cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microwave Background Anisotropies Due to the Kinematic Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect of the Lyman-alpha Forest

The Lyman-alpha absorption systems observed in the spectra of QSOs are likely to possess bulk peculiar velocities. The free electrons in these systems scatter the microwave background and distort its spectrum through the kinematic Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect. I calculate the temperature fluctuations of the microwave sky due to variations in the number of Lyman-alpha systems along different lines-of-sight throughout the universe. The known population of absorbers out to z=5 introduces anisotropies on angular scales <1' with an rms amplitude of order (DeltaT/T)= 10^{-6}*(Omega_Lya/0.05)*(v/400km/s), where Omega_Lya is the cosmological density parameter of ionized gas in Lyman-alpha absorption systems, and v is the rms line-of-sight peculiar velocity of these systems at z=3. Detection of this signal will provide valuable information about the cosmic velocity field and the gas content of Lyman-alpha absorption systems at high redshifts.
Experimentally increased in ovo testosterone leads to increased plasma bactericidal activity and decreased cutaneous immune response in nestling house wrens.

SUMMARY Maternally derived testosterone in the eggs of birds may benefit nestlings by increasing various aspects of their growth, condition and behavioral development, but these benefits may come at a cost, including suppression of immune responsiveness. Experiments on a variety of species in which in ovo levels of testosterone have been experimentally increased have produced mixed results; some have found increased growth and suppressed immune function of nestlings whereas others have found the opposite. In an attempt to clarify the relationship between in ovo testosterone and nestling size, mass, health state and immune responsiveness, we experimentally increased levels of testosterone in the eggs of house wrens (Troglodytes aedon). We simultaneously determined the size, mass, hematocrit (a measure of health state), cutaneous immune response to phytohaemagglutinin and plasma bactericidal activity of nestlings near the time of fledging. We predicted that nestlings hatching from testosterone-injected eggs would exhibit lower immune responsiveness, but achieve greater mass, size and condition, than nestlings hatching from vehicle-injected control eggs. Instead, we found that nestlings hatching from testosterone-injected eggs had a weaker cutaneous immune response but greater bactericidal activity than those hatching from control eggs. They did not, however, differ significantly in mass, size or hematocrit from controls. These results suggest that experimentally increased in ovo testosterone induced a trade-off between bactericidal activity and the cutaneous immune response. The opposite responses by two different measures of immune function to experimentally increased in ovo testosterone underscore the importance of including multiple immune assays when investigating the potential for trade-offs with the immune system and other physiological functions.
Clinical management of immunosuppression in sportsmen-women: recommendations for sports medicine physicians and physiotherapists

In sportsmen and sportswomen the Overtraining Syndrome (OTS) can be a physically debilitating medical condition that results in these men and women being totally compromised in their capacity to perform and compete athletically. Many physiological systems are affected by the process of overtraining and the OTS; but one system in particular, the immune, is highly susceptible to degradation resulting in a reduction in overall health and performance. The aim of this paper is twofold; 1) to review the evidence-based proactive steps and actions to greatly reduce the risk of development of an infection or a compromised immune system in sportsmen; and 2) to recommend the course of action for clinicians when they are dealing with an sportsmen and women displaying overt signs of an infection and, or inflammation. Based upon the evidence reviewed-presented herewithin, it can be concluded that it is essential for clinicians to take practical preventative and management steps – actions with sportsmen-women involved in intensive exercise training in order to help preserve a healthy and robust immune system.
Glial progenitor cells in the adult brain reveal their alternate fate

Glial cells that express NG2 and platelet-derived growth factor receptor α are found throughout the mature CNS. These cells are mitotically active, but their functions remain enigmatic. A genetic fate-mapping study in this issue shows that these abundant glial cells can generate both oligodendrocytes and some cortical projection neurons in the adult brain.
Differential effects of β-catenin and NF-κB interplay in the regulation of cell proliferation, inflammation and tumorigenesis in response to bacterial infection.

Both β-catenin and NF-κB have been implicated in our laboratory as candidate factors in driving proliferation in an in vivo model of Citrobacter rodentium (CR)-induced colonic crypt hyper-proliferation and hyperplasia. Herein, we test the hypothesis that β-catenin and not necessarily NF-κB regulates colonic crypt hyperplasia or tumorigenesis in response to CR infection. When C57Bl/6 wild type (WT) mice were infected with CR, sequential increases in proliferation at days 9 and 12 plateaued off at day 19 and paralleled increases in NF-κB signaling. In Tlr4−/− (KO) mice, a sequential but sustained proliferation which tapered off only marginally at day 19, was associated with TLR4-dependent and independent increases in NF-κB signaling. Similarly, increases in either activated or total β-catenin in the colonic crypts of WT mice as early as day 3 post-infection coincided with cyclinD1 and c-myc expression and associated crypt hyperplasia. In KO mice, a delayed kinetics associated predominantly with increases in non-phosphorylated (active) β-catenin coincided with increases in cyclinD1, c-myc and crypt hyperplasia. Interestingly, PKCζ-catalyzed Ser-9 phosphorylation and inactivation of GSK-3β and not loss of wild type APC protein accounted for β-catenin accumulation and nuclear translocation in either strain. In vitro studies with Wnt2b and Wnt5a further validated the interplay between the Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB pathways, respectively. When WT or KO mice were treated with nanoparticle-encapsulated siRNA to β-catenin (si- β-Cat), almost complete loss of nuclear β-catenin coincided with concomitant decreases in CD44 and crypt hyperplasia without defects in NF-κB signaling. si-β-Cat treatment to ApcMin/+ mice attenuated CR-induced increases in β-catenin and CD44 that halted the growth of mutated crypts without affecting NF-κB signaling. The predominant β-catenin-induced crypt proliferation was further validated in a Castaneus strain (B6.CAST.11M) that exhibited significant crypt hyperplasia despite an attenuated NF-κB signaling. Thus, β-catenin and not necessarily NF-κB regulates crypt hyperplasia in response to bacterial infection.
Is lateral internal sphincterotomy the best treatment option for patients with anal fissure

