cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changing returns to education in times of prosperity and crisis, Thailand 1985–1998

Abstract Using data from Thailand’s National Labor Force Surveys, this paper describes changes in the distribution of educational attainment among young men and women, and assesses changes in the returns to schooling. The results show that the average educational attainment of the population increased between 1985 and 1998, and that the inequities in educational attainment between rural and urban areas declined. The analyses show that the impact of education on earnings fluctuates widely depending on the level of schooling completed and gender. While the value of years of schooling is generally stable over time, the impact of completing secondary or higher education depends on the time and gender. The policy implications of this research focus on the importance of adopting a diversified strategy to educational investments at the national level, rather than simply using rates of return evidence to make decisions about how to expand education.
A Rabbit Model for Metabolic Studies after Burn Injury

Background.A rabbit burn model was developed and characterized, which will allow conduct of repeated, noninvasive and more sophisticatedin vivometabolic studies to explore the pathophysiology of burn injury, owing to its larger blood volume and tissue mass than the rat. Materials and methods.A 20% body surface, full thickness burn was applied to the backs of six anesthetized rabbits by immersion into a boiling-water bath for 10 s, followed by resuscitation with saline. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured daily in pre- and postburn periods. Whole body protein kinetics were evaluated using L-[1-13C]leucine tracer, on the preburn and the third postburn day. Fasting plasma glucose was also measured. Results.A significant elevation of REE began on the second postburn day and reached 34 ± 8% above the preburn level (P< 0.05, pairedttest) on the third postburn day. The fasting plasma leucine flux and oxidation were significantly elevated from their preburn levels (bothP< 0.05), indicating an accelerated proteolysis and a more negative body protein balance (P< 0.05); however, the rate of whole body protein synthesis did not differ significantly pre- and postburn injury. Fasting plasma glucose also increased (P< 0.001) on the third postburn day. The burn scar remained intact during the study, without any sign of infection. Conclusions.The metabolic changes observed in this animal model can be attributed to burn injuryper seand they mimic those for flow phase in burn patients. This rabbit burn model should be suitable for exploring mechanistic aspects of the burn-induced changes in metabolism and nutrient balance.
HOLOTHYRIDS AND TICKS: NEW INSIGHTS FROM LARVAL MORPHOLOGY AND DNA SEQUENCING, WITH THE DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF DIPLOTHYRUS (PARASITIFORMES: NEOTHYRIDAE)

The hypothesis of a close relationship between the suborders Holothyrida and Ixodida is re-examined based on new morphological and molecular data. Description of the larva of a new species of Neothyridae (Holothyrida), the first formal description of this instar for the suborder, does not provide additional morphological data supporting the relationship. However, because the larva is holotrichous, it does allow the first direct comparison of setation patterns among immatures of all four parasitiform suborders (Holothyrida, Ixodida, Opiliocarida and Mesostigmata). Analysis of sequence data for three loci (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and Elongation Factor 1-alpha), with representation of all families of Holothyrida, provided strong evidence for (1) the monophyly of Holothyrida, (2) a close relationship between Holothyrida and Ixodida, and (3) a grouping of the large bodied Parasitiformes (Opilioacarida, Holothyrida, and Ixodida), with the exclusion of Mesostigmata.
The Los Alamos free electron laser: Accelerator performance☆

The Los Alamos free electron (FEL) laser oscillator has successfully operated over a wavelength range from 9 to 11 ..mu..m with a peak output power of 5 MW and an average output power of 6 kW over a 70-..mu..s pulse length. The FEL is driven by a conventional rf linear accelerator operating at 1.3 GHz with a nominal energy of 20 MeV. Particularly important parts of the beamline are the electron gun, the subharmonic and fundamental-bunching systems, the accelerator, the feedback controllers, the steering and focusing systems, the Cherenkov radiators used as beam-position monitors, and the slow and fast deflectors used with the diagnostic spectrometer at the exit of the beamline. We will discuss problems and present the performance of these components. 10 references, 12 figures, 2 tables.
A randomized comparison of a commercially available portion-controlled weight-loss intervention with a diabetes self-management education program.

A randomized comparison of a commercially available portion-controlled weight-loss intervention with a diabetes self-management education program
Quantitating Human Optic Disc Topography

A method is presented for quantitatively expressing the topography of the human optic disc, applicable in a clinical setting to the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. Pho-tographs of the disc illuminated by a pattern of fine, high contrast parallel lines are digitized. From the measured deviation of the lines as they traverse the disc surface, disc topography is calculated, using the principles of optical sectioning. The quantitators applied to express this topography have the the following advantages : sensitivity to disc shape; objectivity; going beyond the limits of cup-disc ratio estimates and volume calculations; perfect generality in a mathematical sense; an inherent scheme for determining a non-subjective reference frame to compare different discs or the same disc over time.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Binding of a radiolabeled sea anemone cytolysin to erythrocyte membranes

