cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Simultaneous Prompting on Teacher OTRs and Student Behavior.

In this study researchers examined a teacher’s use of simultaneous prompting (SP) procedure in a fourth- grade special education classroom setting. Using an ABAB single subject design, the effects ...
OPTICAL VARIABILITY OF THE QUASAR 3C 279: THE SIGNATURE OF A DECELERATING JET?

A recent optical monitoring campaign on the prominent quasar 3C 279 revealed at least one period of a remarkably clean exponential decay of monochromatic (BVRI) fluxes with time, with a time constant of τ d = 12.8 d, over about 14 days. This is clearly too long to be associated with radiative cooling. Here we propose that this may be the signature of the deceleration of the synchrotron emitting jet component. We develop a model analogous to the relativistic blast-wave model for γ-ray bursts, including radiative energy losses and radiation drag, to simulate the deceleration of a relativistically moving plasmoid in the moderately dense active galactic nuclei environment. Synchrotron, Synchrotron self Compton, and external Compton emission are evaluated self-consistently. We show that the observed optical light curve decay can be successfully reproduced with this model. The decelerating plasmoid model predicts a delayed X-ray flare about 2-3 weeks after the onset of the quasi-exponential light curve decay in the optical. A robust prediction of this model, which can be tested with Fermi and simultaneous optical monitoring, is that the peak in the γ-ray light curve at ~100 MeV is expected to be delayed by a few days with respect to the onset of the optical decay, while the very-high energy γ-rays are expected to track the optical light curve closely with a delay of at most a few hours.
A latent profile analysis of the link between sociocultural factors and health-related risk-taking among U.S. adults.

Research suggests that health/safety behaviors (e.g., drinking heavily) and medical behaviors (e.g., donating blood) may be perceived as inherently risky, and further suggests there is substantial variation in the likelihood of engaging in a particular health-related risk behavior across people. Research examining demographic and sociocultural factors related to both health/safety and medical risk-taking is highly limited. Importantly, with very few exceptions the literature examining health risks characterized by potentially hazardous health behaviors (e.g, heavy alcohol use, driving without a seatbelt) is kept separate from the literature examining health risks characterized by potentially beneficial medical behaviors (e.g., donating blood, taking medication). In the interest of health promotion, it is critical for researchers to identify – and describe – individuals who are less inclined to engage in health-harming behaviors while at the same time being more inclined to engage in health-benefiting behaviors. Identifying such a subtype of individuals was the guiding aim for this study. A national sample of adults in the United States responded to a survey on sociocultural and demographic correlates of health behaviors. Health-related risk-taking indicators were measured using the items from the health/safety and medical subscales of the DOSPERT-M. Subtypes of risk-takers were identified using latent profile analysis (LPA). Follow-up analyses to describe subtype demographic characteristics were conducted. LPA identified four subtypes of risk-takers, including a subtype (n = 565, 45% of the sample; labeled “divergent”) that was comprised of individuals who highly endorsed medical risk-taking (e.g., taking medicine, giving blood) and minimally endorsed health/safety risk-taking (e.g., drinking heavily, unprotected sex). Subsequent analyses suggested that, among other findings, divergent profile members were likely to be married, endorse familial interdependence, and orient toward masculinity rather than femininity. By examining potentially modifiable factors related to individuals’ inclinations to engage in health protective behaviors, this study is an important step toward improving current health behavior interventions among U.S. adults.
Furthering GPR171 as a novel pain target by assessing its abuse liability

Previous work from our lab showed a small-molecule ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor, GPR171, is capable of modulating morphine antinociception in mice. This suggests possible clinical use as a combination therapeutic with opioids, but side effects, such as reward modulation, must be assessed. Here we investigated this ligand, MS15203, further by asking whether it alters morphine reward. To investigate this question, we used in vivo conditioned place preference and ex vivo immunohistochemistry. For conditioned place preference (CPP), animals were injected with MS15203 alone or in combination with morphine on Days 2-9 and placed in an isolated compartment of a three-chamber CPP apparatus. On Day 1 and 10 animals were allowed to roam freely through the entirety of apparatus, time spent in each chamber was quantified using motion tracking software. CPP results show MS15203 alone does not cause aversion or preference for the drug-paired chamber. MS15203 when combined with morphine decreases time spent in the drug-paired chamber compared to morphine alone, but is not significant. To test whether MS15203 alters dopamine neuron function, neuronal activity was assessed within the ventral tegmental area of animals treated with MS15203 alone or with morphine. Thirty minutes following injection of the drugs, animals were transcardially perfused and brains were sliced coronally (50 µm). Slices of ventral tegmental area (VTA) were stained for cfos and tyrosine hydroxylase, and colocalization of the two antibodies were subsequently visualized and quantified. IHC results corroborate in vivo CPP results by showing similar cfos activation in the VTA for controls and MS15203 groups. Taken together, these results further the potential of GPR171 as an opioid antinociceptive enhancer that does not increase the abuse liabilities of opioids. NARSAD Young Investigator Award Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, 2017 – 2019.
Apocalypse without God: Apocalyptic Thought, Ideal Politics, and the Limits of Utopian Hope

