cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of Specific Haplotypes of Neurotrophic Tyrosine Kinase Receptor 2 Gene (NTRK2) with Vulnerability to Nicotine Dependence in African-Americans and European-Americans

Background The gene encoding neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor 2 (NTRK2) has been localized to a region on chromosome 9q22-q23 that showed a “suggestive” linkage to nicotine dependence (ND) in our previous linkage analyses. However, no association of NTRK2 with ND has been identified. Methods Family-based association analyses of 2037 participants (1366 African Americans [AA], 671 European Americans [EA]) representing 602 nuclear families were performed to evaluate association of nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within NTRK2 with ND. Results Individual SNP-based association analysis indicated that in the EA sample, SNPs rs1659400 and rs1187272 were significantly associated with at least one adjusted ND measure. Haplotype analysis revealed that even after Bonferroni correction, the haplotype T-T-A of rs1659400-rs1187272-rs1122530 had a highly significant positive association, with adjusted ND measures in the EA sample (max Z = 3.78; p = .0001, frequency 59.9%). We further identified a major haplotype, T-G-C-A-A (26%), formed by rs993315-rs736744-rs920776-rs4075274-rs729560, which showed a significant positive association (max Z = 2.97, p = .003) with adjusted ND measures in the AA sample. Conclusions These results strongly suggest that NTRK2 is a susceptibility gene for ND. These findings imply that NTRK2 plays a role in the etiology of ND and represents an important biological candidate for further investigation.
Use of the Abbott Architect HIV antigen/antibody assay in a low incidence population

Abstract Background With the availability of 4th generation HIV diagnostic tests which are capable of detecting acute infection, Iowa evaluated the 3rd and 4th generation HIV test and compared the performance of these products in a low incidence population. Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of an HIV antigen/antibody combination (4th generation) assay compared to an EIA 3rd generation assay. Study design Over a 4 month period, 2037 specimens submitted for HIV screening were tested by Bio-Rad GS HIV-1/HIV-2 Plus O EIA and the Abbott Architect i1000SR HIV Ag/Ab Combo. The performance characteristics of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were determined. Results Of the 2037 specimens tested, there were 13 (0.64%) true positives detected. None of the positive specimens were from patients in the acute phase of infection. The Abbott antigen/antibody combo assay had a sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive value and negative predictive value of 100%, 99.85%, 81.25%, and 100% respectively. The Bio-Rad EIA assay had a sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive value and negative predictive value of 100%, 99.80%, 76.47% and 100%, respectively. The EIA had four false positive results which tested negative by the antigen/antibody assay and western blot. Conclusion In a low-incidence state where early infections are less commonly encountered, the EIA assay and the antigen/antibody assay performed with near equivalency. The antigen/antibody assay had one less false positive result. While no patients were detected in the acute stage of infection, the use of the antigen/antibody assay presents the opportunity to detect an infected patient sooner and prevent transmission to others.
Tissue-engineered calcium alginate patches in the repair of chronic chinchilla tympanic membrane perforations

Objective: Chronic tympanic membrane perforations are a common problem in the United States. A high number of these cases results from placement of pressure equalization tubes. These perforations may initially be treated with paper patch techniques and although safe and well tolerated, the procedure demonstrates poor efficacy. The ideal treatment for small perforations should be rapid, minimally invasive, and efficacious. Calcium alginate-based tissue engineered tympanic membrane patches represent an attractive option, but in vivo data are required. Methods: A controlled prospective study of tympanic membrane perforation repair using a well-known chinchilla model of chronic tympanic membrane perforation was performed. Calcium alginate-based tympanic membrane patches were created using computer-aided design techniques. A previously described chinchilla model of chronic tympanic membrane perforations was used to create stable perforations ranging from 2 to 5 mm. Ears with chronic perforations were divided into three groups: control (no patch), paper patch, and calcium alginate plugs. At 10 weeks postimplantation, all animals were killed and inspected both grossly and histologically for healing. Results: In the chinchilla model, the alginate grafts demonstrated significantly improved healing rates over both the untreated control group (spontaneous repair) and the paper patch group; nine of 13 healed in the alginate group versus two of nine healed in the paper patch group (P < .05) versus one of 11 healed in the control group (P < .05). Conclusion: Calcium alginate tympanic membrane perforation patches offer a significant advantage in the repair of chronic perforations over traditional techniques in the chinchilla perforation model and may offer attractive opportunities in the clinical setting.
Organosilane insecticides. Part I: Biological and physical effects of isosteric replacement of silicon for carbon in etofenprox and MTI‐800

