cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Suggestions for the Design of E-Learning Environments to Enhance Learner Self-Efficacy.

In this paper e-learning is used as an umbrella term for all types of learning involving technology. Graesser et al (2007) note that technologies for learning exist that allow for e-learning systems to be much more than information delivery systems, but "unfortunately, the learning strategies of most students are extremely limited, so the systems must provide modeling of effective strategies, intelligent scaffolding, and accurate feedback" (p. 211). Self-efficacy is one area of human functioning where well-designed e-learning systems may be able to enhance performance. This paper was written to propose the intentional application of established instructional design practices and learning theory concepts for the purpose of creating e-learning environments that support the development of positive self-efficacy beliefs. Positive selfefficacy beliefs should, in turn, lead to enhanced achievement.
A culture unit system for the study of responses of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal seedling to treatments

The culture unit described was designed to provide a method whereby the experimental condition of the substrate solution can be maintained or manipulated while retaining the axenic integrity of the system. The culture unit was equipped with a modified polypropylene lid allowing entry and exit of treatment solutions that had been previously sterilized. Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) inoculated by Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker and Couch was grown axenically for up to six months in this culture unit system. Growth of roots and mycorrhizal morphology in this system were similar to those observed in other systems.
An Inequality on the Capacity Region of Multiaccess Multipath Channels

The effects of multiaccess sources and time varying multipath are considered in analyzing a system in which multiple sources communicate with a fixed base station. We discuss detection and the use of stripping in a multiaccess multipath environment. We finally derive a capacity for these systems. It turns out that CDMA type systems are inherently capable (theoretically) of higher rates than systems such as slow frequency hopping that maintain orthogonality between users.
Quaking aspen productivity recovers after repeated prescribed fire

Describes how quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) stand recovered after logging, and logging and burning. Aspen suckering was profuse after each destructive episode but differences in stockability caused different yield trajectories.
The stellar populations of galaxies in the Local Group

We can study galaxy evolution in two ways. One is to use lookback time and redshift to investigate, say, the luminous output of brightest elliptical galaxies, Lv(t). Aside from observational difficulties, there are some general problems obscuring this astronomical window into the past. One has to connect the present to the past, the current epoch elliptical with its precursor or precursors at redshifts of 1 or 2.
Catheter Ablation of Recurrent Lone Atrial Fibrillation in Teenagers with a Structurally Normal Heart.

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is rare in teenagers. There are few reports and no clear guidelines on the management of AF with catheter ablation in teenagers. Methods A case series of teenagers (<18 years) with paroxysmal AF and a structurally normal heart who underwent catheter ablation was undertaken. Results Four teenage boys aged 15–17 years underwent catheter ablation of AF. All but one had failed antiarrhythmic medical therapy. Two had focal triggers and underwent culprit vein isolation (one recurred and so underwent isolation of an additional vein), and two had no focal triggers identified and so underwent isolation of all four pulmonary veins (PVs). At follow-up ranging from 2–6 years, one patient who underwent isolation of all four veins had recurrence of paroxysmal AF. All others have had medium and long-term success with complete absence of AF. None are on long-term antiarrhythmic therapy. No patient had a procedural or postprocedure complication. Conclusions A cautious attempt at catheter ablation may be appropriate in teenagers with paroxysmal AF and a structurally normal heart who fail pharmacologic therapy. Culprit vein(s) isolation should be preferred if possible but if no focal triggers are identified, isolation of all PVs appears to be beneficial.
Blood culture use in the emergency department in patients hospitalized with respiratory symptoms due to a nonpneumonia illness.

RESULTS: The most common primary admission diagnoses for these visits included heart failure (16%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (13%), and chest pain (12%). The proportion of cultures collected in the ED during these visits increased from 10% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7%-14%) in 2002 to 20% (95% CI: 16%-26%) in 2010 (P <0.001 for the trend). This represented a parallel increase compared to patients hospitalized with CAP (P 50.12 for the difference in trends). CONCLUSIONS: The increase in collecting cultures in the ED in patients hospitalized with respiratory symptoms due to a nonpneumonia illness suggests an important potential unintended consequence of blood culture recommendations for CAP. More attention to the judicious use of blood cultures to reduce harm and costs is needed. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;000:000‐000. V C 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Electromagnetic effects on bone formation at implants in the medullary canal in rabbits

This experiment was aimed at illuminating the relationship between electromagnetic and mechanical stimuli of bone formation when present simultaneously. Movable and stationary intramedullary wire implants were studied in rabbits treated with a pulsing electromagnetic field (PEMF) 4 h/day for 3 weeks, and were compared with identical control animals without PEMF. Trabecular bone formed routinely at spontaneously movable implants, but not at stationary ones. On average, PEMF-treated movable implants in the femur induced 44% more bone than untreated movable implants. Also, in the PEMF-treated femora, a 22% enlargement of the area of the medullary canal was observed compared with no-field controls. In the tibia, these effects were weak or nonexistent. The PEMF used did not induce bone at stationary implants, suggesting that under these conditions it is not a primary trigger in vivo.
A Haploid Plant of the Potato Variety Katahdin

A PLANT with a somatic chromosome number of 24 was found among an F 1 population of a cross between the tetraploid Solanum tuberosum variety Katahdin and the cultivated South American diploid species Solanum rybinii, This plant resembles the female parent Katahdin and lacks any of the distinctive characters of the male parent S. rybinii. It is therefore presumed to be a haploid plant of Katahdin which arose through parthenogenesis.
Thermal behavior of proteins in high-performance hydrophobic-interaction chromatography. On-line spectroscopic and chromatographic characterization.

