cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
UNDERSTANDING SELF-OTHER AGREEMENT: A LOOK AT RATER AND RATEE CHARACTERISTICS, CONTEXT, AND OUTCOMES

This study investigated (a) the relative importance of a number of biographic (e.g., age, race, gender) and contextual (e.g., span of control, functional area) variables and their interactions on self-other agreement and (b) the relationship between self-other agreement and outcome variables such as performance and compensation. Usable data were collected from 3,217 managers and their multi-source raters in 527 organizations. Multivariate regression procedures (as opposed to categorization procedures) were used to determine the sources of rating disagreement. Results indicated that a significant portion of variance in self-other ratings was accounted for by the set of background/context variables. Self-other agreement was also related to performance, compensation, and organizational level, though rating patterns differed.
Marginal information for expectation parameters

The authors consider a special case of inference in the presence of nuisance parameters. They show that when the orthogonalized score function is a function of a statistic S, no Fisher information for the interest parameter is lost by using the marginal distribution of S rather than the full distribution of the observations. Therefore, no information for the interest parameter is recovered by conditioning on an ancillary statistic, and information will be lost by conditioning on an approximate ancillary statistic. This is the case for regular multivariate exponential families when the interest parameter is a subvector of the expectation parameter and the statistic is the maximum likelihood estimate of the interest parameter. Several examples are considered, including the 2 × 2 table. RESUME Les auteurs traitent un cas particulier d'inference en presence de parametres nuisibles. Ils montrent que si la fonction score orthogonalisee ne depend que d'une statistique S, l'analyse peut s'appuyer sur la loi marginale de S plutǒt que sur celle des observations sans occasionner une perte d'information de Fisher pour le parametre d'interět. Le fait de conditionner par rapport a une statistique libre n'apporte donc au-cune information relative a ce parametre, alors que le conditionnement par rapport a une statistique ap-proximativement libre entraǐne une perte d'information. Tel est le cas pour les families exponentielles multivariees retgulieres lorsque le parametre d'interět est un sous-vecteurde l'esperance et que la statistique est l'estimation a vraisemblance maximale du parametre d'interět. Plusieurs exemples sont discutes, dont celui du tableau 2 × 2.
Estimating spatially-variable rate constants of denitrification in irrigated agricultural groundwater systems using an Ensemble Smoother

Summary Groundwater contaminant transport models are being used increasingly to simulate the fate and transport of reactive solutes, particularly nitrate, within aquifer systems. These models, however, often are hindered by lack of information regarding parameters, such as kinetic decay rates, that govern the subsistence of the solute within the groundwater. In an overall effort to provide accurate estimates of spatially-variable parameters in numerical reactive transport modeling we employ a data assimilation scheme, the Ensemble Smoother (ES), which yields improved estimates of spatially-variable denitrification rates within an irrigated agricultural river-aquifer system using measurements of (i) nitrate concentration in the groundwater and (ii) mass of nitrate entering the river from the aquifer via groundwater flows. Based on the Kalman Filter methodology, in which distributed uncertain model results are corrected by assimilating measurement data from a reference system, the ES incorporates uncertain parameter values, associated model results, and measurement data into an update algorithm to provide an updated, corrected model state that approaches the reference system state. As an important step in eventually employing the methodology to real-world systems, this study evaluates the parameter estimation scheme for a synthetic aquifer system approaching hydrologic (heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity, cropping patterns, irrigation recharge, canal seepage) and chemical (denitrification, leaching concentrations) complexities expected in aquifers influenced by agricultural practices. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to investigate the influence of (i) the number of measurement data assimilated and (ii) the error assigned to the measurement data. Results indicate that the spatial distribution of denitrification rates can be estimated to a satisfying degree, and when implemented in additional model runs produce (i) simulated values that coincide favorably with measurement values from the reference state, and (ii) spatial distribution of nitrate concentration comparable to that of the reference state.
Static decentralized team problems: Sufficient conditions, algorithms, and the exponential cost criterion

The stationary conditions of Radner are shown under relaxed conditions to be sufficient for the global optimum of the static team problem with convex cost. This extension of Radner's theorem establishes the global optimality of the optimal affine laws for the exponential of a quadratic performance index. A formulation of the team problem as a constrained parameter optimization problem simplifies the derivation of the necessary conditions for optimal affine team laws. The solution of this constrained problem expresses the optimal decentralized team control law as an explicit projection of the optimal centralized law for both the quadratic and the exponential of a quadratic performance indices.
Statistical mechanics of pressure-anesthetic antagonism on the phase transition of phospholipid membranes: Interfacial water hypothesis

