landscape patches

This study examined the effects of habitat fragmentation on meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) population dynamics in experimental landscape patches. The study was conducted from May–November 1993 at the Miami University Ecology Research Center. Eight 0.1-ha small mammal enclosures were used. Four enclosures contained a 160 m2 nonfragmented patch and four enclosures contained four 40 m2 fragmented patches. Thus, each treatment was replicated 4 times in a systematic research design. The patches in both treatments contained high-quality habitat surrounded by low-quality matrix. Six pairs of adult meadow voles were released in each enclosure on 27 May 1993. Populations were monitored by live-trapping and radio-telemetry methods. Significantly greater densities of female voles were found during October in the fragmented treatment compared to the nonfragmented treatment. Also, significantly more females than males were found in the fragmented treatment compared to the nonfragmented treatment for the total study period. Significantly more subadult and juvenile males were found in the matrix versus the patch of the nonfragmented treatment compared to the fragmented treatment. Males in the fragmented treatment had significantly greater mean home range size than males or females in the nonfragmented treatment. There appears to exist a relationship between patch fragmentation and the social structure of meadow vole populations; this relationship appears to function as a population regulatory mechanism.
3D numerical investigation of thermally assisted high efficiency ductile machining of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite

Abstract This study investigates the effects of four different variables (initial workpiece temperature, side rake angle, edge radius/feed rate, and nose radius/depth of cut) on ductile regime machining of a bioceramic material known as nanohydroxyapatite (nano-HAP) using 3D numerical simulation. AdvantEdge FEM Version 5.9 is used to conduct turning simulations of the nano-HAP workpiece. Tecplot 360 is used to analyze the results of the simulations. Because the workpiece is thin, the entire workpiece is set to a uniform initial temperature to simulate laser preheating of the material. Initial workpiece temperature, rake angle (side rake angle), edge radius, and nose radius are varied, and the effects of these operating conditions on critical feed are investigated. It is found that critical feed increases as initial workpiece temperature increases, and also as negativity of rake angle increases. For the edge radius, it is concluded that an initial increase causes an increase in critical feed – however, at some value of edge radius, critical feed shows no further increase; for the nose radius, critical feed appears to show no significant dependence.
Is "Race-Neutral" Really Race-Neutral?: Disparate Impact Towards Underrepresented Minorities in Post-209 UC System Admissions

Authors examine the proportion of undergraduate applications, admissions, and enrollments preceding, during, and after Proposition 209 while accounting for the relative growth in University of California eligibility for underrepresented minorities (URMs). They employed standard deviation analyses to measure dispersion of the URMs to non-URMs. Results suggest that disparate impact towards URMs persists, the magnitude is large, and affirmative action alone is insufficient to ensure an equitable admissions process.
Structural geology practice and learning, from the perspective of cognitive science

Abstract Spatial ability is required by practitioners and students of structural geology and so, considering spatial skills in the context of cognitive science has the potential to improve structural geology teaching and practice. Spatial thinking skills may be organized using three dichotomies, which can be linked to structural geology practice. First, a distinction is made between separating (attending to part of a whole) and combining (linking together aspects of the whole). While everyone has a basic ability to separate and combine, experts attend to differences guided by experiences of rock properties in context. Second, a distinction is made between seeing the relations among multiple objects as separate items or the relations within a single object with multiple parts. Experts can flexibly consider relations among or between objects to optimally reason about different types of spatial problems. Third, a distinction is made between reasoning about stationary and moving objects. Experts recognize static configurations that encode a movement history, and create mental models of the processes that led to the static state. The observations and inferences made by a geologist leading a field trip are compared with the corresponding observations and inferences made by a cognitive psychologist interested in spatial learning. The presented framework provides a vocabulary for discussing spatial skills both within and between the fields of structural geology and cognitive psychology.
Active Control of Broadband Structural Vibration Using the LMS Adaptive Algorithm

Abstract Two adaptive feedforward control structures based on the filtered-x LMS algorithm have been developed for the active control of broadband vibration in structures. In the first control structure, the conventional filtered-x LMS control configuration is modified such that the transfer function between the control input and the error output is represented by an infinite impulse response (IIR) filter. An IIR filter will most efficiently model the resonances and antiresonances which are characteristic of a structure, but they introduce stability requirements that must be satisfied. In order to remove these stability problems, the equation error control configuration is developed by first filtering the error signal by the system poles before minimizing it. The control signal is obtained in both configurations by filtering the reference signal through an adaptive finite impulse filter (FIR). Both control configurations are experimentally investigated on a simply supported beam, and power reductions of up to 20 dB are observed.
Velocity quantification in magnetic resonance imaging

A variety of methods has been developed for quantitating flow in vivo. These are usually based on the principles of velocity-phase or TOF information. The former allows a point-by-point 2D image of velocity, but also has other manifestations involving real-time 1D projections or 1D projections with 1D velocity information (flow zeugmatography). The TOF methods use the in-flow of unsaturated spins into a saturated region (for example) to estimate flow. The concepts, features, and clinical applications of these and other techniques are reviewed in this article.
Determining the food irradiation beliefs of community nutrition educators: do beliefs influence educational outreach?

