cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analgesia produced in women by genital self‐stimulation

This study investigated the relative effectiveness of specific genital regional self-stimulation in elevating pain thresholds. Anecdotal reports in humans suggest that sexual activity and orgasm decrease a wide variety of human responses to pain and touch, but the phenomenon has not been evaluated objectively. Two types of self-stimulation, pressure and pleasurable, were applied by 10 women to the anterior vaginal wall, the posterior vaginal wall, and the clitoris. Significant increases in pain thresholds but not tactile thresholds occurred when pressure stimulation was applied to the anterior wall of the vagina or when "pleasurable" self-stimulation was applied to any of the three areas. Tactile thresholds were not significantly affected by any genital stimulation condition. However, there was a significant increase in tactile threshold but not pain thresholds in the distraction control condition. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that (a) a sensation of pleasure evoked by genital stimulation can elevate pain thresholds, (b) these pleasurable stimuli were not general "distractants" because they elevated pain thresholds but not tactile thresholds differentially, and (c) genital pleasurable stimuli activate an analgesic process that is distinct from a distraction process.
The reaction of ozone with isolated aquatic fulvic acid

Abstract Aquatic fulvic acid, isolated from a North Carolina bay lake, was reacted with ozone, an alternative oxidant in drinking water treatment. Ozonated samples were acidified, extracted with ether, dried, concentrated, and methylated prior to GC-MS analysis. Identified reaation products include mono-, di- and tribasic aliphatic acids and benzene tricarboxylic acids. The products with the highest relative concentrations were succinic and malonic acid, although all products were at relatively low concentration levels. Many of the products identified in this study have also been seen among the reaction products of fulvic acid and other oxidants, such as Cl 2 , CIO 2 and KMnO 4 .
Development of a standardized large river bioassessment protocol (LR-BP) for macroinvertebrate assemblages

Efforts to develop benthic macroinvertebrate sampling protocols for the bioassessment of lotic ecosystems have been focused largely on wadeable systems. As these methods became increasingly refined and accepted, a growing number of monitoring agencies expanded their work and are now developing sampling protocols for non-wadeable large rivers. Large rivers can differ from wadeable streams in many ways that preclude the use of some wadeable stream sampling protocols. Hence, resource managers need clear and consistent large river bioassessment protocols for measuring ecological integrity that are cost effective, logistically feasible, and meet or are adaptable to the multi-purpose sampling needs of researchers and managers. We conducted a study using an experimental macroinvertebrate sampling method that was designed to overcome limitations of several methods currently in use. Our objectives were to: (1) determine the appropriate number of sampling points needed; (2) determine an appropriate laboratory subsample size to use and (3) examine how varying reach length affects assemblage characteristics. For six reaches in each of two large rivers, we sampled the macroinvertebrates of both banks at 12 transects separated by increasingly larger distances using a multi-habitat, semi-quantitative technique. Interpretation of results relied on the values attained for nine benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage metrics. Results from Monte Carlo methods indicated that, using the sampling methods described herein, a representative sample of the assemblage was collected by sampling both banks on 6 transects. Across all sites, we did not observe a consistent relationship between transect spacing (i.e. total reach length) and metric values, indicating that our sampling protocol was relatively robust with respect to variation in reach length. Therefore, flexibility exists that permits the study reach length to be dictated by the spatial scale (e.g. repeating geomorphic units) in question. For those preferring to use a fixed reach length, we recommend that transects be spaced at a minimum of 100 m intervals over a 500 m distance. We recommend that the field method be coupled with a fixed laboratory subsample size of 300 organisms for bioassessment purposes, with the recognition that a subsample size of 500 organisms may be needed to meet the objectives of more rigorous studies. It is likely this approach will over-sample sites of uniform composition, but the goal was to develop a robust sampling protocol that would perform well across sites of differing habitat composition. Possible modifications to the method to streamline its future application in the field are provided. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fine structure of P-protein filaments from Ricinus communis.

Exudate from the phloem of Ricinus communis L. was negatively stained, examined in the electron microscope, and the filamentous components compared with those in fixed, sectioned material. In the exudate, two main fibrillar components were observed. One component has a diameter of 20±0.35 (standard error) nm, the other of 14.1±0.34 nm. This second compoent has projections along its length measuring 5 by 14 nm and spaced at intervals of 6.5–10 nm. Fibrils have been found possessing characteristics of both fibril types, suggesting some structural relationship between the two, possibly an interconvertibility. Several other types of fibrils occurred less frequently in the exudate. The exudate also contains torus-shaped structures measuring 13.5–15 nm in diameter. Sections of mature sieve elements of Ricinus and Acer rubrum L. contain fibrils structurally similar to the 14-nm fibrils from the exudate of Ricinus. Ricinus exudate was also fixed and pelleted in the ultracentrifuge. Thin sections of the pellet afforded cross-sectional views of the 20-nm fibrils, and showed that these fibrils apparently have a solid core. Possible models for the structure of the 20-nm filaments are described.
Alanine transport across isolated rabbit ileum.

