cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wildfire induced changes in aquatic invertebrate communities and mercury bioaccumulation in the Okefenokee Swamp

Fire is an important natural disturbance in the Okefenokee Swamp. From April–June 2007, wildfire burned 75% of the wetland area. With the existence of extensive pre-fire data sets on community structure and total mercury of invertebrates, the fire presented an opportunity to assess impacts of wildfire on invertebrates. Post-fire collection of samples occurred in September, December, and May, 2007–2009. Sample sites included 13 burned and 8 non-burned (reference) sites. Comparisons of data among pre-fire, post-fire reference, and post-fire burned sites revealed that the major difference between pre-fire communities and post-fire communities was a decrease in the number of water mites. We also found a decrease in mercury concentrations in amphipods, odonates, and crayfish post-fire. The differences between pre-fire and post-fire samples may be confounded by drought conditions during the baseline study. NMDS ordinations and ANOSIM tests suggested that habitat was an important factor; communities in burned cypress differed from reference cypress. Unexpectedly, burned sites had lower mercury concentrations in odonates and crayfish, with variation again being greatest in cypress stands. These findings and others suggest mercury levels do not follow a predictable pattern but can vary with pre-fire concentrations, variation in water levels, and burn intensity. We found that wildfire in the Okefenokee had little impact on invertebrates in prairies and scrub-shrub thickets, but can affect indicator organisms (Oecetis, Ischnura, and Sigara) in cypress stands. Our study suggests that vegetation type and burn intensity may have impacts on the invertebrate communities and mercury concentrations of organisms.
Receptor interactions and visual persistence

Two experiments are described that provide evidence for an interaction between the cone and rod systems following the offset of a stimulus. Experiment 1 employs a visual persistence task in which the observer is required to integrate two brief flashes separated by a variable ISI. Threshold luminance as a function of ISI is determined for several conditions of target wavelength. Striking differences between short and long wavelength targets are found which indicate the possible exclusion of rod participation at the brief ISIs. Experiment 2 employs a forward-masking task to demonstrate that the stimulus conditions of the first experiment result in a transient reduction in rod system activity following stimulus offset while the cone system is still active. Results support this proposal. Implications for the locus of persistence within the visual system are discussed.
On the diurnal cycle of deep moist convection in the southern side of the Alps analysed through cloud-to-ground lightning activity

Abstract In this work, eight years of cloud-to-ground lightning data are used as a proxy observable to describe the hourly frequency of deep moist convection occurrence over an area characterized by complex geography in the southern side of the Alps (Friuli Venezia Giulia). The study area is divided in eight sub-zones, defined according to the climatic differences of the southern side of the Alps, in particular those related to the precipitation regime. In the eight sub-zones, the hourly frequency of cloud-to-ground lightning shows two different behaviours: bimodal and single-mode. Single-mode hourly frequencies, in turn, can be divided into two more classes: afternoon maximum and evening maximum. A conceptual model for the explanation of the observed features is proposed. This conceptual model takes into account the atmospheric instability, which has a maximum during afternoon, and the convection forcing represented by the switch in the breezes regime, which is stronger in the late morning and evening. The proposed conceptual model is coherent with the complementary meteorological parameters taken into account (hourly rain, temperature and wind distribution and speed) and it is capable to describe, at least qualitatively, the observed behaviours in cloud-to-ground lightning hourly distribution.
Anticonvulsant actions and interaction of gaba agonists and a benzodiazepine in pars reticulata of substantia nigra

Abstract In a previous study, infusion of flurazepam and midazolam, but not GABA or muscimol into the pars reticulata of substantia nigra (SNpr), blocked the tonus induced by a high dose of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). It was hypothesized that the divergence of GABAA agonist and benzodiazepine (BZ) actions might be due to a complex action of the GABAA agonists in SNpr that is not shared by the BZs, and which is specific for certain experimental seizures. This was tested in the present study in which GABA, muscimol, midazolam, nd combinations of midazolam with GABA and with muscimol were tested against seizures induced by PTZ (40 or 100 mg/kg, i.p.), bicuculline (0.5 mg/kg i.v.) and maximal electroshock (MES). Intranigral midazolam was effective against PTZ, bicuculline and MES seizures. Intranigral GABA or muscimol, infused together with midazolam, prevented midazolam from blocking tonus induced by the high dose of PTZ. For bicuculline seizures, midazolam alone had a better overall anticonvulsant effect than did the combination of midazolam plus muscimol. Intranigral muscimol, midazolam and a combination of the two were equally effective against the low dose PTZ (40 mg/kg i.p.) and MES seizures. Since the effect of intranigral drugs was model-specific, it was suggested that different populations of nigral output neurons were involved in regulating the generalization of these seizures.
Nature of the hydrogen ion effect on the extraction of Co(II) from aqueous chloride media by substituted ammonium chlorides of high molecular weight

