cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Soil Profile Water Content Determination: Spatiotemporal Variability of Electromagnetic and Neutron Probe Sensors in Access Tubes

AUo®a®EAÝ : EM, electromagnetic; ET, evapotranspiration; NMM, neutron moisture meter. OU®¦®A½ RÝU« Since the late 1980s, electromagneƟ c (EM) sensors for determinaƟ on of soil water content from within nonmetallic access tubes have been marketed as replacements for the neutron moisture meter (NMM); however, the accuracy, variability and physical signifi cance of EM sensor fi eld measurements have been quesƟ oned. We studied the accuracy and variability of four EM sensors and the NMM, compared with gravimetric measurements, in transects of 10 to 20 access tubes during three fi eld seasons, using soil-specifi c calibraƟ ons. The three capacitance EM sensors produced water content readings for which SD values were up to an order of magnitude larger than those from the NMM. The EM sensor based on travel Ɵ me (waveguide) principles produced SD values up to six Ɵ mes larger than those of the NMM or gravimetric sampling. The EM sensors would require from two to 72 Ɵ mes as many access tubes to obtain a mean profi le water content to a given precision than would the NMM or gravimetric sampling, with more tubes required for drier condiƟ ons. The NMM exhibited spaƟ al variaƟ on of similar magnitude and paƩ ern as that of gravimetrically sampled profi le water contents. The EM methods poorly reproduced the spaƟ al and temporal behavior of NMM and gravimetric sampling and implied spaƟ al variability of profi le water content that was not evident in either the NMM or gravimetric data, even though EM sensing volumes were larger than the ?75-cm 3 volume of the gravimetric samples. We infer that EM sensors were infl uenced not only by the mean water content in the sampling volume but by the smaller scale structure of soil electrical properƟ es.
A model of leaf photosynthesis and respiration for predicting carbon dioxide assimilation in different environments.

A model of leaf photosynthesis and repiration was developed which adequately predicted carbon dioxide assimilation responses by a C 3 species, Atriplex patula, to light, [CO2], [O2] and temperature in controlled environments. Methods were developed for estimating input parameters using laboratory, controlled environment and field data.
The Consistent System

Abstract The Consistent System (CS) is an interactive computer system for researchers in the behavioral and policy sciences and in fields with similar requirements for data management and statistical analysis. The researcher is not expected to be a programmer. The system offers a wide range of facilities and permits the user to combine them in novel ways. In particular, tools for statistical analysis may be used in combination with a powerful relational subsystem for data base management. This paper gives an overview of the objectives, capabilities, status, and availability of the system.
Insertion reaction of V6O13 electrodes reversibly incorporating divalent cations

Abstract Single crystal V 6 O 13 has been evaluated for the insertion of divalent Zn and Cu ions. Coulometric studies have shown that V 6 O 13 is reversible to both types of cation. A single-phase region exists in the range 0≤ x ≤0.14forZn x V 6 O 13 and 0≤ x ≤0.11forCu x V 6 O 13 . Impedance and galvanostatic relaxation have both revealed that the diffusion coefficients of the divalent cations were of the order of 10 −10 cm 2 /s in the low concentration, single-phase regions. Diffusion rates were significantly reduced at higher concentrations. Impedance measurements have also shown that the kinetics of charge injection dominates the high freqeuncy response for both cations.
Protein Component of Bacillus subtilis RNase P Specifically Enhances the Affinity for Precursor-tRNAAsp †

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is an endonuclease that cleaves precursor tRNA to form the 5‘-end of mature tRNA and is composed of a catalytic RNA subunit and a small protein subunit. The function of the protein component of Bacillus subtilis RNase P in catalysis of B. subtilis precursor tRNAAsp cleavage has been elucidated using steady-state kinetics, transient kinetics, and ligand affinity measurements to compare the functional properties of RNase P holoenzyme to RNase P RNA in 10 mM MgCl2, 100 mM NH4Cl. The protein component modestly affects several steps including ≤10-fold increases in the rate constant for tRNA dissociation, the affinity of tRNA, and the rate constant for phosphodiester bond cleavage. However, the protein principally affects substrate binding, increasing the affinity of RNase P for pre-tRNAAsp by a factor of 104 as determined from both the ratio of the pre-tRNAAsp dissociation and association rate constants measured in 10 mM MgCl2 and a binding isotherm measured in 10 mM CaCl2 using gel fi...
Combustion instability of a lean premixed prevaporized gas turbine combustor studied using phase-averaged PIV

