cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Environmental Contaminants in Fish and Their Associated Risk to Piscivorous Wildlife in the Yukon River Basin, Alaska

Organochlorine chemical residues and elemental contaminants were measured in northern pike (Esox lucius), longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus), and burbot (Lota lota) from 10 sites in the Yukon River Basin (YRB) during 2002. Contaminant concentrations were compared to historical YRB data and to toxicity thresholds for fish and piscivorous wildlife from the scientific literature. A risk analysis was conducted to screen for potential hazards to piscivorous wildlife for contaminants that exceeded literature-based toxicity thresholds. Concentrations of total DDT (sum of p,p′-homologs; 1.09–13.6 ng/g), total chlordane (0.67–7.5 ng/g), dieldrin (<0.16–0.6 ng/g), toxaphene (<11–34 ng/g), total PCBs (<20–87 ng/g), TCDD-EQ (≤1.7 pg/g), arsenic (0.03–1.95 μg/g), cadmium (<0.02–0.12 μg/g), copper (0.41–1.49 μg/g), and lead (<0.21–0.27 μg/g) did not exceed toxicity thresholds for growth and reproduction in YRB fish. Concentrations of mercury (0.08–0.65 μg/g), selenium (0.23–0.85 μg/g), and zinc (11–56 μg/g) exceeded toxicity thresholds in one or more samples and were included in the risk analysis for piscivorous wildlife. No effect hazard concentrations (NEHCs) and low effect hazard concentrations (LEHCs), derived from literature-based toxicity reference values and avian and mammalian life history parameters, were calculated for mercury, selenium, and zinc. Mercury concentrations in YRB fish exceeded the NEHCs for all bird and small mammal models, which indicated that mercury concentrations in fish may represent a risk to piscivorous wildlife throughout the YRB. Low risk to piscivorous wildlife was associated with selenium and zinc concentrations in YRB fish. Selenium and zinc concentrations exceeded the NEHCs and LEHCs for only the small bird model. These results indicate that mercury should continue to be monitored and assessed in Alaskan fish and wildlife.
Managing Organizational Culture in Intercollegiate Athletic Organizations

The purpose of this paper is to link concepts of organizational culture, traditionally viewed from a corporate perspective, to management of intercollegiate athletic organizations. Relevant literature is reviewed to identify definitions and components of organizational culture, as well as elements of cultural strength. The relationship of culture to transformational leadership is recognized and ideas regarding how culture has been deciphered and managed in a corporate setting are presented. In addition, a critical perspective regarding organizational culture is examined and recognition is given to the importance of democratic ideals in the development of a “positive” culture. Recognizing that strong positive culture in a corporate organization generally equates with overall success, the implications for athletic organizations are important. These implications are discussed, and suggestions for athletic administrators and head coaches regarding culture management in collegiate sport organizations are prese...
Exclusion of Wilms tumour (WT1b) and ovarian cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19A1) as candidates for sex determination genes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

References 1 Murphy B. A. et al. (2006) J Comp Physiol A 192, 743–51. 2 Reppert S. M. et al. (2002) Nature 418, 935–41. 3 Nagano M. et al. (2003) J Neurosci 23, 6141–51. 4 Reddy A. B. et al. (2002) J Neurosci 22, 7326–30. 5 Altschul S. F. et al. (1990) J Mol Biol 215, 403–10. 6 Bailey E. et al. (1997) Anim Genet 28, 268–73. 7 Bellone R. et al. (2006) Cytogenet Genome Res 114, 93A. 8 Kent W. J. et al. (2005) Genome Res 15, 737–41. 9 Perrocheau M. et al. (2006) Anim Genet 37, 145–55. 10 Chowdhary B. P. et al. (2003) Genome Res 13, 742–51. 11 Mariat D. et al. (2001) Cytogenet Cell Genet 92, 144–8. 12 Caetano A. R. et al. (1999) Genome Res 9, 1239–49. 13 Terry R. B. et al. (2002) Anim Genet 33, 82–4.
A Statistical Analysis of the Effect of State-Level Economic Conditions On the 1992 Presidential Election:

Cross-sectional data are used to assess the effect of state-level economic conditions on state outcomes in the 1992 presidential election. The analysis provides evidence on the role of macroeconomic variables in models of national election outcomes and presents simulations to determine whether changes in economic circumstances might have reversed the election's result. It is argued that self-interested voters are more likely to prefer a new president if they are experiencing unemployment or income losses, or if they fear that economic conditions may lead to their own unemployment or inadequate income growth. Altruistic voters may seek a change to improve the economic positions of others. Whether specified as the current unemployment rate or as recent real per capita income growth, states with subpar economic performances are found to have significantly higher voter shares for Clinton. The simulations indicate that reasonable adjustments in state unemploy ment rates do not reverse the election outcome, whe...
Raising the Spin-Reversal Barrier in Cyano-Bridged Single-Molecule Magnets: Linear MnIII2MIII(CN)6 (M = Cr, Fe) Species Incorporating [(5-Brsalen)Mn]+ Units

