cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photoluminescence studies of GaAs/AlAs short period superlattices

Abstract Low-temperature pressure-dependent photoluminescence measurements on short-period GaAs/AlAs superlattice structures are presented. Measurements show that the lowest energy conduction-band states are in the AlAs layers and the highest energy valence-band states are located in the GaAs layers. This result is supported by the following three experimental observations: (1) the observed pressure coefficient for the conduction-band to valence-band transition energy is negative, (2) the magnetic mass of this transition is “heavy”, and (3) the band-to-band absorption coefficient appears to be small. These experimental observations are in agreement with predictions of tight-binding calculations.
On pictures in educational research

A brief sketch of the last 20 years of research on instructional pictures is given with an emphasis on the effects of increasingly analytical approaches, changing conceptions, and changing research questions. Trends in recent picture research, last 10 years, are discussed in greater depth with emphasis on three groups of studies: pictures vs. pictures, pictures vs. words, and pictures plus words. Selected studies in each group are described along with recent theoretical explanations of the pictorial superiority effect and of other pictorial information processing effects. Some of the possible implications of these trends for educational research and practice are mentioned.
Electronic charge density and mean kinetic energy of lithium orbitals in LiH, LiH+, Li2, Li2+, LiH2+, and Li2H+

The electron density near the lithium nucleus in the species LiH, LiH+, Li2, Li2+, LiH2+, and Li2H+ was analyzed by transforming the SCF molecular orbitals into a sum of atomic contribnutions, for both core and valence orbitals. These “hybrid-atomic” orbitals were used to compare: electron densities, orbital polarizations, and orbital mean kinetic energies with the corresponding lithium atom quantities. Core-orbital electron densities at the lithium nucleus were observed to increase by up to 0.5% relative to the lithium atom 1s orbital. Lithium cores also exhibited polarization but, surprisingly, in the direction away from the internuclear region. Similar dramatic changes were seen in the electron densities of the valence orbitals of lithium: The electron density at the nucleus for these orbitals increased two-fold for homonuclear species and twenty-fold for heteronuclear triatomic species relative to the electron density at the nucleus in lithium atom. The polarization of the valence orbital electronic charge, in the vicinity of the lithium nucleus, was also away from the internuclear region. The mean “hybrid-atomic” orbital kinetic energies associated with the lithium atom in the molecules also showed changes relative to the free lithium atom. Such changes, accompanying bond formation, were relatively small for the lithium core orbitals (within 0.2% of the value for lithium atom). The orbital kinetic energies for the lithium valence electrons, however, increased considerably relative to the lithium atom: By a factor of about 2 in homonuclear diatomics, by a factor of 7 in heteronuclear diatomics, and by a factor of 11 in the triatomic species. In summary, the total electronic density (core plus valence) at the lithium nucleus remained remarkably constant for all of the species studied, regardless of the effective charge on lithium. Thus, the drastic changes noted in the individual lithium orbitals occurred in a cooperative fashion so as to preserve a constant total electron density in the vicinity of the lithium nucleus. In all cases, bond formation was accompanied by an increase in the orbital kinetic energy of the lithium valence orbital. We suggest that these two observations represent important and significant features of chemical bonding which have not previously been emphasized.
Secondary Tumoral Calcinosis with Intraosseous Penetration

We report a case of a 55-year-old woman with chronic renal failure and secondary tumoral calcinosis with rare intraosseous penetration of the humerus. Typical lobulated calcifications with associated layering "milk of calcium" were present about the right shoulder and elbow on conventional radiographs, computed tomography images and magnetic resonance images. Rare appearance of cortical destruction and intraosseous extension of tumoral calcinosis into the medullary space was observed in the proximal humerus on CT and MR images. Since there is concern for pathologic fracture, radiologists should be aware of this rare complication of chronic renal disease.
The Clinical Oncology Career Development Award of the American Cancer Society. A 5-year evaluation.

Background. In 1985, the American Cancer Society (ACS) replaced their Junior Faculty Clinical Oncology Program with the 3-year Clinical Oncology Career Development Award (COCD A). It was proposed that the longer duration and larger stipend of the COCDA would have a greater impact in encouraging promising young clinical oncologists to enter and remain in academic oncology. The COCDA was evaluated at this time to determine whether these goals had been achieved. Methods. A questionnaire was sent to 104 of the total of 121 people who received awards in 1985, 1986, and 1987. Results. A review of the 85 completed questionnaires showed that the COCDA had a significant impact on the recipients. Most have remained in academic settings and have flourished, as evidenced by their publication record and success in obtaining extramural funds, despite their clinical orientation. Conclusions. The COCDA has achieved its initial goals and will remain an important part of the professional education efforts of the ACS.
INVISIBLE FAMILIES: GAY IDENTITIES, RELATIONSHIPS AND MOTHERHOOD AMONG BLACK WOMEN

M.R. Mignon, INVISIBLE FAMILIES: GAY IDENTITIES, RELATIONSHIPS AND MOTHERHOOD AMONG BLACK WOMEN , Berkley, CA: University of California Press, 2011, 298 pp., $26.95/£18.95 (paper) Invisible familie...
The configuration and conformation of di-d-fructose anhydride I. The crystal and molecular structure of 3,4,3′,4′-tetra-O- acetyl-6,6′-di(triphenylmethyl)-di-d-fructose anhydride I

