cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chloroplast Photooxidation-Induced Transcriptome Reprogramming in Arabidopsis immutans White Leaf Sectors

Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) immutans (im) has green and white sectoring due to the action of a nuclear recessive gene, IMMUTANS. The green sectors contain normal-appearing chloroplasts, whereas the white sectors contain abnormal chloroplasts that lack colored carotenoids due to a defect in phytoene desaturase activity. Previous biochemical and molecular characterizations of the green leaf sectors revealed alterations suggestive of a source-sink relationship between the green and white sectors of im. In this study, we use an Affymetrix ATH1 oligoarray to further explore the nature of sink metabolism in im white tissues. We show that lack of colored carotenoids in the im white tissues elicits a differential response from a large number of genes involved in various cellular processes and stress responses. Gene expression patterns correlate with the repression of photosynthesis and photosynthesis-related processes in im white tissues, with an induction of Suc catabolism and transport, and with mitochondrial electron transport and fermentation. These results suggest that energy is derived via aerobic and anaerobic metabolism of imported sugar in im white tissues for growth and development. We also show that oxidative stress responses are largely induced in im white tissues; however, im green sectors develop additional energy-dissipating mechanisms that perhaps allow for the formation of green sectors. Furthermore, a comparison of the transcriptomes of im white and norflurazon-treated white leaf tissues reveals global as well as tissue-specific responses to photooxidation. We conclude that the differences in the mechanism of phytoene desaturase inhibition play an important role in differentiating these two white tissues.
The effects of lithium chloride on the proton chemical shifts of diglyme and triglyme in aqueous solution

Abstract The chemical shifts for the methyl and methylene protons of diglyme and triglyme in an aqueous solution were measured in the presence of varying amounts of LiCl. The effect of adding the salt is discussed in terms of the interaction of the glyme molecules with Li+ and Cl−.
Computation of In-house Quality Control Limits for Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms Based on Product Variability

A method for establishing sampling plans for in-house limits that fix both the producer's and consumer's risks is presented for pharmaceutical systems in which both between-batch and within-batch variations are present. Such plans can always be constructed and require more or less sample assays depending on the variability of the process. The computations involve a numerical approximation to the bivariate normal distribution.
The relaxin-like factor is a hormone.

The relaxin-like factor (RLF) circulates in the blood-stream of humans, interacts with a membrane protein with all the characteristics of ligand-receptor binding, and must therefore be considered a hormone by definition. The polyclonal antibody raised against synthetic human RLF showed no crossreactivity to other structurally related hormones, like insulin and relaxin. The sensitivity of this assay (ED50 at 100 pM) allowed the direct measurement of RLF concentrations in serum. The highest levels were detected in the serum of postpuberty males (190 pM), whereas in females and children, the RLF concentration was one order of magnitude lower.
Statistics of Phase Singularities in Electromagnetic Waves Transmitted Through Random Media

Phase singularities in the speckle patterns of transmitted wave from random media are measured. We find that the statistics of phase variation around the phase singularities is universal, while the vorticities reflect the mesoscopic fluctuations.
The ontogeny of cranial base angulation in humans and chimpanzees and its implications for reconstructing pharyngeal dimensions

This paper examines differences in the processes by which the cranial base flexes in humans and extends in chimpanzees. In addition, we test the extent to which one can use comparisons of cranial base angles in humans and non-human primates to predict vocal tract dimensions. Four internal cranial base angles and one external cranial base angle were measured in a longitudinal sample ofHomo sapiensand a cross-sectional sample ofPan troglodytes. These data show that the processes of cranial base angulation differ substantially in these species. While the human cranial base flexes postnatally in a rapid growth trajectory that is complete by two years, the cranial base inP. troglodytesextends postnatally in a more prolonged skeletal growth trajectory. These comparisons also demonstrate that the rate of cranial base angulation is comparable for different measures, but that angles which incorporate different anterior cranial base measurements correlate poorly. We also examined ontogenetic relationships between internal and external cranial base angles and vocal tract growth in humans to test the hypothesis that cranial base angulation influences pharyngeal dimensions and can, therefore, be used to estimate vocal tract proportions in fossil hominids. Our results indicate that internal and external cranial base angles are independent of the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the vocal tract. Instead, a combination of mandibular and palatal landmarks can be used to predict dimensions of the vocal tract inH. sapiens. The developmental contrasts in cranial base angulation between humans and non-human primates may have important implications for testing hypotheses about the relationship between cranial base flexion and other craniofacial dimensions in hominid evolution.
A Simple, Single-Carbon-Nanotube Nanofludic Platform for Fundamental Transport Studies