Abstract 1. (1) When both surfaces of isolated segments of rabbit ileum are bathed with a Ringer's solution containing 140 mM Na + and 5 mM l -alanine, there is an average net flux of l -alanine from the mucosal to the serosal solution of 1.2 μmoles/h · cm 2 . Under these conditions the unidirectional flux from musoca to serosa is approximately ten times the flux in the opposite direction. The net flux of alanine is nearly equal to the previously observed increment in active Na + flux brought about by the addition of 5 mM alanine to the mucosal solution. 2. (2) Net transport of l -alanine is markedly inhibited if the Na + in the bathing solution is replaced with choline, or if 10 −4 M ouabain is added to the serosal solution in the presence of Na + . In both instances, the inhibition of net alanine transport is the result of a decline in the unidirectional flux from mucosa to serosa. Addition of ouabain to the mucosal solution alone does not significantly inhibit transport of the amino acid. 3. (3) There is net transport of d -alanine across rabbit ileum in the absence of a concentration difference and the tissue accumulates d -alanine to relatively high concentrations. This accumulation is markedly inhibited by ouabain and by replacement of the Na + in the incubation medium with choline.
Conservation Policy in Coffee Landscapes

In their Policy Forum “Caffeine and Conservation” (25 April, p. [587][1]), T. G. O'Brien and M. F. Kinnaird outline how coffee-price crashes act against tropical wildlife conservation. They argue that reducing coffee production will improve prices and livelihoods for farmers and that by
The Effect of Microprocessing on Analysis and Effective Communication of Intelligence

A number of software programs axe commercially available for evaluating data of various intelligence tests. However, a review of available programs indicates a notable lack of software which includes prescriptive and recommendation capabilities based on evaluation data. The current article defines a technique and illustrates a sample micro-computer program which allows user to both evaluate the WISC-R and choose recommendations to fit individual needs of client.
The Time And Space Formulation of Azimuth Moveout

Azimuth moveout (AMO) transforms 3-D prestack seismic data from one common azimuth and offset to different azimuths and offsets. AMO in the time-space domain is an integral operator defined in the time and midpoint coordinates. The operator components are the summation path, the weighting function, and the aperture (range of integration). The summation path and the weighting function can be determined by cascading dip moveout (DMO) and inverse DMO for different azimuths the time-space domain. To evaluate the aperture, we apply a geometric approach, defining AMO as the result of cascading prestack migration (inversion) and modeling in three dimensions. The AMO spatial extent found by the proposed procedure depends on the reflection wave velocity and decreases substantially with a decrease of the azimuth rotation. When the azimuth rotation angle approaches zero, AMO converges to the twodimensional offset continuation operator. Thus the aperture limitations provide a consistent description of AMO for small azimuth rotations and justify the economic efficiency of the method in practical applications, such as cable feathering corrections in marine seismics.
Health Professional Shortage and Health Status and Health Care Access

Although areas designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) have fewer primary care physicians than non-HPSAs, few studies have tested whether HPSA designation is related to health status and medical service access. This study examined whether residents living in HPSAs were more likely to report worse health status and to be more likely to have difficulty in getting access medical services than residents living in non-HPSAs, with survey data of 10,940 adult West Virginians. Multiple regression results indicate that HPSA is associated with worse general health status and poor physical health, and less access to medical services (measured by had usual place for medical care, experienced not getting needed health care and had outpatient care) but not to inpatient care. These findings indicate that the current HPSA designation system does capture the significant differences between residents of HPSAs and residents of non-HPSAs in health status and medical services access.
The density and vibrational distribution of molecular oxygen in the lower thermosphere

Molecular oxygen density and vibrational distribution in lower atmosphere, observing solar UV radiation absorption by satellite OSO-4
Inverse association of colorectal cancer prevalence to serum levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) in a large Appalachian population

Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are persistent environmental contaminants that affect metabolic regulation, inflammation, and other factors implicated in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the link between these compounds and CRC remains unknown. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the association of CRC diagnosis to PFOA and PFOS blood levels in a large Appalachian population. Participants were 47,359 adults ≥ 21 years of age and residing in six PFOA-contaminated water districts in the mid-Ohio Valley (N = 47,151 cancer-free adults, 208 cases of primary CRC). All participants completed a comprehensive health survey between 2005 and 2006; serum levels of PFOA, PFOS, and a range of other blood markers were also measured. Medical history was assessed via self report and cancer diagnosis confirmed via chart review. CRC showed a strong inverse, dose–response association with PFOS serum levels (odds ratio (OR) adjusted for potential confounders = 0.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2,0.3) for highest vs. lowest quartile of PFOS, P-trend < 0.00001) and a significant, but more modest inverse association with PFOA (adjusted OR = 0.6 (CI 0.4, 0.9) for highest vs. lowest quartile, P-trend = 0.001). These inverse associations were stronger in those diagnosed within the previous 6 years and resident in the same water district for a minimum of 10–15 years preceding assessment. The relationship between PFOA and CRC was also more pronounced in men and leaner adults, and showed a stronger linear trend at lower exposure levels. In this large cross-sectional study, we found a strong, inverse association between PFOS and likelihood of CRC diagnosis and a significant, although more modest inverse association between PFOA and CRC. If confirmed in prospective investigations, these findings may aid in identifying new strategies for CRC prevention and treatment and inform future studies regarding mechanisms underlying CRC pathogenesis.
Field-of-view analysis of the four-detector photopolarimeter (Stokesmeter)