Abstract The crystal structure of 3,4,3′,4′-tetra- O -acetyl-6,6′-di(triphenylmethyl)-di- d -fructose anhydride I ( 1 ) has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P2 1 with a = 16.399(2), b = 9.091(2), c = 17.946(4) A, β = 103.66(1)° V = 2600(2) A 3 , and Z = 2. The structure was refined to R = 0.044 and R w = 0.051 for 4403 observed reflections. The structure analysis of 1 showed that the previously assigned chemical structure of di- d -fructose anhydride I is undoubtedly α- d -fructofuranose β- d - fructofuranose 1,2′:2,1′-dianhydride. The conformations of the furanose rings are E 5 with P = 59.8 and τ m = 43.2° for d -fructose 1, and 2 T 3 with P = −34.39° and τ m 39.64 ° for d -fructose 2. The two furanose fragments are linked by a 1,4-dioxane ring in a spiro arrangement. The 1,4-dioxane ring has a chair conformation with Cremer-Pople puckering parameters Q = 0.527 A, φ = 72.2° and θ = 14.2°.
Interference effects in electron-ion recombination. II. Resonance and direct channels.

The Feshbach formalism is employed in a study of the effects of interference between direct radiative recombination and dielectronic recombination. A general result is obtained, valid for an arbitrary number of interacting resonances and an arbitrary number of coupled continua. The results of explicit model calculations, based on the pole approximation, are described, and comparison is made with earlier, related work.
Can induced anxiety from a negative earlier experience influence vascular surgeons' statistical decision-making? A randomized field experiment with an abdominal aortic aneurysm analog

Background Increasing detection, new screening recommendations, and popular press attention contribute to the rising prevalence of asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Evidence-based guidelines recommend the optimal time to operate is when the aneurysm is 5.5 cm in diameter. Smaller AAAs are periodically monitored with imaging. Recent events and emotional reactions to risk and uncertainty, including anxiety, can cause decision-making to diverge from cognitively based assessments. It is not known whether this applies to vascular surgeons making statistically-optimal, risky decisions. We tested whether an unexpected, recent negative event might influence vascular surgeons' decisions about a computer-simulation AAA-analog that includes statistical information. Study design We performed a randomized, computer-based field experiment with evidenced-based statistical information readily available on bursting probabilities. Participants included vascular surgeons with AAA operative experience attending two vascular surgery conferences held in 2005 (n=81). The intervention was a randomly assigned, anxiety-inducing, bursting balloon versus a nonbursting balloon before a statistical decision-making computer simulation. The main outcomes measure was real-time prospective choice to opt out of expanding AAA simulation. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the likelihood of opting out, while controlling for important covariates. Results The experimental group was more likely to opt out (hazard ratio: 3.32; 95% CI: 1.25 to 8.81), even after controlling for initial anxiety levels, risk attitudes, uncertainty attitudes, use of statistical information, surgical experience, and demographics. Conclusions Experiencing a negative, potentially anxiety-provoking, preceding event can influence decision-making, even among experienced vascular surgeons who have ready access to statistical risk information.
The maximum-distortion-energy ellipse as a biaxial fatigue criterion in view of gradient effects

The maximum-distortion-energy ellipse is shown to be a well-defined boundary for certain high-cycle fatiguelimit data having gradient-induced scatter. In connection with this, the nonzero gradients are seen to have only a beneficial effect on fatigue behavior. The work is limited to fully reversed biaxial-stress components which are either in-phase or 180 degrees out-of-phase with each other. A means to account for anisotropy in fatigue properties is tentatively suggested.
Business mobilize production through markets: parametric modeling of path-dependent outcomes in oriented network flows

Business is modeled as interlocking social constructions that emerge in mobilizing differentiated production flows amidst uncertainty. The model is stochastic, nonlinear, and sited in a network ecology for identities that have come to share a discourse which itself recognizes embeddings in distinct levels of firm, market, and sector. Three counterintuitive findings are emphasized: competitive markets can be viable for increasing returns to scale; effects of substitutability/saturation are opposite for different sorts of competititive markets; and markets orient to flow uncertainty.
Toxicology of ingested lead shot in ringed turtle doves

Ringed turtle doves ingested 0, 2, or 4 lead pellets and their blood was assayed for activity of the enzyme delta-aminolevulenic acid dehydratase (ALAD) at 24 hr and at sacrifice (14 days). At both blood sampling times, ALAD activity was reduced in the lead-treated birds concommitant with elevated blood lead concentrations. Hemoglobin concentration was not affected when assayed at sacrifice of the birds. Brain, liver, and kidney lead concentrations were significantly higher in doves that ingested lead shot. Approximately 70% of 110 mg lead pellets was eroded in the doves' gizzards in 14 days provided they were retained during that interval. Measurement of ALAD activity and blood lead offers potential for monitoring lead concentrations in wild mourning dove populations.
Studies on a hydrocarbon capped free base tetraphenylporphyrin and its conjugate acids - first observation of a monoprotonated tetrapehylporphyrin &{;CapTPP(H3+)CF3CO2−&};

