cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transferring site information for black walnut from native woodlands in southeastern Kansas USA to identify sites for agroforestry practices

Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is an important tree species for temperate agroforestry in the United States for timber, nuts, wildlife, and abrasives. Predictions of forestland productivity are needed for proper species selection in tree planting. Potential productivity can be estimated for non-forested areas and agricultural croplands by relating site quality to site and soil characteristics. Our study measured the growth potential of black walnut in natural stands. We looked at over 210 stands on unglaciated soils in southeastern Kansas with the site index at 50 years ranging from 9.1 to 26.8 m. Numerous environmental factors were evaluated, including: site, soil chemical, and soil physical properties. These environmental factors were related to tree height at the standard age of 50 years. Simple correlation and multiple regression analyses were run with the site index using over 60 variables of soil and topographic characteristics. Understory competition had no effect on site index. Chemical characteristics had a slight effect on site index. We explained 73 % of the variation in site index with just two variables; depth to a restrictive layer (DRL) and soil type. DRL is a good predictor of walnut productivity.
Experiential scoring for the waterloo-stanford group c scale

A scale is presented that assesses subjective experiences associated with the test suggestions contained in the Waterloo-Stanford Group C scale (WSGC), a group adaptation of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale: Form (SHSS:C). This scale, along with the standard behavioral scoring system of the WSGC, was given to 926 students at the University of Connecticut. Normative data from this sample indicate that the experiential scoring scale is both reliable and valid as a measure of suggestibility. It is suggested that it may be useful to supplement behavioral scoring with experiential scoring when the WSGC is used.
Role of Failure Modes on Energy Absorption in Unidirectional PMC Tubes

The primary focus of this investigation was to study the effect of failure modes on key energy absorption parameters including the initial peak load (Ppeak), the drop in the peak load and the sustained crushing load (Pavg.) in the crushing process of unidirectional polymer matrix composite (PMC) tubes under quasi-static conditions. The failure modes of interest are the axial cracks, the transverse cracks and delamination. The roles of initiators with different radii and external constraints were carefully analyzed in the context of primary failure modes using a real time image acquisition system. The results for fiberglass/polyester tubes showed that the failure modes play a critical role on the load-deflection (P-) response of the tubes and their corresponding specific energy absorption (SEA). In addition, it was possible to control the failure modes for better crushing performance by using external constraints combined with initiators.
Restoration of MRI data for intensity non-uniformities using local high order intensity statistics

MRI at high magnetic fields (>3.0 T) is complicated by strong inhomogeneous radio-frequency fields, sometimes termed the “bias field”. These lead to non-biological intensity non-uniformities across the image. They can complicate further image analysis such as registration and tissue segmentation. Existing methods for intensity uniformity restoration have been optimized for 1.5 T, but they are less effective for 3.0 T MRI, and not at all satisfactory for higher fields. Also, many of the existing restoration algorithms require a brain template or use a prior atlas, which can restrict their practicalities. In this study an effective intensity uniformity restoration algorithm has been developed based on non-parametric statistics of high order local intensity co-occurrences. These statistics are restored with a non-stationary Wiener filter. The algorithm also assumes a smooth non-uniformity and is stable. It does not require a prior atlas and is robust to variations in anatomy. In geriatric brain imaging it is robust to variations such as enlarged ventricles and low contrast to noise ratio. The co-occurrence statistics improve robustness to whole head images with pronounced non-uniformities present in high field acquisitions. Its significantly improved performance and lower time requirements have been demonstrated by comparing it to the very commonly used N3 algorithm on BrainWeb MR simulator images as well as on real 4 T human head images.
Performance of Mean-Frequency Estimators for Doppler Radar and Lidar

The performance of mean-frequency estimators for Doppler radar and lidar measurements of winds is presented in terms of two basic parameters: Phi, the ratio of the average signal energy per estimate to the spectral noise level; and Omega, which is proportional to the number of independent samples per estimate. For fixed Phi and Omega, the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) (theoretical best performance) for unbiased estimators of mean frequency (normalized by the spectral width of the signal), signal power, and spectral width are essentially independent of the number of data samples M. For large Phi, the estimators of mean frequency are unbiased and the performance is independent of M. The spectral domain estimators and covariance based estimators are bounded by the approximate period of M. The spectral domain estimators and covariance based estimators are bounded by the approximate periodogram CRB. The standard deviation of the maximum-likelihood estimator approaches the exact CRB, which can be more than a factor of 2 better than the performance of the spectral domain estimators or covariance-based estimators for typical Omega. For small Phi, the estimators are biased due to the effects of the uncorrelated noise (white noise), which results in uniformly distributed 'bad' estimates. The fraction of bad estimates is a function of Phi and M with weak dependence on the parameter Omega. Simple empirical models describe the standard deviation of the good estimates and the fraction of bad estimates. For Doppler lidar and for large Phi, better performance is obtained by using many low-energy pulses instead of one pulse with the same total energy. For small Phi, the converse is true.
HPLC analysis for trans-vitamin K1 and dihydro-vitamin K1 in margarines and margarine-like products using the C30 stationary phase