Abstract A strong, naturally-occurring “growl” combustion instability was studied for the case of a lean premixed prevaporized (LPP) combustor that shows great promise in reducing pollutant emissions. Phase-averaged particle image velocimetry (PIV) was applied for the first time to an LPP device to measure phase lags and spatial correlations. The extensive data set includes spatial and temporal correlations between six parameters: combustor pressure, plenum pressure, injection velocity, heat release rate (Rayleigh index), flame liftoff distance and flame centroid. Measured phase angles and time lags are consistent with the MIT model of Ghoniem et al., along with the concept of “equivalence-ratio oscillation” discussed by Lieuwen et al. Frequency and phase data prove that a dual-mode Helmholtz resonance is driven by an equivalence ratio oscillation. One common modeling assumption is shown to be not valid; the length of an attached flame is not what is oscillating; instead the flame base oscillates violently due to periodic liftoff and flashback and this presents modeling challenges. Growl boundaries and the effects of varying some geometric lengths were recorded.
Effects of adrenalectomy and adrenal steroids on norepinephrine synthesis and monoamine oxidase activity

Abstract Rat heart norepinephrine (NE) turnover was increased 6–10 days after bilateral adrenalectomy.This increase was prevented by administration of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) but not either hydrocortisone or corticosterone. Blood pressure decreased following adrenalectomy. This decrease was prevented by DOCA, hydrocortisone and corticosterone. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity increased in the heart but not in the liver following adrenalectomy. DOCA prevented the increase in heart MAO activity hydrocortisone and corticosterone were ineffective. In intact animals, heart and liver MAO activity were not changed by 5 days of cold exposure, a procedure which increases NE turnover. It is suggested that the increase in heart NE turnover may be related to the increase in MAO activity seen after adrenalectomy.
Comet and Asteroid Impact Hazards on a Populated Earth

As the movies would have it, in the last couple of years, inhabitants of planet Earth have had some narrow escapes. The world pulled together temporarily to launch everything but the kitchen sink at a giant killer comet coming our way and, thankfully, Earth received only minor damage (well, I live in Alaska, so total destruction of the eastern seaboard could be considered minor). Then NASA launched a wildcat team into space to blast apart that Texas-sized asteroid just in the nick of time. Of course, these are only the plots of a couple of the latest Hollywood disaster flicks, but they do reflect a real cultural curiosity about impact hazards. Inquiring minds want to know: Is there a real danger that an asteroid or comet might strike our planet and if so, where is the safest place to buy retirement property? To feed this hunger, a plethora of books has been published within the last 5 years on the subject of past and present impact hazards. It has become a thriving cottage industry
Postmarketing safety of biologics and biological devices.

Abstract Background context Regardless of study design, the approval process of biologics and biological devices cannot identify every possible safety concern. Postmarketing safety surveillance can provide information based on real-world use of medical products in heterogeneous populations and is critical for identifying potentially serious adverse events, events that are too rare to be detected during premarketing studies, late complications, and events involving individuals or uses that were not evaluated in clinical trials. Purpose To review why adverse event reporting is important and how the information is used, with emphasis on the points that are most applicable for surgeons and other spine professionals. Methods This is an overview of postmarketing safety surveillance. Results Review of adverse event reports has resulted in safety notifications, label changes, and publications regarding the safety of biologics and biological devices, such as the risk of airway compromise after the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein in cervical spine fusion, the occurrence of a fatal air embolism after the use of a fibrin sealant that had been applied with a spray device, and infections after allograft transplantation of human tissues. Conclusions In light of the rapid development of new biologics, postmarketing surveillance is imperative for ensuring that these products are as safe as possible. By reporting adverse events, surgeons and other health care professionals play a key role in improving and refining our understanding of the safety of biologics.
Oxygen transport and isotopic exchange in iron oxide/YSZ thermochemically-active materials via splitting of C(18O)2 at high temperature studied by thermogravimetric analysis and secondary ion mass spectrometry

Ferrites are promising materials for enabling solar-thermochemical cycles for the production of synthetic fuels. Such cycles utilize solar-thermal energy for the production of hydrogen from water, or carbon monoxide from carbon dioxide. Recent work studying the thermochemical behaviour of iron oxides co-sintered with yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ) using thermogravimetric analysis revealed a striking difference in behaviour of iron that is in solid solution with the YSZ and that which exists as a second iron oxide phase. Materials in which the majority of iron was dissolved in the YSZ exhibited enhanced utilization of iron over those which possessed larger fractions of un-dissolved, bulk iron oxides. To illuminate this phenomena further, several samples of thermally-reduced iron oxide/8YSZ were re-oxidised using isotopically labelled C(18O)2. Post mortem characterization by Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), with the application of multivariate analysis tools, enables the differentiation between 18O and 16O signals emanating from iron oxide particles. The distribution of 18O is uniform throughout the iron-doped 8YSZ, but concentrated at the surface of iron oxide particles embedded in this matrix. After identical thermal reduction and re-oxidation treatments, the gradient of 18O/16O across the iron oxide particles is found to depend on the size of the iron oxide particles, as well as the method of synthesis of the iron oxide/YSZ material. Comparative thermogravimetric analyses of the 18O-labelled materials and analogous un-labelled materials revealed that exposure to CO2 at 1100 °C results in rapid oxygen isotopic exchange.
Biosynthetic intermediates in the conversion of fucosterol to oogoniol

Abstract When grown in the presence of [CD3]-methionine Achlya heterosexual produces oogoniols containing two deuterium atoms which are located at C-28
Cardiomyopathy and myocarditis in children with ventricular ectopic rhythm.

Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the histologic features of the myocardium in children with Abnormal ventricular ectopic rhythm but a structurally normal heart. Background. Abnormal ventricular ectopic rhythm in children with a structurally normal heart is en uncommon but serious condition. Previous studies in adults with these have shown that approximately 10% have “primary electrical disease” and that 40% to 100% of these nave abnormal histologic findings. Methods. Endomyocardial biopsy samples were prospectively in 33 subjects presenting with ventricular ectopic rhythm but a structurally normal heart by physical examination and noninvasive studies. Biopsy specimens were evaluated for histologic changes consistent with dilated cardiomyopathy or myocarditis and these results were compared with noninvasive and invasive clinical findings. Results. Of the 33 subjects, 16 (48%) had normal myocardial histologic features (Group A), 14 (42%) had changes similar to the histologic features seen with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (Group B) and 3 (9%) had lynphocytic myocarditis (Group C). Presenting clinical symptoms, surface electrocardiograms (ECGs), exercise stress testing and electrophysiologic stimulation failed to predict the biopsy results. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory ECGs showed a statistical difference between sustained and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in Group A versus Group B (p < 0.007), with Group A having more sustained ventricular tachycardia. Left ventricular function measured by fractional shortening on echocardiography did not differ between groups, but left ventricular end-diastolic dimension was greater in the subjects with abnormal histologic findings (Group B) (p < 0.03). Conclusions. These results provide evidence that approximately 50% of children with abnormal ventricular ectopic rhythm but a structurally normal heart may have subclinical cardiomyopathy or unsuspected myocarditis.
Effect of Oxygen on Nonthermal Plasma Reactions of Nitrogen Oxides in Nitrogen

NO is mainly converted to NO2 by chemical oxidation in the presence of oxygen. Initial selectivity analysis shows that three electron collision reactions are important for NOx evolution in O2/N2. The rate constants of these reactions decrease with increasing oxygen concentration. This is because oxygen is electronegative and thus reduces electron concentration. The rate constant of O2 dissociation by electron collision reaction is almost two orders of magnitude higher than that of N2 dissociation. NO formation occurs predominantly through N(2D) + O2 → NO + O. The critical oxygen concentration, defined as the concentration at which the NOx formation rate counterbalances the NOx decomposition rate, increases with increasing initial NO concentration. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
Mathematical Models in Psychological Scaling

Abstract The major theme of this paper is to stress the importance to social science and psychology of the application of mathematical and statistical theory applicable to numbers which are not elements of fields.1 The greater part of statistical theory is concerned with numbers to which the operations of arithmetic can be validly applied. There is reason to believe that in social and psychological data some the axioms of arithmetic are not satisfied and, if this is the case, weaker axiomatic systems, like partially ordered sets (posets), should be used to provide the logical framework for the description and analysis of the data. The nature of some of these weaker systems, their experimental basis, and the reasons for their importance will be discussed.
INTERLEUKIN-10 LEVELS IN SEMINAL PLASMA: IMPLICATIONS FOR CHRONIC PROSTATITIS-CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN SYNDROME

Purpose: Chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a disease of unknown pathogenesis. We investigated whether the chronic inflammation and pain experienced by patients may be caused by an imbalance of proinflammatory versus anti-inflammatory cytokines within the prostate, namely interleukin (IL)-8, interferon-γ and IL-2 versus IL-10. We measured these inflammatory cytokines in seminal plasma as a reflection of the prostate environment.Materials and Methods: We measured levels of IL-8, interferon-γ, IL-2 and IL-10 in the seminal plasma of 31 patients with chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome and 14 controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results were correlated with health related quality of life, as measured by the Multidimensional Pain Inventory, McGill pain questionnaire and International Prostate Symptom Score.Results: The cytokines analyzed were detectable in the seminal plasma of patients with chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome and controls. Interferon-γ,...
Relative Value of Fish Meal Versus Solvent Soybean Meal for Lactating Dairy Cows Fed Alfalfa Silage as Sole Forage

