cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two-dimensional angular scattering measurements of single airborne microparticles

The detection and characterization of micro-particles, particularly airborne biological particles, is currently of great interest. We present a novel technique for recording the 2D angular scattering pattern from a single airborne microparticle. Angular scattering measurements were performed in both the near-forward and near-backward regions for a variety of particles including for ethanol droplets, single polystyrene latex spheres, psl clusters, and clusters of Bacillus subtilis spores, all of various sizes. Because the angular scattering pattern is sensitive to size, shape and refractive index, the angular feature associate with clusters may be used to better characterize such airborne micro-particles. A watershed image processing routine has also been implemented. Through this routine, the number of intensity patches per solid angles is found to increase with cluster diameter.
Familial Tumors of the Uterine Corpus

Women with Lynch syndrome are at considerable risk for developing endometrial carcinoma, but current screening guidelines for detection of Lynch syndrome focus almost exclusively on colorectal carcinoma. Lynch syndrome associated colorectal and endometrial carcinomas have some important differences with implications for screening strategies. These differences are discussed in this review, along with the most effective screening criteria and testing methods for detection of Lynch syndrome in endometrial carcinoma patients.
Functional Dynamics of Glutamate/Amino Acid Transporters of the Solute Carrier 1 Family

Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) and neutral amino acid transporters (ASCTs) belong to the solute carrier 1 (SLC1) family of transport proteins. While EAATs transport the excitatory amino acid, glutamate, into cells driven by the transmembrane electrochemical concentration gradient of Na+, ASCTs function as exchangers, taking up neutral amino acid in homo- or hetero-exchange with intracellular amino acid in a Na+-dependent manner. Despite these functional differences, mechanism of transmembrane movement of amino acid appears to be conserved in these transporters. For example, Na+/substrate translocation is electrogenic in both transporters and electrostatics of charge balance are preserved by specific alterations to key charged amino acid residues. Here, we discuss results from kinetic experiments that reveal the time dependence of the translocation process down to the sub-millisecond time range, demonstrating dynamic behavior that spans 2 orders of magnitude. The results allow the dissection of individual reaction steps in the transport cycle, explaining voltage-dependent behavior with electrostatic calculations based on structural models.
A probabilistic alternative to fuzzy logic controllers

Fuzzy logic controllers have been used increasingly in industrial applications. We introduce the probabilistic controller as an alternative to fuzzy logic controllers. The probabilistic controller is a 'universal' controller with a structure closely analogous to a popular type of fuzzy logic controller, but it is not based on fuzzy logic.
Antigenic relationship between medullary thymocytes and a subpopulation of peripheral T cells in the rat: description of a masked antigen.

Abstract Using differentially absorbed rabbit antisera to rat thoracic duct cells, an antigen is described which normally is expressed on the surface of T cells in thoracic duct lymph and lymph node, but which exists in a masked form on medullary thymocytes and apparently not at all on cortical thymocytes. This antigen is termed the rat masked thymocyte antigen (RMTA). RMTA on medullary thymocytes can be unmasked mechanically by sectioning in a cryostat or enzymatically by treating with neuraminidase. Trypsin destroys or removes RMTA. Nearly all the T cells in thoracic duct lymph and lymph node are RMTA+, whereas only 58–66% of T cells in spleen are RMTA+. RMTA+ T cells, which are cortisone resistant, reside in the paracortex and periarteriolar sheath regions of lymph node and spleen. RMTA− T cells, which are cortisone sensitive, appear to reside in the red pulp of spleen. The results suggest that (i) two antigenically distinct populations of T cells exist in the rat, RMTA+ and RMTA− T cells, (ii) medullary thymocytes are the immediate precursors of RMTA+ T cells, and (iii) cortical thymocytes may be the immediate precursors of RMTA− cells.
Seed pretreatment methods to improve germination of the multipurpose West African forest species Dialium guineense

Abstract Two experiments preceded by a pilot study were conducted to determine the optimal method for overcoming seed coat dormancy of Dialium guineense Willd. Seeds from parent trees were kept separate to determine whether genetic variation in dormancy influenced pretreatment choice. There were pronounced differences between parent trees in germination response for the control and the two lower-germinating pretreatments, indicating that differential dormancy exits within this species. Nicking and concentrated sulfuric acid pretreatments effectively improved the germination response for seeds from both dormant and non-dormant parent trees. Sulfuric acid pretreatments are recommended for well-equipped centralized nurseries, whereas nicking is most appropriate for small village nurseries.
Altering membrane topology with Sar1 does not impair spindle assembly in Xenopus egg extracts