Stichodactyla helianthus cytolysin III, a 17 kDa basic polypeptide isolated from a Caribbean sea anemone, is one of the most potent hemolysins yet found in a living organism. This toxin has been reported to form new ion channels in artificial lipid bilayer membranes. The ability of this toxin to attack cell membranes is greatly enhanced by the presence of sphingomyelin. In order to investigate the mechanism by which the cytolysin causes cell lysis, we have prepared a highly active [3H]cytolysin derivative by reductive methylation with sodium cyanoborohydride and [3H]formaldehyde. A dimethylated toxin derivative was used to investigate the basis for the differential lytic activity of this polypeptide upon erythrocytes from six mammalian species. Using both direct [3H]toxin binding and indirect (Thron method) binding techniques, we found that the interspecies differences are due to variable membrane susceptibilities toward the bound toxin, rather than to differences in membrane affinity for the toxin. Similarly, we showed the enhanced lytic activity of the toxin for rat erythrocytes at elevated pH to be caused by enhanced activity of the bound toxin.
Bending of wind-blown flames from liquid pools

The bending of a flame by wind influences the amount of heat transferred by radiation and convection, the fuel burning rate, and the flame spread rate. To what extent will a flame be bent by wind? The author presents correlations of data taken from liquid pool fires, which enable us to predict flame bending and trailing for large fires.
Subunit composition of the tissue specific bovine brain S-100 protein.

Summary Polyacrylamide disc electrophoresis in SDS-urea of S-100 isolated from beef brain demonstrates that the protein is composed of two subunits. The molecular weight of one subunit (β) is 5,300 and the other (α) is 4,100. The native 19,500 molecular weight S-100 is proposed to have two α and two β subunits. There are four types of α subunits and two types of β subunits as detected by disc electrophoresis in urea gels. The existence of multiple α and β subunits provides a basis for the observed multiplicity of native S-100 proteins.
Gene delivery to human adult and embryonic cell-derived stem cells using biodegradable nanoparticulate polymeric vectors.

Gene delivery to stem cells holds great potential for tissue regeneration and delivery of therapeutic proteins. The major barrier is the lack of safe and efficient delivery methods. Here, we report enhanced gene delivery systems for human stem cells using biodegradable polymeric vectors. A library of poly (β-amino esters) end-modified derivatives was developed and optimized for high transfection efficiency and low cytotoxicity for three human stem cell lines including human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) and human embryonic stem cell-derived cells (hESCds). In the presence of 10% serum, leading end-modified C32 polymeric vectors exhibited significantly high transfection efficiency in hMSCs (27±2%), hADSCs (24±3%) and hESCds (56±11%), with high cell viability (87–97%) achieved in all cell types. Our results show that poly(β-amino esters) as a class, and end-modified versions of C32 in particular, are efficient polymeric vectors for gene delivery to both adult and embryonic-derived stem cells.
Laser interferometer and reciprocity calibration of accelerometers using the NIST Super Shaker

The development of the NIST Super Shaker permits calibration of accelerometers by two independent and absolute methods on the same shaker. Minimizing the uncertainty of reciprocity calibrations imposes stringent requirements for distortion and cross-axis motion. Laser interferometer calibrations require very low coupling between the shaker and the interferometer components. The design of the Super Shaker provides for very low distortion and cross-motion with very low mechanical coupling between the shaker and optical components. The shaker is equipped with dual coils and two retractable magnets to provide for reciprocity measurements without attaching a driving shaker. These features enhance the convenience with which the Super Shaker can be used to perform both reciprocity and laser interferometer calibrations. This paper describes the shaker and calibration system and gives a comparison of calibration results from the two methods.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
In vitro synthesis and characterization of DNA complementary to potato spindle tuber viroid.

Abstract When DNase-digested calf thymus DNA is used as primer, the RNA-directed DNA polymerase of avian myeloblastosis virus will accept potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTV) as a template for DNA synthesis. The DNA obtained hybridizes specifically to PSTV and low molecular weight RNA isolated from PSTV-infected plants; no hybridization to unrelated viral RNAs or tow molecular weight RNA isolated from uninoculated host plants was detectable. Purified PSTV cDNA is heterogeneous in length, but the mean chain length is approximately one-fourth that of PSTV. The kinetics of PSTV PSTV cDNA hybridization and the thermal denaturation profile of the resulting hybrids are consistent with the known molecular weight (1.27 × 105) and G + C content (54.7%) of PSTV.
Investigations of intraband quantum cascade laser source for a MEMS-scale photoacoustic sensor

Photoacoustic spectroscopy is a useful monitoring technique that is well suited for trace gas detection applications. A sensitive and compact differential photoacoustic method for trace gas measurements is proposed. The technique possesses favorable detection characteristics that suggest the system dimensions may scale to a micro-system design. The objective of present work is to incorporate two strengths of the Army Research Laboratory (ARL); Interband Quantum Cascade Laser (ICL) source development and Chemical and Biological Sensing; we then applied them into a monolithic micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) photoacoustic trace gas sensor. Previous data has shown that reducing the size of the photoacoustic cell can produce a very sensitive sensor using a CO 2 laser. Recent work has shown that with further reduction in the size of the photoacoustic cell in combination with an ICL as the source, produces favorable detection limits for Dimethyl Methyl Phosphonate (DMMP) a precursor to a nerve agent. These studies involve the incorporation of an ICL source operating at ~3.45 mm. This experimentation is expected to culminate in the creation of an extremely versatile MEMS photoacoustic sensor.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase in cultured human cells. II. Genetic and biochemical studies of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency.