Abstract 1 H-NMR and visible absorbtion spectroscopic titrations of a unique hydrocarbon capped porphyrin 3 H 2 with trifluoroacetic acid in chloroform result in the formation of a monoprotonated porphyrin species 3 H 3 + &{;CF 3 CO 2 − &};. This represents the first observation of a monobasic tetraphenylporphyrin acid. The monocation forms the dibasic 3 H 4 2+ &{;CF 3 CO 2 −&};2 upon further addition of acid. Back-titration of 3 H 4 2+ &{;CF 3 CO 2 − &}; 2 with DMSO demonstrates that the monocation can be generated from the diacid as well as the free base porphyrin. The capping structure on one face of the tetraphenylporphyrin is suggested to diminish the extent of solvation of one proton of 3 H 4 2+ &{;CF 3 CO 2 − &};, thereby rendering the first dissocation constant (represented by C 50(1) ) considerably larger than the second dissociation (C 50(2) ). 19 F NMR chemical shifts of the counterions of −50°C show a similarity to the CF 3 CO 2 − counterions of TPP H 4 2+ &{;CF 3 CO 2 − &}; 2 and indicated a strong association with the prophyrin acid species. 2D NMR ROESY spectroscopy with Distance Geometry Refinement afforded a solution structure for 3 H 2 , from which representative structures of possible inclusion compounds 3 H 3 + &{;CF 3 CO 2 − &}; and 3 H 2 &{;CHCl 3 &}; were created by molecular modeling. Although the dome of the capping structure is predicted to be large enough to accommodate a trifluoroacetate anion on the inside, 19 F NMR spectra and FAB-mass spectra do not support the presence of an acid-base inclusion compound.
Energy savings due to changes in design of ventilation and air flow systems

Abstract Procedures for the design of ventilation and air flow systems are shown to be energy wasteful. The cause lies both in the methodologies and their technical bases, and in the influence of other factors that enter into a final systems choice for a building (particularly economics). The issue of general outside air requirements is discussed. It is found that any system in which outside air supply is sufficient to control body odor necessarily meets oxygen requirements many times over, and that the ventilation rate can be reduced by about 45% to 60% if higher humidities are used. The long-standing belief that required ventilation flow rate for odor control must increase as air space per occupant decreases has previously been proven untrue, yet a survey of the ASHRAE recommendations and various building codes shows that present standards are based on this inaccurate and energy-wasteful principle. New standards, including a rate of 7.5 cmf/person of outdoor air (not conditioned) during the heating season, are proposed based on the result that the ventilation rate is independent of air space per person. Air distribution systems and sub-systems are analyzed in terms of minimum energy requirements. Energy saving by velocity reduction is discussed. Fan power requirements for a high velocity air distribution system are increased by 2500% over that for a low velocity system in commercial buildings. A comparison of the “old” ASHRAE definition of Effective Temperature, which serves as a thermal comfort criterion in AC systems design, is made with the “new” definition, and the consequent energy savings that should result when the “new” definition is accepted in practice is demonstrated.
Combined Imaging Technologies for Concrete Bridge Deck Condition Assessment

Evaluating the condition of concrete bridge decks is an increasingly important challenge for transportation agencies and bridge inspection teams. Closing the bridge to traffic, safety, and time consuming data collection are some of the major issues during a visual or in-depth bridge inspection. To date, several nondestructive testing technologies have shown promise in detecting subsurface deteriorations. However, the main challenge is to develop a data acquisition and analysis system to obtain and integrate both surface and subsurface bridge health indicators at higher speeds. Recent developments in imaging technologies for bridge decks and higher-end cameras allow for faster image collection while driving over the bridge deck. This paper will focus on deploying nondestructive imaging technologies such as the three-dimensional (3D) optical bridge evaluation system (3DOBS) and thermal infrared (IR) imagery on a bridge deck to yield both surface and subsurface indicators of condition, respectively. Spall and delamination maps were generated from the optical and thermal IR images. Integration of the maps into ArcGIS, a professional geographic information system (GIS), allowed for a streamlined analysis that included integrating and combining the results of the complimentary technologies. Finally, ground truth information was gathered through coring several locations on a bridge deck to validate the results obtained by nondestructive evaluation. This study confirms the feasibility of combining the bridge inspection results in ArcGIS and provides additional evidence to suggest that thermal infrared imagery provides similar results to chain dragging for bridge inspection.
Learnability and monetary policy: A global perspective

Abstract The recent literature on monetary policy design has emphasized the importance of equilibrium determinacy and learnability in the choice of policy rules. This paper contains an analysis of the learnability of the equilibrium in a class of simple, micro-founded models in which the policy authority uses a Taylor-type monetary policy rule. Unlike previous analyses, the model economy is not linearized about a steady state—instead, a global perspective is adopted. Globally, the nonlinear model economy can possess rational expectations equilibria other than the steady state consistent with the inflation target of the monetary authorities. These include a second, low inflation ‘liquidity trap’ steady state, periodic equilibria, and sunspot equilibria. The main results in the paper characterize the conditions under which these alternative equilibria maybe stable under adaptive learning, even when the policy rule obeys the Taylor principle. The stability of multiple equilibria is associated with policy rules which are forecast-based. An important finding is that backward-looking Taylor-type policy rules can guarantee that the unique learnable equilibrium is the steady state associated with the inflation target of the monetary authority.
PATCO Lives! Stigma, Heroism, and Symbolic Transformations