Fundamental understanding of ionic and molecular transport phenomena in a simple model nanopore is critical for elucidating function mechanisms of much more complex biological systems, and for advancing technological areas such as membrane separation, energy harvesting/storage, and single molecule detection. For this goal, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer key advantages as model nanofluidic channels due to their simple chemical composition and structure (known with atomic precision), robustness, facile length and diameter control, and straightforward local functionalization at their open rim. CNTs have also very interesting fluidics properties such as enhanced pressure-driven fluid transport rates, unusually high electroosmotic flow, and ionic selectivity.Here, we present our work toward developing and validating a novel nanofluidic platform featuring an individual carbon nanotube (CNT) as the flow channel in an advanced Coulter Counter. To fabricate the CNT nanofluidic device, vertically aligned single-walled CNTs are synthesized directly on a suspended silicon nitride membrane and then bound in a solid matrix before an individual CNT is opened by focused ion beam milling. Single-molecule translocation studies with small molecular size analytes suggest the successful fabrication of a Coulter Counter with a-few-nm wide CNT nanochannel. Our initial ionic conductivity studies indicate a power-law increase of conductance with KCl concentration in CNT channels, a dependence that seems to be unique of CNT pores.
Survival of extrapair and within-pair young in tree swallows

In monogamous species, it is generally accepted that males seek extrapair matings to increase their reproductive success without additional parental investment; however, the benefits of extrapair matings to females are much less clear. One possibility is that females obtain genes for enhanced offspring viability from the extrapair sires. If this is the case, then the increased viability of extrapair young may be evident throughout the period of embryonic development as well as later in life. Tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) have one of the highest known levels of extrapair mating in birds, and females have substantial control over the paternity of their offspring. We used molecular techniques to determine the parentage of nestlings and unhatched embryos to examine the possibility that female tree swallows gain viability benefits for their extrapair offspring. Although both extrapair paternity and mortality of embryos and nestlings were high (89% and 54% of broods respectively), we found no difference in the viability of within-pair and extrapair young prior to fledging. In addition, extrapair young were not more likely to be male. There was no bias in the sex of young at fledging, but unhatched embryos were more likely to be male. Our results do not support the idea that female tree swallows engage in extrapair mating to increase offspring viability, at least early in life.
Relationship between impact ignition sensitivity and kinetics of the thermal decomposition of solid propellants

Abstract The impact ignition sensitivities of a series of composite propellants and a cast double base (nitrocellulosenitroglycerine) propellant were measured and related to the fracture behavior and thermal properties (decomposition kinetics, thermal stability, and burning rate) of the propellants. The kinetics of the thermal degradation of the propellants were studied over a temperature range of 30–450°C at various heating rates. The composite propellants showed a two-step decomposition mechanism, the initial decomposition being due mainly to reactions involving the oxidizer. The major decomposition, which takes place at higher temperatures, was due to several simultaneous reactions involving the oxidizer, the binder, and their decomposition products. At heating rates of 5–15°C min −1 , the second-step decomposition followed 0.5–1-order kinetics, but at heating rates above 20°C min −1 , the reaction became zero order (attributed to autocatalysis). The critical impact velocity showed a very strong dependence on the fracture toughness of the propellant, whereas the slope of the plot of ignition probability versus impact velocity showed good correlation with the decomposition kinetics and thermal stability and, to some extent, with the burning rate of the propellant. Our results suggest that two distinct mechanisms are involved in impact ignition: (1) an initiation step where fracture, viscoelastic plastic deformation and cracking occur, and are means by which not spots are formed (mechanical properties of the propellant predominate in this initiation step); and (2) a flame propagation step, which involves burning and is governed by several interrelated factors, such as the decomposition kinetics, thermal stability, and burning rate of the propellant.
Prediction of response to drug therapy of cancer. A review of in vitro assays.

Cancer chemotherapy has witnessed a great deal of progress since the introduction of the nitrogen mustards in the 1940s. Unfortunately, individual patients with apparently identical tumour histologies do not always respond identically to the same drug regimen. Determining the sensitivity and resistance of an organism before treatment has been the standard of care in infectious diseases for many years, while in oncology treatment has been initiated according to tumour histology rather than the tumour’s sensitivity to a given agent.
Adenosine receptors activate adenylate cyclase and enhance secretion from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells in the presence of forskolin.

: Cells of the adrenal medulla release not only catecholamines but also high concentrations of neuropeptides and nucleotides. Chromaffin cells, like many neuronal cells, have a diversity of receptors: adrenergic receptors, peptide receptors, histamine receptors, and dopamine receptors. We recently reported that these cells have nucleotide receptors that can mediate inhibition of the secretory response. The present studies show that adenosine, in the presence of enabling concentrations of forskolin, can potently enhance response to nicotinic stimulation. Neither adenosine nor forskolin alone produces a significant effect. A marked rise in intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) concentration is associated with the enhancement of secretion caused by forskolin plus adenosine. A phosphodiesterase inhibitor, Ro 20–1724, used together with forskolin produces significant increases in both cellular cAMP content and catecholamine secretion. However, the adenosine agonist 5′-N-ethylcarboxyadenosine elevates cellular cAMP content in the presence of forskolin without having any positive effect on secretion. This finding suggests that the rise in cAMP level may not be the sole cause of the increase in secretion by adenosine.
A Search for pi/sigma Equilibria in Chiral Rhenium Imine Complexes of the Formula [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Re(NO)(PPh(3))(N(H)=C(CF(3))X)](+)TfO(-): Investigation of Electronic Effects upon the Binding Mode.