Substitution of silicon for carbon was explored in etofenprox and MTI-800, primarily to establish the suitability of silicon for pesticide construction and to probe steric effects. It was shown that silicon is an effective building block for insecticides with subtle qualitative and quantitative differences relative to the carbon analogs. The silanes were slightly less toxic to insects than the carbon analogs (relative potency of 0.2-0.6) but the silane analog of MTI-800 was considerably less toxic to fish (0% mortality at ≥50 mg liter−1) than MTI-800 itself (LC50 = 3 mg liter−1). The mode of action of both carbon and silicon compounds was similar in the intact, electrode-implanted cockroach and involved repetitive firing of a sensory nerve; potency measurements were also made using an in-vitro nerve assay. The possible metabolic and physicochemical contributions to the observed insecticide potencies were explored using synergism studies, physical chemistry measurements and quantum mechanical calculations.
Extending physics capabilities of the PHENIX detector with calorimetry at forward rapidities

The PHENIX detector at RHIC has been designed to study different signatures of the states of matter created in heavy-ion collisions, and to investigate the spin structure of the nucleon. The PHENIX detector measures muons in two muon spectrometers, located at forward rapidities (1.2 < |η| < 2.4) and hadrons, electrons and photons in the two central spectrometers at midrapidity (|η| <0.35). To make a next step in the PHENIX research program, it is necessary to extend the rapidity coverage beyond the limits set by the existing central spectrometer. The functionality of the PHENIX muon detectors can be extended with added capabilities to measure photonic and hadronic jets. Tungsten calorimeters with silicon pixel readout and fine transverse and longitudinal segmentation are proposed to attain this goal. The proposed calorimeters will be located in the forward directions on either side of the PHENIX interaction point. In this talk we report on the studies of the functionality of the proposed calorimeters: the detector energy resolution, the jet reconstruction capabilities and the characteristics of pion rejection.
Fine tuning online faculty development workshops

At West Virginia University (WVU), the Office of Information Technology and the Instructional Technology Resource Center (ITRC) have been teaching a variety of online faculty development workshops since the spring of 2008. We currently use Blackboard Vista and Wimba Classroom as our platforms to deliver self-paced workshops and synchronous live webinars. This paper summarizes refinements we have made over the past four years based on lessons learned while developing our current program. Issues include managing enrollment and providing follow-up support in addition to workshop design and delivery. Future challenges face our online workshop development efforts as WVU prepares to migrate to Blackboard Learn 9 and Blackboard Collaborate products over the next two years.
Plasma cell differentiation and the unfolded protein response intersect at the transcription factor XBP-1.

The transcription factor X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1) is essential for the differentiation of plasma cells and the unfolded protein response (UPR). Here we show that UPR-induced splicing of XBP-1 by the transmembrane endonuclease IRE1 is required to restore production of immunoglobulin in XBP-1−/− mouse B cells, providing an integral link between XBP-1, the UPR and plasma cell differentiation. Signals involved in plasma cell differentiation, specifically interleukin-4, control the transcription of XBP-1, whereas its post-transcriptional processing is dependent on synthesis of immunoglobulins during B cell differentiation. We also show that XBP-1 is involved in controlling the production of interleukin-6, a cytokine that is essential for plasma cell survival. Thus, signals upstream and downstream of XBP-1 integrate plasma cell differentiation with the UPR.
Does Sex Really Matter

The sex variable has been discussed at great length in economic education research reports, because it so often appears that males learn more than females in the college introductory course. The authors of this study go beyond idle speculation as to the reasons for this puzzling phenomenon, however, and attempt to determine the point at which the male-female differential first appears. They note that significant sex differences rarely occur at the precollege level, and report the results of their own study of some 2,000 pupils in elementary and secondary schools. Asserting that the sex-linked differences in learning begin to occur “between the late high school years and the sophomore year of college,” the authors assume that the differences are “wholly cultural in origin” and present several possible explanations.
On the independence of stimulus evocation of fear and fear evocation of responses

Abstract Dogs in an experimental group were first trained in a shuttlebox on a free-operant avoidance response; then a second, discriminative avoidance response was trained in a second apparatus to a tone. Following criterion, the second avoidance response was “extinguished” through unsignaled. response-independent US presentations. Finally, the tone was presented in the shuttlebox as a test for residual fear. The tone produced as much facilitation of the free-operant avoidance responding as it did in two control groups; one control had not had the second avoidance response extinguished, while the other had received only Pavlovian conditioning in the second apparatus. Thus, the elimination of a discriminative avoidance response to a CS does not impair the CS 's ability to control a second independent avoidance response. This result reflects and confirms the separability and independence of the CS -fear and fearavoidance response links hypothesized by two-process theories.
The location of cis-acting regulatory sequences in the human T cell lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III/LAV) long terminal repeat.