Abstract A C 30 column successfully separated the cis and trans isomers of vitamin K 1 in margarines, reduced-fat margarine-like products and in their ingredient oils. We also measured the compound 2′3′-dihydro-vitamin K 1 , a derivative formed during hydrogenation of oils containing vitamin K 1 . We compared an enzymatic procedure, currently under AOAC collaborative study for milk and infant formulas, with a more direct extraction method in analyzing margarines and margarine-like products. Both methods have good precision and were applicable to the majority of products examined. Margarines or margarine-like products identifying liquid soy-bean oil, hydrogenated soybean oil or liquid canola oil as their primary ingredients contained about 50–160 μg vitamin K 1 /100 g. Blends of sunflower and soybean oils contained 1 /100 g. Hardened or “stick” margarines contained more 2′3′-dihydro-vitamin K 1 than “soft” or “tub” products (122–285 μg/100 g vs 38–131 μg/100 g, respectively). Eight of 18 products (44%) contained 10% or more of the Reference Daily Intake for vitamin K 1 per serving. Higher-fat margarines contained more vitamin K 1 than their lower-fat counterparts.
New Ce Heavy-Fermion System: CeCu 6

We have discovered a new heavy-fermion system, ${\mathrm{CeCu}}_{6}$, with a large susceptibility ($\ensuremath{\chi}=0.027$ emu/mole G at 1.5 K) and a large, temperature-dependent specific heat $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ below 10 K that is 840 mJ/mole ${\mathrm{K}}^{2}$ at 1.8 K and extrapolates to 1.6 J/mole ${\mathrm{K}}^{2}$ at $T=0$ in analogy with ${\mathrm{CeAl}}_{3}$. High-field specific-heat measurements agree almost perfectly with a narrow-band picture first proposed for ${\mathrm{UBe}}_{13}$.
Explaining the variety of human sexuality

In this paper, the author formulates a theory to explain why human sexual orientation seems to run amok. The 'psychic instrument', as he terms it, is the baby's dreaming mind which interprets or misinterprets input from its sociocultural sexual environment. The baby, already born an omnisexual being, then develops a fantasy life with socially sanctioned or unsanctioned fetishes which are likely to be expressed when certain triggering situations arise.
Influence of the lattice potential on electron field emission from metals

Abstract A one-dimensional Kronig-Penney model is utilized to examine the influence of the lattice potential on the total energy distribution of electrons field emitted from clean and adsorbate-covered metal surfaces. In the case of clean surfaces, we demonstrate that the lattice potential influences the energy distributions primarily near the gaps in the (bulk) energy-band structure. Even when the effects of the lattice potential are strong, however, the value of the work function may be extracted to within an accuracy of a few percent from the energy distribution and plots of the emission current as a function of the inverse of the electric field strength. We also examine the validity of three common approximations, the free-electron model, the effective-mass-method and the tight-binding approximation, used to evaluate energy distributions. Of these, only the tight-binding approximation is valid over wide ranges of model parameters, and then only if the model parameters are obtained empirically rather than from nearest-neighbor overlap integrals. The effective-mass method almost always fails to provide an accurate approximation scheme. Our study of the influence of the lattice potential on emission through adsorbed species indicates that major deviations from the lineshapes predicted using the free-electron model can occur in the cases of narrow bulk energy bands or strong adsorbate-lattice interactions. The influence of the adsorbate on the energy distribution is described by an enhancement factor defined to be the ratio of the energy distributions with and without the adsorbate. Using the free-electron model for the metal, the enhancement factor exhibits a simple peak near the binding energy of the adsorbate. The lattice potential can cause substantial shifts of the energy of this peak as well as the occurrence of subsidiary maxima near the extrema energies of the allowed energy bands of the bulk solid. The combined effects of an adsorbate resonance and the bulk lattice potential provide interpretations of both experimental data for Ca adsorption on W (100) and of experimentally observed trends in the total energy distribution upon adsorption of various species onto the same surface. This interpretation does not require consideration of field emission from surface states.
Involvement of Human Micro-RNA in Growth and Response to Chemotherapy in Human Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Lines