Abstract Fish meal was compared with soybean meal in three trials. In trial 1, 20 early lactation cows fed 70% alfalfa silage received an average .46 kg of CP/d from either source in 2 × 2 Latin squares. Rumen protein escapes estimated in vitro were 37% (soybean meal) and 60% (fish meal). Fish meal increased BW gain, milk protein content, yield of milk, FCM, protein, and lactose; lowered rumen propionate; and increased rumen acetate:propionate. In trial 2, 32 midlactation cows fed 89% alfalfa silage were divided into two groups of 16 and supplemented with 0, 1.5, 3.0, or 4.5% CP from either soybean meal or fish meal in 4 × 4 Latin squares. Rumen protein escapes estimated in vitro were 31% (soybean meal) and 67% (fish meal). There were linear increases in BW gain and in yield of milk. protein, lactose, and SNF with either protein but no differences between proteins. In trial 3, 32 early lactation cows fed 56% alfalfa silage received no protein supplement or an average .55 kg CP/d from soybean meal, high solubles fish meal, or low solubles fish meal in 4 × 4 Latin squares. Rumen protein escapes estimated in vitro were 27% (soybean meal), 43% (high solubles fish meal), and 63% (low solubles fish meal). Protein increased yield of milk, FCM, fat, protein, lactose, and SNF versus no supplement. Milk protein content increased about .1 percentage unit with both fish meals. Protein yield increased 61, 95, and 130 g/d with soybean meal, high solubles fish meal, and low solubles fish meal versus no supplement. In all trials, fish meal slightly reduced milk lactose content but did not alter milk fat content. Results indicated that greater rumen escape of fish meal protein, relative to soybean meal, increased efficiency of protein utilization in lactating cows fed alfalfa silage.
Developing physiologic stress profiles for school-age children who stutter

Abstract Purpose Physiologic reactivity profiles were generated for 9 school-age children with a history of stuttering. Utilizing salivary sampling, stress biomarkers cortisol and alpha-amylase were measured in response to normal daily stressors. Children with a history of stuttering were characterized as high or low autonomic reactors when compared to age-normed references established for cortisol and alpha-amylase levels. Method Salivary samples were collected four times daily over three consecutive days from children (6 boys and 3 girls) aged 6–11 years. Samples were measured for two important stress biomarkers, cortisol and alpha-amylase. Following laboratory training on appropriate sampling technique using the Salivette, families collected all samples in their homes. Results Compared to published references established for normal children, children with a history of stuttering exhibited mean cortisol and alpha-amylase levels that were significantly lower, though within normal limits. Conclusions Results reflect an initial investigation into the use of salivary sampling to measure reactivity in children who stutter. As children who stutter have historically been excluded from physiologic stress studies, salivary sampling appears to provide an innovative and minimally invasive option for investigators. Though interpreted with caution secondary to the small sample size, initial findings suggest that in response to normal daily stressors, school-age children with a history of stuttering do not exhibit significantly elevated stress biomarkers. Educational objectives: The reader will be able to: (1) identify two biomarkers that reflect activation of the body's stress response; (2) discuss possible implications the generation of individualized stress profiles may have on the treatment of stuttering; and (3) discuss and evaluate the research needs associated with the inclusion of children in physiological studies of fluency.
Properties of Apparel Wools: IV. Physical Properties of Single Fibers

A detailed report is presented on the physical properties of single wool fibers withdrawn from four master samples at various stages of worsted processing. The experimental procedure for sampling a...
No—Par Stock: Its Economic and Legal Aspects

Significance of par value, 441. — Difficulties arising from its use, 444. — Removal of par value as a solution of the difficulties, 446. — First objection to the use of shares without par: effect on stockholders' liability, 451. — Their liability under present no-par stock laws, 452. — Can effective liability be secured without par value? 460. — Second objection: that no-par shares may be issued at too low prices, 462. — Conclusions, 464.
THE EFFECT OF VISCOSITY ON THE PHOTOCYCLE OF BACTERIORHODOPSIN

— We study the effect of solvent viscosity on the kinetics of the photocycle of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) from Halobacterium halobium. Solvent viscosity is altered by changing the glycerol concentration from 20 to 80% glycerol by volume. The kinetics of the photocycle are observed after flash photolysis at four wavelengths at several temperatures between 240 and 315 K. Assuming a sequential model, bR K - L M O bR, Arrhenius plots of the rate coefficients determine the activation enthalpies and frequency factors for each step. Kinetic data from all solvents are considered together and studied as a function of temperature for fixed solvent viscosities. The early steps of the cycle are insensitive to solvent viscosity, ; the later steps are retarded with increasing viscosity. Activation enthalpies are independent of viscosity; the frequency factors are proportional to η−K, where the exponent k 0.25 for the transition K L, 0.0 for L M, 0.8 for M O and 0.5 for O bR.
Separation of leukocyte peroxidase isoenzymes by agarose-acrylamide disc electrophoresis

Two methods for releasing peroxidases from cellular membranes were compared. One method using EDTA/HTAB to release total enzyme yielded 10–20 times more activity than another method using Cetrimide and Brij-35. Electrophoresis on agarose-acrylamide gels showed four cathodic isoenzymes (A, B, C, and D) from the EDTA/HTAB preparation, but only isoenzyme B was seen from the Cetrimide-Brij preparation. This B isoenzyme was the major band of activity in both preparations, except in elderly patients.
Postmastectomy radiation therapy and breast reconstruction: an analysis of complications and patient satisfaction.