Summary The location of cis -acting regulatory sequences within the long terminal repeat (LTR) of the human T cell lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III/LAV) was determined. An enhancer element capable of increasing the rate of transcription from a heterologous promoter, irrespective of distance and orientation, is located between nucleotides −137 and −17 (cap site +1). The promoter sequences present near the TATA box respond to heterologous enhancers. The sequences present between nucleotides −17 and +80 are responsive to HTLV-III-associated trans -acting regulatory factors. Activation of these sequences by the viral regulatory factors requires the presence of a functional enhancer. The enhancer requirement is nonspecific, as the enhancer sequences of RSV, HTLV-I, and SV40 can functionally replace the HTLV-III enhancer. These findings define a new type of regulatory element, provide insight into the mechanisms that regulate HTLV-III gene expression, and may help to explain the effects of this virus on infected cells.
Minimum drive fields in contiguous‐disk bubble devices

The shape anisotropy resulting from the elongated, parallel arrangement of the propagation tracks in contiguous‐disk bubble devices makes a significant contribution to the minimum drive field of these devices. A simple model relates this contribution to the minimum drive field with the demagnetizing field of the ion‐planted region between adjacent propagation tracks. There is good agreement between the prediction of the model and published results on eleven different contiguous‐disk bubble devices. The implications on drive field requirements as contiguous‐disk devices are scaled to high storage density are briefly considered.
Applications of the child abuse potential inventory

Five hundred and fifty administrators, direct services providers, and researchers were surveyed to determine the extent of knowledge of uses/misuses of a physical child abuse screening instrument, the Child Abuse Potential Inventory. Overall, parent screening and treatment evaluation applications were mentioned most frequently. These applications are congruent with the stated purpose and recommended use of the Child Abuse Potential Inventory. Application differences were found between researchers and non-researchers. A number of test applications not warranted by existing validity data also were found. The number and frequency of test misapplications support the view that additional professional training in the use of child maltreatment screening instruments is needed.
The effects of selective hippocampal lesions on DRL behavior in rats.

Rats with lesions involving different hippocampal subdivisions and/or efferent projections were tested for acquisition of a differential reinforcement of low rates of responding (DRL) task. Extensive damage to hippocampus and more limited fimbrial lesions that interrupted the CA3—septal connections produced marked impairments. Damage to the CA1 cell field and interruption of the hippocampal—subiculum projections in the alveus did not impair acquisition. The results indicate that the extrahippocampal projections from CA3 cells to septum are especially important for normal acquisition of the DRL task. These findings add to the growing body of evidence indicating that the neuroanatomically defined subdivisions within hippocampus (CA1 and CA3) are differentially involved in behavior.
Single dose intravenous ondansetron for the 24‐hour treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting

Postoperative nausea and vomiting is a major concern for patients undergoing outpatient surgery under general anaesthesia, and may complicate and delay discharge from hospital. This paper evaluates the safety and efficacy of ondansetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, in the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting. One thousand patients in 30 centres in the United States who received general anaesthesia and developed postoperative nausea and vomiting were studied. In a randomised, double-blind, stratified and parallel designed protocol, patients received either ondansetron 1, 4, 8 mg or placebo for nausea or vomiting occurring within 2 h of entry into the Post Anaesthesia Care Unit. Subsequent episodes of vomiting, nausea scores, laboratory and clinical safety data and adverse events were evaluated during the 24-h study period. In a separate study, pharmacokinetic data were compared for intramuscularly and intravenously administered ondansetron. Each dose of ondansetron was significantly better than placebo in reducing nausea from control values during the initial 2-h study period, and in preventing further emesis over 24 h. There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events, changes in laboratory values or measures of vital signs in the ondansetron groups compared to the placebo group. Dose comparisons between the three treatment groups showed that ondansetron 4 mg is the optimal dose to treat postoperative nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron is a well tolerated, efficacious antiemetic which has a similar side effect profile to placebo. Intramuscular administration has the same systemic availability as intravenous administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Fabrication of metallic nanowire arrays by electrodeposition into nanoporous alumina membranes: effect of barrier layer

Deposition into nanoporous alumina membranes is widely used for nanowire fabrication. Herein using AC electrodeposition ternary Fe–Co–Ni nanowires are fabricated within the nanoscale-pores of alumina membranes. Using an electrodeposition frequency of 1,000 Hz, 15 Vrms, consistently and repeatably yield nanowire arrays over membranes several cm2 in extent. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is used to explain the effects of AC electrodeposition frequency. The impedance of the residual alumina barrier layer, separating the underlying aluminum metal and the nanoporous membrane, decreases drastically with electrodeposition frequency facilitating uniform pore-filling of samples several cm2 in area. Anodic polarization studies on thin films having alloy compositions identical to the nanowires display excellent corrosion resistance properties.
Stability of acoustic oscillations in a model helmholtz-type pulse combustor

