cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Voices of Meenakumari: Sound, meaning, and self-fashioning in performances of an item number

This article considers how ‘item numbers,’ song sequences that serve as vehicles for sexualized female performance in popular Indian cinema, are re-animated through embodied – danced and sung – performances outside the films themselves. I examine a single song sequence from a 2009 Tamil film and two kinds of re-animations of it: first, the song as conceived and sung by the original playback singer in performance outside the context of the film, and second, as performed by young women in TV shows and in live stage shows. These performances participate in complex projects of self-fashioning that exceed the conventions by which female voices are given meaning within the Tamil culture industry.
Atomic force and scanning tunneling microscopy observations of whisker crystals and surface modification on evaporated gold films

Abstract We present atomic force microscope (AFM) images of whisker crystals interacting with the AFM probe tips for whiskers grown out of the surface of epitaxially made Au(111) on mica substrates. AFM images of broken-off whiskers lying on these gold substrates are presented as well. AFM and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) have also been used to observe (and create, in the case of the STM) stress-induced steps on the gold-on-mica surface. We have also observed these stress-induced steps (with AFM) after applying an external stress to the gold-on-mica substrate.
A STATISTICAL MODEL FOR BULK AND TEXTURE RETENTION IN RESIDENTIAL SAXONY CARPETS

A statistical model for the effects of fiber variables and carpet construction on carpet bulk and texture retention was developed based on a large historical data set. The seven independent variables were sufficient to explain the observed data and to explore the direct and interactive effects of the variables. The model concurs with previously proposed mechanisms and suggests additional mechanisms are also involved.
d-amphetamine "cue" generalizes to social defeat stress: behavioral sensitization and attenuated accumbens dopamine.

Rationale: Psychomotor stimulant drugs engender intense euphoria as well as anxiogenic effects, both potentially involving the mesolimbic dopamine system. Objectives: (1) Do animals that discriminate a psychomotor stimulant drug from saline generalize to a non-pharmacological stressful event such as social defeat? (2) How does the generalization from d-amphetamine to social defeat stress relate to dopamine overflow in the mesocorticolimbic system in response to this stress? Methods: Adult male Long-Evans rats were trained to discriminate either 1.0 mg/kg d-amphetamine or 10 mg/kg cocaine from saline in a two-lever drug discrimination task; each injection-appropriate tenth lever press was reinforced by milk presentation (fixed ratio, FR10). After confirming systematic cocaine and d-amphetamine dose-effect curves, additional discrimination tests involved exposure to several stress conditions; (1) brief confrontations with an aggressive resident rat that resulted in the intruder’s defeat. Rats were administered saline, then exposed to aggressive threats behind a protective screen for 15 min, and subsequently performed the two-lever discrimination task; (2) exposure for 15 min to aggressive threats without prior defeat; (3) exposure to a novel cage for 15 min. A subgroup of rats was prepared for in vivo microdialysis after they generalized the social stress response to the d-amphetamine cue. Results: Nine of 35 d-amphetamine-trained and six of 18 cocaine-trained animals responded at least 80% at the drug-appropriate lever after social defeat stress. Social defeat stress increased dopamine in nucleus accumbens, with a closely similar dopamine response in amphetamine-discriminating rats that were behaviorally sensitized versus those that were not sensitized by amphetamine. Conclusions: Generalization from social stress to the stimulant ”cue” differs among individuals, which may be relevant to the anxiety-like effects of stimulants. By contrast, mesolimbic DA activity and motor activity was increased in response to social defeat stress or a d-amphetamine challenge, regardless of the qualitatively different stimulant-stress generalization. Mesolimbic DA in response to stress or amphetamine appears significant in behavioral activation, but not in the qualitatively divergent internal stimulus properties.
Using cognitive science to assign test weights

This article attempts to develop an objective method for assigning weights to questions on examinations. Departing from the statistical discrimination approach of classical test theory, we use a domain-dependent approach.
The DYNLT3 Light Chain Directly Links Cytoplasmic Dynein to a Spindle Checkpoint Protein, Bub3

Cytoplasmic dynein is the motor protein responsible for the intracellular transport of various organelles and other cargoes toward microtubule minus ends. However, it remains to be determined how dynein is regulated to accomplish its varied roles. The dynein complex contains six subunits, including three classes of light chains. The two isoforms of the DYNLT (Tctex1) family of light chains, DYNLT1 and DYNLT3, have been proposed to link dynein to specific cargoes. However, no specific binding partner had been found for the DYNLT3 light chain. We find that DYNLT3 binds to Bub3, a spindle checkpoint protein. Bub3 binds exclusively to DYNLT3 and not to the other dynein light chains. Glutathione S-transferase pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate that Bub3 interacts with the cytoplasmic dynein complex. DYNLT3 is present on kinetochores at prometaphase, but not later mitotic stages, demonstrating that this dynein light chain, like Bub3 and other checkpoint proteins, is depleted from the kinetochore during chromosome alignment. Knockdown of DYNLT3 with small interference RNA increases the mitotic index, in particular, the number of cells in prophase/prometaphase. These results demonstrate that dynein binds directly to a component of the spindle checkpoint complex through the DYNLT3 light chain. Thus, DYNLT3 contributes to dynein cargo binding specificity. These data also suggest that the subpopulation of dynein, containing the DYNLT3 light chain, may be important for chromosome congression, in addition to having a role in the transport of checkpoint proteins from the kinetochore to the spindle pole.
Sleep, gender, and depression: An analysis of gender effects on the electroencephalographic sleep of 302 depressed outpatients

