cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of rearing environment on sexual behavior of young beef bulls.

Fifty-eight Polled Hereford bull calves were weaned at an average age of 196 d. They were penned individually after weaning and contact was limited to fenceline exposure to bulls in adjacent pens, except when grouped for weighing every 28 d. Six months after weaning they were allotted to one of the following 10-wk rearing treatments: 1) individually penned; 2) individually penned, but exposed to a heifer in estrus for 30 min every 2 wk; 3) group penned; 4) group penned, but each bull exposed to a heifer in estrus for 30 min every 2 wk. The week after allotment was designated wk 0. All 58 bulls, penned together after wk 12, had single-bull mating tests during wk 10, 22 and 32 and multi-bull mating tests during wk 12, 24 and 34. Mean serving capacity and mean serving efficiency were both greater (P less than .05) for individually-penned bulls than for group-penned bulls during the first single-bull and the first multi-bull mating test. No significant serving-capacity differences were present in subsequent single-bull or multi-bull mating tests, but serving efficiency was greater (P less than .05) for group-penned bulls in all subsequent tests, except the last multi-bull mating test. Mean serving capacity was greater (P less than .05), as was mean serving efficiency (P less than .01), for bulls in single-bull mating tests than for those in multi-bull tests. Exposure to heifers during rearing did not affect libido or mating ability.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Astrometric Possibilities of Very-Long-Baseline Interferometry

In the application of Very-Long-Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) to astrometric problems the fundamental observable is the difference in the arrival times of a wavefront at two widely separated receiving stations. Since the radio sources being observed are sufficiently distant that the arriving wavefront can be considered to be a plane wave, the differential arrival time is a measure of the component of the baseline in the direction of the source. Equivalently, if the baseline is known, the differential arrival time is sufficient to determine a circle on the sky containing the source. It is easy to show that a minimum of ten observations distributed among three different sources is sufficient to determine all of the source coordinates and the baseline coordinates simultaneously (Robertson, 1975).
Life Cycles in the Methanogenic Archaebacterium Methanosarcina mazei.

Methanosarcina mazei S6 and LYC were used to study the structure and differentiation of the aggregating methanogens. Cultures harvested under various conditions are described at the ultrastructural level. Cells of strain S6 are enclosed by a layer 12 nm thick in contact with the plasma membrane. In sarcinal colonies, cells are held in close association by a fibrous matrix up to 60 nm thick. Colony maturation was examined in strain S6 over a period of 1 year. Changes occurred in the shape and staining of individual cells. Also, various inclusion bodies were observed that either persist throughout colony maturation or are only found at certain growth stages. Two types of cores that are composed of double membranes in M. mazei S6 are described. One has a 90-nm diameter and contains electron-dense granules similar to those found in the cytoplasm. The other core type does not contain granules, is more numerous, and is found in older cultures. Two life cycles are described for M. mazei based on electron microscope examinations. A complex life cycle involving the release of single cells is described with two variations for strains S6 and LYC. When released cells of strain S6 are placed in fresh medium they can repeat the cycle. In addition, a limited cycle is described for both strains of M. mazei. This limited cycle contains the only sarcinal morphotypes observed in M. barkeri. When M. mazei S6 remains in the limited cycle and does not disaggregate in stationary phase, several types of possible resting forms are found. Images
Boundary Value Problems

This chapter describes the different aspects of boundary value problems. Boundary value problems generally model steady-state phenomena. The solution to Laplace's equation never has a relative maximum or a relative minimum in the interior of the solution domain. This maximum principle is reasonable if the solution is thought of as representing the steady-state density distribution of a diffusing element or the height of an elastic membrane. In neither case would one expect a local maximum or minimum to occur in the interior. It is found that while initial value problems can be solved by marching forward in time from the initial values, one almost always have to solve a system of simultaneous algebraic equations to solve a boundary value problem. The consistent but unstable methods for boundary value problems are encountered far less frequently than for initial value problems, and the principal challenge is no longer to avoid instability but to solve this linear or nonlinear algebraic system, which may involve a large number of equations and unknowns. An eigenvalue boundary value problem generally consists of a linear homogeneous differential equation, with homogeneous boundary conditions, that contains an undetermined parameter.
Liquid packaging for MEMS sensors and RF devices

The packaging of MEMS devices in a liquid environment allows unique control of many device parameters that have been previously out of the design space for MEMS engineers. Packaging in a liquid environment enables many benefits through the control of several device parameters such as dielectric constant, thermal conductivity, electrical resistance, and damping coefficient. By selecting the appropriate packaging liquid, we have achieved near critical damping of actuated devices, almost a 2/spl times/ improvement in the tuning range for a tunable capacitor, and over a 4/spl times/ improvement in the sensitivity of a current sensor.
Human Factors and Watch Design