Abstract A statistical mechanical theory is formulated to describe the effect of anesthetics and high pressure upon the phase-transition temperature of phospholipid membranes. The theory shows that the transition temperature is elevated by high pressure and depressed by anesthetics when the number of anesthetic molecules adsorbed on the membrane is smaller on gel membranes than on liquid membranes. When the usual adsorption theory which treats water molecules as a homogeneous solvent matrix is applied, it overestimates the affinity potential of the anesthetic molecules to the membrane compared to the experimentally obtained ΔH 0 of the transfer. The large partition coefficients of the anesthetics between lipid membranes and water with their small temperature dependence cannot be explained by this model. By taking into account the release of structured water molecules around the free anesthetic and the membrane interface by the association, the molecular origin of the large values of the partition coefficients and their small dependency on temperature can be explained. In simplified form, the interfacial structured water molecules are shown to make an entropic contribution to the large partition coefficient and simultaneously an enthalpic contribution to the small temperature dependence of the coefficient.
Photosensitized Lipid Peroxidation in Ground Pork and Turkey

The initiative role of singlet oxygen (1O2) in hydroperoxide production in ground pork and turkey was studied. Ground meats treated with or without various antioxidants and illumination (350 ft-c, 4°C) were monitored for lipid peroxidation by peroxide value (POV). Ground turkey breast meat developed higher (P < 0.01) POV during illumination than did thigh meat. In both pork and turkey, light exposure resulted in higher (P < 0.01) POV than samples kept in the dark. The prooxidant effect of light was reduced (P < 0.01) by a 1O2 quencher (2,2,6,6-tetramethy1-4-piperidone) in turkey meat, and by another 1O2 quencher (N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylene diamine, TMEDA), a free radical scavenger (butylated hydroxyanisole, BHA) and TMEDA + BHA in pork.
Superweak model of CP nonconservation within gauge theories

We present a superweak model of CP nonconservation within the framework of the SU(2) x U(1) gauge theory with three fermion generations. A Z/sub 3/ symmetry introduced in the Lagrangian prevents the appearance of a Kobayashi-Maskawa phase, requiring at the same time the number of Higgs doublets to be equal to the number of fermion generations. It is pointed out that if one does not allow for fine tuning of parameters, the neutral-Higgs-boson masses are required to be in the 30-TeV region. For these values of Higgs-boson masses, we expect the weak interaction to become strong at high energies.
Taste buds as peripheral chemosensory processors.

Taste buds are peripheral chemosensory organs situated in the oral cavity. Each taste bud consists of a community of 50–100 cells that interact synaptically during gustatory stimulation. At least three distinct cell types are found in mammalian taste buds – Type I cells, Receptor (Type II) cells, and Presynaptic (Type III) cells. Type I cells appear to be glial-like cells. Receptor cells express G protein-coupled taste receptors for sweet, bitter, or umami compounds. Presynaptic cells transduce acid stimuli (sour taste). Cells that sense salt (NaCl) taste have not yet been confidently identified in terms of these cell types. During gustatory stimulation, taste bud cells secrete synaptic, autocrine, and paracrine transmitters. These transmitters include ATP, acetylcholine (ACh), serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and GABA. Glutamate is an efferent transmitter that stimulates Presynaptic cells to release 5-HT. This chapter discusses these transmitters, which cells release them, the postsynaptic targets for the transmitters, and how cell–cell communication shapes taste bud signaling via these transmitters.
Robust Fault Detection Filter Design With Applications to Steer-by-Wire Vehicles

This paper presents a method for designing robust, model-based fault detection filters for linear systems with bounded parametric uncertainty. The approach maximizes the theoretical channel capacity of the system and diagnostic filter together, regarding the fault condition as an input to a hypothetical communication channel and the resulting residual as the output, with sensor noise, disturbances, and system input as sources of interference. This results in a robust residual that is both sensitive to faults and insensitive to noise and disturbances. The effectiveness of the technique is demonstrated in the design of a fault detection filter for use with a diagnostic system for a steer-by-wire vehicle.© 2007 ASME
Specific hungers in hyperphagic rats

Preference-aversion functions for glucose, sucrose, and sodium chloride were determined using the single-stimulus, brief-exposure procedure. The functions generated by hyperphagic rats were similar to those generated by controls.
Psychiatric assessment in medical long‐term care facilities: Reliability of commonly used rating scales

Clinical assessment of psychopathology includes quantifying symptoms on rating scales. Caution must be used in applying standardized instruments to new populations because their reliability may alter considerably. This study assesses the interrater reliability of six well-known rating scales when applied to patients residing in a medical long-term care facility. The scales include measures of depression, psychosis and cognitive impairment. The specific scales used were: Hamilton Depression Scale; Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; Mini-Mental State Examination; Mental Status Questionnaire; Global Deterioration Scale; and Brief Cognitive Rating Scale.
Models for Determining Cost of Care and Length of Stay in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

New models for determining the cost of care and length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were developed using financial and clinical data from 588 admissions to our NICU. The model for determining costs explained 71% of the variability in total hospital costs. Models such as the ones developed in this study can be used to compare costs in different institutions, determine temporal trends in costs, and examine the financial impact of using new technologies. Such models can also be useful components of a rational prospective pricing system for the NICU.
Nonprofit model for drug discovery and development

SRI International, a nonendowed, nonprofit research institution, has developed a successful model for drug discovery and development using funding from a variety of sources. We have vertically integrated basic and applied research, drug discovery, and preclinical drug development expertise and capabilities. Funding sources include state and federal government grants and contracts, and our unique model allows us to translate our discoveries into clinical-ready drug candidates. Drug Dev Res 68:186–196, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The effects of 2,4-dithiobiuret on sensory and motor function.