Summary: Methylenetetrahydrofolate (methylene-H4PteGlu) reductase activities in extracts of both normal and reductase-deficient cells were low and quite variable during the logarithmic phase of growth. Higher activities were detected reproducibly when the cultures were confluent. Methylene-H4PteGlu reductase activities in extracts of fibroblasts from the parents of patient CP were about half of the level observed in normal control subjects. In fibroblasts from patient CP, the activity was 20% of normal whereas, from patients LM and BM, the activities were 19% and 14% of normal, respectively. When incubated at 55° in a solution containing all the components of the standard reaction mixture except the 5-methyl-H4PteGlu substrate, the reductase activity in extracts of fibroblasts from two unrelated normal control subjects decreased to 31% and 22%, respectively, of the initial values after 30 min of incubation. In contrast, the reductase in extracts of cells patient CP was rapidly and exponentially inactivated at 55°. The reductase activity in extracts from patients LM and BM, the sisters, decreased to 22% and 38%, respectively, of the initial values. In repeated experiments the heat inactivation of reductase activity in extracts of cells from LM and BM closely resembled the normal control subjects in total extent and time course of inactivation. The reductase activity in extracts from WMa, a fourth, unreleated patient was also completely inactivated but somewhat less rapidly than with patient CP. These results provide strong evidence that the reductase deficiency in these three families is due to different alleles. The data suggest that in CP and WMa there is a mutationally induced structural defect in the aporeductase as the basis for the observed alteration in thermostability, presumably reflecting reduced ability to bind the FAD cofactor. Speculation: The observation that methylene-H4PteGlu reductase activity in crude fibroblast extracts from two of the three families studied shows reduced thermal stability as well as decreased activity raises the possibility that this enzyme is unusually susceptible to mutationally induced alterations in cofactor binding.
Ovipositional Behavior of the Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) on Stone Fruits in the Field and an Improved Oviposition Cage for Use in the Laboratory

Codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), adult pairs were confined in sleeve cages on fruits, stems, and leaves of nectarine, peach, and plum trees. Female moths laid more eggs on the lower leaf surface (56-68%) than on the upper leaf surface (22-30%); stems (3-13%); or fruit (0-12%) of all three cultivars of each fruit type. The level of pubescence reported to deter oviposition (about 70 hairs per cm2) was higher than that found on any oviposition site available in our studies, except for peach fruits. When only fruit (no foliage) was available, the distribution of eggs was 0% on peaches, 12.6% on plums, 46.8% on nectarines, and 40.6% on parts of the cage. A modified oviposition cage is described that uses velour paper as a pubescent surface to deter oviposition on selected cage surfaces and forces most egg deposition onto waxed paper end caps.
Co-crystal structure of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1a at 2.3 å resolution

Abstract Background: The sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) are helix–loop–helix transcriptional activators that control expression of genes encoding proteins essential for cholesterol biosynthesis/uptake and fatty acid biosynthesis. Unlike helix–loop–helix proteins that recognize symmetric E-boxes (5′-CANNTG-3′), the SREBPs have a tyrosine instead of a conserved arginine in their basic regions. This difference allows recognition of an asymmetric sterol regulatory element (StRE 5′-ATCACCCCAC-3′). Results: The 2.3 a resolution co-crystal structure of the DNA-binding portion of SREBP-1a bound to an StRE reveals a quasi-symmetric homodimer with an asymmetric DNA–protein interface. One monomer binds the E-box half site of the StRE (5′-ATCAC-3′) using sidechain–base contacts typical of other helix–loop–helix proteins. The non-E-box half site (5′-GTGGG-3′) is recognized through entirely different protein–DNA contacts. Conclusions: Although the SREBPs are structurally similar to the E-box-binding helix–loop–helix proteins, the Arg→Tyr substitution yields dramatically different DNA-binding properties that explain how they recognize StREs and regulate expression of genes important for membrane biosynthesis.
Small-scale spatial variation in the population structure of vermilion snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens) from the northeast Gulf of Mexico