Abstract Objective To develop an instrument to measure the food irradiation beliefs of community nutrition educators and to determine the influence of those beliefs on food irradiation educational outreach Design Survey development, cross-sectional telephone survey Setting Cooperative Extension Program Participants All Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) county extension agents serving in the most populated counties in Texas (n = 134, response rate = 99%). These participants may not be representative of all FCS extension agents. Variables Measured Food irradiation beliefs and educational outreach as well as selected demographic variables Analysis To determine validity and reliability of the instrument, factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha were conducted, respectively. To determine if food irradiation beliefs influenced food irradiation educational outreach, logistic and multiple regression analyses were conducted, with significance set at P Results The instrument had adequate reliability; two belief scales were identified through factor analysis, referred to as Safety Beliefs and Understanding Beliefs . Additionally, regression analysis suggested that educators’ beliefs about food irradiation influenced the amount of food irradiation education they provided. Conclusions and Implications Results suggest that educators’ beliefs about the safety and their understanding of food irradiation are predictors of the educational outreach they provide about it, indicating the potential value of professional development regarding food irradiation.
Progress of the smart bomb cancer virus

A mutant adenovirus capable of preferentially destroying cancer cells shows promise in preclinical studies (639–645).
Canine calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Case-based applications of therapeutic principles.

This case study illustrates the diagnosis and management of calcium oxalate urolithiasis in Bichon Frise, a breed at increased risk for this type of stone. If the Bichon Frise had persistent hypercalcemia, serum concentrations of ionized calcium, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D would be evaluated to identify an underlying cause. Because his urine was alkaline, additional potassium citrate was not provided. Likewise, as a fortified diet was fed to him, vitamin B6 therapy was not considered. This case study illustrates the benefits of radiographic evaluation immediately following surgery and during follow-up examinations. If we had postponed radiographs until the patient developed clinical signs, additional surgical procedures may have been required.
Side-payments versus security cards: domestic bargaining tactics in international economic negotiations

The literature on international economic cooperation has devoted relatively little attention to domestic bargaining tactics and their determinants. Recent scholarship has tended to stress the utility and frequency of side-payments while discounting other prominent bargaining tactics and a broader understanding of tactical choice. This article argues that policymakers choose among domestic bargaining tactics to garner support when faced with situations in which other government officials or societal interest groups block the ratification of international economic agreements. Focusing on offers of side-payments and attempts at issue redefinition, the article's findings suggest that differences in domestic resistance to proposals of material compensation and in external security threat may explain choices between those tactics in domestic bargaining.
Minimizing flow time in a flow-line manufacturing cell with family setup times

This paper considers the problem of scheduling part families and jobs within each part family in a flowline manufacturing cell with independent family setup times where parts (jobs) in each family are processed together. The objective is to minimize total flow time. A branch-and-bound algorithm capable of solving moderate sized problems is developed. Several heuristic algorithms are proposed and empirically evaluated as to their effectiveness and efficiency in finding optimal permutation schedules. These results show that several heuristic algorithms generate solutions that are better than those generated by an existing genetic algorithm.
The effects of high spatial density on humor appreciation: Age and sex differences

The social facilitation of humor appreciation is a widely held belief but narrowly researched concept. This study was designed to show the involvement of spatial density as well as social density in the appreciation of humor. Male and female adolescents representing ages 11 to 18 years participated under conditions of high and low spatial density. High spatial density was found to significantly diminish appreciation of three humor types. Significant sex and age differences in reactivity to spatial density were found. Results expand current knowledge of the effects of density on the appreciation of humor and suggest the capability of spatial density to inhibit positive affect.
A Simultaneous Approach to Market Segmentation and Market Structuring

The authors define a market segment to be a group of consumers homogeneous in terms of the probabilities of choosing the different brands in a product class. Because the vector of choice probabilit...
Economic development: the middle class and international migration in the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic is classified as one of a group of Latin American and Caribbean countries whose international migratory flows appear to be primarily composed of the urban middle class rather than the rural poor. It is argued that Dominican middle class international migration has emerged as a partial solution to a political economic crisis that was dramatized by the April Revolution of 1965 and deepened through the 1970s with the failure of industrialization strategies to generate significant changes in the class structure. (EXCERPT)
GROWTH AND MORPHOGENESIS IN SAPROLEGNIA FERAX : IS TURGOR REQUIRED?