Abstract The thermal behavior of a series of standard proteins in hydrophobic interaction chromatography on a previously developed weakly hydrophobic ether-bonded phase column has been studied. Depending on the temperature and protein, conformational changes can occur in the chromatographic system. Methods for recognizing these conformational effects are presented, including retention and peak width variations with temperature, and Z values (the slope of the plot of log k′ vs . log % B solvent. The Z value is shown to be a general index characterizing protein retention as a function of salt concentration. In addition, on-line UV spectroscopic analysis, (absorbance ratios and second derivative spectroscopy) with a photodiode array detector, is shown to corroborate chromatographic trends. Lysozyme maintains a stable conformation over the temperature range 10–40°C, whereas β-lactoglobulin A has a conformational transition between 25°C and 40°C. Calcium-depleted α-lactalbumin, a rather labile species, maintains a stable conformation up to ca . 20°C, and then undergoes structural changes. Finally, cytochrome c appears to be relatively stable up to ca . 65°C. Since conformational changes for this protein occur at ca . 35°C on more hydrophobic phases, the extent of hydrophobicity of the stationary phase is important for maintenance of the native state. Based on this work, hydrophobic-interaction chromatography at sub-ambient temperatures appears promising.
A Neural Map of Auditory Space in the Owl

Auditory units that responded to sound only when it originated from a limited area of space were found in the lateral and anterior portions of the midbrain auditory nucleus of the owl (Tyto alba). The areas of space to which these units responded (their receptive fields) were largely independent of the nature and intensity of the sound stimulus. The units were arranged systematically within the midbrain auditory nucleus according to the relative locations of their receptive fields, thus creating a physiological map of auditory space.
Sieving effect in electrodialysis with an ion exchange membrane

Abstract Electrodialysis of mixtures of inorganic and organic ions was studied. A sieving effect was observed and clarified by measuring the size of each ion and the pore size of each membrane. Furthermore, a large difference in selective permeability between inorganic and organic ions was shown to exist.
How earthquake properties vary with depth

A new study shows systematically how seismic properties vary with depth. Lay et al. analyzed recent large and great earthquakes, including the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman (Mw 9.2), 2010 Chile (Mw 8.8), and 2011 Tohoku (Mw 9.0) earthquakes. The researchers define four domains of seismogenic behavior along megathrust faults according to depth. In domain A, the shallowest, reaching to about 15 kilometers below sea level, large tsunami- generating earthquakes can occur. In domain B, extending from about 15- to 35-kilometers depth, great earthquake events with large slip but diffuse short-period energy occur. In domain C, from 35- to 55-kilometers depth, smaller isolated megathrust patches rupture, producing bursts of coherent short-period energy in both great ruptures and in moderatesized events. In domain D, which extends from about 30- to 45-kilometers depth in subduction zones where relatively young ocean lithosphere is being underthrust with shallow plate dip, low-frequency earthquakes, seismic tremor, and slow slip events occur. Below this zone, stabile sliding or ductile doma takes place. (Journal of Geophysical Research-Solid Earth, doi:10.1029/2011JB009133, 2012)
Insertion of Cyclopentadienylmetal Groups into the S−S Bond of Mn2(CO)7(μ-S2)

The reaction of Mn2(CO)7(μ-S2), 2, with CpCo(CO)2 and Cp*Rh(CO)2 (Cp* = C5Me5) yielded the new complexes CpCoMn2(CO)6(μ3-S)2, 3, and Cp*RhMn2(CO)6(μ3-S)2, 4, in 79% and 38% yields, respectively. Th...
Evolutionary bottlenecks in the agents of tuberculosis, leprosy, and paratuberculosis

Parasitic mycobacteria cause important human and animal diseases including tuberculosis, leprosy, and paratuberculosis. Several methods demonstrate a high degree of sequence conservation in three parasitic mycobacterial species (Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. leprae, and M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis). Each of these species has completely conserved deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence in an internal transcribed spacer. In contrast, several species of environmental mycobacteria (M. intracellulare, M. kansasii, M. gordonae, and M. scrofulaceum) have substantial strain-to-strain variation in this region. These data suggest that each of the parasitic species has gone through a recent evolutionary bottleneck. Comparisons of tandem-repeat DNA from ancient and modern mycobacterial strains may allow this hypothesis to be tested directly.
Enhanced survival of autoepidermal-allodermal composite grafts in allosensitized animals by use of silver-nylon dressings and direct current.