This study estimated the variation in demographic parameters in vermilion snapper, Rhomboplites aurorubens, on a small spatial scale (i.e., tens of kilometres). Vermilion snapper were collected from seven reef sites in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico using hook and line. Sagittal otoliths were collected from vermilion snapper sampled over a 2 years period. Vermilion snapper were assigned ages from 1 to 14 years and were assumed to be fully recruited to the sampling gear by age 4 or 5 at most reef sites. Significant differences were noted in mean total length and age by reef site, depth zone and distance from shore. The overall sex ratio of vermilion snapper favored females (1.6:1) with no significant difference in this ratio for fish collected during spawning months versus non-spawning months, depth zone or distance from shore; however, there were significant differences in sex ratios by site. Differences were noted in growth by reef site, depth zone and distance from shore using size at age and in reef site using otoliths weight at age. A middle depth site consistently indicated faster growth than all other sites. Von Bertalanffy growth curves for males and females were different, however the growth coefficient (k) was not. Mortality rates did not differ by site, depth zone or distance from shore. The results of this study underscore the importance of spatial scale for understanding the dynamics of reef fish populations.
Formation of molecular complexes by some water‐soluble amides I. Interaction of several amides with p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, salicylic acid, chloramphenicol, and phenol

On the basis of previously proposed theories, molecules possessing amide groupings would be expected to exhibit ability to form molecular complexes similar to caffeine complexes with certain proton donors. Data are presented to show that amides formed between dimethylamine and several dibasic acids have this property. Both soluble and insoluble complexes seem to result when these agents are added to hydroxybenzoic acids, chloramphenicol, and phenol.
Elegant or Strange or Foul Matter

A New History of French Medieval Literature. By Jacqueline Cerquiglini-Toulet. Translated by Sara Preisig. The Johns Hopkins University Press. 2011.French Global: A New Approach to Literary History...
Performance of pixelated CZT detectors as a function of pixel and steering grid layout

Abstract CdZnTe (CZT) is a wide band-gap II–VI semiconductor and can be used as detector for hard X-rays in astronomical instrumentation and for medical applications. Angular and energy resolutions, as well as detection efficiencies are crucial parameters to characterize the performance of CZT detectors. We studied the detector performance as a function of the geometrical layout of the anode pixel matrix for two 2 × 2 cm 2 CZT detectors with thicknesses of 2 mm and 5 mm, respectively. We varied the pixel sizes as well as their relative distances and quantified the energy resolutions and detection efficiencies. We also studied how a steering grid located between pixels affects the energy resolution and detection rate. The results of the study are presented and suggest that a steering grid substantially improves the high-energy performance of thin detectors—whereas thick detectors mainly benefit from larger pixel widths.
Glottal Gap Configurations in Two Age Groups of Women

The purpose of this study was to gather data on glottal gap configurations in two age groups of women. Using videostroboscopy, glottal closure patterns of 20 women (10 young, 10 elderly) were obser...
The impact of sovereign risk on bond duration: Evidence from Asian sovereign bond markets

Abstract This paper examines the effect of sovereign risk on bond duration. We compare the sovereign risk-adjusted duration for U.S. dollar-denominated Asian sovereign bonds with their Macaulay duration for both investment grade bonds and speculative grade bonds. We find that the sovereign risk-adjusted duration is significantly shorter than its Macaulay counterpart for all bonds, regardless of their bond rating and their maturity. Further, the “shortening” effect of sovereign risk on duration gets stronger as bond rating deteriorates and in recessionary conditions. Our findings provide strong support for the importance of adjusting for sovereign risk when bond portfolio managers apply the popular duration measure to hedge interest rate risk.
Effects of intravenous lidocaine, ketamine, and the combination on the minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane in dogs.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of intravenous lidocaine (L) and ketamine (K) alone and their combination (LK) on the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane (SEVO) in dogs. Study design Prospective randomized, Latin-square experimental study. Animals Six, healthy, adult Beagles, 2 males, 4 females, weighing 7.8 – 12.8 kg. Methods Anesthesia was induced with SEVO in oxygen delivered by face mask. The tracheas were intubated and the lungs ventilated to maintain normocapnia. Baseline minimum alveolar concentration of SEVO (MAC B ) was determined in duplicate for each dog using an electrical stimulus and then the treatment was initiated. Each dog received each of the following treatments, intravenously as a loading dose (LD) followed by a constant rate infusion (CRI): lidocaine (LD 2 mg kg −1 , CRI 50 μg kg −1 minute −1 ), lidocaine (LD 2 mg kg −1 , CRI 100 μgkg −1 minute −1 ), lidocaine (LD 2 mg kg −1 , CRI 200 μg kg −1 minute −1 ), ketamine (LD 3 mg kg −1 , CRI 50 μg kg −1 minute −1 ), ketamine (LD 3 mgkg −1 , CRI 100 μg kg −1 minute −1 ), or lidocaine (LD 2 mg kg −1 , CRI 100 μg kg −1 minute −1 ) + ketamine (LD 3 mg kg −1 , CRI 100 μg kg −1 minute −1 ) in combination. Post-treatment MAC (MAC T ) determination started 30 minutes after initiation of treatment. Results Least squares mean ± SEM MAC B of all groups was 1.9 ± 0.2%. Lidocaine infusions of 50, 100, and 200 μg kg −1 minute −1 significantly reduced MAC B by 22.6%, 29.0%, and 39.6%, respectively. Ketamine infusions of 50 and 100 μg kg −1 minute −1 significantly reduced MAC B by 40.0% and 44.7%, respectively. The combination of K and L significantly reduced MAC B by 62.8%. Conclusions and clinical relevance Lidocaine and K, alone and in combination, decrease SEVO MAC in dogs. Their use, at the doses studied, provides a clinically important reduction in the concentration of SEVO during anesthesia in dogs.
The intrastriatal 6-hydroxydopamine model of hemiparkinsonism: quantitative receptor autoradiographic evidence of correlation between circling behavior and presynaptic as well as postsynatic nigrostriatal markers in the rat