Abstract 2,4-Dithiobiuret (DTB) exposure causes a delayed onset muscle weakness in rats that has been attributed to depressed neuromuscular transmission. The present study compares the effects of DTB on both sensory and motor function in rats. Adult male Long-Evans hooded rats were exposed to saline, 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 mg/kg/day DTB, ip, for 5 consecutive days (Days 1–5). Body weights were monitored throughout the experiment. Motor activity was measured for 1 hr in figure-eight mazes on Days 0, 6, 13, and 27. Forelimb and hindlimb grip strength were assessed on Days 6, 13, and 27. Auditory thresholds were determined for 5-and 40-kHz tones using reflex modification of the startle response on Days 0, 7, 14, and 28. Visual function was examined on Day 6 in animals exposed at 0.5 mg/kg/day using flash-and pattern-elicited visual evoked potentials (FEPs and PEPs, respectively). Thermal sensitivity was measured using the hot plate procedure. All motor endpoints were decreased in a dosage-and time-dependent manner; the higher the dosage the longer the effects lasted. There were no effects on any measure of sensory function with the exception of peak N2 of the FEP. Both the amplitude and latency of FEP N2 were altered by DTB exposure. Decreases in body weight were maximal on Day 9 at 1.0 mg/kg/day (20% from control), but recovered by Day 22. Motor activity was suppressed on Day 6 only, whereas grip strength measures were decreased on both Days 6 and 13. Auditory thresholds were not significantly altered; however, baseline startle amplitude was decreased at the highest dosage on Days 7 and 14, but recovered by Day 28. Hot plate latencies were not altered by DTB treatment. These data demonstrate that DTB produces a reversible impairment of motor function, without altering auditory, thermal, or pattern visual function. FEP N2, which is thought to arise from activity generated in the superficial layers of visual cortex, was diminished by DTB treatment, indicating that DTB can alter the function of the CNS, although effects on the motor system are more pronounced.
Modelling of surface waves breaking effects in the ocean upper layer

In this paper, we have studied the general dynamic structure of the turbulent upper layer produced by wave breaking and turbulent diffusion of wave kinetic energy. The turbulent model is of the [email protected] group model. The TKE budget contains an extra term, which describes the turbulent diffusion of wave kinetic energy. We suggest a parameterization of the momentum flux and the energy flux induced by the wave breaking. The analysis is focused at the upper part of the Ekman layer where the constant friction approach is valid. It is shown that this layer is formed of three sublayers. The nearest layer to the ocean surface is the wave-turbulent sublayer. The turbulent energy production by the wave breaking significantly exceeds the mean shear effect, and the turbulent diffusion of the wave kinetic energy dominates in the range of depths where the wave motion continues to be vigorous. Below this layer, the wave effect does not play a significant role because the turbulent diffusion of turbulent kinetic energy begins to exceed the wave effect in the TKE budget. However, the turbulence of this layer influences the dynamics of the entire Ekman layer beneath. Below the wave-turbulent diffusive layer, there is a transitional turbulent diffusive layer where the turbulent diffusion still exceeds the mean shear contribution in the TKE budget but the wave motion effect becomes insignificant. The source of turbulence in this layer is the turbulent kinetic energy flux from the upper wave-turbulent layer. The turbulent kinetic energy and the dissipation rate decay with depth following power laws. Theoretical prediction is consistent with data observed in the ocean. Following after the transition turbulent diffusive layer, there is a layer where the mean shear production of turbulent energy dominates. In terms of the classic steady turbulent boundary layer problem, this layer, in steady or quasi-steady cases, corresponds to the logarithmic turbulent sublayer where the ''wall turbulence'' laws are valid. However, all turbulent characteristics are controlled by the wave breaking mechanism and the turbulence dynamics in the wave-turbulent layer and the turbulent diffusive layer. We may conclude that the suggested model gives an adequate description of the natural ocean turbulence for the constant friction layer of the upper ocean.
Phenobarbital (P) Does Not Affect Bilirubin (B) Metabolism in Rat Brain