Objective : Observe the effect of silver-nylon (SN) dressing and direct electric current on healing of meshed autoepidermal/allodermal composite skin grafts (MCSGs) in allosensitized rats. Materials and Methods : MCSGs were placed on experimental animals 28 to 30 days after placement of sensitizing allografts. MCSGs and control allografts were covered with either Vaseline gauze (VG) or SN ; direct current, 40 μA, was applied for 5 days to some of the SN-dressed wounds (SNDCs). Measurements and Main Results : Second set rejection of MCSG was not observed. SN- and SNDC-treated grafts showed expansion of the meshed autoepidermis with complete epithelialization within 3 weeks. VG-covered wounds developed areas of open granulation and were not completely epithelialized at 3 months. Both SN and SNDC reduced wound contraction when compared to VG (SN versus VG p < 0.02, SNDC versus VG p < 0.008). MCSG was found to be of low alloantigenicity in that it did not induce second set rejection of subsequent skin allograft. Conclusions : SN dressings enhanced survival of meshed composite skin grafts.
Sources and sinks of methyl bromide and methyl chloride in the tallgrass prairie: Applying a stable isotope tracer technique over highly variable gross fluxes

[1] Methyl bromide (CH3Br) and methyl chloride (CH3Cl) are important stratospheric ozone depleting compounds, but their natural terrestrial sources and sinks have large uncertainties. Gross fluxes of these compounds were measured during the growing season using a stable isotope tracer technique at a temperate tallgrass prairie in northeastern Kansas, United States. Results show that the tallgrass prairie acts as both a source and sink for CH3Br and CH3Cl, with large emissions associated with Amorpha spp. shrubs and a smaller soil sink than expected. Net flux behavior is not significantly altered by the addition of stable isotope tracers. Four models employed to calculate gross fluxes are largely in agreement with each other except at sites with high CH3Cl emissions, where one model most robustly quantifies gross consumption. Gross production rates may increase at Amorpha sites following simulated rainfall, but gross consumption shows no clear response, suggesting that late season microbial uptake of methyl halides is not strongly influenced by sudden changes in soil moisture.
Aerobic biodegradation of natural and xenobiotic organic compounds by subsurface microbial communities

Studies were conducted to characterize the diversity of degradative abilities of microbial communities from pristine aquifer solids samples. Biodegradation was measured in aquifer solids slurries as both the conversion of radiolabeled substrate to /sup 14/CO/sub 2/ and the incorporation of label into cell biomass. The microbial community degraded aniline hydrochloride, chlorobenzene, p-chlorophenol, m-cresol, ethylene dibromide, naphthalene, phenol, toluene, and trichlorobenzene. Several kinetic parameters were calculated from the uptake and mineralization data. The results show that uptake into cell biomass represents a large fraction of total metabolism for many of the xenobiotic compounds.
Piecewise linear least squares approximations of Frobenius–Perron operators

Abstract We propose a piecewise linear numerical method based on least squares approximations for computing stationary density functions of Frobenius–Perron operators associated with piecewise C2 and stretching mappings of the unit interval. We prove the weak convergence of the method for a class of Frobenius–Perron operators, and the numerical results show that it is also norm convergent and has a better convergence rate than the piecewise linear Markov approximation method.
Exploring the relationship between physiological measures of cochlear and brainstem function.

Objective: Otoacoustic emissions and the speech-evoked auditory brainstem response are objective indices of peripheral auditory physiology that are used clinically for assessing hearing function. While each measure has been extensively explored, their interdependence and the relationships between them remain relatively unexplored. Methods: Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and speech-evoked auditory brainstem responses (sABRs) were recorded from 28 normal-hearing adults. Through correlational analyses, DPOAE characteristics were compared to measures of sABR timing and frequency encoding. Data were organized into two DPOAE (Strength and Structure) and five brainstem (Onset, Spectrotemporal, Harmonics, Envelope Boundary, and Pitch) composite measures. Results: DPOAE Strength shows significant relationships with sABR Spectrotemporal and Harmonics measures. DPOAE Structure shows significant relationships with sABR Envelope Boundary. Neither DPOAE Strength nor Structure is related to sABR Pitch. Conclusions: The results of the present study show that certain aspects of the speech-evoked auditory brainstem responses are related to, or covary with, cochlear function as measured by distortion product otoacoustic emissions. Significance: These results form a foundation for future work in clinical populations. Analyzing cochlear and brainstem function in parallel in different clinical populations will provide a more sensitive clinical battery for identifying the locus of different disorders (e.g., language based learning impairments, hearing impairment).
Blue Native PAGE and Biomolecular Complementation Reveal a Tetrameric or Higher-Order Oligomer Organization of the Physiological Measles Virus Attachment Protein H▿