Reactions between K(3)[M(CN)(6)] and [Mn(5-Brsalen)(H(2)O)(2)](+) (5-Brsalen = N,N'-ethylenebis(5-bromosalicylidene)aminato dianion) in a mixture of methanol and water afford the compounds K[(5-Brsalen)(2)(H(2)O)(2)Mn(2)M(CN)(6)].2H(2)O, with M = Cr (1) or Fe (2). The two compounds are isostructural, each containing a molecular cluster with a linear Mn(III)-NC-M(III)-CN-Mn(III) core and tetragonally elongated coordination about the Mn(III) centers. Magnetic data indicate the presence of weak exchange interactions within the clusters, giving rise to ground states of S = (5)/(2) and (9)/(2) with significant zero-field splitting. Despite the proximity of spin-excited states, ac susceptibility data reveal frequency-dependent out-of-phase signals characteristic of single-molecule magnets with spin-reversal barriers of U(eff) = 16 and 25 cm(-)(1), respectively.
Consolidation-Induced Solute Transport for Constant Rate of Strain. I: Model Development and Simulation Results

AbstractA numerical model, called CSTCRS1, is presented for coupled one-dimensional consolidation and solute transport under constant rate of strain (CRS) loading conditions. The consolidation algorithm accounts for vertical strain, general constitutive relationships, relative fluid velocity, changing compressibility and hydraulic conductivity during consolidation, and an external hydraulic gradient. The solute transport algorithm accounts for advection, dispersion, linear and nonlinear sorption, and equilibrium and nonequilibrium sorption. Soil compressibility is rate-independent and as such CSTCRS1 is more appropriate for less-structured soils. The model is based on a dual-Lagrangian framework that separately tracks the motions of sold and fluid phases. The development of CSTCRS1 is first described, and is followed by verification checks. Numeric examples are then presented to illustrate the effects of initial contamination distribution, transport conditions, applied strain rate, initial specimen height...
Relation between estrogen-induced hyperlipemia and food intake and body weight in rats.

Abstract Thirteen experiments on 348 ovariectomized female rats examined the relationship between estradiol's effects on food intake and body weight and on plasma triglycerides, free glycerol, and fatty acids. The time course of estradiol benzoate effects on food intake and weight gain differed from the time course of triglyceride elevation. The antiestrogen, nafoxidine, given with estradiol blocked the hypertriglyceridemia, but not the weight loss, resulting from estradiol benzoate. Estradiol benzoate treatment for up to three days had no significant effect on plasma triglyceride levels following intragastric and intravenous triglyceride administration. Changes in plasma triglyceride following Triton WR-1339 indicated that the absolute rates of plasma triglyceride clearance were not impaired by estradiol. These results contradict Wade and Gray's [31] hypothesis about the mechanism of estradiol-induced hypophagia.
In Vivo Imaging of Unstained Rat Tissue Using a Multiphoton Microendoscope

Unstained liver, kidney, and colon tissue from an anesthetized rat was imaged in vivo using a compact and flexible raster scanning endoscope. Endoscopic image acquisition was guided using a wide field infrared imaging system.
Fundamentals of Chemistry, Second Edition and Essentials of Chemistry, Second Edition (Burns, Ralph A.)

The two texts reviewed are identical except that the "Essentials" text has a soft cover while the "Fundamentals" text has a hard cover and three additional chapters at the end, covering nuclear, organic, and biochemistry.
Influence of vitamin E TPGS on the properties of hydrophilic films produced by hot-melt extrusion.

Abstract Films containing hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) were prepared using a Randcastle extruder (Model 750) with and without Vitamin E TPGS (TPGS, d -α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate) as an additive. Conventional plasticizers including polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400), triethyl citrate (TEC), and acetyltributyl citrate (ATBC) were also incorporated into films containing a 50:50 blend of HPC and PEO. The physical–mechanical properties including tensile strength (TS) and percent elongation (%E) were determined on an Instron according to the ASTM standards. Glass transition temperatures ( T g ) of the extruded films were determined utilizing a DSC 2920 Modulated differential scanning calorimeter and thermal analyst 2000 software. Gel permeation chromatography was used to study the stability of the polymer films under the processing conditions. The addition of 1, 3, and 5% Vitamin E TPGS, respectively, decreased the glass transition temperature of the extruded films containing either a 50:50 or 80:20 ratio of HPC to PEO in an almost linear fashion. In addition, the presence of 3% Vitamin E TPGS lowered the T g over 11°C when compared with the HPC/PEO 50:50 blend film without TPGS, thus functioning as a plasticizer. The tensile strength decreased with increasing concentrations of TPGS, and the %E increased over 3-fold when compared with the HPC/PEO film that contained no additives. The film containing 3% Vitamin E TPGS had a similar tensile strength to that of the films containing 3% PEG 400, and a 3-fold increase in percent elongation when compared with the films containing 3% TEC and 3% ATBC. In addition, the Vitamin E TPGS facilitated the processing of the HPC/PEO films by decreasing the barrel pressure, drive amps, and torque of the extruder equipment.
Ruffed grouse feeding behavior and its relationship to secondary metabolites of quaking aspen flower buds

Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) staminate flower buds and the extended catkins are primary food resources for ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus). Winter feeding observations indicate that ruffed grouse select specific trees or clones of quaking aspen to feed in. Flower buds and catkins of quaking aspen were analyzed for secondary compounds (tannins, alkaloids, and phenolics) that might cause ruffed grouse to avoid trees with high levels of these compounds. Coniferyl benzoate, a compound that has not been previously found in quaking aspen, exists in significantly higher concentrations in buds from trees with no feeding history as compared to ruffed grouse feeding trees. Aspen catkins were also significantly lower in coniferyl benzoate than buds from the same tree. Ruffed grouse feeding preference was not related to the tannin or total phenolic levels found in buds or catkins. Buds from feeding trees had higher protein levels than trees with no feeding history; however, catkins did not differ from buds in protein concentration. The high use of extended catkins in the spring by ruffed grouse is probably due to a lower percentage of bud scale material in the catkin as opposed to the dormant bud. Bud scales contain almost all of the nontannin phenolics in catkins and dormant buds. A feeding strategy where bud scales are avoided may exist for other bird species that feed on quaking aspen. Dormant flower buds are significantly lower in protein-precipitable tannins than catkins and differ in secondary metabolite composition from other aspen foliage.
Detecting Violations of Factorial Invariance Using Data-Based Specification Searches: A Monte Carlo Study

In testing factorial invariance, researchers have often used a reference variable strategy in which the factor loading for a variable (i.e., reference variable) is fixed to 1 for identification. This commonly used method can be misleading if the chosen reference variable is actually a noninvariant item. This simulation study suggests an alternative method for testing factorial invariance and evaluates the performance of the method in specification searches based on the modification index. The results of the study showed that the proposed specification searches performed well when the number of noninvariant variables was relatively small and this performance improved as sample size increased and the size of group differences increased. When the number of noninvariant variables was relatively large, however, the method rarely succeeded in detecting the noninvariant items in the specification searches. Implications of the findings are discussed along with the limitations of the study.
Compression of PZT-5H piezoelectric ceramic at constant electric field: investigation of energy absorption mechanism

This paper presents an experimental and analytical investigation into the mechanical behavior of PZT-5H piezoelectric ceramic. The materia is subjected to cyclic uniaxial compressive stress at a constant electric field bias. The damping characteristics such as fraction of energy absorbed and elastic modulus are evaluated as a function of bias electric field. Increasing the positive electric field increases the specific damping and decreases the elastic modulus. The trend is reversed when the electric field becomes sufficiently high to inhibit the domain wall motion by the mechanical stresses. Measured specific damping values vary form 0.18 to 0.46 depending on the stress amplitude and bias electric field. The corresponding secant modulus varies from 79 to 24 Gpz. The optimum electric field values increase as the stress amplitude increases because the positive electric field and the compressive stress counteract each other in terms of domain wall motion. An analytical model shows that the material's response is proportional to the volume fraction of the domains available for switching and the domain wall pressure difference between positive electric field and compressive stress.
A Broadband High-Gain Bi-Layer LPDA for UHF Conformal Load-Bearing Antenna Structures (CLASs) Applications

A broadband high-gain bi-layer log-periodic dipole array (LPDA) is introduced for conformal load bearing antenna structures (CLASs) applications. Under the proposed scheme, the two layers of the LPDA are printed on two separate thin dielectric substrates which are substantially separated from each other. A meander line geometry is adapted to achieve size reduction for the array. The fabricated and tested array easily exceeds more than an octave of gain, pattern, and VSWR bandwidth.
Flowering and seed yield of lesquerella as affected by nitrogen fertilization and seeding rate

The lesquerolic acid in lesquerella seed can be used in industrial applications such as greases, cosmetics, polishes, inks, and coatings. Successful commercialization of lesquerella will depend on the development of improved cultural practices. Lesquerella flowers are bright yellow and are prominently displayed. As a result, many cultural practices could be tied to flowering in a qualitative way. A new method of estimating flowers such as those of lesquerella using digital images has been developed that is rapid, not labor intensive, and can be automated. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of nitrogen fertilizer and plant density on flowering of lesquerella and to develop relationships between seed yield and flowering. The lesquerella crop was planted on 15 October 1997, at the Maricopa Agricultural Center, approximately 40 km south of Phoenix, Arizona on a variable Mohall sandy loam (fine-loamy, mixed hyperthermic, Typic Haplargid). The experimental design was a complete factorial of three fertilizer rates and four seeding rates. Ammonium sulfate at rates of 0, 60 and 120 kg of N ha−1 was applied at flowering on 18 March 1998. Digital images of the plots were taken periodically from 19 March 1998 to 4 June 1998 using a color digital camera. Images were acquired between 1030 and 1300 h MST. In this experiment, the crop did not respond to seeding rate. Flowers present at initial bloom could be used to estimate stand establishment. The early flowers did not contribute much to final yield, but flowers present in the first 3 weeks of May were a good predictor of yield. Flowering increased with N additions and noticeable peaks in flowering occurred after irrigations. The new method was verified as a viable method for estimating flower number. The method of flower estimation should also be useful for plant breeders for selection of earlier maturing lines, which would increase the potential for use of lesquerella in rotational systems.
Value proposition evolution and the performance of internal corporate ventures

