cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transitioning labor to the ‘lean years’: the middle class and employer repression of organized labor in post-World War I Chicago

In the historiography of the American labor movement, the 1920s have long been characterized as ‘lean years’. Historians have identified many explanations for this decline, but they have not fully accounted for the role of ‘public’ or ‘middle class’ anti-labor sentiment. Opportunistic employers appealed to growing middle-class consumer discontent, set in motion by the mounting ‘high cost of living’, to build support for crippling unions during the immediate post-World War I period. Using Chicago as an example, this essay emphasizes the relationship between employers and the white-collar ‘middle class’ as an important factor in explaining the origins of the lean years.
The NMDA antagonist, MK-801, alters L-DOPA-induced air-stepping in neonatal rats.

Abstract Administration of l -DOPA (sc) to neonatal rats suspended in harnesses induces coordinated stepping of all four limbs (diagonal progression; l -DOPA-induced air-stepping) by 5 days of age. Because NMDA also induces locomotion in several species, NMDA receptor activation may be required for l -DOPA to elicit coordinated air-stepping. The purpose of the present experiment was to determine if the NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801, would block l -DOPA-induced air-stepping in developing rats. Neonatal rats administered MK-801 alone rarely air-stepped with the forelimbs or hindlimbs in a coordinated fashion, whereas those treated with l -DOPA alone primarily stepped with all four limbs using a diagonal progression pattern during the session. In contrast, the number of limbs that stepped during the session was gradually altered in 5- to 20-day-old rats treated with MK-801+ l -DOPA. Gaits of those rats progressed from diagonal progression to extension of the forelimbs beneath the chin with hindlimb alternation, to forelimb extension without hindlimb activity. Twenty-day-olds treated with MK-801+ l -DOPA subsequently became completely inactive when the forelimbs dropped from their elevated position beneath the chin. In addition to the sequence just described, 15-day-old rats treated with the lowest concentration of MK-801+ l -DOPA occasionally stepped with one pair of homolateral limbs or stepped with the hindlimbs in near synchrony while the forelimbs either stepped in alternation, were extended beneath the chin or groomed the face. Because limb participation during l -DOPA-induced air-stepping was altered in neonatal rats pretreated with MK-801, NMDA receptor activation may be important for locomotor coordination (gait).
Historic eruptions of Tambora (1815), Krakatau (1883), and Agung (1963), their stratospheric aerosols, and climatic impact

Abstract Decreases in surface temperatures after the eruptions of Tambora (1815), Krakatau (1883), and Agung (1963) were of similar magnitude, even though the amount of material (dust and volatiles) injected into the stratosphere by these three events differed greatly. Large amounts of fine ash and volatiles were dispersed into the upper atmosphere by Krakatau and Tambora; the Agung eruption in 1963 was a much smaller, vulcanian-type eruption which injected dust and volatiles into the stratospheric aerosol layer more directly. Analyses of magmatic volatiles indicate that the Agung eruption was proportionately richer in SO 2 and Cl than either Tambora or Krakatau. Relative amounts of fine ash produced by the Tambora, Krakatau, and Agung eruptions are estimated at about 150:20:1, whereas the masses of atmospheric sulfate aerosols produced were on the order of 7.5:3:1. Decreases in surface temperature of a few tenths of a degree C for several years following volcanic eruptions are primarily a result of the sulfate aerosols, rather than of the silicate dust. The similarity in the atmospheric response after these three eruptions supports the idea of limiting mechanisms on volcanic stratospheric-aerosol loading, which is suggested by microphysical processes of aerosol particles. Fluctuations in stratospheric aerosol optical depth seem to be controlled to a large degree by high-intensity sulfur-rich eruptions (e.g., Agung, 1963), which may however be relatively small in total ejecta volume. Such eruptions leave little geologic record, but appear as acidity peaks in polar ice cores.
Experimental observation of magnetism in rhodium clusters.

We have observed giant magnetic moments in clusters of rhodium, ${\mathrm{Rh}}_{\mathit{n}}$(n=12--32), consistent with ferromagnetic ordering of the 4d electrons. Ferromagnetic behavior has not been reported previously in pure 4d transition metals. Rhodium clusters are superparamagnetic at 93 K, with magnetic moments of between 0.3 and 1.1${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}_{\mathit{B}}$ per atom. We find that ${\mathrm{Rh}}_{15}$, ${\mathrm{Rh}}_{16}$, and ${\mathrm{Rh}}_{19}$ have magnetic moments per atom that are significantly larger than those of adjacent cluster sizes.
Chronic Keratitis Caused by Mycobacterium gordonae

We treated a patient with chronic keratitis caused by Mycobacterium gordonae , a slow-growing, atypical mycobacterium not previously reported as a cause of corneal infection. The patient was a 34-year-old man who was hit in the eye with some vegetable matter while gardening. Initially, the patient was treated for a presumptive diagnosis of herpes simplex keratitis. Because of progression of the keratitis, a lamellar corneal biopsy was performed 3½ years later and the definitive diagnosis was made. Subsequently, a penetrating keratoplasty was performed and the patient's condition then remained stable. The diagnosis of atypical mycobacterium should be considered in a patient with an indolent corneal ulcer. Lamellar corneal biopsy may disclose the pathogen when the infection is deep, chronic, or partially treated.
Fluorescence characteristics of lyophilized maize chloroplasts suspended in buffer