Members of the Paramyxovirinae subfamily rely on the concerted action of two envelope glycoprotein complexes, attachment protein H and the fusion (F) protein oligomer, to achieve membrane fusion for viral entry. Despite advances in X-ray information, the organization of the physiological attachment (H) oligomer in functional fusion complexes and the molecular mechanism linking H receptor binding with F triggering remain unknown. Here, we have applied an integrated approach based on biochemical and functional assays to the problem. Blue native PAGE analysis indicates that native H complexes extract predominantly in the form of loosely assembled tetramers from purified measles virus (MeV) particles and cells transiently expressing the viral envelope glycoproteins. To gain functional insight, we have established a bimolecular complementation (BiC) assay for MeV H, on the basis of the hypothesis that physical interaction of H with F complexes, F triggering, and receptor binding constitute distinct events. Having experimentally confirmed three distinct H complementation groups, implementation of H BiC (H-BiC) reveals that a high-affinity receptor-to-paramyxovirus H monomer stoichiometry below parity is sufficient for fusion initiation, that F binding and fusion initiation are separable in H oligomers, and that a higher relative amount of F binding-competent than F fusion initiation- or receptor binding-competent H monomers per oligomer is required for optimal fusion. By capitalizing on these findings, H-BiC activity profiles confirm the organization of H into tetramers or higher-order multimers in functional fusion complexes. Results are interpreted in light of a model in which receptor binding may affect the oligomeric organization of the attachment protein complex.
Longitudinal study of growth status and airport noise exposure

A study of children living adjacent to an international airport was conducted to learn whether noise exposure affected physical growth. Prenatal and postnatal noise exposures were estimated for each subject based on noise levels at their residences during jetplane takeoffs. Subjects' birthweights were standardized for sex and parity, and their postnatal heights and weights were standardized for sex and age (range 6-11 years). The difference between standardized birthweight score and postnatal height score, and between birthweight score and postnatal weight score, represent a change in growth status of a more or less permanent nature, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, children from the exposed community (n = 103) had a significantly smaller mean of status change by height (p less than 0.05), and a somewhat smaller mean of status change by weight (0.10 less than p less than 0.05) in comparison to children from an unexposed community (n = 94). A dose-response curve was then expected in the exposed community. However, in multiple regression analyses of the exposed children, noise exposure was not related to either change in growth status variable. This second result is inconsistent with the differences between communities and suggest that they are a result of factors other than noise exposure. We conclude that the moderate to severe noise levels of the areas surrounding most subjects' homes did not adversely affect postnatal growth. Further studies of noise and growth should concentrate observations on people exposed to even more severe noise levels than those experienced by most subjects in this study.
Spatial Analysis of the Urban Heat Island Using a 3-D City Model

There is no doubt that the urban heat island (UHI) is a mounting problem in built-up environments, due to energy retention by the surface materials of dense buildings, leading to increased temperatures, air pollution, and energy consumption. To investigate the UHI, three-dimensional (3-D) information is necessary to analyze complex sites, including dense building clusters. In this research, 3-D building geometry information is combined with two-dimensional (2-D) urban surface information to examine the relationship between urban characteristics and temperature. In addition, this research introduces spatial regression models to account for the spatial spillover effects of urban temperatures, and includes the following steps: (a) estimating urban temperatures, (b) developing a 3-D city model, (c) generating urban parameters, and (d) conducting statistical analyses using both Ordinary Least-Squares (OLS) and Spatial Regression Models. The results demonstrate that 3-D urban characteristics greatly affect temperatures and that neighborhood effects are critical in explaining temperature variations. Finally, the implications of the results are discussed, providing guidelines for policies to reduce the UHI.
Distribution, purification and characterization of rat intestinal UDPgalactose: N-acetylglucosaminyl(β1 → 4)galactosyltransferase

Rat intestinal UDPgalactose:N-acetylglucosaminyl(β1 → 4)galactosyltransferase activity was studied as to its intestinal and villus-to-crypt distribution, and then purified and characterized. Rapid UDPgalactose hydrolysis was noted in the duodenum and jejunum; little to no breakdown was detected in the distal ileum, cecum and proximal colon. Product analysis suggested that UDPgalactose hydrolysis was due to nucleotide-sugar pyrophosphatase and galactose-1-phosphate phosphatase activities; ileum appeared to have little of the first activity and none of the latter. An aboral gradient of galactosyltransferase activity was noted, activity being 3–4-fold higher in the ileum, clecum and proximal colon. Total homogenate exogenous acceptor galactosyltransferase activities showed no villus-crypt differences but activity measured with intact isolated cells demonstrated higher activity with crypt cells; this was particularly evident in the ileum. Galactosyltransferase activity was purified from ileal-colonic mucosa. An over 4000-fold purification with 75 percent yield was achieved. Only one band of approx. 70–75 kDa was noted on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide electrophoresis. As with other eukaryotic galactosyltransferase activities, there was an absolute requirement for Mn2+; the concentration required for half maximal activity was only 2.5 μM and higher concentrations did not inhibit. The Km for UDPgalactose was 30 μM.
Sputter deposition of a corrosion-resistant amorphous metallic coating