American culture is an attractive object of inquiry for many reasons, not the least of which is the complexity of the contradictions that run through it. Indeed, the recent tour deforce, Habits of the Heart (Bellah et al. 1985), explores a central tension in American life between the ideal of community and the celebration of individualism, a dialectic elaborated in Herve Varenne's (1977) work as well. In both instances, and one could name many others, the research is drawn from the study of tranquil communities and settled lives. The power of these studies derives from their somewhat unsettling conclusions, which contrast sharply with the peaceful appearance of the research settings from which they emanate. Beneath the stability lies moral confusion, anomie, and uncertainty over values, which stem in part from the unresolved tension between commitment to a social whole and the preservation of autonomy. These cultural contradictions seem to lie just out of reach; they appear to be only dimly grasped by those they affect most profoundly. Bellah and his colleagues argue that the malaise of middle-class America stems both from the disappearance of cultural traditions that could bind individuals to communities while respecting their distinctiveness, and from America's inabilty to label the resulting void. Habits of the Heart, then, becomes both a sociological treatise and a diagnostic.
Responses of long descending propriospinal neurons to natural and electrical types of stimuli in cat

Long descending propriospinal (LDP) neurons (antidromically identified) having cell bodies of origin in the cervical enlargement and projecting axons at least as far as the L2 segment were studied. Extracellular recording of responses to natural and electrical stimuli was done in high-spinal cats. (1) A receptive field for natural stimuli was found for 123 LDP neurons. An additional 108 LDP cells were not activated by the natural stimuli used, but some of these fired spike potentials in response to electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves of the forelimb. There was no distinction between neurons activated and those not activated by natural stimuli on the basis of location or conduction velocity. (2) The most effective natural stimuli were mechanical manipulation of the skin (both low and high threshold), movement of joints of the paw, and pressure to the deep tissues, especially to the extensor side of the arm. These modalities of stimuli were most often excitatory, but could be inhibitory as well. (3) On the basis of modality, 4 subgroups of LDP cells were identified: those which were responsive only to mechanical-cutaneous, joint-movement, or deep-pressure stimuli, and those which responded to several of these modalities of stimuli, the multimodal group. These subgroups could not be distinguished on the basis of conduction velocity. (4) The receptive fields varied in size from small (one digit) to large (all of a forelimb). For single LDP cells they included ones with single and/or multimodal input from one or both forelimbs and various combinations of excitation and/or inhibition. However, those in the dorsal horn had only ipsilateral receptive fields, mainly of the mechanical-cutaneous type. Cells with bilateral receptive fields were mainly located medially in the ventral gray in laminae VII and VIII. (5) A comparison of the location of the subtypes of LDP cells revealed that neurons activated by mechanical-cutaneous stimuli were in laminae I and IV-VIII; whereas deep-pressure and multimodal activated neurons were almost exclusively in laminae VII and VIII. (6) LDP cells receiving input from deep-pressure receptors of the paw probably relay position or weight-bearing information about the forelimbs to the lumbosacral spinal cord. This arrangement suggests that LDP neruons function in interlimb coordination and would be active during locomotion. They probably participate also in other reflexes elicited by cutaneous and deep stimuli.
Review of several proposed three-class classification decision rules and their relation to the ideal observer decision rule

We analyzed a variety of recently proposed decision rules for three-class classification from the point of view of ideal observer decision theory. We considered three-class decision rules which have been proposed recently: one by Scurfield, one by Chan et al., and one by Mossman. Scurfield's decision rule can be shown to be a special case of the three-class ideal observer decision rule in two different situations: when the pair of decision variables is the pair of likelihood ratios used by the ideal observer, and when the pair of decision variables is the pair of logarithms of the likelihood ratios. Chan et al. start with an ideal observer model, where two of the decision lines used by the ideal observer overlap, and the third line becomes undefined. Finally, we showed that the Mossman decision rule (in which a single decision line separates one class from the other two, while a second line separates those two classes) cannot be a special case of the ideal observer decision rule. Despite the considerable difficulties presented by the three-class classification task compared with two-class classification, we found that the three-class ideal observer provides a useful framework for analyzing a wide variety of three-class decision strategies.
Large sample test of defibrillation waveform sensitivity.