The indications for postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) have expanded over the past decade. This study examines PMRT and reconstruction compared with a control group without radiotherapy. There were 919 reconstructed breasts identified (1999-2006) and separated into 3 groups: mastectomy with PMRT before reconstruction (n = 57), immediate reconstruction then PMRT (n = 59), and reconstruction without PMRT (n = 665). A validated questionnaire assessed patient satisfaction (response rate 73.7%). Overall complication rates for patients undergoing PMRT (before and after reconstruction) were higher than that of the controls (39.66% vs. 23.16%, P 90 days) complication rates, compared with controls (47.46% vs. 23.16%, P < 0.001; 33.90% vs. 15.59%, P < 0.001, respectively); however general and aesthetic satisfaction was similar. In contrast, PMRT before reconstruction has similar complication rates and general satisfaction with controls, but decreased aesthetic satisfaction (50% vs. 66.88%, P < 0.035).
Strength of dimensional preferences as a predictor of nursery-school children's performance on a concept-shift task.

Abstract The strength of nursery-school children's dimensional preferences for form and color was scaled by a multidimensional technique, revealing a wide range of strength of preference. Unlike earlier studies, many S s were found to have equivalent preference for both dimensions. All S s were then given a two-choice simultaneous discrimination learning problem with either form or color relevant to solution followed by an intradimensional (ID) or an extradimensional (ED) shift. In general, the effects of scaled preferences were in the same direction as, but stronger than, the effects of preference reported in previous studies. The performance of the equal-preference S s on the original learning task was equivalent to that of S s who strongly preferred the relevant dimension, and equal-preference S s learned ID and ED shifts equally well, suggesting that equal-preference S s may be more flexible in their problem-solving than S s with a preference for a single dimension. It was further suggested that an age-related hierarchy of preferences progresses from color- to form- to equal-preference.
Within-host spatial dynamics of viruses and defective interfering particles.

Defective-interfering (DI) viruses arise spontaneously by deletion mutations. The shortened genomes of the DI particles cannot replicate unless they coinfect a cell with a wild-type virus. Upon coinfection, the DI genome replicates more quickly and outcompetes the wild type. The coinfected cell produces mostly DI viruses. At the population level, the abundances of DI and wild-type viruses fluctuate dramatically under some conditions. In other cases, the DI viruses appear to mediate persistent infections with relatively low levels of host cell death. This moderation of viral damage has led some to suggest DI particles as therapeutic agents. Previous mathematical models have shown that either fluctuation or persistence can occur for plausible parameter values. I develop new mathematical models for the population dynamics of DI and wild-type viruses. My work extends the theory by developing specific predictions that can be tested in the laboratory. These predictions, if borne out by experiment, will explain the key processes that control the diversity of observed outcomes. The most interesting prediction concerns the rate at which killed host cells are replaced. A low rate of replacement causes powerful epidemics followed by a crash in viral abundance. As the rate of replacement increases, the frequency of oscillations increases in DI and wild-type viral abundances, but the severity (amplitude) of the fluctuations declines. At higher replacement rates for host cells, nearly all cells become infected by DI particles and a low level of fluctuating, wild-type viremia persists.
Herpesvirus of turkeys: microarray analysis of host gene responses to infection

Herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT) provides an economically important live vaccine for prevention of Marek's disease (MD) of chickens. MD, characterized by both immunosuppression and T-cell lymphoma, is caused by another herpesvirus termed Marek's disease virus (MDV). Microarrays were used to investigate the response of chicken embryonic fibroblasts (CEF) to infection with HVT. Genes responding to HVT infection include several induced by interferon along with others modulating signal transduction, transcription, scaffolding proteins, and the cytoskeleton. Results are compared with earlier studies examining the responses of CEF cells to infection with MDV.
In-hospital delay of elective surgery for high volume procedures: the impact on infectious complications.

Background Development of infectious complications after high volume elective surgical procedures imposes a significant clinical burden to the United States population. This study evaluated the association of in-hospital delay of elective procedures and the subsequent impact on infectious complications after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, colon resection, and lung resection. Study Design The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried between 2003 and 2007, and patients who developed postoperative infectious complications were identified. Time to elective surgery in days from admission was calculated: 0, 1 day, 2 to 5 days, and 6 to 10 days. Infectious complications evaluated included pneumonia, urinary tract infections, postoperative sepsis, and surgical site infections. Chi-square, multivariable logistic regression analyses, analysis of variance, and Cochran-Armitage trend test were used. Results There were 87,318 CABG procedures, 46,728 colon resections, and 28,960 lung resections evaluated. Total infection rates significantly increased after elective surgery delays: CABG: 0 days, 5.73%;1 day, 6.68%; 2 to 5 days, 9.33%; 6 to 10 days,18.24%; colon resections: 0 days, 8.43 %;1 day, 11.86%; 2 to 5 days,15.79%;6 to 10 days,21.62%; and lung resections: 0 days, 10.17%;1 day, 14.53%; 2 to 5 days, 15.53%; 6 to 10 days, 20.56%, p Conclusions In-hospital delay of elective surgery from the day of admission was associated with a significant increase in infectious complications and mortality. This delay was also associated with a significant increase in hospital cost. Future policy directed toward preventing in-hospital delay of elective surgery may offer significant cost savings and decrease infectious complications after elective surgery.
Virulent Streptococcus viridans bacterial endocarditis