Starting with corrosion-resistant amorphous Fe32Ni36Cr14P12B6 alloy material, rf sputter deposition has been successfully used to deposit amorphous thin films very similar in composition onto low-carbon (i.e., 1008) steel. The effects that varying sputter deposition parameters has on a film’s corrosion resistance, microstructure, and chemical composition have been examined. Optical, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy, Auger depth profiling, and x-ray diffraction were used to characterize the microstructure and composition of the films, while the corrosion resistance was determined by anodic polarization in basic and acidic solutions. A ∼4000 A thick amorphous film sputtered at ambient temperature onto a 0.05 μm polished 1008 steel substrate improved the corrosion resistance of the steel in a buffered borate solution by lowering the steel’s critical current density by two orders of magnitude and by raising its corrosion potential by ∼0.4 V. Bias voltage sputtering was required to produce a film with properties that could withstand a sulfuric acid solution. For example, a film sputtered at – 70 V at ambient temperature onto a steel substrate passivated in sulfuric acid solution, whereas the steel was completely active in this solution without the sputtered film. Passive current densities in this case were ∼2x102μA/cm2. In both solutions the improved corrosion resistance was exhibited by films with lower oxygen content and a denser microstructure. Thus a direct correlation between corrosion resistance, microstructure, and composition is shown.
Relaxation Processes in Ferromagnetism

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of relaxation processes in ferromagnetism. A relaxation process means either a “spin–lattice’’ relaxation or a “spin–spin” relaxation. The former describes the trend toward the establishment of thermal equilibrium between the systems of atomic spins—which gives rise to the magnetization of the ferromagnet—and any other heat reservoir—such as the crystal lattice or the conduction electrons. Spin–spin relaxation is the process whereby the atomic spins, initially not in equilibrium with one another, interact so that the resulting energy interchange among them gives rise to an equilibrium distribution in the atomic spin states. This chapter is a survey of work on relaxation effects in ferromagnetic materials with particular reference to those phenomena in which they are exhibited, including (1) the frequency dependence of initial permeability and motion of domain walls; (2) ferromagnetic spin resonance absorption; (3) the lag of magnetization with respect to a changing magnetic field; and (4) heat transfer between lattice and spin systems. In this chapter, concepts related to magnetic spectra and the theory of ferromagnetic relaxation processes are also described.
Acetaldehyde as a probe for the chemical properties of aluminophosphate molecular sieves. An in situ FT-IR study

Abstract Loading of acetaldehyde from the gas phase into transition metal substituted aluminophosphate sieves of AFI structure resulted in mainly physisorbed CH3CHO in the case of FeAlPO4-5. By contrast, FT-IR spectroscopy revealed extensive chemical reaction upon loading into metal-free AlPO4-5 and CoAlPO4-5 materials at temperatures as low as −100°C. The low temperature product is identified as acetaldol, which dehydrates to crotonaldehyde upon warm-up to room temperature. The reactive sites are proposed to be Lewis acid sites in the aluminophosphate framework. Using FT-IR monitoring of acetaldehyde in the pores of aluminophosphate sieves as a sensitive method for the detection of Lewis acid sites, we find that their abundance varies substantially with metal substitution. Interestingly, isomorphous Fe substitution of the aluminophosphate framework seems to suppress the formation of such defect sites.
Influence of the number and distribution of NLS peptides on the photosensitizing activity of multimeric porphyrin–NLS

Porphyrin–peptide conjugates bearing multiple nuclear localization sequences (NLS) could show increased tumor cell uptake and affinity for nuclear receptors, and consequently increased photodynamic activity. Previous studies suggest that an increase number of NLS might enhance the nuclear uptake of proteins and other macromolecules. We report the syntheses and investigation of a series of multimeric porphyrin–NLS conjugates bearing two, three or four peptides with the minimum sequence PKKKRKV, linked via PEG or 5-carbon linkers, and with different distributions at the porphyrin periphery. Our results show that the tumor cell uptake and phototoxicity of these conjugates is mainly determined by their amphiphilic character, and not the number of NLS residues per molecule, contrary to previous studies. The mono- and di-substituted photosensitizers bearing one or two PEG linkers and up to three peptide sequences were found to be the most phototoxic toward human carcinoma HEp2 cells, while the tetra-NLS conjugates symmetrically substituted around the porphyrin ring accumulated the least within cells and were non-phototoxic. All conjugates localized intracellularly within endosomal vesicles and lysosomes, probably as a result of an endocytic mechanism of uptake; as a consequence no nuclear uptake was detected by fluorescence microscopy.
The Crystal and Molecular Structure of (BEDT-TTF)Ag x Br3 (x ≈ 2.4)

Abstract The synthesis, electrocrystallization, and crystal structure of the organic conductor (BEDT-TTF)Ag x Br3 (x ≈ 2.4; BEDT-TTF = bis(ethylene- dithio)tetrathiafulvalene) are reported. The crystal structure contains layers of donor cations (charge per molecule: +0.6) interspersed with layers of silver bromide complex anions. The latter are polymeric and consist of a double layer of bromine atoms, with Ag+ cations distributed over at least five interstitial sites of variable occupancy. Crystal data: orthorhombic, space group P212121, a = 4.2316(14) A, b = 11.699(5) A, c = 40.287(17) A, Vc = 1994(1) A3, Z = 4.
Exciton hopping in carbon nanotube solar cells studied with 2D white-light spectroscopy