Apocalypse, it seems, is everywhere. Preachers with vast followings proclaim the world's end. Apocalyptic fears grip even the non-religious amid climate change, pandemics, and threats of nuclear war. But as these ideas pervade popular discourse, grasping their logic remains elusive. Ben Jones argues that we can gain insight into apocalyptic thought through secular thinkers. He starts with a puzzle: Why would secular thinkers draw on Christian apocalyptic beliefs – often dismissed as bizarre –to interpret politics? The apocalyptic tradition proves appealing in part because it theorizes a special relation between crisis and utopia. Apocalyptic thought points to crisis as the vehicle to bring the impossible within reach, thus offering resources for navigating challenges in ideal theory, which tries to imagine the best and most just society. By examining apocalyptic thought's appeal and risks, this Open Access study arrives at new insights on the limits of ideal theory and utopian hope.
Convergence of flexor reflex and corticospinal inputs on tibialis anterior network in humans.

Abstract Objective Integration between descending and ascending inputs at supraspinal and spinal levels is a key characteristic of neural control of movement. In this study, we characterized convergence of the flexor reflex and corticospinal inputs on the tibialis anterior (TA) network in healthy human subjects. Specifically, we characterized the modulation profiles of the spinal TA flexor reflex following subthreshold and suprathreshold transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We also characterized the modulation profiles of the TA motor evoked potentials (MEPs) following medial arch foot stimulation at sensory and above reflex threshold. Methods TA flexor reflexes were evoked following stimulation of the medial arch of the foot with a 30 ms pulse train at innocuous intensities. TA MEPs were evoked following TMS of the leg motor cortex area. Results TMS at 0.7 and at 1.2 MEP resting threshold increased the TA flexor reflex when TMS was delivered 40–100 ms after foot stimulation, and decreased the TA flexor reflex when TMS was delivered 25–110 ms before foot stimulation. Foot stimulation at sensory and above flexor reflex threshold induced a similar time-dependent modulation in resting TA MEPs, that were facilitated when foot stimulation was delivered 40–100 ms before TMS. The flexor reflex and MEPs recorded from the medial hamstring muscle were modulated in a similar manner to that observed for the TA flexor reflex and MEP. Conclusion Cutaneomuscular afferents from the distal foot can increase the output of the leg motor cortex area. Descending motor volleys that directly or indirectly depolarize flexor motoneurons increase the output of the spinal FRA interneuronal network. The parallel facilitation of flexor MEPs and flexor reflexes is likely cortical in origin. Significance Afferent mediated facilitation of corticospinal excitability can be utilized to strengthen motor cortex output in neurological disorders.
Mechanics of a Single Particle

In this chapter we learn how to use geometric algebra to describe and analyze the motion of a single particle. From a physical point of view, we will be concerned with constructing the simplest models for a physical system and discussing their applications and limitations. From a mathematical point of view we will be concerned with solving the simplest second order vector differential equations and analyzing the geometrical properties of the solutions.
Mobile adaptive networks for pursuing multiple targets

We examine the design of self-organizing mobile adaptive networks with multiple targets in which the network nodes form distinct clusters to learn about and purse multiple targets, all while moving in a cohesive collision-free manner. We build upon previous distributed diffusion-based adaptive learning networks that focused on a single target to examine the case with multiple targets in which the nodes do not know the number of targets, and exchange local information with their neighbors in their learning objectives. In particular, we design a method allowing the nodes to switch the target they are tracking thereby engendering the formation of distinct stable learning groups that can split up and purse their distinct targets over time. We provide analytical mean stability and steady state mean-square deviation results along with simulations that demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method.
Bacteriophage therapy: A clinical study, with special reference to the technique of application

Abstract 1. 1. Our clinical experience with bacteriophage in the treatment of certain types of infections, chiefly carbuncles, furunclosis, abscesses and certain hand infections, is based on approximately a thousand cases and has resulted in more than 90 per cent of successes. 2. 2. We consider our successful results to be due in large measure to the technique of application which we employ routinely, and which is based upon direct contact of the bacteriophage with the infected tissues by means of generous daily applications. 3. 3. The prompt relief of pain and the brief duration of treatment by bacteriophage therapy, as compared with the duration of treatment by other measures, are outstanding clinical facts. 4. 4. The method does no harm in those cases in which it does not succeed.
Similarity Measures for Case-Based Reasoning Systems