Abstract Unilateral injections of 6-hydroxydopamine into the striatum resulted in almost immediate ipsilateral amphetamine (AMPH)- and delayed contralateral apomorphine (APO)-induced circling behavior in rats. APO-induced rotation correlated positively with that caused by AMPH. In these animals, there was al almost complete disappearance of dopamine uptake sites as well as increases in DA D2 receptors in specific subdivision of the ipsilateral caudate-putamen CPu). Both the rate of AMPH- and APO-induced rotation correlated with the percentage of DA terminal loss in the total aspect and in various quadrants of the striatum. In contrast, AMPH- and APO-induced rotation correlated with the percentage increase in striatal D2 receptors only in the dorsolateral (DL) aspect of the CPu. These results indicate that both AMPH- and APO-induced rotation can be sued to determine the extent of DA terminal loss in the rat basal ganglia. The positive correlation of circling behavior to only changes in DA D2 receptors observed in the DL striatal subdivision provides further evidence for the heterogeneity of the basal ganglia. This model of hemiparkinsonism in the rat which uses a distant intrastriatal approach to the destruction of nigral DA cell bodies may be a more appropriate model to study the regenerative properties of the nigrostriatal DA system. This approach could also be used to more specifically localize peptidergic receptors on midbrain dopamine cell bodies
Excimer laser induced silicon amorphous-microcrystalline transformation and its solar cell applications

Abstract We report an amorphous-microcrystalline transformation in an amorphous silicon surface induced by krypton-fluorine excimer laser radiation. An application of this result to produce a microcrystalline window on single-crystal and on amorphous silicon solar cells is discussed.
The nephrotoxic potential of gentamicin in the cat: enzymuria and alterations in urine concentrating capability

This study investigated the potential for nephrotoxicity of gentamicin in cats by measuring marker enzyme concentrations, [Na], [K], osmolality, and pH of the urine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. Gentamicin was administered i.m. at 4.4 mg/kg once daily (s.i.d.) or twice daily (b.i.d.) for 7 days. Concentrations of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), lysozyme (LZM), alkaline phosphatase (AP), and glutamate dehydrogenase (GD) were measured as total 24-h excretions. The s.i.d. regimen produced only a slight increase in LDH excretion after 5 days, whereas the b.i.d. regimen caused an increase in the excretion of all enzymes. The greatest elevations were observed for LZM and LDH. Of the enzymes studied, these appeared to be the most appropriate to monitor for potential nephrotoxicity, except that urinary concentrations did not correlate well with duration of gentamicin administration. Only slight elevations in BUN were observed for either regimen. Single daily administration increased urine osmolality slightly, but b.i.d. treatment caused a marked and immediate decrease in urine osomolality, [Na], and total Na excretion. Urinary [K] was also depressed, as was total K excretion after 6 days. Urine pH was not substantially affected. This study showed that the recommended daily dose of 4.4 mg/kg produced little if any evidence of nephrotoxicity as indicated by the parameters measured. Twice daily dosing, however, produced elevations in urine enzyme concentrations, and markedly decreased urine osmolality and Na and K excretion. Compared to other species studied, the cat appears particularly sensitive to urine concentrating alterations resulting from repeated gentamicin administration.
Effects of retinacular release and tibial tubercle elevation in patellofemoral degenerative joint disease

Release of the patellar retinaculum and tibial tubercle elevation have both been advocated for the treatment of patellofemoral degeneration. Questions remain, however, regarding the magnitude and predictability of such effects in diseased joints. Using cadaver knee joints exhibiting a range of patellofemoral cartilage degeneration, we investigated the effects on joint contact pressures on release of the patellar retinaculum, followed by tibial tubercle elevations of 1.25 and 2.5 cm. Retinacular release failed to alter the joint-loading parameters significantly. Tibial tubercle elevation reduced the patello-femoral joint contact area and contact force, but failed to cause a consistent change in contact pressure. Tibial tubercle elevation also caused a migration of the joint contact area superolaterally on the retropatellar surface. This migration occurred in conjunction with ventral tilting of the inferior pole of the patella as the tubercle was elevated, suggesting that significant changes in joint kinematics may result from this procedure.
Luminance threshold as a function of angular distance from an inducing source.