Analytical geometry and ray tracing are used to determine the calibration matrix A' of the four detector photopolarimeter (FDP) when the incident light beam deviates from theoptical axis of the instrument by small angles. Detectors of the FDP are represented by their surface equations in Cartesian coordinates. The field ofview (FOV) is calculated as a function ofthe light beam deviation (LBD) in two orthogonal planes, one ofwhich is the plane ofincidence for light reflection at the first detector.
Geldanamycin induces Hsp70 and prevents α-synuclein aggregation and toxicity in vitro

Abstract Geldanamycin (GA) is a naturally occurring benzoquinone ansamycin that induces heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70). GA has been shown to reduce α-synuclein induced neurotoxicity in a fly model of Parkinson’s disease. We have previously shown that heat shock proteins can prevent α-synuclein aggregation and protect against α-synuclein induced toxicity in human H4 neuroglioma cells. Here, we hypothesize that GA treatment will reduce α-synuclein aggregation and prevent α-synuclein induced toxicity and we show that GA can induce Hsp70 in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in H4 cells. Pretreatment with 200 nM GA 24 h prior to transfection prevented α-synuclein aggregation and protected against toxicity. Treatment of cells with pre-existing inclusions with GA did not result in a reduction in the number of cells containing inclusions, suggesting that upregulation of Hsp70 is not sufficient to remove established inclusions. Similarly, Western blot analysis demonstrated that GA treatment could dramatically reduce both total α-synuclein and high molecular weight α-synuclein aggregates. Taken together, these data suggest that GA is effective in preventing α-synuclein aggregation and may represent a pharmacological intervention to therapeutically increase expression of molecular chaperone proteins to treat neurodegenerative diseases where aggregation is central to the pathogenesis.
In situ AFM studies of astrocyte-secreted apolipoprotein E- and J-containing lipoproteins

The three-dimensional shapes and sizes of plasma lipoproteins and astrocyte-secreted lipoproteins (ASLPs) were characterized with the aid of in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM), which has the unique ability to study three-dimensional nanostructures under physiological conditions. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) and apolipoprotein J (apoJ) are the two most abundant apolipoproteins produced in the central nervous system (CNS). This study revealed that ASLPs containing apoE3, apoE4, or apoJ significantly differ from high density lipoprotein particles, thought to be their closest analogs in plasma, in aggregation properties, size, and shape. ASLPs were found to be significantly flatter and smaller than their plasma counterparts. Plasma lipoproteins were able to form ordered arrays on a mica surface at high concentration, but ASLPs did not. Rather, they formed amorphous aggregates at similar concentrations. Comprehensive quantitative characterization of particle size and shape was facilitated by two advances in AFM image analysis: (1) automated analysis through image-recognition algorithms, and (2) correction for the finite size of the AFM probe based on geometric modeling. This study and the developed AFM methodologies open the way to further in situ AFM studies of the lipoproteins in general and more specifically of CNS lipoproteins.
Amifostine pretreatment for protection against topotecan-induced hematologic toxicity: results of a multicenter phase III trial in patients with advanced gynecologic malignancies.

Abstract Objective. To determine if amifostine could reduce the hematologic toxicity associated with topotecan. Methods Thirty patients with recurrent/refractory gynecologic malignancies were randomized to receive topotecan (TOPO) (1.5 mg/m 2 /day days 1–5) with or without amifostine (AMI/TOPO) (500 mg/m 2 /day days 1–5) every 3 weeks for six cycles. The primary study endpoints were the incidence of grade 3 and 4 neutropenia. Results Fifteen patients were randomized to each arm for a total of 49 TOPO and 53 AMI/TOPO cycles. Patient characteristics and pretreatment ANC were similar between groups. Topotecan 1.5 mg/m 2 /day days 1–5 was initially administered to seven patients. Five developed neutropenic fevers, one an uncomplicated grade 4 neutropenia, and the other an uncomplicated grade 3 neutropenia. There were two treatment-related deaths due to sepsis (one in each treatment arm). The starting dose was thereafter reduced to 1.25 mg/m 2 /day days 1–5 every 21 days. No treatment related deaths occurred after this dose reduction. The incidence of combined grade 3/4 neutropenia was reduced from 67% (33/49 cycles) to 38% (20/53 cycles) with the addition of amifostine ( P = 0.003; OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.12–0.71). Conclusions Topotecan at 1.5 mg/m 2 /day days 1–5 in heavily pretreated patients resulted in excessive toxicity not manageable with amifostine. At the reduced topotecan dose (1.25 mg/m 2 × 5 days), pretreatment with amifostine reduced the hematologic toxicity associated with topotecan chemotherapy in women with recurrent/refractory gynecologic malignancies.
Simple Approximations for Calculations of Absorption in Clouds

