cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cellulose microfibril orientation in onion (Allium cepa L.) epidermis studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and vibrational sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy

Cellulose microfibril orientation in plant cell walls changes during cell expansion and development. The cellulose microfibril orientation in the abaxial epidermis of onion scales was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy. Onion epidermal cells in all scales are elongated along the onion bulb axis. AFM images showed that cellulose microfibrils exposed at the innermost surface of the abaxial epidermis are oriented perpendicular to the bulb axis in the outer scales and more dispersed in the inner scales of onion bulb. SFG analyses can determine the orientation of cellulose microfibrils averaged over the entire thickness of the cell wall. We found that the average orientation of cellulose microfibrils inside onion abaxial epidermal cell walls as revealed by SFG is similar to the orientation observed at the innermost cell wall surface by AFM. The capability to determine the average orientation of cellulose microfibrils in intact cell walls will be useful to study how cellulose microfibril orientation is related to biomechanical properties and the growth mechanism of plant cell walls.
Loss of Orphan Receptor Germ Cell Nuclear Factor Function Results in Ectopic Development of the Tail Bud and a Novel Posterior Truncation

The dynamic embryonic expression of germ cell nuclear factor (GCNF), an orphan nuclear receptor, suggests that it may play an important role during early development. To determine the physiological role of GCNF, we have generated a targeted mutation of the GCNF gene in mice. Germ line mutation of the GCNF gene proves that the orphan nuclear receptor is essential for embryonic survival and normal development. GCNF(-/-) embryos cannot survive beyond 10.5 days postcoitum (dpc), probably due to cardiovascular failure. Prior to death, GCNF(-/-) embryos suffer significant defects in posterior development. Unlike GCNF(+/+) embryos, GCNF(-/-) embryos do not turn and remain in a lordotic position, the majority of the neural tube remains open, and the hindgut fails to close. GCNF(-/-) embryos also suffer serious defects in trunk development, specifically in somitogenesis, which terminates by 8.75 dpc. The maximum number of somites in GCNF(-/-) embryos is 13 instead of 25 as in the GCNF(+/+) embryos. Interestingly, the tailbud of GCNF(-/-) embryos develops ectopically outside the yolk sac. Indeed, alterations in expression of multiple marker genes were identified in the posterior of GCNF(-/-) embryos, including the primitive streak, the node, and the presomitic mesoderm. These results suggest that GCNF is required for maintenance of somitogenesis and posterior development and is essential for embryonic survival. These results suggest that GCNF regulates a novel and critical developmental pathway involved in normal anteroposterior development.
A Problem of Optimal Choice and Assignment

Within the conventional framework of the so-called secretary problem, we introduce two decision makers, one of whom is dominant. The objectives are to select the two best objects and immediately to assign them to the decision makers so that the dominant one obtains the best object. Optimal strategies for selection and assignment, and the maximum probability of achieving the objectives, are derived. We also investigate an important suboptimal strategy: the dominant decision maker acts to maximize the probability of obtaining the very best object while, independently, the other decision maker acts to maximize the probability of selecting the second best. Although it has intuitive appeal, this suboptimal strategy is rather poor; indeed, the two decision makers may trade with one another the objects they select without affecting their chances of obtaining the desired objects. An interesting by-product of this study is that a simple solution in closed form is obtained for the problem of selecting the second best object.
Farmer Cooperatives in International Grain and Oilseed Markets

In recent years, several grain and oilseed producer cooperatives have expanded operations in international marketing. Some of these expansions include the purchase of part of Alfred C. Toepfer Co., an international commodity trading company, by several North American and European cooperatives; the expansion of Japanese cooperatives into U.S. grainhandling and storage functions; integration of Italian cooperatives into processing industries in developing countries; and the enlargement of one interregional cooperative into the fourth largest U.S. grain exporter. We suggest that these innovations are preliminary signals of a structural change in international grain trade. Our objective is to examine the changing role of farmer cooperatives in the complex international arena of grain and oilseed trade. Four phenomena are explored: (a) farmer cooperative location in the world soybean, coarse grain, and wheat market structure; (b) market share trends of U.S. cooperatives at the local, regional, and export levels; (c) the increasing importance of foreign cooperatives in the international grain trade; and (d) factors that might constrain or enhance the growth of cooperatives in the world grain trade.
On nonlinear forbidden 0-1 matrices: a refutation of a Füredi-Hajnal conjecture