A case-based reasoning (CBR) system is only as good as the cases within its Case Base and its ability to retrieve those cases in response to a new situation. In this paper we focus on the case retrieval problem and on the computation of similarity measures between cases. We illustrate this problem by showing an application of our CBR system, named CARS, Combining Approximate Reasoning Systems, in the domain of Mergers and Acquisitions.
Effect of divalent cations on the uptake and oxidation of substrates by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract Evidence is presented that Zn2+ and certain other multivalent cations inhibit the uptake and oxidation of substrates by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and by other bacterial cells. Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane augmented this effect. Inhibition by these multivalent cations could be prevented by incubation of cellular suspensions of P. aeruginosa in phosphate buffer. In the case of other microorganisms, incubation in the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetate also prevented the inhibition. Inhibition by Zn2+ of the uptake and of the oxidation of substrates could be reversed by the addition of Mg2+. Zn2+ was shown to inhibit noncompetitively the uptake of the three substrates studied, l-alanine, d-glucose, and citrate.
Tempo and mode of speciation

Separate species can arise by allopatric evolution after one population is forced into two by a natural event such as glaciation. This has been the classic explanation of the existence of numerous sister species of birds in the eastern and western regions of North America. In this issue, Klicka and Zink show that molecular data derived from mitochondria are not compatible with this scenario. Rosenzweig tells us in his Perspective how many of our previous beliefs about mechanisms of evolution are called into question by these results and how many are still valid.
CRITICAL THINKING AND INTERDISCIPLINARY DEVELOPMENT FOSTERING CRITICAL THINKING IN AN INTERDISCIPLINARY WELLNESS COACHING ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Critical thinking skills are seen as increasingly important in meeting the complex demands of the global workplace (Pithers, 2000). Developing curriculum that crosses and integrates specific disciplines is one important mechanism that institutions of higher learning can use to foster higher-order critical thinking skills among their students (Behar-Horenstein & Niu, 2011; Nosich, 2009). This paper explores the interdisciplinary curriculum development process to develop a minor in Wellness Coaching, where critical thinking was a unifying core component. The steps used in the curriculum development process are described, and implications for interdisciplinary programs focusing on critical thinking skills are examined.
Dynamics of Coorbital Satellite Rings

The dynamical behaviour of a coorbital satellite ring is studied for 2≤N≤9 satellites, in terms of a simplified dynamical description, in which the motion is reduced to the separation angles between satellites. The number and stability of different kinds of stationary configurations is explored, revealing that equally spaced rings are not stable against small perturbations for N≤6, while for 2≤N≤8 there exists another, stable compact solution. Integrations of exact equations confirm these results. Moreover, the systems are found to display chaotic characteristics for a certain range of energy. The behaviour can be interpreted in terms of maximum velocity curves, defining the allowed region of the motion in the phase space.
Discordant pregnancy intentions in couples and rapid repeat pregnancy.

Background Rapid repeat pregnancy (RRP) is a major problem in the United States. Few studies have explored the influence of partner agreement on pregnancy intention and RRP. Objective We sought to examine the association between couple pregnancy intentions and RRP among women in the United States. Study Design Data came from the 2006 through 2010 National Survey of Family Growth. Multiparous women who cohabited with 1 husband/partner before conception of second pregnancy were included (N = 3463). The outcome, RRP, was categorized as experiencing a second pregnancy within 24 months of the first pregnancy resolution, or ≥24 months from the first pregnancy resolution. Maternal and paternal pregnancy intentions were categorized into 4 dyads: both intended (M+P+); maternal intended and paternal unintended (M+P–); maternal unintended and paternal intended (M–P+); and both unintended (M–P–). Multiple logistic regression was conducted to determine the association between couple pregnancy intentions and RRP. Results Nearly half (49.4%) of women had RRP. Approximately 15% of respondents reported discordant couple pregnancy intentions and 22%, maternal and paternal unintendedness. Compared to couples who both intended their pregnancy (M+P+), the odds of RRP was higher when fathers intended pregnancy but not mothers (adjusted odds ratio, 2.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.45–4.35) and lower if fathers did not intend pregnancy but mothers did (adjusted odds ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.85). No difference was observed between concordant couple pregnancy intentions (M–P– vs M+P+). Conclusion Findings highlight the important role of paternal intention in reproductive decisions. Study results suggest that RRP is strongly influenced by paternal rather than maternal pregnancy intentions. Clinicians and public health workers should involve partners in family planning discussions and counseling on optimal birth spacing.
The Effect of Policy Disagreement and Emotions on Participation

Are citizens motivated to participate in politics by their reactions to public policies? What role does emotion play in this process? We should know more about the policy origins of political participation, as participation is a key component of accountability, which is vital for the functioning of representative democracy. Citizens who are voting because they are motivated by issues are almost certainly much more likely to rely on issue content when evaluating candidates and to convey issue information when they participate in political activities beyond voting. We conduct a survey experiment to assess whether policy disagreement affects citizens’ emotional state and motivates their intended participation in political activities. We find, consistent with the existing literature, that anger increases intended political participation, while policy disagreement has varied effects depending on whether subjects’ emotions are suppressed.
Product rules in semidefinite programming