Abstract The phenomena associated with the decreased extraction of certain metals [particularly Co(II)] from concentrated HCl solutions by organic solutions of high molecular weight, substituted ammonium chlorides has been investigated. The spectra of the metal species in both the aqueous and organic phases for both LiCl and HCl systems have been determined, indicating no spectral differences in the species extracted from the two systems. The extraction process has been studied as a function of the HCl concentration and infrared spectra of the organic phase containing extracted HCl have been obtained. Extraction isotherms for the extraction of the metal ion from 12 M HCl and 12 M LiCl have been compared. The results show that at high aqueous HCl concentration, the substituted ammonium chloride solutions extract excess HCl, probably in the form of the hydrogen dichloride ion with excess hydrogen-bonded molecular HCl. A possible conclusion from this study is that the exchange equilibrium for the extraction of the cobalt anion is displaced by the reaction of the substituted ammonium chloride with the excess HCl, thus reducing the extractability of the metal.
Impact of green management on CEO compensation: interplay of the agency theory and institutional theory perspectives

AbstractThere has been growing interest in green management practices among practitioners, researchers and regulators in recent years. However, there is limited research that examines the connection between natural environments and human resource management practices. The current study examined the relationship between Chief Executive Officer (CEO) compensation and green management practices within the agency theory and institutional theory frameworks. Results revealed a significant negative relationship between green management practices and CEO base pay, however, there was not a significant relationship between green management practices and CEO bonuses. In line with previous agency theory research, findings suggest a negative relationship between state regulation and CEO compensation in green states. An important implication for practice is that the negative relationship may strengthen negative perceptions about green management practices among CEOs and reduce willingness to implement green management ...
Oxidative Stress in Huntington's Disease

It has been five years since the elucidation of the genetic mutation underlying the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease (HD) (97), however the precise mechanism of the selective neuronal death it propagates still remains an enigma. Several different etiological processes may play roles, and strong evidence from studies in both humans and animal models suggests the involvement of energy metabolism dysfunction, excitotoxic processes, and oxidative stress. Importantly, the recent development of transgenic mouse models of HD led to the identification of neuronal intranuclear inclusion bodies in affected brain regions in both mouse models and in HD brain, consisting of protein aggregates containing fragments of mutant huntingtin protein. These observations opened new avenues of investigation into possible huntingtin protein interactions and their putative pathogenetic sequelae. Amongst these studies, findings of elevated levels of oxdative damage products such as malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine, 3-nitrotyrosine and heme oxygenase in areas of degeneration in HD brain, and of increased free radical production in animal models, indicate the involvement of oxidative stress either as a causative event, or as a secondary constituent of the cell death cascade in the disease. Here we review the evidence for oxidative damage and potential mechanisms of neuronal death in HD.
A RESEARCH NOTE: COMPARISON OF CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS AND ACCEPTABILITY OF ANGUS AND ROMO SINUANO × ANGUS CATTLE12

Carcasses from 18 Angus and 16 Romo Sinuano × Angus cattle were evaluated for differences in selected carcass characteristics. Breed had no effect (P > 0.10) on hot carcass weight or m. longissimus thoracis area. Romo Sinuano × Angus heifers had more marbling and a higher quality grade than Romo Sinuano × Angus steers (P 0.05) by breed type or sex of animal. No difference (P > 0.10) in the acceptability of ribeye steaks from Angus or Romo Sinuano × Angus steers (chisquare value = 1.82) was found. These results indicate that carcass, ribeye steak and acceptability traits of the two breed groups were similar.
The role of carbonic anhydrases in renal physiology.

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) catalyzes the reversible hydration of CO 2 . CA is expressed in most segments of the kidney. CAII and CAIV predominate in human and rabbit kidneys; in rodent kidneys, CAXII, and CAXIV are also present. CAIX is expressed by renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Most of these isoforms, except for rodent CAIV, have high turnover rates. CAII is a cytoplasmic enzyme, whereas the others are membrane-associated; CAIV is anchored by glycosylphosphatidylinositol linkage. Membrane polarity is apical for CAXIV, basolateral for CAXII, and apical and basolateral for CAIV. Luminal membrane CAs facilitate the dehydration of carbonic acid (H 2 CO 3 ) that is formed when secreted protons combine with filtered bicarbonate. Basolateral CA enhances the efflux of bicarbonate via dehydration of H 2 CO 3 . CAII and CAIV can associate with bicarbonate transporters (e.g., AE1, kNBC1, NBC3, and SCL26A6), and proton antiporter, NHE1 in a membrane protein complex called a transport metabolon. CAXII and CAXIV may also be associated with transporters in normal kidney and CAIX in RCCs. The multiplicity of CAs implicates their importance in acid–base and other solute transport along the nephron. For example, CAII on the cytoplasmic face and CAIV on the extracellular surface provide the ‘push' and ‘pull' for bicarbonate transport by supplying and dissipating substrate respectively.
New grayscale hit-miss operator