The success of internal corporate ventures (ICVs) is contingent upon their ability to: (1) anticipate the bases on which their offerings appeal to their target markets, (2) adjust these value propositions as the venture develops, and (3) leverage their parent corporations' relevant knowledge stocks. Aimed at developing a deeper understanding of the process requirements of successful exploratory initiatives, we build and test a model of venture performance using data from 145 ICVs. We find that value proposition evolution is related to venture performance in a curvilinear manner. ICVs whose value propositions exhibit moderate evolution perform better than ICVs whose value propositions exhibit no evolution or extensive evolution. Furthermore, the value proposition evolution–performance relationship is moderated by the parent corporation's familiarity with the venture's target market.
An analysis of the variables predicting instant messenger use

This article focuses on which variables predict instant messenger (IM) use. A model was tested with a sample of 329 undergraduate participants. Results indicated a strong link between internet self-efficacy and perceived usefulness of IM. Subsequently, one's attitude toward using IM was impacted by the perceived usefulness of IM. Also, a peer groups' subjective norm about IM accurately predicted their intention to use IM. However, intention did not predict IM use for users, and attitude toward using IM did not predict intention to use IM for either group. Finally, the data were judged to be inconsistent with the model.
American fuel cell market development

Abstract Over the past three decades several attempts have been made to introduce fuel cells into commercial markets. The prospective users recognized the attractive features of fuel cells, however they were unwilling to pay a premium for the features other than the easily-calculated fuel cost savings. There was no accepted method for a user to calculate and the accrue the economic value of the other features. The situation is changing. The Clean Air Act signed into law by President Bush on November 15, 1990, mandates a nation wide reduction in SO 2 , NO x and ozone emissions. This law affects specific utilities for SO 2 reduction, and specific regions of the country for NO x and ozone reductions — the latter affecting the utility-, industrial- and transportation-sectors in these regions. The Act does not direct how the reductions are to be achieved; but it specifically establishes a trading market for emission allowances whereby an organization that reduces emissions below its target can sell its unused allowance to another organization. In addition to the Clean Air Act, there are other environmental issues emerging such as controls on CO 2 emissions, possible expansion of the list of controlled emissions, mandated use of alternative fuels in specific transportation districts and restrictions on electrical transmission systems. All of these so-called ‘environmental externalities’ are now recognized as having a real cost that can be quantified, and factored in to calculations to determine the relative economic standing of various technologies. This in turn justifies a premium price for fuel cells hence the renewed interest in the technology by the utility and transportation market segments.
Picosecond lifetime measurement systems for levels populated by electron capture and for levels decaying by E0 transitions

Abstract Two new systems, to measure lifetimes of nuclear levels in the picosecond range that decay by E0 transitions, have been developed at the UNISOR on-line isotope separator facility. These systems make use, for the first time, of fast coincidences involving characteristic X-rays. The first of the two systems involves specifically the X-rays originating from the internal conversion process, while the second involves X-rays resulting from both the internal conversion and electron capture processes.
Achievement and Machiavellianism among Men and Women Managers

Mehrabian's achievement scale and the Mach IV were administered to 51 male and 51 female managers. No significant differences were obtained for the Mach scores between groups, but the women scored significantly higher than the men on achievement. Moreover, those respondents who scored very high on Mach tended significantly to score low on achievement. The reverse relationship was not found.
The long-term effects of phage concentration on the inhibition of planktonic bacterial cultures

Since the early 1920s there has been an interest in using bacteriophages (phages) for the control of bacterial pathogens. While there are many factors that have limited the success of phage bio-control, one particular problem is the variability of outcomes between phages and bacteria. Specifically, there is a significant need for a better understanding of how initial phage concentrations affect long-term bacterial inhibition. In work reported herein three phages were isolated for Escherichia coli K12, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, as well as Bacillus cereus and bio-control experiments were performed with phage concentrations ranging from 105 to 108 plaque forming units per mL over the course of 72 h. For four of the nine phages isolated there was a linear relationship between inhibition and phage concentration, suggesting the effect of phage concentration is important at longer time scales. For three of the isolated phages, phage concentrations had no effect on bacterial inhibition suggesting that even at the lowest concentration the method of action was saturated and lower concentrations might still be effective. Additionally, a cocktail was created and was compared to the previously isolated phages. There was no statistical difference between the cocktail and the best performing phage highlighting the importance of selecting the appropriate phages for treatment. These results suggest that, for certain phages, there is a strong relationship between phage concentration and long-term bacterial growth inhibition and the initial phage concentration is an important indicator of the long-term outcome.
Physical and chemical properties of the major envelope glycoprotein gp85 from avian myeloblastosis virus