Abstract A particularly virulent form of bacterial endocarditis due to Streptococcus viridans is described in selected patients. The diagnosis of purulent pericarditis and myocardial abscess is delineated. In addition, emphasis is placed on early surgical intervention in the appropriale management of these potentially lethal complications.
Trading grain now and then: the relative performance of early grain-futures markets

Popular hostilities toward futures trading in the United States date to the nineteenth century, when many Americans perceived then-nascent grain exchanges as little more than gaming parlours that existed to serve the illegitimate aspirations of gamblers–a depiction that, if anything, compromises the legitimacy of modern futures exchanges. Yet, agricultural historians have largely praised the performance of these early markets, which they contend were shaped by commercial interests who sought successfully to mitigate price risk. In any case, our understanding of how early futures markets performed is fragmented, and so such claims remain largely unsubstantiated in a quantifiable sense. Even so, futures-price data are available for the late-nineteenth century, thanks to the Chicago Board of Trade (CBT), which pioneered grain-futures trading in the 1860s. In this article, I test and compare the performance of wheat, corn, and oats futures prices on the CBT from 1880 to 1890 and from 1997 to 2007. My results ...
Challenges to optimizing a telescope system to detect and characterize exo-solar planetary systems

Novel optical design and engineering ideas are needed to build the large space telescopes for the direct detection and characterization of exo-solar system planets. For example, the Terrestrial Planet Finder Coronagraph requires a primary mirror 4 x 8 meters in size that is >10 x smoother than the 2.8 meter HST mirror and have a uniform reflectivity across the mirror to within 0.1%. The telescope system will need to control scattered light to within a part in 10 billion. The Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer will be a white-light, broadband infrared interferometer with a baseline in excess of 50 meters. In addition to direct imaging, planets masses and orbits can be derived from very precise measurements of the position of a star as it moves across the background. Interferometers provide the highest accuracy measurements of relative positions We will show that the optical design and the mechanical layout & configuration for these new telescopes need to be optimized for polarization as well as scattered light. Material science and coating technology plays an important role in the optimization of these systems. Stress across the surface of a mirror and stress within the optical thin film introduces polarization dependent scattered light. A new method to measure the anisotropy of the polarization-reflectivity of thin metal films on large astronomical mirrors is described.
On the spectra of certain matrices

A simple formula is given for the eigenvalues of operators defined by the regular representation of any field as an algebra over a subfield of which it is a finite extension. The adjunction of a root, in particular, is considered. By realizing the extension in terms of a transcendent over an arbitrary ground field, one introduces a free parameter which increases the scope of the method.
The DREAM project—Towards the ultimate in calorimetry

Abstract High-precision jet spectroscopy will be increasingly important in future high-energy accelerator experiments, particularly at a linear e + e - collider. The dual-readout technique makes it possible to meet and exceed the requirements on calorimeter performance in experiments at such a collider. The DREAM Collaboration is exploring the limits of the possibilities offered by this technique, by systematically eliminating the limiting factors, one after the other. Powerful tools in this context are the simultaneous measurement of scintillation light and Cherenkov light generated in the shower development process, and a detailed measurement of the time structure of the signals. In this talk, the latest results of this generic detector R&D project are presented. In particular, I report on the first tests of a hybrid dual-readout calorimeter system, in which a BGO crystal matrix served as the electromagnetic section.
Shear Mechanics of the TMJ Disc Relationship to Common Clinical Observations

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex hinge and gliding joint that induces significant shear loads onto the fibrocartilage TMJ disc during jaw motion. The purpose of this study was to assess regional variation in the disc’s shear loading characteristics under physiologically relevant loads and to associate those mechanical findings with common clinical observations of disc fatigue and damage. Porcine TMJ discs were compressed between an axially translating bottom platen and a 2.5-cm-diameter indenter within a hydrated testing chamber. Discs were cyclically sheared at 0.5, 1, or 5 Hz to 1, 3, or 5% shear strain. Within the anterior and intermediate regions of the disc when sheared in the anteroposterior direction, both shear and compressive moduli experienced a significant decrease from instantaneous to steady state, while the posterior region’s compressive modulus decreased approximately 5%, and no significant loss of shear modulus was noted. All regions retained their shear modulus within 0.5% of instantaneous values when shear was applied in the mediolateral direction. The results of the disc’s regional shear mechanics suggest an observable and predictable link with the common clinical observation that the posterior region of the disc is most often the zone in which fatigue occurs, which may lead to disc damage and perforation.
New species of Cuphea section Melvilla (Lythraceae) and an annotated key to the section

