cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Segregation of Aerosols by Cloud-Nucleating Activity. Part II: Observation of an Urban Aerosol

Abstract The submicron aerosol of metropolitan Seattle was segregated into CCN and non-CCN fractions by a high-flux thermal diffusion cloud chamber in series with a dichotomous separator. Each segregated fraction of the five-hour daily sample was deposited on a filter, and analyzed for mass, optical absorption, sulfate and nitrate. Results are presented in context with the meteorological record. A new finding of this study is that the mean non-CCN mass fraction of the submicron aerosol was greater than 50%. The sulfate, nitrate, and optical absorption partitioned between the CCN and non-CCN fractions. The mean ratio of optical absorption to mass concentration suggests that both the non-CCN and CCN fractions contain soot. The CCN optical absorption and sulfate concentration am modulated by rainfall events.
The (Non)Relation Between Empathy and Aggression: Surprising Results From a Meta-Analysis

Assumptions regarding the importance of empathy are pervasive. Given the impact these assumptions have on research, assessment, and treatment, it is imperative to know whether they are valid. Of particular interest is a basic question: Are deficits in empathy associated with aggressive behavior? Previous attempts to review the relation between empathy and aggression yielded inconsistent results and generally included a small number of studies. To clarify these divergent findings, we comprehensively reviewed the relation of empathy to aggression in adults, including community, student, and criminal samples. A mixed effects meta-analysis of published and unpublished studies involving 106 effect sizes revealed that the relation between empathy and aggression was surprisingly weak (r = -.11). This finding was fairly consistent across specific types of aggression, including verbal aggression (r = -.20), physical aggression (r = -.12), and sexual aggression (r = -.09). Several potentially important moderators were examined, although they had little impact on the total effect size. The results of this study are particularly surprising given that empathy is a core component of many treatments for aggressive offenders and that most psychological disorders of aggression include diagnostic criteria specific to deficient empathic responding. We discuss broad conclusions, consider implications for theory, and address current limitations in the field, such as reliance on a small number of self-report measures of empathy. We highlight the need for diversity in measurement and suggest a new operationalization of empathy that may allow it to synchronize with contemporary thinking regarding its role in aggressive behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved)
Inhibition of Viral Gene Expression and Replication in Mosquito Cells by dsRNA-Triggered RNA Interference

Mosquitoes transmit numerous viral pathogens to humans including dengue virus which affects ∼50 million individuals per year. Inhibition of viral gene expression within an insect host could be used to block virus replication and subsequent transmission of the pathogen to humans. A naturally occurring gene silencing mechanism triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), RNA interference (RNAi), has recently been described in a number of species including Drosophila. To ascertain if dsRNA-triggered RNAi is present in mosquito cells, we used Aedes albopictus C6/36 cells, and to investigate the feasibility of blocking viral gene expression and replication, we used two mosquito-borne viruses, Semliki Forest virus (SFV) and the serotype 1 dengue virus (DEN1). We demonstrate that dsRNA can specifically inhibit transgene expression in C6/36 cells from both plasmid and SFV replicons and can significantly modify the kinetics of DEN1 RNA and virus replication. The inhibition mediated by dsRNA was sequence-specific and either equal or superior to that induced by antisense single-stranded RNA (ssRNA). This study demonstrates dsRNA-triggered inhibition of gene expression and virus replication in mosquito cells and suggests that this mechanism could be used to block pathogen replication within an insect host and, thus, block disease transmission.
Condition for perfect antireflection by optical resonance at material interface

Reflection occurs at an air–material interface. The development of antireflection schemes, which aims to cancel such reflection, is important for a wide variety of applications including solar cells and photodetectors. Recently, it has been demonstrated that a periodic array of resonant subwavelength objects placed at an air–material interface can significantly reduce reflection that otherwise would have occurred at such an interface. Here, we introduce the theoretical condition for complete reflection cancellation in this resonant antireflection scheme. Using both general theoretical arguments and analytical temporal coupled-mode theory formalisms, we show that in order to achieve perfect resonant antireflection, the periodicity of the array needs to be smaller than the free-space wavelength of the incident light for normal incidence, and also the resonances in the subwavelength objects need to radiate into air and the dielectric material in a balanced fashion. Our theory is validated using first-principles full-field electromagnetic simulations of structures operating in the infrared wavelength ranges. For solar cell or photodetector applications, resonant antireflection has the potential for providing a low-cost technique for antireflection that does not require nanofabrication into the absorber materials, which may introduce detrimental effects such as additional surface recombination. Our work here provides theoretical guidance for the practical design of such resonant antireflection schemes.
Using converging methods across disciplines to guide the redesign of a large, information-rich web site