Is lateral internal sphincterotomy the best treatment option for patients with anal fissure?
Determination of the heavy atom structure of bromobenzene by rotational spectroscopy

Abstract The rotational spectra of 79 Br and 81 Br-bromobenzene have been remeasured, and spectra for eight singly substituted 13 C isotopomers have been measured for the first time using Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy. This has made possible a determination of the heavy atom structure using both Kraitchman substitution ( r s ) and inertial fit analyses ( r 0 ). The experimental structures have been compared with ab initio calculations at the MP2/6-311++G (2df,2p) level as a means of confirming the experimental results. The experimental rotational constants were found to be A=5667.750(52) MHz , B =994.9018(2) MHz, and C =846.2567(2) MHz for 79 Br bromobenzene and A=5667.730(54) MHz , B =984.7084(2) MHz, and C =838.8702(2) MHz for 81 Br bromobenzene. The quadrupole coupling constants were further refined to χ aa =556.700(16) MHz, χ bb =−292.86(8) MHz, and χ cc =−263.84(3) MHz for the 79 Br species and χ aa =465.039(17) MHz, χ bb =−244.63(8) MHz, and χ cc =−220.41(6) MHz for the 81 Br species.
Expression of the gut-enriched Krüppel-like factor gene during development and intestinal tumorigenesis

We examined the expression of GKLF (gut-enriched Kruppel-like factor), a recently identified zinc finger-containing transcription factor, in mice during development using the ribonuclease protection assay. In the adult, the level of GKLF transcript is abundant throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Between embryonic days 10 and 19 (E10 and E19) of development, the initial level of whole embryo GKLF transcript is low but begins to rise on E13 and peaks on E17. In the newborn, GKLF transcript level is higher in the colon than in the small intestine although the levels in both organs rise with increasing age. Expression of GKLF was also examined in the intestinal tract of the Min mouse, a model of intestinal tumorigenesis. The level of GKLF transcript is significantly decreased in the intestine of Min mice during a period of tumor formation when compared to age-matched control littermates. Our findings indicate that GKLF expression correlates with certain periods of gut development and is down-regulated during intestinal tumorigenesis, suggesting that GKLF may play a role in gut development and/or tumor formation.
Emerging Adults’ Behavior Problems and Coping Following Hurricanes

When experiencing natural disasters, coping is important. Individuals who have behavior problems may use less effective coping, however. This study sought to better understand the relationship between emerging adults’ behavior problems and coping following hurricanes. Using a sample of 193 emerging adults, correlations suggested that emerging adults who reported more behavior problems also endorsed higher levels of avoidant coping. More specifically, multivariate analyses of variance and subsequent post hoc analyses indicated that emerging adults who were experiencing relatively low levels of both internalizing and externalizing behavior problems endorsed avoidant coping significantly less often relative to those emerging adults who were experiencing relatively high levels of internalizing behavior problems only and those who were experiencing relatively high levels of both types of behavior problems. These results suggested that those who experience behavior problems following hurricanes may benefit from interventions that could improve the coping that they utilize.
Rhetorics of Law and Ritual: A Semiotic Comparison of the Law of Talion and Sympathetic Magic

L'A. compare la punition dans la loi du talion, la philosophie de Bentham et les structures de la magie analysees par Tylor et Frazer, pour etudier l'utilisation de l'analogie dans le rituel et sa fonction sociale.
Westergaard curling solution reconsidered

An in-depth and systematic examination is presented of the effect of temperature gradients on slab-on-grade pavements. The main objective for the examination was the development of practical design tools for use in a typical engineering office. This has been achieved by a critical reconsideration of the literature, a synthesis of currently available analytical resources, and the implementation of recent technological achievements promulgated in related areas of engineering. Prominent among these are the application of the principles of dimensional analysis, the finite element method, advanced statistical regression analysis, and artificial neural networks (ANN). A number of ANNs have been trained for the curling problem, and in several instances they are found to be more efficient predictive tools than corresponding statistical regression equations. It is found that the most important shortcomings of the Westergaard curling solution are the assumption of continuous contact between slab and subgrade (infin...
Prediction of temperature‐distribution in frozen soils