In recent years we witness the proliferation of semidefinite programming bounds in combinatorial optimization [1,5,8], quantum computing [9,2,3,6,4] and even in complexity theory [7]. Examples to such bounds include the semidefinite relaxation for the maximal cut problem [5], and the quantum value of multi-prover interactive games [3,4]. The first semidefinite programming bound, which gained fame, arose in the late seventies and was due to Laszlo Lovasz [11], who used his theta number to compute the Shannon capacity of the five cycle graph. As in Lovasz's upper bound proof for the Shannon capacity and in other situations the key observation is often the fact that the new parameter in question is multiplicative with respect to the product of the problem instances. In a recent result R. Cleve, W. Slofstra, F. Unger and S. Upadhyay show that the quantum value of XOR games multiply under parallel composition [4]. This result together with [3] strengthens the parallel repetition theorem of Ran Raz [12] for XOR games. Our goal is to classify those semidefinite programming instances for which the optimum is multiplicative under a naturally defined product operation. The product operation we define generalizes the ones used in [11] and [4]. We find conditions under which the product rule always holds and give examples for cases when the product rule does not hold.
Numerical Investigation of Flow Hydrodynamics in a Channel with a Series of Groynes

The flow hydrodynamics in a straight open channel containing a multiple-embayment groyne field on one of its sides is investigated numerically using large eddy simulation. The vertical groynes are fully emerged. The mean flow depth in the groyne region is about half that of the main channel and the length and width of the embayments are much larger than the mean depth in the embayment region. The model is validated using mean velocity and turbulent fluctuations data collected at the free surface in a previous experimental study. It is found that despite the fact that the flow inside the main recirculation eddy in the embayments can be characterized as being quasi-two dimensional, the flow inside the mixing layer region between the embayments and the channel is strongly nonuniform over the depth. As this region controls the mass exchange processes between the groyne field and the main channel, a three-dimensional description of the flow in this area is essential. The large-scale eddies that populate the mixing layer can penetrate the embayment region over lateral distances of the order of the channel depth. These eddies advect with them channel fluid inside the embayment. Eventually, the channel fluid is mixed with the embayment fluid by the small scales. The other main mixing mechanism is due to the injection of patches of high-vorticity mixing-layer fluid near the tip of the downstream groyne and their subsequent convection in the form of a wall-attached jet-like flow into the embayment, first parallel to the downstream groyne face and then to the sidewall. It is shown that on average, most of the fluid leaves the embayment region via the top layer of the embayment-channel interface (upstream half) and enters the embayment region at levels situated around the middepth (practically over the whole length of the embayment) of the interface surface. This explains why the mass exchange coefficients are overestimated when predicted using methods that employ floating particles as a tracer. The instantaneous bed shear stress inside the cavity is found to peak close to the downstream groyne face of each embayment and to show a high variability around the mean values due to the interaction of the mixing layer eddies with the tip of the groynes and the formation of the jet-like flow parallel to the droyne face.
IL-15 and IL-15Rα gene deletion: Effects on T lymphocyte trafficking and the microglial and neuronal responses to facial nerve axotomy

IL-15 is a potent T cell chemoattractant, and this cytokine and its unique alpha subunits, IL-15R alpha, can modify immune cell expression of several T cell chemokines and their receptors. Facial nerve axotomy in mice leads to T cell migration across an intact blood-brain-barrier (BBB), and under certain conditions T cells can provide neuroprotection to injured neurons in the facial motor nucleus (FMN). Although chemokines and chemoattractant cytokines are thought to be responsible for T cell migration to the injured cell bodies, data addressing this question are lacking. This study tested the hypothesis that T cell homing to the axotomized FMN would be impaired in knockout (KO) mice with the IL-15 and IL-15R alpha genes deleted, and sought to determine if microglial responsiveness and motoneuron death are affected. Both IL-15KO and IL-15R alpha KO mice exhibited a marked reduction in CD3(+) T cells and had fewer MHC2(+) activated microglia in the injured FMN than their respective WT controls at day 14 post-axotomy. Although there was a relative absence of T cell recruitment into the axotomized FMN in both knockout strains, IL-15R alpha KO mice had five times more motoneuron death (characterized by perineuronal microglial clusters engulfing dead motoneurons) than their WT controls, whereas dead neurons in IL-15KO did not differ from their WT controls. Further studies are needed to dissect the mechanisms that underlie these observations (e.g., central vs. peripheral immune contributions).
Emergency response and pursuit issues in Alabama

Examines a questionnaire returned by 188 Alabama police and sheriffs’ departments with regard to pursuit issues. Considers variables such as department size, current policy, officer judgment, forcible stop techniques and training. Finds that 80 per cent of these departments had an emergency response policy. Clearly shows that a majority of the respondents think their department’s policy is somewhat restrictive. Cautions that policy may not always be followed in practice. Finds that there is a comprehensive effort to promote safety for officers and all involved, notably in the fact that only 44 per cent of the responding departments allow the use of forcible stop techniques.
Incidence and impact of infection in a nursing home care unit