A 0-1 matrix A is said to avoid a forbidden 0-1 matrix (or pattern) P if no submatrix of A matches P, where a 0 in P matches either 0 or 1 in A. The theory of forbidden matrices subsumes many extremal problems in combinatorics and graph theory such as bounding the length of Davenport-Schinzel sequences and their generalizations, Stanley and Wilf's permutation avoidance problem, and Turan-type subgraph avoidance problems. In addition, forbidden matrix theory has proved to be a powerful tool in discrete geometry and the analysis of both geometric and non-geometric algorithms.Clearly a 0-1 matrix can be interpreted as the incidence matrix of a bipartite graph in which vertices on each side of the partition are ordered. Our primary contribution is a refutation of a conjecture of Furedi and Hajnal: that if P corresponds to an acyclic graph then the maximum number of 1s in an n x n matrix avoiding P is O(n log n). In addition, we give a simpler proof that there are infinitely many minimal nonlinear patterns and give tight bounds on the extremal functions for several small forbidden patterns.
Restructuring in the Motorcycle Industry in Great Britain and Italy until 1980

In this paper the different forms of restructuring experienced by the British and Italian motorcycle industries over the last thirty years are outlined, In the British case the restructuring was li...
An evaluation of radioiodine-labeled 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine as a tracer for measuring cell loss from solid tumors.

Radioiodine-labeled 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine (IUdR) has been evaluated as a tracer for measuring cell loss from C3H mouse mammary tumors. This has been accomplished by considering the problems of label specificity, chemical and radiation toxicity, and reutilization; and by comparing the estimate for cell loss, as obtained here, to another independent estimate previously reported for tumors from the same slow-growing line. 125I-IUdR is the current tracer of choice for measuring cell loss from undisturbed solid tumors, and this method is simpler and more direct than the combined techniques of autoradiography and volumetric-growth-curve analyses. However, the following limitations apply: (1) the tumor DNA must be extracted prior to counting the radioactivity in the DNA, (2) one must be especially concerned with the chemical and radiation toxicity and they should be evaluated in each new situation, and (3) one must realize the potential for low levels of IUdR reutilization even in the undisturbed tumor. In perturbed situations (i.e. chemical or radiation induced killing) this problem may become severe.
Influence of inorganic salts on the primary pyrolysis products of cellulose

Processing bio-oil with the help of currently existing petroleum refinery infrastructure has been considered as a promising alternative to produce sustainable fuels in the future. The feasibility of bio-oil production and upgrading processes depend upon its chemical composition which in turn depends on the biomass composition and the process conditions of the fast pyrolysis reactions. The primary goal of this paper was to investigate the effect of mineral salts including mixtures of salts in the form of switchgrass ash on the chemical speciation resulting from primary pyrolysis reactions of cellulose and to gain an insight of the underlying mechanisms. Various concentrations of inorganic salts (NaCl, KCl, MgCl(2), CaCl(2), Ca(OH)(2), Ca(NO(3))(2), CaCO(3) and CaHPO(4)) and switchgrass ash were impregnated on pure cellulose. These samples were pyrolyzed in a micro-pyrolyzer connected to a GC-MS/FID system. Effects of minerals on the formation of (a) low molecular weight species - formic acid, glycolaldehyde and acetol, (b) furan ring derivatives - 2-furaldehyde and 5-hydroxy methyl furfural and (c) anhydro sugar - levoglucosan are reported exclusively. Further, the effect of reaction temperature ranging from 350 to 600 degrees C on the pyrolysis speciation of pure and ash-doped cellulose is also reported. The pyrolysis speciation revealed the competitive nature of the primary reactions. Mineral salts and higher temperatures accelerated the reactions that led to the formation of low molecular weight species from cellulose as compared to those leading to anhydro sugars.
Does effort influence inequity aversion in cotton-top tamarins ( Saguinus oedipus )?