There are evident obstacles to the accurate ot prediction of thermal conditions in soils. In the first place, the term “prediction” must be limited to determination of variations of temperature expected on the basis of observed or assumed initial distributions and subsequent surface-conditions. The great difficulty of measuring thermal properties, which are subject to complex varition with structure and packing as well as with moisture-content, remains the most severe limitation. Moreover, the migration of water durIng freezing is likely to invalidate the most painstaking determination of initial soil-properties.
The Distinction Between True and Induced Free Riders: an Application to Gatt de Facto Membership

In the former international trade organization, GATT, there were 28 countries who were free riders through a special class of de facto membership. This article distinguishes between two classes of free riders, true and induced, depending on whether the free riders, if faced with exclusion, would be willing to pay the full cost of membership and join, or whether they would opt out of membership. A logit model of GATT membership is used to predict whether these de facto countries would have joined GATT as full members. Those that would join are considered true free riders, whereas those that would not join are considered induced riders. It is estimated that approximately 20 of the 28 de facto countries were true free riders. The distinction between true and induced, free riders is important because in a free rider situation, only the true free riders contribute to an undersupply of the good.
Investigation of ground and excited state properties of internally hydrogen-bonded aromatic carbonyls using molecular orbital methods☆

Abstract The CNDO and INDO semiempirical molecular orbital methods were used to investigate ground and excited properties of the following internally hydrogen-bonded aromatic carbonyls: salicylaldehyde, salicylic acid, methylsalicylate, and o -hydroxyacetophenone. Properties investigated include local energy-minimized ground-state geometries, ground state hydrogen bond strengths, transition energies and oscillator strengths for transitions to the lowest 1 ππ* and 1 n π* states, and barriers and well-depth potential energy differences along the intramolecular proton transfer coordinate in the ground and excited states. The results indicate satisfactory agreement with known values of ground-state properties but less satisfactory agreement for excited states using the present formulation.
Combined two-photon excited fluorescence and second-harmonic generation backscattering microscopy of turbid tissues

A broad range of excitation wavelengths (730-880nm) was used to demonstrate the co-registration of two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) and second-harmonic generation (SHG) in unstained turbid tissues in reflection geometry. The composite TPEF/SHG microscopic technique was applied to imaging an organotypic tissue model (RAFT). The origin of the image-forming signal from the various RAFT constituents was determined by spectral measurements. It was shown that at shorter excitation wavelengths the signal emitted from the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a combination of SHG and TPEF from collagen, whereas at longer excitation wavelengths the ECM signal is exclusively due to SHG. The cellular signal is due to TPEF at all excitation wavelengths. The reflected SHG intensity followed a quadratic dependence on the excitation power and exhibited a spectral dependence in accordance with previous theoretical studies. Understanding the structural origin of signal provided a stratagem for enhancing contrast between cellular structures, and components of the extracellular matrix. The use of SHG and TPEF in combination provides complementary information that allows non-invasive, spatially localized in vivo characterization of cell-ECM interactions and pathology.
Neutron irradiation-induced creep of helium pressurized 304L stainless steel capsules☆

Abstract Irradiation-induced creep and swelling have been measured on 1.5 m long pressurized capsules of solution annealed type 304L stainless steel at 385 °C to neutron doses of 45 dpa. The core-midplane results (fixed position) which have a constant average neutron energy and dose rate but varying time are compared to data taken along the length of the capsule which have constant time but varying average neutron energy and dose rates. Additionally, the effect of stress on swelling, the stress dependency of in-reactor creep and the correlation of irradiation-induced creep and swelling are analyzed utilizing the data generated in this experiment. The results of these analyses are then used as a basis for appraising current theories on irradiation creep.
Alterations in lipid turnover in developing muscle

The incorporation and turnover of [3H] glycerol into skeletal muscle cell cultures derived from embryonic chickens was studied. Both rates of incorporation and turnover of specific lipids were dependent on culture age and lipid species. The pattern of glycerol incorporation showed that prefusion myoblasts primarily synthesized both phosphatidylcholine and triglycerides whereas postfusion myotubes primarily synthesized phosphatidyl choline. This pattern could be modified in postfusion but not prefusion cells by briefly incubating the cells with unilammelar phosphatidyl choline vesicles. Analysis of major lipid species revealed that muscle triglycerides and phospholipids turned over at a higher rate in prefusion cultures compared to the postfusion state. These findings are discussed in light of the marked shift in lipid metabolism which occurs during myogenesis.
Sino-aortic denervation alters the hemodynamic response to exercise in hypertensive rats.