Reaction of the amido complex (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Re(NO)(PPh(3))(NH(2)) (2) and hexafluoroacetone gives the methyleneamido complex (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Re(NO)(PPh(3))(N=C(CF(3))(2)) (3, 58%). Addition of TfOH to 3 yields the sigma-imine complex [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Re(NO)(PPh(3))(eta(1)-N(H)=C(CF(3))(2))](+)TfO(-) (4, 96%). Similar reactions of 2 with trifluoroacetaldehyde and then TfOH give the sigma-imine complex [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Re(NO)(PPh(3))(eta(1)-N(H)=C(CF(3))H)](+)TfO(-) (5, 78%) and sometimes small amounts of the corresponding pi-trifluoroacetaldehyde complex. Reaction of 5 and t-BuO(-)K(+) gives the methyleneamido complex (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Re(NO)(PPh(3))(N=C(CF(3))H) (6, 82%). The IR and NMR properties of 3-6 are studied in detail. The (13)C NMR spectra show C=N signals (157-142 ppm) diagnostic of sigma-binding modes. No evidence is observed for pi isomers of 4 or 5. Analogous O=C(CF(3))X complexes give exclusively pi isomers, and rationales are discussed. Reactions of 3or 6 with MeOTf and heteroatom electrophiles are also described.
Challenges of Street-Level Child Welfare Reform and Technology Transfer: The Case of Team Decisionmaking:

Team Decisionmaking (TDM) involves a meeting of community representatives, family members, and social workers who review every decision to remove children from their parents or change of placement, including reunification or adoption. Even when the leadership of child welfare organizations mandates the use of TDM, implementing TDM is very challenging. To understand these challenges, a research team visited five diverse communities and conducted 74 focus groups and interviews involving 180 administrators, caseworkers, community partners, supervisors, and TDM facilitators. This article reviews the findings of this TDM study through previous research on street-level bureaucracy and technology transfer. The results suggest successful TDM implementation requires attention to the discretion of street-level caseworkers and the organizational constraints they face.
Geochemistry of water

The quadrennium 1967–1970 has been a productive period in the field of water geochemistry. Field studies, laboratory investigations, and theoretical considerations have led to significant advances in our knowledge of the chemical behavior of natural waters and of the solid earth materials that contain them. A symposium on trace inorganics in water, sponsored by the American Chemical Society, was held in Miami, Florida, in 1967. The proceedings of this conference were published in 1968 in the Advances in Chemistry Series 73. This volume deals with the occurrence, behavior, and analysis of inorganic constituents in natural waters.
Controlling Adhesion with Surface Hole Patterns

Defined surface structures of various shapes and length scales can impact the adhesion of polymer interfaces. Most recent research has focused on the use of high-aspect-ratio post-like structures to modify the formation and separation mechanisms for a contacting interface. These mechanisms for controlling adhesion were inspired by the natural mechanisms present in examples such as the gecko and jumping spider. Although post-like structures are effective, numerous other geometries can impact adhesion properties through different mechanisms. In this article, we present and discuss the impact of surface hole patterns on the adhesion of soft, elastomeric interfaces. The surface holes are shallow, cylindrical depressions that decorate the surface of the elastomer and alter the separation mechanisms from rigid surfaces. We specifically focus on the effect of hole radius and nearest hole spacing on the overall adhesion descriptors. Using contact adhesion experiments largely based on the theory of Johnson, Kendal...
Identification of a Basolateral Sorting Signal for the M3 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney Cells

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) can be differentially localized in polarized cells. To identify potential sorting signals that mediate mAChR targeting, we examined the sorting of mAChRs in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, a widely used model system. Expression of FLAG-tagged mAChRs in polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney cells demonstrated that the M2 subtype is sorted apically, whereas M3 is targeted basolaterally. Expression of M2/M3 receptor chimeras revealed that a 21-residue sequence, Ser271–Ser291, from the M3 third intracellular loop contains a basolateral sorting signal. Substitution of sequences containing the M3sorting signal into the homologous regions of M2 was sufficient to confer basolateral localization to this apical receptor. Sequences containing the M3 sorting signal also conferred basolateral targeting to M2 when added to either the third intracellular loop or the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail. Furthermore, addition of a sequence containing the M3 basolateral sorting signal to the cytoplasmic tail of the interleukin-2 receptor α-chain caused significant basolateral targeting of this heterologous apical protein. The results indicate that the M3basolateral sorting signal is dominant over apical signals in M2 and acts in a position-independent manner. The M3 sorting signal represents a novel basolateral targeting motif for G protein-coupled receptors.
Effect of Pre‐chill Removal of Kidney Fat on Young Angus Bull Carcass Quality and Longissimus Muscle Tenderness