Abstract Gender-related differences in electroencephalographic (EEG) sleep were examined in 151 pairs of men and women with major depression, all outpatients, matched for age and severity of depression. Across five decades (age 21–69), depressed men had less slow-wave sleep than did depressed women. Gender differences were small with respect to visually scored measures of slow-wave sleep time and percent, but moderate for gender differences in automated measures of slow-wave density. The time constant of the polygraph prramplifier significantly affected both visually scored and automatically scored slow-wave sleep. Other measures, such as REM sleep latency, first REM period duration, sleep efficiency, and early morning awakening, showed robust age effects, but no main effects for gender or gender-by-age interactions. Gender effects on slow-wave sleep and delta-wave counts in depression parallel gender effects seen in healthy aging. The possibility of occult alcohol use by depressed male outpatients cannot be definitely excluded as a partial explanation of the current findings. However, covarying for past alcohol abuse did not negate the statistical significance of the observed gender effects on slow-wave sleep and delta-wave density. The possibility of gender differences in slow-wave regulatory mechanisms is suggested, but similarity in temporal distribution of delta-wave density between the first and second non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) periods does not support gender differences in slow-wave sleep regulation.
Computer simulation of physisorption on a heterogeneous surface

Abstract The technique of molecular dynamics was used to determine the structures of krypton physisorbed on a simple heterogeneous surface. The solid was modelled as an infinite set of straight square-walled grooves cut into an otherwise flat surface. The computed local densities show that the atoms adsorb as one-dimensionally ordered rows near the walls of the grooves. This order decays with increasing distance from the walls. Also, the atoms adsorbed on the steps exhibit little order at the simulation temperature of 110 K.
Transmission electron microscopy detection of microtexture variations and their effects on thin film stability

We have studied grain growth and the development of preferred orientation in thin gold films using transmission electron microscopy conical dark field imaging. The technique is capable of detecting texture variations characterized by mean orientation differences smaller than 5°. We have observed microscopic regions with distinct 〈111〉 fiber textures that differ, primarily, in the mean azimuthal deviation from the fiber axis. For one texture, the 〈111〉 axes of individual grains are found to have an average deviation of 1.5° from the foil normal, a second is characterized by a mean deviation of 5°, and a third is more nearly random with only a slight 〈111〉 orientation preference. The shapes of the differently oriented regions depend on the preparation of the sodium chloride substrate before deposition. We have studied the dependence of preferential orientation development on substrate surface topography and the evolution of microstructure in differently textured regions. Hillock growth, observed only in nearly randomly oriented regions of the films, cannot be explained by current theories of grain growth or hillock formation.
A representation of the characteristic function of a stable probability measure on certain TV spaces

Abstract In this paper, a Levy-Khintchine type representation of the characteristic function of a K-regular stable probability measure on real locally convex topological vector spaces, satisfying certain conditions, is presented.
Speaking American: Popular Indian Fiction in English

A number of new popular writers have emerged in the last decade in India, of whom Chetan Bhagat is probably the best known, but there are many others who sell in unprecedented numbers. Appealing to that vast segment of readers for whom English may be a second language (unlike the literary successes of the last decades, who wrote for a global and local audience), this group of writers has their gaze and concerns focused on India. Yet, the new genres (such as chick lit and techie lit) reveal a striking reliance on an American (US) idiom. While the chick lit novels have a distinctly Indian flavor, they, and the other new genres, promote the valorization of entrepreneurship, easy urban relationships, and consumerism. My essay examines the language of Americanness used in these popular fictions.
Implementation of continuous infusion of blood coagulation factors at an academic medical center.

Purpose A multidisciplinary initiative to promote more cost-effective use of blood factor derivatives and increase pharmacist involvement in associated order verification, dispensing, and monitoring activities is described. Summary After an evaluation of a hospital’s procedures for the use of blood factor derivatives identified inconsistencies and opportunities for cost savings, a revised medication-use process promoting continuous infusion of selected products (factors VIII, IX, and VIII/von Willebrand factor) was developed by pharmacy staff with input from physicians and nurse educators. The implementation of the enhanced medication-use procedures included (1) the publication of a compendium of key information on commonly used blood factors, including specific guidance on dosing and administration, (2) the use of Web-based educational modules targeting pharmacists and nurses, (3) greater involvement by pharmacists in blood factor order justification and verification, (4) routine pharmacist assessment of pertinent laboratory values and other determinants of optimal dosing, and (5) refined procedures for changing i.v. tubing. Surveys of pharmacists conducted before and after the practice changes indicated a significant increase in their knowledge of blood factor products and evidence-based best practices for the management of hemophilia. Conclusion Through a multidisciplinary initiative involving pharmacists, physicians, and nurses, new procedures to promote continuous infusion of selected blood factor products were implemented. Results of a postimplementation survey indicated that educational tools were effective in increasing pharmacists’ knowledge of blood factor derivatives and hemophilia management.
The Bond of Civility': Roger Williams on toleration and its limits