This paper summarizes how differing research methodologies were sequenced during formative evaluation of a large-scale government Web site in order to generate consensus for site redesign and a clear typology of users. Each method was selected by an interdisciplinary research team to bring to the study a convergence of approaches across the fields of human computer interaction, information science, health communication, and social marketing. Researchers can use the study framework in optimizing their own program of organizational and user research, particularly if they are designing and testing large-scale information-rich sites with varied content accessed by a diverse set of users.
Sleep deprivation and time-on-task performance decrement in the rat psychomotor vigilance task.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The rat psychomotor vigilance task (rPVT) was developed as a rodent analog of the human psychomotor vigilance task (hPVT). We examined whether rPVT performance displays time-on-task effects similar to those observed on the hPVT. DESIGN: The rPVT requires rats to respond to a randomly presented light stimulus to obtain a water reward. Rats were water deprived for 22 h prior to each 30-min rPVT session to motivate performance. We analyzed rPVT performance over time on task and as a function of the response-stimulus interval, at baseline and after sleep deprivation. SETTING: The study was conducted in an academic research vivarium. PARTICIPANTS: Male Long-Evans rats were trained to respond to a 0.5 sec stimulus light within 3 sec of stimulus onset. Complete data were available for n = 20 rats. INTERVENTIONS: Rats performed the rPVT for 30 min at baseline and after 24 h total sleep deprivation by gentle handling. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Compared to baseline, sleep deprived rats displayed increased performance lapses and premature responses, similar to hPVT lapses of attention and false starts. However, in contrast to hPVT performance, the time-on-task performance decrement was not significantly enhanced by sleep deprivation. Moreover, following sleep deprivation, rPVT response times were not consistently increased after short response-stimulus intervals. CONCLUSIONS: The rPVT manifests similarities to the hPVT in global performance outcomes, but not in post-sleep deprivation effects of time on task and response-stimulus interval. Language: en
Measurement of RF propagation in tunnels

Radio signal propagation in tunnels exhibits significant differences from outdoor or indoor multipath environments (radio signals reflected off walls, floors, or other objects). This research measures the propagation of UHF/SHF radio signals from 455 MHz up to 5.8 GHz in frequency bands commonly used for underground wireless communications and electronic tracking. The paper focuses on the experimental methods used to collect vertically and horizontally polarized signal propagation data in tunnels as a function of separation distance between the transmitter and receiver antennas, and presents measurement results. The data show the dependence of the propagation characteristics on frequency, polarization, and tunnel dimensions.
Application of the carcinogenicity prediction and battery selection (CPBS) method to the Gene-Tox data base.

Abstract The carcinogenicity prediction and battery selection (CPBS) method (Chankong et al., 1985) utilizes the results of short-term tests to predict the carcinogenicity of chemicals and select batteries of tests that are capable of giving accurate predictions at reasonable costs. The CPBS method has been applied to the data compiled under the aegis of the Gene-Tox Program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a demonstration of the method on a typical data base. A number of batteries were selected by the methodology as having superior performance characteristics. The Bayesian predictions resulting from most of the selected 3-assay batteries were very good (greater than 90% of the carcinogens were correctly identified). It was also found that the 3-assay batteries of specified composition gave generally more accurate predictions than batteries of 4 or more assays of unspecified composition. A number of problems which may have affected our results have been identified: (1) the reliability of the sensitivities and specificities of the individual assays, (2) the prior probability that a chemical is a carcinogen was assumed to be 0.5, and (3) we have not (as yet) taken into account that some of the carcinogens are non-genotoxic and will produce false negative assays results. We are currently investigating approaches to take these factors into consideration. Our analysis also indicates that more testing of chemicals for carcinogenicity (especially probable non-carcinogens) is needed to further enhance the predictive capability of the CPBS method.
Detecting Subgroups in Survey Research

A problem often not detected in the interpretation of survey research is the potential interaction between subgroups within the sample and aspects of the survey. Potentially interesting interaction...
LOW‐TEMPERATURE, LONG‐TIME HEATING OF BOVINE MUSCLE 3. Collagenolytic Activity

SUMMARY: Naturally occurring collagenolytic activity was found in the water-soluble fraction of bovine muscle. General proteolytic activity determined with Azocoll indicated that this total activity was much greater than the collagenase activity specifically determined according to the method of Wunsch and Heidrich. The collagenase fraction was concentrated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the activity of the enzyme was studied under various pH and temperature conditions. This collagenase could remain active in the meat at cooking temperatures experienced in long-time, low-temperature cooking, 70-80°C, the collagenase observed in this study is inactivated.
Cover Picture: Generation of Monodisperse Mesoporous Silica Microspheres with Controllable Size and Surface Morphology in a Microfluidic Device (Adv. Funct. Mater. 24/2008)

A one-step in situ method, termed microfluidic diffusion-induced self-assembly, for the synthesis of monodisperse ordered mesoporous silica microspheres, is reported. The method combines microfluidic generation of uniform droplets and subsequent in situ rapid solvent diffusion-induced self-assembly within the microfluidic channel. The mesoporous silica microspheres prepared in this way reveal well-ordered 2D hexagonal mesostructures with unprecedented corrugated surface morphology of disordered mesopores that are larger than 15 nm. It is speculated that the formation of an interfacial subphase and rapid diffusion of solvent to oil are attributed to the formation of the unique surface morphology. It is also shown that the surface morphology and the particle size of the mesoporous silica microspheres can be systematically controlled by adjusting fluidic conditions.
Preferencias de habitat de peces siluriformes de aguas continentales de Chile (Fam. Diplomystidae y Trichomycteridae).