The major envelope glycoprotein gp85 of avian myeloblastosis virus, observed by electron microscopy as nearly spherical knobs projecting from the virus surface, was purified to homogeneity by gel filtration in 6 M guanidinium chloride followed by ion-exchange chromatography. The purified glycoprotein has a molecular weight of 80 000 from sedimentation equilibrium analysis. Glycoprotein gp85 contains approx. 45% carbohydrate including 25% N-acetylglucosamine, while the remaining weight consists of a polypeptide chain of approx. 45 000 daltons. Based on the oligosaccharide chain molecular weight data of Lai and Duesberg (Lai, M.M.C. and Duesberg, P.H. (1972) Virology 50, 359–372), the carbohydrate is calculated to be distributed between seven to nine oligosaccharide side chains. No self-association of gp85 was observed up to 2.0 mg/ml in dilute salt solution. The hydrodynamic properties of gp85 in dilute salt solution indicate a highly elongated molecule with an axial ratio of 7. One structural model which reconciles the hydrodynamic properties of gp85 with the nearly spherical architecture observed by electron microscopy requires the organization of the polypeptide chain and approx. 50% of the carbohydrate into a globular form. The remaining covalently linked oligosaccharides would by necessity extend outwardly from the globular structure as randomly oriented chains.
Effects of doping on photoconductive switches as determined by electro-optic imaging

Using an electro-optic imaging system, we have measured the spatial and temporal structure of electric fields in photoconductive switches with four different contact configurations. Contacts with heavy doping under the metallization had the best performance. Modeling has verified these results.
The Moderating Role Of Hostility In The Relationship Between Enriched Jobs And Health

The purpose of this study was to assess the proposed moderating role of one individual-level health risk factor—hostility—in the relationship between job enrichment and health care costs for a samp...
Neonatal mortality in infants born weighing 501 to 1000 grams

Abstract We analyzed changes over time in neonatal mortality rates for infants born weighing 501 to 1000 gm. The decline in total mortality in this weight group due to improved small-group, birth weight-specific mortality was contrasted to the increase in mortality caused by changes in the birth weight distribution resulting from the care of smaller infants. Had the birth weight distribution remained unchanged, the total improvement in neonatal mortality for the entire 501 to 1000 gm group would have been substantially greater.
The cell cycle in Crithidia fasciculata. Temporal relationships between synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid in the nucleus and in the kinetoplast.

SYNOPSIS. Autoradiographic technics with tritium-labeled thymidine have been used to determine G1, S, G2 and D for the kinetoplast and the nucleus of Crithidia fasciculata at 15, 25 and 32 C. The kinetoplast completes division before the nucleus at all 3 temperatures. The S phases of both organelles occur in approximate synchrony and are approximately equal in length but the nucleus begins and completes S before the kinetoplast at the 2 lower temperatures. This relationship is reversed at 32 C. Most of the effect of temperature on generation time is due to its effect on the length of S. The results are compared with similar studies on C. luciliae, Trypanosoma mega, other protozoa and tissue cells in culture. The role of the approximate synchrony of nuclear and kinetoplastic cycles in maintenance of the kinetoplastic condition is discussed and the hypothesis is proposed that this synchrony results from the sharing by nucleus and kinetoplast of the same mechanism for the production of the deoxyribonucleotides used in replication of their respective DNAs.
Dynamic tire pressure sensor for measuring ground vibration

This work presents a convenient and non-contact acoustic sensing approach for measuring ground vibration. This approach, which uses an instantaneous dynamic tire pressure sensor (DTPS), possesses the capability to replace the accelerometer or directional microphone currently being used for inspecting pavement conditions. By measuring dynamic pressure changes inside the tire, ground vibration can be amplified and isolated from environmental noise. In this work, verifications of the DTPS concept of sensing inside the tire have been carried out. In addition, comparisons between a DTPS, ground-mounted accelerometer, and directional microphone are made. A data analysis algorithm has been developed and optimized to reconstruct ground acceleration from DTPS data. Numerical and experimental studies of this DTPS reveal a strong potential for measuring ground vibration caused by a moving vehicle. A calibration of transfer function between dynamic tire pressure change and ground acceleration may be needed for different tire system or for more accurate application.
The effects of sex and marital/parental status on performance evaluations and attributions

One hundred sixty female and 160 male undergraduates provided performance evaluations and attributions for a poor-performing stimulus employee depicted as male or female, and as either single or married with three preschool-aged children. No significant differences were detected for ratings given by male and female evaluators. The results did however, reveal a significant interaction of employee sex by marital/parental status conveying that of the four employee groups, married mothers were evaluated the most favorably, while single females were the least favorably evaluated. The differential performance evaluations were interpreted by attributional responses indicating that raters perceived external, uncontrollable factors as causes of the married mother's poor performance, while internal, controllable factors were seen as primary reasons for the poor performance of the other employees, particularly the single female's. Implications of the findings were presented.
The Collective Preference for Shared Information