In this article, I examine the meaning of the concept of ‘civility’ for Roger Williams and the role it played in his arguments for religious toleration. I place his concern with civility in the broader context of his life and works and show how it differed from the missionary and civilizing efforts of his fellow New English among the American Indians. For Williams, civility represented a standard of inclusion in the civil community that was ‘essentially distinct’ from Christianity, which properly governed membership in the spiritual community of the church. In contrast to recent scholarship that finds in Williams a robust vision of mutual respect and recognition between co-citizens, I argue that civility constituted rather a very low bar of respectful behavior towards others entirely compatible with a lack of respect, disapproval, and even disgust for them and their beliefs. I show further that civility for Williams was consistent with—and partially secured by—a continued commitment on the part of godly c...
The physiologic aspects of eating disorders

Eating disorders, namely anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and excessive caloric intake resulting in obesity, are associated with multiple alterations in body physiology. Anorexia nervosa occurs predominantly in women and is most consistently associated with amenorrhea. Bulimia, or compulsive binge eating, is also more common in women. It is frequently followed by self-induced emesis or the use of cathar***tics and its most distinctive physiologic features are those of hypokalemic alklalosis and painless salivary gland enlargement. Obesity, per se, is a more heterogeneous condition, resulting from multiple behavior patterns, often with hereditable predisopsitions. Its most consistent physiologic abnormality is hyperinsu-linemia. The issue of whether there are underlying physiologic alterations responsible for the pathogenesis of these conditions or their attendant dysfunctions remains to be elucidated.
Tyrosine 220 in the 5th transmembrane domain of the neuromedin B receptor is critical for the high selectivity of the peptoid antagonist PD168368.

Peptoid antagonists are increasingly being described for G protein-coupled receptors; however, little is known about the molecular basis of their binding. Recently, the peptoid PD168368 was found to be a potent selective neuromedin B receptor (NMBR) antagonist. To investigate the molecular basis for its selectivity for the NMBR over the closely related receptor for gastrin-releasing peptide (GRPR), we used a chimeric receptor approach and a site-directed mutagenesis approach. Mutated receptors were transiently expressed in Balb 3T3. The extracellular domains of the NMBR were not important for the selectivity of PD168368. However, substitution of the 5th upper transmembrane domain (uTM5) of the NMBR by the comparable GRPR domains decreased the affinity 16-fold. When the reverse study was performed by substituting the uTM5 of NMBR into the GRPR, a 9-fold increase in affinity occurred. Each of the 4 amino acids that differed between NMBR and GRPR in the uTM5 region were exchanged, but only the substitution of Phe220 for Tyr in the NMBR caused a decrease in affinity. When the reverse study was performed to attempt to demonstrate a gain of affinity in the GRPR, the substitution of Tyr219 for Phe caused an increase in affinity. These results suggest that the hydroxyl group of Tyr220 in uTM5 of NMBR plays a critical role for high selectivity of PD168368 for NMBR over GRPR. Receptor and ligand modeling suggests that the hydroxyl of the Tyr220 interacts with nitrophenyl group of PD168368 likely primarily by hydrogen bonding. This result shows the selectivity of the peptoid PD168368, similar to that reported for numerous non-peptide analogues with other G protein-coupled receptors, is primarily dependent on interaction with transmembrane amino acids.
On optimal search plans to detect a target moving randomly on the real line

Abstract A target, whose initial position is unknown, is performing a random walk on the integers. A searcher, starting at the origin, wants to follow a search plan for which E [ τ k ] is finite, where k ≥ 1 and τ is the time to capture. The searcher, who has a prior distribution over the target's initial position, can move only to adjacent positions, and cannot travel faster than the target. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for the existence of search plans for which E [ τ k ] is finite and a minimum.
Robustness of GaN vertical superjunction HEMT

We have examined the robustness of the novel enhancement-mode GaN vertical superjunction HEMT using numerical simulations, which has been designed previously and projected to have best Ron, sp of 4.2 mQ-cm2 and BV of 12.4kV, and compared it with a GaN vertical HEMT with conventional drift region. The GaN vertical superjunction HEMT with 8 μm pillar width shows 7X higher on-state current level and 1/5 of the Ron, sp compared with The simulated on-state breakdown voltage of the GaN vertical superjunction HEMT structure shows 4.5% drop from the off-state breakdown voltage, and is only slightly higher than the 1.7% drop of the conventional GaN vertical HEMT.
Gradient Systems with Wiggly Energies and Related Averaging Problems