This experiment is concerned with the distance at which a light spot disappears from the edge of a large inducing source. Considerations relative to luminance discrimination are introduced, and it is demonstrated that the results of the present experiment are describable as having some of the formal characteristics of that type of discrimination. It was observed that the border of the inducing field appeared to shift with luminance changes of the test spot. As a first approximation the results of this experiment could be accounted for by a stray-light hypothesis.
DETERMINATION OF THE CREVICE REPASSIVATION POTENTIAL OF ALLOY 22 BY A POTENTIODYNAMIC-GALVANOSTATIC-POTENTIOSTATIC METHOD

Alloy 22 (N06022) is a nickel-based alloy highly resistant to corrosion. In some aggressive conditions of high chloride concentration, temperature and applied potential, Alloy 22 may suffer crevice corrosion, a form of localized corrosion. There are several electrochemical methods that can be used to determine localized corrosion in metallic alloys. One of the most popular for rapid screening is the cyclic potentiodynamic polarization (CPP). This work compares the results obtained by measuring the localized corrosion resistance of Alloy 22 using both CPP and the more cumbersome Tsujikawa-Hisamatsu Electrochemical (THE) method. The electrolytes used were 1 M NaCl and 5 M CaCl{sub 2}, both at 90 C. Results show that similar repassivation potentials were obtained for Alloy 22 using both methods. That is, in cases where localized corrosion is observed using the fast CPP method, there is no need to use THE method since it takes ten times longer to obtain comparable results in spite of the mode of corrosion attack is different in the tested specimens.
IRON BIOAVAILABILITY OF HAND-DEBONED AND MECHANICALLY DEBONED BEEF

Iron content and bioavailability of mechanically-deboned (MD) and hand-deboned (HD) beef was investigated. Shank and plate bones with residual meat from utility grade animals were treated by both deboning processes. Iron content of MD meats was higher than HD meats. Rats were made anemic and fed one of the following diets: basal, basal + FeSO4, MD shank, HD shank, MD plate or HD plate. Hemoglobin regeneration served as the basis for measuring iron utilization. The iron from FeSO4 was most efficiently utilized. Iron from HD shank and HD plate were better utilized than iron from MD shank and MD plate.
Assessing Gender Differences in Software Developers Using the Human Capital Model

Previous studies have indicated that discriminatory practices exist in the Information Technology profession. In this paper, we quantify the differences in the current hourly salaries of female software developers with their male counterparts using the human capital model based on economic theory. In addition to the gender factor, the human capital model includes other control variables that may account for the salary differences such as education, experience, and specific skills, such as object-oriented programming and SQL. Our models indicate that gender is still a statistically and practically significant factor in assessing a software developer's salary.
Pathfinding and Error Correction by Retinal Axons: The Role of astray/robo2

To address how the highly stereotyped retinotectal pathway develops in zebrafish, we used fixed-tissue and time-lapse imaging to analyze morphology and behavior of wild-type and mutant retinal growth cones. Wild-type growth cones increase in complexity and pause at the midline. Intriguingly, they make occasional ipsilateral projections and other pathfinding errors, which are always eventually corrected. In the astray/robo2 mutant, growth cones are larger and more complex than wild-type. astray axons make midline errors not seen in wild-type, as well as errors both before and after the midline. astray errors are rarely corrected. The presumed Robo ligands Slit2 and Slit3 are expressed near the pathway in patterns consistent with their mediating pathfinding through Robo2. Thus, Robo2 does not control midline crossing of retinal axons, but rather shapes their pathway, by both preventing and correcting pathfinding errors.
Obligatory role of cytochrome b5 in the microsomal metabolism of methoxyflurane

Abstract Cytochrome b 5 has recently been shown to be required in the reconstituted cytochrome P-450 system for the metabolism of the volatile anesthetic methoxyflurane [E. Canova-Davis and L.A. Waskell, J. biol. Chem. 259, 2541 (1984)]. To determine whether this observation in the reconstituted system was merely dependent on the particular ratios of the various components or some other fortuitous, unknown factor, or whether cytochrome b 5 plays a role in the liver microsomal metabolism of methoxyflurane, the following studies were undertaken. Antibody to rabbit holocytochrome b 5 was raised in guinea pigs. The antibody to cytochrome b 5 was able to inhibit 75% of the microsomal metabolism of methoxyflurane. This same antibody also inhibited methoxyflurane metabolism in the reconstituted system. When the antibody to cytochrome b 5 was treated with purified cytochrome b 5 before addition to the microsomes, it did not inhibit methoxyflurane metabolism. Furthermore, the antibody to cytochrome b 5 did not inhibit the microsomal metabolism of benzphetamine. This suggests that cytochrome b 5 was required for the microsomal metabolism of methoxyflurane. It is possible that cytochrome b 5 functioned in the metabolism of methoxyflurane by retaining a specific conformation of cytochrome P-450 and not by transferring the second electron to cytochrome P-450. To explore this possibility, cytochrome b 5 was reconstituted with Mn 3+ -protoporphyrin IX. The Mn 3+ -protoporphyrin IX derivative retained the conformation of cytochrome b 5 but not its electron transfer properties. This manganese derivative of cytochrome b 5 was unable to stimulate the metabolism of methoxyflurane. The study demonstrated that cytochrome b 5 was obligatory for the microsomal metabolism of methoxyflurane, whereas it was not required for the microsomal N-demethylation of benzphetamine. Moreover, the heme moiety of cytochrome b 5 functioned to transfer electrons in this reaction.
Heat of fusion of polyvinyl fluoride and its interaction with diluents