The effect of pre-chill removal of kidney fat from bull carcasses on Longissimus palatability, histological and enzyme characteristics was studied. To better represent the time flow of product from packer to consumer, steaks were removed from one side of each carcass for evaluation after a 7-day chill. Carcasses having intact kidney fat exhibited firmer and more marbled Longissimus muscle, and this was reflected in slightly higher quality grades: low choice versus high select in carcasses having fat removed. No differences were observed in panel tenderness, shear force value, or histological and lysosomal enzyme characteristics. A slower pH decline was observed in muscle of carcasses with kidney fat removed.
CONFLICT OF RIGHTS AND KEEPING ORDER

This paper takes up the perennial problem with police community relations, and more broadly with the place of the police in a democratic society that wants to be governed by law. The problem is expressed in what I will call the believe quoting Bayley that the police must occasionally cut legal corridors in order to provide effective protection to the public the belief is widely held by police and often buy large parts of the public as well... Language: en
Sap1p binds to Ter1 at the ribosomal DNA of Schizosaccharomyces pombe and causes polar replication fork arrest.

Eukaryotic DNA replication forks stall at natural replication fork barriers or Ter sites located within the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) intergenic spacer regions during unperturbed DNA replication. The rDNA intergenic spacer of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe contains four polar or orientation-specific fork barriers, Ter1–3 and RFP4. Whereas the transcription terminator Reb1p binds Ter2 and Ter3 to arrest replication, the factor(s) responsible for fork arrest at Ter1 and RFP4 remain unknown. Using linker scanning mutagenesis, we have narrowed down minimal Ter1 to 21 bp. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of a consensus binding motif for the essential switch-activating and genome-stabilizing protein Sap1p within this region. Recombinant Sap1p bound Ter1 with high specificity, and endogenous Ter1 binding activity contained Sap1p and comigrated with the Sap1p-Ter1 complex. Circular permutation analysis suggested that Sap1p bends Ter1 and SAS1 upon binding. Targeted mutational analysis revealed that Ter1 mutations, which prevent Sap1p binding in vitro, are defective for replication fork arrest in vivo, whereas mutations that do not affect Sap1p binding remain competent to arrest replication. The results confirm the hypothesis that the chromatin organizer Sap1p binds site-specifically to genomic regions other than SAS1 and support the notion that Sap1p binds the rDNA fork barrier Ter1 to cause polar replication fork arrest at this site but not at SAS1.
Finger synergies during multi-finger cyclic production of moment of force

We investigated multi-finger synergies stabilizing the total moment of force and the total force when the subjects produced a quick cyclic change in the total moment of force. The seated subjects performed the task with the fingers of the dominant arm while paced by the metronome at 1.33 Hz. They were required to produce a rhythmic, sine-like change in the total pronation–supination moment of force computed with respect to the midpoint between the middle and ring fingers. The framework of the uncontrolled manifold hypothesis was used to compute indices of stabilization of the total moment and of the total force across 20 cycles. Variance of the total moment showed a cyclic pattern with peaks close to the peak rate of the moment change. Variance of the total force was maximal close to peak moment into supination. Higher magnitudes of the moment directed against the required moment direction (antagonist moment) were produced by individual fingers during supination efforts as compared to pronation efforts. Indices of multi-finger synergies showed across-trials stabilization of the total moment over the whole cycle but not of the total force. These indices were smaller during supination efforts. We conclude that the central nervous system facilitates multi-finger synergies stabilizing the total rotational action across a variety of tasks. Synergies stabilizing the total force are not seen in tasks that do not explicitly require accurate force control. Pronation efforts are performed more efficiently and with better stabilization of the action.
A rapid procedure for the determination of thorium, uranium, cadmium and molybdenum in small sediment samples by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry: application in Chesapeake Bay

Abstract This paper describes a rapid procedure that allows precise analysis of Mo, Cd, U and Th in sediment samples as small as 10 mg by using a novel approach that utilizes a “pseudo” isotope dilution for Th and conventional isotope dilution for Mo, Cd and U by ICP-MS. Long-term reproducibility of the method is between 2.5 and 5% with an advantage of rapid analysis on a single digestion of sediment sample and the potential of adding other elements of interest if so desired. Application of this method to two piston cores collected near the mouth of the Patuxent River in Chesapeake Bay showed that the accumulation of authigenic Mo and Cd varied in response to the changing bottom water redox conditions, with anoxia showing consistent oscillations throughout both pre-industrial and industrial times. Accumulation of authigenic U shows consistent oscillations as well, without any apparent increase in productivity related to anoxic trends. Degrees of Mo and Cd enrichment also inversely correlate to halophilic microfaunal assemblages already established as paleoclimate proxies within the bay indicating that bottom water anoxia is driven in part by the amount of freshwater discharge that the area receives.
Endoscopic mucosal resection of colonic lesions: current applications and future prospects.