The morphological binary hit-miss operator has been used extensively to locate features within a binary image. We propose a grayscale hit-miss operator that detects signal shapes and is applicable to scalar-valued functions on one, two, or more dimensions. The hit and miss structuring elements define the lower and upper bounds of the signal: If a signal lies between the hit and miss templates, then the hit-miss operator will produce a one output; otherwise, it will respond with zero. We incorporate a fuzzy logic element to the hit-miss operator to indicate how strongly the signal matches the hit-miss templates. © 2004 SPIE and IS&T. [DOI: 10.1117/1.1631318]
Tunable-column selectivity and time-of-flight detection for high-speed GC/MS

A pressure-tunable ensemble of two capillary separation columns is combined with time-of-flight mass spectral detection for the high-speed characterization and analysis of volatile organic compounds. The detector can record up to 500 complete mass spectra per second and can obtain spectral deconvolution and thus characterization of severely overlapping and unknown chromatographic peaks. The tunable capillary column ensemble consists of the series combination of a nonpolar 5% phenyl poly(dimethylsiloxane) column and a polar poly(ethylene glycol) column. Adjustment of the pressure at the column junction point is achieved by the use of an electronic pressure controller. Changes in the junction pressure result in changes in the relative contribution that each of the columns makes to overall retention. This causes changes in the retention patterns, which can be used to enhance the utility of the TOFMS detector. The use of high spectral acquisition rates allows for the deconvolution of very closely spaced peaks...
A Corpus-Based Approach for the Prediction of Language Impairment in Monolingual English and Spanish-English Bilingual Children

In this paper we explore a learning-based approach to the problem of predicting language impairment in children. We analyzed spontaneous narratives of children and extracted features measuring different aspects of language including morphology, speech fluency, language productivity and vocabulary. Then, we evaluated a learning-based approach and compared its predictive accuracy against a method based on language models. Empirical results on monolingual English-speaking children and bilingual Spanish-English speaking children show the learning-based approach is a promising direction for automatic language assessment.
A Frequency/Detector Pruning Approach for Loudness Estimation

In this letter, we propose a frequency and detector pruning approach for reducing the computational complexity associated with loudness estimation. The frequency pruning approach exploits the principles of psychoacoustics such that the total neural activity is preserved. The detector pruning approach evaluates the excitation/loudness patterns at nonuniform sample locations and employs signal interpolation techniques to obtain their corresponding high resolution estimates. Comparative results with the Moore and Glasberg loudness estimation process reveal that the proposed pruning approach for loudness estimation performs consistently well for different types of audio signals with a significant reduction in the computational complexity.
Development and Adoption of Early AASHO Design Criteria

The conception, development, and adoption of early AASHO highway design criteria are documented. Examining the early efforts states used to select a design vehicle and develop horizontal curve design criteria illustrates why AASHO's leadership was necessary. AASHO's slow and somewhat haphazard criteria development, and the disparity from state to state, demonstrated the need for a national consensus in highway design parameters. AASHO's role in providing these criteria is outlined through its initial development of policy booklets, followed by its 1954 publication of the landmark Blue Book. The processes by which nine states adopted the AASHO guidance are briefly reviewed. In several cases, the AASHO policy was embraced immediately, and in others it was accepted slowly as states clung to their independent design processes and only gradually updated their design criteria. A few simple conclusions are drawn about the development and adoption process, particularly as it may relate to tomorrow's highway design criteria.
Investigation of acrylamide-modified melamine-formaldehyde resins as a compatibilizer for kenaf-unsaturated polyester composites

Kenaf fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites were prepared by compression molding. A novel compatibilizer was prepared from melamine, formaldehyde, and acrylamide. The treatment of kenaf fibers with the compatibilizer significantly increased the flexural properties and reduced the water uptake of the resulting kenaf–UPE composites. The effects of the total solids content, the molar ratios of melamine/formaldehyde/acrylamide, and the pH value of the compatibilizer solution in the treatment of kenaf fibers on the flexural strength, flexural modulus, as well as the water uptake of the kenaf–UPE composites were studied in detail. Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed that the compatibilizer was covalently bonded to kenaf fibers. Scanning electron microscopy images of the fractured kenaf–UPE composites confirmed that the treatment of kenaf fibers with the compatibilizer improved the interfacial adhesion between kenaf fibers and UPE resin. The mechanisms for the improved flexural properties and the reduced water uptake by the treatments of the kenaf fibers were proposed and discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
FILM BOILING HEAT TRANSFER FROM A SPHERE IN NATURAL AND FORCED CONVECTION OF FREON-113

Abstract Boiling heat transfer fluxes were measured on a 3.84-cm hollow copper sphere, in both forced convection and pool boiling, as a function of angular position in Freon 113. Forced-convection tests were run at speeds of 0.5 to 1.9 m/s. These tests were conducted in the stable film boiling region of the boiling curve. Significant heat transfer rates were measured in the vapor wake region of the sphere for flow film boiling. Video observations of the boiling process revealed that the flow film boiling vapor removal mechanism consisted of periodic formation and detachment of a vapor wake in the rear of the sphere. For pool boiling it was found that the heated surface had a uniform rate of energy dissipation in the stable film boiling regime, whereas in forced convection the film boiling rate was dependent on angular position. Pool film boiling tests also showed multiple “humps” (more than one maximum heat flux) in the boiling curve when the liquid was subcooled.
Temperature dependence of the excitation energy spectrum of He II