For centuries watch schedules aboard ships have been set by tradition. Beyond the most elementary accomodation, the operating characteristics and natural limits of mariners themselves have had little place in determining these sehedules. In this paper a number of watch schedules, existing and novel, are examined in light of the findings of human engineering with regard to circadian rhythms. Suggestions are made for ship operators to improve efficiency and effectiveness through manipulation of watch schedules.
Active vibration control of flexible beams using shape memory actuators

Abstract This paper demonstrates, theoretically and experimentally, the feasibility of utilizing Shape Memory Actuators (SMA) in controlling the flexural vibrations of a flexible cantilevered beam. The beam dynamics are modeled, by using the finite element method, and integrated with the thermal and dynamic characteristics of the SMA to develop a mathematical model of the composite beam-actuators system. The model accounts for the effect of the actuators' physical and geometrical parameters on the elastic and the inertial properties of the beam-actuators system. An active computer-controlled prototype of the system is designed based on the mathematical model developed. The performance of the control system is evaluated, at different operating conditions, when the beam is subjected to step displacements. The results obtained demonstrate the potential of the SMA as viable means for damping out the vibration of flexible systems.
What Does a High School Diploma Get You? Employment, Race, and the Transition to Adulthood

We compare the employment of African American and white youth as they transition to adulthood from age 18 to 22, focusing on high school graduates and high school dropouts who did not attend college. Using OLS and hazard models, we analyze the relative employment rates, and employment consistency, stability, and timing, controlling for a number of factors including family income, academic aptitude, prior work experience, and neighborhood poverty. We find white high school graduates work significantly more than all other youth on most measures; African American high school graduates work as much and sometimes less than white high school dropouts; African American dropouts work significantly less than all other youth. Findings further suggest that the improved labor market participation associated with a high school diploma is higher over time for African Americans than for white youth.
SU‐GG‐I‐14: A Patient Set‐Up Protocol Based On Partially Blocked Cone‐Beam CT

Purpose: Three‐dimensional x‐ray cone‐beam CT(CBCT) is being increasely used in radiation therapy. Since the whole treatment course typically lasts several weeks, the repetitive x‐ray imaging results in large radiationdose delivered on the patient. In the current radiation therapytreatment,CBCT is mainly used for patient set‐up, and a rigid transformation of the CBCT data from the planning CT data is also assumed. For an accurate rigid registration, it is not necessary to acquire a full 3D image. In this paper, we propose a patient set‐up protocol based on partially blocked CBCT.Method and Materials: A sheet of lead strips is inserted between the x‐ray source and the scanned patient. From the incomplete projection data, only several axial slices are reconstructed and used in the image registration for patient set‐up. Since the radiation is partially blocked, the dose delivered onto the patient is significantly reduced, with an additional benefit of reduced scatter signals. Results: The proposed approach is validated using experiments on two anthropomorphic phantoms. As compared to registration using the regular CBCT, the registration difference using the partially blocked CBCT is less than 1mm in translation and less than 0.2 degrees in rotation. In our implementations, the proposed protocol using partially blocked CBCT reduces radiationdose by a factor of more than 6. The comparison of the reconstructed images also shows that the image quality of the illuminated slices in the partially blocked CBCT is much improved over that in the regular CBCT.Conclusion: A practical patient set‐up protocol based on partially blocked CBCT has been developed for radiation therapy. The proposed approach greatly reduces radiationdose, as well as the adverse effect of scatter photons. It should be useful to improve the clinical practice.
Best-matching protocols for assembly in e-work networks

Abstract Assembly networks pose many challenges to the comprising businesses due to their ever-growing distributed nature. This article explores the benefits of incorporating best-matching protocols (BMP) into the principles of design for assembly (DFA) to make better use of already existing information on equipment, parts and suppliers. Best-matching protocols for cooperation requirement planning (BMP-CRP), for part matching (BMP-part) and supplier selection were developed. A case study for the matching of parts and suppliers is provided. The results of the case study corroborate the benefits in quality and costs that the best-matching protocols can yield for businesses in an assembly e-work network.
Polaromonas naphthalenivorans sp. nov., a naphthalene-degrading bacterium from naphthalene-contaminated sediment.

Strain CJ2T, capable of growth on naphthalene as a sole carbon and energy source, was isolated from coal-tar-contaminated freshwater sediment. The Gram reaction of strain CJ2T was negative. The cells were non-spore-forming, non-motile cocci (without flagella). The isolate was found to be an aerobic heterotroph capable of utilizing glucose and other simple sugars. Growth was observed between 4 and 25 °C (optimum, 20 °C) and between pH 6·0 and 9·0 (optimum, pH 7·0–7·5). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 61·5 mol% and the major quinone was ubiquinone-8. The peptidoglycan of strain CJ2T was determined as belonging to type A1-γ, meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major fatty acids of strain CJ2T were 16 : 1ω7c (67·0 %), 16 : 0 (19·6 %), 18 : 1ω7c (∼7·9 %) and 10 : 0 3-OH (∼2·5 %). The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. Mycolic acid and glycolipids could not be detected. Comparative 16S rDNA analysis indicated that strain CJ2T is related to the family Comamonadaceae and that the nearest phylogenetic relative was Polaromonas vacuolata 34-PT (97·1 % similarity). On the basis of the physiological and molecular properties, the naphthalene-degrading isolate was designated Polaromonas naphthalenivorans sp. nov. The type strain is CJ2T (=ATCC BAA-779T=DSM 15660T).
Projects for women in the third world: Explaining their misbehavior