Gradient systems with wiggly energies of the form $$$$ and A:?d→ℝ were proposed by Abeyaratne, Chu & James [2] to study the kinetics of martensitic phase transitions. Their model may be recast in the framework of the theory of averaging as a dynamical system on ℝd×?d, with the slow variable x∈ℝd and fast variable θ∈?d. However, this problem lies completely outside the classical theory of averaging, since the vertical flow on ?d is not ergodic for sets of positive measure, and we must interpret averages to mean weak limits.
Numerical modeling of diffusive physical vapor transport in cylindrical ampoules

Diffusion limited physical vapor transport in closed cylindrical ampoules of aspect ratio (length/radius) between 0.5 and 10 was studied numerically. The transport of a crystal forming component A through an inert component B, which undergoes zero net transport, was considered. A case in which the partial pressure of B is comparable to that of A, as well as systems with very low partial pressures of B (impurity cases) were treated. Concentrations and velocity distributions were obtained from the coupled transport equations for momentum, mass and components. It was found that the interdiffusion of components in viscous interaction with the container walls leads to (1) recirculation of component B, even in the absence of gravity; (2) concentration gradients normal to the main transport direction in the vapor space; and (3) non-uniform interfacial concentration gradients and, hence, non-uniform crystal growth rates.
SiC whisker- and C fiber-reinforced calcium phosphate composites

SiC whisker/calcium phosphate and C fiber/calcium phosphate composites were fabricated by hot-pressing at 1185 °C and 7.6 MPa in vacuum. The microstructural characteristics, especially interfaces, of these composites were studied using transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of these composites were measured by four-point bending tests. It was found that the mechanical properties of these calcium phosphate-based composites were strongly dependent on their microstructural characteristics.
Molecular calculations with the MODPOT, VRDDO, and MODPOT/VRDDO procedures: I. HF, F2, HCl, Cl2, formamide, pyrrole, pyridine, and nitrobenzene

The nonempirical valence electron LCAO-MO-SCF model potential (MODPOT) procedure of Bonifacic and Huzinaga has been applied to the HF, F2, HCl, Cl2, formamide, pyrrole, pyridine, and nitrobenzene molecules. The results indicate that the method gives quite accurate valence orbital energies and potential energy curves for diatomics composed of first- and second-row atoms. It gives quite reliable valence orbital energies, gross atomic populations, total overlap populations, and dipole moment for moderately large organic molecules composed of first-row atoms and hydrogen. Use of the MODPOT approximation results in a substantial reduction in computer time and number of two-electron integrals that have to be processed. The nonempirical LCAO-MO-SCF charge-conserving variable retention of diatomic differential overlap (VRDDO) approximation of Wilhite and Euwema has been applied to the pyrrole, pyridine, and nitrobenzene molecules. The results indicate that the procedure gives accurate orbital energies, total energy, gross atomic populations, total overlap populations, and dipole moment for moderately large organic molecules. Use of the VRDDO approximation results in a substantial reduction in computer time. We also present pyrrole, pyridine, and nitrobenzene results obtained by introducing the VRDDO approximation into the MODPOT procedure. The accuracy of the VRDDO method remains unchanged if one considers only the valence electrons and there is an additional reduction in computer time.
Multiple Regimes and Low-Frequency Oscillations in the Northern Hemisphere’s Zonal-Mean Flow.

This paper studies multiple regimes and low-frequency oscillations in the Northern Hemisphere zonal-mean zonal flow in winter, using 55 yr of daily observational data. The probability density function estimated in the phase space spanned by the two leading empirical orthogonal functions exhibits two distinct, statistically significant maxima. The two regimes associated with these maxima describe persistent zonal-flow states that are characterized by meridional displacements of the midlatitude jet, poleward and equatorward of its time-mean position. The geopotential height anomalies of either regime have a pronounced zonally symmetric component, but largest-amplitude anomalies are located over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. High-frequency synoptic transients participate in the maintenance of and transitions between these regimes. Significant oscillatory components with periods of 147 and 72 days are identified by spectral analysis of the zonal-flow time series. These oscillations are described by singular spectrum analysis and the multitaper method. The 147-day oscillation involves zonal-flow anomalies that propagate poleward, while the 72-day oscillation only manifests northward propagation in the Atlantic sector. Both modes mainly describe changes in the midlatitude jet position and intensity. In the horizontal plane though, the two modes exhibit synchronous centers of action located over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The two persistent flow regimes are associated with slow phases of either oscillation.
Best Friends Forever?: Race and the Stability of Adolescent Friendships