The energy excitation spectrum of He II is temperature dependent. This was shown by using the experimental data reported by Bendt, Cowan, and Yarnell [Phys. Rev. 113\ensuremath{\rightarrow} 1386 (1959)]. We can reproduce this dependence by using a modified Brueckner-Sawada method [Phys. Rev. 106\ensuremath{\rightarrow}, 1128 (1957)] together with an external potential.
Mylonitization in the lower plate of the Buckskin-Rawhide detachment fault, west-central Arizona: Implications for the geometric evolution of metamorphic core complexes

Abstract In metamorphic core complexes it is commonly unclear whether lower plate mylonites formed as the down-dip continuation of a detachment fault, or whether they represent a subhorizontal shear zone that was captured by a more steeply dipping detachment fault. Detailed microstructural, fabric, and strain data from mylonites in the Buckskin-Rawhide metamorphic core complex, west-central Arizona, constrain the structural development of the lower plate shear zone. Widespread exposures of ∼22–21 Ma granitoids of the Swansea Plutonic Suite enable us to separate Miocene strain coeval with core complex extension from older deformation. Mylonites across the lower plate consistently record top-to-the-NE-directed shear. Miocene quartz and feldspar deformation/recrystallization mechanisms indicate ∼450–500 °C mylonitization temperatures that were relatively uniform across a distance of ∼35 km in the extension direction. Quartz dynamically recrystallized grain sizes do not systematically vary in the extension direction. Strain recorded in the Swansea Plutonic Suite is also relatively uniform in the extension direction, which is incompatible with models in which lower plate mylonites form as the ductile root of a major detachment fault. Altogether these data suggest the mylonitic shear zone initiated with a ≤4° dip and was unroofed by a more steeply dipping detachment fault system. Lower plate mylonites in the Buckskin-Rawhide metamorphic core complex thus represent a captured subhorizontal shear zone rather than the down-dip continuation of a detachment fault.
Antihypertensive medications and diastolic dysfunction progression in an African American population

Background Although different classes and combinations of antihypertensive agents have demonstrated effectiveness in management of hypertension, the choice of drugs in African American patients is often different. To purpose of this study is to determine whether there is an association between class of antihypertensive medication and diastolic dysfunction progression in an African American population. Methods A retrospective cohort study of African American patients with echocardiograms demonstrating diastolic dysfunction from an echocardiogram database for an academic medical centre. The main outcome measures were change in diastolic function grade as a function of time and associated risk factors. Twelve risk factors evaluated were considered in the analysis: age, body mass index (BMI), Diabetes Mellitus, tobacco use, use of Beta Blockers, Angiotensin Converting Enzymes (ACE) inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers, diuretics, left ventricular hypertrophy, and left atrial size. Results During the 6-year retrospective cohort study period, there were 96 patients in the database with 2 or more echocardiograms demonstrating diastolic dysfunction; representing 302 echocardiograms. The mean time between echocardiograms was 2.6years. The mean age was 64.2 (±10.1) with 78 % female and a mean BMI 31.2 (±7.4). The majority of subjects had Grade I diastolic dysfunction at the initial examination ( N =87 (90.6%)). Approximately 22.9% ( n =22) of the study cohort demonstrated diastolic dysfunction progression. In univariate risk factor analysis, age was the only risk factor associated with progression, as younger patients were more likely to progress ( p p Conclusions Our study showed use of Calcium channel blockers to have a protective effect against progression of diastolic dysfunction in this African American cohort. Identifying factors that can mediate disease progression is particularly important for hypertensive African Americans, who have significantly higher rates of developing disease complications such as diastolic heart failure.
Stochastic approach for motion vector estimation in video coding

Motion vector (MV) estimation plays an important role in motion compensated video coding. We propose in this research a new fast MV estimation algorithm by using a statistical approach. Our algorithm consists of two components. First, instead of using a fixed search window centered at the origin, we allow the center and the size of the search window to vary according to the motion vectors obtained in coding previous frames. Second, instead of performing an exhaustive block matching within the search window, we introduce a probability density function which has a peak at the window center and decays as the distance becomes larger, and we generate a few search positions according to the probability density. Experiments are performed to illustrate the excellent performance of the proposed algorithm.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
INCREMENTAL COVERAGE OF THE UNINSURED

Trends in today's health care marketplace are putting care for the uninsured at risk. The numbers of insured are growing, 1 and safety net providers such as public hospitals and community health centers are feeling the financial strain of the growth of Medicaid managed care. The uninsured have experienced difficulty obtaining needed care in the past, 2-7 and their ability to obtain such care in the future is in even greater jeopardy. In the absence of attention to the aggregate problem of the uninsured, special focus on vulnerable subpopulations—Children, low-income women, the unemployed, and older uninsured adults—should receive greatest priority. Incremental changes that would expand health insurance coverage to groups most likely to benefit from access to care would reduce the immediate burdens created by shrinking availability of free care. Incremental Options for Expanding Health Insurance Coverage Building on existing programs and administrative structures offers a foundation for incremental expansions.
Adjunctive antimicrobial therapy for complicated appendicitis: bacterial overkill by combination therapy.