Intracellular membrane networks including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus experience dramatic reorganization upon entry into mitosis. However, the mechanisms driving these rearrangements and their importance for cell division are poorly understood. The GTPase Sar1 is a component of the secretory pathway and a key activator of anterograde transport of cargo from the ER to the Golgi. Here we show that Sar1 mutant proteins added to metaphase-arrested Xenopus laevis egg extracts cause dramatic effects on membrane organization. Live analysis of membrane structures in egg extract cytoplasm revealed a distinct network of sheets and tubules reflective of the organization of the ER in other systems. Addition of a constitutively active Sar1 GTPase mutant (H79G) increased membrane tubulation, while a dominant negative version Sar1 (T39N) impaired tubule organization. Although microtubule pelleting assays revealed that Sar1 associates with microtubules in the egg extract, and addition of Sar1 (H79G) mutant slightly destabilized spindle poles, bipolar spindle assembly was largely unaffected. Thus, spindles are stable to dramatic changes in mitotic membrane organization at metaphase, suggesting that mitotic membrane is not an upstream regulator of the mitotic spindle apparatus in Xenopus egg extracts.
Development of a Guidance System for AUV Chemical Plume Tracing

In autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) chemical plume tracing applications, the mission objective is to trace chemical plumes to the chemical source in a turbulent flow environment and to accurately estimate the chemical source location. AUV's capable of such feats would have applicability in searching for environmentally interesting phenomena, unexploded ordnance, undersea wreckage, and sources of hazardous chemicals or pollutants. A typical AUV chemical plume tracing system includes an adaptive mission planner (AMP) that rapidly responds to the sensor inputs to generate a trajectory for the AUV to trace the plume. Because the AUV has velocity (< 2 m/s) and heading rate (< 10 degree/s) constraints and the vehicle navigation system has navigation fixes, a guidance system is necessary for the AUV to generate heading and speed commands within the constraints to achieve the trajectory desired by the AMP. This article describes the development and field test results of the guidance system for a REMUS AUV to find a chemical plume, trace the chemical plume to its source, maneuver to reliably declare the source location, and map the plume source area after declaration of the source location. Three sets of in-water field tests with the Navy successfully demonstrated the plume tracing and post-declaration mapping capability on a REMUS AUV with the guidance system described herein.
Advanced Analysis of Steel Frames Using Parallel Processing and Vectorization

Advanced methods of analysis have shown promise in providing economical building structures through accurate evaluation of inelastic structural response. One method of advanced analysis is the plastic zone (distributed plasticity) method. Plastic zone analysis often has been deemed impractical due to computational expense. The purpose of this article is to illustrate applications of plastic zone analysis on large steel frames using advanced computational methods. To this end, a plastic zone analysis algorithm capable of using parallel processing and vector computation is discussed. Applicable measures for evaluating program speedup and efficiency on a Cray Y-MP C90 multiprocessor supercomputer are described. Program performance (speedup and efficiency) for parallel and vector processing is evaluated. Nonlinear response including postcritical branches of three large-scale fully restrained and partially restrained steel frameworks is computed using the proposed method. The results of the study indicate that advanced analysis of practical steel frames can be accomplished using plastic zone analysis methods and alternate computational strategies.
Family structure and patient survival in an African-American end-stage renal disease population: a preliminary investigation.

Few studies have examined the influence of the family on the course of chronic illness in African-Americans. We explore the relationship between family structure, defined as marital status and household composition, and patient survival. Patient gender was examined as a possible moderator in this relationship. Using data from a survey of 476 African-American end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, a significant association between household composition and patient survival was found. Results from Cox proportional hazards model, controlling for patient age, indicated that patients who live in 'complex' households (i.e. those with a partner and/or others) are at greater risk for shortened survival as compared to those who live alone or with a spouse/partner (p < 0.05). When we examined whether patient gender moderates this relationship, female patients who live in these households were found to be at 2 times greater risk for shortened survival (p < 0.01) than female patients who live alone or with their spouse/ partner only. Family structure was not significantly associated with survival in male patients. Discussion and implications of findings are addressed.
IMPLICATIONS OF NEWBORN LUNG LECITHIN METABOLISM

Premature and term newborn and adult rabbit lungs were pulse labeled in vivo with lecithin precursors choline, palmitic acid, and phosphate. Lecithin was isolated from parenchyma, alveolar wash, lamellar bodies and microsomes from the lungs of each group of animals. Time of appearance and biological half-life of lecithin in each fraction was monitored by changes in lecithin specific activity with time. All animals rapidly incorporated isotopic precursors into microsomal lecithin. Radioactive lecithin appeared after a 3 hour delay in premature and term newborn lamellar bodies; no delay was noted in appearance of labeled lecithin in lamellar bodies isolated from adult lung. Maximal specific activity in alveolar lecithin was reached by 6 hours in adult rabbits and in about 20 hours in premature and term newborns. Biological half-life values for lecithin in the lung fractions of premature and term newborn rabbits were greater than 3 times longer than comparable half-life values determined for the adult. The long delay (3 hours) before de novo synthesized lecithin begins to reach the alveolar space suggests that synthesis does not contribute to alveolar stability until many hours after birth. Significant lecithin synthesized de novo is not present at the alveolar space of the newborn for at least 20 hours. Premature and term newborn rabbits must rely on lecithin stored in anticipation of birth to maintain alveolar stability at birth. The prolonged half-life argues against lecithin degradation contributing to RDS.
The Life and Times of Mexico – By Earl Shorris

This is a big book full of material on every epoch of Mexican history. The author argues that both Mexico's past and its present have been shaped by a “debilitating conflict between the two sides o...
Structures of met and azidomet hemerythrin at 1.66 A resolution.