Abstract A large number of income-generation projects for poor women in the Third World designed during the Women's Decade (1975–85) have “misbehaved” — that is, their economic objectives have evolved into welfare action during implementation. Project misbehavior and the prevalence of welfare interventions can be explained by three factors. First, particular project characteristics define the typical intervention for women and facilitate the achievement of social rather than production aims. Second, these characteristics are a result of the expertise in the welfare sector of women-based institutions that execute women's projects. Finally, the choice of women-based implementing agencies and the more generalized preference for welfare action are determined by the comparatively lower financial and social costs derived from the implementation of welfare- vs economic-based policies for women in developing countries.
A unified approach to data association in multitarget tracking

Abstract A unified framework is proposed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the problem of data association in multitarget tracking. Under this framework, a systematic scheme is developed for generating the data association hypotheses in the target-oriented, measurement-oriented, and track-oriented approaches. Since there are many data association hypotheses with identical likelihoods in the measurement-oriented and track-oriented approaches, two specialized algorithms are developed to efficiently generate the data association hypotheses in the two approaches by adapting the depth-first search (DFS) algorithm developed earlier in the target-oriented case.
An explicit sign formula for the determinant of cohomology

The natural or “cohomological bases” construction of the determinant of cohomology functor has the problem that a certain diagram that we might want to commute only commutes up to sign, and rinding the value of this sign is a non-trivial problem. The more sophisticated determinant of cohomology functor of Knudson and Mumford has the property that the corresponding diagram commutes, not just up to sign. However, their construction leaves open the question of the sign behavior for the cohomological bases construction The cohomological bases construction has the advantage of being natural, concrete, and well-adapted to studying sections of determinant of cohomology sheaves that arise from choices of bases of relative cohomology sheaves (on Zariski open sets where the sheaves in question are free). Knudson and Mumford’s construction does not consider such sections, and, paradoxically, when one tries to define and study such sections with their constructions, one is again confronted with sign troubles. Being a...
Similarities and differences among three generations of women in attitudes toward the female role in contemporary society

A three-generational sample of 103 college women, 88 of their mothers, and 30 of their maternal grandmothers responded to questionnaires containing the Spence and Helmreich Attitudes Toward Women Scale (AWS). Intrafamily matched pair analysis tested hypotheses of intergenerational similarities and differences; and several potential correlates of attitudes toward female roles in contemporary society were investigated. Major intergenerational differences prevailed, with younger generations being more profeminist. The extent of difference varied by issue. Participation in the labor force was correlated with liberal views, but the degree of liberality seemed best interpreted in terms of enlightened self-interest.
Montage: a platform for physically navigating multiple pages of web content

Montage is a platform for rendering multiple pages of web content on large tiled displays (several desktop LCDs arranged in a spatially contiguous matrix). We discuss the advantages of data visualization using a newsstand metaphor, showing many content items at once and allowing users to quickly refine visual searches by walking (physically navigating) closer to specific data on the display. We have used Montage to build three applications that demonstrate the variety of applications that are possible on this platform. These applications have benefits for both everyday use and as research tools.
Image feature analysis and computer-aided diagnosis in digital radiography: automated detection of pneumothorax in chest images.