Defibrillation Waveform Sensitivity.Introduction: An unknown mechanism causes defibrillation efficacy to be sensitive to the temporal pattern (waveform) of the delivered energy. Using a guinea pig model, we tested hypotheses in 140 defibrillation waveforms. Methods and Results: Two hundred seven male guinea pigs (950 ± 100 g) were instrumented to continuously monitor the ECG and an optical plethysmographic signal from a forepaw. Two amplifiers served as a voltage-based defibrillator with a maximum output of 400 V at 2 A. Defibrillation electrodes (12-mm diameter) were placed 40 mm apart on the thorax. Thirty ventricular fibrillation episodes were induced where the first 10 episodes were used to estimate ED50 for a biphasic pulse (7/2 msec) and the remaining episodes were defibrillated with 18 test waveforms and two control waveforms all at the ED50 energy. Seven groups of 20 waveforms were tested. We directly tested hypotheses based on charge banking/burping, frequency concentration, and stimulus strength/duration. Of the hypotheses tested, nine are able to predict at least a 10% change in efficacy (P < 0.05): parabolic fit to duration; maximum, minimum, and remaining delivered charge; power at peak frequency; stimulus charge; and maximum, minimum, and maximum of the absolute value of stimulus strength. However, of these, only three are independent predictors of waveform efficacy (P < 0.05, near-minimum residual variance): power at peak frequency; parabolic fit to the stimulus duration; and minimum stimulus strength. Conclusion: Stimulus strength and duration are the main determinants of the efficacy of a defibrillation waveform.
Hypnotizability and dissociativity in sexually abused girls

Abstract Research on the relation between hypnotizability and clinical dissociation has led to contradictory findings. Measures of hypnotizability and dissociation are only weakly correlated in general population samples, but studies of posttraumatic stress and dissociative disorders patients have found elevated levels of clinical dissociation and hypnotizability respectively. This study assesses the relationships among hypnotizability, clinical dissociation and traumatic antecedents in 54 sexually abused girls, ages 6–15 years, and 51 matched controls. Hypnotizability was assessed on initial evaluation and again in matched subsamples at one year using the Stanford Hypnotic Clinical Scale for Children. Clinical dissociation was assessed using the Child Dissociative Checklist. Abuse variables were extracted from Child Protective Services reports. There were no significant differences in hypnotizability between abuse and control subjects. There were significant differences in clinical dissociation initially and on 1-year retest. Hypnotizability and clinical dissociation were only weakly correlated (r(105) = .118, p = NS). However, in the abuse group, highly hypnotizable subjects were significantly more dissociative. Higher levels of clinical dissociation were associated with abuse by multiple perpetrators and co-presence of physical abuse independent of the sexual abuse. A small subgroup of “double dissociative” subjects, high in both hypnotizability and dissociativity, was identified. Double dissociation was associated with multiple perpetrators and earlier onset of sexual abuse.
Vibrational spectra of acetyl fluoride and acetyl fluoride-d3

Abstract Infrared spectra of acetyl fluoride and acetyl fluoride-d3 are reported for the gas and the solid, as are the Raman spectra of the liquids. Changes in a previous assignment for CH3CFO [J. Chem. Phys. 53, 1713 (1970)] are indicated. Observed intensities and analogy with COF2 suggest that fundamentals at 826 and 1188 cm−1 are best described as in-phase and out-of-phase C-C-F stretches. The methyl rock and the in-phase C-C-F stretch are strongly mixed in CD3CFO (839 and 778 cm−1). A product-rule calculation indicates that the fundamental frequencies of CD3CFO are about 2 per cent higher than expected on the basis of a strictly harmonic potential function for CH3CPO. A similar calculation is used to compare CH3CFO with CF3CFO.
The R Aquarii Jet in Hindsight

The nebulosity surrounding R Aquarii was digitized from optical photographic plates obtained from the Lowell Observatory archive. These data, which span the period 1921-1950, suggest that the R Aqr jet, which was first observed and reported in the 1970s, was already affecting the inner compact nebulosity at earlier epochs. These results are the first observational evidence of an earlier origin for the R Aqr jet and, as such, are consistent with an estimated jet age of ~100 yr as determined from the proper motions of the oldest radio-jet components.
Serum ω-3 fatty acids are associated with variation in mood, personality and behavior in hypercholesterolemic community volunteers

Low dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids has been linked to several features of psychiatric symptomatology, including depression, disorders of impulse control, and hostility. Preliminary intervention trials of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for clinical depression and other disorders have reported benefit. However, few studies have investigated the relationships between these fatty acids and normative variability in mood, behavior and personality. Participants were 105 hypercholesterolemic, but otherwise healthy, non-smoking adults. Fasting serum alpha-linolenic (alpha-LNA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were assayed with gas chromatography. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the NEO Five Factor Personality Inventory (NEO-FFI) and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS). In multivariate analyses, higher levels of the long chain omega-3 PUFAs, EPA and DHA, were associated with significantly reduced odds of scoring >or=10 on the BDI. Similarly, DHA and EPA covaried inversely with NEO-Neuroticism scores, whereas DHA was positively associated with NEO-Agreeableness. On the BIS, DHA was inversely related to cognitive impulsivity and alpha-LNA was inversely related to motor and total impulsivity. These findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acid status is associated with variability in affect regulation, personality and impulse control.
Pathogen-derived resistance to viral infection using a negative regulatory molecule