Background & Aims: Micro-RNA (miRNA) are endogenous regulatory RNA molecules that modulate gene expression. Alterations in miRNA expression can contribute to tumor growth by modulating the functional expression of critical genes involved in tumor cell proliferation or survival. Our aims were to identify specific miRNA involved in the regulation of cholangiocarcinoma growth and response to chemotherapy. Methods: miRNA expression in malignant and nonmalignant human cholangiocytes was assessed using a microarray. Expression of selected miRNA and their precursors was evaluated by Northern blots and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The effect of selected miRNA on cell growth and response to chemotherapy was assessed using miRNA-specific antisense oligonucleotides to decrease miRNA expression or with precursor miRNA to increase cellular expression. Results: miRNA expression was markedly different in malignant cholangiocytes, with decreased expression of many miRNA compared with nonmalignant cells. A cluster of miRNA, including miR-320, miR-200b, miR-21, miR-23a, miR-141, miR-27a, and miR-34a, were expressed in all cell lines. MiR-21, miR-141, and miR-200b were highly over-expressed in malignant cholangiocytes. Inhibition of miR-21 and miR-200b increased sensitivity to gemcitabine, whereas inhibition of miR-141 decreased cell growth. Treatment of tumor cell xenografts with systemic gemcitabine altered the expression of a significant number of miRNA. miR-21 modulates gemcitabine-induced apoptosis by phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN)-dependent activation of PI 3-kinase signaling. Potential target genes that were modulated by selected miRNA were identified. Conclusions: Alterations in miRNA expression contribute to tumor growth and response to chemotherapy. Aberrantly expressed miRNA or their targets will provide mechanistic insight and therapeutic targets for cholangiocarcinoma.
Quality of life in cervical cancer survivors: Patient and provider perspectives on common complications of cervical cancer and treatment

Abstract Objective This study's objective was to quantify the impact (utility) of common complications of early cervical cancer treatment on quality of life (QOL). Utilities assigned by survivors were compared to those assigned by providers. Methods 30 survivors of early cervical cancer identified from our Tumor Registry and 10 gynecologic oncology providers were interviewed. Participants evaluated complications (health states) using the standard gamble (SG) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Each participant was randomly assigned to rate 5 of 13 health states. Mixed-effects linear models were used to generate confidence intervals for utility means, and evaluate the effect of group (survivors versus providers). Higher utilities indicate the health state is closer to perfect health. Results Survivors and providers mean ages were similar (44 and 40). Mean time from diagnosis was 6.7years. 28 of 30 survivors had no evidence of disease. 56% of survivors had complications. Using SG, providers consistently assigned utilities 7% higher than survivors (p=0.035) for all health states except "ileostomy", which survivors rated higher than providers. Survivors assigned the lowest utility to small bowel obstruction (SBO) (fixable without an ostomy) and ureteral obstruction (UO). Survivors rated SBO 16% and UO 21% lower than providers. Personal history of complications or higher stage did not have a consistent effect on QOL adjustments. Discussion Providers assign higher utilities than survivors to health states. Providers and survivors diverge on which complications impact QOL the most. Data on patient preferences should be considered when weighing treatment options with similar survival but different associated complications.
Note on positive-definiteness of the energy of the gravitational field

Abstract The energy of the gravitational field is shown to be positive-definite for the case where initially (a) the spatial metric g ij can be made isotropic and (b) the second fundamental form K ij ≡ − (−g 00 ) − 1 2 Γ 0 ij (which is essentially ∂g ij ∂t ) is arbitrary apart from the coordinate condition K ≡ K ij 3 g ij = 0 defining the initial t = const . surface. Physically, this situation corresponds to no wave excitations initially in g ij , but arbitrary ones in K ij . More precisely, the two canonical coordinates of the field are initially zero, while their conjugate momenta are arbitrary. The total energy of the system is also positive when sources with positive energies are coupled to the gravitational field. Some aspects of the general problem (where g ij is also arbitrary initially) are discussed.
A study of 123Sb levels populated in the beta decay of the high spin isomer of 123Sn

Abstract Several nuclear energy levels in 123Sb populated by the β− decay of 125 d 123Sn have been examined. The presence of two states at 1032 and 1089 keV was deduced from studies utilizing a Ge(Li) gamma-ray spectrometer and a third state, at 1187 keV, has been proposed on the basis of gamma-ray coincidence measurements. The β− spectrum to the 1089 keV state was studied by means of a 4π plastic scintillator operating in coincidence with a NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectrometer. A Fermi-Kurie plot of the spectrum was found to be linear indicating that the transition is either allowed or non-unique first forbidden. The log ft value of 9.0 found for this transition tends to support the latter assignment.
On bishops and donkeys

The problem of indistinguishable participants is a well-known problem for D-type theories of donkey pronouns. Recently, Paul Elbourne has offered a D-type theory that purports to dissolve the problem of indistinguishable participants. I argue against Elboune’s solution.
Carbothermal Synthesis of Al‐O‐N Coatings Increasing Strength of SiC Fibers

Non-bridging Al-O-N coatings have been synthesized on the surface of Tyranno ZMI SiC fibers by a low-cost carbothermal nitridation method. First, a nanoporous carbide-derived carbon (CDC) layer is produced on the surface of SiC fiber by the extraction of Si with chlorine; the CDC layer on the fiber is then infiltrated by AlCl3 solution, and finally nitrided in ammonia at atmospheric pressure to produce the coating. The intermediate carbon layer acts as a template for the coating, facilitates the formation of aluminum oxynitride, and helps to build a strong bonding between the fiber and coating. Optimization of the process parameters led to a more than 65% improvement in the tensile strength (up to ∼5.1 GPa) and a three-time increase in the Weibull modulus for the fiber with 200 nm coating compared to the as-received fibers. The coated fiber exceeds the strength of all other small-diameter SiC fibers reported in the literature. Al-O-N coating may also provide oxidation protection for the fibers in high-temperature applications.
Evaluating Pretest-Posttest Control Group Experiments