Abstract Scaling principles can be used to transform problems of radiative transfer in media that scatter anisotropically to equivalent isotropic problems with exact solutions. By using such scaling principles together with geometric optics to relate the albedo for single scattering to drop radius and bulk absorption coefficient, very simple relationships can be obtained to calculate absorption of solar radiation by optically thick clouds. The results predict a dependence of absorption on the square root of cloud drop radius and thereby a dependence on air mass and pollution. Although these formulas are approximate, they are probably as good as the exact theory to within the limits of experimental accuracy, and they have the virtue of being exceedingly simple while retaining in their derivation the physics underlying the dependences that they indicate.
Recombinant CD36 inhibits oxLDL-induced ICAM-1-dependent monocyte adhesion

Abstract A key event in atherosclerosis is the interaction between monocytes and endothelial cells. Binding of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) to CD36 on endothelial cells results in activation and subsequent monocyte adhesion. In this study, a recombinant soluble CD36 molecule was expressed to delineate its ability to block the adhesion of monocytes. To construct soluble CD36, the extra-cellular domain of CD36 was fused to the Fc domain of human IgG1. The N-terminal sequence of CD36 was replaced with N-terminal signal peptide sequence of CD59, a type I membrane protein. The resulting chimeric sCD36-Ig cDNA (sCD36-Ig) was transfected into COS-7 and CHOK1 cells and supernatants were analyzed for secretion of this molecule. Sandwich ELISA and oxLDL binding analyses showed that recombinant sCD36-Ig is secreted in a functionally active form. Western blot analysis of the purified sCD36-Ig using three different anti-CD36 monoclonal antibodies and anti-human IgG showed that the chimeric sCD36-Ig is a dimer of 220 kDa. Further, the sCD36-Ig inhibited the adhesion of monocytes to oxLDL. Interestingly, sCD36-Ig blocked the oxLDL-induced adhesion of monocytes to the endothelial cell specific protein, ICAM-1. Our results indicate that the chimeric sCD36-Ig protein is folded correctly and can effectively compete for the binding of oxLDL to membrane-expressed CD36. These results suggest that oxLDL-induced monocyte adhesion can be blocked using sCD36-Ig and this may be useful in blocking the cell–cell interaction leading to atherogenesis.
Diversification or homogenization: how markets and governments combine to shape American higher education

The complex amalgamation of more than 3500 colleges and universities supplemented by corporate-based universities and several thousand proprietary institutions offering some form of post-secondary education and training is best understood as a complex interaction of various forms of markets, governmental policies, disciplinary associations, and institutional actors. To better understand how these forces interact and take effect, this paper defines relevant terms for understanding “diversity,” examines the components of the American “system” of higher education, discusses the ways in which various markets and governmental policies both encourage and discourage diversity, and identifies a model to explain how various factors interact to form the “system” of American higher education.
An experimental determination of the heat and mass transfer coefficients in moist, unsaturated soils

Abstract Ratios of the thermal diffusion coefficient to the moisture diffusion coefficient were experimentally determined for two types of soils. The ratio of the diffusion coefficients was found to increase with increasing moisture content, reach a broad maximum, and thereafter decrease. Except for the drier regions near the warm end, the ratio was found to be in the range 10 −3 -10 −20 C −1 . Analytical predictions for the thermal diffusion coefficients were combined with the experimental results to determine the moisture diffusion coefficients. The thermal diffusion coefficient was predicted to decrease with both decreasing temperature and increasing moisture content. For the soils used in this study, the moisture diffusion coefficient was estimated to be in the range 10 −5 -10 −4 g s −1 cm −1 .
Ultrastructure of early development of acute pancreatitis in the rat.

This study was undertaken to define the earliest ultrastructural changes appearing in the exocrine pancreas and its vasculature during the development of experimental acute pancreatitis induced by the closed duodenal loop technique. Experimental and shamoperated rats were killed at hourly intervals up to 4 hr and at 6 hr postoperatively. Focal acinar cell response included appearance of vacuoles containing uncondensed or partially condensed secretory product, and some rearrangement and dilatation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum within 1 hr. Mild edema was observed and damage to the vascular endothelium developed by 2 hr. At 4 hr focal hemorrhage and a slight inflammatory cell infiltrate was noted which was more prominent at 6 hr. The lack of a correspondence between areas of acinar cell and of vascular abnormalities suggests that factors other than increased secretory back-pressure are involved in the early development of this model of acute pancreatitis.
Rocket nozzle expansion ratio analysis for dual-fuel earth-to-orbit vehicles

Results are reported from a recent study of the effects of Space Shuttle Main Engine expansion ratio modifications, in the cases of both single-stage and two-stage systems. Two-position nozzles were employed; after varying the lower expansion ratio while the higher was held constant at 120, the lower expansion ratio was held constant at 40 or 60 while the higher expansion ratio was varied. The expansion ratios for minimum vehicle dry mass are different for single-stage and two-stage systems. For two-stage systems, a single expansion ratio of 77.5 provides a lower dry mass than any two-position nozzle.
Modeling of spatially-restricted intracellular signaling.