The principle of pathogen-derived resistance (the use of pathogen-derived genes to interfere with the pathogenic process and thereby confer disease resistance to the host) has been put forward as a broadly applicable conceptual tool for use in the genetic engineering of resistance to pathogens and parasites. It was previously predicted that four mechanisms of pathogen-derived resistance could be established using the bacteriophage QB and its host, Escherichia coli, as a model system. This paper demonstrates and helps ellucidate the first of these mechanisms by using a viral regulatory protein, the QB coat protein, to block viral replication. The QB coat protein gene was transferred to susceptible E. coli. Expression of this gene had no obvious detrimental effect on the host. Low-level, constitutive expression of the coat protein conditions very high levels of resistance to QB infection. The resulting resistance is not associated with RNA interference or loss of pili as attachment sites, and does not appear to be associated with premature encapsidation. This low-level expression of the QB coat protein also produces an intermediate level of resistance to the closely related phage SP, but fails to protect against the unrelated phage f2. Thus the resistance does not result from a generalized antiviral host response induced by the presence of the coat protein. We conclude that the QB coat protein blocks viral infection, as was predicted, due to its action as a negative regulatory molecule. The use of negative regulatory molecules may provide an effective mechanism for use in the genetic engineering of pathogen-derived resistance.
Standoff detection of nitrotoluenes using 213-nm amplified spontaneous emission from nitric oxide

A method of standoff detection based on the observation of laser-induced fluorescence–amplified spontaneous emission (LIF-ASE) is described. LIF-ASE generates uniaxial intensity distributions of the observed fluorescence with the majority of intensity propagating along the excitation axis in both the forward and backward directions. The detection of bulk vapor at significant standoff distances is readily achieved. This method was used to detect NO directly and as a photoproduct after 213-nm excitation of 2-, 3-, and 4-nitrotoluene. The NO LIF-ASE spectra were studied as a function of buffer gas. These studies showed that the emission from different vibrational states was dependent upon the buffer gas used, suggesting that the populations of vibrational states were influenced by the environment. A similar sensitivity of the vibrational populations was observed when the different nitroaromatic precursors were used in nitrogen buffer gas. Such sensitivity to environmental influences can be used to distinguish among the different nitroaromatic precursors and facilitate the identification of the bulk vapor of these analytes.
Reactions of a heme-superoxo complex toward a cuprous chelate and •NO(g): CcO and NOD chemistry

Following up on the characterization of a new (heme)FeIII-superoxide species formed from the cryogenic oxygenation of a ferrous-heme (PPy)FeII (1) (PPy = a tetraarylporphyrinate with a covalently tethered pyridine group as a potential axial base), giving (PPy)FeIII-O2•- (2) (Li Y et al., Polyhedron 2013; 58: 60–64), we report here on (i) its use in forming a cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) model compound, or (ii) in a reaction with nitrogen monoxide (•NO; nitric oxide) to mimic nitric oxide dioxygenase (NOD) chemistry. Reaction of (2) with the cuprous chelate [CuI(AN)][B(C6F5)4] (AN = bis[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]amine) gives a meta-stable product (3a), possessing a high-spin iron(III) and Cu(II) side-on bridged peroxo moiety with a μ-η2:η2-binding motif. This complex thermally decays to a corresponding μ-oxo complex [(PPy)FeIII-(O2-)-CuII(AN)][B(C6F5)4] (3). Both (3) and (3a) have been characterized by UV-vis, 2H NMR and EPR spectroscopies. When (2) is exposed to •NO(g), a ferric heme nitrato compound forms; if 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol is added prior to •NO(g) exposure, phenol ortho-nitration occurs with the iron product being the ferric hydroxide complex (PPy)FeIII(OH) (5). The latter reactions mimic the action of NOD's.
Intracavity dye laser spectroscopy studies of the Ba + N(2)O, Ca + N(2)O + CO, and Sr + N(2)O + CO reactions.

A search for gain or absorption on several candidate visible chemical laser transitions has been carried out using the intracavity dye laser probe technique. Absorption was found on the following v″ → v′ bands of the BaO(A1∑ ← X1∑) bands in the Ba + N2O reaction: 0 → 1; 0 → 4; 1 → 1;1 → 2, and 5 → 1. No gain or absorption could be detected on the 7 → 1, 6 → 0, and 4 → 0 bands (sensitivity ~10−4/cm). In Ca, Sr + N2O + CO flames, absorption was found in the green arc bands of CaO and the red arc bands of SrO. Several new bandhead wavelengths are reported. Our results support assignment of the arc bands to the diatomic metal oxides. Absorptions and enhancements were found on various Sr, Ba, and Ba+ transitions.
Urge urinary incontinence and the brain factor