Abstract Habitat Preferences of Siluriform Fishes of Chilean Continental Waters (Fam. Diplomystidae and Trichomycteridae) The habitat of the following species of Chilean freshwater siluriform fishes is studied: Diplomystes chilensis, Nematogenys inermis, Trichomycterus areolatus, Tr. chiltoni and Bullockia maldonadoi. N. inermis inhabits the potamonal region of rivers and streams (as the adults of D. chilensis) while Trichomycterus and Bullockia inhabit the rhitronal region which is also occupied by young specimens of D. chilensis. These fishes occupy different habitats during their development in these regions; largest differences exist between the adults: Diplomystes and Nematogenys prefer the deep zone of the Potamon of rivers and streams, while trichomycterids prefer the dead water space in the benthonic part of Rhitron of rivers and streams. Diplomystes is a benthonic form of fast‐running water, while Nematogenys lives in slow‐running water. The spatial distribution of these fishes is discontinuous i...
Validating CFD predictions of highly localized aerosol deposition in airway models: In vitro data and effects of surface properties

Abstract Local deposition of pharmaceutical and environmental aerosols governs desorption, uptake, and biological response within the respiratory airways. Few studies have reported estimates of numerical microdosimetry and even fewer have compared these results with experiments. This study evaluated the effects of surface coating and roughness on the local deposition of inhaled coarse micrometer particles in an in vitro asymmetric double bifurcation geometry. The double bifurcation geometry is representative of airway generations 3–5 and includes mean asymmetry approximations from previous anatomical studies. Polystyrene latex 10 μm monodisperse particles were delivered at a steady state tracheal flow rate of 60 l/min (LPM) and mean local deposition patterns were resolved on a grid of 0.75 mm squares using fluorescent microscopy. The three airway geometry surfaces tested were unaltered, coated with silicone oil, and sanded-coated. For the hard plastic in vitro models employed, coating the surface was shown to be important in order to prevent bounce and re-entrainment of the particles. Sanding the models altered the local deposition profile in an uncontrolled way and is therefore not recommended for future experiments. The best overall match between the in vitro results and CFD simulations was the coated experimental geometry and coarse wall roughness simulations. For this case, the relative error between the experiments and simulations for total deposition was 6%. On a local deposition basis, cumulative lines of deposition fraction in the x and y -directions showed reasonable agreement between the experiments and simulations. However, some evidence of post-deposition particle rolling or spreading was observed with the coated experiments at the second bifurcation. Comparing experimental and CFD results cell by cell, higher maximum deposition enhancement factors (DEFs) were observed for the in vitro cases, perhaps due to factors not included in the CFD simulations. This result implies that previously predicted maximum DEF values from CFD simulations may be conservatively low and that actual values with in vitro models or in vivo may be even higher than predicted. In conclusion, this study provides a valuable new dataset for understanding the effects of surface characteristics on local deposition, assessing hotspot magnitude in the tracheobronchial airways, and validating CFD predictions.
Tribological Characterization of Biomimetic Low-Friction Gels

Cartilage injury and disease are significant health issues that affect people of all ages. With an increase in active lifestyles, extended life expectances, and diseases such as osteoarthritis, millions of people worldwide are being treated with some form of joint replacements [1], and that number is expected to increase. Although current joint replacements have been successful thus far, typically patients experience long term failure due to wear between the two major contacting surfaces; for example, a cobalt chrome femoral head and a polyethylene tibial plate [2]. While tissue engineered constructs with natural cellular materials are a subject of intense research, their load carrying ability and mechanical function are still far from what is necessary for long-life contacting surfaces. A vastly improved contact surface is desirable, utilizing materials that better mimic the structure and excellent tribological properties of natural cartilage. Such a material could also potentially be designed for use against natural cartilage, when defects are more localized.© 2009 ASME
International expansion by new venture firms: International diversity, mode of market entry, technological learning, and performance.