The human sense of fairness entails sensitivity not just to equality, the equal division of resources, but also to merit, the relationship between an individual’s share of resources and how hard they worked for their share. Recent evidence suggests that our sensitivity to equality has deep phylogenetic roots: several nonhuman animal species show an aversion to unequal reward distributions. However, the extent to which nonhuman animals share sensitivity to merit remains poorly understood, largely because previous studies have failed to properly manipulate work effort in inequity aversion tasks. Here, we tested whether cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) would exhibit a differential response to inequity when acquiring rewards was either (1) effortful or (2) effortless. Subjects engaged in a pulling task in which they had an opportunity to deliver a disadvantageously unequal distribution of food to themselves and a partner (one piece for self, four pieces for partner). We made delivery effortful by adding a weight to the pulling handle. Critically, effort was calibrated to each individual. Results show that individuals varied markedly in their response to effort, highlighting the importance of manipulating work effort at the individual level. Overall, subjects showed little aversion to inequity. However, subjects were slightly less likely to accept inequity when doing so was effortful, although this effect was pronounced in only one individual. Our findings suggest a new method for capturing individual variation in effort and for studying the roots of the concept of merit in nonhuman animals.
Effects of learning on judgment in the presence of discrepant anchors

Assimilation and contrast shifts were obtained in an anchor discrepancy by learning design. Ss with a better learned judgment scale shifted less than Ss who had not stabilized a scale. Extremely discrepant anchors became somewhat irrelevant to Ss’ judgment. Irrelevancy was manifested by a diminution of the contrast shift.
Moral and Ethical Dilemmas in Critically-Ill Newborns: A 20 Year Follow-up Survey of Massachusetts Pediatricians

Moral and Ethical Dilemmas in Critically-Ill Newborns: A 20 Year Follow-up Survey of Massachusetts Pediatricians
Culture and Cutting

The two provocative essays in this issue of the Hastings Center Report should stimulate debate not only about female genital cutting, fetal dexamethasone, and clitoral reduction surgery, but also about our fierce commitment to particular cultural norms about the body. Under what conditions may adults irreversibly modify a child's body because they think the change is in her best interest? Certainly, parents who opt for female genital cutting or for surgical reduction of an enlarged clitoris in a girl with congenital adrenal hyperplasia want to make choices that will contribute to their child's potential happiness. If cutting in Africa—or mitigating CAH symptoms here—upholds a girl's gender identity, which will translate into a fulfilled life as an adult, some argue that a parent's refusal to abide by social prescriptions does the child a serious disservice.
Ryanodine modification of RyR1 retrogradely affects L-type Ca 2+ channel gating in skeletal muscle

In skeletal muscle, there is bidirectional signalling between the L-type Ca(2+) channel (1,4-dihydropyridine receptor; DHPR) and the type 1 ryanodine-sensitive Ca(2+) release channel (RyR1) of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). In the case of "orthograde signalling" (i.e., excitation-contraction coupling), the conformation of RyR1 is controlled by depolarization-induced conformational changes of the DHPR resulting in Ca(2+) release from the SR. "Retrograde coupling" is manifested as enhanced L-type current. The nature of this retrograde signal, and its dependence on RyR1 conformation, are poorly understood. Here, we have examined L-type currents in normal myotubes after an exposure to ryanodine (200 microM, 1 h at 37 degrees C) sufficient to lock RyR1 in a non-conducting, inactivated, conformational state. This treatment caused an increase in L-type current at less depolarized test potentials in comparison to myotubes similarly exposed to vehicle as a result of a approximately 5 mV hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage-dependence of activation. Charge movements of ryanodine-treated myotubes were also shifted to more hyperpolarizing potentials (approximately 13 mV) relative to vehicle-treated myotubes. Enhancement of the L-type current by ryanodine was absent in dyspedic (RyR1 null) myotubes, indicating that ryanodine does not act directly on the DHPR. Our findings indicate that in retrograde signaling, the functional state of RyR1 influences conformational changes of the DHPR involved in activation of L-type current. This raises the possibility that physiological regulators of the conformational state of RyR1 (e.g., Ca(2+), CaM, CaMK, redox potential) may also affect DHPR gating.
Contour registration by shape-specific points for shape matching

Abstract The paper shows how registration of planar figures can be achieved using shape-specific points computed from the given figures. Registration makes the subsequent task of shape matching much easier. Examples are given, using the centroid and radius weighted mean, which yield reasonable results even for noisy images.
A FASTBUS Buffered Interconnect: What Are the Options?