Three novelties inCuphea sectionMelvilla subsect.Pachycalyx are described from Brazil;C. andersonii andC. cylindracea from Para, andC. sabulosa from Amazonas. An annotated key to the 47 species ofCuphea sectionMelvilla is provided, the first since the 1903 monograph of the family, which then included 27 species in the section. The key identifies those species ofCuphea with thick, dorsally convex, red- or yellow-tubed flowers distributed from Mexico to Argentina.
Construction of Sand Shinnery Oak Communities of the Llano Estacado: Animal Disturbances, Plant Community Structure, and Restoration

In land restoration it is imperative to study the potential role of disturbances, biotic or abiotic, that may provide sites for colonization by specific plants. Disturbances can alter community composition by removing species or allowing others to become established. In communities where animal-generated disturbances open sites for seedling establishment, animals may have important indirect effects on several aspects of plant community structure. Animal disturbances in Quercus havardii communities of western Texas appear to open sites for colonization by herbaceous species. These animal disturbances vary in spatial distribution, density, and abiotic and biotic characteristics. The abundance of herbaceous plant seedlings is positively related to bare ground and the number of distinct disturbances. Thus, the density and the spatial distribution of these disturbances may be expected to have an important influence on the abundance and dispersion of plant species. Therefore, successful restoration efforts of sand shinnery oak communities and other similar habitats must consider the effects of animal disturbances and the role of plant-animal and plant-soil microbe interactions on plant community composition and the maintenance of plant species diversity.
Activation of pericytes: recent insights into kidney fibrosis and microvascular rarefaction.

Purpose of review Pathological deposition of fibrous matrix in organs is a major problem and contributes to as many as 45% of all natural deaths. Chronic kidney disease affects 8% of the US population, and is characterized by fibrotic processes. It frequently progresses to organ failure and is a major cause of cardiovascular death; yet it lacks therapies. Understanding the pathological mechanisms of fibrosis in the kidney and other organs is central to the development of new therapeutics. Recent findings Pericytes are mesenchymal cells that partially cover capillary walls. Pericytes play critical roles in micro-vessel formation, maturation and stability. New genetic fate-mapping studies have identified pericytes and the closely related resident fibroblasts as the major progenitors of scar-forming myofibroblasts in multiple organs including the kidney, appearing in response to tissue injury. When pericytes become myofibroblasts they lose pericyte functions. Capillaries become unstable with deleterious consequences for the kidney. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning these processes are starting to unravel, leading to new therapeutics for chronic fibrosing diseases of the kidney and potentially other organs. Summary This review focuses on pericytes in the kidney and other organs, their role in fibrogenesis and their role in regulation of the microvasculature.
Quadrature phase relationships in phosphorescence microwave double resonance spectroscopy

Abstract The functional dependence of the phase shift of a time-dependent phosphorescence intensity change relative to a repetitive delta-function microwave perturbation is given in terms of the triplet state kinetic parameters and the perturbation repetition rate. This extension of quadrature measurements to the phosphorescence microwave double resonance (PMDR) technique is found to be particularly useful since the phase shift is independent of the degree of spin alignment of the magnetic sublevels, the degree of microwave saturation, and the polarization of the microwave transition moment. It is shown that the symmetries of vibronic bands in the phosphorescence can be distinguished by measuring the phase shift. Experimental results are reported for p -dichlorobenzene and s -tetrachlorobenzene.
Does specialization affect behavioral choices and quality judgments among hunters

Abstract In this study we examined the effect of specialization on behavioral choice among Wisconsin goose hunters, who were able to choose a relatively easy hunt at the Horicon Marsh or a more complex hunt in the exterior zones. Past research has shown that more specialized recreationists have differing motives, attitudes, satisfaction levels, crowding perceptions, environmental preferences, and management preferences. Our goal in this study was to extend this research to behavioral choices and to learn more about the dimensions of specialization in goose hunting. Specialization did not predict behavioral choice among the sample. Specialization, as measured by past experience, commitment, media involvement, club membership, and preferred hunting style, did not differ significantly when comparing Horicon goose hunters and exterior zone hunters. Novice hunters hunted alongside experienced hunters, and behavioral choice appeared to be more a function of structural constraint than attitu‐dinal preference. Sp...
The formins Cdc12 and For3 cooperate during contractile ring assembly in cytokinesis

Both de novo–assembled actin filaments at the division site and existing filaments recruited by directional cortical transport contribute to contractile ring formation during cytokinesis. However, it is unknown which source is more important. Here, we show that fission yeast formin For3 is responsible for node condensation into clumps in the absence of formin Cdc12. For3 localization at the division site depended on the F-BAR protein Cdc15, and for3 deletion was synthetic lethal with mutations that cause defects in contractile ring formation. For3 became essential in cells expressing N-terminal truncations of Cdc12, which were more active in actin assembly but depended on actin filaments for localization to the division site. In tetrad fluorescence microscopy, double mutants of for3 deletion and cdc12 truncations were severely defective in contractile ring assembly and constriction, although cortical transport of actin filaments was normal. Together, these data indicate that different formins cooperate in cytokinesis and that de novo actin assembly at the division site is predominant for contractile ring formation.
Scattering from a Plasma Loaded Cavity-Backed Slit