Background Previous (incomplete) data suggested that P might modify B metabolism in brain1,2. This is potentially important, as P is still in use for treatment of hyperbilirubinemia. Materials/methods We have studied the clearance of B from brain following pretreatment of young adult SPRD rats with P 75 mg/kg ip daily for 7 days, controls received solvent only (n=8 in each group). On day 8 rats were anesthetized and 50 mg/kg B was infused iv over 5 min. Rats were sacrificed after 60 min, the brain vasculature flushed in situ, and brain B determined by acid chloroform extraction. Serum B at sacrifice was determined by a diazo method. Results As expected following P treatment, serum B was slightly lower in P-treated vs control rats(126±32 vs 140±21 μmol/L, p=0.3). Brain B values were also lower in the P-treated rats (0.52±0.08 vs 0.44±0.06 nmol/g, p=0.044). As the lower brain B values in P-treated rats could be due entirely to lower serum B values, we compared the brain: serum B ratios in the two groups and found these to be identical (0.0037). Conclusion P does not directly affect metabolism of B in rat brain. The 60 min time point for sacrifice represents at least 3 half-lives of B in brain, thus brain B concentration at this time is a good proxy for clearance. We speculate that P treatment may be neither helpful nor harmful relative to the neurotoxic effects of B in infants with already established jaundice.
Measurement of velocity distributions and recombination kinetics in tunnel-ionized helium plasmas.

We report the first measurements on the distribution of electron energies and associated recombination kinetics in tunnel-ionized plasmas of interest to recent x-ray laser proposals. Subpicosecond laser pulses, focused to an intensity of $1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{16}$ W $/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, create a fully ionized helium plasma. Measurement of the resulting emission spectrum allows a determination of the time-dependent electron velocity distribution. The initial distribution is found to be strongly non-Maxwellian and subsequent recombination kinetics proceed more slowly than predicted for a Maxwellian distribution of electrons.
Decay Kinetics of UV-Sensitive Materials: An Introductory Chemistry Experiment

First-order kinetic decay rates can be obtained by measuring the time-dependent reflection spectra of ultraviolet-sensitive objects as they returned from their excited, colored state back to the ground, colorless state. In this paper, a procedure is described which provides an innovative and unique twist on standard, undergraduate, kinetics experiments. Specifically, UV-sensitive beads and threads are utilized as the time changing system, as opposed to more conventional wet chemical systems. The spectral data is collected and analyzed by the students during a standard laboratory session, and the class results are pooled so that the reflection spectra and decay curves of all colors for both UV sensitive beads and threads can be compared. This new approach to a kinetics experiment increases student interest in a safe, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly way.
Reinterpretation of the Burmester Core, Bonneville Basin, Utah

Initial interpretation of the sediments from the Burmester core (Eardley et al. (1973). Geological Society of America Bulletin 84, 211–216) indicated that 17 deep-lake cycles, separated by shallow-lake and soil-forming intervals, occurred in the Bonneville basin during the Brunhes Chron (the last 780 × 103 yr). Our re-examination of the core, along with new sedimentological, geochronological, and paleontological data, indicate that only four deep-lake cycles occurred during this period, apparently correlative with marine oxygen-isotope stages 2, 6, 12, and 16. This interpretation suggests that large lakes formed in the Bonneville basin only during the most extensive of the Northern Hemisphere glaciations.
Frontally mediated inhibitory processing and white matter microstructure: age and alcoholism effects.

Rationale The NOGO P3 event-related potential is a sensitive marker of alcoholism, relates to EEG oscillation in the δ and θ frequency ranges, and reflects activation of an inhibitory processing network. Degradation of white matter tracts related to age or alcoholism should negatively affect the oscillatory activity within the network.
Effect of disease management on prescription drug treatment: what is the right quality measure?

Measures of medication adherence have become common parameters with which disease management (DM) programs are being evaluated, leading to the question of how this concept should be measured in the...
Lifetime integrity requirements for containments in the United States

Abstract Assuring the lifetime integrity of containment structures for nuclear power plants is becoming increasingly important as existing design criteria are reexamined, as new requirements for containment inspection and testing are formulated, and as today's operating plants grow older. Regulatory requirements for containments in the United States are contained in the Code of Federal Regulations and in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. New requirements for the preservice examination and inservice inspection of Class MC (metal) containments have been published in Section XI, Subsection IWE, of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Requirements for Class CC (concrete) containments have been published in Subsection IWL. Federal regulations that will require mandatory compliance with the ASME Code by nuclear plant owners in the United States are forthcoming. Parameters for extending the life of current United States nuclear plants beyond the 40 year design lifetime are presently being formulated. Two pilot plant life extension (PLEX) studies, one for a BWR and one for a PWR, serve as models for extending the life of today's aging plants. This paper presents an overview of the regulatory requirements for containments in the United States and the new preservice examination, inservice inspection and related requirements for Class MC and Class CC containments in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Operational and life extension considerations for containment structures, including the findings from pilot studies of typical PWR and BWR containments, are also discussed. Together, the regulatory and Code requirements and recommendations from the plant life extension studies provide a basis for improved lifetime integrity for containments in the United States.
Patterns of Intellectual Differences of Black, Hispanic, and White Children.