Decision-making groups prefer to discuss shared information that all members know instead of unshared information that a single member knows. This bias toward discussing shared information can lead groups to make suboptimal decisions when unshared information is critical for good decision making. This preference for discussing shared information may stem from group members' positive evaluations of each other's task capabilities when shared information is communicated. Members who already are perceived as capable (i.e., those high in status, experts, and leaders) need not bolster their image by communicating shared information. Instead, they discuss unshared information more than members perceived as less capable. As members low in status gain respect by communicating shared information, they may risk mentioning unshared information later during discussion. Assigning group leaders, informing members of their expert roles, and allowing ample time for discussion may increase groups' discussion of unshared in...
An inhibitor of macrophage chemotaxis produced by neoplasms

The accumulation of macrophages at neoplastic sites may be an important event in immunologically mediated tumor killing. The implantation of syngeneic neoplasms in mice, however, was found to depress the animal9s ability to localize macrophages at inflammatory sites. A low-molecular-weight (6,000 to 10,000) factor released by growing neoplasms that inhibits the accumulation of macrophages in vivo and chemotactic responsiveness in vitro was identified. The factor is active in the inhibition of macrophages and is ineffectual at retarding the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Neoplastic cells may thus abrogate immunosurveillance by releasing products that prevent potentially tumoricidal macrophages from accumulating at sites of developing malignancies.
Prorenin activation and prohormone convertases in the mouse As4.1 cell line

Prorenin activation and prohormone convertases in the mouse As4.1 cell line. The precise identification of prorenin-processing enzymes has been hampered by the very low abundance of juxtaglomerular cells in the kidney. Recently, an immortalized renin-producing renal tumor cell line (As4.1) has been proposed as a model to carry out such studies. Depite the fact that they contain secretory granules, we found no evidence (on the basis of enzymatic assays of renin activity in the supernatant of the cells and of immunoprecipitations experiments) that the As4.1 cells can secrete active renin through the regulated pathway. As4.1 cells produce only renin-1, as they derive from a strain of mice expressing only one renin gene. However, stable transfection of these cells with a renin-2 expression plasmid increased the capacity of this cell line to secrete active renin in the regulated pathway. Northern blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction amplification (RT-PCR) assays revealed that furin, PACE4 and PC5 were the only members of the proprotein convertase (PC) family to be present in these cells. As PC5 is the only such enzyme with the demonstrated ability to process mouse prorenin 2, it may constitute a candidate enzyme for the processing of prorenin-2 in mouse juxtaglomerular cells. However, it is not likely to be involved in the processing of mouse prorenin 1.
Poetic Closure en el "Soneto X" de Garcilaso de la Vega

Presenta un estudio sobre el fin de los poemas: ?que es lo que hace que la conclusion de un poema sea apropiada? ?Cuales son los elementos que contribuyen a una solida y estable terminacion poetica? Ademas, se definen terminos importantes como: conclusion, estructura, forma, elementos formales, elementos tematicos y elementos no estructurales. Para este estudio se utiliza como base el Soneto X, de Garcilaso de la Vega y, por medio del mismo, se explica como se logra la poetica clausure en el soneto.
Effect of Center- Versus Patient-Specific Factors on Variations in Dialysis Adequacy

Efforts to improve the delivery of hemodialysis have focused mostly on identifying patient-related factors that lead to inadequate dialysis. Less consideration has been given to the impact of the dialysis center on adequacy. This study evaluated whether the dialysis facility or individual-level factors were the primary influence on variations in dialysis adequacy. This was a retrospective analysis of 4971 hemodialysis patients in 189 centers with urea reduction ratio (URR) values obtained in the final quarter of 1997. The between-center variation and the within-center correlation in URR values were quantified to determine the contribution of a center effect on variations in adequacy; furthermore, the proportion of variance attributable to the centers' effect and individual-level dialysis covariates were compared. There was a wider between-center variation in mean URR values (SD, 4.8%) than expected if there were no center effect (SD, 2.5%). There was a strong within-center correlation in URR values, measured by the parameter rho, which was only minimally diminished after adjusting for individual-level covariates (adjusted rho, 0.14; P < 0.0001). The variation in URR attributable to the center effect, quantified by R(2), was greater than that related to individual-level dialysis factors (facility- and individual-level dialysis covariates R(2), 23.6 and 11.3%, respectively). Initiatives to improve the delivery of dialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease should be directed at facility policies governing dialysis care, along with patient-specific problems, because center effects have a major influence on dialysis adequacy.
Intracranial 4D flow MRI: toward individualized assessment of arteriovenous malformation hemodynamics and treatment-induced changes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Arteriovenous malformations are an important etiology of hemorrhagic stroke. However, current imaging modalities and risk do not provide insights into individual AVM hemodynamics and its role in pathophysiology. The aims of this study are to determine whether intracranial 4D flow MR imaging can provide insights into arteriovenous malformation hemodynamics independent of the Spetzler-Martin grade and to report the changes in flow observed during staged embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intracranial 3D blood flow was assessed in 20 patients with AVM (age = 39 ± 15 years, Spetzler-Martin grade ranging from 1–4) with the use of 4D flow MR imaging (temporal resolution = 45 ms, spatial resolution = [1.2–1.6mm]3). AVM hemodynamics were visualized by means of time-integrated 3D pathlines depicting the AVM arterial feeding and venous draining patterns over the cardiac cycle. Analysis included the grading of feeding and draining velocities on a 3-point scale (0 = low 50 cm/s). For 4 of 20 patients undergoing 4D flow MR imaging follow-up after staged embolization, peak velocities were quantified in arterial feeders, draining veins, the sagittal sinus, and contralateral arteries. RESULTS: In 50% of the cases with Spetzler-Martin grade >2, heterogeneous flow (velocity grade differences >1) was found across arteries and veins. Velocities in draining veins increased from Spetzler-Martin grade = 1 (grading = 0.5 ± 0.6) to Spetzler-Martin grade ≥3 (1.1 ± 0.6), whereas arterial velocities were similar (1.7 ± 0.6 versus 1.5 ± 0.6). In the postembolization subgroup of 4 patients, 4D flow MR imaging demonstrated successively more compact AVM and redistribution of velocities. Changes in arterial and venous velocities during treatment were highly different among individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Spetzler-Martin grade does not reflect differences in 3D AVM arterial and venous hemodynamics, and an individual assessment of AVM hemodynamics may be needed for improved lesion characterization. Four-dimensional flow MR imaging may have the potential to monitor and guide embolization treatment planning.
Antibodies to cytomegalovirus and Herpes Simplex Virus 1 associated with cognitive function in schizophrenia.