Abstract Fluorescence transients were measured in lyophilized maize chloroplasts (suspended in Tris-maleate buffer (pH 6.6)) after extraction with heptane. (The fluorescence characteristics before extraction were qualitatively similar to those in the fresh chloroplasts.) The initial fluorescence level ( m ) in the (dry) heptane-extracted sample remained the same as in the unextracted material, but the variable fluorescence ( Δm ) was drastically diminished. A portion of variable fluorescence, however, could be restored by adding Na 2 S 2 O 4 . If the heptane extraction was made in the presence of water (wet), the m level was almost as high as (or higher than) the final level ( M ) of the unextracted sample, and Δm was reduced. The “jet” of O 2 (that measures the pool size of the intersystem intermediate A) and the “microjet” (that measures the pool size of the reaction center complex E), present in the unextracted samples, were absent in both types of extracted samples. Some of the above data may be interpreted in a hypothesis in which two quenchers (Q 1 and Q 2 ) control the fluorescence (O → P) of chloroplasts — the reduction of Q 1 being responsible for the rapid and that of Q 2 for the slow fluorescence rise.
Flash light detection and ranging range accuracy limits for returns from single opaque surfaces via Cramer-Rao bounds

A Cramer-Rao lower bound on the range accuracy obtainable by a Flash light detection and ranging (LADAR) system receiving a return from a single surface in the instantaneous field of view of each detector is developed and verified with experimental data. The bound is compared to the performance of a new algorithm and that of a matched filter receiver by using both simulated and measured LADAR data. The simulated data are used to show that the estimator is nearly unbiased and efficient for systems that match the negative paraboloid model used in its derivation. It is found that the achievable range accuracy for the LADAR system and for the target geometry used to collect the measured data is of the order of 2.5 in. while the bound predicts a range accuracy limit of approximately 0.6 in.
Application of portable modules for fatigue crack characterization

This paper is dealing with the ultrasonic imaging techniques and instrumentation that are used for the inspection of aircraft and bridge structures. A concept of a modular inspection system with interchangeable components will be presented. The modular concept provides greater flexibility in the integration of various commercially available sensors and data acquisition units deployed by operators. Miniature scanning and interface modules were developed as components of the integrated system for wide area inspections using ultrasonic sensors. A novel ultrasonic imaging technique has been utilized for characterization of internal fatigue cracks. The technique is based on a linear scan acquisition and processing. Portable ultrasonic flaw detectors or thickness gages can be used to acquire the data. An image-processing module was developed to manipulate the acquired images and to display the inspection results. Several rapid scanning techniques have been developed to satisfy flaw detection and characterization criteria as well as the scanning and data acquisition module capabilities. The techniques and instrumentation were successfully tested on various aircraft and steel bridge structures.
The cholinergic neuronal differentiation factor from heart cell conditioned medium is different from the cholinergic factors in sciatic nerve and spinal cord

Environmental cues play an important role in determining the transmitter phenotype of developing sympathetic neurons. Several factors have been described which can induce cholinergic function in cultured sympathetic neurons. We have compared certain biological and immunological properties of three of them, cholinergic differentiation factor (CDF), membrane-associated neurotransmitter-stimulating factor (MANS), and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), to determine whether they are different. As previously reported, all three increased acetylcholine synthesis in cultured sympathetic neurons. In addition, MANS as well as CNTF and CDF decreased catecholamine synthesis. CNTF and MANS, but not CDF, promoted the survival of embryonic chick ciliary neurons. Affinity-purified antibodies raised against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the N-terminal sequence of CDF immunoprecipitated CDF, but not MANS or CNTF. These results indicate that although CDF, MANS, and CNTF have similar effects on transmitter synthesis by cultured sympathetic neurons, CDF lacks the ciliary neurotrophic activity of MANS and CNTF. Further, CDF possesses an N-terminal epitope which is absent from both MANS and CNTF. Thus, CDF is distinct from MANS and CNTF, and at least two factors exist which can alter the transmitter phenotype of sympathetic neurons in vitro.
Maternal effects and offspring performance: in search of the best method

Traditionally, maternal effects have been treated as a source of troublesome environmental variance that confounds our ability to accurately estimate the genetic basis of the traits of interest. However, the adaptive significance of maternal effects is currently at the centre of the attention of ecologists. Thus, in turn, the genetic basis of traits has become a troublesome source of the genetic resemblance that confounds our ability to accurately estimate the maternal effects of interest. This fact is, however, less widely realized among ecologists. We demonstrate this on the example of studies investigating egg-size effects on offspring performance in birds. Traditionally this relationship is being studied by cross-fostering of eggs or young and it is claimed that this design is able to separate the effects of egg size per se. However, a positive covariation between the direct effects of genes and the maternal effects exists for many studied traits, which may result in overestimation of the egg-size effects on offspring performance in cross-fostering studies. Within-clutch comparisons or direct experimental manipulation of the egg size are the approaches that do not suffer from such covariation and therefore give less biased estimates of the egg-size effects than cross-fostering studies.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Xylan Utilization Systems in Paenibacillus sp. Strain JDR-2