The effect of sino-aortic denervation (SAD) on the heart rate (HR), arterial pressure (AP) and regional blood flow responses during dynamic exercise was examined in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Intact (n = 14) and SAD (n = 17) rats were instrumented with arterial catheters and mesenteric and iliac Doppler ultrasonic flow probes. After recovery, all rats underwent a graded exercise test. Heart rate increased significantly during exercise in intact and SAD rats. There was no significant difference in the steady state heart rate response to exercise in the intact and SAD rats. Arterial pressure increased during exercise in the intact rats. In sharp contrast, arterial pressure decreased during exercise in the SAD rats. Iliac vascular conductance increased during exercise in the intact and SAD rats. The increase in iliac vascular conductance during exercise was significantly greater in the SAD rats. Mesenteric vascular conductance decreased during exercise in the intact and SAD rats. The decrease in ...
Taxanes exported from Taxus × media Hicksii cuttings into liquid medium over time

Abstract Cuttings from Taxus × media Hicksii were maintained in Gamborg's B5 liquid culture medium, where 10-deacetyl baccatin III, baccatin III, 10-deacetyl taxol, cephalomannine, 7-epi-10-deacetyl taxol and taxol accumulated in the incubation medium over time. Greater amounts of each taxane were recovered from plant material as compared with liquid medium. Medium was removed and replaced weekly, biweekly or triweekly for up to nine weeks. The sum of al taxol recovered from the liquid that had been harvested from a yew cutting and extracted from the medium weekly over eight weeks was approximately equal to the amount of taxol which would be recovered from the fresh plant cutting, and the cutting still contained taxol. This suggests that in vitro cultures of yew cuttings may be a re-usable source of taxol and related taxanes.
Backbone assignments in solid-state proteins using J-based 3D heteronuclear correlation spectroscopy.

3D NCACO, NCOCA, and CANCO scalar-coupling driven correlation experiments are presented for protein backbone assignments in the solid-state. These J-MAS experiments show superior resolution in the indirect dimensions through the elimination of heteronuclear and homonuclear couplings and enhanced sensitivity, which allow us to trace out the entire protein backbone for GB1. Our results demonstrate that scalar-based methods are sufficiently well-developed to serve as a complementary tool to dipolar methods, which will be especially useful for assignment of large proteins, where resonance overlap presents a major challenge to solid-state NMR.
Multicenter review of preoperative risk factors for stroke after coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Background . Stroke complicates the postoperative course in 1% to 6% of patients undergoing coronary revascularization. There has been no large scale mandatory database reporting on the incidence of stroke after coronary revascularization. Methods . A multicenter regional database from the Bureau of Health Care Research Information Services, New York State Department of Health, on 19,224 patients who underwent coronary revascularization in 31 hospitals within New York State during 1995 was analyzed to determine the risk factors for postoperative stroke. Results . The incidence of postoperative stroke was 1.4% (n = 270). Hospital mortality for patients who had a stroke was 24.8%, compared with 2.0% for the rest of the patient population. Postoperative stroke increased the hospital length of stay threefold (27.9 ± 1.9 versus 9.1 ± 0.9 days, p p p = 0.0003; OR, 1.909), age ( p p = 0.002; OR, 1.590), duration of cardiopulmonary bypass ( p = 0.0004; OR, 1.27 per 60 minutes), renal failure ( p = 0.0062; OR, 2.032), peripheral vascular disease ( p = 0.0157; OR, 1.62), cigarette smoking ( p = 0.0197; OR, 1.621), and diabetes mellitus ( p = 0.0158; OR, 1.373). Conclusions . Postoperative stroke increases mortality and length of stay after coronary revascularization. Several risk factors can be identified, and some of these factors are potentially amenable to intervention, either before or during coronary revascularization, and should also influence patient selection.
Growth‐Regulated α Expression in Human Preovulatory Follicles and Ovarian Cells

PROBLEM Around the time of ovulation the number of neutrophils increases in the theca of the leading follicle. We hypothesized that growth-regulated alpha (GRO alpha), a neutrophil chemoat-tractant/activating factor, may be a modulator of periovulatory neutrophil chemotaxis. METHOD GRO alpha levels were measured in follicular fluids (n = 61). Granulosa-lutein and ovarian stromal cells were also cultured. After experimental paradigms, GRO alpha mRNA was evaluated by Northern analysis, GRO alpha in follicular fluids, and culture supernatants were quantified using ELISA. RESULTS In follicular fluids the mean pre-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) GRO alpha level was 51 +/- 24 (+/- SEM) pg/ml, post-hCG it was 210 +/- 20 pg/ml (P = 0.04). GRO was produced constitutively by ovarian stromal and granulosa-lutein cells. Interleukin-alpha (IL-1 alpha) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) further stimulated GRO alpha production. Treatment of stromal cells with hCG also stimulated GRO alpha production. CONCLUSION GRO alpha is a constituent of periovulatory follicular fluid. Ovarian stromal and granulosa-lutein cells express the GRO alpha mRNA and produce the protein. The regulation of GRO alpha by cytokines and hCG suggests that GRO alpha may play a role in the process of ovulation.
Nonenzymatic glycation/enzymatic deglycation: a novel hypothesis on the etiology of diabetic complications