Background: Cognitive impairment in the form of decreased working memory and executive functions has been recognized as a key deficit in schizophrenia. Neurotropic viruses have been associated with focal gray matter deficits in patients with schizophrenia. We evaluated whether such agents alter cognitive function in schizophrenia. Methods: The sample consisted of 329 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. We evaluated associations between exposure to selected agents (Herpes Simplex Viruses 1 and 2 (HSV1, HSV2 respectively) cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Toxoplasma gondii) and scores on the Trail Making Test (TMT), controlling for relevant variables. Results: Serological evidence of exposure to CMV was associated with impaired performance on TMT part A time to completion (p = 0.044), a measure of visual search, working memory, and psychomotor speed. Both CMV and HSV1 were significantly associated with increased errors on TMT part B (p < 0.001 for both viruses). HSV2 and T. gondii exposure measures were not associated with any of the cognitive functions evaluated using TMT. Conclusions: Both CMV and HSV1 are associated with impaired cognitive function in schizophrenia as measured by the TMT. Further analyses to evaluate the impact of other illness related variables including genetic variants are warranted.
On full diversity linear dispersion codes with partial interference cancellation group decoding

In this paper, we propose a partial interference cancellation (PIC) group decoding for linear dispersive space-time block codes (STBC) and a design criterion for the codes to achieve full diversity when the PIC group decoding is used at the receiver. A PIC group decoding decodes the symbols embedded in an STBC by dividing them into several groups and decoding each group separately after a linear PIC operation is implemented. It can be viewed as an intermediate decoding between the maximum likelihood (ML) receiver that decodes all the embedded symbols together, i.e., all embedded symbols are in a single group, and a zero-forcing (ZF) receiver that decodes all the embedded symbols separately and independently, i.e., each group has and only has one embedded symbol, after the ZF operation is implemented. The PIC group decoding provides a framework to adjust the complexity-performance tradeoff by choosing the sizes of the symbol groups. Our proposed design criterion (group independence) for the PIC group decoding to achieve full diversity is an intermediate condition between the loosest ML full rank criterion of codewords and the strongest ZF linear independence condition of the column vectors in the equivalent channel matrix. A design example is also given.
Use of A Clinical Data Registry to Evaluate Medical Technologies: Experience from the International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry

We reviewed the 18 disease-specific evaluations that used the data base of the International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry to determine the effectiveness of alternative strategies for bone marrow transplant. We identify 17 treatment variables that physicians can control and report the associations between these variables and five clinical endpoints: stable engraftment, graft-versus-host disease, development of interstitial pneumonia, relapse, and disease-free survival. We also suggest policies to promote active participation in establishing and operating a registry.
Observation and restoration of negative electromigration activation energy behavior due to thermo-mechanical effects

An apparent negative activation energy behavior in electromigration lifetime was observed for Cu/low-k single damascene interconnects. We explain this as a result of a fast failure mode by thermo-mechanical damage at low temperatures around 250/spl deg/C. Mechanical strengthening of the via by thickening the sidewall barrier and surrounding it with strong inter-layer dielectric have successfully suppressed the thermo-mechanical failures and restored the activation energy behavior to normal. We show that ensuring thermo-mechanical stability is a key concern for developing reliable high performance interconnects.
Teaching English Vocabulary to Elementary Mexican American Students in South Texas: Some Responsive Modern Instructional Strategies