ABSTRACT Xylans, including methylglucuronoxylans (MeGXn) and methylglucuronoarabinoxylans (MeGAXn), are the predominant polysaccharides in hemicellulose fractions of dicots and monocots available for conversion to biofuels and chemicals. Paenibacillus sp. strain JDR-2 (Pjdr2) efficiently depolymerizes MeGXn and MeGAXn and assimilates the generated oligosaccharides, resulting in efficient saccharification and subsequent metabolism of these polysaccharides. A xylan utilization regulon encoding a cell-associated GH10 (glycoside hydrolase family 10) endoxylanase, transcriptional regulators, ABC (ATP binding cassette) transporters, an intracellular GH67 α-glucuronidase, and other glycoside hydrolases contributes to complete metabolism. This GH10/GH67 system has been proposed to account for preferential utilization of xylans compared to free oligo- and monosaccharides. To identify additional genes contributing to MeGXn and MeGAXn utilization, the transcriptome of Pjdr2 has been sequenced following growth on each of these substrates as well as xylose and arabinose. Increased expression of genes with different substrates identified pathways common or unique to the utilization of MeGXn or MeGAXn. Coordinate upregulation of genes comprising the GH10/GH67 xylan utilization regulon is accompanied with upregulation of genes encoding a GH11 endoxylanase and a GH115 α-glucuronidase, providing evidence for a novel complementary pathway for processing xylans. Elevated expression of genes encoding a GH43 arabinoxylan arabinofuranohydrolase and an arabinose ABC transporter on MeGAXn but not on MeGXn supports a process in which arabinose may be removed extracellularly followed by its rapid assimilation. Further development of Pjdr2 for direct conversion of xylans to targeted products or introduction of these systems into fermentative strains of related bacteria may lead to biocatalysts for consolidated bioprocessing of hemicelluloses released from lignocellulose.
Pilots of the future: human or computer?

As more and more automation is incorporated in aircraft, the essential question becomes one of autonomy: Should the automated system serve as the human pilot's assistant, or vice versa?
Presence of human papillomavirus DNA in tonsillectomy specimens.

Objectives: The objectives of this prospective case–control study were to study the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in tonsillectomy specimens from pediatric patients without recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), and to study methods of HPV detection. Methods: Fifty pediatric patients without known RRP undergoing tonsillectomy for hypertrophy or recurrent tonsillitis were enrolled in the study. After tonsillectomy, a 20-mg section was subjected to DNA extraction, and DNA content and purity were confirmed with spectrophotometry. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using consensus primer pools PGMY 09/11 targeted at the L1 region. Amplification products were detected and analyzed with standard agarose gel electrophoresis. Positive samples were then subjected to reverse line blot assay to determine virus genotype. Laryngeal papilloma specimens of 15 patients obtained during routine debulking procedures were also analyzed and served as positive controls. Results: Of 50 tonsil samples tested, two were positive for HPV DNA after PCR and gel electrophoresis. One of these samples was confirmed with typing and tested positive for HPV 11. All 15 papilloma specimens were positive for DNA of HPV types 6 and/or 11. Conclusions: In the current study, the prevalence of HPV DNA in tonsillar tissue of patients without RRP is 2%, whereas the incidence of this disease is 2 to 4 cases per 100,000 (0.004%). These findings are significantly different (P = .005 within a 95% confidence interval) suggesting that host factors in addition to infection play a role in pathogenesis of RRP. The molecular methods described in this study are well suited for detection of HPV in tonsillar tissue.
A comparison of gratification models of media satisfaction

A largely neglected variable in mass media theory and research is media satisfaction. This is particularly true of uses and gratifications research, where the concept is mentioned frequently but few attempts have been made at operationalization. This study compares the abilities of six alternative gratification/expectancy‐value models to predict satisfaction with television news. The results of correlational and hierarchical regression analysis emphasize the important influence of gratifications obtained from the television news experience on viewer satisfaction levels. They also reveal the weakness of GS‐GO discrepancy models as compared to more straightforward gratification/expectancy‐value models.
Apoptosis Maintains Oocyte Quality in Aging Caenorhabditis elegans Females