In order to aid radiologists in the diagnosis of pneumothorax from chest radiographs, an automated method for detection of subtle pneumothorax is being developed. The computerized method is based on the detection of a fine curved‐line pattern, which is a unique feature of radiographic findings of pneumothorax. Initially, regions of interest (ROIs) are determined in each upper lung area, where subtle pneumothoraces commonly appear. The pneumothorax pattern is enhanced by the selection of edge gradients within a limited range of orientations. Rib edges included in this edge‐enhanced image are removed, based on the locations of posterior ribs that are determined separately. A subtle curved line due to pneumothorax is then detected by means of the Hough transform. The detected pneumothorax pattern is marked on the chest image displayed on a CRT monitor. With the present computer method applied to 50 chest images (28 normals and 22 abnormals with pneumothorax), we were able to detect 77% of pneumothoraces, with 0.44 false‐positives per image.
Three-port microlaparoscopic cholecystectomy in 159 patients.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has undergone many refinements including reductions in port size and number. This study attempts to determine whether further reduction in port size from that previously reported by us can reduce postoperative pain without compromising the efficacy of the surgery. In this study, 159 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with three ports: one 5-mm umbilical port, one 3-mm subxiphoid port, and one 3-mm port in the right subcostal position. Data were collected prospectively for each patient on the duration of analgesic use, quantity of analgesic tablets consumed, postoperative pain, most painful incision, and days of recovery required before return to activity and work. These measures were compared with those collected from a group of 100 patients who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy with three 5-mm ports in a previous study. Patients in the current study group required analgesics for a longer duration (4 vs 2.9 days; p = 0.001), used more analgesic tablets (10.7 vs 8.1; p = 0.007), and reported greater postoperative discomfort (5 vs 4.1; p= 0.016) as compared with all in the 5-mm port group. The 3-mm port group needed more days for recovery before leaving the house (2.9 vs 2.7; p = 0.504), but they returned to work earlier (5.1 vs 5.9; p = 0.065) than the group that had undergone cholecystectomy with three 5-mm ports, although there was not a significant difference between the groups. Operative time increased from 18.5 to 20.9 min (p = 0.054) in the group with two 3-mm ports. Five patients (3.1%) in the current group required enlargement of a port to complete the procedure, as compared with none in the comparison group. There was one complication (0.6%), as compared with two complications (2.0%) in the previous group. This study did not demonstrate a reduction in postoperative pain or a consistent improvement in recovery when the port size was reduced at the subcostal and subxiphoid positions. It did, however, show that ports could safely be reduced in size without a negative impact on the surgeon’s ability to perform a cholecystectomy. Reducing port size can be a tool in the surgeon’s armamentarium for use in the attempt to optimize cosmetic results.
The magnitude of intramolecular DNA optical absorbance with variation in [Na+] and GC base composition: For special application to DNA reassociation studies

The magnitude of intramolecular DNA optical absorbance is presented as a function of [Na+] and GC composition of the DNA. The data are presented as a ratio of absorbances A0/A0 for the DNA at the denaturing temperature (Td) and renaturing temperature (Tr) under the given conditions. All ratios were determined for Tr corresponding to the temperature optimum (Tm − Tr = 25°C) in DNA reassociation rate. This fact, coupled with the convenient A0/A0 ratio representation, permits the quick estimation of the magnitude of this optical effect in DNA reassociation reactions over a wide range of experimental conditions.
Computational Study of Turbulent Airflow in a Full-Scale Aircraft Cabin Mockup: Part 1 — Determination of Boundary Conditions at the Outlet of Air Diffusers

The first step in understanding different mechanisms associated with contagious disease transmission in airliner cabins is adequately resolving the airflow field. A Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) approach is used to study the behavior of turbulent airflow and calculate the velocity data in a full-scale, 11-row, Boeing 767 aircraft cabin mockup. The calculated velocity data will be used later as the initial condition in tracer gas and particle dispersion simulations. Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) method is employed for the airflow simulations. Based on the outcomes of our previous investigation in which the accuracy of different k-e models were evaluated, the RNG k-e model is used for turbulence modeling. The geometry of the cabin as well as the taken approach for mesh generation is also explained along with the adopted numerical method for solving the governing Navier-Stokes equations. Three different sizes of grids are examined for grid uncertainly analysis. The main challenge in airflow simulations is the determination of the unknown boundary condition (velocity magnitude and direction) at the outlet of the cabin air diffusers (or inlet of the aircraft cabin). To overcome this challenge, the mean velocity data measured by omni-probes located very close to the diffuser outlets are used as the first trial boundary conditions at the inlet of the cabin. Then, based on the differences between experimentally measured and steady RANS estimated velocity data at the omni-probes positions, the airflow velocity at the inlet of the cabin is modified and this procedure is repeated until the differences between the measured and calculated velocity data at omni-probe positions become negligible.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Turbulent Heat Transfer and Friction in Pin Fin Channels With Lateral Flow Ejection

Experiments were conducted to study the effects of lateral flow ejection on the overall heat transfer and pressure drops for turbulent flow through pin fin channels. The two test sections of the investigation were rectangular channels with staggered arrays of six and eight streamwise rows of pins, respectively. The pin length-to-diameter ratio was one and both the streamwise and spanwise pin spacings were 2.5 times the pin diameter. Heat transfer and friction data were obtained for various ejection exit geometries, for ejection ratios between 0 and 1, and for Reynolds numbers between 6,000 and 60,000. The results of the study show that, for any given ejection ratio, the overall Nusselt number increases with increasing Reynolds number. However, the overall Nusselt number is reduced by as much as 25% as the ejection ratio is increased from 0 to 1 over the range of Reynolds number studied. The Nu-Re-{epsilon} relationship, which is insensitive to varying the ejection exit geometry, can be correlated by the equation (Nu/Nu{sub 0}) = (Nu{sub 1}/Nu{sub 0}){sup {epsilon}}, where Nu{sub 0} = c{sub 0}Re{sup m} and Nu{sub 1} = c{sub 1}Re{sup n} are the overall Nusselt numbers in the 0 and 100% lateral flow ejection cases, respectively. Themore » results also show that the overall friction factor is independent of the flow Reynolds number over the range of Reynolds number studied. However, the friction factor is strongly dependent on the ejection ratio as well as the geometries of the straight flow exit and lateral ejection flow exit.« less
Humanistic commitment in a Jewish Community