Understanding the signaling capabilities of a cell presents a major challenge, not only due to the number of molecules involved, but also because of the complex network connectivity of intracellular signaling. Recently, the proliferation of quantitative imaging techniques has led to the discovery of the vast spatial organization of intracellular signaling. Computational modeling has emerged as a powerful tool for understanding how inhomogeneous signaling originates and is maintained. This article covers the current imaging techniques used to obtain quantitative spatial data and the mathematical approaches used to model spatial cell biology. Modeling-derived hypotheses have been experimentally tested and the integration of modeling and imaging approaches has led to non-intuitive mechanistic insights. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2012, 4:103–115. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.155 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website
Effective topological spaces I: A definability theory

On cree une theorie de la definissabilite pour des espaces topologiques basee sur la notion presente de recurrence sur des espaces topologiques effectifs. On utilise cette definissabilite pour montrer Σ=recursivement enumerable et decouvrir une hierarchie. Lien entre forcage et definissabilite
Evaluation of CINtec PLUS® testing as an adjunctive test in ASC-US diagnosed SurePath® preparations.

The CINtec PLUS® system is an immunohistochemical cocktail composed of antibodies against p16INK4a (surrogate of HPV infection) and Ki-67 (proliferation marker) meant to improve the sensitivity and specificity for detecting high-grade dysplasia (HGD). In the presence of dysplasia, a red chromogen marks Ki-67 expression in the nucleus and a brown chromogen marks cytoplasmic p16INK4a expression. Only cells showing dual staining are interpreted as positive. This retrospective study examined the performance of CINtec PLUS testing when performed on ASC-US diagnosed samples. Comparison was made to high-risk HPV DNA test results and colposcopic biopsy results. Technical considerations in the interpretation of this immunohistochemical stain are additionally discussed. CINtec PLUS showed modest sensitivity (64%) and specificity (53%) in identifying the presence of HGD at surgical biopsy. Positive and negative predictive values for HGD were 28% and 83%, respectively. HR-HPV DNA test yielded sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 21%. During interpretation, squamous metaplasia and endocervical cells were seen to show individual staining for p16INK4a or Ki-67. Individual staining, when present within three dimensional cellular groups common to SurePath® preparations, can be time-intensive to interpret necessitating thoughtful examination at high power. The Pap test with HR-HPV DNA testing is a highly sensitive test. A specific test is needed to prevent false positives and over treatment. The CINtec® system provides a modest increase in specificity beyond HR-HPV DNA testing. Future study of its appropriateness and cost-ffectiveness in a treatment algorithm are warranted. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of non-Debye solvent relaxation in electron transfer reactions: A numerical study

Abstract To assess the importance of the different time scales of non-Debye solvent relaxation on the reaction kinetics of electron transfer reactions we have performed a numerical simulation study for a model system of an activated solvent-controlled electron transfer reaction in the weakly adiabatic regime. For this regime we have shown that the relevant solvent time scale for the reaction can be identified with the time scale in which the solvent initially reacts to a perturbation.
Effect of Fe on the conduction band of HgSe.

A systematic analysis of the de Haas--van Alphen oscillations in ${\mathrm{Hg}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Fe}}_{\mathrm{x}}$Se for 0.0005\ensuremath{\lesssim}x\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.05 is presented. Measurements of the Dingle temperature show anomalously low values with a minimum for x\ensuremath{\sim}0.001, a result consistent with prior mobility measurements. Effective-mass measurements and spectral analysis of the oscillations indicate that, for x\ensuremath{\le}0.03, Fe does not induce gross modifications to the conduction-band structure. It is also found that the addition of Fe reduces the inversion asymmetry splitting of the conduction band, particularly when x\ensuremath{\gtrsim}0.02. .AE
Case study: Analytical investigation on the failure of a two-story RC building damaged during the 2007 Pisco-Chincha earthquake

Abstract The Pisco-Chincha earthquake hit the western shore of Peru on 15 Aug 2007. More than five hundred people perished and numerous residential structures made of masonry and adobe collapsed. Many buildings were severely damaged by settlement due to liquefaction. In general, engineered reinforced concrete structures experienced less damage compared with structures constructed with traditional construction practice. This paper presents a case study on a two-story RC building in Ica, Peru which was severely damaged during the earthquake. Field observations suggest that causes of the structural failure are: (1) short column effects resulting from masonry infill walls; (2) an overloaded second floor; and (3) insufficient stirrups in the columns. To test these hypothesized causes of column failure, analytical models based on measured section dimensions and reinforcement bar configurations from the field investigation are used. Nonlinear response history analyses are carried out with ground motions recorded at a seismic station located 500 m from the reference structure. The analysis results show that the partial infill walls and a lack of shear reinforcement were the leading causes of the column failures. The results also show that the overloaded columns do not significantly influence the seismic demand of the reference structure. Stirrups in the columns mainly affect seismic capacity and have relatively no effect on seismic demand for the ground motion that the building was subjected to.
Effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and ethyl alcohol on adjunctive behavior and the lateral hypothalamus