In women, oocytes arrest development at the end of prophase of meiosis I and remain quiescent for years. Over time, the quality and quantity of these oocytes decreases, resulting in fewer pregnancies and an increased occurrence of birth defects. We used the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to study how oocyte quality is regulated during aging. To assay quality, we determine the fraction of oocytes that produce viable eggs after fertilization. Our results show that oocyte quality declines in aging nematodes, as in humans. This decline affects oocytes arrested in late prophase, waiting for a signal to mature, and also oocytes that develop later in life. Furthermore, mutations that block all cell deaths result in a severe, early decline in oocyte quality, and this effect increases with age. However, mutations that block only somatic cell deaths or DNA-damage–induced deaths do not lower oocyte quality. Two lines of evidence imply that most developmentally programmed germ cell deaths promote the proper allocation of resources among oocytes, rather than eliminate oocytes with damaged chromosomes. First, oocyte quality is lowered by mutations that do not prevent germ cell deaths but do block the engulfment and recycling of cell corpses. Second, the decrease in quality caused by apoptosis mutants is mirrored by a decrease in the size of many mature oocytes. We conclude that competition for resources is a serious problem in aging germ lines, and that apoptosis helps alleviate this problem.
Orientational Dynamics of Water Probed with 2-D-IR Anisotropy Measurements

We use polarization-selective ultrafast 2-D IR infrared spectroscopy to probe joint orientational and spectral dynamics of HOD in D2O. Our experiments show rapid reorientation concurrent with return of strained hydrogen bonds to a stable configuration.
Effect of temperature on elastic properties of woven-glass epoxy composites for printed circuit board applications

The effect of temperature on the elastic properties of woven-glass epoxy substrates for printed circuit board applications was investigated. Three common commercially pressed boards (1080, 2116, and 7628 woven-glass fabrics and FR4 epoxy) were used for this study. The elastic properties were identified by means of a combined theoretical and experimental vibration method. Vibration experiments were performed under reduced air pressure to reduce the influence of mass, stiffness, and damping of the surrounding air and inside an environmental chamber with varying temperature and constant humidity. Above the glass-transition temperature (Tg) of the epoxy, the in-plane shear moduli (G12) were decreased by 33–37% and the out-of-plane shear moduli (G13, G23) were decreased by 48%, whereas the Young’s moduli in the warp (E1) and fill (E2) directions were much less affected.
The U.s. Catholic Bishops And Welfare Policy: Guidelines For Reform And Reauthorization

Abstract Since Vatican II (1962–1965) the Catholic Church has become increasingly involved in promoting justice around the world while providing a distinctive voice in public affairs regarding their input on policy matters. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) ended lifetime public assistance for needy adults; as a result of this legislation, the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program was replaced with the five-year lifetime limit in the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. This investigation will identify the underlying assumptions and normative principles that guide the Bishops in their evaluation of welfare policy and provide theoretical support for progressive welfare policy on behalf of the poor.
Deterministic multiprocessor scheduling with multiple objectives

Abstract One common job scheduling objective is to minimize makespan. The problem can be modeled as integer linear programming (ILP) and will often have multiple alternative optimal solutions. However, secondary considerations, e.g. minimizing the second latest completion time, may very well dictate a preference between solutions with identical makespans. Because of the nature of the primary objective, standard approaches for optimizing a prioritized set of multiple objectives will not work. In this paper we prove that for unit time problems, an appropriate objective function can be formulated, which, when optimized, satisfies both the primary and secondary objectives. Moreover, the new formulation can be modeled as a classical assignment problem (AP). This has the added advantage of efficiency of solution and availability of software. Applications to computer processor scheduling and the military are presented.
Effect of processing variables on the stability of β‐Carotenes and xanthophylls of dehydrated parsley

Curled- and plain-leaf parsley were analysed for β-carotene, xanthophyll and the stereo-isomers of β-carotene, before and after various combinations of freezing, blanching, sulphiting and air-drying. Heating of parsley by blanching or by dehydration of unblanched samples generally resulted in an increased retention of β-carotene. Dried samples contained a higher percentage of the cis-isomer and neo-β-carotene b but a lower percentage of the all-trans-isomer. Freezing unblanched parsley reduced total carotene content 8–13 %. Xanthophyll changes were similar to those for total carotene except that dried samples contained 2–28 % less xanthophyll than fresh parsley. Sulphited samples retained 8–30 % more carotenoid pigments than the non-sulphited samples. Total β-carotene of dried parsley stored for 3 months in air and in nitrogen at 22° decreased 10-15%and 3·5-10%, respectively, while that stored at –18° showed no change. The stereo-isomer ratio did not change. Blanching had no apparent effect on carotene stability in storage. Carotene loss in fresh parsley, additional extractions, and enzymic destruction of added carotene were also investigated.
Radiographic and histopathologic endometrial characteristics of women undergoing treatment with ulipristal acetate (UPA)

(1.65 fold). IHC results confirmed reduction of fibronectin protein. COL1A1 and versican IHC analysis is ongoing. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that mifepristone alters ECM formation, reversing the effect of progestin on fibronectin, versican and collagen expression. 3D cultures demonstrate a direct effect on ECMfibrosis. Our findings provide insight into mifepristone mechanism of action which would result in improved therapeutic options for women suffering with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. Supported by: This research was Supported by Intramural grant from Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, QP85GF13 and R21, R085193713.The research was also supported, in part, by the intramural research Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, NIH.
Application of the epsilon method and the method of multipliers to a non-linear optimal control problem

Existence and convergence results are established for the augmented penalty function associated with a non-linear optimal control problem having a possibly unbounded control set and a possibly infinite time domain. The relaxed case is handled by an application of the deterministic theory
The biology of ewing sarcoma