An increasing number of new venture firms are internationalizing their business operations early in their life cycles. Previous explanations of this trend have focused on the importance of technological knowledge, skills, and resources for new ventures' international expansion. However, little is known about how these firms use the technological learning gained through internationalization. This study examined the effects of international expansion, as measured by international diversity and mode of market entry, on a firm's technological learning and the effects of this learning on the firm's financial performance.
High density chemiluminescence studies: explosive decomposition of solid phase tetramethyldioxetane

Abstract The spectral and temporal profiles of the chemiluminescence resulting from IR-laser-induced decomposition of solid phase tetramethyldioxetane (TMD) are reported. An unusual two-component luminescence signal is observed. The first component at 0 – 10 μs is shown to evolve from the initially laser-heated portion of the TMD crystal. The second component at 30 – 500 μs arises from the explosion of the crystal bulk induced by heat released during the decomposition of the skin. Kinetic modeling of the decomposition results in good agreement of the calculated and experimental time scales for decomposition. The modeling studies suggest that an autocatalytic chain reaction is important in the decomposition mechanism. The two emission components are shown to have the same visible spectrum which peaks at 410 nm and has a full width at half-maximum of 30 – 50 nm. The results suggest that excited state singlet acetone is the species responsible for both components of the emission.
Relation of preterm birth with quality of infant—mother attachment at one year

Abstract The impact of preterm birth and perinatal medical status on mother—infant interaction at 6 months and quality of attachment at 1 year in a predominantly low socio-economic status sample was examined. Preterm infants had birth weights of less than 2500 gms and gestational ages between 30 and 36 weeks. Infants assigned to the ill preterm group required more than 48 hours of oxygen at birth or had intraventricular hemorrhage. At 6 months, 54 (18 full-term/ 18 healthy preterm/ 18 ill preterm) infants and their mothers were videotaped in a 15-min interaction sequence in a laboratory playroom; at 12 months, quality of attachment was assessed using the Ainsworth Strange Situation ( Ainsworth & Wittig, 1969 ). A greater proportion of preterm infants was found to be insecurely attached. Maternal behavior during the 6-month interaction was not found to mediate the impact of preterm birth on quality of attachment.
Simulation and TWINS observations of the 22 July 2009 storm

TWINS is the first mission to perform stereo imaging of the Earth's ring current. The magnetic storm on 22 July 2009 was at the time the largest storm observed since TWINS began routine stereo imaging in June 2008. On 22 July 2009, the Dst dropped to nearly .80 nT at 0700 and 1000 UT. During the main phase, and at the peak of the storm, TWINS 1 and 2 were near apogee and moving between predawn and postdawn local time. The energetic neutral atom (ENA) imagers on the two spacecraft captured the storm intensification and the formation of the partial ring current. The peak of the high-altitude ENA emissions was seen in the midnight-to-dawn local time sector. The development of this storm has been simulated using the comprehensive ring current model (CRCM) to understand and interpret the observed signatures. We perform CRCM runs with constant and time-varying magnetic field. The model calculations are validated by comparing the simulated ENA and ion flux intensities with TWINS ENA images and in situ ion data from a THEMIS satellite. Simulation with a static magnetic field produces a strong shielding electric field that skews the ion drift trajectories toward dawn. The model's corresponding peak ENA emissions are always more eastward than those in the observed TWINS images. On the other hand, the simulation with a dynamic magnetic field gives better spatial agreement with both ENA and in situ particle data, suggesting that temporal variations of the geomagnetic field exert a significant influence upon global ring current ion dynamics.
Immunohistochemical localization of a choriogonadotropin‐like protein in bacteria isolated from cancer patients

By the use of specific antibody to human chorionic gonadotropin (CG) as well as to its beta-subunit, and the application of the indirect fluorescein-labeled and peroxidase-labeled antibody techniques, we have demonstrated the presence of a membrane (wall)-associated CG-similar immunoreactive protein in 15 strains of bacteria isolated from tissues of patients bearing malignant neoplasms. These microorganisms were classified as S. epidermidis, (12) E. coli (2), and a single strain of P. maltophilia (ATCC 13637). The absence of the CG-like antigen in other "cancer associated bacteria", Streptococcus faecalis (ATCC 12818) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (from patient with cancer of colon), demonstrated that not every "cancer associated bacteria" has the capability to synthesize the trophoblastic-like protein. The negative results obtained with a number of "noncancer control" bacteria of known origin, obtained from ATCC and from clinical samples, strongly supported the idea that the existance of these CG-like protein producing microorganisms is not a ubiquitous finding. The demonstration of a de novo bacterial biosynthesis of a protein having similar antigenic and biophysical properties to those of the human trophoblastic hormone, has great biological implications, especially if its biosynthesis is proven only in bacterial strains growing in the presence of cancer cells in which we have already demonstrated the presence of a similar antigen. The explanation of the phenomenon is unknown. Because of their origin, the potential of "genetic exchange" with subsequent expression of the mammalian gene by the bacterial cells becomes a possibility. It is also possible that the gene coding for the CG-like protein is normally present but inactive or repressed in all bacteria.
Determination of Fluoxetine and Norfluoxetine in Serum by Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection

Abstract A reversed phase liquid chromatographic procedure with fluorescence detection for the simultaneous determination of fluoxetine and its active metabolite, norfluoxetine in human serum is described. A 0.5-mL aliquot of the sample after the addition of protriptyline as the internal standard is passed through a 1-mL BondElut C18 silica extraction column. The column is selectively washed to remove polar, neutral, acidic and weakly basic compounds. The desired compounds are eluted with a 0.25-mL aliquot of a mixture of 0.1 N perchloric acid + acetonitrile (1:3). A 20-uL aliquot of the eluate is injected onto a 15 cm × 4.6 mm (i.d.) column packed with 5-um C8-silica particles, which is eluted at ambient temperature with a mobile phase containing tetramethyl-ammonium perchlorate. The peaks are detected with a fluorescence detector (ex = 235 nm; em = 310 nm). In the resulting chromatogram, there are only few extraneous peaks, fluoxetines give sharp peaks which are well resolved from peaks for solvent and ...
Activity and location of cation-dependent ATPases on the plasma membrane of boar spermatozoa.

Purified boar sperm plasma membrane vesicles originating primarily from the sperm head, and plasma membrane containing greater amounts of flagellar plasma membrane were assayed for cation-dependent ATPase activity. The ATPase activities were compared with partially purified outer acrosomal membranes and with fused plasma membrane-outer acrosomal membranes prepared from artificially acrosome reacted spermatozoa. Evidence was obtained for the presence of a Ca+2-ATPase in plasma membranes from sperm heads and from flagella. The ATPase may be associated with ATP-dependent calcium extrusion since Mg ATP inhibited calcium binding to plasma membranes. (Na+ + K+) ATPase activity appears to be restricted to the flagellar plasma membrane. No evidence for the presence of a proton translocase such as has been detected in sperm head membranes of the hamster, was detected in either plasma membrane or outer acrosomal membranes.
Comment on “axigluon production in Z0 decay”☆

Abstract We point out that a previous estimation of axigluon production in Z0 decay is flawed. We present the correct results.
Measuring Dentists’ Willingness to Treat HIV-Positive Patients

This survey of urban dentists found that willingness to treat HIV-positive patients was not a dichotomous decision. Variables that influence a dentist's willingness to treat these patients are identified. Other studies and the impact of willingness to care are considered.
Plasma exchange transfusion for hepatic coma. New technic.

A new technic is presented for continuous plasma and whole-blood exchange transfusions, using the NCI-IBM continuous-flow Blood Cell Separator. An additional case of hepatic coma resulting from acute fulminant infectious hepatitis unresponsive to conservative management treated with exchange transfusions is reported. During six exchanges, 39.5 liters of the patient's plasma and whole blood were replaced without clinical improvement. The exchange transfusions were performed without complication from the procedure or from the use of blood products anticoagulated with heparin and ACD. This technic is simple, rapid, and safe.
Surgical Management of a Ruptured Posterior Choroidal Intraventricular Aneurysm Associated with Moyamoya Disease Using Frameless Stereotaxy: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Objective and importance Prevention of rebleeding is the most important aspect of the management of hemorrhagic moyamoya disease, because rebleeding causes significant morbidity and mortality. Clinical presentation A 26-year-old male patient with a history of moyamoya disease since the age of 3 years and multiple strokes was in a semicomatose state at presentation. He was found to have intraventricular and periventricular hemorrhages abutting the atrium of the right ventricle. His hospital course was complicated by a second hemorrhage. Both bleeding events were believed to be secondary to a ruptured right lateral posterior choroidal aneurysm. Intervention The aneurysm was excised and revealed histopathology consistent with a true saccular aneurysm. Frameless stereotactic guidance was used during surgery to minimize damage to collateral vessels and to shorten the surgical corridor. Conclusion The management of hemorrhagic moyamoya disease should be modified based on the source of hemorrhage and its relation to a specifically located aneurysm. In the case of aneurysms arising from the choroidal artery, the general belief is that most of these represent pseudoaneurysms and have a tendency to regress spontaneously. Because of the rebleeding risk, we recommend early intervention in treating ruptured intracranial aneurysms using the least invasive surgical techniques.
Intravenous Shiga toxin 2 promotes enteritis and renal injury characterized by polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration and thrombosis in Dutch Belted rabbits.

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) infection causes hemolytic uremic syndrome, a leading cause of acute renal failure in children. Dutch Belted (DB) rabbits are susceptible to EHEC-induced disease. Using real-time quantitative RT-PCR we measured the renal mRNA expression of cytokines and fibrinolytic factors in DB rabbits challenged with intravenous Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2) (1200 ng/kg). Group 1 rabbits received an incremental dose during an 8-day period whereas Group 2 rabbits received a single dose. Group 1 rabbits developed mild disease. In contrast, Group 2 rabbits developed severe diarrhea, higher levels of circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes, increased mean platelet volume, and increased fibrinogen levels. Group 2 rabbits developed polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration in the intestine and kidney as well as glomerular congestion, luminal constriction, and mesangial glomerulonephropathy. These renal lesions were associated with up-regulation of interleukin-8 (P < 0.006), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (P < 0.04), and tissue plasminogen activator (P < 0.05). Circulating Stx2 promoted dose-dependent enteritis and renal injury characterized by inflammation and impaired fibrinolysis leading to thrombosis.
Morphological hit-or-miss transformation for shape recognition