Although single antimicrobials with broad-spectrum aerobic and anaerobic coverage are effective in patients with appendicitis, many general surgeons continue to use multiple agents. A prospective, doubleblind, randomized trial was designed to detect any clinical correlate of in vitro susceptibility advantage of multiple antimicrobials as adjunctive therapy for 114 patients undergoing operation for complicated appendicitis. There was clinical resolution of intraabdominal infections with no occurrence of postoperative infectious complications in 90% (36 of 40) of the cefotetan group and 86% (31 of 36) of the clindamycin/amikacin group (p=0.11). The number of patients who had changes in antibiotic therapy due to postoperative complications was higher in the clindamycin/amikacin group: five (12.5%), compared to one (2.8%) in the cefotetan group (p=0.07). Although Bacteroides fragilis group organisms resistant to cefotetan were identified, none was responsible for the postoperative infections. Adverse drug events in 28% of the cefotetan group and 26% of the clindamycin/amikacin group consisted primarily of transient elevations of liver function tests. Monotherapy with a second-generation, broad-spectrum cephalosporin, such as cefotetan, given twice a day is an economical and effective adjunctive regimen in patients with complicated appendicitis for which operation is the definitive treatment. Aminoglycosides and other, more potent antimicrobials should be reserved for resistant organisms or nosocomial infections.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IN THE SOUTH: AN ANALYSIS OF THE DETERMINANTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN SUPERFUND

The intent of the present research is twofold. First, this study explores racial and class equity in the remediation of Superfund sites in the South (EPA Region IV) over three time periods related to reform in Superfund. Second, this research expands our conceptualization of procedural equity by assessing the impact of community involvement on site remediation and by exploring factors that predict community involvement. This research explores whether active communities realize greater rewards in terms of more desirable cleanup outcomes and a quicker pace of cleanup and examines who participates in remediation. Findings indicate that higher levels of community involvement can lengthen the remediation process as well as result in some less desirable forms of cleanup. Results also show that sites with a greater percentage of racial and ethnic minorities are less likely to participate in remediation, but the opposite is true for lower income communities. Implications of these findings and suggestions for futu...
EFFECT OF ADRENAL FACTORS ON PLASMA PROTEINS1,2

THE ADRENAL CORTEX plays an important part in the regulation of the composition of blood plasma. In its absence plasma volume is reduced, plasma sodium falls and potassium rises. Treatment of an adrenalectomized animal withadrenal extract can maintain the normal volume and electrolyte composition of the plasma. This extract can be divided into two fractions, one (sodium factor fraction) which maintains normal electrolyte composition and the other (cortin fraction) which maintains the health of the adrenalectomised animal with a normal plasma volume and a low plasma sodium (1). The synthetic compound, desoxycorticosterone, can also maintain normal plasma volume and electrolyte pattern. Quite recently Levin and Leathern (2) have reported the effects of adrenalectomy on the plasma proteins of six rats. Their observations led to the tentative conclusion that the albumin level is maintained by the adrenal cortex.
Health outcome improvements in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus using two telephone counseling interventions

Objective. To examine the effectiveness of two telephone intervention strategies for improving the health outcomes of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods. Fifty-eight SLE patients were randomly assigned to receive a 6-month telephone counseling intervention using either a treatment counseling (TC) or symptom monitoring (SM) strategy. Health outcomes were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 (AIMS2). Results. At the 6-month followup, the mean AIMS2 Physical Function scale and AIMS2 Social Support scale scores were significantly improved (P < 0.05) for the TC group compared to the SM groups. The mean FSS score, AIMS2 Affect score, and AIMS2 Pain score were significantly improved (P < 0.05) for both groups. Conclusions. Telephone interventions, especially using the TC approach, can be effective for improving the functional status of persons with SLE.
A CCD color-magnitude diagram for the globular cluster IC 4499

A color-magnitude diagram (CMD) based on CCD observations in B and V is presented for the Galactic globular cluster IC 4499. The CMD reaches the main-sequence turnoff and reveals a horizontal branch (HB) similar to that of M3 in morphology; however, RR Lyrae variables compose 68 percent of the HB stars in IC 4499. We find V(HB) = 17.68 +/- 0.03 mag and, after adopting a metal abundance of (Fe/H)=- 1.65 +/- 0.10, derive a reddening of E(B-V) = 0.15 +/- 0.03 using the color of the red giant branch. We show that the (B-V) color extent of the IC 4499 HB is significantly smaller than that of M3 and NGC 3201. In particular, the red HBs of these clusters appear morphologically indistinguishable, whereas the blue HBs of M3 and NGC 3201 are more extended than that of IC 4499. If this difference is due to a variation in the mass range along the blue HB, we estimate that, in the mean, stars on the blue HB of IC 4499 are at least roughly 0.02 solar mass more massive than similar stars in M3 and NGC 3201.
High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) study of the 4a and 6a superstructure of bornite Cu5FeS4