Patterns of intellectual differences among children of different ethnic groups on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) were examined. Full Scale IQ was used as a covariate in a multivariate analysis of covariance. The results indicated that when overall IQ is held constant, Black children perform better on verbal tasks, Hispanic children perform better on visual-spatial tasks, and White children perform better on tasks requiring abstract thinking and knowledge of facts. The implications of these results regarding assessment practices are discussed.
Students’ Evaluation of Teaching: Concerns of Item Diagnosticity

The validity and reliability of students’ evaluation of teaching effectiveness has been debated since the 1970s. One concern is the extent to which the ratings are influenced by halo, and if so, how does halo affect the interpretation of the ratings? This study seeks to assess the degree to which the halo affects the diagnosticity of individual teaching evaluation items. Statistical methods are used to identify and purge the individual item ratings of halo. Three professors are compared using the observed teaching evaluation scores and the observed scores once the halo has been purged. Results indicate that the halo is present in the scores and that the halo does bias the interpretation of teaching effectiveness, especially when the goal is to compare one professor with another.
Comment on “Effect of Active Site Mutation Phe93 → Trp in the Horse Liver Alcohol Dehydrogenase Enzyme on Catalysis: A Molecular Dynamics Study”

We have studied the effect of the site-directed mutation, Phe 93 → Trp, in the horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme as it relates to a specific protein motion that plays a crucial role in catalysis. Results obtained from the study suggest that the protein dynamics as it couples to reaction catalysis is not affected and in fact the coupling between the protein oscillation and the reaction coordinate is similar to that seen in the wild-type. This supports the view that this mutation distal from the NAD+ cofactor does not change the way protein dynamics influences chemistry.
Semi-continuous speciation analyses for ambient air particulate matter: An urgent need for health effects studies

One of the most urgent needs for future progress in reducing the substantial impacts of ambient air particulate matter (PM) on human health is to determine which of its components are having the greatest effects. The EPA's Speciation Trends Network (STN) has been operating since 2000. It generates 24-h average fine PM component concentrations for sulfate and nitrate ions, elemental and organic carbon (EC/OC), and many elements on an every third or sixth day basis for one or a few sites in most large US cities. To date, a small number of research studies, summarized in this paper, have used available STN and other supplemental data to identify and quantify the influences of specific components or source-related mixtures on measures of health-related impacts. These pioneering studies have demonstrated the potential utility of using such data in analyses that can provide a sound basis for guiding future research and control activities on those PM sources that have the greatest public health relevance. Unfortunately, the STN data collection methods used are expensive, and data have therefore been too sparse for studies of short-term health effects, where semi-continuous data, or at least daily 24-h concentration data are needed, as well as for regional concentration distributions that are needed for definitive analyses. Furthermore, because of cost considerations, there is virtually no prospect of collecting the data needed by the health researchers for more definitive analyses as long as there is continued reliance on current FRM sampling and analysis methodologies. At the second EPA-HEI Workshop on “Air Quality and Health Researchers Working Together” in RTP, NC on 16 and 17 April 2008, many participants concluded that it was both desirable, and possibly technically and economically feasible, to re-equip the STN sites with an automated system of semi-continuous monitors for sulfate, nitrate, EC, OC, and semi-continuous multistage PM samplers for non-volatile elements, providing continuous records of PM components with an averaging time of ∼6 h for both thoracic coarse mode PM, fine PM, and perhaps ultrafine PM as well. The availability of such data would greatly accelerate the accumulation of knowledge on PM component exposure–response relationships that would provide a sound basis more targeted air quality standards and pollution control measures.
18S rDNA sequences and the holometabolous insects

The Holometabola (insects with complete metamorphosis: beetles, wasps, flies, fleas, butterflies, lacewings, and others) is a monophyletic group that includes the majority of the world's animal species. Holometabolous orders are well defined by morphological characters, but relationships among orders are unclear. In a search for a region of DNA that will clarify the interordinal relationships we sequenced approximately 1080 nucleotides of the 5' end of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene from representatives of 14 families of insects in the orders Hymenoptera (sawflies and wasps), Neuroptera (lacewing and antlion), Siphonaptera (flea), and Mecoptera (scorpionfly). We aligned the sequences with the published sequences of insects from the orders Coleoptera (beetle) and Diptera (mosquito and Drosophila), and the outgroups aphid, shrimp, and spider. Unlike the other insects examined in this study, the neuropterans have A-T rich insertions or expansion regions: one in the antlion was approximately 260 bp long. The dipteran 18S rDNA evolved rapidly, with over 3 times as many substitutions among the aligned sequences, and 2-3 times more unalignable nucleotides than other Holometabola, in violation of an insect-wide molecular clock. When we excluded the long-branched taxa (Diptera, shrimp, and spider) from the analysis, the most parsimonious (minimum-length) trees placed the beetle basal to other holometabolous orders, and supported a morphologically monophyletic clade including the fleas+scorpionflies (96% bootstrap support). However, most interordinal relationships were not significantly supported when tested by maximum likelihood or bootstrapping and were sensitive to the taxa included in the analysis. The most parsimonious and maximum-likelihood trees both separated the Coleoptera and Neuroptera, but this separation was not statistically significant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Ecotypic variation in selenium accumulation among populations of Stanleya pinnata.