The functional implications of two types of sacred commitment among Jews are examined for the Jewish community of Columbus, Ohio. Traditional religious commitment is contrasted with “humanistic” commitment. The latter lacks the supernatural orientation of the religious type, but expresses a sacred commitment to non-supernatural orientations such as the Jewish people, Jewish nationalism, and universal human rights. Evidence supports the conclusion that while religious commitment is associated with support of the Columbus Jewish community, humanistic commitment cannot be considered a functional alternative for such support.
The political paradoxes of practice: political economy of local and global architecture

Globalization, while extensively theorized and empirically studied by economic geographers, has yet to be seriously investigated in architecture. There are multiple forms of architectural practice in the United States and some significant changes are under way. In addition the local politics of urban architecture discloses a counterweight to balance globalism's homogenizing tendencies. This paper proposes strategies for a more experimental architecture that partakes of the global-local dialectic.
Canonical fitting of deformable part models

I describe a system that fits deformable models to range data. Models are represented by using modal dynamics applied to volumetric primitives, which significantly improves the computational complexity of both model recovery and subsequent processing. Given a segmentation of the range data into parts (see reference [16]), a volumetric description is obtained by a fitting procedure that minimizes squared error between the range measurements and the model's visible surface. For simple part shapes it is possible to compute the deformable model's parameters using only the shape of its symmetry axes.
A principle for construction of one-step integration methods with maximum imaginary stability limits

Etude des methodes d'integration explicites a un pas pour la solution numerique d'un systeme d'equations differentielles du type dy/dt=A.y ou A est une matrice constante
Self‐esteem and the self‐censorship of creative ideas

Creative processes halt when those who generate creative ideas self‐censor them. Self‐censorship may become a greater concern in performance management as organizations of the future are likely to face growing pressures to be creative, innovative, and adaptive. Self‐censorship was addressed in early research on managing the performance of brainstorming groups, and may have broad implications for creative performance in many facets of today’s organizations. This paper re‐examines the research on self‐censorship in view of recent management and social psychology research in an effort to better understand how the self‐esteem motive and a lack of self‐concept clarity cause self‐censorship. Person‐focused and feedback‐focused strategies to reduce self‐censorship are described, and directions for future research are suggested.
The Role of Safety Nets during the Process of Economic Growth: Discussion

What should governments and donors be trying to accomplish with resources devoted to safety nets? Safety nets are programs that protect peoples' livelihood in the face of transitory or chronic poverty (e.g., direct food distribution, food-for-work, and cash-for-work). In recent years, there have been greater attempts to "link relief to development" by creating investments that support long-run growth in the process of providing a safety net to the poor in the short run.
Assessing managers' common sense using situational judgment tests

Purpose – In industrial‐organizational psychology, research and practice has focused on the use of situational judgment tests to predict managerial job performance. Although there is considerable controversy over what these tests actually measure, many have argued that they at least partially measure practical intelligence or “common sense.” Therefore the purpose of this article is to discuss situational judgment tests as assessments of common sense.Design/methodology/approach – Reviewing the relevant industrial‐organizational psychology literature, this article considers the history and development of situational judgment tests as well as how the field has defined situational judgment. It also reviews the empirical and theoretical literature on their effectiveness for assessing managerial decision‐making competence.Findings – Situational judgment tests have been found to be effective predictors of many organizational outcomes in a variety of job settings and positions. In particular, they have been found...
Micromechanics for actuators via deep x-ray lithography

Micromechanics and, in particular, micromechanics for actuators requires a processing tool that can provide 3-dimensionality and can accommodate many materials in a cost effective manner. The tool is further enhanced if high geometric resolution and compatibility with microelectronics are provided for. The desired attributes for the processing tool are in part contained in the original German LIGA process which introduced deep x-ray lithography and metal plating to micromechanics with achieved structural heights above 500 micrometer. This process can and has been extended to heights above 1 cm with improved resolution by developing a low stress photoresist application technology which is based on precut photoresist sheets and solvent bonding. Exposure of these thick layers is achieved by using 20 keV photon fluxes from the Brookhaven National Laboratory 2.6 GeV synchrotron. Application of this technology to actuator construction has taken two forms: linear, spring constrained electrostatic and magnetic actuators with large throws, and magnetic rotational machines for either high output torques or very high rotational speeds.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Thin-layer chromatographic collector-eluter