Abstract Nonenzymatic glycation appears to play a major role in the development of diabetic complications. Key early intermediates in the nonenzymatic glycation cascade are glucoselysines (GL) and fructoselysines (FL). In 1997, we proposed that intracellular nonenzymatic glycation is controlled by an enzymatic deglycation process catalyzed by fructosamine-3-kinase (FN3K). FN3K phosphorylates FL to fructoselysine-3-phosphate (FL3P), which then decomposes regenerating an unmodified lysine residue. With the recent purification, sequencing and cloning of FN3K [Diabetes 50 (2001) 2139; Diabetes 49 (2000) 1627] the concept of enzymatic deglycation has received considerable experimental support. In this paper, we provide evidence of enzymatic deglycation activity in vivo involving both FN3K-dependent and FN3K-independent mechanisms. Based on these data, we propose a new theory on the development of diabetic complications: the nonenzymatic glycation/enzymatic deglycation hypothesis. We postulate that enzymatic deglycation is an essential defense system in mammalian cells. In diabetes, this system is stressed and often overwhelmed by episodes of extreme hyperglycemia during which nonenzymatic glycation proceeds unchecked. This results in cumulative damage to essential proteins and leads ultimately to cellular dysfunction. Susceptibility to diabetic complications is thus a consequence of two factors: severity of the hyperglycemic stress and ability of the deglycating system to cope with that stress.
Perioperative outcomes and amputation-free survival after lower extremity bypass surgery in California hospitals, 1996-1999, with follow-up through 2004.

Objective There are very few population-based studies of long-term outcomes after lower extremity (LE) bypass graft surgery. This study analyzes perioperative and long-term limb salvage and amputation-free survival outcomes for patients undergoing initial aortoiliac or femoropopliteal bypass graft surgery in California hospitals from 1996 to 1999. Methods Administrative data with encrypted identifiers were used to identify a chronologically first, index admission of all patients undergoing LE bypass procedures for occlusive disease from 1996 to 1999. A 1993 to 1995 look-back period was used to exclude patients who had undergone prior bypass surgery or amputation procedures. Patients with incident procedures were then followed forward to determine subsequent hospitalizations and vital status through 2004. The study comprised 28,128 patients discharged from 345 California hospitals with a median 61.5-month follow-up. Risk factors included demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, admission type, gangrene or ulceration, operation level, hospital LE bypass surgery volume, and year of discharge. Logistic regression was used to analyze 30-day outcomes, and Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze amputation-free survival. Results Overall 30-day mortality was 4.3, and the 30-day major amputation rate was 2.6%. Limb salvage was 81.9% at 5 years and 76.4% at 9 years. Amputation-free survival was 51.5% at 5 years and 34.1% at 9 years. Risk factors were generally similar for both perioperative and late outcomes. Advanced age, higher comorbidity level, gangrene, and emergency or nursing home admission conferred significantly greater risk. Hospital volume was associated with both perioperative and late outcomes. African American and Hispanic patients had much higher amputation rates but did not have higher mortality risk after controlling for baseline severity of illness. Conclusions Long-term outcomes of LE bypass surgery were superior for high-volume hospital patients. Graft surveillance and risk factor follow-up care provide a major opportunity for quality improvement efforts. The contrast between traditional limb salvage and amputation-free survival outcomes raises questions about the value of surgical treatment, particularly for patients with limited life expectancy and without coding of tissue loss or critical limb ischemia.
Relation of antral pH to gastrin release and fundal pH in dogs.

Four dogs were prepared with Heidenhain pouches and cannulas placed in the fundus and antrum. Fasting pouch output was measured for 1 hr. Changes in pH in the fundus and pouch, and pouch acid production were then determined while antral pH was varied by perfusion in increasing and decreasing sequences. Results were virtually identical with ascending and descending antral pH values. With an antral pH below 1.8 no appreciable pouch secretory effect was found, the values being identical with those obtained under fasting conditions. A transition zone was encountered between antral pH 1.8–3.0 in which relatively small and variable amounts of pouch acid were produced. Above an antral pH of 3.0 a significant stimulatory effect was noted that did not increase with further increments of antral pH. Fundal and pouch pH were relatively high and had little relationship to one another when antral pH was less than 1.8. The values fell and became more closely associated at the antral transition zone of pH 1.8–3.0. Above an antral pH of 3.0, fundus and pouch pH decreased and fluctuated in a parallel manner. Pouch pH was consistently below fundal pH.
VR4VR: Towards vocational rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities in immersive virtual reality environments

In this paper, a virtual reality for vocational rehabilitation (VR4VR) system for individuals with disabilities is presented. VR4VR aims to enable job coaches to use immersive virtual environments to inexpensively and safely assess and train the job skills of individuals with disabilities. Several key system requirements and challenges are discussed, including the need for virtual “distractor” stimuli to observe user behavior in unexpected situations, the need to make the virtual experience and 3D user interfaces adapt to the specific disabilities of the user, and the challenges in maintaining senses of presence and copresence, especially in individuals with cognitive disabilities. In this work, the chosen population includes individuals with autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury and severe mobility impairment. Using virtual reality enables safe immersion of potential employees in a range of scenarios they may encounter, long before they encounter them in a real job.
Cooperative‐ Competitive Preferences and Locus of Control of School‐Age Children