Objective. The goal of this study was to review the current literature on the biology of Ewing's sarcoma, including current treatments and the means by which an understanding of biological mechanisms could impact future treatments. Methods. A search of PubMed and The Cochrane Collaboration was performed. Both preclinical and clinical evidence was considered, but specific case reports were not. Primary research articles and reviews were analyzed with an emphasis on recent publications. Results. Ewing sarcoma is associated with specific chromosomal translocations and the resulting transcripts/proteins. Knowledge of the biology of Ewing sarcoma has been growing but has yet to significantly impact or produce new treatments. Localized cases have seen improvements in survival rates, but the same cannot be said of metastatic and recurrent cases. Standard surgical, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments are reaching their efficacy limits. Conclusion. Improving prognosis likely lies in advancing biomarkers and early diagnosis, determining a cell(s) of origin, and developing effective molecular therapeutics and antiangiogenic agents. Preclinical evidence suggests the utility of molecular therapies for Ewing sarcoma. Early clinical results also reveal potential for novel treatments but require further development and evaluation before widespread use can be advocated.
THE SOCIAL CONTEXT OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE: The Case of the Retail Food Industry

Technological innovations result not just from advances in science, but also social system reorganization. Reorganization is problematic, as various organizations and constituents pursue their interests and causes. Expanding on previous work in the economics and sociology of innovation, three cases from the retail food industry (frozen meat, boxed beef, and scanners) illustrate the process described in a politicized-context model of innovation. Market context, political contingencies, and established social relations all influence innovations. Thus, including these factors in the politicized-context model provides better understanding of the particular paths of innovation.
Pelvic complications after interstitial and external beam irradiation of urologic and gynecologic malignancy

Pelvic malignancies comprise 19% and 28% of all malignancies in the female and male, respectively. The majority of gynecologic and urologie pelvic malignancies are treated with radiation therapy either alone or in combination with surgery either as definitive or palliative therapy. The pelvic organs, therefore, are at risk for injury by pelvic radiation. We have reviewed our experience and that of the literature with regard to the incidence of injury associated with pelvic irradiation and give recommendations for management. The most frequent and severe complications occur in association with cystectomy performed for carcinoma of the bladder that has failed definitive radiation therapy and in association with radiotherapeutic and surgical treatment of carcinoma of the cervix. We have found an 11% incidence of bowel injury following planned integrated preoperative radiation followed by cystectomy. In our experience, bowel and urinary complications secondary to external beam radiation or125I brachytherapy for definitive treatment of carcinoma of the prostate are very similar. The morbidity of external beam radiation therapy has been reduced using a triple-course fractionated protocol. Rectal ulceration requiring colostomy has occurred in approximately 3% of patients treated with external beam or interstitial125I therapy. Surgical correction of rectal fistulas using vascularized flaps has been successful after125I injury but has not been possible after external beam injury. Urethral complications associated with definitive external beam radiation therapy for carcinoma of the prostate are most often associated with prior transurethral resection. They can be significantly reduced by withholding initiation of therapy for 4–6 weeks after completion of transurethral resection.
Intermittency interpretation of persistent small scale anisotropy in turbulence

A model of small scale anisotropy in turbulence is motivated by the proposal that intermittency properties in turbulence are governed by direct coupling between the largest scales and inertial range length scales. A one-parameter hierarchy of scalar derivative moment dependences on Reynolds number Re is predicted. Enforcing the observed constancy of the skewness, divergences of higher moments are predicted. The results support the proposed extremal nature of intermittency scalings. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
The ATR method with focused light — Application to guided waves on a grating

Abstract The attenuated total reflection (ATR) method has been modified by using focussed light. The reflected light then contains information about a large region in k-space. This and other advantages are discussed. When applied to the investigation of guided waves on a grating, their dispersion relation with “band gaps” and discontinuities can be seen on a screen.
Synaptology of the hypoglossal nucleus in the rat.

The purpose of this study was to define the types and distribution of synaptic terminals in the hypoglossal nucleus (XII) of the rat. Based on differences in bouton and vesicle size and shape, synaptic specializations and association with postsynaptic organelles, five types of terminals were identified in XII. In order of decreasing frequency they were: 1) S-boutons (spherical vesicles with an asymmetrical synapse); 2) F-boutons (flattened vesicles with a symmetrical synapse); 3) P-boutons (pleomorphic admixture of flattened and spherical vesicles with a symmetrical synapse); 4) C-boutons (pleomorphic vesicles with a subsynaptic cistern); and 5) Tboutons (spherical vesicles with an asymmetrical synapse and subsynaptic dense bodies). S-boutons were the predominant type found on dendrites, while boutons containing flattened vesicles were more prevalent on motoneuron somata. C-boutons were restricted exclusively to cell bodies and large dendrites, and T-boutons were seen primarily on smaller dendritic profiles. These results are, in general, comparable to those previously described in the ventral horn and cranial nerve motor nuclei in several species. However, differences were noted. Specifically, large M-boutons and axo-axonic synapses were not observed in the present study. The functional significance of these findings are discussed in relation to oro-lingual behaviour.
Influence of temperature and artificially-created physical barriers on the efficacy of synergized pyrethrin aerosol