Abstract In this paper, the morphological hit-or-miss transformation is analyzed for use in the recognition of both perfect shapes and imperfect shapes. Shape recognition is achieved by locating the objects to be recognized within the image. The shape recognition problem is discussed in the following two aspects. First, a theorem is presented in which the hit-or-miss operations employ the structuring elements ϑA and ϑ ( W ⊂ A c ), instead of using sets A and ( W ⊂ A c ). Here A is the boundary of A , and ϑ ( Q ⊂ A c ) is the containing A , ϑA is the boundary of A , and ϑ ( W ⊂ A c ) is the boundary of ( W ⊂ A c ). Second, the recognition of imperfect shapes due to indeterminate variation of an object shape is studied here. Our method employs a priori known shape information as a basis for structuring elements and constructs structuring elements which are then used in a hit-or-miss transformation to find the location of the shape to be recognized. Each occurrence of a target shape is represented either by one point or by a small cluster of points within a calculated range according to the associated structuring elements. Finally, we present the hit-or-miss operation without window restrictions as a technique for recognizing both perfect and imperfect shapes, thereby making the method more flexible.
Gender differences in serum leptin levels in humans.

Leptin, the product of the ob gene, is an adipose tissue-derived hormone that appears to regulate both satiety and thermogenesis. In the present report, we have reexamined the relationship between circulating leptin concentration and body fat in humans using a more valid measure of adiposity (hydrodensitometry) and have extended these observations to examine the influence of regional body fat distribution and cardiorespiratory fitness. Fasting serum leptin concentration was 6.9 +/- 0.3 ng.ml-1 in males (N = 333) and 15.2 +/- 1.3 ng.ml-1 in females (N = 63). Interestingly, total fat mass did not differ between groups (males 20.5 +/- 0.5 kg; females 20.4 +/- 1.5 kg), suggesting that females have higher leptin levels per unit fat mass. In a multiple regression model, fat mass was the best predictor of serum leptin concentration in males, accounting for 51% of the variance in leptin concentration. In females, percentage body fat was the best predictor of leptin, accounting for 49% of the variance. In both groups, the relationship between leptin and adiposity remained significant after adjusting for age, maximal treadmill time, waist circumference, and fasting insulin concentration. These observations support previous conclusions that circulating leptin is primarily a function of adiposity and demonstrate for the first time that this relationship is independent of fat distribution or cardiorespiratory fitness. The data also suggest that there is a gender dichotomy in the relationship between leptin and body fat mass in humans.
Pregnancy-induced up-regulation of aquaporin-4 protein in brain and its role in eclampsia

Neurologic complications of eclampsia are thought to be similar to hypertensive encephalopathy in which an acute, excessive elevation in blood pressure causes blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and edema formation. Because women who develop eclampsia are in general normotensive and asymptomatic prior to pregnancy, we hypothesized that pregnancy alone predisposes the brain to edema formation by up-regulation of aquaporin 4 (AQP4), a water channel in the brain that has been shown to positively correlate with edema formation. To test this hypothesis, we compared localization (immunohistochemistry), mRNA (RT-PCR), and protein levels (Western analysis) of AQP4 in brains from Sprague Dawley rats that were nonpregnant (NP, proestrous), mid-pregnant (MP, days 9-10), late-pregnant (LP, days 19-20), and postpartum (PP, days 3-4). AQP4 mRNA was detected in the brains of all the animals and was localized primarily around the brain parenchymal blood vessels, strongly implicating its role in BBB function. Western analysis revealed that the major AQP4 band at approximately 32 kDa was significantly elevated in MP, LP, and PP animals compared with NP by 9-, 22-, and 17-fold, respectively. These results suggest that pregnancy and the postpartum state up-regulate AQP4 protein located around the intraparenchymal blood vessels, a consequence that could promote edema formation when blood pressure is acutely and excessively elevated, as during eclampsia.-Quick, A. M., Cipolla, M. J. Pregnancy-induced up-regulation of aquaporin-4 protein in brain and its role in eclampsia.
Progesterone, GABA and mood disorders in women

The hormone progesterone fluctuates widely across the menstrual cycle, postpartum, and in the climacteric. Progesterone and the 5α 3α reduced metabolites of progesterone have been termed neurosteroids because they are synthesized in the central nervous system and affect neurologic functioning, and therefore, mood and behavior. Further study of the relationship of progesterone, allopregnanolone and other progesterone metabolites to the premenstrual dysphoric disorder, anxiety, and depressive disorders is warranted.
On the State of QSAR