Our research uses two waves of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to analyze the stability of same- and cross-race friendships. We find the following: First, interracial friendships are less stable than same-race friendships, even after controlling for a variety of contextual and dyadic characteristics, such as school racial composition and friends' similarities in attitudes and behaviors. Second, measures of dyadic similarity (aside from race) are weak predictors of friendship stability. Third, measures of reciprocity and closeness are strong predictors of friendship stability and appear to dampen the effects of racial difference. These results indicate that race is of continuing significance in structuring the social lives of American adolescents. They call into question the assumption that the factors that drive friendship formation also drive friendship stability. And, they suggest that more attention should be paid to the quality of interracial friendships, as measured by degree of reciprocity and closeness.
Ultrasonic characterization of steel rods for health monitoring of civil structures

Steel rods in the form of rebar or strands are widely used in civil engineering. The first part of this paper discusses the application of an ultrasonic technique for the measurement of applied loads in steel rods. Ultrasonic wave velocity depends on stress and temperature. The stress dependence of the velocity, known as the acoustoelastic effect, can be used to monitor the applied or residual stress. An acoustoelastic constant is defined in terms of relative variation of ultrasonic group velocity. Theoretical considerations suggest that the acoustoelastic effect is more pronounced for certain wave frequencies. The effect of the excitation frequency on the acoustoelastic response of circular steel rods and strands was investigated experimentally. A frequency-dependence of the acoustoelastic constant was found and the role of cross sectional mode shapes was considered in this context. In the second portion of the work, laser ultrasonic techniques were used for a basic investigation of dispersive wave propagation in strands. The tests used a joint time-frequency analysis based on the Gabor wavelet transform. Dispersion and frequency-dependent attenuation were studied. Those ultrasonic frequencies propagating with minimum attenuation were identified as the most suitable for field use to probe long length of the member at once.
Rural motor vehicle crash risk of death is higher after controlling for injury severity.

BACKGROUND:: Motor vehicle crash (MVC) mortality rates are inversely related to population density. The purpose of this study was to analyze if there is a regional variation in the risk of MVC death after controlling for injury severity. METHODS:: The study utilized the Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) data set in Nebraska. All fatal or injury-related crashes during a 4-year period (1996 through 1999) were analyzed. Injury Severity Scores (ISSs) were calculated from the CODES listed International Classification of Diseases diagnoses. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the odds ratio for death in three rural county groupings compared with urban locations. RESULTS:: During the 4-year period, 56,727 people were injured and 1,237 were killed in 38,493 MVCs. Of these, 45,222 (78%) records had complete information on variables of interest. In addition, 28,859 (50%) records had enough information to calculate an ISS. A total of 22,181 (39%) records had complete information on the variables of interest and ISSs. After adjusting for the effects of speed limit, age, and alcohol involvement (but not ISS), the odds of death were 1.24 (1.01-1.53) higher in the large, non-adjacent and 1.38 (1.14-1.66) small, non-adjacent rural counties. After adjusting for the effect of ISS, the odds of death were 1.98 (1.18-3.31) higher in the small, non-adjacent rural counties. CONCLUSION:: After controlling for ISS, the risk of MVC death is nearly twice as high in the most rural counties in Nebraska. This finding suggests that variation in medical care may contribute to this regional variation. Language: en
Mathematics and Science Integration: Models and Characterizations

The squeeze on instructional time and other factors increasingly leads educators to consider mathematics and science integration in an effort to be more efficient and effective. Unfortunately, the need for common understandings for what it means to integrate these disciplines, as well as the need for improving disciplinary knowledge, appears to continue to be significant obstacles to an integrated approach to instruction. In this study we report the results of a survey containing six instructional scenarios administered to thirty-three middle grades science and math teachers. Analysis of teacher responses revealed that while teachers applied similar criteria in their reasoning, they did not possess common characterizations for integration. Furthermore, analysis suggested that content knowledge serves as a barrier to recognizing integrated examples. Implications for professional development planners include the need to develop and provide teachers with constructs and parameters for what constitutes mathematics and science integration. Continued emphasis on improving teacher content knowledge in both mathematics and science is also a prerequisite to enabling teachers to integrate content.
Global planarization of gap-filling process for low-k dual damascene applications

Planarization of gap-filling materials for low-k dual damascene processes is getting more and more important due to the photoresist process window shrinking as the pitch and critical dimensions shrink. Defects, especially pattern collapses, will become a serious problem if there is no global planarization for low-k dual damascene processes. IC manufacturers and materials vendors have proposed several ways to improve the global planarization of gap filling, such as using materials with different viscosities, fine tuning gap-filling material coating recipes, and even using optical or chemical treatments to obtain global planarization. The effect of the different conformalities of the first and second coating materials on coating performance will be discussed.
Expression of growth factors in chicken growth plate with special reference to tibial dyschondroplasia