Semiconducting carbon nanotubes are an exciting new material for solar cells. Mesoscale films can now be assebled and made into devices in which the semiconducting tubes are the photoactive layer, analogous to organic dyes or quantum dots in dye-sensitized solar cells. In order to understand their exciton transport properties, we are studying the photophysics of these films. Obtaining a comprehensive picture of the pathways, rates, and bottlenecks is challenging because in many cases this relaxation spans a wide range of energies. The standard approach to study such a wide frequency range is to use a tunable pump pulse to excite each electronic transition in turn, one after another. We have developed two-dimensional white light spectroscopy (2D WL) which allows us to simultaneously examine a spectral range spanning roughly 500-1400 nm. The spectra resolve energy transfer between all possible combinations of excitonic states in the chirality-selected nanotubes, thereby providing an instantaneous and comprehensive snapshot of the dynamical pathways. The new physics we uncover has important implications in the development of carbon nanotube electronics and optoelectronics.
Comparison of tritiation efficiency using 3H3+ and 3H2+ ion beams

A new apparatus was constructed to tritiate biological molecules using mass analysed tritium ion beams. The magnetic sector of this device was constructed of high field Sm-Co permanent magnets. Mass analyzed ions of desired kinetic energy were impacted on an involatile solid and 3H exchanged for H. The 3H2+ ions were found to be more reactive than 3H2+ ions. The sensitive peptide aldehyde leupeptin was utilized to test the efficacy of mass analyzed ion beam tritiation and leupeptin was not decomposed by this process.
Cushioning energy dissipation in foam polymers

Derivation of dynamic hysteresis loops (force deflection curves) of shock absorbing bushing materials by means of double integration of accelerometer signals is described. The significance of energy dissipation capability of expanded polymers with associated peak deceleration and maximal strain is discussed along with damping characteristics. A “Cushion Efficiency Factor” is introduced, in terms of the ratio of peak acceleration transmitted by a cushion to the energy dissipated per unit cushion area. Three types of expanded polymers commonly used as cushioning materials are evaluated accordingly. Expanded polyethylene (2,2 lb/cu ft), expanded polyurethane (2.1 lb/cu ft) and polystyrene filled polyurethane (1.7 lb/cu ft), all conditioned at 73°F and 50 percent RH. For each of these, two effective drop height tests were conducted, with heights of 12 in. and 42 in. Depending on the polymer type, peak product accelerations were between 33–38 g's in the 12 in. drops and 65–118 g's in the 42 in. drops, with corresponding maximal cushion strains of 0.15–0.20 and 0.39–0.47, respectively. Energy dissipating capabilities of polymers tested during first half cycle following drops were 148–179 lb in. and 477–708 lb in., respectively, depending on polymer type. This approach may facilitate optimal selection of cushioning materials for shock protection in packaging, as well as enable development of improved polymers for cushioning applications.
An O(N S N t log 2 N t ) method for evaluating convolutions with the time domain periodic Green's function

Analysis of periodic structures in time domain is an increasingly important tool in the design of a wide range of novel structures. Time Domain Integral Equation based methods provide an accurate means of solving transient periodic problems, but require costly convolutions that scale as O(Nt2Ns2), where Nt and Ns are the temporal and spatial degrees of freedom. This work proposes a fast method for effecting convolutions with the periodic Green's function that scales as O(Ns Nt log2 Nt). The method relies on a temporal Floquet expansion of the periodic Green's function that is accelerated in space using the O(Ns) method of Accelerated Cartesian Expansions and in time using an O(Nt log2 Nt) blocked FFT scheme.
Dermatomyositis in two siblings and a brief review of familial dermatomyositis.

Juvenile dermatomyositis is an uncommon autoimmune disease with classic heliotrope discoloration of the eyelids, erythematous skin rash of joints, and proximal muscle weakness. It is most frequently sporadic and only rarely familial. We present juvenile dermatomyositis in a 5-year-old brother and a 3½-year-old sister; both are very responsive to corticosteroids. Familial dermatomyositis can occur in different family members, and even dermatomyositis and polymyositis can coexist in the same family. (J Child Neurol 2002;17:540-542).
Sensitivities of stability constraints and their applications

Let the real polynomial (a(s) = a_{0} + a_{1}s + ... + a_{n}s^{n} with the coefficients being known differentiable functions a_{k}(x) be given and let the constraints g_{i}(x) > 0 determine the strictly Hurwitz property of the polynomial a(s) . A simple and efficient method to calculate the derivatives \partial g_{i}(x)/\partial x_{j} is proposed. Then, the application of the method to the problem of stability of polynomials under coefficient perturbation by gradient optimization is discussed. Also, a theorem characterizing the stability region and the newly introduced regions of nondestabilizing perturbations is given.
Substance Use and Mental Health Disparities among Sexual Minority Girls: Results from the Pittsburgh Girls Study

Purpose To examine substance use and mental health disparities between sexual minority girls and heterosexual girls.
Decarbonylation of acyliron compounds by group VIII metal complexes