The dispersal of aerosol insecticides within a flour mill may be hampered by barriers created from machinery and other equipment that block dispersion. Additionally, seasonal temperature variations may influence aerosol dispersion and subsequent effectiveness against stored product insects. The influence of barriers and temperatures on the efficacy of synergized pyrethrin aerosol against adults and pupae of the confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum (Jacquelin du Val), was evaluated in experimental sheds. Insects were exposed to the aerosol at target temperatures of 22, 27, and 32 °C. Wooden boxes 1 m in length, 20 cm in width, and 5, 10, or 20 cm in height were used for creating different open and concealed areas for exposing insects. Results showed that exposing adults of T. confusum in open areas produced more moribund adults (those knocked down and unable to move except for reflex twitching or unable to respond when touched with a probe) at all temperatures, while survival increased with increasing distance from the front to the back of the boxes. Given the decreased survival, it would appear that more aerosol dispersed under the box height of 20 cm compared to 5 and 10 cm box heights because survival was generally less under the 20 cm box compared to the other two. Less than 2% of the pupae exposed in the open emerged as adults, but as the distance increased from the front to the back of the box adult emergence from these exposed pupae increased. Synergized pyrethrin aerosol can provide good control of T. confusum pupae and adults and may not be affected by seasonal temperature variations, but aerosol dispersion into obstructed or concealed areas may affect control.
Normalized spectral mixture analysis for monitoring urban composition using ETM+ imagery

Abstract With rapid urban growth in recent years, understanding urban biophysical composition and dynamics becomes an important research topic. Remote sensing technologies introduce a potentially scientific basis for examining urban composition and monitoring its changes over time. The vegetation–impervious surface–soil (V–I–S) model, in particular, provides a foundation for describing urban/suburban environments and a basis for further urban analyses including urban growth modeling, environmental impact analysis, and socioeconomic factor estimation. This paper develops a normalized spectral mixture analysis (NSMA) method to examine urban composition in Columbus Ohio using Landsat ETM+ data. In particular, a brightness normalization method is applied to reduce brightness variation. Through this normalization, brightness variability within each V–I–S component is reduced or eliminated, thus allowing a single endmember representing each component. Further, with the normalized image, three endmembers, vegetation, impervious surface, and soil, are chosen to model heterogeneous urban composition using a constrained spectral mixture analysis (SMA) model. The accuracy of impervious surface estimation is assessed and compared with two other existing models. Results indicate that the proposed model is a better alternative to existing models, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 10.1% for impervious surface estimation in the study area.
The fatigue and fracture behavior of a gamma-titanium aluminide intermetallic: Influence of ductile phase reinforcement

Abstract This paper presents the results of recent studies on the ambient temperature fracture toughness and cyclic crack growth characteristics of a ductile-phase toughened gamma-titanium aluminide intermetallic alloy reinforced with TiNb particles. Under monotonic loading, substantial toughening is achieved in the composite microstructure and is ascribed to bridging of the crack by uncracked TiNb particle reinforcements in the wake of the crack tip. Crack-particle interactions such as crack bridging, bifurcation, deflection and crack renucleation contribute to an enhancement in toughness. Under cyclic loading, ductile phase toughening was found to be less effective resulting in an inferior fatigue crack growth resistance of the composite when compared to the monolithic counterpart. The lower cyclic fatigue resistance is attributed to an increased susceptibility of the ductile phase to fatigue failure, coupled with the mutually interactive influences of an absence of bridging contributions to crack-tip shielding, higher crack-tip opening displacements and the intrinsic effects of inelastic strains that are developed in the ductile phase-reinforced composite matrix.
The heights of polar mesospheric clouds

Data from the Solar Mesosphere Explorer satellite of polar mesospheric clouds have been used in determining the variation of cloud height from 1981 to 1985. Applying various corrections to the apparent tangent heights measured at the atmospheric limb, we find no significant variation of height within an individual cloud season (−10 days to + 50 days relative to summer solstice) either with latitude or local time. Furthermore, no significant year-to-year variation is found over the 4-year time span. We find significantly higher (2 km) PMC cloud heights in the north than in the south. The average value of 85.0 ± 1.5 km for the northern PMC is in good agreement with measurements from the OGO-6 satellite, rocket-borne photometers and ground-based triangulation of noctilucent clouds.
Continuous on-line feedback based flow titrations. Complexometric titrations of calcium and magnesium.