Summary Immunoreactive growth factors were identified in chick embryonic cartilage and bone, and in the growth plate of normal tibiotarsi and tibiotarsi affected with tibial dyschondroplasia (TD). A specific pattern of temporal and spatial expression was observed for each growth factor. Transforming growth factor β and α (TGFβ and TGFα) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were briefly expressed in chondrocytes of early chick embryos. Immunolabelling for TGFβ then gradually shifted into cartilaginous matrix and was not observed in cytoplasm of hypertrophic chondrocytes until the late embryonic and posthatch stages. The distribution and intensity of TGFβ labelling was the same in chondrocytes of the TD and normal growth plate. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) labelling persisted from the early embryonic stage to the end of the mid-stage and then disappeared from chondrocytes. IGF-I appeared again in chondrocytes 1–2 days before hatching. After hatching, the labelling intensified in prehypertrophic and hypertrophic chondrocytes. TD lesions displayed IGF-I in the distal region, mainly in chondrocytes around small blood vessels. EGF reappeared in proliferative and hypertrophic chondrocytes of the mid-embryonic stage. By day 18 after hatching, EGF was present mainly in prehypertrophic and hypertrophic chondrocytes. EGF was demonstrated only in distal proliferative and early prehypertrophic chondrocytes of the dyschondroplastic growth plate. TGFα was identified in hypertrophic chondrocytes adjacent to the periosteum and in the distal tip of the midembryonic growth plate. With progressing ossification, TGFα labelling intensified in the embryonic hypertrophic chondrocytes. In the TD growth plate at day 18 after hatching, TGFα expression was limited to 1–3 concentric layers of chondrocytes surrounding blood vessels.
Assessment of Body Composition of Poultry by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging and spectroscopy were used to assess body composition of the chicken and turkey poult. The NMR imaging was performed using a clinical, whole-body imaging system operating at 1.5 tesla (T; 63 MHz). Three-dimensional reconstruction of cross-sectional images made along the transaxial plane was used to estimate mass of the Pectoralis muscle of chickens ranging in weight from 140 to 2,760 g. Results indicate that NMR imaging can be used to determine size of the Pectoralis muscle (R2 = .99) in the bird, thus permitting repetitive measurements during the growth and development of the bird. The NMR spectroscopy was performed using an imaging spectrometer operating at 4.7 T (200 MHz). Integral areas of the water and lipid proton peaks of the spectra were compared with the water and lipid content of the whole body as determined by chemical analysis. Regression analysis of measurements made on turkey poults, ranging in weight from 115 to 630 g (n = 6), resulted in R2 values of .94 for NMR water proton peak area and total body water, .93 for NMR lipid proton peak area and total body lipid, and .96 for NMR water proton peak area and total body protein. From NMR spectroscopy of chickens weighing 528 +/- 18 g (n = 6), the relative area of the lipid peak correlated with whole-body lipid (R2 = .97). Thus, whole-body spectroscopy of smaller birds can be used to measure total body water, protein, and lipid content.
The Product Portfolio and Profitability—A PIMS-Based Analysis of Industrial-Product Businesses

This paper empirically examines the association between the strategic attributes and profitability of businesses in the four cells of the Boston Consulting Group Product Portfolio Matrix. The study largely corroborates PIMS and BCG views but conflicts with others. Some common strategic attributes appear to be strongly associated with performance in all the BCG cells.
Experimental characterization of vibrated granular rings

We report an experimental study of the statistical properties of vibrated granular rings. In this system, a linked rod and bead metallic chain in the form of a ring is collisionally excited by a vertically oscillating plate. The dynamics are driven primarily by inelastic bead-plate collisions and are simultaneously constrained by the rings' physical connectedness. By imaging many instances of the ring configurations, we measure the ensemble averages and distributions of several physical characteristics on the scale of individual beads and composite ring. We study local properties such as inter-bead separation and inter-bonds angles, and global properties such as the radius of gyration and center-of-mass motion. We characterize scaling with respect to the size of the chain.
Concurrent eyeblink classical conditioning and rotary pursuit performance: implications for independent nondeclarative memory systems

The authors examined whether 2 nondeclarative tasks, simple eyeblink classical conditioning (EBCC) and rotary pursuit (RP), would interfere with each other when performed simultaneously. In Experiment 1,100 participants were assigned to 1 of 5 groups: paired EBCC/RP, unpaired EBCC/RP, paired EBCC as a single task, unpaired EBCC as a single task, and RP as a single task. Participants in the paired EBCC/RP group showed significantly greater acquisition of conditioned responses than did participants in the unpaired EBCC/RP group, and the unconditioned eyeblink response was similar in both groups. Comparisons of the paired EBCC/RP and paired EBCC-as-a-single-task groups indicated no differences in trials to criterion, but on some measures the single-task group conditioned better. Controls introduced in Experiment 2 did not change this pattern. Results provide some evidence for the lack of interference between EBCC and RP.
A mitochondrial DNA rearrangement and three new mitochondrial plasmids from long-lived strains ofPodospora anserina