Abstract The fact that electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) can be substituted for the delivery of a food pellet in typical schedule induced polydipsia was established and demonstrated the role of this part of the brain in the mediation of adjunctive behavior. The assumption that Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol ( Δ 9 -THC) and ethyl alcohol affect behavior because of a differential effect on the same LH mechanism was supported by the following evidence. Relatively small doses of Δ 9 -THC, 0.25, 0.375, and 0.50 mg/kg, enhanced adjunctive drinking; whereas, larger quantities of 0.625 and 0.75 mg/kg had no appreciable effects. The effect is somewhat specific, as it did not occur with strychnine sulfate, and rate dependent within limits as it was most pronounced in animals with low rates of responding or in animals when responding at a low rate. The effect of rate dependency was also apparent with fixed interval schedules of 2 and 4 min and a multiple schedule of a fixed interval and a signalled timed out period of nonreinforcement. Low rates of responding were enhanced by all doses of Δ 9 -THC, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2,5, and 3.0 mg/kg, and there was an obvious dose related decrease in high rates. A similar effect was observed with low and high rates of electrical self-stimulation through implanted LH electrodes. The hypothesis that some drugs such as Δ 9 -THC and ethyl alcohol can enhance the positive feedback in an LH mediated motor control system by the facilitation of the same mechanism which initially generated the behavior was confirmed. Oral self administration of ethyl alcohol in a saccharin sweetened fluid enhanced recovered adjunctive drinking of the solution in quantities which should be sufficient to produce physical dependence if continued for relatively long periods. Recovered adjunctive drinking occurs in animals without food or water deprivation and it is an intense and persistent phenomenon.
Influence of Nitrogen Rate and Form on Quality of Putting Greens Cohabited by Creeping Bentgrass and Annual Bluegrass

Of the essential nutrients, N fertility generally influences golf course putting green (PG) quality and growth rate most significantly. Despite considerable field research on N fertility of PGs, results interpretation and transfer to practice is complicated by various influential factors; including unrepresentative mowing heights and/or frequency, varying irrigation water quality, undeclared composition of mixed swards, withdrawn cultivars, and/or use of temperature-dependent organic fertilizer sources. A 2-yr field study was initiated in 2003 at University Park, PA, to evaluate the influence of soluble N fertilizer source and rate on qualitative and nutritional parameters of a mature, primarily surface-drained, "push-up" PG cohabited by 'Penn A4' creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) and annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.). Using an array of soluble N form quotients (NH 4 -N/ NO 3 -N), split applications of annual N fertilizer rates ranging from 69 to 402 kg ha -1 were sprayed every 15 ± 4 d, April to October. Putting green growth, color, N uptake (NUP), and leaf N, K, Ca, Mn, Cu, and Zn increased directly with N rate, while plots receiving N rates in excess of 244 kg ha -1 yr -1 demonstrated acceptable PG quality and tissue nutrient concentrations. However, N rates >244 kg ha -1 yr -1 containing >50% NH 4 -N significantly enhanced shoot growth, color, NUP, leaf Mn, P, and Mg levels, when compared to equal rates containing ≥50% NO 3 -N. Frequent fertilization with NH 4 -N at annual rates >244 kg ha -1 maximized canopy color and most tissue nutrient levels of a mature creeping bentgrass/annual bluegrass cohabited PG growing on a neutral, fine-textured soil.
Mus81 functions in the quality control of replication forks at the rDNA and is involved in the maintenance of rDNA repeat number in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract Previous studies in yeast have suggested that the SGS1 DNA helicase or the Mus81-Mms4 structure-specific endonuclease is required to suppress the accumulation of lethal recombination intermediates during DNA replication. However, the structure of these intermediates and their mechanism of the suppression are unknown. To examine this reaction, we have isolated and characterized a temperature-sensitive (ts) allele of MUS81. At the non-permissive temperature, sgs1Δ mus81ts cells arrest at G2/M phase after going through S-phase. Bulk DNA replication appears complete but is defective since the Rad53 checkpoint kinase is strongly phosphorylated under these conditions. In addition, the induction of Rad53 hyper-phosphorylation by MMS was deficient at permissive temperature. Analysis of rDNA replication intermediates at the non-permissive temperature revealed elevated pausing of replication forks at the RFB in the sgs1Δ mus81ts mutant and a novel linear structure that was dependent on RAD52. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of the mus81Δ mutant revealed an expansion of the rDNA locus depending on RAD52, in addition to fragmentation of Chr XII in the sgs1Δ mus81ts mutant at permissive temperature. This is the first evidence that Mus81 functions in quality control of replication forks and that it is involved in the maintenance of rDNA repeats in vivo.
The Effect of Chinese Rhubarb, Rheum officinale, with and without Benazepril on the Progression of Naturally Occurring Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats

Background Renal fibrosis is common in progressive kidney disease. Transforming growth factors β (TGF-β) are important mediators of all types of fibrosis, including renal fibrosis. Chinese rhubarb has been shown to have antifibrotic properties in part because of inhibition of TGF-β and has slowed the progression of kidney disease in rodent models. Hypothesis That administration of a Chinese rhubarb supplement will slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats and the concurrent administration of Chinese rhubarb and benazepril will be more effective than either alone. Animals Twenty-nine client-owned cats with naturally occurring IRIS Stage 2 or early Stage 3 CKD and without comorbidity such as cancer, urinary tract obstruction, urinary tract infection, poorly controlled hyperthyroidism, or systemic hypertension were enrolled in the study. Methods A randomized, positive-controlled, prospective study was performed. Cats received Chinese rhubarb, benazepril, or both in addition to standard treatment for CKD. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess changes in serum creatinine concentration, body weight, hematocrit, urine protein: urine creatinine ratio (UPC), and systemic arterial blood pressure over time between and within treatment groups over an average of 22 months. Results No significant differences were detected in serum creatinine concentration, body weight, hematocrit, UPC, and systemic arterial pressure over time between or within treatment groups. Conclusions and Clinical Importance This study failed to detect a significant difference in the progression of CKD in cats treated with Chinese rhubarb, benazepril, or both. Further study in specific subsets of cats with CKD is warranted.
Seasonal changes in the proximate constituents of the seagrasses Thalassia testudinum, Halodule wrightii. and Syringodium filiforme

Abstract Levels of soluble carbohydrate in the rhizome of Thalassia testudinum Banks ex Konig, Syringodium filiforme Kutzing, and Halodule wrightii (Aschers) Aschers. are highest in the fall and lowest in the spring. This suggests that soluble carbohydrate is a nutrient reserve used to sustain the plants during the period of decreased productivity in the winter. Ash and dry weight levels for three plant-parts (leaf blades, photosynthetically inactive parts of short shoots, and rhizomes) were generally highest in the fall. Protein levels were highest in the summer in all plant parts in T. testudinum and S. filiforme suggesting highest cellular activity. Calorific levels were similar for all three species, the rhizomes having the highest levels, although no seasonal pattern was evident. The organic biomass of an average-sized plant of T. testudinum is 8–12 times greater than that of the other two species in the fall and the short-shoot biomass may account for half of the entire plant. The rhizome of T. testudinum has the highest level of organic matter of the three, for most of the year. The blades of H. wrightii and S. filiforme account for the largest amount of organic material in the fall when compared with the photosynthetically inactive parts of short shoots and rhizomes of the same plant.
Effect of fractionated irradiation prior to conservative and radical surgery on therapeutic gain in a spontaneous fibrosarcoma of the C3H mouse.

The efficacy of fractionated irradiation given preoperatively was examined using early generation isotransplants of a spontaneous fibrosarcoma (FSaII) growing in the right leg of syngeneic C3Hf/Sed mice and employing as endpoints local tumor control probability, normal tissue damage (5 mm leg shortening), and distant metastasis. Complete dose response assays have been performed on small (4–5 mm) and large (8 mm) tumors. TCD50s (the dose that on average would be expected to control half the irradiated tumors) for radiation given in five equal doses (1 day between treatments) were 93.6 and 111.8 Gy for the 4–5 and 8-mm tumors, respectively. Surgery was performed under a dissecting (8×) microscope at 5–6 days after the completion of irradiation. For small tumors, radical (en bloc) and conservative (local) resection alone achieved 69.8 (30/43) and 21.9% (7/32) tumor control, respectively. The corresponding figures for large tumors were 25 (8/32) and 6.1 % (2/33), respectively. Preoperative irradiation increased tumor control rate up to 100% at dose levels much lower than TCD50 for radiation alone. Enhancement ratios (ER) were computed for preoperative radiation as follows: TCD50 for radiation alone/TCD50 for radiation and surgery. ERs were computed for local and en bloc resection for tumor control and for leg shortening. From these ER values, therapeutic gain factors (TGF) were then computed for local and en bloc resection for tumor control and for leg shortening. From these ER values, therapeutic gain factors (TGF) were then computed as ER tumor response/ER leg shortening. In small tumors, the TGFs (TCD80 and legshortening of 5 mm) were 2.1 and 2.0 for conservative and radical resection, respectively. Corresponding figures for large tumors were 1.5 and 1.5. In this experimental system for small and large tumors, radiation treatment prior to conservative surgery achieved a comparable therapeutic gain to that by combining radiation with radical surgery. No effect of preoperative fractionation on the frequency of distant metastasis was observed.
Fast-neutron spectroscopy with thick organic scintillators