In this study we examined the frequency of infection and its consequences in a Veterans Administration medical center nursing home care unit during its first 9 months of operation. A total of 231 patients were enrolled and were followed up for an average stay of 115 days. Sixty-nine infections occurred in 50 patients and yielded a period prevalence rate of 22% and an infection incidence rate of 2.6 infections per 1000 days of patient care. Symptomatic urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and skin and soft tissue infections accounted for 41%, 32%, and 17% of the infections, respectively. Staphylococci, streptococci, and aerobic gram-negative bacilli were the most common bacterial isolates. Thirty-four episodes of infection (49%) required administration of parenteral antibiotics in the nursing home care unit, and 21 episodes (30%) necessitated transfer to the acute care hospital for management. Infection caused one death and contributed to the death of 4 of the 55 other patients who died during the study period.
Measurement of Esophageal Reflux by Scintigraphy

Gastroesophageal reflux and clearance of the refluxed material can be measured by plotting a time-activity curve from an esophageal area of interest after 1 mCi of99mTc sulfur colloid is placed in the stomach. Control subjects do not have peaks exceeding a value twice that of the baseline count levels. Reflux patients exceed this value, either spontaneously or after Valsalva maneuvers. This technique has a sensitivity which is greater than that of barium and equal to the sensitivity of a pH probe in patients with both moderate and severe reflux. Scintigraphic reflux was shown in 62% of moderate refluxes and 85% of those with severe reflux as defined clinically. Clearing of the refluxed material occurs rapidly in most patients if measured by this scintigraphic technique. This test can be performed rapidly with minimal radiation exposure and is noninvasive.
Silvicultural treatment effects on oak seed production and predation by acorn weevils in southeastern Ohio

Abstract Oak regeneration failure in the hardwood forests of eastern North America has been well documented. Silvicultural treatments of prescribed burning and canopy thinning (fire surrogate) are being studied as possible management tools to promote oak regeneration in oak dominated forests. We examined oak seed production and predation by acorn weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from two experimental forests in southeastern Ohio, under four different silvicultural treatments. Treatments consisted of replicate stands that received a prescribed burning, thinning, and thinning followed by a prescribed burn, in addition to an untreated control. Initial thinning and prescribed burning treatments were conducted in winter/spring of 2000–2001, with a second prescribed burn in spring 2005. Within each treatment unit, nine black oak and nine chestnut oak trees were selected for study and two 0.25 m2 seed fall traps were placed beneath each tree. Seed collections were completed for five seasons from 2001 to 2005. Data were analyzed using a randomized complete block design, utilizing a mixed-model repeated measures analysis. Overall, stand level treatments resulted in only a slight increase in acorn production (in the burn and thin + burn stands) relative to the control; however, this response was species specific. Masting, the intermittent production of large seed crops, was evident in our study though occurrence of a mast event was not influenced by the treatments. Chestnut oak displayed greater yearly, as well as individual variation in seed production than did black oak. Treatments had no effect on predation by acorn weevils. Predation percentages were lowest during mast years for chestnut oak; however, percentages were mostly stable for black oak across all 5 years. Our data suggest that variation due to climate and genotype are more influential in affecting seed production and masting cycles than are stand level disturbances. Thus, stand level management activities are not likely to have a large influence on oak seed production and oak regeneration must be more strongly influenced at other stages of its life history.
Behavioral antecedents of peer social status.

DODGE, KENNETH A. Behavioral Antecedents of Peer Social Status. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1983, 54, 1386-1399. The goal of this study was to observe the development of sociometric status in children's peer groups over time. 48 previously unacquainted second-grade boys were brought together in 6 play groups of 8 boys each. Play groups met under supervision for 1 hour per session for 8 sessions in a single room. Observers recorded the free-play interactive behaviors of each boy using a complex event-recording system developed for the investigation. Video cameras also recorded boys' behaviors for later analysis. At the conclusion of the eighth session of each play group, sociometric interviews were conducted with each boy. Status groups of popular, rejected, neglected, controversial, and average boys were identified according to previously established criteria. The behaviors of these groups were analyzed in an effort to determine the behavioral antecedents of peer status. Boys who became rejected or neglected were those who engaged in inappropriate behaviors. They socially approached peers quite frequently, particularly in early sessions, but were rebuffed at relatively high rates in those approaches. Rejected boys engaged in physical aggression more than any other group. Popular boys refrained from aggression and were received quite positively by the peers whom they approached. Controversial boys engaged in high frequencies of both prosocial and antisocial behaviors. The data thus pointed toward the critical roles of social approach patterns and peer-directed aggression in determining peer status.
High-Temperature Spectrometer for Thermal Protection System Radiation Measurements