There were two phases of the study. During the first phase, the instrument, Social Behavior Inventory (SBI) was developed to measure cooperative-competitive preferences of school-age children. During the second phase, the SBI was administered to 876 5th and 6th grade children. The purpose was to investigate relationships among children's cooperative- competitive preferences, sex, locus of control, SES, and parents' and teachers' ratings. Major findings included: 1) Spearman-Brown reliability estimates for the SBI were high; 2) there was a low but sagnificant relationship between children's preferences and parents' perception of an ticipated children's choices for cooperative-competitive behavior as measured by the SBI; 3) girls chose more cooperative responses and were perceived by observers to be significantly more cooperative than boys; 4) the cooperative preferences were significantly related to internal locus of control; and 5) the children's scores on the SBI were not significantly related to age, grade, or SES of parents. The validity and theoretical utility of these findings are discussed.
Modeling Soil Water Redistribution during Second‐Stage Evaporation

Calculating the dynamics of soil water content (0) near the surface and modeling soil water evaporation (E s ) are critical for many agricultural management strategies. This study was performed to develop a model to simulate soil water redistribution during second-stage evaporation (SSE). In this model, the daily change of θ was estimated from the difference between the initial 0 (θ i ) and air-dry θ (θ ad ), multiplied by a conductance coefficient (C). The C represents the fraction of the remaining soil water (θ i - θ ad ) that can be removed in 1 d during SSE and is a power function of soil depth. Testing the dependency of C and a (the slope of cumulative evaporation [E c ] vs. square root of time [t 1/2 ]) on soil characteristics was done using theoretical and laboratory data. Then the whole model was evaluated in laboratory and field conditions by measuring 0 for different soils at different depths during SSE. Linear relationships with zero intercept were found between a and drained upper limit 0 (θ dul ) with slope and r 2 = 1.19 and 0.69 and 1.39 and 0.95 for laboratory and theoretical data, respectively. Conductance coefficient and θ dul were correlated with r2 > 0.9. Root mean square error (RMSE) between measured and estimated 0 in the field was highest (0.014 cm 3 cm 3 ) at depths of 3 and 6 cm and lowest (0.005 cm 3 cm -3 ) at the 9-cm depth. The model gave reasonable estimates of both water redistribution and E s during SSE and is expected to work well for soils for which the diffusivity theory holds.
Functional characteristics of neurons in the lateral reticular nucleus with reference to localized cerebellar potentials.

Ipsilateral forepaw (IFP) responsive cells of the lateral reticular nucleus (LRN) were found to have more restricted peripheral receptive fields and to respond earlier to IFP stimulation in cats anesthetized with pentobarbital than in cats anesthetized with α chloralose. In the pentobarbital series, most (86.5%) of the cells responded to stimulation of one paw only, whereas in the chloralose series, the majority (68.2%) responded to two or more paws. Despite these differences in response properties, IFP-evoked cellular activity in both series held the same temporal relationship with the cerebellar forepaw potentials recorded on the ipsilateral culmen and ipsilateral paramedian lobules. During pentobarbital anesthesia, cerebellar forepaw potentials tended to be localized, whereas during anesthesia with chloralose they were recorded over wide areas. It was concluded that although the localized cerebellar forepaw potentials evident during pentobarbital anesthesia can be mediated via LRN, the localized nature of the responses does not depend on the anatomical somatotopic organization but rather results from the action of pentobarbital in decreasing the receptive field size of the responsive neurons in LRN. Some peripherally-evoked cells were activated by stimulating ipsilateral motor cortex, ipsilateral culmen and ipsilateral paramedian lobules. Distribution of the mean initial spike latencies to ipsilateral motor cortex stimulation suggested direct as well as indirect activation. Peripherally-evoked activity was blocked with antecedent stimulation of the ipsilateral motor cortex and of ipsilateral paramedian lobule but not with stimulation of the ipsilateral culmen.
Cell density dependence of ultraviolet light enhanced reactivation of Herpes simplex type I and the large plaque effect in C3H/10T1/2 mouse fibroblasts.

— C3H/10T1/2 mouse fibroblasts were grown to different cell densities either by plating at low density and allowing different growth periods, or by plating at a series of increasing densities and allowing the same growth period. These plates were UV irradiated at 7.5 J/m2 or mock irradiated and 24 h later infected with UV-irradiated Herpes simplex type I virus which had been UV irradiated at 50 or 125 J/m2 or mock irradiated. The numbers and sizes of plaques were measured and these data used to calculate the extent of UV-enhanced host cell reactivation, the capacity enhancement, the large plaque effect (LPE) and the small plaque effect (SME). The influence of cell density on these phenomena was similar for both series of density experiments. Ultraviolet-enhanced host cell reactivation could be demonstrated only for cultures of lower density. The capacity of the cells for Herpes simplex type I virus decreased with cell density, but UV irradiated cells showed an increase in capacity with cell density. Plaque sizes decreased in all cases with cell density but the LPE and SPE were not significantly altered. The greatest variation in the above parameters occurred just as the cells were approaching confluence, where most host cell reactivation experiments are carried out. We conclude that the reproducibility of such experiments depends critically on cell density, a dependence which may be relevant to mechanistic interpretations of the UV-dependent phenomena.
Microflora and Color of Ground Beef in Gas Exchange Modified Atmosphere Packaging with Abusive Display Temperatures