By employing a simple light-scattering technique to obtain a higher order Tyndall spectrum in mixtures of polyvinyl fluoride with dimethyl sulfoxide, γ-butyrolactone, and N-methylpyrrolidone, melting point data were readily obtained. From these data the heat of fusion per crystalline unit of polymer was found to be about 1800 cal., and the entropy of fusion per unit per bond, 1.9 cal./deg. Of the solvents investigated, N-methylpyrrolidone and dimethyl sulfoxide exhibited the most interaction with the polymer as indicated by interaction energy densities of −9.7 and −4.3 cal./cc., respectively.
Memory optimization of dynamic binary translators for embedded systems

Dynamic binary translators (DBTs) are becoming increasingly important because of their power and flexibility. DBT-based services are valuable for all types of platforms. However, the high memory demands of DBTs present an obstacle for embedded systems. Most research on DBT design has a performance focus, which often drives up the DBT memory demand. In this article, we present a memory-oriented approach to DBT design. We consider the class of translation-based DBTs and their sources of memory demand; cached translated code, cached auxiliary code and DBT data structures. We explore aspects of DBT design that impact these memory demand sources and present strategies to mitigate memory demand. We also explore performance optimizations for DBTs that handle memory demand by placing a limit on it, and repeatedly flush translations to stay within the limit, thereby replacing the memory demand problem with a performance degradation problem. Our optimizations that mitigate memory demand improve performance.
Multiple pumps for sodium reabsorption by the perfused kidney

Multiple pumps for sodium reabsorption by the perfused kidney. Several distinct transport mechanisms responsible for sodium reabsorption by the rat kidney can be identified by studying the function of isolated perfused kidneys. Approximately one-half of the fractional sodium reabsorption by the isolated perfused rat kidney appears to depend on Na-K-adenosine triphosphatase (AT-Pase) and is inhibited by ouabain. About 15 to 20% is associated with the reabsorption of bicarbonate and is blocked by acetazolamide. This fraction of transported sodium is unaffected by ouabain and therefore does not involve Na-K-ATPase. Neither furosemide nor ethacrynic acid produce further inhibition of sodium reabsorption in a kidney already exposed to ouabain and acetazolamide. Most of the residual transport of sodium is inhibited by cooling the perfused kidney, suggesting that it is powered by metabolic rather than physical sources of energy. Multiplicite des pompes qui assurent la reabsorption du sodium par le rein perfuse. Plusieurs mecanismes de transport distincts responsables de la reabsorption de sodium par le rein de rat peuvent etre identifies par l'etude du fonctionnement de reins isoles perfuses. La moitie, approximativement, de la reabsorption fractionnelle du sodium par les reins isoles perfuses semble dependre de la Na-K-ATPase et est inhibee par l'ouabaine. Environ 15 a 20% sont associes a la reabsorption du bicarbonate et bloques par l'acetazolamide. Cette fraction du sodium transporte n'est pas affectee par l'ouabaine et donc n'implique pas la Na-K-ATPase. Ni le furosemide ni l'acide ethacrynique ne produisent d'inhibition supplementaire de la reabsorption de sodium par un rein deja expose a l'ouabaine et a l'acetazolamide. La plus grande partie du transport residuel du sodium est inhibee par le refroidissement du rein perfuse, ce qui suggere une source d'energie metabolique plutot que physique.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Suppresses Telomerase Expression and Human Cancer Growth through MicroRNA-498

Telomerase is an essential enzyme that counteracts the telomere attrition accompanying DNA replication during cell division. Regulation of the promoter activity of the gene encoding its catalytic subunit, the telomerase reverse transcriptase, is established as the dominant mechanism conferring the high telomerase activity in proliferating cells, such as embryonic stem and cancer cells. This study reveals a new mechanism of telomerase regulation through non-coding small RNA by showing that microRNA-498 (miR-498) induced by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) decreases the mRNA expression of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase. MiR-498 was first identified in a microarray analysis as the most induced microRNA by 1,25(OH)2D3 in ovarian cancer cells and subsequently validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays in multiple human cancer types. A functional vitamin D response element was defined in the 5-prime regulatory region of the miR-498 genome, which is occupied by the vitamin D receptor and its coactivators. Further studies showed that miR-498 targeted the 3-prime untranslated region of human telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA and decreased its expression. The levels of miR-498 expression were decreased in malignant human ovarian tumors as well as human ovarian cancer cell lines. The ability of 1,25(OH)2D3 to decrease human telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA and to suppress ovarian cancer growth was compromised when miR-498 was depleted using the sponges in cell lines and mouse tumor models. Taken together, our studies define a novel mechanism of telomerase regulation by small non-coding RNAs and identify miR-498 as an important mediator for the anti-tumor activity of 1,25(OH)2D3.
Statistical Validation of Structural Dynamics Models