Aims To evaluate cognitive processing in elderly women with urge incontinence as compared to continent cohorts by measuring performance on neuropsychological tests of working memory, attention and inhibition. To measure speed of information processing, intensity of bladder filling sensation, and urine volume at a first desire (FDV) and strong desire to void (SDV), and level of attentional demands. Methods Test measures included Operation and Reading Span, Wisconsin Card-Sorting, Stroop Color Reading, Map Planning, and Maze Speed tests. A Likert scale measured bladder filling sensation intensity at FDV and SDV. An Attentional Demands Survey measured perceived attentional demands. Results Women with urge incontinence had a mean severity index of 4.71 ± 2.7 with 84% demonstrating urge incontinence and 16% with mixed urge/stress incontinence. They experienced a FDV and a SDV to void at a lower bladder filling intensity with significantly smaller volumes of urine in the bladder compared to controls. Incontinent women also perceived significantly higher attentional demands but were not significantly different than controls on tests of executive function. Conclusions While observations from neuroimaging provide evidence of differences between women with urge incontinence and controls in regional brain activity, efforts need to be made to decipher how these differences in metabolic activity relate to the fluid operations that create thoughts, decisions, and behavior. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 441–448, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phytic acid–trace element (Zn, Cu, Mn) interactions

Summary Studies in animals and human subjects have shown that diets high in phytic acid can cause zinc deficiency, and that the phytate content is negatively correlated to zinc absorption. Suboptimal zinc status has been shown to cause increased morbidity, poor pregnancy outcome, impaired growth, immune competence and cognitive function, emphasizing the need to optimize zinc bioavailability. Reducing the content of phytate in the diet is one way of improving zinc absorption and this can be achieved by novel precipitation methods during processing, food preparation methods that activate endogenous phytase (e.g. baking, fermentation, malting and hydrothermal processing), or addition of exogenous phytase. During the action of phytase on phytic acid, the hexaphosphate is hydrolysed into inositol phosphates with lower degrees of phosphorylation. Because only the penta- and hexaphosphates have been shown to inhibit zinc absorption, it is often essential to analyze the individual forms of phytate in the diet when evaluating zinc bioavailability. Phytic acid does not inhibit copper absorption, but has a modest inhibitory effect on manganese absorption.
Successful biological control of plumeless thistle, Carduus acanthoides L. [Campanulatae: Asteraceae (=Compositae)], by Trichosirocalus horridus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Virginia.

Abstract The plumeless thistle, Carduus acanthoides L., is a major weed of pastures, highway median strips, and road sides in much of western Virginia. It occupies a range similar to that of musk thistle, Carduus thoermeri Weinmann, and is often found together with musk thistle. A 15-year study at five sites with releases of Trichosirocalus horridus (Panzer), a ceutorhynchine weevil introduced into North America for the biological control of both musk and plumeless thistles, showed excellent control of plumeless thistle with mean ± SD reductions of 95 ± 4.9%, range 87–100%. Average initial thistle densities during weevil releases in 1975–1977 compared with those in 1990 were 8.7 and 0.3/m2, respectively. Mean time for the plumeless thistle population to collapse was 10.8 ± 2.3 (range 7–13) years compared with about half that for musk thistle.
Experimental crushing of some podocopid ostracode valves; an aspect of taphonomy

An important aspect of ostracode preservation includes burial and resistance to crushing. In this study, ostracode valves from six modern species were subjected to force using a miniature electronic load cell. Variables commonly considered to influence strength and investigated here are shell size (length, width, height), shape, valve thickness, and ornamentation. Area, width, shell shape, and ornamentation showed the greatest correlation with resistance to crushing. A stepwise regression process used these variables (and thickness), along with their squares and crossed terms, as independent variables to formulate a system of equations to predict crushing resistance. Width, thickness, and shell shape are significant predictors for all species considered. Ornamentation is not significant in the stepwise analysis. The results are reasonable in an engineering context, particularly in regard to width and thickness. This work is important because it potentially allows investigators to apply such equations to an assemblage of ostracodes to determine their resistance to crushing and infer the degree to which the assemblage may have been altered by this taphonomic process.
Cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, and cisdiamminedichloroplatinum (II) in the treatment of advanced nonsquamous cell head and neck cancer

Sixteen patients with regionally advanced or disseminated nosquamous cell (NSC) head and neck cancer received a monthly combination chemotherapy regimen of cyclophosphamide (C), adriamycin (A), and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (P), or P, as a single agent administered by either bolus or 24-hour infusion technique. Fifteen patients had received extensive prior surgery and/or radiation therapy. Three patients had prior chemotherapy. A response rate of 50% was achieved (8/16); there were 2 complete regressions and 6 partial regressions. The estimated median time to progression (TTP) for the entire group of 16 patients was 6.0 months and the estimated median survival was 14.0 months. Seven of 8 responders have progressed, with a median TTP of 10.7 months. Virtually all patients experienced alopecia as well as nausea and vomiting, which was more pronounced with the bolus administration of P. Myelosuppression was tolerable; there was no clinically significant renal impairment.
Tool life and machinability models for drilling steels