The crystal structure and microstructure of bornite have been of great interest to mineralogists since the pioneering studies of Morimoto and his colleagues (Morimoto 1964; Koto and Morimoto 1975). Because many questions about bornite remain, we are re-examining its structure using HRTEM. High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) images taken along the axis of bornite and processed by CRISP show variations of contrast between superstructure images and sublattice (1 a ) images. This contrast variation in the processed images is assumed to arise from vacancy ordering. Atom coordinates in the 4 a -I and 6 a -I superstructures are determined with the assumptions that superstructures possess the same symmetry as the sublattice and metal atoms occupy tetrahedral sites. Final structural models of 4 a -I and 6 a -I superstructures are calculated using simultaneous equations involving structure factors derived from Fourier transforms (FT) of HRTEM images, and the results are confirmed by image and diffraction simulations. With these models, the non-systematic extinctions are explained by the statistical vacancy ordering patterns. However, due to various approximations, the structures proposed are only possible models, but not unique solutions. So far, no low-temperature structure of bornite (2 a 4 a 2 a ) has been observed, but 1 a , 2 a , and 4 a -I or 6 a -I superstructure domains are always found to coexist in bornite near room temperature. We have also found that electron beam damage can induce the 1 a 2 a 1 a superstructure.
A Weighted Erdős-Ginzburg-Ziv Theorem

An n-set partition of a sequence S is a collection of n nonempty subsequences of S, pairwise disjoint as sequences, such that every term of S belongs to exactly one of the subsequences, and the terms in each subsequence are all distinct so that they can be considered as sets. If S is a sequence of m+n−1 elements from a finite abelian group G of order m and exponent k, and if $$W = {\left\{ {w_{i} } \right\}}^{n}_{{i = 1}}$$ is a sequence of integers whose sum is zero modulo k, then there exists a rearranged subsequence $${\left\{ {b_{i} } \right\}}^{n}_{{i = 1}}$$ of S such that $${\sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^n {w_{i} b_{i} = 0} }$$. This extends the Erdős–Ginzburg–Ziv Theorem, which is the case when m = n and wi = 1 for all i, and confirms a conjecture of Y. Caro. Furthermore, we in part verify a related conjecture of Y. Hamidoune, by showing that if S has an n-set partition A=A1, . . .,An such that |wiAi| = |Ai| for all i, then there exists a nontrivial subgroup H of G and an n-set partition A′ =A′1, . . .,A′n of S such that $$H \subseteq {\sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^n {w_{i} {A}\ifmmode{'}\else$'$\fi_{i} } }$$ and $${\left| {w_{i} {A}\ifmmode{'}\else$'$\fi_{i} } \right|} = {\left| {{A}\ifmmode{'}\else$'$\fi_{i} } \right|}$$ for all i, where wiAi={wiai |ai∈Ai}.
Effects of aerobic exercise on energy expenditure and nitrogen balance during very low calorie dieting.

Abstract Aerobic exercise in addition to severe caloric restriction was studied for its effects on resting energy expenditure (REE), weight loss, and lean tissue preservation in adult women. A formula diet providing 1.5 g protein and 0.5 g carbohydrate (CHO) per kilogram of ideal body weight daily (mean intake 720 kcal/d) was given to 12 overweight inpatients for 4 to 5 weeks. Six subjects remained sedentary (group 1), while the other six subjects (group 2) performed supervised endurance exercise (a total of 27 hours at 50% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) over 4 weeks). Lean tissue preservation was excellent in both groups and was unaffected by the group 2 exercise regimen. Weight loss over 4 weeks in the two groups did not differ (group 1, 6.9 ± 0.7 kg; group 2, 6.5 ± 0.7 kg). The VO2max was not increased after 4 weeks of exercise compared with controls. The resting oxygen consumption (rVO2) of both groups declined 10% (P
Inducible Nitric-oxide Synthase Is an Important Contributor to Prolonged Protective Effects of Ischemic Preconditioning in the Mouse Kidney

Ischemic preconditioning renders the mouse kidney resistant to subsequent ischemia. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for ischemic preconditioning is important for formulating therapeutic strategies aimed at mimicking protective mechanisms. We report that the resistance afforded by 30 min of bilateral kidney ischemia persists for 12 weeks after preconditioning. The protection is reflected by improved postischemic renal function, reduced leukocyte infiltration, reduced postischemic disruption of the actin cytoskeleton, and reduced postischemic expression of kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1). The protection is observed in both BALB/c and C57BL/6J strains of mice. Thirty minutes of prior ischemia increases the expression of inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) and the expression of heat shock protein (HSP)-25 and is associated with increased interstitial expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), an indication of long term postischemic sequelae. Treatment with Nomega-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA), an inhibitor of NO synthesis, increases kidney susceptibility to ischemia. Gene deletion of iNOS increases kidney susceptibility to ischemia, whereas gene deletion of eNOS has no effect. Pharmacological inhibition of NOS by l-NNA or l-N6-(1-iminoethyl) lysine (l-NIL, a specific inhibitor of iNOS) mitigates the kidney protection afforded by 30 min of ischemic preconditioning. Fifteen minutes of prior ischemic preconditioning, which does not result in the disruption of the actin cytoskeleton, impairment of renal function, increased interstitial alpha-SMA, or increased iNOS or eNOS expression, but does increase HSP-25 expression, partially protects the kidney from ischemia on day 8 via a mechanism that is not abolished by l-NIL treatment. Thus, iNOS is responsible for a significant component of the long term protection afforded the kidney by ischemic preconditioning, which results in persistent renal interstitial disease, but does not explain the preconditioning seen with shorter periods of ischemia.
The effect of virus infection on pyruvate metabolism