Abstract The crystallographic refinement of met and azidomet hemerythrin has been carried out at 1·66 A resolution in an attempt to characterize precisely the binuclear iron center in this protein. Restrained least-squares refinement has produced molecular models giving R-values of 18·9% for met (65,683 reflections from 10 A to 1·66 A) and 17·6% for azidomet hemerythrin (68,747 reflections from 10·0 A to 1·66 A). The protein structure in each derivative is very similar to that of myohemerythrin. The μ-oxo bridged iron center differs between the two forms. The complex in met hemerythrin is asymmetric with the bridging oxygen closer to one of the iron atoms while the complex in azidomet hemerythrin is symmetric. After investigations of the effects of correlation in the refinement, we believe this difference between the two complexes is associated with chemical differences and is not a refinement artefact.
A solid-state NMR study of the dynamics and interactions of phenylalanine rings in a statherin fragment bound to hydroxyapatite crystals.

Extracellular matrix proteins regulate hard tissue growth by acting as adhesion sites for cells, by triggering cell signaling pathways, and by directly regulating the primary and/or secondary crystallization of hydroxyapatite, the mineral component of bone and teeth. Despite the key role that these proteins play in the regulation of hard tissue growth in humans, the exact mechanism used by these proteins to recognize mineral surfaces is poorly understood. Interactions between mineral surfaces and proteins very likely involve specific contacts between the lattice and the protein side chains, so elucidation of the nature of interactions between protein side chains and their corresponding inorganic mineral surfaces will provide insight into the recognition and regulation of hard tissue growth. Isotropic chemical shifts, chemical shift anisotropies (CSAs), NMR line-width information, 13C rotating frame relaxation measurements, as well as direct detection of correlations between 13C spins on protein side chain...
Fabrication and characterization of a sialoside-based carbohydrate microarray biointerface for protein binding analysis with surface plasmon resonance imaging.

Monitoring multiple biological interactions in a multiplexed array format has numerous advantages. However, converting well-developed surface chemistry for spectroscopic measurements to array-based high-throughput screening is not a trivial process and often proves to be the bottleneck in method development. This paper reports the fabrication and characterization of a new carbohydrate microarray with synthetic sialosides for surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) analysis of lectin-carbohydrate interactions. Contact printing of functional sialosides on neutravidin-coated surfaces was carried out and the properties of the resulting elements were characterized by fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA) was deposited on four different carbohydrate functionalized surfaces and differential binding was analyzed to reveal affinity variation as a function of headgroup sialic acid structures and linking bonds. SPRi studies indicated that this immobilization meth...
Magmatic gas source for the stratospheric SO2 cloud from the June 15,1991, eruption of Mount Pinatubo

A water-rich magmatic gas phase escaped explosively from Mount Pinatubo on June 15, 1991, taking with it a load of crystalline and molten material sufficient to form pumice and tephra deposits with an estimated total dense-rock-equivalent volume of 3-5 km 3 (Scott et al., 1991), and carrying in it enough sulfur to form a 20 Mt SO 2 cloud in the stratosphere. Application of the "petrologic method" for estimating sulfur degassing during the climactic event from the sulfur content of trapped glass inclusions and matrix glasses in the pumice deposits requires an unacceptably large volume of erupted magma to account for SO 2 in the stratospheric cloud. The ubiquitous presence of primary vapor bubbles in glass inclusions and unaltered anhydrite phenocrysts in the pumice suggest that sulfur was present in a separate H 2 O-rich gas phase of the Pinatubo magma before eruption. Thus, for this eruption, and perhaps others, the petrologic method for estimating sulfur degassing is prone to substantial underestimation of sulfur release and the potential climatic impact of past explosive eruptions.
Thermal stabilization of prostatic acid phosphatase by fluoride.