The leading-order fluid motions and frequencies in combustion chambers and resonance tubes are generally found to be strongly related to those governed by linear acoustics. The present work considers the nonlinear stability of such motions in the context of a model pulse combustor with applications to moisture removal, or drying. In this model, the flow from the combustion chamber supplies energy to the acoustic motions through inertial effects, while the action of viscosity and vaporization of moisture from the initially wet particles, which are injected at the entrance to the resonance tube, are examples of potential damping processes. For small mean-flow Mach numbers and particle densities, the equations of linear acoustics emerge as a first approximation, but are then perturbed by processes such as those just described. Introducing a formal perturbation expansion for the nonsteady motions, evolution equations for the amplitudes of the classical acoustic modes are determined from solvability conditions at various orders in the analysis. Focusing on the linear stability of the basic flow, conditions are derived for the growth or decay of acoustic oscillations as a function of parameters such as viscosity and those that describe the coupling of pressure and velocity perturbations at the entrance to the resonance tube. The combination of inertial, viscous and coupling processes is then seen to provide an effective mode-selection mechanism that inhibits the growth of all but a few lower-frequency acoustic modes from among the infinite number predicted by linear acoustics alone.
Scattering of 3.2 to 4.2 MeV polarized neutrons by carbon using a diamond scintillator

Abstract Polarized neutrons from the 12 C(d,n) 13 N reaction with energies from 3.2 to 4.2 MeV have been scattered from carbon in a diamond scintillator. The 12 C(n,n) 12 C polarization inferred from the measured asymmetries has been compared with the polarization of carbon predicted from published phase shifts.
The structure of perfectionism: a twin study.

Background: Perfectionism may be a premorbid risk factor for eating disorders. Evidence of familial transmission suggests features of perfectionism may be genetically determined. This study examines the structure of perfectionism using classical twin design models. Methods: Independent (IP) and common (CP) pathway models are used to investigate the extent to which genetic and environmental factors can help to identify and differentiate three behavioral domains of Perfectionism as measured by a shortened version of the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS) [Frost et al. (1990). Cognit. Ther. Res. 14: 449–468]. Three of the original subscales were included: Personal standards (PS), Doubts about actions (DA), Concern over mistakes (CM). We studied a sample of 1022 paired and unpaired female twins from the Mid-Atlantic Twin Registry. Results: MZ correlations were consistently higher than DZ twin correlations for all three composite subscales. The multivariate independent pathway model provided a better fit to the twin correlations then did the more parsimonious common pathway model suggesting the pattern of familial resemblance for the three subscales is not well characterized by a unidimensional perfectionism factor. CM phenotypic variance was completely accounted for by common heritability influences in both the IP and CP models. Based on the IP model results, there was evidence that PS and CM but not DA shared some common genetic effects, with DA and CM sharing some common environmental factors. Conclusions: These multivariate twin modeling results support conceptualizations of perfectionism as a multidimensional construct. The biometric structural results for the three subscales examined here suggest CM is the core feature of Perfectionism with DA and PS serving as indicators of CM. Although not the best fitting model, the common pathway model estimated this behavioral domain to be isomorphic with the construct of perfectionism. The better fitting independent pathway model provided evidence of non-trivial differences in the pattern of heritability for CM, DA, and PS.
Trends in neurosurgical complication rates at teaching vs nonteaching hospitals following duty-hour restrictions.

BACKGROUND In 2003 the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education implemented duty-hour restrictions for residents, with an unclear impact on patient care. OBJECTIVE The authors hypothesize that implementation of duty-hour restrictions is not associated with decreased morbidity for neurosurgical patients. This hypothesis was tested with the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to examine inpatient complications associated with a common elective procedure, craniotomy for meningioma. METHODS The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried for all patients admitted for elective craniotomy for meningioma from 1998 to 2008, excluding the year 2003. Each case was queried for common in-hospital postoperative complications. The complication rate was compared for 5-year epochs at teaching and nonteaching hospitals before (1998-2002) and after (2004-2008) the adoption of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education work-hour restriction. Multivariate analysis was performed to control for the effects of age and medical comorbidities. RESULTS We identified 21177 patients who met inclusion criteria. We identified an effect of age, preexisting medical comorbidity, and timing of surgery on postoperative complication rates. At teaching hospitals, the complication rate increased from 14% to 16% (P < .001). In contrast, this increase was not mirrored at nonteaching hospitals, which saw a nearly constant postoperative complication rate of 15% from 1998 to 2002 and 15% for the years 2004 to 2008 (P = .979). This effect remained significant in a multivariate analysis including age and existing comorbidities as covariates (P = .016). CONCLUSION In patients undergoing craniotomy for meningioma, postoperative complication rates increased at teaching hospitals, but not at nonteaching hospitals over the 5-year epochs before and after 2003.
Reinterpreting interpretive social science: Mark Bevir on Democratic Governance