The methodology of continuous feedback-based flow titrations and the principle of compensating errors [Anal. Chem. 72 (2000) 4713; Anal. Chim. Acta 435 (2001) 289] were applied to the determination of calcium and magnesium ions with EDTA. The flow of the titrant, EDTA, varied linearly in response to a controller output voltage while the total flow (F(T), the sum of the metal ion sample flow and the titrant flow) was held constant. The sample was pre-doped with a metal ion indicator; the status of the indicator color in the mixed stream was monitored by an optical detector and was used for governing the controller output as well as for interpreting the results of the titrations. The titrant flow initially ramped upward linearly. As a change in the color corresponding to the equivalence point was sensed by the detector, the controller output (instantaneous value V(H)) reversed its ramp direction, thus decreasing the titrant flow linearly at the same ramp rate. When the predefined absorbance corresponding to the equivalence point was sensed again, the controller voltage (instantaneous value V(L)) was ramped in reverse once more, going upward. Because of the lag time between a change in the controller output and its effect being sensed by the detector, the controller voltage corresponding to the actual equivalence point was the average of V(H) and V(L). Continuous sensor-governed operation of the controller resulted in a triangular waveform. The mean of this waveform during any cycle gives the equivalence point controller voltage V(E). This principle allowed true titrations with good reproducibility (0.2-0.7% R.S.D.) and throughput (33-42 s per titration).
Degradation of γ- and α-tocopherol and formation of 5-nitro-γ-tocopherol induced by peroxynitrite in liposomes and skeletal muscle

Abstract Peroxynitrite, formed from the reaction between nitric oxide and superoxide, can participate in free radical-mediated reactions with cellular components in muscle to (1) initiate lipid oxidation via the production of lipid hydroperoxides, and (2) produce novel nitrated products. 5-Nitro-γ-tocopherol (NGT) is formed by the electrophilic substitution reaction between peroxynitrite and γ-tocopherol. The objective of this research was to examine the utility of NGT as a lipid-phase, peroxynitrite-specific biomarker in muscle foods. NGT was detected when exogenous peroxynitrite was added to liposomes containing γ-tocopherol and homogenates from chicken dark and turkey light muscle with added γ-tocopherol. Detectable levels of NGT were not observed in either minced turkey light muscle stored at −20 °C or chicken dark muscle stored at 4 °C. These results suggest that NGT is not a suitable biomarker to confirm the presence of endogenously produced peroxynitrite in muscle foods.
Effect Of Ionizing Radiation On Fiber-Optic Waveguides

The effect of steady-state ionizing radiation on glass-clad fiber-optic waveguides is discussed as a function of wavelength and temperature. Doped-silica and pure-silica core fibers are considered. Fibers showing reduced radiation-induced losses are identified for use at various operating wavelengths over a wide range of temperatures. Attention was given to fiber composition and fabrication technique. The radiation effects data are discussed in terms of signal transmission length of fiber for various information data rates.
Baryon production in e+e− annihilations

Abstract A dynamical mechanism for the production of baryons in e + e − annihilations both on and off the upsilon resonance is presented. Parton showers are produced using an approximation to QCD perturbation theory. Color singlet clusters are formed and “decay” into hadrons through a simple phase-space process. Baryon-antibaryon pairs are produced in the decay of high mass clusters and are more abundant at the upsilon since the initial state of three gluons results in more high mass clusters than does the quark-antiquark initial state of the continuum.
Identification of Disulfide Proteins in the Salt Soluble Fraction of Rice (Oryza sativa) Seed

ABSTRACT Evidence has been accumulating to suggest that disulfide bonding is one of the key causes of allergenicity. Recently we developed the “disulfide proteome”, a technique for the comprehensive analysis of disulfide bonding of proteins. We applied this new technique to the rice seed's salt-soluble fraction, which has long been known to be allergenic. Most proteins in the fraction, including α-amylase/trypsin inhibsitor, α- globulin, and glutelin fragments, have formed intramolecular disulfide bonds. Also, unknown proteins, including one sharing similarities with known allergens, had disulfide bonds, from which we can infer possible allergenicity. This is a preliminary study to screen allergens from the basis of disulfide bonding.
Strength of ethnic affiliation : examining black identification with black culture

Abstract Research on ethnicity has rarely considered ethnic affiliation as an individual-difference variable. Few attempts have been made to measure the intensity of affiliation with the ethnic group. This study examined the psychometric characteristics of a scale assessing Blacks' identification with Black culture in the United States. The findings provide support for the instrument's reliability and validity and suggest that it can be used to segment the Black population.
Persistence and movement of atrazine in a salt marsh sediment microecosystem.

Pesticides enter salt marshes in runoff from agricultural lands or through direct or near-by application. Concern has been raised that the tidal action in the salt marsh that functions to trap sediment and nutrients may also function to concentrate pesticides to harmful levels. Studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of pesticides on representative species of salt marsh ecosystems. This paper describes the use of a modified salt marsh microecosystem to evaluate persistence and movement of atrazine in salt marsh sediment under simulated tidal flux and continuous flooding conditions. Atrazine persistence was also compared under normal field conditions.
Estradiol increases somatomedin-C concentrations in adolescent rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).