Abstract Prostatic acid phosphatase is protected against thermal denaturations by fluoride. The degree of protection varies with pH. In going from pH 4.5 to 5.5 it increases greatly. The protection at varied concentrations of fluoride passes through a maximum. This curve parallels the corresponding inhibition curve where the inhibition occurs in the presence of trace quantities of fluoride, suggesting that activity and stability are altered by the same mechanism.
A Mössbauer Effect Study of the Bonding in Several Organoiron Carbonyl Clusters

After a brief review of the applications of the Mossbauer effect to cyclopentadienyl containing compounds, the chemistry and spectral properties of the various iron carbonyl complexes are described. The electronic properties of a series of trinuclear and tetranuclear organoiron clusters have been investigated through Fenske-Hall self-consistent field molecular orbital calculations, and the results are compared with the Mossbauer effect isomer shifts. A linear correlation is found between the Slater effective nuclear charge, as calculated from the Fenske-Hall partial orbital occupancy factors, and the isomer shift. In these compounds the 4s orbital populations are rather constant. However, thecis andtrans isomers of [CpFe(CO)2]2 have a significantly lower 4s orbital populations. In this case, the reduced 4s population must be accounted for by adding it to the effective nuclear charge to obtain a good correlation with the isomer shift.
Vowel Acoustic Space Development in Children: A Synthesis of Acoustic and Anatomic Data

Purpose This article integrates published acoustic data on the development of vowel production. Age specific data on formant frequencies are considered in the light of information on the development of the vocal tract (VT) to create an anatomic–acoustic description of the maturation of the vowel acoustic space for English. Method Literature searches identified 14 studies reporting data on vowel formant frequencies. Data on corner vowels are summarized graphically to show age- and sex- related changes in the area and shape of the traditional vowel quadrilateral. Conclusions Vowel development is expressed as follows: (a) establishment of a language-appropriate acoustic representation (e.g., F1–F2 quadrilateral or F1–F2–F3 space), (b) gradual reduction in formant frequencies and F1–F2 area with age, (c) reduction in formant-frequency variability, (d) emergence of male–female differences in formant frequency by age 4 years with more apparent differences by 8 years, (e) jumps in formant frequency at ages corre...
A Guide to In vivo Single-unit Recording from Optogenetically Identified Cortical Inhibitory Interneurons

A major challenge in neurophysiology has been to characterize the response properties and function of the numerous inhibitory cell types in the cerebral cortex. We here share our strategy for obtaining stable, well-isolated single-unit recordings from identified inhibitory interneurons in the anesthetized mouse cortex using a method developed by Lima and colleagues. Recordings are performed in mice expressing Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) in specific neuronal subpopulations. Members of the population are identified by their response to a brief flash of blue light. This technique - termed "PINP", or Photostimulation-assisted Identification of Neuronal Populations - can be implemented with standard extracellular recording equipment. It can serve as an inexpensive and accessible alternative to calcium imaging or visually-guided patching, for the purpose of targeting extracellular recordings to genetically-identified cells. Here we provide a set of guidelines for optimizing the method in everyday practice. We refined our strategy specifically for targeting parvalbumin-positive (PV+) cells, but have found that it works for other interneuron types as well, such as somatostatin-expressing (SOM+) and calretinin-expressing (CR+) interneurons.
Deficits of gaze stability in multiple axes following unilateral vestibular lesions

Abnormalities in the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) after unilateral vestibular injury may cause symptomatic gaze instability. We compared five subjects who had unilateral vestibular lesions with normal control subjects. Gaze stability and VOR gain were measured in three axes using scleral magnetic search coils, in light and darkness, testing different planes of rotation (yaw and pitch), types of stimulus (sinusoids from 0.8 to 2.4 Hz, and transient accelerations) and methods of rotation (active and passive). Eye velocity during horizontal tests reached saturation during high-velocity/acceleration ipsilesional rotation. Rapid vertical head movements triggered anomalous torsional rotation of the eyes. Gaze instability was present even during active rotation in the light, resulting in oscillopsia. These abnormal VOR responses are a consequence of saturating nonlinearities, which limit the usefulness of frequency-domain analysis of rotational test data in describing these lesions.
Hardware for a Proof-of-Principle Electron Model of a Muon FFAG

Development of components and hardware has begun on an electron model of a nonscaling FFAG which will test basic tenets and suitability for muon acceleration.
Quantitative color image analysis of agronomic images

Many kinds of information that are available to our eyes in a qualitative sense require large investments of time and instrumentation to confirm quantitatively. If this information is accessible to our eyes, however, it should be possible to capture it in a color photograph and analyze it quantitatively. Our objective was to develop and make available software for enhancing and extracting quantitative information from color images. The resulting programs allow researchers to readily obtain quantitative data from color images such as photographs of plant canopies or soil with dye. The programs run in DOS and require only 512 kB of RAM, but can handle images up to 16 380 pixels across and 65 535 pixels down. The programs are designed to assist in developing an equation relating an independent parameter of interest (such as N content) to color parameters in calibration images, and then in using these equations to predict parameter values in new images. This allows one to convert, for example, an aerial photograph of a diseased wheat (Triticum sp.) field to a digital image in which the value of each pixel represents an estimated damage level. In a simple example use of the program, we show how percent canopy cover can he measured from color photographs. The programs, manual, and portions of the source code are in the public domain and are available at http://www.agron.iastate.edu/soilphysics/ewing-color.html.
Studies of nucleotides of growth-plate cartilage: evidence linking changes in cellular metabolism with cartilage calcification