• Ecotypic variation in selenium (Se) hyperaccumulation in plants is reported here among populations of Stanleya pinnata (Brassicaceae), which has a broad biogeographical range in the western USA. • In a glasshouse study, Se and sulfur accumulation were examined in 16 populations of S. pinnata. Plants grown from seed (collected from sites representing the species range) were subjected to five treatments differing in selenate (SeO42−) and sulfate (SO42−) concentrations. • The populations differed in shoot Se concentration by 1.4- to 3.6-fold, depending on the treatment, and these concentrations were positively correlated with the indigenous soil Se levels at the collection sites. Shoot S concentrations varied by less than two-fold, and did not correlate with the shoot Se levels. All populations accumulated SeO42− preferentially over SO42−. By contrast, Brassica juncea seedlings grown in a similar solution series consistently accumulated SO42− preferentially over SeO42−. Biomass production differed up to three-fold between populations. • S. pinnata is a primary Se accumulator, but populations exhibit significant ecotypic differences in Se accumulation. Environmental concerns about Se are common, and the broad adaptation of S. pinnata makes it an attractive candidate for phytoremediation.
Effects of Sustained Nurse/Mother Contact on Infant Outcomes Among Low-Income African-American Families

This study examined the effect on infant morbidity and mortality of sustained nursing contact with mothers of healthy infants who are considered medically low risk but socially are at high risk due to poverty, low maternal education, and parenting at an early age. A quasi-experimental approach using a pretest-posttest design was used to evaluate the effect of the sustained nursing contact intervention (N = 97) compared with the instructions traditionally provided to the mothers of such infants (N = 48). In general, intervention and control infants did not differ on variables measuring health and development, morbidity, incidence of accidents, utilization of health care services, or immunization rates. Intervention infants scored significantly higher on advanced gross motor skills and had significantly fewer upper respiratory symptoms at the final visit. Highest morbidity was experienced by infants of teenaged mothers in the control group who had more than one infant. It was concluded that sustained nursing contact during the first eight months of infant life was beneficial to low-income African-American mothers, especially teenaged mothers with more than one infant. Infant morbidity and mortality were lower in both groups than would have been expected for their risk level, indicating that even minimal sustained nursing contact enhances outcomes of healthy infants at high risk for mortality and morbidity due to social factors.
Why do firms terminate their overfunded pension plans

Abstract Financial and pension variables are analyzed to test predictions of a number of explanation for the recent surge in reversions of excess assets from terminations of overfunded pension plans. Terminations are apparently motivated by cash needs, rather than tax, accounting, or wealth transfer considerations. These cash needs arise from large unexpected declines in funds from operations or financial restructuring subsequent to hostile takeover attempts. However, terminations appear to be a costly source of funds, since firms seek funds from numerous other sources (dividend cuts, ‘slow’ withdrawals of pension assets, and investment cuts) before resorting to terminations.
Lens cytoskeleton and after‐cataract

Lens epithelial and other ocular cells contain complex arrays of actin filaments which might be expected to allow them to migrate following injury: specifically into the capsular sac in cases of extracapsular cataract extraction or traumatic cataract. To test the possibility, a culture system was developed using a melanotic strain of mice, in which migrating cells are often ‘marked’ by melanosomes. Injured lenses were cultured on permeable membranes in contact with nutrient medium, and surrounded by iridial tract fragments. After study by light and electron microscopy, it was established that both pigmented and unpigmented cells migrated from the surrounding explants, apparently along the substrate meniscus, to the outside of the lens capsule and then through the wound to the capsule interior. This study suggests a source of cells in development of after-cataract syndrome.
Design relations for synchrotron radiation curved two-crystal monochromators

Abstract Formulae are given for the necessary radii of curvature in double bent-crystal monochromators for synchrotron radiation. It is shown that it is possible to overcome the heat load problem by suitably curving the second crystal: in this way, the reflection efficiency is fully restored, and may be enhanced due to the reflectivity increase on curving. By controlling the curvatures of the two crystals one can focus the monochromatic beam at the sample without the use of curved mirrors. Results of computations made with an adapted neutron optics program are presented.
Predicting survial by cancer pathway gene expression profiles in the TCGA

Personalized medicine is usually based on known subcategories of a disease for better treatment. Identifying biomarkers that predict disease subtypes has been an important topic in biomedical sciences. There is a controversy as to the optimal number of genes as an input of a feature selection algorithm. In this paper, we investigate the feasibility to use genes pre-selected by biological knowledge rather than all available genes as an input for a feature selection algorithm predicting survival in the glioblastoma of the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We discuss the advantage and disadvantage of this approach.
The diffusion of abortion facilities in the northeastern united states, 1970–1976