To better characterize the response of thermal protection systemmaterials to predicted near-infrared shock layer radiation, a new experimental system was developed to extend the measurement range of radiation transport parameters to high-temperature environments and relatively high-radiation fluxes. A portable research-grade spectrometer was coupled with fiber optics in order to operate in a variety of harsh operating environments. Experimental results are presented from tests performed at the solar tower, which provided broadband nonpulsed visible and infrared radiation at relatively high-flux levels. Data from three low-density porous refractory fibrous materials are presented, including two shuttle tile materials (fibrous refractory composite insulation and Lockheed International) and one carbon fiber material. The results showed that thin 1 and 2 mm specimens of the ceramic tile materials acted as robust high-temperature gray filters in the near infrared, whereas thicker tile specimens (and 1mmand thicker porous carbon fibermatrix samples tested) absorbed the incident radiation strongly and exhibited only thermal radiation spectral profiles.
Collection development and acquisitions in a changing university environment

Abstract Fondren Library at Rice University has reorganized and combined the library public services staff with the public services staff of the computer center. This reorganization was the result of several challenges at the university: the increasing use of computing in instruction, the rise in support questions for delivering information to the desktop, and the inability to add staff lines. These changes have affected the ways in which collection development is done, expanding the roles of selectors and cutting into their time. The line between public service and collection development has blurred. Some of the time constraints have affected procedures used in acquisitions.
The role of metal–support interaction on catalytic methane activation

Abstract In this work, we study CH 4 chemisorption over Pt-containing catalysts at low temperature (200–450 °C) in a fixed bed reactor. We report the systematic investigation of the effect of temperature, support (ceria vs. silica), and Pt content, on the amount of chemisorbed CH 4 and the structure and reactivity of adsorbed CH x species, as formed during 1 min exposure of the catalyst to the CH 4 flow. The total CH 4 chemisorbed and the state of carbonaceous film were determined by Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD) and Temperature Programmed Surface Reaction (TPSR), as performed immediately upon catalyst exposure to the CH 4 flow. The hydrogenation of carbon ad-species produced only methane. It was found that the strong metal–support interaction, present in ceria samples, plays an important role in CH 4 conversion, and lends further evidence to the hypothesis that the metal–support interface causes a large spillover of adsorbed C and H species from Pt onto ceria – thus clearing the Pt active sites for further CH 4 dehydrogenation. Not only did the ceria based samples activate up to 5 times more CH 4 than the silica based samples, but the nature of the adsorbed CH x species and how they bond to the Pt surface varied on different supports. Thus, both the catalyst structure and operating conditions were found to play key roles in controlling the amounts of chemisorbed CH 4 and the structure and the reactivity of the adsorbed carbonaceous film, so they should be carefully considered when rationally designing catalysts for methane activation and conversion.
Technical Aspects of Imaging and Transfemoral Arterial Treatment of N1-S1 Tumors in Rats: An Appropriate Model to Test the Biology and Therapeutic Response to Transarterial Treatments of Liver Cancers

The present study was undertaken to assess the technical feasibility of transfemoral hepatic artery catheterization in rats and to describe the imaging techniques that can be used on tumors in rats. A total of 106 N1-S1 cells were inoculated into the left lobes of 74 rats. In 17, transfemoral angiography was attempted. Tumor volumes for 2 weeks before angiography were measured with magnetic resonance imaging in 40 animals. Tumors grew in 63 animals. Angiography was successful in 16 rats. Mean tumor volumes were 0.13 mL and 0.9 mL after 1 and 2 weeks, respectively. In conclusion, transfemoral hepatic artery catheterization is feasible in this animal model.
Differentiation in the early chick embryo: effects of bromodeoxyuridine on erythropoiesis.

Abstract Organ cultures of chick embryos at the definitive streak stage will normally show the first appearance of hemoglobin in erythroid cells after 20 hr of culture. Addition of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) will prevent hemoglobin formation when added at the beginning of culture, but the tissue becomes resistant to the inhibitor when addition is delayed for approximately 10 hr. The inhibitory effect of BrdU is canceled or reversed if thymidine replaces BrdU at the beginning of culture or later. Transfer to thymidine containing medium even after 20 hr permits hemoglobin formation to occur at almost the normal time, thus making it unlikely that a complete cell cycle or DNA replication during a complete S period is required for the reversal of inhibition. Even when the appearance of cytologically detectable hemoglobin is inhibited by BrdU, some globin is synthesized and RNA sequences specific for globin are present, but in decreased amount, unless the inhibitor is given very early. BrdU does not affect the synthesis of any particular RNA species or of polyadenylic acid, but it does lower the rate of uptake of adenosine into the ATP pool. While not affecting cell cycle times in cell cultures, BrdU greatly reduces cell numbers.
AUTOGAMY AND INBREEDING DEPRESSION IN MOUNTAIN LAUREL, KALMIA LATIFOLIA (ERICACEAE)