Abstract A neutron spectrometer which utilizes a 4.60- by 4.65-cm-dia. NE-213 liquid organic scintillator is described. Pulses due to gamma radiation are eliminated by the use of a modified Forte-type pulse-shape discriminator circuit. The FERDoR unfolding method and code are used to transform the measured pulse-height distribution into a neutron spectrum. This code produces an estimate of the neutron spectrum with a rigorous confidence interval. The effects of nonlinear scintillation characteristics, multiple scattering, and charged-particle reactions are all taken into account. The code is based on constrained minimization and utilizes the known nonnegativity of the neutron spectrum in obtaining the confidence intervals. The scintillator arrangement, the electronic circuit, and the FERDoR code are described. Typical results obtained by unfolding continuous and discrete line spectra are given. Satisfactory overall results were obtained with neutrons from 0.5 to over 16 MeV in a gamma-ray background of ≈ 5 mR/h.
The control of platinum impregnation by PZC alteration of oxides and carbon

Abstract In this paper, we examine the influence of two methods of PZC alteration, ion-doping of oxides and oxidation of carbon, on the control of Pt uptake, using both anionic and cationic Pt complexes. The former method was found to be unsuccessful and the latter successful for ‘engineering’ the impregnation of catalyst support materials. We use the latter approach to suggest a simple, effective way to synthesize highly loaded, highly dispersed Pt/carbon materials that have applications as fuel cell electrocatalysts.
Regulation of tack development of acrylate films by the properties of the support

Drying an acrylate formulation on carbon and stainless steel coupons leads to films with dramatic differences in tack. The tack of the film deposited on stainless steel is high, as expected, but that of the film on carbon steel is much lower. This difference arises from changes in the polar component of the surface energy. Atomic force microscopy showed that the carbon steel-based film had a rougher surface, and that the components separated into the valleys in the surface, thereby reducing the overall tack. The origin of the phenomenon lies in the nonuniformity of carbon steel. Local differences in heat transfer from the metal to the adjoining liquid layer gives rise to temperature differences at the surface of the film as it dries. This induces Marangoni flow, which leads to inhomogeneities in the composition and topology of the surface. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Interpersonal communication skills and the young hospitality leader: are they prepared?

Abstract Interpersonal communication is a skill that is crucial to successful leaders ( Brownell, 1992 , Scudder and Guinan, 1989 ); however, English et al. (2007) found that most college graduates tend to be deficient in these skills when entering the business world. In the service industry, a manager interpersonally communicates with guests, subordinates, peers, and superiors. In particular, a manager interpersonally communicates most often with their subordinates. The purpose of this study was to determine entry-level hospitality leaders’ perceptions of which interpersonal communication skills are important and whether their college curriculum prepared them to be competent interpersonal communicators when communicating with subordinates. The results indicated that participants believed that a lack of: (1) overall leadership experience, (2) exposure to dealing with a diverse audience, (3) giving feedback, and (4) dealing with confrontational situations contributed to why they rated the importance of all the interpersonal communication skills evaluated higher than their level of preparedness.
Signatures of charge inhomogeneities in the infrared spectra of topological insulators Bi2Se3, Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3

We present the results of an infrared spectroscopy study of topological insulators Bi2Se3, Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3. Reflectance spectra of all three materials look similar, with a well defined plasma edge. However, there are some important differences. Most notably, as temperature decreases the plasma edge shifts to lower frequencies in Bi2Se3, whereas in Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3 it shifts to higher frequencies. In the loss function spectra we identify asymmetric broadening of the plasmon, and assign it to the presence of charge inhomogeneities. It remains to be seen if charge inhomogeneities are characteristic of all topological insulators, and whether they are of intrinsic or extrinsic nature. (Some figures may appear in colour only in the online journal)
Library Personnel’s Role in the Creation of Metadata: A Survey of Academic Libraries

ABSTRACT The digital age has caused the paradigm to shift in academic libraries both in terms of their collections and the roles of their personnel. As academic libraries begin to digitize objects in their collections, how and who in the library creates access to these resources has become a hot issue. At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries (UNL Libraries), taskforces were formed to study metadata schemes used at UNL Libraries. The taskforces identified the various metadata schemes in use and the role of various departments within UNL Libraries in the creation of metadata. They made recommendations about how to document decisions relating to metadata and how to coordinate metadata creation and digitization projects. As a result, the authors decided to survey American Research Libraries (ARL) and other peer libraries to determine their metadata workflow. This paper discusses the results of the survey and provides insight as to how libraries may meet the challenge of creating metadata through the r...
Computer-assisted gaming for entrepreneurship education

Entrepreneurship, defined as executive deal making, involves four core activities: venture selecting, planning, executing, and assessing. These activities can be supported in a computerized gaming ...
Model performance of the new Tevatron Collider lattice

The 1991 Tevatron Collider lattice contains novel elements such as electrostatic separators, feed-down sextupoles, and low-beta quadrupoles. The low-beta section at B0 is a matched insertion. It is possible to vary the beta from 1.7 m to 0.25 m while keeping the lattice parameters around the ring constant. Another important characteristic of the insertion is that it provides zero dispersion at the interaction point. An identical (matched) low-beta insertion will be installed at D0. These low-beta insertions use two types of cold-iron, high gradient quadrupoles. The authors concentrate on the effects of the measured multipoles of the low-beta quadrupoles. >