Abstract E. coli cells infected with T 2 or T 7 virus accumulate pyruvate during the metabolism of l -serine or lactate. This was shown to be due to a markedly reduced ability of virus-infected cells to metabolize pyruvate as compared with uninfected cells. When cells are first infected with T 2 and then with T 7 , pyruvate continues to be utilized at the reduced rate characteristic of T 2 infection, indicating that the effect of virus is on intracellular control mechanisms for pyruvate metabolism. During viral adsorption and penetration, materials “leak” from the infected cells which have the ability to stimulate pyruvate metabolism in diluted cell-free extracts. In addition, cocarboxylase appears to be more labile in extracts from T 2 -infected cells as compared with extracts from normal cells. These facts may account for the reduced rate of oxidation of pyruvate in phage-infected cells. The present results are discussed in relation to other known metabolic effects of virus infection.
Regulation and the “rights” revolution: Can (should) we rescue the new deal?

In After the Rights Revolution, Cass Sunstein confronts the “Chicago” intellectual tradition on the effects of government regulation. While recognizing the many failures of regulation, Sunstein argues that most regulation serves a potentially useful purpose and that the courts can be relied on to correct the worst regulatory failures. He offers a dizzying array of prescriptions to ensure this outcome, many of which would appear to run afoul of clear congressional intent. In a more recent book, Breaking the Vicious Circle, Stephen Breyer offers a different diagnosis. He sees health‐safety‐environmental regulation as essentially out of control because of the “vicious circle” created by irrational and ineffective government responses to the public's concern about the risk of exposure to carcinogens. Breyer does not believe that this vicious circle of excessive and irrational regulation can be broken by the courts. Instead, he suggests the creation of an elite bureaucratic corps with the mission of proposing ...
Fabrication of 3D surface structures using grayscale lithography

The ability to design and develop 3D microstructures is important for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication. Previous techniques used to create 3D devices included tedious steps in direct writing and aligning patterns onto a substrate followed by multiple photolithography steps using expensive, customized equipment. Additionally, these techniques restricted batch processing and placed limits on achievable shapes. Gray-scale lithography enables the fabrication of a variety of shapes using a single photolithography step followed by reactive ion etching (RIE). Micromachining 3D silicon structures for MEMS can be accomplished using gray-scale lithography along with dry anisotropic etching. In this study, we investigated: using MATLAB for mask designs; feasibility of using 1 μm Heidelberg mask maker to direct write patterns onto photoresist; using RIE processing to etch patterns into a silicon substrate; and the ability to tailor etch selectivity for precise fabrication. To determine etch rates and to obtain desired etch selectivity, parameters such as gas mixture, gas flow, and electrode power were studied. This process successfully demonstrates the ability to use gray-scale lithography and RIE for use in the study of micro-contacts. These results were used to produce a known engineered non-planer surface for testing micro-contacts. Surface structures are between 5 μm and 20 μm wide with varying depths and slopes based on mask design and etch rate selectivity. The engineered surfaces will provide more insight into contact geometries and failure modes of fixed-fixed micro-contacts.
Currents on conducting surfaces of a semielliptical-channel-backed slotted screen in an isorefractive environment

Electromagnetic penetration through an aperture into a cavity is considered. The structure of interest is a semielliptical channel flush-mounted under a metal plane and slotted along the interfocal distance of its cross-section. The channel is filled with a material isorefractive to the medium that occupies the half-space above the metal plane. Three independent integral equations are developed to compute the currents induced on the structure of interest by plane wave and line source excitations. Numerical results from the integral equation methods are compared with the evaluation of the analytical expressions, derived in a previous paper, that involve the summation of Mathieu functions. Data are presented for two polarizations, various values of intrinsic impedances and ratio between aperture width and incident radiation wavelength. Further data are presented for the bistatic radar cross-section of the structure of interest. All data obtained from the integral equation methods and the evaluations of the analytical formulas are in excellent agreement.
Theorizing Women's Representation in the United States