Abstract Despite increases in the number of nations permitting elective pregnancy termination, abortion facility location has not widely attracted the attention of scholars. This paper, however, explores the spatial bias of abortion facility location in the northeastern United States. Constructing and testing two sets of regression models with time of location and intensity of location, respectively, employed as the dependent variables it was found that several variables were important in abortion facility location in the study area, while several other variables were found not important. Among the variables having an affect upon location of pregnancy termination facilities were legislative action, population size, and proportion of females in the population. Variables having no influence were presence of opposition groups, and income level of an area. The diffusion pattern of northeastern United States abortion facilities was typical of a technological innovation in a developed region. Initial spread was contagious, followed by hierarchical according to the size of urban centers, followed by an infilling process whereby areas between the large centers began adopting the innovation.
Resonant capacitive MEMS acoustic emission transducers

We describe resonant capacitive MEMS transducers developed for use as acoustic emission (AE) detectors, fabricated in the commercial three-layer polysilicon surface micromachining process (MUMPs). The 1 cm square device contains six independent transducers in the frequency range between 100 and 500 kHz, and a seventh transducer at 1 MHz. Each transducer is a parallel plate capacitor with one plate free to vibrate, thereby causing a capacitance change which creates an output signal in the form of a current under a dc bias voltage. With the geometric proportions we employed, each transducer responds with two distinct resonant frequencies. In our design the etch hole spacing was chosen to limit squeeze film damping and thereby produce an underdamped vibration when operated at atmospheric pressure. Characterization experiments obtained by capacitance and admittance measurements are presented, and transducer responses to physically simulated AE source are discussed. Finally, we report our use of the device to detect acoustic emissions associated with crack initiation and growth in weld metal.
Gear Walk Instability Studies Using a Vibration Model of a Reduced Scale Landing Gear System

Gear walk is a dynamic instability condition that can pose serious harm to an aircraft and its passengers. The instability is believed to be borne as a result of braking, in which vibration of the landing gear can be induced generating motion reminiscent of a walking movement. This paper focuses on the theoretical account of a Reduced Scale Landing Gear (RSLG) apparatus and studies gear walk phenomenon. The mathematical approach involves lumped-parameter model representation of the RSLG that accounts for the landing gear’s struts, the wheels and the caliper-disc brake dynamics. The theoretical treatment of the RSLG apparatus entails consideration of the structure of the device that includes the account of dynamic response of the assembly consisting of a fuselage, two struts and two wheels. Various physical and geometrical parameters are determined and included in the mathematical model of the apparatus. It is demonstrated that the occurrence of gear walk vibration is greatly influenced by the structural stiffness of the system. Both synchronous and 180° out of phase motion of the struts are generated in a parametric study in which structural stiffness is varied.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Seizure Possibly Associated with Fluvoxamine

OBJECTIVE:To inform clinicians of the possibility that seizures due to therapeutic doses of fluvoxamine may not be as rare as previously considered.CASE SUMMARY:A 49-year-old white man with schizoaffective disorder and a past history of seizures secondary to head trauma had been seizure-free for approximately 10 years. Fluvoxamine therapy was begun due to increasing obsessive—compulsive behavior. Despite receiving anticonvulsants for his mood disorder, the patient had a breakthrough seizure. There were no underlying medical conditions that might have induced this seizure. No further seizures occurred after he was placed on a higher dosage of the anticonvulsants. The obsessive—compulsive behavior improved considerably as a result of fluvoxamine treatment.DISCUSSION:The patient presented here developed a seizure with a therapeutic dosage of fluvoxamine; seizures associated with this agent have occurred more often with overdose. Multiple factors such as a prior history of seizures, head trauma, and concurren...
Implementation of a Domain Decomposition Method on a High Performance Parallel Platform for the Solution of Large Electromagnetic Problems

The purpose of this paper is to present the implementation of the finite element tearing and interconnecting–Helmholtz (FETI-H) algorithm for the application of large electromagnetic scattering problems formulated via the finite element method (FEM). Details are given to provide maximum performance of this algorithm on a parallel computational platform. Examples show the performance advantages of using this algorithm over the non-preconditioned FETI method and the diagonally preconditioned BiConjugate Gradient Method (BiCGM) solver.
Nonlinear dynamic system model of bipolar mood disorder

A nonlinear dynamic system model is proposed for the bipolar mood disorder, which is characterized mood swings between manic and depressive states. The nature of the oscillation suggests that the underlying dynamics are nonlinear. The proposed model helps better understand the oscillations and how to quench them.
Immunofluorescence of Green Monkey Kidney Cells Infected with Adenovirus 12 and with Adenovirus 12 Plus Simian Virus 40