Mark Bevir's Democratic Governance is radical in its attack on governance as theory and as administrative practice. It is ambitious in its historical tracing of the roots of governance back through modernism in philosophy, democratic theory and the social sciences. And it has a purpose: to reveal the historical contingency of modernist theories of governance and their deleterious effects on current democratic practice while demonstrating the value of his more ‘interpretive’ social science. He does all of this masterfully, although we are nonetheless left wanting more of an account of interpretivism, more critical engagement with modernist theories, and more developed interpretive solutions to the problems that governance theory has caused for democracy.
Proteomics study of neuropathic and nonneuropathic dorsal root ganglia: altered protein regulation following segmental spinal nerve ligation injury.

Peripheral nerve injury is often followed by the development of severe neuropathic pain. Nerve degeneration accompanied by inflammatory mediators is thought to play a role in generation of neuropat...
SOFIA/HAWC+: Mapping the Galactic Center Magnetic Field

Polarimetry of the far infrared emission from magnetically-aligned interstellar grains is one of the best ways of studying the magnetic field at the Galactic Center. We describe the HAWC+ instrument, under development for flight on SOFIA starting in 2015, which will provide a major advance in capability for these critically important measurements.
Threaded interpretive systems and functional programming environments

While languages based upon threaded interpretive systems have been used for a variety of applications, these systems have been generally ignored by serious students of programming languages. We describe research here at the University of South Florida where we are investigating the suitability of these systems for implementing a programming environment - specifically an environment to support programming in a functional style.We hypothesize that threaded interpretive systems may have merit as the basis for more ambitious language implementations than have yet been attempted - and that such languages may offer a reasonable compromise between the flexability of more interpretive systems and the efficiency of compilers that generate native code. We describe extensions to a threaded language which provide the kernel of a functional style language. Our goal is to gain insight into the real and apparent capabilities of threaded languages and to evaluate the potential of such systems for support of functional programming environments.
Investigation on bismaleimide bearing polysiloxane (BPS) toughening of 4,4′-bismaleimido diphenylmethane (BMI) matrix—synthesis, characterization and toughness

Abstract N -(4-Hydroxyphenyl) maleimide was synthesized via two synthesizing procedures, and a new bismaleimide bearing polysiloxane (BPS) was prepared by reacting N -(4-hydroxyphenyl) maleimide with dichlorodimethyl silane at first, then the adduct was reacted with polysiloxane terminated by hydroxyl groups. The products were characterized by i.r., n.m.r. and elemental analysis, respectively. The molecular weight of BPS was determined by g.p.c. and its curing behaviour and cured resin thermal stability were investigated by d.s.c. and t.g.a. The toughening effect of BPS was investigated by introducing it into 4,4′-bismaleimido diphenylmethane (BMI) cured matrix. The results indicated that adding 20 wt% BPS into the BMI matrix could increase the impact strength 3.7 times as much as that of the pure BMI matrix. The toughening mechanism of the matrix was elucidated by the glass transition temperature, determined by d.s.c., and the fracture surface morphology was observed by s.e.m.
Convection phenomena in low-gravity processing - The GTE GaAs space experiment

A numerical model for the proposed GTE GaAs space experiment is presented. The model includes the actual ampule design and the experimentally obtained furnace thermal profiles. Results are presented based on both the traditional steady-state models and on fully time dependent simulations. It is demonstrated that the commonly presumed axisymmetric flows in numerical studies are physically accurate only when the local gravitational acceleration vector is parallel to the ampules's axis. Other gravitational orientations result in nontrivial three-dimensional flows which must be resolved using full three-dimensional models. Implications of the resulting flow and thermal fields on the growing crystal at conditions available during space processing are also discussed.
The Internal Structures and Dynamics of Solar Quiescent Prominences

We present generalized Kippenhahn-Schluter (KS) equilibrium and steady-flow solutions of the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations. These solutions are constructed of arrays of laminated isothermal KS prominence sheets whose temperatures, sag angles, and dip positions may vary arbitrarily from sheet to sheet. Moreover, the sheets can move at arbitrary constant uniform velocities relative to each other within their planes. This great versatility allows us to model the filamentary structure of prominences and illustrate why their observed dimensions differ from their characteristic hydrostatic scale lengths. We are also able to explain observed vertical and horizontal velocities as naturally arising steady rigid motions of plasma sheets in local force equilibrium but global nonequilibrium.
Chemical Analyses of Seeds II: Oil and Protein Content of 759 Species