The objective of this study was to examine the nucleotides of chick growth-plate cartilage and to measure the concentration of adenine nucleotides in the pre-mineralizing and mineralizing zones. Nucleotides were isolated from the two regions using a rapid-freezing technique and the concentration of individual components was ascertained by HPLC. The actual values of ATP, ADP, and other nucleotides in cartilage was low. The lowest values were recorded in the mineralized zone. In this latter zone the energy charge ratio and the ATP/ADP ratio were depressed. This was probably due to 02-related inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative activity. Additionally, the percentage of octanoate, a short-chain fatty acid that accumulates when aerobic metabolism is disturbed, was found to have increased in the calcifying zone. These findings suggest that calcification of cartilage is associated with hypoxia-related modulation of chondrocyte metabolism.
Mistakes on EUS staging of colorectal carcinoma: Error in interpretation or deception from innate pathologic features?

Abstract Background: Because endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) accuracy for staging gastrointestinal tract tumors is limited by many factors, this study was designed to analyze potential sources of error in the EUS staging of colorectal carcinoma. Methods: All patients referred for EUS evaluation of colorectal carcinoma were staged prospectively by one ultrasonographer and retrospectively by two others with EUS videotape recordings. Pathologic staging was done independently in a blinded fashion. Deceptive pathologic features were defined for T staging by presence of inflammation extending beyond tumor or microscopic spread without inflammation extending to a level consistent with the next stage, and for N staging by large (≥ 10 mm) benign lymph nodes or small ( Results: Of 22 patients entered into the study, an inflammatory reaction around microscopic tumor spread thought to actually enhance detection by EUS was present in 57.1% of cases. Nine deceptive pathologic lesions were present in 36.4% (8 of 22) of patients (5 T stage, 4 N stage lesions). Of 40 T and N stage mistakes made by the three physicians, 45% were made in the presence and 55% in the absence of deceptive pathologic lesions. Accuracy increased significantly from the presence to absence of deceptive pathologic lesions, from 53.3% to 83.7% ( p = 0.029) for T stage, and 8.3% to 73.1% for N stage ( p = 0.0001). Confidence of T staging correlated significantly with accuracy, increasing from 63.3% when unsure to 88.2% with staging certainty ( p = 0.017), an effect not seen for N staging. Conclusions: Inflammation and desmoplasia around colorectal carcinoma are often present, but may actually enhance EUS detection of microscopic tumor spread. Deceptive pathologic lesions are present in only one third of patients, but account for almost half (45%) of the errors in T and N staging by EUS. Diagnostic accuracy for EUS was increased with confidence in T stage assessment (but not N stage) and in the absence of deceptive pathologic lesions. Errors in interpretation still accounted for the majority of mistakes (55%) made in EUS staging of colorectal carcinoma. (Gastrointest Endosc 2000;51:682-9)
The high frontier of global competitiveness: Systems research into strategies of knowledge and co-operation

With the continuing rise of Japan's economic fortunes it remains important that we understand what is taking place, that is, the evolving patterns of world-class strategy. Japan has established itself as a world economic leader with a constitutional ban on building war-making capabilities, that is, without a strategic defense capability to back up its conquests. This unique feature makes Japan in the later half of the 20th century especially important to understand. Several lessons can be learned from Japan's recent economic ‘miracle’: (a) that tremendous economic potential lies in seeking ever higher value-added in productivity, processes, goods and services; (b) that natural resource limitations can be overcome without resort to coercively taking resources from other countries; (c) that military buildups of coercive force may divert resources needed for economic competitiveness and are not necessary to becoming a world economic power. This paper explores, in the context of Japan's successes, the increasing importance of: (1) creating value through knowledge, and (2) managing relationships and competition in terms of cooperative ‘win-win’ scenarios as opposed to a ‘win-lose’ battles of coercion. From Japan's example, it is argued, strategies of creating new value through knowledge and co-operation represent the high frontier of global competitiveness today—that economic competitiveness resulting from gaining control of the world's sources of new value creation, as opposed to amassing control of coercive force, is how world position is now being won or lost.
MicroRNA-Mediated Repression Combats Depression

Precisely how SSRIs induce long-term modifications in serotonin transmission to elicit their antidepressant actions is unclear. In this issue of Neuron, Issler et al. (2014) identify a key role for microRNA-135a in the raphe nuclei in the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic actions of SSRIs.
Understanding users' perception of privacy in human-robot interaction

Previous research has shown that design features that support privacy are essential for new technologies looking to gain widespread adoption. As such, privacy-sensitive design will be important for the adoption of social robots, as they could introduce new types of privacy risks to users. In this paper, we report findings from our preliminary study on users' perceptions and attitudes toward privacy in human-robot interaction, based on interviews that we conducted about a workplace social robot.
Combustion of waste trap grease oil in gas turbine generator