There is an increasing reliance in the engineering community on the use of mathematical models to characterize physical system behavior. This is happening even though mathematical models rarely simulate real system behavior perfectly. Due to this reliance, we require objective, well-founded mathematical techniques for model validation. This paper develops a formal approach to the validation of mathematical models of structural dynamics systems. It uses a probabilistic/statistical approach to the characterization of an important measure of behavior of dynamic systems subjected to random excitations, and seeks to validate a mathematical model in a statistical sense. An example is presented.
InP Devices For Millimeter-Wave Monolithic Circuits

High efficiency, mm-wave operation has been obtained from lateral transferred-electron devices (TEDs) designed with a high resistivity region located near the cathode contact. At 29.9 GHz, a CW power output of 29.1 mW with a conversion efficiency of 6.7% has been achieved with cavity-tuned discrete devices. This result represents the highest power output and efficiency of a lateral TED in this frequency range. The lateral devices also had a CW power output of 0.4 mW at 98.5 GHz and 0.9 mW at 75.2 GHz. In addition, a monolithic oscillator incorporating the lateral TED has been demonstrated at 79.9 GHz. InP Schottky-barrier diodes have been fabricated using selective MeV ion implantation into semi-insulating InP substrates. Using Si implantation with energies of up to 6.0 MeV, n+ layers as deep as 3 μm with peak carrier concentrations of 2 x 10 18 cm-3 have been obtained. These devices have been evaluated as mixers and detectors at 94 GHz and have demonstrated a conversion loss of 7.6 dB and a zero-bias detector sensitivity as high as 400 mV/mW.
The use of consequences in speech pathology: Incentive and feedback functions

Abstract Modification of speech and language behavior often entails the delivery of certain consequences contingent upon speech and language behaviors, in order to influence the frequency of those behaviors. In this paper, consequences are divided into classes: those serving an incentive function, and those serving a feedback function. Operational definition of the two kinds of consequences is proposed, and the relevance of the two kinds of consequences to clinical speech pathology is discussed.
2D Spatial Analysis of Chondrocyte Distribution: Implications for Identifying Representative Volume Elements for Multiscale Knee Modeling

Finite element analysis (FEA) of the knee including joint, tissue and cell representations can be used to predict chondrocyte stresses in the cartilage given the joint level loading. This is of clinical significance since excessive loading on the joint may cause elevated cartilage stresses, potentially inducing chondrocyte apoptosis [1]. However, the level of complexity of a model that fully represents all cells within the cartilage is prohibitive given the current state of computational technology if results are desired in a timely fashion.© 2011 ASME
Crystal thickness dependence of kikuchi line spacing

Abstract Contrary to a common assumption that the Kikuchi line spacing should be the same as that of the corresponding Bragg spot pattern if diffraction geometry is properly considered, experimental results obtained by using high-purity silicon single crystal specimens at 100 kv show that the Kikuchi line spacing can be different from that of the corresponding Bragg spot pattern, depending on the specimen thickness. This result is explained on the basis of dynamical scattering of Kikuchi electrons.
Evaluation of two packaging systems for regional cheese

Abstract Saloio cheese – a regional Portuguese cheese – is currently sold unpackaged or in a vacuum package. Neither of these packaging systems is acceptable: the first system yields a cheese too hard, because of excessive water loss, while the second yields a white cheese with poor textural properties. The use of a packaging system with a tailor-made moisture barrier, i.e., allowing for water loss, but at a lower rate, is a way of extending the cheese’s shelf-life. The adequate water vapour permeability to preserve the cheese was previously determined as 6.8 × 10−7 g m/m2day Pa at 8 °C. The objective of this work was to develop a packaging system providing the required relative humidity inside the package. Two systems were tested: (i) the active system Humidipak® and (ii) perforated plastic films. Both packaging systems succeeded in extending the cheese’s shelf-life by significantly decreasing the water loss. Perforated films require further study on moulds growth control.
The Effects of Scaling Procedures on Epithelial Cell Growth on Titanium Surfaces

This study examined in vitro epithelial cell growth on titanium surfaces which had been instrumented by 3 types of periodontal curets. Commercially pure titanium discs were uniformly scaled using plastic, stainless steel, or gold-coated curets and then seeded with a microdot (50,000 cells per 10 μl) of rat gingival epithelial cells. After 5 days of growth, epithelial cell surface area (mm2) coverage was measured on photographed specimens using a computer digitizing system. Scanning electron microscopic evaluation showed a denser central core of cellular growth on the stainless steel-treated surfaces as compared to the other surface treatments. Epithelial surface area coverage on the stainless steel, plastic, and control groups did not vary significantly among groups. However the gold-coated curet exposed surfaces supported significantly less epithelial growth than the stainless steel and control surfaces. A better understanding of in vitro epithelial cell responses to different titanium surface characteri...
Modeling Rural Violent Crime Rates: A Test of Social Disorganization Theory

(1993). Modeling Rural Violent Crime Rates: A Test of Social Disorganization Theory. Sociological Focus: Vol. 26, No. 1, pp. 87-89.