The analysis of pretest-posttest control group experiments was simulated using gain scores, analysis of covariance, and posttest only methods. In addition, a sequential procedure was evaluated in which gain scores were used unless the initial difference between the groups on the pretest was large at which time a covariance was used. The sequential strategy was conservative with regard to Type I error. The power of the methods with varying correlations between pre- and posttest and varying treatment effects favored a standard analysis of covariance.
The chlorophyll-sensitized photoreduction of nitro compounds in a heterogeneous system

Abstract Quantum yields for the photoreduction of nitroaromatic compounds by hydrazobenzene, sensitized by chlorophyll in a heterogeneous system, have been compared with quantum yields for the reaction in solution (a triplet sensitized process) and with Stern—Volmer constants for the quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence (a singlet state oxidation process). The trends in these quantities with one-electron reduction potentials for the nitro compounds suggest that photoreaction in the heterogeneous system proceeds from a high energy state of chlorophyll other than the triplet state. The heterogeneous system consisted of chlorophyll and N,N -dimethylmyristamide adsorbed to polyethylene particles swollen with tetradecane and suspended in a thickened and buffered aqueous medium. Photoreduction of nitro compounds appears significantly more complex in the heterogeneous system than in solution.
Multiple target vehicles detection and classification based on low-rank decomposition

ABSTRACT There are many advantages of using acoustic sensor arrays to perform targets of interest identification and classification in the battlefield. They are low cost and have relatively low power consumption. They require no line of sight and provide many capabilities for target detection, bearing estimation, target tracking, classification and identification. Furthermore, they can provide cueing for other sensors and multiple acoustic sensors responses can be combined and triangulated to localize an ener gy source target in the field. In practice, however, many environment noise, time-varying, and uncertainties factors affect their perf ormance in detecting targets of interest reliably and accurate. In this paper, we have proposed a novel feature extraction approach for robust cl assification and identification of moving target vehicles to reduce those factors. The approach is based on Low Rank Decomposition based L P norm. Using Low Rank Decomposition based L 1 norm where p = 1, dominant features of vehicle acoustic signatures can be extracted appropriately with respect to vehicle oper ational responses and used for robust identification and classification of target vehicles. The performance of the proposed approach has been evaluated based on a set of experimental acoustic data from multiple vehicle test-runs. It is demonstrated that the approach yields significant improvement results over our earlier vehicle classification technique based on Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) and reduces uncertainties associated with classification of target vehicles based on acoustic signatures at different operation speeds in the field. Keywords: target detection, target classification, feature extraction, data fusion, matrix decomposition
Injection of a Dopamine Type 2 Receptor Antagonist into the Dorsal Striatum Disrupts Choices Driven by Previous Outcomes, But Not Perceptual Inference

Decisions are often driven by a combination of immediate perception and previous experience. In this study, we investigated how these two sources of information are integrated and the neural systems that mediate this process. Specifically, we injected a dopamine type 1 antagonist (D1A; SCH23390) or a dopamine type 2 antagonist (D2A; eticlopride) into the dorsal striatum while macaques performed a task in which their choices were driven by perceptual inference and/or reinforcement of past choices. We found that the D2A affected choices based on previous outcomes. However, there were no effects of the D2A on choices driven by perceptual inference. We found that the D1A did not affect perceptual inference or reinforcement learning. Finally, a Bayesian model applied to the results suggested that the D2A may be increasing noise in the striatal representation of value, perhaps by disrupting the striatal population that normally represents value.
Stochastic radial basis function algorithms for large-scale optimization involving expensive black-box objective and constraint functions

This paper presents a new algorithm for derivative-free optimization of expensive black-box objective functions subject to expensive black-box inequality constraints. The proposed algorithm, called ConstrLMSRBF, uses radial basis function (RBF) surrogate models and is an extension of the Local Metric Stochastic RBF (LMSRBF) algorithm by Regis and Shoemaker (2007a) [1] that can handle black-box inequality constraints. Previous algorithms for the optimization of expensive functions using surrogate models have mostly dealt with bound constrained problems where only the objective function is expensive, and so, the surrogate models are used to approximate the objective function only. In contrast, ConstrLMSRBF builds RBF surrogate models for the objective function and also for all the constraint functions in each iteration, and uses these RBF models to guide the selection of the next point where the objective and constraint functions will be evaluated. Computational results indicate that ConstrLMSRBF is better than alternative methods on 9 out of 14 test problems and on the MOPTA08 problem from the automotive industry (Jones, 2008 [2]). The MOPTA08 problem has 124 decision variables and 68 inequality constraints and is considered a large-scale problem in the area of expensive black-box optimization. The alternative methods include a Mesh Adaptive Direct Search (MADS) algorithm (Abramson and Audet, 2006 [3]; Audet and Dennis, 2006 [4]) that uses a kriging-based surrogate model, the Multistart LMSRBF algorithm by Regis and Shoemaker (2007a) [1] modified to handle black-box constraints via a penalty approach, a genetic algorithm, a pattern search algorithm, a sequential quadratic programming algorithm, and COBYLA (Powell, 1994 [5]), which is a derivative-free trust-region algorithm. Based on the results of this study, the results in Jones (2008) [2] and other approaches presented at the ISMP 2009 conference, ConstrLMSRBF appears to be among the best, if not the best, known algorithm for the MOPTA08 problem in the sense of providing the most improvement from an initial feasible solution within a very limited number of objective and constraint function evaluations.
Evaluation of white matter integrity in ex vivo brains of amyloid plaque-bearing APPsw transgenic mice using magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging.