We compared breeding systems, inbreeding depression, and pollination limitation between two populations of Kalmia latifolia in Virginia and Rhode Island. Plants were autogamous in Virginia but not Rhode Island. Although autogamy with selfing is hypothesized to reduce levels of inbreeding depression, both populations showed similarly high inbreeding depression manifested as reduced fruit set. Autogamy may be uncorrelated with selfing rate because autogamy is not obligate and because geitonogamy is likely. Autogamy in the Virginia population seems most likely to have evolved for reproductive assurance under competition for pollinator service. Fruit set was pollination limited in the Virginia population apparently because bumblebee pollinators were more attracted to a coflowering species, Vaccinium erythrocarpum. The type of breeding system exhibited by a species greatly influences the range of potential matings available
Design of the UltraSPARC-I microprocessor for manufacturing performance

The 5.2 M transistor UltraSPARC(TM)-I microprocessor is manufactured using the 0.5 micrometer EPIC3 CMOS QLM process. Design features were implemented to accelerate increases in manufacturing yield and product performance while enabling rapid establishment of high-coverage manufacturing test. Support for production memory defect mapping and repair, scan-based testing and failure analysis, component identity tracking, Iddq testing, per-chip CMOS process parameter monitoring, and aggressive process scalability were included. In implementing these features, our goal was to build a foundation for automatic and continuous identification of bottlenecks in performance of the overall microprocessor manufacturing process.
Total levels of hippocampal histone acetylation predict normal variability in mouse behavior.

BACKGROUND Genetic, pharmacological, and environmental interventions that alter total levels of histone acetylation in specific brain regions can modulate behaviors and treatment responses. Efforts have been made to identify specific genes that are affected by alterations in total histone acetylation and to propose that such gene specific modulation could explain the effects of total histone acetylation levels on behavior - the implication being that under naturalistic conditions variability in histone acetylation occurs primarily around the promoters of specific genes. METHODS/RESULTS Here we challenge this hypothesis by demonstrating with a novel flow cytometry based technique that normal variability in open field exploration, a hippocampus-related behavior, was associated with total levels of histone acetylation in the hippocampus but not in other brain regions. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that modulation of total levels of histone acetylation may play a role in regulating biological processes. We speculate in the discussion that endogenous regulation of total levels of histone acetylation may be a mechanism through which organisms regulate cellular plasticity. Flow cytometry provides a useful approach to measure total levels of histone acetylation at the single cell level. Relating such information to behavioral measures and treatment responses could inform drug delivery strategies to target histone deacetylase inhibitors and other chromatin modulators to places where they may be of benefit while avoiding areas where correction is not needed and could be harmful.
Subunit-dependent modulation of kainate receptors by muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

Interactions between cholinergic and glutamatergic neurotransmitter systems influence synaptic transmission and plasticity. While previous studies have examined cross-talk between acetylcholine (ACh) and NMDA or AMPA receptors, little is known about the effect of ACh on kainate receptors (KARs). We show that stimulation of m1 or m3 muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChRs) for 2 min potentiates recombinant KAR currents in a long lasting fashion. Muscarinic AChR activation potentiates heteromeric GluK2/GluK4 and GluK2/GluK5 receptors, but not homomeric GluK2 receptors. In hippocampal slices kainate potentiates mossy fiber axon excitability. Transient mAChR activation enhances this action of kainate, suggesting a novel mechanism through which acetylcholine could modulate synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. KAR over-activation has been implicated in excitotoxic cell death. To establish the functional significance of the interaction between mAChRs and KARs we examined the effect of mAChR activation on KAR-mediated excitotoxicity. We find that during pharmacological blockade of NMDA and AMPA receptors, KAR activation with AMPA produces significant cell death in primary cortical culture. Concanavalin A (Con A), which selectively blocks KAR desensitization, markedly increases this KAR-mediated neurotoxicity. Brief activation of mAChRs with pilocarpine significantly enhances KAR-mediated excitotoxicity both in the presence and absence of Con A. We conclude that KARs are modulated in a subunit dependent manner by mAChRs. We suggest that ACh may induce long lasting alterations in neuronal excitability and enhance excitotoxicity in part by potentiating KAR function.
A Small Molecule Inhibits and Misdirects Assembly of Hepatitis B Virus Capsids

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsids play an important role in viral nucleic acid metabolism and other elements of the virus life cycle. Misdirection of capsid assembly (leading to formation of aberrant particles) may be a powerful approach to interfere with virus production. HBV capsids can be assembled in vitro from the dimeric capsid protein. We show that a small molecule, bis-ANS, binds to capsid protein, inhibiting assembly of normal capsids and promoting assembly of noncapsid polymers. Using equilibrium dialysis to investigate binding of bis-ANS to free capsid protein, we found that only one bis-ANS molecule binds per capsid protein dimer, with an association energy of −28.0 ± 2.0 kJ/mol (−6.7 ± 0.5 kcal/mol). Bis-ANS inhibited in vitro capsid assembly induced by ionic strength as observed by light scattering and size exclusion chromatography. The binding energy of bis-ANS for capsid protein calculated from assembly inhibition data was −24.5 ± 0.9 kJ/mol (−5.9 ± 0.2 kcal/mol), essentially the same binding energy observed in studies of unassembled protein. These data indicate that capsid protein bound to bis-ANS did not participate in assembly; this mechanism of assembly inhibition is analogous to competitive or noncompetitive inhibition of enzymes. While assembly of normal capsids is inhibited, our data suggest that bis-ANS leads to formation of noncapsid polymers. Evidence of aberrant polymers was identified by light scattering and electron microscopy. We propose that bis-ANS acts as a molecular “wedge” that interferes with normal capsid protein geometry and capsid formation; such wedges may represent a new class of antiviral agent.
Correlation between bulk material defects and spectroscopic response in cadmium zinc telluride detectors