From the perspective of women's experiences, it is easy to see that democratic representative institutions can be tools of oppression. After all, formal democratic institutions have been either a form of governance that has only ruled over women (e.g., women were formally prohibited from holding elected offices) or a form of governance in which women have ruled and been ruled unequally (e.g., the number of female representatives have been significantly lower than the number of male representatives). Moreover, informal representative institutions, for example, interest groups, do not seem to work for women as well as they do for powerful men (Strolovitch 2007). These facts suggest that democratic representative institutions need to be viewed suspiciously. We should not assume that representative institutions in democracies necessarily benefit all women. We need to recognize how they can divide women, pitting some women's interests and preferences against other women's interests and preferences. Democratic representative institutions can function to preserve the status quo, distributing benefits unjustly among different men and women.
Mouvements de parois dans un nématique sous champ tournant

Soit une lame nematique dont une face (F1) est ancree a une couche solide imposant une orientation fixe, l'autre (F2) etant libre. La lame est soumise a un champ magnetique H tournant. Si l'on parvient a eviter la nucleation de disclinations, on devrait observer un train de parois a 180° migrant de F1 vers F2, d'ou, dans des cas favorables, une coloration par rotation.
Induction of integrin α2 in a highly bone metastatic human prostate cancer cell line: roles of RANKL and AR under three-dimensional suspension culture

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) bone metastasis can be markedly enhanced by increased receptor activator of NF kappa-B ligand (RANKL) expression in PCa cells. Molecular mechanisms that account for the increased predilection of PCa for bone include increased bone turnover, promotion of PCa cell growth and survival in the bone environment, and recruitment of bystander dormant cells to participate in bone metastasis. The current study tests the hypothesis that PCa cells acquire high adhesion to bone matrix proteins, which controls PCa bone colonization, under the RANKL/ RANK and AR axes. Methods: We used a highly bone metastatic RANKL-overexpressing LNCaP PCa cell line, LNCaP RANKL , as a model to pursue the molecular mechanisms underlying the increased adhesion of PCa cells to collagens. A three-dimensional (3-D) suspension PCa organoid model was developed. The functions of integrin α2 in cell adhesion and survival were evaluated by flow cytometry and western blot. AR expression and functionality were compared in 2-D monolayer versus 3-D suspension cultures using AR promoter- and PSA promoter-luciferase activity. AR role in cell adhesion was assessed using an adhesion assay. Results: LNCaP RANKL cells were shown to adhere tightly to ColI matrix through increased α2 integrin expression. This increased adhesion, concomitant with activation of the FAK and Akt pathways, was further enhanced by culturing LNCaP RANKL cells in 3-D suspension. Under the influence of 3-D suspension culture, AR was restored in LNCaP RANKL cells via downregulation of AP-4 transcription factor, and supported increased α2 integrin expression and adhesion to ColI. Conclusion: 3-D suspension culture and in vivo PCa tumor growth restore AR through downregulation of AP-4, enhancing integrin α2 expression and adhesion to ColI which is rich in bone matrices. The interactions of PCa with ColI, mediated by integrin α2 and AR expression, could be a key molecular event accounting for PCa bone metastasis.
On Having One's Data Shared

or at least diminishing puzzles about intentionality and representation, and it is for perhaps this reason that so much philosophical attention has recently focused on the problem of consciousness. Lloyd’s (2002) study suggests an approach to consciousness that, to our knowledge, marks a promising departure from the status quo. In the first place, Lloyd takes seriously work in phenomenology with which most philosophers in the analytic tradition are unfamiliar. This, by itself, is no reason to endorse such work, but if, as Lloyd suggests, phenomenology might be usefully integrated with functional brain imaging, then it is time for the analytic philosopher to think more carefully about phenomenological investigations of consciousness. Perhaps even more significantly, Lloyd’s work gives the philosopher, whether of phenomenological or analytical bent, a working example of how philosophical speculations about consciousness might usefully be married to functional brain imaging.
Fact and artifact in copepod feeding experiments1

In several recent papers dealing with the feeding of copepods on natural particle assemblages investigators have claimed to show types of behavior more complex than simple sieving by the animals. We question these interpretations because first, the sensing-zone counters used in these experiments size particles on the basis of their volumes, so that the equivalent spherical diameters thus obtained bear little relationship to the linear dimensions of many algal cells; and second, sieves remove particles from water on the basis of their linear dimensions, not necessarily on the basis of their volumes. If mixtures of phytoplankton of diverse shapes are passed through a sieve and sized with a sensing-zone counter, the sieve will appear to have “behavior.” Two other sources of artifact-the breakage of phytoplankton cells by experimental agitation and by the feeding of the copepods-add to the difficulties of interpreting natural particle experiments. Proper control experiments to evaluate the contribution of these sources of artifact to experimental results have not yet been done.
Optimal transmission switching analysis and marginal switching results

Strategically removing transmission lines from service has been shown to produce significant system cost savings. This optimization of the transmission network topology is known as transmission switching. The mixed-integer linear programming problem presented by Optimal Transmission Switching is too complex to solve on large systems in real time. Here, we analyze the results of Optimal Transmission Switching on the RTS-96 network to identify network characteristics that may help identify solution sets and reduce computational complexity.