Abstract The possibility of using waste trap grease in electric power generation is explored in this study. The performance and emissions of both diesel and waste trap grease oils were tested in a gas turbine generator at comparable operating conditions. The fuel system of the gas turbine was modified for dual fuel capability with a diversion valve and a heat exchanger with exhaust for elevating the temperature of trap grease. The viscosity of trap grease was measured as a function of temperature and it was determined that the trap grease oil should be heated up to nearly 80 °C in order to approach the viscosity of diesel fuel such that satisfactory injector atomization can be achieved. The heating values of the diesel and trap grease were measured using an oxygen bomb calorimeter to facilitate the calculations of engine performance on an energy input basis. The results showed that the trap grease exhibits less NO x emission for high generator loads compared to diesel, whereas CO and CO 2 emissions are slightly to significantly higher than those of diesel as load decreases. The results of the performance and emissions testing indicate that trap grease can be satisfactorily used for power generation.
Who quits smoking in a behavioral treatment program

Abstract Data from a smoking cessation program were analyzed to identify the variables that best predicted posttreatment abstinence. Nonsmoking immediately following treatment was predicted by lower daily pretreatment intake of nicotine and total particulate matter (TPM), as well as higher score on the “handling” scale of the “Why Do You Smoke” scale. Abstinence at any time in the 6 months following treatment was also predicted by lower pretreatment nicotine and TPM intake; other predictors were lower scores on the “craving” scale, greater number of weeks spent participating in the program, citing reasons for wanting to quit smoking other than to overcome an addiction, and lower self-rated craving for cigarettes. Abstinence was not predicted by subjects' adherence to the treatment rules calling for changing the times, occasions and feelings that are associated with the heaviest smoking. Daily cigarette consumption dropped during treatment at similar rates for the smokers who would eventually be abstinent and those who would not. These results replicate the finding that a behavioral self-control program can bring about a reduction in smoking in many smokers, though relatively few actually quit smoking. Also, smokers who find the manipulations involved in smoking to be rewarding are more likely to be abstinent, at least temporarily, following a behaviorally oriented program than are smokers who are most rewarded by the self-administration of nicotine. Smoking cessation programs might benefit by tailoring treatment to such pretreatment subject characteristics.
An in vivo evaluation of the antiseizure activity and acute neurotoxicity of agmatine

Agmatine, an endogenous cationic amine, exerts a wide range of biological effects, including modulation of glutamate-activated N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function in the central nervous system (CNS). Since glutamate and the NMDA receptor have been implicated in the initiation and spread of seizure activity, the capacity of agmatine to inhibit seizure spread was evaluated in vivo. Orally administered agmatine (30 mg/kg) protected against maximal electroshock seizure (MES)-induced seizure spread in rats as rapidly as 15 min and for as long as 6 h after administration. Inhibition of MES-induced seizure spread was also observed when agmatine was administered intraperitoneally. Agmatine's antiseizure activity did not appear to be dose-dependent. An in vivo neurotoxicity screen indicated that agmatine was devoid of any acute neurological toxicity at the doses tested. These preliminary data suggest that agmatine has promising anticonvulsant activity.
Religiosity in Canada and the United States: Diverging Paths

Comparing degrees of religiosity, Canada and the US have been moving along divergent trajectories for the past several decades. Regional variations are evident in both societies, but, taken as a whole, the divergence holds up even when these intrasocietal differences are accounted for. Neither the classic secularization thesis nor the more popular religious economy model in the sociology of religion adequately explain the contemporary disparities in religious practice and belief in the two societies. More compelling explanations lie in human security and welfare state models. Canadian and US demographic patterns, particularly internal differences among recent immigrants, are additional explanatory factors. Levels of existential security and immigration trends in the two societies are likely to sustain the divergence in religiosity.
A total ladder system space by ccc forcing

Abstract A ladder system L on the set of limit ordinals is defined by iterated ccc forcing. The natural topological space X L derived from L is a locally compact, locally countable scattered space of height 2 which is ↗-normal, is a Morita P -space (and thus, countably metacompact), but the space is not perfect or normal. Then we discuss a number of reasons why such a space cannot exist in ZFC and in fact, in many models.
Catalytic reaction pathways in liquid-phase deoxygenation of C18 free fatty acids