Abstract Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to examine the integrity of midline white matter tracts in APPsw (Tg2576) transgenic mice, a mouse-model of cerebral amyloid deposition. Ex vivo DTI was performed on formalin-fixed brains from APPsw and age-matched transgene-negative control mice at the ages of 12, 15, and 17 months. The characteristics of water diffusion in six midline white matter tracts were quantified using four metrics: relative anisotropy (RA), mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity. Two-way ANOVA analyses indicated a significant main effect of transgene on RA in the corpus callosum (CC) and ventral hippocampal commissure (VHC), due to small reductions (2–6%) in RA in APPsw mice relative to age-matched control mice. However, these reductions were not significant at any specific age group and were not progressive with increasing age. The other diffusion metrics exhibited no significant differences between APPsw and control mice in the CC and VHC, nor did any of the diffusion metrics exhibit significant differences between APPsw and control mice in other midline white matter tracts (anterior commissure, posterior commissure, fornix, and dorsal fornix). Overall, these results indicate that white matter integrity, as measured by ex vivo DTI, is predominately unaltered in formalin-fixed brains from amyloid plaque-bearing APPsw mice.
A shortest path algorithm for grid graphs

Grid graphs are a simple class of planar graphs for which the vertices can be assigned integer coordinates so that neighbors agree in one coordinate and differ by one in the other coordinate. Grid graphs arise in applications from the layout design of integrated circuits to idealized models of city street networks. In many applications, a shortest path between two given vertices is needed. The best known algorithms for the shortest path in a general graph of n vertices are of complexity 0(n2). However, if edge lengths are of uniform length, the shortest path can be determined in time 0(n). In this paper, taking advantage of the concept of direction present in grid graphs, an algorithm is developed which is 0(n) in the worst case and 0(√n) in the best case.
Mathematical analysis of cancer chemotherapy

This paper presents a mathematical analysis of a tumor model first proposed by Skipper and Zubrod. The tumor model is comprised of three compartments, a proliferative compartment, a nonproliferative but viable compartment, and a dead compartment. By the suitable selection of functions describing loss of cells from the proliferative and nonproliferative compartments, the model is capable of describing tumor behavior during periods of growth and drug treatment. The loss functions during treatment are related to pharmacokinetic functions and may be chosen according to known drug properties. Tumor properties may be simulated by the appropriate choice of cell cycle parameters. It therefore seems feasible to simulate tumor behavior for scheduled treatment with chemotherapeutic agents. Another important result of this analysis is the derivation of a fraction labelled mitosis function which incorporates the nonproliferative compartments.
Risk preference in choosing an evaluator: An extension of Atkinson's achievement-motivation model

Abstract Atkinson's (1964) model of achievement motivation was extended to produce hypotheses about risk preference in a situation where, although the subject could not select the difficulty of task, he could select among several levels of risk of having his social behavior negatively evaluated. The motive to succeed (obtain a positive evaluation) and the motive to avoid failure (obtain a negative evaluation) were aroused by employing an achievement-oriented situation. The motive to avoid failure and possibly also the motive to succeed were further influenced by a high- or a low-esteem manipulation. Results supported the expectation that while high-self-esteem subjects selected an intermediate risk of a negative evaluation, low-esteem subjects preferred a high risk of negative evaluation. The expectation that low-esteem subjects would equally prefer a low risk of negative evaluation was disconfirmed, and speculations about this latter result were offered. Directions for future research were discussed.
Photocatalytic and radiocatalytic nanomaterials for the degradation of organicspecies

Abstract Photocatalytic degradation of environmental organic pollutants using semiconductor nanoparticles, catalyzed by UV and gamma radiation has been well-documented. Several semiconductor materials such as TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , and doped semiconductors display photocatalytic activity, although TiO 2 has been studied to the largest extent. Here results are presented on TiO 2 -metal oxide composite photocatalytic nanoparticles and their activities are compared against TiO 2 nanoparticles. The composite photocatalytic nanoparticles were synthesized using scalable methodologies. The particle size, morphology, and crystal structure for each particle type were determined by Transmission Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Powder Diffraction. The photocatalytic activities of the unannealed and annealed composite materials were compared with standard TiO 2 nanoparticles by examining the rate of sulforhodamine degradation under ultraviolet irradiation in aqueous environments. Enhanced photodegradation of the dye was observed for several of the materials explored. Possible mechanisms explaining the enhanced photocatalytic activity are presented. The most promising photocatalytic materials were then employed as radiocatalysts in the decomposition of sulforhodamine under gamma radiation exposure from a Co-60 source.
Neurocognitive Function Among Middle-aged and Older Hispanic/Latinos: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos

We sought to examine and describe neurocognitive function among middle-aged and older Hispanic/Latino Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) participants. We analyzed baseline cross-sectional data from the middle-aged and older (ages 45-74 years old) participants (n = 9,063) to calculate neurocognitive function scores and their correlates. Older age and higher depressive symptoms scores were associated with lower average neurocognitive performance, whereas greater educational attainment and household income were associated with higher neurocognitive performance. Hispanic/Latino heritage groups significantly varied in neurocognitive performances. Some neurocognitive differences between Hispanics/Latinos were maintained after controlling for language preference, education, household income, and depressive symptoms. We found notable differences in neurocognitive scores between Hispanic/Latino heritage groups that were not fully explained by the cultural and socioeconomic correlates examined in this study. Further investigations into plausible biological and environmental factors contributing to the Hispanic/Latino heritage group differences in neurocognitive found in the HCHS/SOL are warranted.
Protein Kinase A-Dependent Phosphorylation Modulates β1Pix Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor Activity through 14-3-3β Binding

β1Pix is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for the small GTPases Rac and Cdc42 which has been shown to mediate signaling pathways leading to cytoskeletal reorganization. In the present study, we show that the basal association between endogenous βPix and endogenous 14-3-3β was increased after forskolin stimulation and significantly inhibited by protein kinase A inhibitor. However, forskolin stimulation failed to increase the interaction between 14-3-3β and a β1Pix mutant that is insensitive to protein kinase A phosphorylation, β1Pix(S516A, T526A). We present evidence indicating that forskolin-induced binding of 14-3-3β to β1Pix results in inhibition of Rac1 GTP loading in 293 cells and in vitro. Furthermore, we show that deletion of 10 amino acid residues within the leucine zipper domain is sufficient to block β1Pix homodimerization and 14-3-3β binding and modulates β1Pix-GEF activity. These residues also play a crucial role in β1Pix intracellular localization. These results indicate that 14-3-3β negatively affects the GEF activity of dimeric β1Pix only. Altogether, these results provide a mechanistic insight into the role of 14-3-3β in modulating β1Pix-GEF activity.
Cholesterol embolization — A cause of ureteral stricture

Abstract We report the first case of ureteral stricture disease caused by cholesterol emboli.
Amino acids with amphiphilic side chains: Deltorphin analogues with Phe3 replaced by all β-hydroxyphenylalanine diastereoisomers

Using the method of conformational constraint, we have designed and synthesized analogues of deltorphin I containing each of the four stereoisomers of the unusual amphiphilic amino acid β-hydroxyphenylalanine in position 3. The potency and selectivity of these analogues were evaluated by radioreceptor binding assays and by bioassay in MVD and GPI. The results show that introducing a hydrophilic group into the β-carbon of Phe3 decreases the affinity and biological activity of δ-opioid receptors, which strongly depend on the chirality of the α-carbon, but not on that of the β-carbon.
Self-Enhancement Biases and Negotiator Judgment: Effects of Self-Esteem and Mood

Abstract Recent studies have documented a pervasive pattern of judgmental bias in negotiations. To explain such biases, previous research has focused primarily on how cognitive processes affect negotiation processes. In contrast, the present study investigated the impact of motivational and affective processes on negotiator judgment. Drawing on recent social psychological research on self-enhancement biases and positive illusions, we hypothesized that positive mood and the motivation to maintain high self-esteem contribute to negotiator overconfidence and overly positive self-evaluation. A laboratory experiment using a dyadic negotiation was conducted to test these hypotheses. The results of the experiment supported our major predictions that high self-esteem and positive mood affected negotiators′ confidence and optimism prior to negotiation, as well as their postnegotiation evaluations of performance. Implications of these results for understanding why negotiators often fail to reach optimal agreements are discussed.
Vasopressin receptors in the area postrema differentially modulate baroreceptor responses in rats.

This study examined the effects of microinjection of [Arg8]vasopressin (AVP) into the area postrema (AP) on baroreceptor reflex control of heart rate (HR) and sympathetic efferent discharge (SED) in anesthetized rats. Comparable increments in blood pressure evoked by systemic AVP, as opposed to phenylephrine, were associated with significantly greater reflex bradycardia. Similarly, AVP augmented the baroreflex-mediated sympathoinhibition; however, this effect was evident only with the lower increments in arterial pressure (< 45 mm Hg) i.e. following systemic administration of small doses of AVP. Beyond 45 mm Hg there was no further augmentation of baroreflex-mediated sympathoinhibition showing the non-linearity of the response compared to phenylephrine which was linear over a wide range of induced pressure increases. Microinjection of AVP into the AP produced a differential effect on HR and SED responses to baroreceptor activation by systemically administered phenylephrine, the baroreflex slope of HR response was attenuated whereas that of SED was enhanced. Microinjection of the V1 antagonist AVPX (d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)-AVP) into the AP abolished the inhibitory effect of AVP on the baroreceptor-HR response suggesting that V1 receptors are involved in this response. Further, AVPX inhibited the baroreceptor-SED response suggesting that V1 receptors in the AP are tonically involved in modulating the baroreceptor reflex control of SED. Qualitatively similar but smaller responses were obtained following microinjection of AVP into the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) suggesting involvement of neural input from the AP to the NTS in AVP-evoked responses in the AP. It is concluded that the AVP receptors in the AP differentially modulates the baroreceptor reflex control of HR and SED.
Degradation of crystalline polyethylene glycol 6000 and its effect on assays for macroprolactin and other analytes.