Estradiol (E2) may enhance somatomedin-C (Sm-C) secretion during puberty in female rhesus monkeys. The present study evaluated the importance of age and acute changes in E2 on Sm-C secretion. Intact (INT) females at their first ovulation (age 3.5 yr; n = 6) had higher levels of Sm-C across the ovulatory cycle than did intact adults (ADT) (n = 5). Levels of Sm-C were similar for both groups during the follicular and luteal phases despite higher follicular phase levels of E2. Young, ovariectomized, E2-treated (E2OVX) females (age 3.5 yr; n = 5; E2 = 50 pg/ml) had higher basal levels of Sm-C than did either age-matched ovariectomized (OVX) females (n = 3), ovariectomized adults (OXA), or E2-treated ovariectomized adults (E2A) (E2 = 100 pg/ml). When ovariectomized groups were given E2 to induce ovulatory increases, no changes in serum Sm-C occurred. Comparisons among age-mates revealed that basal levels of Sm-C were similar between INT and E2OVX, yet these levels were higher than those for OVX. Sm-C levels were similar among all adult groups. Serum growth hormone (GH) was highest in E2OVX, next highest in INT and OVX, and lowest in all adults. Higher Sm-C levels in young animals are, thus, related to these age differences in GH concentrations and are further enhanced by basal levels of E2 and not by acute changes in this steroid. Low Sm-C secretion in adults is associated with low GH levels. Thus, the facilitory effect of basal E2 on Sm-C release is observed during conditions when basal GH levels are elevated, a situation normally limited to adolescence.
A temperature regulator for microtiter plates.

the microtiterplates and the inefficiency ofair (dry heating) to conduct heatexcludes certain alternatives listed above, such as commonbacteriological incubators and forced air microtiter plateincubators (5). Waterbathhazardsinclude liquid splashing ontothe samples and the possible sinking ofthe microtiter plates,whichmaylead
Mapping large spontaneous deletion endpoints in the human HPRT gene

Abstract In an attempt to understand the nature, frequency, and molecular origin of spontaneous mutations in human cells, we have analyzed 85 independent, spontaneous HPRT− human B-lymphoblast clones with particular emphasis on the determination and characterization of large structural alterations (i.e., deletions, insertions, duplications, etc.). Southern blot analysis using a full-length HPRT cDNA probe revealed that 39% (33/85) of these spontaneous mutants contained alterations affecting different regions of the gene. 12% (10/85) were total gene deletions, 25% (21/85) involved alterations with one or both endpoints intragenic to HPRT, and 2% (2/85) showed wild-type banding patterns with an additional hybridizing band. To further address the positional behavior of these alterations, the endpoints of the large deletions were mapped to specific exon/intron regions by hybridization of Southern blots with a series of HPRT exon-specific probes. This analysis revealed a disproportionate number of endpoints within the 3' portion of the gene. These findings are discussed in relation to the positional specificity of large alterations in human cells and the use of such an analysis for assessing the molecular mechanism(s) responsible for their production.
Analysis of topology-dependent MPI performance on Gemini networks

Current HPC systems utilize a variety of interconnection networks, with varying features and communication characteristics. MPI normalizes these interconnects with a common interface used by most HPC applications. However, network properties can have a significant impact on application performance. We explore the impact of the interconnect on application performance on the Blue Waters supercomputer. Blue Waters uses a three-dimensional, Cray Gemini torus network, which provides twice the Y-dimension bandwidth in the X and Z dimensions. Through several benchmarks, including a halo-exchange example, we demonstrate that application-level mapping to the network topology yields significant performance improvements.
SPICE2 NETWORK THERMODYNAMIC SIMULATION OF ANTIFOLATE EFFECTS ON PURINE AND PYRIMIDINE BIOSYNTHESIS: EXPLORING THE ROLE OF TETRAHYDROFOLATE COFACTOR DEPLETION VERSUS DIHYDROFOLATE FEEDBACK INHIBITION

Abstract Utilizing the network thermodynamic approach, it is possible to simulate large, nonlinear dynamic systems on SPICE2. For this purpose SPICE2 can become a general systems simulator in spite of the fact that it was originally designed for simulating integrated electrical circuits. As an example of the utility of SPICE2 for large metabolic systems which involve nonlinear kinetics, feedback inhibition of a number of kinds and branching pathways, the cellular folate metabolism scheme is modeled. This scheme is a source of intermediates for de novo purine and pyrimidine metabolism utilized in DNA and RNA synthesis. The action of antifolates that specifically inhibit the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), is simulated in some detail. In particular, the potential of feedback inhibition of secondary sites by dihydrofolate (DHF) polyglutamates that accumulate in the presence of antifolates is modeled to investigate the possible role of such inhibition as opposed, or in addition to, the classical role of tetrahydrofolate (THF) cofactor depletion in the suppression of purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis after blockage of DHFR. The interplay of mathematical modeling, computer simulation, network thermodynamics and experimental observations gave rise to the following conclusions: (1) THF cofactor depletion alone can account for the rapid cessation of purine and pyrimidine synthesis in S-phase cells by antifolates; (2) feedback inhibition by DHF polyglutamates need not be implemented in the mechanism of antifolate inhibition; and (3) the lack of complete interconversion of THF cofactors to DHF does not appear to be related to inhibition of thymidylate synthase by DHF polyglutamates, since this would only slow the accumulation of but not change the final DHF and THF levels in cells with antifolates.