Abstract The liquid-phase deoxygenation of stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids employing a 5 wt% Pd/C catalyst was investigated using on-line quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS). Catalytic deoxygenation of stearic acid (SA) under He occurs primarily via decarboxylation; the liquid products are n-heptadecane and heptadecenes. On-line QMS revealed concomitant CO2 and H2 evolution which can explain the greater than expected heptadecene yields at low to intermediate conversions. After essentially complete SA conversion, hydrogenation of heptadecenes via hydrogen transfer from the dodecane solvent results in 98% n-heptadecane yield. The initial rate of SA decarboxylation under 10% H2 is lower than under He; however, by avoiding the formation of unsaturated products the reaction requires much less time to reach completion. The SA decarboxylation rate under 10% H2 is 6-fold slower in heptadecane than in dodecane. This apparent solvent effect is explained by the lower vapor pressure of heptadecane resulting in greater H2 inhibition of the decarboxylation reaction. Our results demonstrate that the unsaturated C18 free fatty acids, oleic and linoleic, must be hydrogenated to SA before decarboxylation can proceed at a significant rate. Oleic acid (OA) deoxygenation under He occurs very slowly and primarily via decarbonylation. In contrast, OA deoxygenation under 10% H2 occurs facilely via hydrogenation to SA followed by decarboxylation. Since hydrogenation is complete during heating to reaction temperature, the decarboxylation kinetics and product yields are not affected by the initial unsaturation of the reactant.
Band 3 (AE1, SLC4A1)-mediated transport of stilbenedisulfonates. II: Evidence for transmembrane allosteric interactions between the "primary" stilbenedisulfonate binding site and the stilbenedisulfonate efflux site.

Abstract Results from the first paper in this series indicated that the “primary” stilbenedisulfonate (PSD) site was not located on the DBDS (4, 4′-dibenzamido-2, 2′-stilbenedisulfonate) transport pathway into magnesium resealed ghosts (MRSG). Rather, transport correlated with DBDS binding to the “second” class of proton-activated binding sites located on the membrane domain of band 3 [Biochem. J. 388 (2005) 343]. Here we report the discovery that reversible binding of extracellular H 2 DIDS (4, 4′-diisothiocyanatodihydro-2, 2′-stilbenedisulfonate) to the PSD site causes a greater than 5-fold acceleration in the rate of DBDS efflux from pre-loaded MRSG at physiological pH. Pre-labeling all of the PSD sites with H 2 DIDS inhibited the acceleration effect completely, thus confirming mediation by band 3. Acceleration of DBDS efflux could be mimicked by establishing an externally directed proton gradient (acidic inside, pH 7.4 outside). Under these conditions, addition of extracellular H 2 DIDS neither accelerated DBDS efflux further nor was proton-induced acceleration inhibited. The results of this paper support the view that the PSD binding site on band 3 is an allosteric regulatory site which is not located on the SD transport pathway. We propose a model where H 2 DIDS binding to the PSD site modulates activity at the “second” class of sites by raising the p K for transport of DBDS into the physiological pH range.
Interaction of Water with Titania: Implications for High-Temperature Gas Sensing

High-temperature gas sensors based on semiconducting metal oxides show potential for optimization of combustion processes, resulting in efficient energy use and minimization of emissions. Such metal oxides can function as gas sensors because of the reaction of the sensing gas (e.g., CO) with ionosorbed oxygen species on the oxide surface with the resulting increase in conductivity. A limitation of metal oxide sensors is their difficulty of distinguishing between different gases. Designing selectivity into sensors necessitates a better understanding of the chemistry of gas−solid interactions at high temperatures. In this paper, we have used in situ infrared spectroscopy to monitor the dehydration of a hydrated anatase surface up to 600 °C and also to examine the hydration/dehydration of anatase held at 400 °C. When the O−H stretching region (3000−3800 cm-1) was primarily focused on, it was found that water loss from the titania surface proceeded at lower temperatures (<200 °C) through desorption, whereas a...
Listening Styles: Sex Differences in Perceptions of Self and others

Abstract Do men and women differ in their listening styles or, perhaps, do projections of sex differences primarily reflect cultural stereotypes? Consistent with previous research the data at hand reveal a pattern of sex differences in listening style self-perceptions with women scoring themselves higher on the people listening style and men scoring themselves higher on the content listening style. Also, supporting expectations built from the dual-process theories of person perception, the findings suggest that perceptions of “peers” listening styles are anchored by gender stereotypes. However, inexplicable evidence of systematically biased response tendencies in reporting listening styles also emerged. The implications of these findings for future research and application are discussed.
Path analysis: Its use in transportation research

Abstract Sometimes a transportation researcher is confronted with a problem which can be represented by a set of variables which are causally related through time. One approach to studying such a problem is to use path analysis to formulate and test models of the variable set. This paper describes the basic method of path analysis and its use as a tool to aid airline carriers in capital equipment acquisition decisions. In addition to this application of path analysis, some other uses of this methodology in other transportation-related areas are discussed.
Characterizing and Circumventing Simpson's Paradox for Ordered Bivariate Data

This article addresses the characterization and circumvention of Simpson's paradox in designs involving two ordered variables and illustrates the recommended procedure using a two-sample applicatio...
Dependence of Chromatogram Peak Areas Obtained by Curve-Fitting on the Choice of Peak Shape Function