FASTBUS was designed as a system comprised of multiple bus segments in order to increase system throughput by parallel processing. Segments can operate independently but may also be connected together when necessary to accomplish intersegment communications. Two methods of interconnecting these segments were envisioned from the beginning. The first to be implemented, the ''Segment Interconnect,'' (SI) required great care in the FASTBUS protocol design to make its operation possible. The SI interface is a generalized bus window, temporarily synchronizing two segments and electrically connecting them so that handshakes between actual master and slave propagate through the interconnect. The second method is called the ''Buffered Interconnect,'' because the data to be transferred is stored temporarily in the interface and there is no direct handshake between the originating master and eventual receiving slave.
Studying Development of Disease Through Temporally Controlled Gene Expression in the Salivary Glanda

: Multistep tumorigenesis proceeds through activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Initiating oncoproteins induce secondary changes that maintain transformation in the absence of original stimuli. Time-dependent reversal of SV40 T antigen (TAg)-induced hyperplasia was studied using temporally controlled gene expression. Targeting TAg expression to the submandibular salivary gland of transgenic mice produces focal hyperplasias at age two weeks, which extend through large areas of the gland by four months. At twelve months, fibrosis and tumor foci accompany hyperplasia. Hyperplasia reverses when TAg expression is discontinued at four months but not at seven months. Secondary changes that maintain transformation appear to be time dependent. The system can be used to identify genetic events resulting in phenotypic reversal at four months and to expose factors preventing its occurrence at seven months. Expression of other proteins can be targeted to the salivary gland, and temporally controlled gene deletions can also be made using this system.
Oxygen quenching of PtTFPP in FIB polymer: a sequential process?

Abstract Oxygen quenching of PtTFPP in FIB polymer is analyzed using a discrete exponential model (DEM), a Forster decay model (FDM) and a maximum entropy model (MEM). The FDM, which has been advocated for a similar system to counter presumed nonphysical dependence of the DEM amplitudes on quencher density, is discounted for the present system. Instead, the MEM is found to support the DEM in suggesting that the decay-rate distribution is bimodal, with fractional contributions that depend on quencher density. A sequential decay mechanism involving a to-be-identified intermediate state is proposed to explain this behavior.
Convex functions on the Heisenberg group

Convex functions in Euclidean space can be characterized as universal viscosity subsolutions of all homogeneous fully nonlinear second order elliptic partial differential equations. This is the starting point we have chosen for a theory of convex functions on the Heisenberg group.
A Biomechanical Analysis of Manual Materials Handling Tasks in Restricted Working Postures

The U. S. Bureau of Mines has developed a biomechanical modeling system to examine the stresses on the lumbar spine when lifting in stooped and kneeling work postures utilized by low-seam underground coal miners. This system allows Bureau researchers to digitize two videotaped views (frontal and sagittal) of underground miners performing various lifting tasks under laboratory conditions. These points are then translated into a three-dimensional coordinate system, and a link man (developed from known anthropometry of the subject) is fitted to the 3-D coordinates. The centers of mass for the various links are calculated according to the body type (rotund, muscular, thin, or median) of the subject. Compression results were estimated using a linear programming internal/external load model. The location of the L3 vertebral body center was calculated based upon anthropometric data and morphometric studies of the lumbar spine. Results of the compression and shear force analyses for restricted lifting postures ar...
Abnormal body-fat distribution in HIV-1-infected children on antiretrovirals

e s p e c t i ve l y. This suggests that the pat i e n t s s h owing normal responses to the first-step SPT seem to be at ve ry low risk for aspiration pneumonia, but that those pat i e n t s exhibiting impaired responses to the second-step SPT are likely to suffer from aspiration pneumonia. Thus STS-SPT is p a rticularly useful in differentiating patients predisposed to a s p i r ation from those with normal swa l l owing function. Because no equipment except small nasal catheter is needed to do the STS-SPT, the test can be done on all frail elderly p atients during a bedside clinical examinat i o n .Thus the STSSPT may allow detection of swa l l owing disorder in a wide va riety of patients with a predisposition to aspirat i o n p n e u m o n i a .
Toward Individualization in Foreign Language Teaching

HE DESIRABILITY of individualization of instruction has been recognized for quite some time and the possibility of individualizing instruction in foreign language has been subject to pedagogical discussion among language teachers during the past decades. Actual instances of such individualization have been largely confined to the development and use of programmed materials. Of late, computer based or computer assisted instruction has been utilized for purposes 207
Biography of Aureal T. Cross: World class coal geologist, palynologist, paleobotanist and educator