The oomyceteSaprolegnia ferax, unlike most walled organisms, does not regulate turgor. When hyphae were subjected to water stress by the addition of sucrose or other solutes to the growth medium, turgor pressure diminished progressively; yet the hyphae continued to extend with deposition of a more plastic apical wall. Even when turgor was no longer measurable with a micropipet-based pressure probe (0.02 MPa or less, compared with 0.4 MPa in unsupplemented medium) they produced regular hyphal tubes and tips. Such “turgorless” hyphae extended as rapidly, or more rapidly, than normal ones, but they were wider and their tips blunter. Despite the loss of turgor, hyphae put forth branches and cysts germinated. The organization of actin microfilaments was essentially normal, and the response to cytochalasin A was similar in turgorless and standard hyphae. However, as turgor diminished the hyphae's capacity to penetrate solid media was progressively impaired; aerial hyphae were no longer produced, and zoospore formation was inhibited. The results contradict the common belief that turgor supplies the driving force for hyphal extension, tip morphogenesis, and branching. Evidently, these functions do not intrinsically require hydrostatic pressure. Turgorless hyphae are, however, crippled by their inability to exploit solid media.
Recent advances in the use of star polymers in coatings

Abstract The synthesis of methacrylate stars by an arm-first process using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the core-forming material is described. The level of free arm is an indicator for the extent of termination during the preparation. Using 0.2% (mole basis) of catalyst on initiator instead of higher concentration is helpful. Modifiers for the anion catalyst used in group transfer polymerization (GTP) can be used to reduce termination. Clarity of the two-phase blends with polyester polyol and isocyanate crosslinking agent depended on star composition, hydroxyl-number (OH#) and star level. Recently, benzyl methacrylate has been introduced into this technology to give improved film hardness and clarity with cycloaliphatic polyester coreactants. This permits use of 25–30% star to give fast dry and improved hardness/flexibility balance while also allowing the application at less than 3.5 Ib/gallon of solvent.
Causal Attributions of Success and Failure Among Chicano University Students

This study investigated the causal attributions of success among Chicano graduates and of failure among Chicano nongraduates from a major public university. An open- and closed-ended questionnaire was administered to 39 graduates and 36 non graduates concerning the effects of their college experience, factors contributing to graduating or dropping out of college, and their,present employment and income conditions. RESULTS sug gest that students who graduate attribute their success to internal factors while students who do not graduate attribute their failure to external factors. Language: en
Chronic behavioral and cognitive deficits in a rat survival model of paraoxon toxicity

Organophosphate (OP) compounds, including paraoxon (POX), are similar to nerve agents such as sarin. There is a growing concern that OP agents could be weaponized to cause mass civilian causalities. We have developed a rodent survival model of POX toxicity that is being used to evaluate chronic morbidity and to screen for medical countermeasures against severe OP exposure. It is well known that the survivors of nerve gas and chronic OP exposure exhibit neurobehavioral deficits such as mood changes, depression, and memory impairments. In this study we investigated whether animals surviving severe POX exposure exhibited long-term neurological impairments. POX exposure produced overt signs of cholinergic toxicity. Rats were rescued using an optimized atropine, 2-PAM and diazepam therapy. Surviving rats were studied using established behavioral assays for identifying symptoms of depression and memory impairment 3-months after POX exposure. In the forced swim test, POX rats exhibited increased immobility time indicative of a despair-like state. In the sucrose preference test, POX rats consumed significantly less sucrose water indicating anhedonia-like condition. POX rats also displayed increased anxiety as characterized by significantly lower performance in the open arm of the elevated plus maze. Further, when tested with a novel object recognition paradigm, POX rats exhibited a negative discrimination ratio indicative of impaired recognition memory. The results indicate that this model of survival from severe POX exposure can be employed to study some of the molecular bases for OP-induced chronic behavioral and cognitive comorbidities and develop therapies for their treatment.
Scaling of the supercooled dynamics and its relation to the pressure dependences of the dynamic crossover and the fragility of glass-formers