The introduction of submucosal fluid injection has remarkably extended the range of endoscopically resectable polyps. The limiting factor for endoscopic resection is not polyp size, but polyp depth. Endoscopic ultrasound is a useful adjunctive diagnostic tool to assess the depth of invasion. The success of a resection ultimately depends on pathologic confirmation of a benign nature of this lesion or of a cancer limited to the mucosa. Selected well-differentiated cancers without lymphovascular invasion of the superficial submucosa can be successfully resected endoscopically.
Short implants might be a predictable treatment alternative to long implants which often require additional augmentation procedures.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Survival of short dental implants for treatment of posterior partial edentulism: a systematic review. Atieh MA, Zadeh H, Stanford CM, Cooper LF. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 2012;27(6):1323-31. Reviewers Sung-Kiang Chuang, DMD, MD, DMSc, Chun-Teh Lee, DDS, MS Purpose/Question The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether there was a significant difference in the survival of short implants (≤8.5 mm) and longer implants for the management of posterior partial edentulism Source of Funding Information not available (The authors declared no conflicts of interest in the acknowledgment section) Type of Study/Design Systematic review with meta-analysis of data Level of Evidence Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Grade B: Inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence
Momentum-dependent multiple gaps in magnesium diboride probed by electron tunnelling spectroscopy

The electronic structure of superconducting magnesium diboride is predicted theoretically to have a distribution of energy gap values. Chen et al. observe this distribution of values experimentally, by means of high-resolution electron tunnelling spectroscopy.
Error Analysis and Field Correction Methods in Superconducting Undulators

In Free Electron Lasers (FEL), the electron trajectory through the undulator must meet stringent requirements in terms of trajectory wander and phase variation. This paper analyzes the feasibility of using line current pairs as correctors for superconducting undulators given a set of expected fabrication errors. A tolerance study has first been performed to investigate the impact of geometrical errors on the field quality. These errors are corrected with line currents that increase or decrease the magnetic field locally. Once the uncorrected trajectory is known, an algorithm finds the minimum number of correctors required to fulfill the trajectory specifications, and gives the corrector locations. All the correctors can be powered with the same current, greatly simplifying the implementation. The current then offers a degree of freedom to correct the trajectory and can be tuned dynamically as a function of the magnetic deflection.
Solid lubricant coatings using electromagnetic railgun acceleration

Obtention de revetements de lubrifiants solides avec un accelerateur a rails electromagnetique
Development of a Versatile Aerosol Generation System for Use in a Large Wind Tunnel

A novel aerosol generation system has been constructed for use in a large wind tunnel for two distinct research projects. One project requires a uniform aerosol concentration over the wind tunnel cross section, while the other project demands a stratified aerosol concentration distribution. The system consists of an array of venturi nozzles, which entrains particulate matter from a moving conveyor belt and disperses it into the tunnel under the force provided by a compressed air source. For the stratified release configuration, only the bottom row of nozzles was used and a confinement sleeve was installed to prevent mixing with clean air; the mixing fans were omitted from this configuration. The uniform release arrangement was tested by gravimetrically measuring particle concentration over the cross section of the tunnel for tunnel speeds of 0.1 and 1.0 m/s; uniformity was achieved within a coefficient of variation of 6.4%. The stratified distribution results show a high concentration near the floor, whic...
Fluorescence Studies of Self-Assembly in Aqueous Solutions of Poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) Ionomers

Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements were performed on aqueous solutions of poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) (EMAA) ionomers using pyrene (P) and 1,3-bis(1-pyrenyl) propane (P3P) as the luminophores and the nitroxide radical 5-doxylstearic acid methyl ester (5DSE) as the fluorescence quencher. The ionomers contained 7.5 mol % methacrylic acid and were neutralized (90%) with KOH. The fluorescence spectra of P and P3P together with the electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra of 5DSE indicate that all probes are located in an environment of low polarity and high viscosity that was identified as the hydrophobic micellar core of EMAA aggregates. The local polarity was estimated from the intensity ratio of the third to the first vibronic peaks (IIII/II) in the fluorescence spectrum of P. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the ionomer, CMC = 0.02% (w/w) EMAA, was deduced from the dependence of IIII/II on the ionomer concentration. The spectroscopic data (ESR and fluorescence) point t...
Linking confidence in the police with the performance of the police: Community policing can make a difference