Abstract An Ohioan by birth, June 4, 1916, in Findlay, Hancock County, Aureal T. Cross grew up an Iowan on a dairy farm near Waterloo at Castle Hill. He was the second of five children of Congregational Minister Raymond W. and Mrs. Myra Jane Coon Cross. Aureal's grade school education was mostly in a one-room school at Castle Hill, then to East Waterloo, junior high and high school, where music was as important as farm work before and after classes. On a history and music scholarship at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Aureal was drawn to L. R. Wilson's physical geology course and the summer reconnaissance trips. Graduating from Coe College in 1939 with an honors thesis on pollen analysis, Aureal completed his Masters in 1941 and a PhD thesis in 1943 at the University of Cincinnati with J. H. Hoskins on Pennsylvanian age plants from coal-balls. During 1942–1946 he taught premedical U.S. Navy students at the University of Notre Dame with a 1943–1944 leave as a National Research Council Fellow. Aureal and Christina Aleen Teyssier met during 1943 in Pittsburgh and married in 1945. Aureal replaced K. E. Caster, his paleontology mentor, for three and one half years (1946–1949) in the Geology Department at Cincinnati, and did field mapping for the Ohio Geological Survey during the summers. Cross established (1949–1957) productive graduate training and research programs in the West Virginia University Geology Department and the West Virginia Geologic and Economic Survey where he had dual appointments. His move (1957–1961) to Exploration Geology, at Amoco's Pan American Petroleum Corporation Research Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, permitted him to develop and supervise a major palynological research group. The return to academia (1961) at Michigan State University in East Lansing resulted in one of the most comprehensive graduate training programs in paleobotany, palynology, biostratigraphy and paleoecology in North America. Although Aureal Cross officially retired in 1986, he has continued research projects, publication of manuscripts, attends professional meetings with Aleen, and has kept in touch with several generations of his students as well as with many colleagues. He has received numerous awards, none more deserved than those recognizing his outstanding contributions as a teacher, coal geologist, and paleobotanist.
Mobility, Assistive Technology Use, and Social Integration Among Adults with Spina Bifida

OBJECTIVE: Many individuals with spina bifida have impairments that limit mobility and functional independence. Sedentary lifestyles and social isolation are very prevalent. This study evaluated the association between the use of mobility devices and degree of socialization. DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was performed on 208 adults with spina bifida attending a university-based clinic. Data collected included the Craig Handicap Assessment Reporting Technique-Short Form, Beck Depression Inventory, and data on wheelchair and other assistive technology use. We hypothesized that community and home mobility and social integration, as measured by the Craig Handicap Assessment Reporting Technique-Short Form, would be lower for manual and power wheelchair users than for ambulators, regardless of depression scores or shunt history. RESULTS: We found that individuals with spina bifida who used both manual and power wheelchairs do have lower daily home and community activity levels compared with ambulators, but that most individuals with spina bifida have low social integration and economic self-sufficiency scores, regardless of whether they can ambulate or use wheelchairs. These findings were not explained by wheelchair quality because most were prescribed high-quality devices. A high prevalence of depression was also found. CONCLUSIONS: Special considerations for wheelchair provision are discussed. Additional research is needed to identify other barriers to social integration. © 2009 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.
Abstract 1700: An improved synthesis and mutagenicity studies ofO2-[4-(3-pyridyl-4-oxobut-1-yl]thymidine, the major adduct formed by tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)in vivo