Master curves of the relaxation time, $\ensuremath{\tau}$, or viscosity, $\ensuremath{\eta}$, versus ${T}^{\ensuremath{-}1}{V}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, where $T$ is temperature, $V$ the specific volume, and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ a material constant, are used to deduce the effect of pressure on the dynamic crossover and the fragility. The crossover is determined from the change in slope of derivative plots of the relaxation times or viscosities. We confirm our previous findings that the value of $\ensuremath{\tau}$ or $\ensuremath{\eta}$ at the crossover is independent of both $T$ and $P$; that is, the dynamic crossover is associated with a characteristic value of the relaxation time. Previous determinations were limited to liquids having crossovers occurring at large values of $\ensuremath{\tau}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}(g{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{s})$, whereas by interpolating within ${T}^{\ensuremath{-}1}{V}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}}$ space, we extend the analysis to smaller values of the crossover time. Using the superpositioned data, the dynamic crossover can be observed in isochoric data, where it is found that the relaxation time at the crossover for constant volume is equivalent to the value obtained under (the more usual) condition of constant pressure. Similarly, from the scaling analysis, isobaric relaxation times at high pressure are deduced from experimental measurements at atmospheric pressure. We find for all glass-formers studied that the fragility (normalized temperature dependence of $\ensuremath{\tau}$ or $\ensuremath{\eta}$) is a decreasing function of pressure. This conclusion is less subject to uncertainties in the measurements than published determinations of the pressure coefficient of fragility. Finally, we show that an empirical function, having the form of the Cohen-Grest relation but without connection to any free volume model, parameterizes the master curves, and accurately describes the data over all measured conditions.
Economic Prosperity and Presidential Popularity: Sorting Out the Effects

A GREAT deal of effort has gone into determining which economic variables influence presidential popularity and the public's voting behavior with respect to the presidency. The major variables of interest through the years have been inflation, unemployment, and real disposable income. From these three variables, numerous models have been tested, with results ranging from finding economic effects unimportant (Stigler 1973) to finding that all three variables have significant effects (Hibbs 1982). Unfortunately, less work has gone into trying to determine how these economic variables are related to one another, and how these relationships affect the substantive interpretations of our models. In particular, we might consider the relationship between unemployment and real disposable income, two highly correlated variables. Of these two variables, unemployment has received the greatest attention from political scientists. This is not surprising when one considers that the jobless rate is one of the most publicized economic statistics in the national news media. What is more surprising is that the unemployment rate has been of only limited value as a predictor of the popularity of the president and his party. Mueller (1970, 1973) found a significant effect on popularity using a variable called "economic slump" (created from the unemployment data). His results, however, have been attacked by Hibbs (1974), who controlled for residual autocorrelation, and found Mueller's "economic slump" variable insignificant. Rivers (1980), using a distributed lag model, found that unemployment had an effect on popularity during Dwight Eisenhower's presidency. MacKuen (1983) found a strong immediate effect of unemployment on popularity between 1963 and 1980, but it was an effect that wore off quickly. Otherwise, research on the United States has generally found no significant relationship between unemployment and presidential popularity (see, for example, Cameron 1984; Norpoth 1984; and Monroe 1978). Research involving real disposable income has been more promising. Kramer (1971: 141) found it to be "the most important" variable in explaining a party's share of the vote in congressional elections. Likewise, Tufte (1975) discovered that the change in income levels over one year had very significant effects on both congressional and presidential voting. Bloom
Effects on behavior ofApanteles melanoscelus females caused by modifications in extraction, storage, and presentation of Gypsy moth silk kairomone

Choice experiments were performed to investigate details of femaleApanteles melanoscelus (Ratzeburg) behavior when exposed to gypsy moth silk kairomone [Lymantria dispar (L.)] and to host larvae when kairomone is present. Female parasites only responded to the kairomone when it had been placed on thin strands such as cotton fibers. Both gypsy moth silk and silk glands contain the same or similar kairomones. Silk gland extracts were more active than head, alimentary canal, or hemolymph extracts of host larvae. Female responses decreased when low concentrations of silk gland extract or small numbers of treated fibers were presented to them. Silk gland extract was stable when frozen for 2 weeks, heated to 100 °C for 0.5 hr, freeze dried, or treated with 95% ethanol. The active component was nondialyzable. Silk deposited on the substrate increased host contacts and oviposition attempts, more so if wider areas were covered with silk, and even if the areas having silk were separated from the host. A theory of host selection inA. melanoscelus is proposed.
The role of the rho meson in pion-nucleus interactions

It is shown that the static model gives a large overestimate of the effects of rho-meson propagation for pionic scattering and reactions at low and medium energies. In a relativistic treatment, the effect of intermediate stateρ-propagation is shown to be small and often negligible within present uncertainties. An improved value for theρNΔ coupling constant is extracted from Ragge pole fits.
Multifunctional nanocomposite coating for wind turbine blades