The large plant screening program of the U. S. Department of Agriculture continues to reveal chemical compositions significant both to fundamental understanding of the plant kingdom and to future practical usage of selected species as crop plants. To date more than 5,000 seed samples from 160 plant families have been chemically ana- lyzed. The present paper reports results on 1,010 samples, representing 32 orders, 103 families, 465 genera, and 759 species of seed plants. Presentation of data follows the format used in the first paper of this series (1).
Guarding Behavior and Reproductive Isolation in Two Tetranychid Mite Species (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Female deutonymphs (the last immature instar) of the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, and the Banks grass mite, Oligonychus pratensis (Banks), become quiescent before emerging as adults. Adult males guard these quiescent females and mate with them as soon as they emerge. Interspecific guarding was common in no-choice tests: 52.2% of T. urticae males guarded quiescent O. pratensis female deutonymphs and 31.0% of O. pratensis males guarded T. urticae females. However, when offered a choice between con- and heterospecific females, 87.7% of T. urticae males and all O. pratensis males guarded conspecific females. This tendency to guard conspecific females may act as a premating isolating mechanism by reducing the incidence of heterospecific matings. In no-choice tests, the arrestment responses of males of both species to pheromone extracted from con- and heterospecific female quiescent deutonymphs were not significantly different. Similarly, in choice tests, males showed no preference for conspecific pheromone over pheromone extracted from heterospecific females. Arrestment pheromones do not appear to facilitate reproductive isolation in these species.
The effect of paramagnetic shift during thermal quench on internal components in fusion devices

Abstract A plasma current disruption is usually initiated by impurity influx that causes a rapid decrease in plasma thermal stored energy (thermal quench). Thermal quench occurs in 500–2000 μs on a large device like ITER. Depending on the β value, the plasma may be either paramagnetic or diamagnetic. Thermal quench causes a large shift in paramagnetism (or diamagnetism) and a corresponding change in toroidal flux. The flux swing can be 1–2 Weber with the rate of change of the toroidal field between 25 and 150 T/s for a device like ITER. The toroidal field shift induces poloidal current in the vessel and possibly in internal components. We have developed a method for simulating the thermal quench field shift that is compatible for use with the electromagnetic simulation codes. The method is based on a radially thin shell having the shape of the last closed flux surface with poloidal current driven to duplicate the toroidal field shift. The magnitude of the current and its time history are adjusted to duplicate the flux change during a disruption thermal quench. We will present the results of using this method to simulate the induced currents in a vacuum vessel having two shells.
Mannitol inhibits growth of intact cucumber but not pea seedlings by mechanically collapsing the root pressure.

The positive xylem pressure (Px) in cucumber hypocotyls is a direct extension of root pressure and therefore depends on the root environment. Solutions of the electrolyte KCl (0.10 osm) reduced the hypocotyl Px transiently (biphasic response), while the Px reduction by mannitol solutions was sustained. The amplitudes of the induced Px reduction depended directly, and the degree of Px restoration after stress release depended indirectly, on the size of the initial positive Px, indicating that mannitol released the root pressure by a mechanical rather than osmotic mechanism. Mannitol treatment and other means of root pressure reduction revealed two separate growth responses in the affected cucumber hypocotyls. Only steep Px drops (following root excision or root pressure release in mannitol) directly cause a rapid, transient drop in growth rate (GR). Both rapid and slow (after root incubation in KCN or NEM) decreases in root pressure, however, led to a sustained growth inhibition of cucumber hypocotyls after about 30 min. This delay characterizes the growth response as an indirect consequence of the Px change. Pea seedlings, which lacked root pressure and had a negative Px throughout, showed extremely small changes in epicotyl Px and GR after root incubation in mannitol. It is apparent that the higher sensitivity of cucumber growth to mannitol depended on the presence and release of root pressure.
Enzymatic digestibility and pretreatment degradation products of AFEX-treated hardwoods (Populus nigra)

There is a growing need to find alternatives to crude oil as the primary feed stock for the chemicals and fuel industry and ethanol has been demonstrated to be a viable alternative. Among the various feed stocks for producing ethanol, poplar (Populus nigra x Populus maximowiczii) is considered to have great potential as a biorefinery feedstock in the United States, due to their widespread availability and good productivity in several parts of the country. We have optimized AFEX pretreatment conditions (180 degrees C, 2:1 ammonia to biomass loading, 233% moisture, 30 minutes residence time) and by using various combinations of enzymes (commercical celluloses and xylanases) to achieve high glucan and xylan conversion (93 and 65%, respectively). We have also identified and quantified several important degradation products formed during AFEX using liquid chromatography followed by mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). As a part of degradation product analysis, we have also quantified oligosaccharides in the AFEX water wash extracts by acid hydrolysis. It is interesting to note that corn stover (C4 grass) can be pretreated effectively using mild AFEX pretreatment conditions, while on the other hand hardwood poplar requires much harsher AFEX conditions to obtain equivalent sugar yields upon enzymatic hydrolysis. Comparing corn stover and poplar, we conclude that pretreatment severity and enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency are dictated to a large extent by lignin carbohydrate complexes and arabinoxylan cross-linkages for AFEX.
Plutonium 238 pacemaker failure secondary to lead fracture.