Abstract A combination thin-layer chromatographic collector and elution apparatus is described. The device is designed to minimize manipulations and maximize accuracy and can be used for both analytical and small-scale preparative separations.
Fabrication of Hydrogels with Gradient of Compliance: Application to Cell Mechanotaxis and Durotaxis

Many fundamental cell processes, such as angiogenesis, neurogenesis and cancer metastasis are thought to be modulated by extracellular matrix compliance. In different tissues, extracellular matrix stiffness varies over several orders of magnitude from cartilage as stiff as 100kPa to soft brain tissue as compliant as 0.2 kPa. Moreover, the surfaces upon which cells move are heterogeneous. Thus, the availability of matrix substrates having well-defined stiffness profiles can be of great importance in biophysical studies of how cells might interact with their environment. Existing methods to fabricate matrices have either insufficient resolution or are too costly to routinely implement. Here, we present a method to fabricate matrices with a steep gradient of compliance (as much as 80kPa across a 1.5 mm gel). This method, involving the photopolymerization of films onto which peptides are grafted, can be easily implemented with common lab equipment. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) has been used to measure the compliance of the gels produced by this method. We demonstrate that this microfabrication procedure can produce materials suitable for measuring the response of cells as well as conveniently screening, on a single gel, the cells’ response to substrates of differing stiffness. Applications to durotaxis and mechanotaxis will be presented.
Magmatic diversity on Venus: Constraints from terrestrial analog crystallization experiments

Abstract Igneous diversity is common on terrestrial planets and has been experimentally investigated for the Earth and Mars, but only suggested for Venus. Since Venus and Earth are sister planets and have similar bulk chemistry, experiments on terrestrial basalts can place constraints on the formation of the Venera and Vega basalts. Furthermore, experimental results can suggest the types of magmas that should be present on Venus if processes of differentiation similar to those taking place within the Earth are occurring on Venus, as suggested by the Venera and Vega analyses. The interpretation of the Venera 13 analysis as an alkali basalt suggests deep partial melting of a carbonated source region; while the identification of Venera 14 and Vega 2 as tholeiites suggest relatively shallow melting of a hydrous lherzolitic or peridotite source region. The residual liquids produced by differentiation of a Venus tholeiite, based on experiments on analog compositions, range from rhyolites to phonolites, depending on pressure of crystallization and bulk water content. Results from these crystallization experiments on tholeiitic terrestrial compositions can constrain the type and quality of data needed from future missions to determine the petrologic history of surface igneous rocks.
Parallel Solid-Phase Synthesis of disubstituted 3-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)imidazolidine-2,4-diones and 3-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-ones.

A multistep approach to construct novel 3-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)imidazolidine-2,4-diones and 3-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-ones from commercially available amino acids, amines, and carboxylic acids is described. Coupling of Fmoc-amino acid to resin-bound aminobenzimidazole provided following Fmoc elimination free amine. Treatment of the free amine with 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole or 1,1′-thiocarbonyldiimidazole furnished the corresponding hydantoins and thiohydantoins via intramolecular cyclization. The desired aminobenzimidazole tethered hydantoins or thiohydantoins were isolated in good yields.
Ketorolac in the era of cyclo-oxygenase-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a systematic review of efficacy, side effects, and regulatory issues.

Objective. The recent introduction of oral COX-2 selective NSAIDs with potential for perioperative use, and the ongoing development of intravenous formulations, stimulated a systemic review of efficacy, side effects, and regulatory issues related to ketorolac for management of postoperative analgesia. Design. To examine the opioid dose sparing effect of ketorolac, we compiled published, randomized controlled trials of ketorolac versus placebo, with opioids given for breakthrough pain, published in English-language journals from 1986–2001. Odds ratios were computed to assess whether the use of ketorolac reduced the incidence of opioid side effects or improved the quality of analgesia. Results. Depending on the type of surgery, ketorolac reduced opioid dose by a mean of 36% (range 0% to 73%). Seventy percent of patients in control groups experienced moderate-severe pain 1 hour postoperatively, while 36% of the control patients had moderate to severe pain 24 hours postoperatively. Analgesia was improved in patients receiving ketorolac in combination with opioids. However, we did not find a concomitant reduction in opioid side effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting). This may be due to studies having inadequate (to small) sample sizes to detect differences in the incidence of opioid related side effects. The risk for adverse events with ketorolac increases with high doses, with prolonged therapy (>5 days), or invulnerable patients (e.g. the elderly). The incidence of serious adverse events has declined since dosage guidelines were revised. Conclusions. Ketorolac should be administered at the lowest dose necessary. Analgesics that provide effective analgesia with minimal adverse effects are needed.
Monoclonal antibodies and other biologic agents in the treatment of asthma