In this study, multifunctional carbon nanofiber (CNF) paper-based nanocomposite coating was developed for wind turbine blades. The importance of vibration damping in relation to structural stability, dynamic response, position control, and durability of wind turbine blades cannot be underestimated. The vibration damping properties of the nanocomposite blades were significantly improved and the damping ratio of the nanocomposite increased by 300% compared to the baseline composite. In addition, the CNF paper-based composite exhibited good impact-friction resistance, with a wear rate as low as 1.78×10−4mm3/Nm. The nanocomposite also shows the potential to improve the blockage of water from entering the nanocomposite, being a superhydrophobic material, with a contact angle higher than 160.0°, which could improve the longevity of a wind turbine blade. Overall, multifunctional nanocomposite coating material shows great promise for usage with wind turbine blades, owing to its excellent damping properties, great...
Are omnipotence and necessary moral perfection compatible? Reply to Mawson

In response to an earlier paper of mine, T. J. Mawson has argued that omnipotence is logically incompatible with wrong-doing, ‘whilst accepting that there is “a genuine, active power knowingly to choose evil” and thus leaving room for a free-will defence to the problem of evil’. Here, I attempt to show that Mawson is mistaken on both counts – that his argument for the incompatibility of omnipotence and wrong-doing is defective, and that the free-will defence cannot be sustained on the ground marked out by him. Given Mawson's understanding of power and freedom, I argue that it would be possible for God to create persons who are both free and unable to make evil choices.
Long path optical extinction and meteorology in the San Francisco Bay area

Abstract Comparison of night-time long path extinction (25 km) across San Francisco Bay and local meteorological measurements at Oakland Airport revealed a dominant role of boundary layer mixing on visibility. Inversion depth and inversion depth multiplied by wind speed were both strongly inversely correlated with night-time atmospheric extinction. Oakland Airport wind speed and humidity showed little correlation with the extinction measurements. Stellar extinction was also found to be sensitive to mixing depth. This is important as visibility and turbidity trend studies rarely include mixing depth measurements. These results indicate the importance of developing instruments to use the same light source for remote sensing of atmospheric constituents, wind and humidity.
Efficient detection of Alport syndrome COL4A5 mutations with multiplex genomic PCR-SSCP.

We have performed effective mutation screening of COL4A5 with a new method of direct, multiplex genomic amplification that employs a single buffer condition and PCR profile. Application of the method to a consecutive series of 46 United States patients with diverse indications of Alport syndrome resulted in detection of mutations in 31 cases and of five previously unreported polymorphisms. With a correction for the presence of cases that are not likely to be due to changes at the COL4A5 locus, the mutation detection sensitivity is greater than 79%. The test examines 52 segments, including the COL4A6/COL4A5 intergenic promoter region, all 51 of the previously recognized exons and two newly detected exons between exons 41 and 42 that encode an alternatively spliced mRNA segment. New genomic sequence information was generated and used to design primer pairs that span substantial intron sequences on each side of all 53 exons. For SSCP screening, 16 multiplex PCR combinations (15 4-plex and 1 3-plex) were used to provide complete, partially redundant coverage of the gene. The selected combinations allow clear resolution of products from each segment using various SSCP gel formulations. One of the 29 different mutations detected initially seemed to be a missense change in exon 32 but was found to cause exon skipping. Another missense variant may mark a novel functional site located in the collagenous domain.
Polarization characterization in surface second harmonic generation by nonlinear optical null ellipsometry

Abstract Nonlinear optical null ellipsometry (NONE) is developed as a novel approach to evaluate second-order nonlinearities on and off resonance in transparent and absorbing thin surface films. Despite the growing use of second harmonic and sum frequency spectroscopy in characterizing interfaces, common approaches designed to extract the χ(2) nonlinear susceptibility tensor elements from relative intensity measurements are generally only reliable for ultra-thin transparent films at the interface between transparent media. The simple expressions routinely used to treat intensity-based polarization measurements far from resonance become significantly more complicated on or near resonance, for which the χ(2) tensor elements and the thin film refractive indices are complex-valued parameters. In contrast, the mathematical formalism developed for NONE measurements is well suited for spectroscopic studies. The combined results of NONE and polarization-dependent intensity (PDI) measurements at fused silica/dye solution interfaces demonstrate that NONE retains complex phase information between the χ(2) nonlinear susceptibility tensor elements that is lost using comparable intensity-based approaches.
Simulation studies of in vivo electrochemistry

Abstract A computer program which simulates in vivo chronoamperometry is described. Several simulation of chemical and electrical stimulation of the brain are presented to demonstrate the relationship of the observed response to the experimental parameters. Pulse with, time between pulses and electrode geometry are varied and the effect on electrode response illustrated.
The Identification of Alienated Parents and Children: Implications for School Psychologists.