Abstract The excision-junction sites of a mtDNA rearrangement of a long-lived strain of Podospora anserina , Mn19, were cloned and sequenced. Analysis of sequence and hybridization data lead to the conclusion that the Mn19 mtDNA consists of two nonoverlapping circular molecules. Three plasmids, LMt-2, LMt-3, and LMt-4, cloned from long-lived progeny of crosses between the Mn19 strain and wild type were cloned and sequenced. These plasmids share features and excision-junction sites with previously described longevity and senescence plasmids. The Mn19 mtDNA rearrangement and plasmids LMt-2, LMt-3, and LMt-4 are described. The possible significance of similarities to previously described plasmids is discussed.
Alcohol Affordability and Alcohol Demand: Cross-Country Trends and Panel Data Estimates, 1975 to 2008

Background Relatively little is known about cross-country differences in alcohol affordability or factors that determine differences in affordability over time. This information is potentially important for alcohol policy, especially policies that focus on higher taxes or prices to reduce total alcohol consumption. This study estimates cross-country alcohol consumption relationships using economic models incorporating income and prices and alternative models based on alcohol affordability. The data and analysis are restricted to higher income countries. Methods Data for alcohol consumption per capita (ages 15+) are analyzed for 2 samples: first, 17 countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development for the period 1975 to 2000; second, 22 countries in the European Union for the period from 2000 to 2008. Panel data models are utilized, with country and time fixed-effects to control for confounding influences. In economic demand models, covariates are real per capita income and real alcohol price indices. In affordability models, income is divided by prices to yield an index of alcohol affordability. Results Analysis of data trends reveals that much of the increase in affordability is due to rising real incomes, and not falling real prices. Economic models of demand perform slightly better statistically, but differences are not substantial as income and affordability are highly correlated. For both samples, exogenous rates of growth of alcohol consumption are negative. Price and income elasticities, on average, are within the range of prior estimates. Affordability elasticities are between 0.21 and 0.25. Conclusions Although alcohol affordability is a valid concept statistically, its use in policy discussions tends to hide underlying causes of changes in affordability. A better approach is a comparison and analysis of trends and cross-country differences in real incomes and real alcohol prices together with the affordability index. Country-level analysis of income and price elasticities also is required.
Vacuum erectile device for penile rehabilitation

The vacuum erectile device (VED) uses negative pressure to increase blood inflow and oxygen into the corpora cavernosum, with a ring at the base of the penis to maintain the erection for intercourse or without a ring for penile rehabilitation. As the limitation of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5I) showed in the treatment of refractory erectile dysfunction (ED), the use of VED resurged and is becoming the first-line therapy in treatment of ED after radical prostatectomy. Currently, the combination therapy of VED and PDE5I and of VED and intracavernous injection are advocated. Furthermore, there has been increasing interest in the use of VED to preserve penile length in inflatable penile prosthesis preoperation procedure and Peyronie's disease. Hereby, we reviewed the underlying mechanisms, the status of VED in penile rehabilitation, the combination therapy and the expanded use of VED.
Temperament, classmate likability, and social perspective coordination as correlates of children's parent-rated type A behaviors

Abstract Parents of 58 boys and 62 girls from grades three through eight completed the Matthews Youth Test for Health (MYTH), a measure of Type A behavior. Normative and reliability data were similar to those obtained from teachers as reported in the literature, but a factor analysis of parents' ratings revealed four factors (Competitiveness, Irritability, Impatience, and Leadership) as opposed to the two factors (Impatience/Aggression and Competitiveness) that have been derived from teacher ratings. Boys had higher total MYTH scores than girls, but correlations with age were not significant. No grade or gender effects were obtained for any of the four MYTH factor scores. Correlates of the MYTH scores were computed separately for boys and for girls. For boys, Irritability was related to Reactivity, a Difficult Temperament, low classmate Likeability, and poor performance on two social cognitive tasks (compromising and friendship understanding). For girls, Leadership was related to Classmate Likeability and good performance on the two social cognitive tasks. For boys only, total MYTH scores were related to low Attention Span, high Reactivity, a Difficult Temperament, and low Friendship Understanding scores. Findings are related to the gender differences found in the study of both ego control and cooperation/ competition.
America's most widely read speech teachers: The brothers McGuffey

William and Alexander McGuffey, authors of the famous McGuffey's Eclectic Readers, have been ignored in histories of speech education. These men were skilled teachers and practitioners of rhetorical theory. Their theory is drawn primarily from the natural school of elocution. The rhetorical aspects of the readers contributed significantly to the success of that series.
Reply to letter to editor

We appreciate Dr. Kapoor’s interest in our article on the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia with the capsaicin 8 % patch [1]. Postherpetic neuralgia can be very difficult to treat and the development of new therapies is needed, particularly given the potential for side effects from current systemic therapies [2]. Vitamin C has low side effect liability and has been found to favorably affect one type of neuropathic pain, reducing the risk of complex regional pain syndrome following the wrist fracture [3]. We agree that further investigation of this agent in other types of neuropathic pain, such as postherpetic neuralgia, is warranted.
A meta-analytic review of the weapon focus effect.