Asthma represents a syndrome of airway inflammatory diseases with complex pathology. The immunologic pathogenesis is being increasingly revealed and provides opportunity for targeted biological intervention. Current experience with immunomodulators as targeted therapy in asthma is described in this literature review. Targeted therapies have included strategies to activate dendritic cells through the TLR-9 receptors, to interrupt the action of TH2 cytokines with cytokine blockers and monoclonal antibodies, to promote development of TH1 responses, to block IgE mediated pathways and to block TNF –α. Omalizumab is the only biological therapy that has an approved indication in asthma at this time. An improved understanding of the heterogeneity of asthma should allow for specific targeting of different disease phenotypes specific therapies including immunomodulators.
Electric Birefringence of Electrolytes near Charged Surfaces, II: Effect of Polymeric Additives

Electric birefringence of electrolytes containing linear polyacrylamide and polyethylene oxide near a negatively charged silica glass surface is studied using evanescent wave laser polarimetry. We find that addition of polymers to electrolytes near charged surfaces leads to substantially larger levels of electric birefringence than the already anomalously large electric birefringence observed in pure electrolytes near charged surfaces. The polymer contribution to the birefringence increases with surface charge, ionic strength of the electrolyte, and electric field, but is only a weak function of polymer molecular weight and polymer concentration. Unusually high levels of polymer orientation are observed for moderate electric fields (10-30 V/cm). These observations are discussed in terms of large local shear gradients experienced by polymer chains subject to electro-osmotic flow in the electric double layer near charged surfaces.
Output Power Correlation Between Adjacent Wind Power Plants

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) started a project in 2000 to record long-term, high-frequency (1-Hz) wind power data from large commercial wind power plants in the Midwestern United States. Outputs from about 330 MW of installed wind generating capacity from wind power plants in Lake Benton, MN, and Storm Lake, Iowa, are being recorded. Analysis of the collected data shows that although very short-term wind power fluctuations are stochastic, the persistent nature of wind and the large number of turbines in a wind power plant tend to limit the magnitude of fluctuations and rate of change in wind power production. Analyses of power data confirms that spatial separation of turbines greatly reduces variations in their combined wind power output when compared to the output of a single wind power plant. Data show that high-frequency variations of wind power from two wind power plants 200 km apart are independent of each other, but low-frequency power changes can be highly correlated. This fact suggests that time-synchronized power data and meteorological data can aid in the development of statistical models for wind power forecasting.
Mechanism for the increase in plasma renin activity by pentobarbital anesthesia

Abstract The mechanism by which pentobarbital anesthesia causes increases in plasma renin activity (PRA) was examined in dogs infused with either propranolol or indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthetase. Infusion of propranolol at 1 mg/kg, (I.V.) followed by 0.6–0.7 mg/kg/hr decreased PRA from 6.98±2.49 ng/m1/hr during control periods to 1.58±0.79 ng/m1/hr 30 minutes after the injection of propranolol (P
A novel means of Y cell identification in the developing lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat

We examined the postnatal development of putative Y cells in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) using the SMI-32 antibody, which has been demonstrated in the adult cat to stain cells with Y cell morphology. At birth, SMI-32 stained cells were concentrated in the interlaminar zones. During postnatal development, the SMI-32 staining gradually becomes more disperse and by P21 stained cells are found throughout the A and magnocellular C laminae. By the end of the first postnatal week, and in all later ages examined, the SMI-32 stained cells were significantly larger than the overall population of Nissl stained cells and interneurons (stained with an antibody against glutamic acid decarboxylase). Postnatal SMI-32 staining revealed a dramatic increase in soma sizes and the expansion of putative geniculate Y cell dendritic arbors that continued past the second postnatal month. In contrast, the growth of interneurons appeared to be complete by 3-4 postnatal weeks, at which time cell somas stained with SMI-32 have only reached a little over one half of their adult size. Similar to the adult cat, SMI-32 appears to selectively stain the Y cell population during development and may provide a useful morphological marker to examine the participation of Y cells in the developing postnatal circuitry of the dLGN. This further establishes the cat dLGN as a novel model system to study the normal function and pathological reorganization of neurofilaments.
Eosinophil trafficking to sites of allergic inflammation.

Eosinophils play a prominent pro-inflammatory role in allergic inflammation. Studies utilizing flow chambers, intravital videomicroscopy, and cytokine and adhesion molecule-deficient mice have provided important insight into the mechanisms of eosinophil trafficking in inflamed blood vessels and into tissues in vivo. While the bone marrow generation of eosinophils is finely regulated by interleukin (IL)-5, the trafficking of eosinophils into tissues is regulated by several cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules with overlapping functions. Prospects for therapeutically inhibiting eosinophilic inflammation by inhibiting eosinophil adhesion to endothelium are dependent on an improved understanding of the relative importance of individual cytokines and adhesion molecules in regulating eosinophil adhesion to endothelium. Alternative strategies to inhibit eosinophilic inflammation include the use of immunostimulatory DNA sequences containing a CpG motif to act as a Th1 adjuvant to prevent Th2 responses associated with IL-5 and eosinophilia. Immunostimulatory DNA sequences do not induce eosinophil apoptosis, but function at the level of the bone marrow to inhibit the IL-5-induced bone marrow generation and release of eosinophils. This research was supported by NIH grants AI 38425 and AI 33977 (DHB) and AI 35796 to (PS).
Proportional hazards regression with interval censored data using an inverse probability weight