First implanted in France in 1970, the plutonium-powered pulse generator was a solution to the need for a longlived power source for implantable pacemakers. The first pacemakers were powered by a chemical (mercury–zinc) battery that lasted approximately 18 months, leading to the need for frequent replacement. The electronic power from a nuclear pacemaker comes from utilizing the heat from the decaying plutonium and converting it into electricity. Because the radioisotope has a half-life of 87.7 years, generators should remain active for decades. An 83-year-old man with an unknown past medical history was found minimally responsive at home. During EMS evaluation, he was noted to have a pacemaker generator in his left subclavian area. Shortly thereafter, the patient lost consciousness, became pulseless, and was found to be in asystole. Pulse and ventricular escape rhythm returned after treatment with epinephrine and atropine. The patient was intubated, and hemodynamic stability was achieved after emergent placement of a temporary transvenous pacemaker. Chest x-ray film revealed fracture of the single ventricular
Propagation of electromagnetic pulses in terrestrial waveguides

The propagation of electromagnetic waves over the earth's surface is considered under transient conditions. The source is taken to be a vertical electric dipole whose current moment is suddenly established. The build-up of the radiated field is calculated under various assumed corditions. It is shown, even in the absence of an ionospherically reflected wave, that the influence of earth curvature has a pronounced effect on the distortion of the original pulse shape. For great distances (i.e., d>2000 km), it is found to be more convenient to regard the field as a sum of modes. Particular attention is given to the transient characteristics of the dominant mode as a function of the source waveform.
Characterization of thermally oxidized iridium oxide films

Abstract Electrochromic iridium oxide films have been prepared by thermal oxidation of vacuum-deposited iridium-carbon composite films. The density, oxidation state and kinetics of the films have been investigated. The results derived are: (1) the density of the films ranges from 5.8 to 6.8 g cm −3 and is ∼ 1 2 of that of bulk IrO 2 , suggesting the films are porous. (2) The ratio of the number of electrons injected during the potential scan from −0.2 to 1.0 V vs a saturated calomel electrode (V SCE ) in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 to the number of Ir in the films, viz the oxidation change per Ir atom, is ∼1, corresponding to an Ir (III)-Ir(IV) redox transition. (3) The response of the current passed through the films deposited on Ta to a potential pulse between −0.2 and 1.0V SCE in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 is fast even immediately after the operation: ∼90% of the total transferred charge was passed within 50 ms. This fast current response of the films is possibly due to their porous structure.
‘I dare not lean to my conceit’: Growth in the understanding of contemplative experience in The Cloud of Unknowing

In this article the nature of the contemplative experience of ‘unknowing’ is explored, as it is depicted in the classic of Western contemplative literature, The Cloud of Unknowing. Attention is given to the fact that the Cloud author changed his description of unknowing over time, in a manner reflecting growth and deepening of his understanding of the nature of contemplative experience. The article's author also includes mention of a pair of personal meditative experiences, in underscoring the likelihood that considerable humility and open-mindedness are called for in the modern-day incorporation of ‘mindfulness’ in psychotherapy and programs of well-being.
Gas flow visualization by means of sheared beam interferometry: sensitivity, maximum measurable gradient of the density fluctuation, and integrated density estimation

Abstract A technique for visualizing the density distribution of a gas flow using sheared beam interferometry was analyzed. The interference pattern which arises in the shearing interferometer encodes information about the gradient of the line integral of the density fluctuation along the propagation path of the light. While this method of flow visualization has been previously used, the sensitivity and dynamic range of this technique have not been analyzed. It is also shown that it is possible to obtain quantitative information about the integral of the density fluctuations along the path of light propagation using shearing interferometry. This paper presents the theoretical aspects of this technique, and provides an analysis of the sensitivity and maximum measurable gradient of the line integral of the density fluctuation. Representative results from a laboratory experiment conducted on a shear-layer gas flow are shown.
Circadian pattern of intubation rates in ED patients with congestive heart failure