Abstract Acylcyclopentadienyliron dicarbonyl complexes can be chemically decarbonylated by Ir(PPh 3 ) 3 Cl 2 whereas Ir(PPh 3 ) 2 (N 2 )Cl, Pt(PPh 3 ) 4 and Pt(PPh 3 ) 3 failed to show any decarbonylating activity. [Rh(PPh 3 ) 2 Cl] 2 in acetonitrile has proved to be synthetically useful in the preparation of the corresponding alkyl compound, CpFe(CO) 2 R without the complications of triphenylphosphine substitution on the iron intermediate.
A Study of Statistical Methods for Function Prediction of Protein Motifs

Automatic discovery of new protein motifs (i.e. amino acid patterns) is one of the major challenges in bioinformatics. Several algorithms have been proposed that can extract statistically significant motif patterns from any set of protein sequences. With these methods, one can generate a large set of candidate motifs that may be biologically meaningful. This article examines methods to predict the functions of these candidate motifs. We use several statistical methods: a popularity method, a mutual information method and probabilistic translation models. These methods capture, from different perspectives, the correlations between the matched motifs of a protein and its assigned Gene Ontology™ terms that characterise the function of the protein. We evaluate these different methods using the known motifs in the InterPro database. Each method is used to rank candidate terms for each motif. We then use the expected mean reciprocal rank to evaluate the performance. The results show that, in general, all these methods perform well, suggesting that they can all be useful for predicting the function of an unknown motif. Among the methods tested, a probabilistic translation model with a popularity prior performs the best.
The impact of stressful life events and social support on drinking among older adults: a general population survey.

This article is an analysis of stressful life events, the buffering hypothesis, and alcohol use in a national sample of 1,418 respondents 60 years of age and over. The results indicate that older adults who experience stressful losses are significantly more likely to drink excessively than those who have not experienced such losses or who have experienced them to a lesser extent. Increased drinking among older adults may therefore be a reaction to life circumstances in which alcohol represents an attempt to cope with traumatic loss, personal as well as within the kinship network. Supportive resources of spouse, family, friends, and church appear to have a stress-buffering effects that reduces the excessive-drinking response to life crisis. Data suggest, however, that older persons are vulnerable to the magnitude of losses experienced as they grow older and lose more of their family, friends, and peers. These stressors appear to seriously impact their drinking behavior and are not effectively buffered. Res...
Controlled evaluations of repository therapy in ragweed hay fever

Abstract Controlled observations of repository therapy during four consecutive seasons of ragweed hay fever indicated no significant improvement of symptoms in 132 patients: (a) In 1960, a small group of patients showed improvement when treated for the first time. (b) In 1961 and 1962, with a larger number of newly selected previously untreated patients, the improvement noted in 1960 could not be substantiated despite larger doses and more careful methods of evaluation. (c) In 1963, patients retreated for a second and third year still failed to show any significant improvement. Our lack of any convincing therapeutic effect even after 3 consecutive years of treatment does not encourage us to investigate further any therapeutic methods which employ presently available emulsifiers and mineral oil.
Anti-SS-A antibodies and fetal outcome in maternal systemic lupus erythematosus

In 155 women with systemic lupus erythematosus, there were no significant differences in the rates of fertility or adverse fetal outcome between the 47 (30%) with serum anti-SS-A antibody and the 108 without anti-SS-A, except in the frequency of congenital heart block. This complication occurred in 6 of 96 pregnancies in women with anti-SS-A and was associated with high-titer maternal antibody. The overall risk of a woman with lupus having an infant with congenital heart block was estimated to be 1:60, but the risk was considerably higher (1:20) if anti-SS-A antibody was present.
Ocular flutter and ataxia associated with AIDS-related complex

Saccadic oscillations and ataxia have been described in association with viral encephalitis. The authors describe two patients with AIDS-related complex who developed ocular flutter and ataxia. CSF analysis revealed a pleocytosis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in one showed cerebellar atrophy. Ocular flutter, prominent with horizontal saccadic eye movements, was documented by electro-oculography. Blinking induced flutter in one patient while convergence induced it in the other. This is the first report of patients with probable HIV-related brainstem encephalitis suffering ocular flutter.
WISP1, a Pro-mitogenic, Pro-survival Factor, Mediates Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α)-stimulated Cardiac Fibroblast Proliferation but Inhibits TNF-α-induced Cardiomyocyte Death

WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein-1 (WISP1), a member of the CYR61/CTGF/Nov family of growth factors, can mediate cell growth, transformation, and survival. Previously we demonstrated that WISP1 is up-regulated in post-infarct heart, stimulates cardiac fibroblast proliferation, and is induced by the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Here we investigated (i) the localization of TNF-α and WISP1 in post-infarct heart, (ii) the mechanism of TNF-α-mediated WISP1 induction in primary human cardiac fibroblasts (CF), (iii) the role of WISP1 in TNF-α-mediated CF proliferation and collagen production, and (iv) the effects of WISP1 on TNF-α-mediated cardiomyocyte death. TNF-α and WISP1 expressions were increased in the border zones and non-ischemic remote regions of the post-ischemic heart. In CF, TNF-α potently induced WISP1 expression in cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB)-dependent manner. TNF-α induced CREB phosphorylation in vitro and DNA binding and reporter gene activities in vivo. TNF-α induced CREB activation via ERK1/2, and inhibition of ERK1/2 and CREB blunted TNF-α-mediated WISP1 induction. Most importantly, WISP1 knockdown attenuated TNF-α stimulated collagen production and CF proliferation. Furthermore, WISP1 attenuated TNF-α-mediated cardiomyocyte death, thus demonstrating pro-mitogenic and pro-survival effects for WISP1 in myocardial constituent cells. Our results suggest that a TNF-α/WISP1 signaling pathway may contribute to post-infarct cardiac remodeling, a condition characterized by fibrosis and progressive cardiomyocyte loss.
Prophylactic therapy for stage I ovarian cancer

Abstract A review of 271 patients with stage I (FIGO) epithelial cancer of the ovary who were seen at the Mayo Clinic from 1950 to 1966 revealed that other factors influence survival within the stage category. These are the gross characteristics and grade of the lesion and whether the lesion has ruptured. The addition of adjuvant therapy to the usual surgery is dependent on these factors.
Concerning the primary defect leading to the pleiotropic effects caused by anophthalmic white (Wh) in the Syrian hamster Mesocricetus auratus.

Ten physiological parameters, controlled by the pituitary-hypo-thalamic axis, were measured upon males of three genotypes: whwh (cream), Whwh (black eyed white) and WhWh (Anophthalmic white). Univariate analyses of variance comparing data from these hamsters indicated that the gene significantly affects six of these physiological parameters. A principal component and correlation analysis using the multivariate data indicated that of these 10 parameters, six were linearly independent and five were significantly altered by the action of the gene Wh. The results of these analyses and those previously reported suggest that the gene Wh alters the development of the embryonic diencephalon which, in turn, alters the development of the eye and pituitary leading to significant affects on the physiological parameters measured. A new method is described which should, in general, permit the determination of the primary action of a gene in the case of highly pleiotropic mutants.
Information-seeking behavior and use of social science faculty studying stateless nations: a case study

Abstract The information-seeking behavior of social science faculty studying the Kurds was assessed using a questionnaire, citation analysis, and follow-up inquiry. Two specific questions were addressed: how these faculty locate relevant government information and what factors influence their seeking behavior and use of such information. Results show that besides using traditional methods for locating relevant government information, social science faculty studying the Kurds use the World Wide Web (Web) and electronic mail (e-mail) for that purpose, suggesting that these faculty are aware of, and utilize, new information technology to support their research. Results also show that the information-seeking behavior of social science faculty studying the Kurds is influenced by factors similar to those influencing other social science faculty. Moreover, results also show that accessing the needed materials is a major information-seeking activity that should be added to David Ellis' behavioral model, and that faculty examined here employ somewhat a more elaborate “differentiating” information-seeking activity than the one described in the model. Some elements of interdisciplinarity of Kurdish studies as a field of research have been discovered, however, further research is required to verify that. Implications for library services and suggestions for future research are presented.
Research article: A statistical measure of association and a series expansion of chain conformations

A simple, easily calculated, nonparametric statistic is described that can detect the presence of a functional relationship in bivariate data. Given a sample of data points (x,y), the statistic's value is nearly 1 if y is a linear function of x with little noise; it is greater than 1 if y is a nonlinear function of x; and it is close to 2 if x and y are uniformly and independently distributed. The statistic can be used to rapidly screen through large data sets to identify the most functionally related variable pairs. As an illustration, the statistic is used to detect relations between polypeptide conformational energy and functions of a series expansion for chain conformations.
Glucose metabolism in the calf lens.

Carbohydrate metabolism in lens homogenates was evaluated using uniformly labeled [14C]-glucose. Metabolites were separated using HPLC and the distribution of 14C among metabolic pathways was determined. Under the standard incubation conditions employed (pH 7·4, 37°C, 5 mm glucose) 40% of the glucose consumed forms lactate. The amount of 14C found in sorbitol and α-glycerol phosphate is 1–2%. This pathway distribution is essentially independent of glucose concentration from 2 to 35 mm. Over this range, lactate production is relatively constant at 2–3 μmol 7 hr−1. At 35 mm glucose, sorbitol production increases to 0·182 from 0·036 μmol 7 hr−1 at 5 mm glucose. The level of ATP is clearly a very significant factor in the regulation of glycolytic rate. An increase in ATP concentration from 1 to 3 mm results in a decrease in the rate of lactate production from 2·09 to 0·404 μmol 7 hr−1. The NAD/NADH ratio is significant in the distribution between lactate and α-GP. An increase in the level of NADP or NADPH increases sorbitol production as well as α-GP production. A computer program was developed to model the experimental incubation system. The calculated results are in agreement with the experimental in showing effects of ATP and perturbations of enzyme cofactor concentrations.