Abstract The existing literature of community policing was silent on the linkage between police performance and confidence in the police. This study argued that broader measures of police performance were an inevitable result of the shift from the traditional model of police to community policing. Consequently, confidence in the police could be used profitably by police management as one alternative measure of officers’ effectiveness. Data from a northwest city were used to find out the sources of confidence in the police. The results indicated that volunteers involved in community crime prevention programs showed higher confidence in the police and informal collective security bred confidence in the police. Furthermore, victimization and traffic tickets reduced confidence in the police. These results and their implications for police management are discussed within the limitation of data.
Work in progress — Identifying undergraduate courses which develop and enhance spatial abilities

One skill set important to student success in engineering studies is spatial abilities; consequently, research in the assessment of skill levels and methods of improving weaknesses is robust. As part of our preliminary investigation into research questions regarding the impact of various teaching/learning methods on the development and enhancement of spatial abilities for different student demographics, we administered a survey of undergraduates at two institutions in an effort to identify courses they believe are effective in achieving those objectives. The survey results affirm the efficacy of both CAD instruction and technical drawing in developing and enhancing spatial abilities as reported in earlier studies. The latter finding is especially robust among one institution's female students. This result motivates further research into the specific contributions of technical drawing activities to the development and enhancement of spatial abilities in general in females. The re-investigation of “old school” interventions may be of particular interest to P-12 engineering educators working with constrained resources.
Endogenous political organization and the value of trade agreements

Abstract In a bargaining model of endogenous protection, I introduce fixed costs of political-organization that need to be incurred by capitalists prior to actual lobbying. Unlike Maggi and Rodriguez-Clare [J. Pol. Econ. 106(3) (1998) 575] intersectoral capital mobility is disallowed. Nevertheless, I am still able to obtain their main result that a government with low bargaining power vis-a-vis the import-competing lobby precommits to a free-trade agreement. Further, with high fixed organizational costs, the government prefers to stay out of such agreements. Its maximum bargaining power consistent with signing a trade agreement has an inverse-V-shaped relationship with respect to the size of fixed costs.
A measurement method for the increase of digital switching time due to hot-electron stress

Channel hot-electron (CHE) injection poses a reliability problem for n-channel field-effect transistors with small design rules. One often assesses the reliability of a particular fabrication process and design by subjecting individual transistors, instead of an entire circuit, to continuous or pulsed voltage stress. Simple inspection of the linear region transconductance degradation and threshold voltage shift of the individual devices, however, does not yield direct information on the circuit performance impact of channel hot-electron stress. In this letter we describe a simple measurement method for the extraction of the increase of digital switching time due to channel hot-electron stress. One performs this measurement on discrete transistors so that reliability tests still employ these individual devices. We obtain good agreement between this method and a direct measurement of the increased switching time of a CMOS inverter. We also find that the switching time changes negligibly even when the linear transistor characteristics are severely degraded if this swiching delay is measured with the same source and drain terminals as were employed for the hot-electron stress.
An alternate look at educational psychologist's productivity from 1991 to 2002

Previous investigations of the productivity of educational psychologists (Smith et al., 1998, 2003) have used a points system that defines high productivity as having few co-authors and high authorship placement. Due to the increasingly collaborative nature of educational psychology research (Robinson, McKay, Katayama, & Fan, 1998), defining productivity in this way may not fully capture the essence of our work nor provide the most useful information for potential graduate students. In taking a closer look at the most-published persons in educational psychology journals from 1991 to 2002, we found that most also published even more articles in other journals and regularly included co-authors, especially graduate students. Some persons, who have not been recognized as being the most productive in the Smith et al. lists, published considerably more articles than others who have appeared in those lists.
Analysis of C-cadherin Regulation during Tissue Morphogenesis with an Activating Antibody

The regulation of cadherin-mediated adhesion at the cell surface underlies several morphogenetic processes. To investigate the role of cadherin regulation in morphogenesis and to begin to analyze the molecular mechanisms of cadherin regulation, we have screened for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that allow us to manipulate the adhesive state of the cadherin molecule. Xenopus C-cadherin is regulated during convergent extension movements of gastrulation. Treatment of animal pole tissue explants (animal caps) with the mesoderm-inducing factor activin induces tissue elongation and decreases the strength of C-cadherin–mediated adhesion between blastomeres (Brieher, W.M., and B.M. Gumbiner. 1994. J. Cell Biol. 126:519–527). We have generated a mAb to C-cadherin, AA5, that restores strong adhesion to activin-treated blastomeres. This C-cadherin activating antibody strongly inhibits the elongation of animal caps in response to activin without affecting mesodermal gene expression. Thus, the activin-induced decrease in C-cadherin adhesive activity appears to be required for animal cap elongation. Regulation of C-cadherin and its activation by mAb AA5 involve changes in the state of C-cadherin that encompass more than changes in its homophilic binding site. Although mAb AA5 elicited a small enhancement in the functional activity of the soluble C-cadherin ectodomain (CEC1-5), it was not able to restore cell adhesion activity to mutant C-cadherin lacking its cytoplasmic tail. Furthermore, activin treatment regulates the adhesion of Xenopus blastomeres to surfaces coated with two other anti–C-cadherin mAbs, even though these antibodies probably do not mediate adhesion through a normal homophilic binding mechanism. Moreover, mAb AA5 restores strong adhesion to these antibodies. mAb AA5 only activates adhesion of blastomeres to immobilized CEC1-5 when it binds to C-cadherin on the cell surface. It does not work when added to CEC1-5 on the substrate. Together these findings suggest that the regulation of C-cadherin by activin and its activation by mAb AA5 involve changes in its cellular organization or interactions with other cell components that are not intrinsic to the isolated protein.
Children’s looking preference for biological motion may be related to an affinity for mathematical chaos