A good place to look for the answers for the future of Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR) in the discovery of truly new drugs is the subject of organic chemistry. The fact that completely new organic reactions have not been designed from theory suggests that the same is to be expected in drug research. However, this does not mean that QSAR is not of great importance in drug discovery. Several examples are presented to illustrate this point.
D0 mixing, lifetime differences, and hadronic decays of charmed hadrons

Presented are preliminary results from the BABAR Collaboration on charm physics, including limits on D{sup 0} mixing from the ratio of lifetimes from K{sup -} {pi}{sup +}, K{sup +}K{sup -}, and {pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -} final states (using 47.8 fb{sup -1} of data) and branching ratio, and Dalitz amplitude analyses of the decays D{sup 0} {yields} K{sup 0}K{sup -}{pi}{sup +}, {bar K}{sup 0}K{sup +}{pi}{sup -}, and {bar K}{sup 0}K{sup +}K{sup -} (using 22 fb{sup -1} of data). The status of direct measurements of D{sup 0} mixing using wrong-sign D{sup 0} {yields} K{sup +}{pi}{sup -} decays is also discussed.
Dark current modeling of InP based SWIR and MWIR InGaAs/GaAsSb type-II MQW photodiodes

This paper reports the dark current characteristics of SWIR and MWIR p–i–n photodiodes with type-II InGaAs/GaAsSb multiple quantum wells as the absorption region. A bulk based model with the effective band gap of the type-II quantum well structure has been used. We investigated the dark current contributing mechanisms that are limiting the electrical performance of these photodiodes. The quantitative simulation of the I–V characteristics shows that the performance of InGaAs/GaAsSb photodiodes is dominated by generation-recombination component at the temperature between 200 and 290 K for reverse biases below 5 V. Trap-assisted tunneling current and direct tunneling current begin to dominate when the reverse bias is higher than 10 V.
AN ALTERNATING TREATMENTS COMPARISON OF ORAL AND TOTAL COMMUNICATION TRAINING WITH MINIMALLY VERBAL RETARDED CHILDREN

This study was a comparison of the effects of oral speech with total communication (speech plus sign language) training on the ability of mentally retarded children to repeat 4-word sentences. Three children were chosen who used single words to communicate but who did not combine words into complete sentences. Three sentence pairs were trained, with each pair having one sentence trained using oral methods and an equivalent one trained using the total communication approach. Both training procedures involved chaining sentence parts, reinforcement, and prompting. Oral methods involved presenting vocal stimuli and requiring vocal responses whereas total communication methods involved presenting vocal and signed stimuli and requiring vocal and signed responses. For the initial sentence pair with each child, an alternating treatments design was used to determine the relative efficacy of the two language training approaches. This was repeated with a second and third sentence pair using a multiprobe technique within a multiple baseline design. Results pointed to the superiority of the total communication approach in facilitating sentence repetition. Possible explanations of these results are offered and the utility of the alternating treatments experimental design is discussed.
Model calculations for an atom interacting with an intense, time-dependent electric field

We have performed a set of numerical calculations of the one-dimensional, time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation in order to study the interaction of an intense, electromagnetic field with a model atom. We approximate the atom by a local, square-well potential and the electromagnetic wave by an oscillating electric field. We investigate the multiphoton-absorption process that leads to the ``above-threshold'' ionization (ATI) phenomenon. We not only examine the ionization probability and electron-energy distributions within the field but also the effects of spatial and temporal boundaries that represent the finite dimensions of a laser pulse. We observe all the main features of the ATI behavior from the shifting of the peaks to their disappearance. In addition, we find differences in the positions of the peaks according to how the electron exits the field region. We also explore resonant ionization as well as Volkov wave packets and the recombination process.
Simulating Double-Peak Hydrographs from Single Storms over Mixed-Use Watersheds

AbstractTwo-peak hydrographs after a single rain event are observed in watersheds and storms with distinct volumes contributing as fast and slow runoff. The authors developed a hydrograph model able to quantify these separate runoff volumes to help in estimation of runoff processes and residence times used by watershed managers. The model uses parallel application of two advection-diffusion equations and calibrates the model’s fast and slow time parameters as well as a coefficient representing the relative size of the smaller hydrograph peak. The model provides an accurate representation of hydrograph timing, volume, peak, points of inflection, and recession rate, and its parameters represent physical processes of advection and diffusion and relate to watershed scale. The authors calibrated the model to match observed two-peak hydrographs with high efficiency on a watershed with distinct urban and rural land cover, and another watershed with distinct fast runoff from saturated areas. The Nash–Sutcliffe ef...
Prediction of Strongly Curved Turbulent Duct Flows with Reynolds Stress Model

The effects of strong convex and concave curvature on turbulent duct flows are investigated. A compressible Navier-Stokes code incorporating Reynolds stress models has been developed using a four-stage Runge-Kutta scheme. Numerical computations have been carried out for strongly curved 180-deg turnaround duct flows with a Reynolds stress model, an algebraic Reynolds stress model, and a nonlinear κ-e model. A detailed assessment of the models' capability in predicting the effects of strong streamline curvature has been carried out. The effect of curvature parameter δ/R on the development of mean flow and turbulence has been examined by numerical simulations with the Reynolds stress model.
Validity and the Employment Expectation Questionnaire Do Disability-Related Attitudes Affect Employment Selection Outcomes?