Gas exchange modified atmosphere packaging (GEMAP) with display gas of 80% O 2 20%CO 2 retarded microbial growth and improved color stability of ground beef pattles compared with vacuum packaging (VP) followed by air permeable polyvinylchlorise (PVC) overwrapping during 3 d of retail display. Predominant microorganisms for GEMAP were Pseudomonas, Versinia, Aeromonas and Enterabacter and for VP-PVC were Pseudomonas, Brochothris, Aeromonas, Enterobacter, Moraxella, and Lactobacillus. Lower levels of pathogens were isolated in GEMAP samples with 7 °C than 15 °C display temperature. Parties were darker (lower L*) with those with 15 °C than with 7 °C display and redder (higher a*) in GEMAP than VP-PVC. Good manufacturing practices should be followed with MAP meat to reduce the risk of pathogenic microbial growth.
The Eph/Ephrin family in cancer metastasis: communication at the service of invasion

Cancer cells rely on intercellular communication throughout the different stages of their transformation and progression into metastasis. They do so by co-opting different processes such as cell-cell junctions, growth factors, receptors, and vesicular release. Initially characterized in neuronal and vascular tissues, Ephs and Ephrins, the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases, comprised of two classes (i.e., A and B types), is increasingly scrutinized by cancer researchers. These proteins possess the particular features of both the receptors and ligands being membrane-bound which, via mandatory direct cell-cell interactions, undergo a bidirectional signal transduction initiated from both the receptor and the ligand. Following cell–cell interactions, Ephs/Ephrins behave as guidance molecules which trigger both repulsive and attractive signals, so as to direct the movement of cells through their immediate microenvironment. They also direct processes which include sorting and positioning and cytoskeleton rearrangements, thus making them perfect candidates for the control of the metastatic process. In fact, the role of Ephs and Ephrins in cancer progression has been demonstrated for many of the family members and they, surprisingly, have both tumor promoter and suppressor functions in different cellular contexts. They are also able to coordinate between multiple processes including cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and invasion. This review is an attempt to summarize the data available on these Ephs/Ephrins’ biological functions which contribute to the onset of aggressive cancers. I will also provide an overview of the factors which could explain the functional differences demonstrated by Ephs and Ephrins at different stages of tumor progression and whose elucidation is warranted for any future therapeutic targeting of this signaling pathway in cancer metastasis.
Estimating the size of 869 C.E. quake in region hit by 2011 Tohoku quake

The catastrophic 2011 magnitude 9 Tohoku earthquake, which triggered a huge tsunami that led to severe flooding and major destruction, was unexpected based on seismic hazard assessments for the Sendai region—for instance, a Japanese national seismic map from 2010 showed no hazard in the Sendai area from subduction earthquakes along the Japan Trench larger than those of the past 400 years. Seismic hazard assessment relies in part on knowing the size and recurrence intervals of past earthquakes in a given region. In the Sendai area, in 869 C.E. a large quake known as the Jogan earthquake produced a tsunami that affected approximately the same area of coast as the Tohoku earthquake, but scientists have not been certain of the magnitude of the Jogan quake.
Acetogenic microbial degradation of vinyl chloride

Under methanogenic conditions, microbial degradation of [1,2-14C]vinyl chloride (VC) resulted in significant (14 ± 3% maximum recovery) but transient recovery of radioactivity as 14C-acetate. Subsequently, 14C-acetate was degraded to 14CH4 and 14CO2 (18 ± 2% and 54 ± 3% final recoveries, respectively). In contrast, under 2-bromoethanesulfonic acid (BES) amended conditions, 14C-acetate recovery remained high (27 ± 1% maximum recovery) throughout the study, no 14CH4 was produced, and the final recovery of 14CO2 was only 35 ± 4%. These results demonstrate that oxidative acetogenesis may be an important mechanism for anaerobic VC biodegradation. Moreover, these results (1) demonstrate that microbial degradation of VC to CH4 and CO2 may involve oxidative acetogenesis followed by acetotrophic methanogenesis and (2) suggest that oxidative acetogenesis may be the initial step in the net oxidation of VC to CO2 reported previously under Fe(III)-reducing, SO4-reducing, and humic acids-reducing conditions.
Compression of time series by extracting major extrema

We formalise the notion of important extrema of a time series, that is, its major minima and maxima; analyse the basic mathematical properties of important extrema; and apply these results to the problem of time-series compression. First, we define the numeric importance levels of extrema in a series, and present algorithms for identifying major extrema and computing their importances. Then, we give a procedure for fast lossy compression of a time series at a given rate, by extracting its most important minima and maxima, and discarding the other points.
Researches related to terrestrial magnetism and electricity of the United States Naval Research Laboratory

The investigation of the possibilities of locating storm-areas by means of radio static-direction recorders is being continued with stations several hundred miles apart. An analysis of radio conditions during the past twelve years brought out the fact that, dealing with yearly averages, the radio phenomena fell in more consistently with the relative sunspot-number than with the solar constant or the terrestrial-magnetic character.
Retroperitoneal conduit. Indications and uses.