Recognition of biological motion is pervasive in early child development. Further, viewing the movement behavior of others is a primary component of a child’s acquisition of complex, robust movement repertoires, through imitation and real-time coordinated action. We theorize that inherent to biological movements are particular qualities of mathematical chaos and complexity. We further posit that this character affords the rich and complex inter-dynamics throughout early motor development. Specifically, we explored whether children’s preference for biological motion may be related to an affinity for mathematical chaos. Cross Recurrence Quantification Analysis (cRQA) was used to investigate the coordination of gaze and posture with various temporal structures (periodic, chaotic, and aperiodic) of the motion of an oscillating visual stimulus. Children appear to competently perceive and respond to chaotic motion, both in rate (cRQA-percent determinism) and duration (cRQA-maxline) of coordination. We interpret this to indicate that children not only recognize chaotic motion structures, but also have a preference for coordination with them. Further, stratification of our sample (by age) uncovers the suggestion that this preference may become refined with age.
The Relationship Between Conductance and Functional Residual Capacity during Drug-induced Bronchoconstriction

We wondered if the inverse changes in airway conductance (Gaw) and functional residual capacity (FRC) during histamine (H) and acetylcholine (ACH) challenge are interrelated or occur at random. In 14 normal and 14 asthmatic subjects, we determined FRC and Gaw changes corresponding to changes in specific airway conductance (SGaw) around –40 percent produced by an aerosol of H or ACH inhaled quantitatively and with measured lung deposition. We also assessed the elastic recoil following H inhalation (5A). We found that in 11 normal and nine asthmatic subjects, after H or nine normal and 11 asthmatic subjects after ACH, Gaw and 1/FRC were linearly and directly related (p
Integration of sucrose accumulation processes across hierarchical scales: towards developing an understanding of the gene-to-crop continuum

Although we have a working knowledge of the general biology of sugarcane and are fairly efficient in crop production, we are only beginning to produce the detailed biochemical and genetic information that will be needed to develop technologies necessary for long-term success of the sugarcane industry. A true understanding of sucrose accumulation will be achieved only through a combination of experimental and computational analyses of comprehensive datasets to gain information on the underlying molecules and processes. Currently, systems-level approaches towards understanding biology are gaining momentum primarily because of the tremendous increases in computing power, advances in information sciences and rapid progress being made in molecular biology to facilitate data management, analyses and modeling from high-throughput genome sequencing and proteomics. Large-scale sequencing projects have not only provided complete sequence information for a number of genomes, but they are also producing integrated pathway-genome databases and models that provide organism-specific connectivity maps of metabolic and, to a lesser extent, other cellular networks. To date, the processes that generate mass, energy, information transfer and cell-fate specification have been analyzed only at the cell or microorganism levels, where they are shown to be seamlessly integrated through a complex network of cellular constituents and reactions. Despite the key role of these networks in sustaining cellular functions, their large-scale structure is essentially unknown. Fifty years of sugarcane research have identified and characterized a suite of physiological processes and enzymes involved in sucrose accumulation. More recently, genes encoding these enzymes have been isolated, cloned and used in experiments to transform sugarcane to increase or decrease expression of the enzyme with the goal of altering sucrose accumulation. However, results of this reductionist approach towards understanding sucrose accumulation have fallen short of expectations, apparently because of the complex interactions among the multitude of simultaneous processes. Recent rapid expansion of sugarcane molecular datasets and the beginning of a systems approach to metabolic modeling of sucrose accumulation point the way for future research efforts to integrate processes from gene to crop performance.
A comparison of neustonic plastic and zooplankton abundance in southern California’s coastal waters