Malmgren, Richard A. (National Cancer Institute; Bethesda, Md.), Alan S. Rabson, Paula G. Carney, and Frances J. Paul. Immunofluorescence of green monkey kidney cells infected with adenovirus 12 and with adenovirus 12 plus simian virus 40. J. Bacteriol. 91:262–265. 1966.—Immunofluorescence studies of the viral antigens and tumor (T) antigens of adenovirus 12 and simian virus 40 (SV40) in green monkey kidney (GMK) cells infected with adenovirus 12 alone or in combination with the SV40 virus showed that the adenovirus 12 viral antigen was produced in detectable amounts only in the cells infected with both viruses. The adenovirus 12 T antigen, on the other hand, was formed in the GMK cells infected with the adenovirus 12 only. This antigen was formed as early as 18 hr after viral infection, and persisted for at least 48 hr after virus infection. There was a correlation between the appearance of the immunofluorescent T antigen in the nucleus and the electron microscope appearance of “nuclear stippling,” which developed in the nuclei of GMK cells after infection with adenovirus 12 only, as well as after infection with both viruses.
Change of Genetic Architecture in Response to Sex

A traditional view is that sexual reproduction increases the potential for phenotypic evolution by expanding the range of genetic variation upon which natural selection can act. However, when nonadditive genetic system, genetic slippage (a change in the tive genetic effects and genetic disequilibria underlie mean genotypic value contrary to that promoted by selection) in response to sex may occur. Additionally, depending on whether natural selection is predominantly stabilizing or disruptive, recombination may either enhance or reduce the level of expressed genetic variance. Thus, the role of sexual reproduction in the dynamics of phenotypic evolution depends heavily upon the nature of natural selection and the genetic system of the study population. In the present study, on a permanent lake Daphnia pulicaria population, sexual reproduction resulted in significant genetic slippage and a significant increase in expressed genetic variance for several traits. These observations provide evidence for substantial genetic disequilibria and nonadditive genetic effects underlying the genetic system of the study population. From these results, the fitness function of the previous clonal selection phase is inferred to be directional and/or stabilizing. The data are also used to infer the effects of natural selection on the mean and the genetic variance of the population.
Numerical Simulation of the Urine Flow in a Stented Ureter

When a stent is implanted in a blocked ureter, the urine passing from the kidney to the bladder must traverse a very complicated flow path. That path consists of two parallel passages, one of which is the bore of the stent and the other is the annular space between the external surface of the stent and the inner wall of the ureter. The flow path is further complicated by the presence of numerous pass-through holes that are deployed along the length of the stent. These holes allow urine to pass between the annulus and the bore. Further complexity in the pattern of the urine flow occurs because the coiled "pig tails," which hold the stent in place, contain multiple ports for fluid ingress and egress. The fluid flow in a stented ureter has been quantitatively analyzed here for the first time using numerical simulation. The numerical solutions obtained here fully reveal the details of the urine flow throughout the entire stented ureter. It was found that in the absence of blockages, most of the pass-through holes are inactive. Furthermore, only the port in each coiled pig tail that is nearest the stent proper is actively involved in the urine flow. Only in the presence of blockages, which may occur due to encrustation or biofouling, are the numerous pass-through holes activated. The numerical simulations are able to track the urine flow through the pass-through holes as well as adjacent to the blockages. The simulations are also able to provide highly accurate results for the kidney-to-bladder urine flow rate. The simulation method presented here constitutes a powerful new tool for rational design of ureteral stents in the future.
Large B- Cell lymphoma presenting as acute abdominal pain and spontaneous splenic rupture; A case report and review of relevant literature

Spontaneous rupture of the spleen is an uncommon dramatic abdominal emergency that requires immediate diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment to ensure the patients survival. Infections have been cited in most cases involving splenic rupture but are rare in hematological malignancies despite frequent involvement of the spleen. We present a case of a splenic rupture caused by infiltration of B-cell lymphoma. A 43 year old gentleman presented with a 1 day h/o left upper quadrant pain; nausea and vomiting for 2 days with associated dizziness and anorexia. The CT showed abnormal spleen 20 × 11 cm with free fluid in the abdomen and enlarged retroperitoneal LNs. The patient underwent a splenectomy after initial resuscitation and the operative finding was that of a massively enlarged spleen with areas of tumor extruding through the splenic capsule. Although the spleen is often involved in hematological malignancies, splenic rupture is an infrequent occurrence. In a recent literature review 136 cases were of splenic rupture secondary to hematological malignancy were identified. Acute leukemia and non Hodgkin lymphoma were the frequent causes followed by chronic myelogeneous leukemia. Male sex, adulthood, severe splenomegaly and cytoreductive chemotherapy were factors more often associated with splenic rupture. Emergency splenectomy remains the cornerstone treatment for splenic rupture. We present a case report of a "spontaneous splenic rupture" and discuss the presentation, etiology and treatment options along with discussion of relevant literature