This meta-analytic review examined 19 tests of the weapon focus effect—the hypothesis that the presence of a weapon during commission of a crime will negatively affect an eyewitness's ability to later identify the perpetrator. A significant overall difference between weapon-present and weaponabsent conditions was demonstrated, with weapon presence leading to reduced identification accuracy. Overall, the size of the effect was small (.13) for the dependent measure of lineup identification and moderate (.55) for feature accuracy. Discussion focuses on those factors that appear to mediate and facilitate the weapon focus effect.
Correlation energy in a spin-polarized two-dimensional electron liquid in the high-density limit

We have obtained an analytic expression for the ring diagram contribution to the correlation energy of a two-dimensional electron liquid as a function of the uniform fractional spin polarization. Our results can be used to improve the interpolation formulas which represent the basic ingredient for the construction of modern spin-density functionals in two dimensions.
Phosphorylation by Protein Kinase A Inhibits Nuclear Import of 5-Lipoxygenase

The enzyme 5-lipoxygenase initiates the synthesis of leukotrienes from arachidonic acid. Protein kinase A phosphorylates 5-lipoxygenase on Ser523, and this reduces its activity. We report here that phosphorylation of Ser523 also shifts the subcellular distribution of 5-lipoxygenase from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Phosphorylation and redistribution of 5-lipoxygenase could be produced by overexpression of the protein kinase A catalytic subunit α, by pharmacological activators of protein kinase A, and by prostaglandin E2. Mimicking phosphorylation by replacing Ser523 with glutamic acid caused cytoplasmic localization; replacement of Ser523 with alanine prevented phosphorylation and redistribution in response to protein kinase A activation. Because Ser523 is positioned within the nuclear localization sequence-518 of 5-lipoxygenase, the ability of protein kinase A to phosphorylate and alter the localization of green fluorescent protein fused to the nuclear localization sequence-518 peptide was also tested. Site-directed replacement of Ser523 with glutamic acid within the peptide impaired nuclear accumulation; overexpression of the protein kinase A catalytic subunit α and pharmacological activation of protein kinase caused phosphorylation of the fusion protein at Ser523, and the phosphorylated protein was found chiefly in the cytoplasm. Taken together, these results indicate that phosphorylation of Ser523 inhibits the nuclear import function of a nuclear localization sequence, resulting in the accumulation of 5-lipoxygenase enzyme in the cytoplasm. As cytoplasmic localization can be associated with reduced leukotriene synthetic capacity, phosphorylation of Ser523 serves to inhibit leukotriene production by both impairing catalytic activity and by placing the enzyme in a site that is unfavorable for action.
Low-loss fiber-based wavelength-division multiplexer

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is currently being investigated for ground-based fiber optic networks as a means to achieve high aggregate data rates and/or to allow the use of lower power lasers at a given rate by adding additional channels. A drawback to using WDM techniques for space applications has been that most of the WDM devices used to combine wavelengths are lossy, particularly when implemented with integrated optics or fiber gratings. The additional loss is not important for ground-based applications because it can be overcome by adding gain (with an erbium-doped fiber amplifier, for example). For space applications, where size, weight, and power consumption are critical, the excess loss is a serious drawback. We describe here a very low-loss technique for wavelength combining using standard fiber components. The technique is scalable to moderate numbers of wavelengths while maintaining low loss. Low loss means that these multiplexers can be used for applications such as power combining that are not feasible with traditional techniques. Experimental results confirming low loss power combining will be presented.
EARLY ONSET GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL DISEASE. SEVEN YEAR EXPERIENCE AND CLINICAL SCORING SYSTEM

. Early onset group B streptococcal disease was reviewed for the seven year period between 1975 to 1981 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. One hundred and twenty cases were identified. The disease varied from asymptomatic bacteremia to fatal cardiopulmonary collapse. Factors associated with a poor outcome were prematurity, low Apgar score at 5 min, the presence of shock, leukopenia, rupture of membranes for more than 12 hours, and a delay in treatment after the onset of symptoms. A scoring system for probability of death based on these 6 factors was then developed. Over the seven year period mortality decreased from 50% to 10%. The only factor identified with the decrease in mortality was a significant decrease in the number of hours between the onset of symptoms and the beginning of treatment. Early recognition and prompt treatment seem to be the major causes of the decreasing mortality over the seven years of this report.
Commentary: Parallel Evolution of Molecular Endocrinology as a Journal and a Discipline: Convergence of Interests with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK/NIH)

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) celebrates in 2010 its 60th year as an institute of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK has been fundamental in providing support for research in endocrinology, fostering research to elucidate basic principles of endocrine signaling leading to understanding of diseases and disorders of hormone action. Over this time span, a move to a more molecular level in understanding of the basis of hormone action has emerged and been supported by NIDDK, with many advances finding their way into a new journal, Molecular Endocrinology. The merging of disciplines that has made this possible constitutes a major force for further progress as NIDDK moves forward over the next 60 yr. Together, NIDDK and Molecular Endocrinology have served as catalysts for advancing knowledge in the field, energizing new paradigms that have led to advances in the clinic.