This study sought to determine which factors associated with parents and children were the best predictors of parental alienation. The levels of alienation of parents of 49 students in two selected fourth-grade classrooms in a Midwestern urban school district were assessed using the Dean Alienation Scale. The levels of parental alienation were compared with parent and child variable. High levels of alienation were associated with single, unemployed female parents, whose child was a female with few perceived friends. The degree of alienation was not related to the race, achievement, or attendance of the student. However, a weighted combination of the 12 variables was significant in terms of predicting the parental level of alienation.
Is LESS really more

In the last decade, laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) has been touted to be the part of the 'evolution' of minimally invasive surgery. The hope is that reduced access points will ultimately decrease pain, morbidity, convalescence, and improve cosmesis. However, what is unique about LESS is that while laparoscopic literature sought to demonstrate superiority of the technique over that of open surgery, the publications on LESS generally seem to seek to demonstrate equivalence with laparoscopy, with the major focus being on cosmesis. Unfortunately, even in that regard the objective cosmesis data is lacking. Furthermore, patients rate cosmesis the least important of all factors. LESS has also been associated with increased risk of complication, increased surgical cost, and longer operative times. In the current review, an objective assessment of the literature will be used for comparison between current standard laparoscopic techniques and LESS with the hopes of answering the question: is LESS really more?
Characterization of fully and partially additized lubricant deposits by Temperature Programmed Oxidation

Abstract Temperature Programmed Oxidation (TPO) was used to analyze carbonaceous deposits derived from the thermal decomposition of a Group 1 base oil and a fully-formulated lubricant. Deposits generated from thermal decomposition of concentrated blends of detergents, dispersants, viscosity modifiers, and antioxidants additives were also analyzed. Results obtained from each of the deposit specimens featured “unique” oxidation profiles. For fully-formulated lubricants and base oil-derived deposits, two characteristic peaks with an overlapping tendency were observed. The first evolved at a relatively lower oxidation temperature and the second at a higher oxidation temperature. Similarities between formulated lubricant and base oil TPO profiles were attributed to the common base oil found in both samples. However, higher thermal stability of the fully-formulated lubricant led to minimal deposition and less intense TPO peaks compared to the base oil-derived deposit profiles. For concentrated additive-derived deposits, deposits showed distinct oxidation profiles, unique to each category of additive and not comparable to any other deposit type.
Post-stroke and clinically-defined vascular depression in geriatric rehabilitation patients.

Objective The authors examined the vascular depression hypothesis by comparing the frequency of post-stroke depression and clinically-defined vascular depression and by examining the relationship between vascular burden and depression. Methods Data from 670 geriatric rehabilitation patients were incorporated to compare the frequency of depression in three patient groups: 1) those with no evidence of vascular disease or stroke, 2) those with cerebrovascular risk factors (CVRFs) but no evidence of stroke, and 3) patients with stroke. They examined the unique relationship between CVRFs and depression by use of logistic-regression analysis. Results Although the frequency of depression was not significantly different between stroke (36.4%), CVRF (35.2%), and non-vascular patients (28.7%), there was a significant increase in the frequency of depression in patients without stroke as CVRF burden increased. This effect was not observed among stroke patients. CVRF burden predicted depression among patients without stroke even after controlling for general medical comorbidity, cognitive functioning, and ADL limitations. Conclusions These findings provide empirical support for the vascular depression hypothesis and also indicate that the rates of clinically-defined vascular depression and post-stroke depression are similar in geriatric rehabilitation patients.
Development and application of white-noise modeling techniques for studies of insect visual nervous system.

The nonlinear system identification technique through white-noise stimulation is extended to multi-input, -output systems with consideration given to applications in the functional study of the nervous system. The applicability of the method is discussed in general and in particular for the motion detection neuronal system of the fly. Two series of experiments are performed; one with moving striped-pattern stimuli and the other with spot stimuli of fluctuating intensity. In both cases nonlinear dynamic models are derived which describe the system with considerable accuracy over the frequency range of 0.2–50 Hz and a dynamic amplitude range of about 40-1. These models are able to predict accurately all the discrete experiments so far performed on this system for which the models are applicable. The differences in dynamic characteristics between the corresponding system of the Musca and Phoenicia families of flies are minor except for a difference in latencies and if the difference in geometry of their faceted eyes is taken into account. The large field response of the motion detection unit is a linear weighted summation of all the smaller field highly nonlinear subsystems of which the large field is comprised.
Stabilization of the Veratryl Alcohol Cation Radical by Lignin Peroxidase