ABSTRACT This article presents an analysis of a slit in an infinite perfectly conducting ground plane backed by a 2-D cavity. The cavity is inhomogeneously filled with a plasma. A full-wave frequency domain model is used wherein the finite element method is coupled with the spectral domain method of moments. The effects of various plasma parameters on the echo width of the structure are examined.
The influence of self-efficacy and working memory capacity on problem solving efficiency

Abstract We investigated the influence of self-efficacy beliefs and working memory capacity on mathematical problem-solving performance, response time, and efficiency (i.e., the ratio of problems solved correctly to time). Students completed a letter-recoding task (Experiment 1) or an operation span task (Experiment 2), rated their self-efficacy for solving mental multiplication problems, and then solved similar problems of varying complexity. We tested the motivational efficiency hypothesis, which predicted that motivational beliefs, such as self-efficacy, increase problem-solving efficiency through focused effort and strategy use. Experiments 1 and 2 reported a significant effect for self-efficacy on problem-solving performance and efficiency, but limited effects for time. A self-efficacy by working memory interaction occurred in Experiment 1, suggesting self-efficacy is beneficial as demands on working memory increase. These findings suggested that self-efficacy increased problem-solving efficiency through strategic performance rather than faster solution times, and were consistent with the motivational efficiency hypothesis.
The Effect of Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation on Rubeosis Iridis

Fifteen eyes of 11 patients with rubeosis iridis and angle neovascularization associated with retinal vascular disorders were treated with pan-retinal photocoagulation. In seven of the 15 eyes, the new vessels on the surface of the iris and in the angle regressed after pan-retinal photocoagulation therapy for disk neovascularization; five of the remaining eight eyes that were treated prospectively demonstrated similar involution of the rubeosis iridis. In three of the five preexisting peripheral anterior synechiae regressed and angle structures previously obscured became visible. Three to 36 months after therapy, three eyes developed a few new abnormal iris and angle vessels.
Submicroscopic structure of frozen-dried epiphyseal plate a adjacent spongiosa of the rat

The epiphyseal plate and adjacent spongiosa of young rats were prepared for electron microscopy by freezing and drying, followed by post-fixation and staining. Cartilage cells fill their lacunae and extend delicate processes into the matrix. Their protoplasm contains numerous submicroscopic vacuoles. Changes in cartilage cells during maturation are described. The structure of cartilage matrix is interpreted as consisting of two components, the denser interrupting the homogeneous one, which is Hotchkiss-positive. Osteoblasts and osteocytes contain ribonuclease-sensitive granules associated with the walls of the cytoplasmic submicroscopic vacuoles. There is osteoid between the closely-packed collagen fibrils of bone and the osteoblasts. Somewhat removed from the latter, collagen fibrils seem to arise in a close-meshed network of non-striated elements. The deposition and resorption of the mineral crystals in cartilage are described. Changes in the cells and matrix of cartilage after fixation in aqueous osmium tetroxide are also described.
The effect of hypophysectomy on the uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid of the rat.

SUBSEQUENT to the initial use of radioactive iodine in the study of the physiology of the thyroid by Hertz, Roberts and Evans (1938), many investigators have demonstrated by means of I131 that the administration of thyrotropic hormone augments the avidity of the thyroid of the normal animal for iodine. On the other hand, little information has been forthcoming about the capacity of the thyroid to collect iodine in the absence of thyrotropic hormone resulting from hypophysectomy. LeBlond, Sue and Chamorro (1940) showed that following hypophysectomy the thyroid is no longer capable of collecting as much radioactive iodine as the thyroid of a normal animal. This was later confirmed by Leblond and Sue (1941), Morton and co-workers (1942), Cortell and Rawson (1944) and Leblond and Gross (1948). However, the magnitude of the defect in the collection of iodine following hypophysectomy and the time necessary for the defect to become evident are not clear from these studies.
Traffic stress, vehicular burden and well-being: A multilevel analysis

This study examined whether health is associated with individually perceived traffic stress and as well as ecologically measured vehicular burden using multi-level analysis. Data from the Chinese American psychiatric epidemiologic study (N = 1503) are linked to data from the 1990 Census in the United States. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to analyze the cross-sectional relationship between traffic stress, neighborhood conditions, depression and health status. Perceived traffic stress is associated with both general health status and depression in multivariate multilevel models, such that persons reporting traffic stress had lower health status and more depressive symptoms. Further, there is an interaction between vehicular burden and traffic stress for both health outcomes. Persons who lived in areas with greater vehicular burden and who reported the most traffic stress also had the lowest health status and greatest depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that traffic stress may represent an important factor that influences the well-being of urban populations, and that studies which examine factors at only one level (either individual level only or ecological level only) may underestimate the effect of the social environment.