The density of neustonic plastic particles was compared to that of zooplankton in the coastal ocean near Long Beach, California. Two trawl surveys were conducted, one after an extended dry period when there was little land-based runoff, the second shortly after a storm when runoff was extensive. On each survey, neuston samples were collected at five sites along a transect parallel to shore using a manta trawl lined with 333 micro mesh. Average plastic density during the study was 8 pieces per cubic meter, though density after the storm was seven times that prior to the storm. The mass of plastics was also higher after the storm, though the storm effect on mass was less than it was for density, reflecting a smaller average size of plastic particles after the storm. The average mass of plastic was two and a half times greater than that of plankton, and even greater after the storm. The spatial pattern of the ratio also differed before and after a storm. Before the storm, greatest plastic to plankton ratios were observed at two stations closest to shore, whereas after the storm these had the lowest ratios.
Salivary Composition and Calculus Formation in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

The purpose of this report is to provide further information regarding oral changes in patients with chronic renal disease who are undergoing hemodialysis. Quantitative changes in salivary flow rate and alterations in the composition of stimulated and unstimulated sliva were studied along with the rate of formation of supragingival calculus. Results revealed a lower salivary flow rate and increased salivary urea concentration in the dialysis group. Dialysis patients also formed more heavy calculus.
Idiosyncratic definitions and unsupported hypotheses : Rational emotive behavior therapy as pseudoscience

My concerns about Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) began over a decade ago. I find its concepts lack adequate and consistent definitions, its distinctive hypotheses are not confirmed by empirical data and are untestable, and its scientific foundations fall outside mainstream psychology. Contrary to what it claims, its practice and philosophy are not consisten with the use of reason in psychotherapy. These criticisms are discussed and documented. Practitioners may not be aware of the unsubstantiated claims and theoretical assumptions inherent in REBT, and that they adopt these assumptions when practicing REBT.
Teaching Forecasting: Marketing Faculty Opinions and Methods

This article reports the results of a survey of marketing faculty concerning the teaching of forecasting. Results show that multiple and simple regression methods are rated as the most important of the 16 methods included in the study; Box-Jenkins and autoregressive methods are rated as the least important. Importance ratings are also evaluated by grouping objective and subjective methods as well as by computer users and nonusers and by level at which forecasting is taught.
Solvent extraction induced nano-porous zinc oxide as an electron transport layer for inverted polymer solar cells

A facile and cost-effective method is demonstrated to prepare a nano-porous rugged zinc oxide (ZnO) film without complicated processes and strict condition. A sol–gel derived ZnO is simply coated onto the substrate and subsequently removed the unreacted precursor and residual matters by solvent extraction. Thus, the precursor and residuals provide the vacancy to form a highly rugged surface. Compared with the flat ZnO film, the rugged ZnO is not only performs better purity than the flat film, but also increases the interfacial contact between the ZnO and bulk-heterojunction layer. By using the rugged ZnO as an electron transport layer, an enhancement of 20% in photocurrent generation could be achieved in an inverted poly(3-hexylthiophene):[6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester solar cell together with highly air stability.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Recent Drug Detoxification Enrollment and the Role of Discrimination and Neighborhood Factors

Drug detoxification and long-term drug treatment utilization is lower for drug-dependent minorities than Whites. Log-binomial regression was used to assess discrimination and neighborhood-level factors on past 6-month drug treatment utilization among 638 New York City (NYC) drug users between 2006 and 2009. Drug-use discrimination was positively associated with detoxification and long-term treatment. Participants in higher concentrated Black neighborhoods were less likely to attend long-term treatment. Significantly fewer Blacks versus Whites and Hispanics reported drug-use discrimination, which may systematically filter drug users into treatment. More research is needed to understand social forms of discrimination and drug treatment.
Inducing Cooperation by Self-Stipulated Penalties

This paper considers an approach for inducing cooperation in prisoner’s dilemma. The approach is based on players individually committing to pay self-stipulated penalties for defection. We provide a complete characterization of self-stipulated penalties that are necessary and sucient to induce the players to cooperate in subgame-perfect equilibrium. An alternative interpretation of the conditions using contract remedies is provided.
From rational numbers to algebra: Separable contributions of decimal magnitude and relational understanding of fractions

To understand the development of mathematical cognition and to improve instructional practices, it is critical to identify early predictors of difficulty in learning complex mathematical topics such as algebra. Recent work has shown that performance with fractions on a number line estimation task predicts algebra performance, whereas performance with whole numbers on similar estimation tasks does not. We sought to distinguish more specific precursors to algebra by measuring multiple aspects of knowledge about rational numbers. Because fractions are the first numbers that are relational expressions to which students are exposed, we investigated how understanding the relational bipartite format (a/b) of fractions might connect to later algebra performance. We presented middle school students with a battery of tests designed to measure relational understanding of fractions, procedural knowledge of fractions, and placement of fractions, decimals, and whole numbers onto number lines as well as algebra performance. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the best predictors of algebra performance were measures of relational fraction knowledge and ability to place decimals (not fractions or whole numbers) onto number lines. These findings suggest that at least two specific components of knowledge about rational numbers—relational understanding (best captured by fractions) and grasp of unidimensional magnitude (best captured by decimals)—can be linked to early success with algebraic expressions.