Abstract Purpose A previous study showed that pulmonary edema patients presenting between noon and 4 pm have the highest rates of myocardial infarction and death. We hypothesized that the highest intubation rates would also occur at these times. Basic Procedures We performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients seen by emergency department physicians in 15 hospital emergency departments (1996-2003). Main Findings Of 3.6 million visits in the database, 39,795 (1.1%) patients had congestive heart failure. We found statistically significant circadian variations in intubation rates. Patients arriving between midnight and 4 am had the highest intubation rates (4.1%), and those arriving between noon and 4 pm had the lowest (1.2%) (difference, 2.9%; 95% confidence interval, 2.4%-3.4%; P Conclusion We found significant circadian variation in intubation rates, with a marked increase around midnight. Pathological mechanisms causing patients with congestive heart failure to require intubation may differ from those resulting in myocardial infarction or death.
Localized Cooling in Flux Crystal Growth

Abstract : Large crystals of a number of compounds have been grown from PbO-PbF2 flux systems utilizing a temperature gradient and localized cooling. The temperature gradient and localized cooling were induced by a jet of cold air directed on the crucible bottom. The temperature gradients of the crucible were measured and were found to be much less than the furnace temperature gradient. The technique is described, and a comparison is made of crystals grown with and without a temperature gradient. (Author)
Estradiol Effects on Secretagogue-Induced Prolactin Release: Disparity in Responses to Sulpiride, Exercise, Epinephrine, Prostaglandin-F2α, and Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone

Abstract Three experiments were conducted (1) to assess the effects of estradiol pretreatment on the prolactin response to various secretagogues, and (2) to determine whether elevated plasma thyroxine concentrations altered the prolactin responses to those secretagogues. Geldings were available and were used because their prolactin and luteinizing hormone responses to estradiol and dopamine antagonists are known to be similar to those in seasonally anovulatory mares. In the first experiment, performed in summer, estradiol cypionate (ECP; 100 mg) treatment of geldings increased ( P = .07) plasma prolactin concentrations before the onset of exercise, and repeated exercise bouts stimulated ( P 2α administration (10 mg Lutalyse) stimulated ( P P P = .038) response in ECP-treated geldings relative to controls. In the second experiment, performed in winter, ECP (50 mg) pretreatment of geldings before 21 days of daily thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH; 1.5 mg) injections did not alter prolactin secretion ( P > .1); TRH stimulated prolactin secretion only after the very first injection. In the third experiment (performed in July), pretreatment of geldings with 50 mg of thyroxine in biodegradable particles (day 0) raised ( P 2α on day 9, or to an injection of sulpiride on day 13. The previously reported stimulation of plasma prolactin concentrations by estradiol pretreatment and subsequent sulpiride administration in mares, as evidenced herein in geldings, does not occur when prolactin is stimulated by exercise, prostaglandin-F 2α , or TRH. The practical impact of these data is that stimulation of prolactin concentrations after ECP treatment in winter, in an effort to stimulate ovarian activity in seasonally anovulatory mares, is likely limited to dopamine antagonists. Results of the third experiment indicate that TRH is not likely the mediator in the prolactin response to exercise or prostaglandin-F 2α injection.
An efficient geographic location-based security mechanism for vehicular adhoc networks

In vehicular adhoc network (VANET), applications are involved with sensitive and secret information. We address a location-based encryption method that not only ensures messages confidentiality but also authenticates identity and location of communication peers. The authentication of location means that a message can only decrypted by the receiver which is “physically” present inside a decryption region that is specified by location, time and speed. A practical mapping function which converts location, time and speed into a unique lock key is proposed. The determination of the decryption region is addressed in two steps: predicting and updating. The proposed method evaluated by simulations is efficient and secure.
The Role of Generativity in Psychological Well-Being: Does it Differ for Childless Adults and Parents?

Given that parenthood is considered a central adult status with developmental implications, and an increasing number of adults are childless, we assessed whether adult development is structured differently for parents and non-parents. This study’s main goal was to assess and compare the connection between generativity development—a key task of middle adulthood—and psychological well-being for childless adults (N = 289) and parents (N = 2,218), ages 35–74, using the 1995 MIDUS dataset. We also examined differences in these associations for women and men by parental status, because childlessness is often assumed to be more critical for females’ than males’ development. Structural equation modeling indicated a positive association between generativity and psychological well-being. Differences in this association for parents and childless adults were not evident, nor were there significant differences for childless women and mothers, and childless men and fathers. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Bone Marrow Is a Preferred Site for Homeostatic Proliferation of Memory CD8 T Cells

Proliferative renewal of memory CD8 T cells is essential for maintaining long-term immunity. In this study, we examined the contributions that various tissue microenvironments make toward the homeostatic proliferation of Ag-specific memory CD8 T cells. We found that dividing memory T cells were present in both lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues. However, the bone marrow was the preferred site for proliferation and contained a major pool of the most actively dividing memory CD8 T cells. Adoptive transfer studies indicated that memory cells migrated through the bone marrow and divided there preferentially. These results show that the bone marrow is not only the source of stem cells for generating naive T cells but also provides the necessary signals for the self-renewal of memory T cells.