Seven different chromatographic peak shape functions are evaluated for use with nonlinear least-squares curve-fitting for asymmetric peak area measurements. The four-parameter functions that are evaluated are unable to adapt to peaks exhibiting substantial tailing, which results in peak area underestimates. Peak tailing is more readily represented by using six- and eight-parameter functions; however, the use of these more flexible functions can result in peak area overestimation and inaccuracies for overlapping peaks. The exponentially modified Gaussian function is advocated for general purpose chromatogram curve fitting because it adapts to extended peak tailing better than the other four-parameter functions evaluated and provides better reproducibility when large digitization intervals are employed or when poor initial curve-fitting parameters are chosen than the six- and eight-parameter functions that were evaluated.
Correcting Inflow Measurements From Wind Turbines Using a Lifting-Surface Code

In order to provide accurate blade element data for wind turbine design codes, measured three-dimensional (3D) field data must be corrected in terms of the (sectional) angle of attack. A 3D Lifting-Surface Inflow Correction Method (LSIM) has been developed with the aid of a vortex-panel code in order to calculate the relationship between measured local flow angle and angle of attack. The results show the advantages of using the 3D LSIM correction over 2D correction methods, particularly at the inboard sections of the blade where the local flow is affected by post-stall effects and the influence of the blade root.
Face Recognition using Feature of Integral Gabor-Haar Transformation

Gabor filters are widely known as one of the best representation for face recognition. Since raw Gabor representation is of very high dimensionality, feature reduction is usually required in practice. This paper proposes the feature of integral Gabor-Haar transformation (FIGHT), which is a compact Gabor feature representation while still keeps high recognition performance. This paper also studies fusion strategies for groups of FIGHT feature, and present a discriminative learning scheme to combine group-wise results. Experiments show that FIGHT feature is effective, and the discriminative fusion over FIGHT feature group achieves the state-of-the-art performance on FERET database.
A sensitive radioimmunoassay for corticotropin using a fully biologically active 125I-labeled ligand.

The human corticotropin (ACTH) analog, Phe2,Nle4-ACTH-(l–38) was iodinated by the chloramine-T procedure and the product was purified by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. The specific radioactivity of [125I]Tyr23,Phe2,Nle4-ACTH-(l–38) was determined by comparing the antiserum binding curves of the iodinated peptide and [3H]ACTH of known specific activity. This method gave a value of 1800 ± 75 Ci/mmol, which is close to the theoretical radioactivity expected for the introduction of a single 125I atom into the peptide. [125I]Tyr23,Phe2,Nle4-ACTH-(l–38) was as potent as ACTH in stimulating corticosterone production in isolated rat adrenocortical cells. The concentrations for half-maximal steroidogenesis were 36.5 ±6.1 pM for the 125I derivative and 37.6 ± 6.7 pM for ACTH. By the use of this 125I-labeled ligand, a highly sensitive RIA capable of detecting 1 pg ACTH was developed. The antiserum employed in this study appeared to be directed against residues 11–13 of ACTH.
Detection of E. coli in beach water within 1 hour using immunomagnetic separation and ATP bioluminescence

The contamination of beach waters occurs from the discharge of storm water and sanitary sewer overflows containing faecal material. Additional faecal material derives from discharge of animals and waterfowl. In order to protect public from exposure to faecal-contaminated water, it is required to test enteric indicators in beach water. The problem is that the traditional culture-based methods cannot meet this goal because it takes too long (>24 h), so the results are not available until a day later. A rapid method for testing beach water for Escherichia coli within 1 h has been developed. Immunomagnetic separation (IMS) and ATP bioluminescence were used for selective capture and quantification, respectively. This rapid method was compared to the current method (m-TEC) using beach water samples. The beach samples were prefiltered with a 20 microm pore size filter in order to remove algae, plant debris and large particles. The results showed that the prefiltration step did not trap the bacteria which were present in the original water samples. The prefiltered water was then passed through a 0.45 microm pore size filter for concentration. The deposited bacteria were resuspended and then mixed with superparamagnetic polystyrene beads (diameter of 0.6 microm) that were coated with E. coli antibodies. After IMS, the quantification of the E. coli was done by ATP bioluminescence. The results obtained with IMS-ATP bioluminescence correlated well with the plate count method (Rsq = 0.93). The detection limit of the assay was about 20 CFU/100 mL, which is well below the US EPA limits for recreational water. The entire procedure can be completed in less than 1 hour. The necessary equipment is portable and was tested on-site.
High-Resolution Delay Testing of Interconnect Paths in Field-Programmable Gate Arrays

We present a new method of performing high-resolution path delay testing on designs targeted to field-programmable gate arrays. Our built-in self-test (BIST) architecture uses an on-chip delay line element to set the launch time of each test pattern generator to its optimum point for stressing paths in the routed chip. The rising and falling edges of each test pattern are controllable with high precision, and consequently, our test architecture catches very small timing faults that exist in the path. For example, on Xilinx Virtex-4, we catch defects as small as 78 ps using the IDELAY delay line circuit that is available on that device. Our approach was validated on Virtex-4, and the same method can be applied to any device that supports on-chip delay lines that are adjustable at runtime. Furthermore, our architecture simultaneously tests multiple paths to reduce the overall test time.