Abstract Four models for drilling steels are developed from an extensive machinability experiment. General purpose HSS drills were used for drilling 0.12% carbon steel. Predictive models were developed for tool life, thrust and torque on the drill, and surface roughness of the holes drilled. The research consisted of a laboratory experiment involving four independent variables; cutting speed ranging from 162 to 330 mm/s (32 to 65 sfpm), feed ranging from 0.0635 to 0.381 mm/rev (0.0025 to 0.015 ipr), drill diameter ranging from 7.54 to 14.68 mm (0.2969 to 0.5781 in.), and steel hardness ranging from 146 to 330 BHN. The experiment was designed as a central composite design with 30 treatment combinations. Tool life varied from 3.98 to 265.5 min. Full second-order models, containing 15 terms, were simplified to reduced models. Model fits ranged from an R -square of about 0.68 to about 0.92.
Sudden death in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Approximately 30% of deaths among patients with IDCM are sudden. Although ventricular tachyarrhythmias are responsible for many of these deaths, bradyarrhythmias may also play a significant role. Patients with a previous history of sustained ventricular arrhythmias are at high risk for sudden death. In patients without prior symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias a history of unexplained syncope, severely impaired right ventricular hemodynamics, frequent spontaneous ventricular ectopy or NSVT, and inducible SMVT may help identify those at greatest risk of dying suddenly. With the exception of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy, attempts at pharmacologic prevention of sudden death have had limited efficacy. The implantable defibrillator offers promising results in survivors of previous sustained ventricular arrhythmias; its prophylactic use in other high-risk subgroups is the subject of active investigation.
How beneficial is radioiodine therapy for treating distant metastases from thyroid carcinoma

How beneficial is radioiodine therapy for treating distant metastases from thyroid carcinoma?
Existence of a negative Poisson ratio in fcc crystals

The Poisson ratios along two principal crystal directions normal to a [110] uniaxial load are generally of opposite algebraic sign for fcc crystals. A theoretical basis for this behavior is revealed.
Thermal Stresses in Chemically Hardening Elastic Media With Application to the Molding Process

A method has been formulated for the determination of thermal stresses in materials which harden in the presence of an exothermic chemical reaction. Hardening is described by the transformation of the material from an inviscid liquid-like state into an elastic solid, where intermediate states consist of a mixture of the two, in a ratio which is determined by the degree of chemical reaction. The method is illustrated in terms of an infinite slab cast between two rigid mold surfaces. It is found that the stress component normal to the slab surfaces vanishes in the residual state, so that removal of the slab from the mold leaves the remaining residual stress unchanged. On the other hand, the residual stress component parallel to the slab surfaces does not vanish. Its distribution is described as a function of the parameters of the hardening process.
The potassium impermeable apical membrane of insect epithelia: a target for development of safe pesticides

Columnar cell apical membranes (CCAM) in series with goblet cell apical membranes (GCAM) form an electroosmotic barrier separating the midgut lumen from epithelial cell cytoplasm. A unique K+ ATPase in GCAM generates three gradients across this barrier. A greater than 180 mV electrical gradient (lumen positive) drives amino acid uptake through voltage-dependent K+ symports. A greater than 1000-fold [H+] gradient (lumen alkaline) and a greater than 10-fold [K+] gradient (lumen concentrated) are adaptations to the high tannin and high K+ content, respectively, in dietary plant material. Agents which act on the apical membrane and disrupt the PD, H+, or K+ gradients are potential insecticides. Insect sensory epithelia and mammalian stria vascularis maintain similar PD and K+ gradients but would not be exposed to ingested anti-apical membrane insecticides. Following the demonstration by Sacchi et al. that Bacillus thuringiensis delta-endotoxin (Bt) induces specifically a K+ conductance increase in CCAM vesicles, we find that the K+ channel blocking agent, Ba2+, completely reverses Bt inhibition of the K+-carried short circuit current in the isolated midgut of Manduca sexta. Progress in characterizing the apical membrane includes finding that fluorosulfonylbenzoyladenosine binds specifically to certain GCAM polypeptides and that CCAM vesicles can be mass produced by Ca2+ or Mg2+ precipitation from Manduca sexta midgut.
A Novel Branched-chain Amino Acid Metabolon PROTEIN-PROTEIN INTERACTIONS IN A SUPRAMOLECULAR COMPLEX

The catabolic pathways of branched-chain amino acids have two common steps. The first step is deamination catalyzed by the vitamin B(6)-dependent branched-chain aminotransferase isozymes (BCATs) to produce branched-chain alpha-keto acids (BCKAs). The second step is oxidative decarboxylation of the BCKAs mediated by the branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase enzyme complex (BCKD complex). The BCKD complex is organized around a cubic core consisting of 24 lipoate-bearing dihydrolipoyl transacylase (E2) subunits, associated with the branched-chain alpha-keto acid decarboxylase/dehydrogenase (E1), dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (E3), BCKD kinase, and BCKD phosphatase. In this study, we provide evidence that human mitochondrial BCAT (hBCATm) associates with the E1 decarboxylase component of the rat or human BCKD complex with a K(D) of 2.8 microM. NADH dissociates the complex. The E2 and E3 components do not interact with hBCATm. In the presence of hBCATm, k(cat) values for E1-catalyzed decarboxylation of the BCKAs are enhanced 12-fold. Mutations of hBCATm proteins in the catalytically important CXXC center or E1 proteins in the phosphorylation loop residues prevent complex formation, indicating that these regions are important for the interaction between hBCATm and E1. Our results provide evidence for substrate channeling between hBCATm and BCKD complex and formation of a metabolic unit (termed branched-chain amino acid metabolon) that can be influenced by the redox state in mitochondria.