This article considers the validity of the Employment Expectation Questionnaire (beta version; EEQ-B) from construct-, content-, and criterion-related perspectives. Experimental and nonexperimental...
VLF bursts in the night ionosphere of Venus - Effects of the magnetic field

The occurrence rate of bursts at 0.1, 0.73, 5.4, and 30 kHz in the night ionosphere of Venus and factors controlling these bursts are examined. It is found that orientation has little effect on the occurrence rates but that the field strength has a strong effect. A contour map of the 100 Hz occurrences is shown to be similar to earlier maps at higher frequencies which have been corrected for altitude dependence.
Patient Exclusion in Geriatric Staffings

A recent move toward patient rights in long-term care institutions is the inclusion of the patient in the planning of care and treatment. This paper describes how the strategic problem for staffers of patient participation in care staffings is managed. Data were collected by participant observation in five nursing homes and are organized in terms of solutions to the problems of patient participation. The use and support of patient exclusionary devices, by patients and staff members, contain the input and effect that participating patients have on deliberations over their care and, at the same time, place a practical limit on related patient rights.
Vacuum polarization in uniform non-Abelian gauge fields

Abstract There are precisely two gauge-inequivalent kinds of non-Abelian vector potentials which produce “uniform fields” in the sense that all gauge-invariant combinations are constant in space-time. The first kind is gauge equivalent to a constant Abelian field with a linear potential. The second kind is gauge equivalent to a constant, non-commuting potential. Particular vector potentials of the second kind illustrate the Wu-Yang ambiguity. They give a field strength which is identical to that produced by potentials of the first kind. We demonstrate the distinction between the two potentials by showing that they give rise to completely different motions of a classical particle. The effects of a constant vector potential of the second kind on quantized matter fields are displayed by the resulting vacuum polarization. We compute these one-loop amplitudes to all orders in the constant external potential for spin-0 particles of isospin 1 2 and 1 and for spin − 1 2 particles with isospin − 1 2 . The constant vector potential may be described by parameters in a three-dimensional space. We find that there are two-dimensional surfaces in this space of potentials which divide it into domains of vacuum stability and domains of vacuum instability where the vacuum decays under the production of pairs of particles.
Striatal intrinsic reinforcement signals during recognition memory: relationship to response bias and dysregulation in schizophrenia.

Ventral striatum (VS) is a critical brain region for reinforcement learning and motivation, and VS hypofunction is implicated in psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. Providing rewards or performance feedback has been shown to activate VS. Intrinisically motivated subjects performing challenging cognitive tasks are likely to engage reinforcement circuitry even in the absence of external feedback or incentives. However, such intrinsic reinforcement responses have received little attention, have not been examined in relation to behavioral performance, and have not been evaluated for impairment in neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Here we used fMRI to examine a challenging 'old' vs. 'new' visual recognition task in healthy subjects and patients with schizophrenia. Targets were unique fractal stimuli previously presented as salient distractors in a visual oddball task, producing incidental memory encoding. Based on the prediction error theory of reinforcement learning, we hypothesized that correct target recognition would activate VS in controls, and that this activation would be greater in subjects with lower expectation of responding correctly as indexed by a more conservative response bias. We also predicted these effects would be reduced in patients with schizophrenia. Consistent with these predictions, controls activated VS and other reinforcement processing regions during correct recognition, with greater VS activation in those with a more conservative response bias. Patients did not show either effect, with significant group differences suggesting hyporesponsivity in patients to internally-generated feedback. These findings highlight the importance of accounting for intrinsic motivation and reward when studying cognitive tasks, and add to growing evidence of reward circuit dysfunction in schizophrenia that may impact cognition and function.
Estimation of molecular averages and equilibrium fluctuations in lipid bilayer systems from the excess heat capacity function

It is demonstrated that the bilayer partition function can be numerically obtained from scanning calorimetric data without assuming a particular model for the gel-liquid crystalline transition. From this partition function, the enthalpy, entropy and volume changes accompanying the transition can be calculated. In the limit of very large systems, the method of the grand partition function allows calculation of cluster model distribution functions from which average sizes of gel and liquid-crystal clusters, cluster densities and equilibrium fluctuations are obtained. These results indicate that the main transition in phospholipid bilayers proceeds through the formation of clusters and that these clusters are not static domains but highly fluctuating entities. These fluctuations in cluster size are approximately equal to the average cluster size and give rise to localized density and volume fluctuations. The magnitude of these fluctuations is affected by the radius of curvature of the bilayer and by the addition of small molecular weight compounds to the system.