Teaching reading and vocabulary to Mexican American children in the United States of America today requires an acknowledgment of historical social injustice that continues to affect many communities in South Texas. This article debriefs some vocabulary teaching strategies—such as mnemonics and game play under the learning centers perspective—that proved to be highly responsive to Mexican American elementary students' learning styles in South Texas according to our after-school reading practices. Discussion on basic sitz im leben for implementation is framed from the culturally responsive and anti-oppressive approaches.
Ultrasound physics: principles of ultrasonography

Sound has wave characteristics and can thus be described in terms of wave length, frequency, and velocity. The frequency of audible sound is usually in the range of 15 Hz to 20 KHz, whereas diagnostic ultrasound is usually in the frequency range of 1 to 30 MHz. 1 Most general diagnostic ultrasound transducers function at frequencies of 2.5 to 7.0 MHz; endoscopic ultrasound frequencies are usually in the 5 to 25 MHz range. The frequency of the ultrasound utilized will affect both the depth of tissue that can be examined and the diagnostic quality of the image produced. The velocity of sound in human soft tissue tends to be fairly constant, at approximately 1540 meters per second, with slight variation from tissue to tissue. 1-5 This constant velocity in soft tissue is important for ultrasound image production. As with light waves, sound can be reflected and refracted. Reflection is critical for image formation. Reflection of sound occurs when sound strikes an interface between two tissues or media that differ in acoustic impedance.l4, 6 Acoustic impedance is an inherent property in all tissues that signifies each tissue's ability to propagate sound waves. If the difference in acoustic impedance between two tissues at an interface is high, a large amount of the sound striking this interface will be reflected. If the difference in acoustic impedance at the interface is low, only a small amount of sound will be reflected and, therefore, a large amount of sound will be transmitted. 5 Acoustic coupling agents, such as ultrasound gel or a water bath, allow for transmittance of ultrasound emitted from a transducer. Without such agents, the ultrasound would be entirely reflected at either the
On the Nature of Merge: External Merge, Internal Merge, and Parallel Merge

This article argues in favor of a new type of Merge, Parallel Merge, which combines the properties of External Merge and Internal Merge. Parallel Merge creates symmetric, multidominant structures, which become antisymmetric in the course of the derivation. The main empirical goal of the article is to revive a multidominance approach to across-the-board wh-questions and to show that a number of otherwise puzzling properties of across-the-board questions follow naturally from such an account.
Trust as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Mentoring and Knowledge Transfer

To be effective, organizations must facilitate knowledge transfer between employees. Mentoring has long been viewed as a vehicle for effective knowledge transfer. The authors break new ground in ex...
Naturally occurring mutations in the canine CFTR gene

Naturally occurring cystic fibrosis (CF)-causing mutations in the CFTR gene have not been identified in any nonhuman animal species. Since domestic dogs are known to develop medical conditions asso...
Scattering of light from assemblies of oriented rods

Abstract : The scattering patterns are calculated from anisotropic rods having an arbitrary orientation of the principal polarizability axis with respect to the rod axis. The effect of a distribution of orientation of the rods is explored, leading to a change in scattering patterns produced by orienting the rods upon stretching the sample. Scattering patterns are affected by the relationship between the refractive indices of the rods and that of the surroundings. The influence of the optic axis orientation angle changing upon orienting the rods is explored. Theoretical patterns are compared with experimental ones obtained upon stretching polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) films. (Author)
WELL-CONDITIONED NUMERICAL METHOD FOR THE NONLINEAR INVERSE HEAT CONDUCTION PROBLEM

A numerical procedure recently presented by the authors for linear inverse heat conduction problems is extended to nonlinear cases. The method is well conditioned in the sense that it always generates bounded solutions and never generates heat fluxes oscillating with increasing amplitude. The convergence of the algorithm is studied, and a set of examples shows convergence for a wide range of nonlinear problems. In the case of perfect data the accuracy of the estimated heat fluxes increases as the time step is decreased without need for additional stabilization or regularization. Filters allow perturbed data to be treated and facilitate attaining a balance between accuracy and resolving power.
Database Mobile Accessibility Assessment at Adelphi University Libraries

An increasing number of users are reaching out to their academic library from their mobile devices to search for scholarly content. As a result, the resources offered through the library Web site should be equally accessible on all devices. Database content is a critical library resource, and vendor products must evolve to function effectively on all types of devices. This study examined 197 databases at Adelphi University Libraries to determine if they are universally accessible either through the provision of an app or a mobile-optimized Web site. The study concluded that the majority of vendor platforms are not optimized for viewing across smart devices. These findings indicate that libraries should encourage vendors to offer mobile-optimized databases, and desktop computers may still be necessary for database searching.
Admixture Models and the Breeding Systems of H. S. Jennings: A GENETICS Connection

The lions of the field have published seminal work in our journal , from Bridges , Muller , and McClintock to Brenner , Horvitz , and Hartwell. Authors can publish in the same journal as did Luria and Delbruck , and Sewall Wright , and Ronald Fisher , and Crow and Kimura (and many other luminaries