The prevalence of interval censored data is increasing in medical studies due to the growing use of biomarkers to define a disease progression endpoint. Interval censoring results from periodic monitoring of the progression status. For example, disease progression is established in the interval between the clinic visit where progression is recorded and the prior clinic visit where there was no evidence of disease progression. A methodology is proposed for estimation and inference on the regression coefficients in the Cox proportional hazards model with interval censored data. The methodology is based on estimating equations and uses an inverse probability weight to select event time pairs where the ordering is unambiguous. Simulations are performed to examine the finite sample properties of the estimate and a colon cancer data set is used to demonstrate its performance relative to the conventional partial likelihood estimate that ignores the interval censoring.
Public policy: extending psychology's contributions to national priorities.

OVERVIEW Much of today's psychological research and practice is relevant to our national health agenda and can serve the public interest. President Obama's landmark health care reform success provides an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionize society's definition of "quality care" and highlight rehabilitation's potential. Advocacy, vision, and a public policy presence with persistence are critical. Those involved often focus exclusively upon specific issues (e.g., reimbursement, research funding, or graduate student support). SUMMARY By developing a "bigger picture" approach addressing society's real needs and embracing the changes technology will ultimately bring, psychology can have a more lasting impact. There are unlimited opportunities to advance the profession through personal involvement in the public policy arena. It is essential that psychology's next generation receives relevant mentoring.
The effect of temperature on feeding, growth, and metabolism during the last larval stadium of the female house cricket, Acheta domesticus

Abstract Eighth instar female house crickets at 35°C developed faster, gained slightly more wet weight, and consumed less food, water, and oxygen than at 25°C. The duration of the 8th stadium at 25°C was 13 days (undisturbed), but was 14 days when disturbed by daily weighing. The duration of the 8th stadium at 30°C was 8 days and at 35°C was 6 days. During the first half of the 8th stadium at 25, 30, and 35°C, there was a high rate of food and water consumption resulting in statistically equal maximum dry weight achievement (124 mg). Respiratory quotients greater than one during this time indicated the conversion of ingested carbohydrate to fat. During the latter half of the 8th stadium, food and water consumption declined and the crickets lost weight. The period of weight loss was proportionally much longer at 25°C than at 30 or 35°C. Respiratory quotients lower than 1.0 during the latter half of the 8th stadium at 30 and 35°C indicated the metabolism of stored lipids. The respiratory quotient at 25°C never fell below 1.0, possibly because some food remained in the gut. The absorption efficiency was not influenced by temperature (25–35°C). Though the caloric content of the faeces was lower at 25°C than at 30 or 35°C, which correlated to the much longer time for food passage at 25°C than at 35°C, the difference in total calories egested was insufficient to alter the absorption efficiency. A longer period of reduced feeding and greater dry weight loss during the latter half of the 8th stadium at 25°C resulted in a lower metabolic efficiency at 25°C than at 30 or 35°C. Eighth instar crickets in response to a step-function transfer from 30°C–25 or 35°C showed an immediate (
Motor control of the appetitive phase of feeding behavior in Aplysia.

The appetitive phase of feeding behavior, in the gastropod, Aplysia, consists of head lifting, head waving, orientation of the head to food, and locomotion. We have initiated studies of the neural control of head waving using three methods: (i) anatomical description of the nerves innervating muscles that are involved in head movement, (ii) electrical stimulation of nerves in a semi-intact preparation, and (iii) recording from nerves in free-moving animals. The muscles controlling head movements, located in the dorsal and lateral neck region, are innervated primarily by pleural nerve I and pedal nerves 2, 3, and 5. Electrical stimulation of these nerves caused both longitudinal and lateral contractions of the neck muscles, the largest contractions being in the area where the nerve first enters the muscle. Extracelluar recordings from pleural nerve 1 and pedal nerves, in free-moving animals, showed an increase in extracellular activity during head lifting, at the onset of appetitive feeding behavior. Directionally specific inhibition and excitation in neural activity occurred in pleural nerve 1 and pedal nerve 5 during leftward and rightward movements of the head (head waving). Cobalt and nickel backfills of pleural nerve 1 and pedal nerve 5 revealed cell bodies in the cerebral, pedal, and pleural ganglia. The neurons are therefore putative motor neurons for the neck muscles involved in appetitive behavior. This evidence suggests that appetitive control of feeding may involve the coordinated activity of several different ganglia.