Abstract Objectives To determine why the incidence of macroprolactinemia was increasing in our laboratory. Design and methods Serum macroprolactin was detected by treatment with polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000). Results We compared results using freshly prepared solutions of PEG 6000 from various bottles of crystalline reagent and concluded that our stock had deteriorated. When decomposition was first suspected, the PEG 6000 caused a more complete precipitation of proteins, leading to poorer recovery of monomeric prolactin and false-positive macroprolactinemia, necessitating a 43-patient recall. After a further 6–8 months of decomposition, the PEG 6000 failed to fully precipitate macroprolactin, giving false-negative results. The PEG 6000 reacted strongly with Schiff's reagent (a test for aldehydes) throughout. Recoveries of several other analytes after PEG 6000 treatment were also affected. Conclusions PEG 6000 can deteriorate in the crystalline form, producing aldehydes and/or other compounds that denature serum proteins variably, causing false-positive or false-negative macroprolactin results.
Detection and biochemical characterization of insecticide resistance in the diamondback moth

Abstract A strain of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), collected from cabbage in north Florida in 1991, was examined for insecticide resistance. When compared with a laboratory strain, resistance to pyrethroids (permethrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, esfenvalerate, cyhalothrin, and fluvalinate) ranged from 2132- to 82,475-fold; the highest resistance level observed was to fenvalerate. Resistance to organophosphates (chlorpyrifos, methyl parathion, malathion, methamidophos, and diazinon) ranged from 20- to 73-fold and was highest to diazinon. Resistance to the carbamates methomyl and carbofuran was 409- and 405-fold, respectively. Resistance to the cyclodiene endosulfan was 25-fold. Synergist studies showed that piperonyl butoxide (microsomal oxidase inhibitor) greatly reduced the resistance. No resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki was observed in the field strain. Detoxication enzyme assays revealed that activities of microsomal oxidases (epoxidases, hydroxylase, sulfoxidase, N -demethylase, O -dealkylases), glutathione transferases (DCNB and CDNB), esterase (acetylcholinesterase), and reductases (juglone reductase and cytochrome c reductase) were 1.4- to 20.7-fold higher in the field strain than in the susceptible strain. In addition, the bimolecular rate constants for inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by dichlorvos, carbaryl, and methomyl ranged from 1.7- to 2.8-fold higher in the susceptible strain than in the field strain. The results indicated that the broad spectrum of insecticide resistance observed in the field strain was due to multiple resistance mechanisms, including increased detoxication of these insecticides by microsomal oxidases, glutathione transferases and reductases, and target site insensitivity (insensitive acetylcholinesterase).
Photoluminescence excitation spectra and carrier diffusion lengths in glassy As2Se1.5Te1.5

Abstract Analysis of photoluminescence excitation spectra obtained in glassy As 2 Se 1.5 Te 1.5 at 6 K in terms of interband optical absorption and surface recombination effects yields a carrier diffusion length of ∼ 1.5 × 10 −4 cm. The measured response time for the radiative recombination is τ=0.1 ms at 6 K.
Design of a short electro-optic modulator based on SiGe HBT structure

A SiGe electro-optic modulator operating at wavelength of 1.55μm is proposed. The “ON” state voltage is set at 1.4V. The arm of the MZI waveguide required to generate a π phase shift is 73.6μm, and the total attenuation loss is 3.95dB. The rise and fall delay time is 70.9ps and 24.5ps, respectively.
The Supraorbital Keyhole Craniotomy through an Eyebrow Incision: Its Origins and Evolution

In the modern era of neurosurgery, the use of the operative microscope, rigid rod-lens endoscope, and neuronavigation has helped to overcome some of the previous limitations of surgery due to poor lighting and anatomic localization available to the surgeon. Over the last thirty years, the supraorbital craniotomy and subfrontal approach through an eyebrow incision have been developed and refined to play a legitimate role in the armamentarium of the modern skull base neurosurgeon. With careful patient selection, the supraorbital “keyhole” approach offers a less invasive but still efficacious approach to a number of lesions along the subfrontal corridor. Well over 1000 cases have been reported in the literature utilizing this approach establishing its safety and efficacy. This paper discusses the nuances of this approach, including the benefits and limitations of its use described through our technique, review of the literature, and case illustration.
Cross-Aldol condensation of isobutyraldehyde and formaldehyde using phase transfer catalyst