One of the critical challenges for large area cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) detector arrays is obtaining material capable of uniform imaging and spectroscopic response. Two complementary nondestructive techniques for characterizing bulk CdZnTe have been developed to identify material with a uniform response. The first technique, infrared transmission imaging, allows for rapid visualization of bulk defects. The second technique, x-ray spectral mapping, provides a map of the material spectroscopic response when it is configured as a planar detector. The two techniques have been used to develop a correlation between bulk defect type and detector performance. The correlation allows for the use of infrared imaging to rapidly develop wafer mining maps. The mining of material free of detrimental defects has the potential to dramatically increase the yield and quality of large area CdZnTe detector arrays.
Factors of Programme Choice in Public Television: A National Survey.

ABSTRACT The differing audience objectives of public and commercial television in the United States pose significant issues relative to how programmes are chosen for broadcast. Factors which influence the selection of programmes on public television (the chief broadcast outlet of educational programmes in America) warrant the scrutiny of media scholars, for such factors may prove influential in determining the nature of broadcast educational programmes. A survey of US public television programmers, conducted to examine factors perceived as important in making programme decisions, identified 11 factors, but about 70% of the total variance was explained by the first five factors: (1) audience measures, (2) personal feedback, (3) programme strategy, (4) station resources and (5) intuition. The audience measure factor explained the largest proportion of the variance (30%). Several factors were comparable with those used in an earlier study of commercial TV programme decision‐making. The findings suggest that ...
Generic bifurcations of the twist coefficient

We study the behavior of the twist coefficient near an elliptic fixed point for a one-parameter family of area-preserving diffeomorphisms. By looking at the singularities near resonance we can explain the sign changes which are typically found in such a family.
Sequential interval histogram analysis of non-stationary neuronal spike trains.

The spike interval histogram, a commonly used tool for the analysis of neuronal spike trains, is evaluated as a statistical estimator of the probability density function (pdf) ofinterspike intervals. Using a mean square error criterion, it is concluded that a Parzen convolution estimate of the pdf is superior to the conventional histogram procedure. The Parzen estimate using a Gaussian weighting function reduces the number of intervals required to achieve a given error by a factor of 5–10. The Parzen estimation procedure has been implemented in the sequential interval histogram (SQIH) procedure for analysis of non-stationary spike trains. Segments of the spike train are defined using a moving window and the pdf for each segment is estimated sequentially. The procedure which we have found most practical is interactive with the user and utlizes the theoretical results of the error analysis as guidelines for the evolution of an estimation strategy. The SQIH procedure appears useful both as a criterion for stationarity and as a means to characterize non-stationary activity.
Evaluation of analytical methods for determination of kinetic hydrate inhibitor (KHI) in produced waters

Abstract Hydrate inhibitors are one of many field chemicals used in the oil and gas operation to ensure uninterrupted flow of fluids in the pipelines. Thermodynamic inhibitors such as methanol and monoethylene glycol (MEG) are commonly used as field proven products. The use of kinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHIs) is becoming popular due to reduced capital expenditure and operational costs. There is limited information on analytical methodologies for determining KHIs. This paper evaluates the analytical methods for the determination and characterization of a hyperbranched poly (ester amide)-type KHI in the produced water (PW) from oil and gas operations. Methyl orange ion pair extraction and iodine-complexation methods were evaluated as two alternative colorimetric methods for quantitative analysis of the residual KHI in PW generated in one of the Qatari gas fields in the Gulf region. Colorimetric measurements showed that KHI–iodine complexation has two orders of magnitude higher response (response factor 0.02±0.001) than the methyl orange ion-pair extraction method (response factor 0.0005±0.0001). Interferences to the colorimetric methods due to brine matrix, the corrosion inhibitors (CIs), organic components, and sulfide can be minimized for the iodine-complexation method within ±10% relative error with proper dilution of the sample. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) equipped with refractive index detector (RID) and charged-aerosol detector (CAD) was evaluated as an alternative to the colorimetric methods. The ability of SEC to characterize the shift in molecular weight distribution (MWD) of a selected KHI product that was subject to separation by heated centrifugation was demonstrated. The SEC-RID showed linear response over the range of 0–10 mg/mL KHI while the SEC-CAD was more sensitive with low dynamic range (