Lignin peroxidase (LiP) catalyzes the H2O2-dependent oxidation of veratryl alcohol (VA) to veratryl aldehyde, with the enzyme-bound veratryl alcohol cation radical (VA.+) as an intermediate [Khindaria et al. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 16860-16869]. The decay constant we observed for the enzyme generated cation radical did not agree with the decay constant in the literature [Candeias and Harvey (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 16745-16748] for the chemically generated radical. Moreover, we have found that the chemically generated VA.+ formed by oxidation of VA by Ce(IV) decayed rapidly with a first-order mechanism in air- or oxygen-saturated solutions, with a decay constant of 1.2 x 10(3) s-1, and with a second-order mechanism in argon-saturated solution. The first-order decay constant was pH- independent suggesting that the rate-limiting step in the decay was deprotonation. When VA.+ was generated by oxidation with LiP the decay also occurred with a first-order mechanism but was much slower, 1.85 s-1, and was the same in both oxygen- and argon-saturated reaction mixtures. However, when the enzymatic reaction mixture was acid-quenched the decay constant of VA.+ was close to the one obtained in the Ce(IV) oxidation system, 9.7 x 10(2) s-1. This strongly suggested that the LiP-bound VA.+ was stabilized and decayed more slowly than free VA.+. We propose that the stabilization of VA.+ may be due to the acidic microenvironment in the enzyme active site, which prevents deprotonation of the radical and subsequent reaction with oxygen. We have also obtained reversible redox potential of VA.+/VA couple using cyclic voltammetery. Due to the instability of VA.+ in aqueous solution the reversible redox potential was measured in acetone, and was 1.36 V vs normal hydrogen electrode. Our data allow us to propose that enzymatically generated VA.+ can act as a redox mediator but not as a diffusible oxidant for LiP-catalyzed lignin or pollutant degradation.
Path integral methods for simulating electronic spectra

Abstract A new method for determining electronic absorption and emission spectra is presented. It is based on the path integral evaluation of the appropriate time correlation functions. The major advantages of this approach are (a) it is easy to obtain high-resolution spectra, (b) one can easily treat cases where the transition moment depends on nuclear configuration, i.e. the Condon approximation can be relaxed. The efficacy of the method is demonstrated by obtaining the electronic absorption spectra for two displaced Morse oscillators.
Photofragment energy distributions and reaction rates of NH from photodissociation of HN3 at 266 nm

Abstract Detailed analyses of the electronic, vibrational, and rotational distributions of NH formed by photolysis of HN3 at 266 nm are given. NH is formed primarily in the a (1Δ, ν = 0) state with ≈900 cm−1 state with ≈900 cm−1 rotational energy and ⪅ 5000 cm− of translational energy. In addition, a new chemiluminescent reaction is reported: NH(1Δ) + NH3 → NH2(2A1) + N3. The rate constant for this reaction is in agreement with an earlier measurement of the disappearance of NH(1Δ) by an absorption technique.
A Real-Time Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Neurofeedback System

Abstract In order to implement brain-computer interfaces (BCI's), the individual must be able to volitionally control brain function: a skill that can only be achieved through specialized training. Currently, this training is time-consuming and produces unreliable results. It is necessary to first understand the underlying neural mechanisms associated with this skill to develop effective, dependable training techniques. A real-time functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rtfMRI) system has been developed to research volitional control over neural activity and interpret the neural changes associated with increases in this skill. The developed system enables additional research such as the study of neuroplasticity and neural networks.
The theory and application of a self-propelled stator-fed frequency convertor

A variable-speed squirrel-cage motor has been a desirable aim since the general acceptance of a.c. supplies. The paper contains a description of a suitable and practically proved system of variable-frequency control for this and other purposes provided by a self-contained rotating frequency convertor, called the Speedmaster. The theory and application of this frequency convertor and some variants to a.c. variable-speed single- and multi-motor drives, utilizing different types of a.c. motors, are presented. Selected examples of actual equipments are included.
Engaging New Audiences: Translating Research Into Popular Media:

In this article, the author outlines how she used qualitative research methodologies to translate her research findings into a social-realist narrative film that has engaged multiple audiences. This process raises questions about what translation means when research is represented in the form of an imaginative text and how education researchers imagine their audience when making choices about research representation. The author also considers the perennial questions surrounding arts-based research: Can expressive forms count as research? Must practitioners of arts-based research be experts in their art forms? Should the artistic product stand on its own in traditional social science research venues? The author posits that the current cultural milieu holds unprecedented possibilities for translating education research into varied forms to achieve greater public impact.
The structure of the BfrB-Bfd complex reveals protein-protein interactions enabling iron release from bacterioferritin.