Abstract Forty-two patients, of which 21 received retroperitoneal jejunal conduits and 21 received retroperitoneal ileal conduits, were operated on using the standard indications for conduit diversion. Complications were minimal. This technique is useful in preventing internal hernias, parastomal hernias, and volvul us; it will permit using a segment of bowel that has not previously been irradiated; and it will allow easy access to a high pyelointestinal anastomosis. There is no evidence that this technique will interfere with subsequent abdominal surgical procedures.
Growing Together: Expanding Roles for Social Work Practice in Early Childhood Settings

In the United States, interest in early childhood development has grown dramatically over the past two decades and continues to expand.Increasing public support for programs and services that address the needs of young children and their families provides numerous opportunities for social work intervention.This article describes three major early childhood systems-early intervention, Early Head Start, and early care and education-and discusses ways that social workers can strengthen programs within these systems and improve outcomes for participating children and families. Social workers' understanding of and commitment to family-centered practice and cultural competence are highlighted. Opportunities for social workers to become involved in advocating for, developing, and leading high-quality early childhood programs and implications for social work education are also discussed.
Graft copolymerization of methacrylic acid, acrylic acid and methyl acrylate onto styrene–butadiene block copolymer

Abstract Methyl acrylate, methacrylic acid, and acrylic acid have been graft copolymerized onto styrene–butadiene block copolymer. All three monomers react through the macroradical interacting with the double bond of butadiene. The site of reaction has been established by infrared spectroscopy. For methyl acrylate every unit of the styrene–butadiene block copolymer is grafted but only a small fraction is grafted when the acids are used. The difference apparently lies in the fact that the reaction with the ester is homogeneous while with the acids the reactions are heterogeneous.
Strategic Responses by Canadian and U.S. Exporters to Increased U.S. Border Security Measures: A Firm-Level Analysis

After September 11, 2001, the U.S. and Canadian federal governments increased restrictions on materials and people crossing the border. Antiterrorism regulations have introduced costly compliance requirements, clearance delays, and unpredictable border wait times for companies conducting business across the international border. A recent study suggests that many Canadian and U.S.-based exporters intend to counteract these costs by implementing strategies including geographic supply chain reconfiguration. Strategic adjustments of this nature could have profound effects on the geography of North American supply chains, the structure and volume of bilateral trade, and the management of just-in-time delivery systems. This project follows up on the previous study via personal interviews with 35 businesses that had indicated an interest in geographic strategies. Preliminary findings suggest that firms are quickly adjusting to new security requirements and are improving communication channels throughout their cr...
Impact of personality on technology adoption: An empirical model

An innovator's personality along with the perceived attributes of an innovation predicts the rate of diffusion. The current study focuses on the personality factors that determine the likelihood of adoption of a technological innovation. To that end, the study distinguishes between global innovativeness and context-specific innovativeness. An information processing model was tested where technological innovativeness was purported to be indirectly influenced by an individual's global innovativeness, through its impact on communication and media use behaviors. The structural model was tested on two separate technology clusters, and partial support was found for linking sophistication in information search, and prior technology ownership to technological innovativeness.
Basin geometry and cumulative offsets in the Eastern Transverse Ranges, southern California: Implications for transrotational deformation along the San Andreas fault system

The Eastern Transverse Ranges, adjacent to and southeast of the big left bend of the San Andreas fault, southern California, form a crustal block that has rotated clockwise in response to dextral shear within the San Andreas system. Previous studies have indicated a discrepancy between the measured magnitudes of left slip on through-going east-striking fault zones of the Eastern Transverse Ranges and those predicted by simple geometric models using paleomagnetically determined clockwise rotations of basalts distributed along the faults. To assess the magnitude and source of this discrepancy, we apply new gravity and magnetic data in combination with geologic data to better constrain cumulative fault offsets and to define basin structure for the block between the Pinto Mountain and Chiriaco fault zones. Estimates of offset from using the length of pull-apart basins developed within left-stepping strands of the sinistral faults are consistent with those derived by matching offset magnetic anomalies and bedrock patterns, indicating a cumulative offset of at most ~40 km. The upper limit of displacements constrained by the geophysical and geologic data overlaps with the lower limit of those predicted at the 95% confidence level by models of conservative slip located on margins of rigid rotating blocks and the clockwise rotation of the paleomagnetic vectors. Any discrepancy is likely resolved by internal deformation within the blocks, such as intense deformation adjacent to the San Andreas fault (that can account for the absence of basins there as predicted by rigid-block models) and linkage via subsidiary faults between the main faults.