Abstract The hydroxypivaldehyde (HPA) precursor intermediate for the synthesis of neopentyl glycol (NPG) is prepared by novel cross Aldol condensation of isobutyraldehyde and formaldehyde at 20 °C using benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, a basic phase transfer catalyst. A feed mole ratio of 1.1:1.0:0.04 (isobutyraldehyde:formaldehyde:benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide) afforded hydroxypivaldehyde as white solid in almost quantitative yield with ∼100% selectivity.
Research Note—Some Characteristics of Human Resources in the Service Sector

As part of an ongoing study of the similarities and differences between the Goods and Services Sectors of the economy, a technique labelled “Data Surface Mining” (DSM) was used to analyze three independently generated and previously published data sets that focused on three different aspects of human resources. The three aspects are: in which economic sector to launch a career (young people), the relative presence of powerful women in the two sectors (women) and the relative presence of seniors in top positions in the two sectors (aging). Such matters are of major managerial significance in light of the fact that the Services Sector represents 80% (GDP and/or employment) of the United States economy and is of increasing importance in the global economy. [Service Science, ISSN 2164-3962 (print), ISSN 2164-3970 (online), was published by Services Science Global (SSG) from 2009 to 2011 as issues under ISBN 978-1-4276-2090-3.]
Flavonoid biocides: Phytoalexin analogues from condensed tannins

Abstract Flavonoids containing a single alkyl chain can be synthesized from condensed tannins by thiolysis with an alkyl thiol to give epicatechin-4-alkylsulphides. A number of flavonoid derivatives were made with side chains ranging from C 6 to C 16 and tested for fungitoxic and bactericidal activities. Maximum activity was usually found for the decane derivative. Minimum inhibitory concentrations varied with the organism tested, from about 10 ppm for some rapidly growing fungi and Gram-positive bacteria, to over 500 ppm for other fungi and Gram-negative bacteria. The structural and toxicity characteristics of the epicatechin-4-alkylsulphides suggests they are acting as analogues of prenylated isoflavonoid phytoalexins.
Behavioral consequences of neonatal hypoglycemia in the rhesus monkey: A preliminary report*

Three behavioral tests were conducted on each of two young rhesus monkeys, one of which (Animal 1-80) had 6–12 hr. of symptomatic neonatal hypoglycemia, and the other (Animal 315-80) not more than one hr. Animal 1-80 took considerably longer to adapt to the behavioral test apparatus than either Animal 315-80 or a group of 16 control animals. Animal 1-80 was also much slower than either 315-80 or the control animals at learning two complex visual discrimination tasks, the learning set, and delayed matching to sample tasks. The performance of animal 315-80 was indistinguishable from that of the control animals on all tests. The results suggest long-term effects of prolonged symptomatic neonatal hypoglycemia on aspects of emotional behavior and complex cognitive functions.
The Impact of Computers on Education and the Widening Income Gap

America is rapidly moving into the computer age, and as a result, new opportunities will be available for those appropriately prepared. Blacks stand to move even further behind Whites from an econo...
On Automatic Computer–Model Construction-The Second Step Toward A Quasi Optimizer System

The paper describes the Quasi-Optimizer project which automatically generates descriptive theories, i.e., computer models of competitive strategies specified as impenetrable “black box” programs, and a normative theory that is quasi-optimum against all input strategies. The first phase of the project, which constructs the computer models, is complete and is of interest in its own right. We also discuss methodological problems, the power and the inherent difficulties of our approach.
Democracy and Conflict Management: Territorial Claims in the Western Hemisphere Revisited

Research confirms that interdemocratic conflicts are more likely to be resolved peacefully. However, do the usual results hold up for especially contentious issues such as territory ? We use issue correlates of war (ICOW) data from 1816 to 1992 to build on [Hensel (2001)][1] and related studies to investigate the relationships between and among democracy, conflict management, and territory as an issue. The results create a puzzle for the democratic or neo-Kantian peace: When territory is at stake, issue-related variables come to the fore and matter more than regime type in explaining states' settlement strategies. The most important finding is that war experience between adversaries increases the likelihood of peaceful resolution, but decreases that of militarized disputes. [1]: #ref-21
Maternal and child utilization of memory strategies

This study sought to examine the mechanisms employed by mothers as they engage in teaching their children to remember the names of characters, how to wrap a gift, and the location of zoo animals. The specific relationships included an examination of mothers’ pre-teaching instructions, mothers’ use of memory strategies, child strategy use and the child’s correct performance. Participants were 25 mothers and their four-year-old preschoolers. Results suggest that maternal preteaching instructions vary in complexity depending on the nature of the information being taught. In addition, mothers employ a variety of task-dependent memory strategies. In contrast to mothers, the children use proportionately fewer strategies than their mothers. However, their use of strategies is effective in helping them recall names, order, and location. Implications for adult guidance in assisting preschoolers with developing regulatory memory skills are discussed.