Ferritin-like molecules are unique to cellular iron homeostasis because they can store iron at concentrations much higher than those dictated by the solubility of Fe3+. Very little is known about the protein interactions that deliver iron for storage or promote the mobilization of stored iron from ferritin-like molecules. Here, we report the X-ray crystal structure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterioferritin (Pa-BfrB) in complex with bacterioferritin-associated ferredoxin (Pa-Bfd) at 2.0 A resolution. As the first example of a ferritin-like molecule in complex with a cognate partner, the structure provides unprecedented insight into the complementary interface that enables the [2Fe-2S] cluster of Pa-Bfd to promote heme-mediated electron transfer through the BfrB protein dielectric (∼18 A), a process that is necessary to reduce the core ferric mineral and facilitate mobilization of Fe2+. The Pa-BfrB–Bfd complex also revealed the first structure of a Bfd, thus providing a first view to what appears to be a v...
The correlation of urethral mobility and point Aa of the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system before and after surgery.

Objective The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of pelvic floor surgery on Q-tip angle and point Aa of the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system. Study design A clinical database was used for this retrospective review of Q-tip and prolapse measurements before and after pelvic floor surgery. Subanalyses of isolated bladder neck and prolapse surgeries were also performed. Correlations between Q-tip and point Aa were assessed with Pearson and Spearman coefficients and the Z statistic. Results Correlations between Q-tip and point Aa for all 350 women were not significantly different before and after the operation ( r = 0.45 vs 0.49; P = .50). Subanalysis of the bladder neck–only group demonstrated similarly fair correlations ( r = 0.26 vs 0.31; P = .71; n=94). The prolapse-only group demonstrated better overall correlation without significant differences before and after the operation ( r = 0.78 vs 0.51; P = .10; n=26). Conclusion Point Aa does not reflect bladder neck mobility accurately as measured by the Q-tip angle after surgical restoration of the pelvic anatomy.
Parallel forward and back substitution for efficient power grid simulation

Parallelizing power grid simulation with factorization-based direct or preconditioned iterative methods is a challenging task due to the data dependency among forward and back substitution. In this paper, we propose two approaches to parallelize forward and back substitution. The first approach exploits the parallelism by computing independent variables in parallel; the second approach resolves the data dependency by leveraging a node ordering produced by nested dissection. According to the requirements of TAU 2012 power grid simulation contest, a parallel power grid transient simulator is developed and tested with IBM power grid benchmarks. Results show that the second approach with the nested-dissection-based node ordering is more efficient.
Separation of a New Antidiabetic Agent, N-(Trans-4-Isopropylcyclohexylcarbonyl)-D-Phenylalanine, and its Isomers by Chiral High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract N-(trans-4-Isopropylcyclohexylcarbonyl)-D-phenylalanine (A4166) is a new oral antidiabetic agent. In order to determine the purity of chemical samples of A4166, a high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the separation of A4166 and synthetic by-products (an L-enantiomer and a cis-iosmer of A4166) has been developed. A chiral stationary phase column packed with 5 μm N-(tert-butylaminocarbonyl)-L-valylaminopropyl silica gel was used for the direct separation of A4166 and its isomers after derivatization with a non-chiral reagent.
Management of neobladder-vaginal fistula and stress incontinence following radical cystectomy in women: a review

Contemporary literature regarding the management of neobladder-vaginal fistula and stress urinary incontinence following radical cystectomy and neobladder reconstruction in women is reviewed in this article. Neobladder-vaginal fistula is uncommon but mandates meticulous repair. Compared to the native bladder, the wall of the neobladder is much thinner that may render it vulnerable to fistulization. Preservation of the anterior vaginal wall during radical cystectomy decreases the likelihood of pouch-vaginal fistula. Omental flap interposition between the vaginal stump and neobladder at cystectomy may not always prevent fistulization if anterior vaginal wall is violated or overlapping suture lines are not avoided. Surgery for intractable stress incontinence following neobladder reconstruction is fraught with severe complications and requires judicious use of allograft pubovaginal slingplasty possibly with bone anchors. Martius flap interposition appears to play a crucial role in improving the outcome following transvaginal repair of the neobladder-vaginal fistula in multiple non-overlapping layers.
Role of surface vacancies and water products in metal nucleation: Pt/MgO(100)

Abstract Density-functional calculations reveal that isolated F s and V s surface vacancies on MgO(100) ionize single Pt atoms, roughly tripling their adsorption energy. This trapping inhibits Pt atoms from binding to other Pt atoms, resulting in a negative addimer binding energy. Hence, isolated surface vacancies demote nucleation, contrary to popular belief. A defect that does promote nucleation is the F s V s divacancy, which increases the addimer binding energy by 20%. Amongst water and its dissociation products, only adsorbed hydroxyls are found to have a similar (but stronger) effect.
Superfluid Mass of Liquid Helium Three

Fourth sound has been generated and detected in the superfluid phases of liquid $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ by means of a new technique.