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Among the four pyridyloxobutyl (POB)-DNA adducts formed in the lung and liver of rats treated with tobacco specific nitrosamines [N′-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and its metabolite 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL)], the O2-[4-(3-pyridyl)-4-oxobut-1-yl]thymidine (O2-POB-dThd) has been found to be the most persistent. It is an important biomarker to assess the human exposure to these carcinogens and also serves as a useful precursor for the synthesis of site-specifically modified oligomers required for mutagenicity studies. The only synthetic method reported for O2-POB-dThd requires repeated HPLC purifications and could only be used to prepare an analytical standard due to very low yield (0.4%). Our continued efforts have now led to the development of an efficient method for the total synthesis of O2-POB-dThd and its site-specifically adducted oligonucleotides. The synthesis of O2-POB-dThd was achieved by optimizing reaction between O2-5′-anhydrothymidine and sodium salt of 4-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)-4-(3-pyridyl)butan-1-ol, followed by deprotection of the dithiane group. The product was characterized by NMR (1H, 13C, and COSY spectra), MS, and HPLC analysis. This synthetic strategy provided for the first time a reliable method for a gram scale total synthesis of O2-POB-dThd that allowed for solid state site-specifically adducted oligomer synthesis. O2-POB-dThd was converted to its phosphoramidite and subsequently used for the synthesis of the oligomer by standard methods. The oligomer was characterized by MS and HPLC analysis. We examined the in vitro kinetics of the synthesized oligomer with the Klenow fragment of E. Coli DNA polymerase I with the exonuclease activity inactivated (Kf(exo-)) and human DNA polymerasesl eta, kappa, and iota). O2-POB-dThd was replicated in a mutagenic manner with with Kf(exo-)and human pol eta and was unreactive with pol kappa and iota. In summary, highly facile syntheses of O2-POB-dThd and its site-specifically adducted oligonucleotide are developed. The study will facilitate elucidation of mechanistic aspects and mutagenic potential of O2-POB-dThd adduct, and will provide further insight into the role it plays in inducing cancers in smokers. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1700.
Advanced imaging sensors at Rockwell Scientific Company

The past 2 to 3 years has been a period of explosive growth in technology development for imaging sensors at Rockwell Scientific Co. (RSC). The state of the art has been advanced significantly, resulting in a number of unique advanced imaging sensor products. A few key examples are: 2048 x 2048 sensor chip assemblies (SCA) for ground and space-based applications, 4096 x 4096 mosaic close-butted mosaic FPA assemblies, a very high performance 10 x 1024 hybridized linear SCA for optical network monitoring and other applications, the revolutionary CMOS ProCam-HD imaging system-on-a-chip for high definition television (HDTV), and RSC's near-infrared emission microscope camera for VLSI defect detection/analysis. This paper provides selected updates of these products and thereby provides an overview of the ongoing highly fertile period of technology and product development at Rockwell Scientific. A view into future directions for advanced imaging sensors is also provided.
Addition of a polarization analysis capability to the Fan Mountain near infrared camera

A small research grant from the AAS has enabled the addition of a pair of MgF2 Wollaston prism polarization analyzers to the Fan Mountain Near Infrared Camera (FanCam). FanCam is a HAWAII-1 (1K × 1K HgCdTe) near infrared camera attached to the 0.8m Cassegrain reflector at Fan Mountain Observatory, 15 miles south of Charlottesville, Virginia. It images an 8.5 × 8.5 arcmin field of view with 0.51 arcsec pixels through a variety of broad band and narrow band filters, including JHK s, Brγ, and H2. The polarizers are mounted in one of the two camera filter wheels in the cold collimated beam near the re-imaged pupil and are oriented such that the direction of the separation of the split polarized images from one prism is rotated 45° relative to that from the other prism. The linear Stokes parameters of uncrowded point sources over a 7.5 × 7.5arcmin field of view may be measured by aperture photometry of pairs of images acquired through the two prisms. Initial obervations of polarized and unpolarized standard stars show that measurements of the degree of polarization are repeatable to within a few tenths of a percent, consistent with photon counting statistics. More standard star observations will be necessary to determine precisely the instrumental polarization and position angle offsets, but they appear to be stable and reasonably small.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Influence of Li Addition on the Sintering and Dielectric Properties of PNN-PMW-PT Relaxor Ferroelectrics

Compositions in the PNN-PMW-PT system can be tailored to give high dielectric constant for MLC applications. Low temperature firing of MLC is always advantageous in using the less expensive electrode systems. Controlled addition of LiNO3 reduces the sintering temperature, increases the fired density and influences the microstructure of the ceramics. It also raises the peak dielectric constant and shifts the Curie temperature. The possible role of Li+ in modifying the characteristics of the ceramics is discussed.
Recovery of a stream macroinvertebrate community from mine drainage disturbance

Recovery of aquatic macroinvertebrates from the effects of mine drainage was documented using a ‘weight-of-evidence’ approach which included measures of physical, chemical, and biological data. Taxa richness; number of taxa in the orders Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera; and shredder taxa richness all increased downstream of the point source after water treatment was initiated. Cluster analysis of aquatic macroinvertebrate community data along with abundance of a metals sensitive mayfly (Rhithrogena hageni) also suggested recovery from metals effects. Response to decreased metal inputs was rapid and biological measurements of impacted sites attained levels comparable to upstream reference sites in two years. Our results suggest that aquatic communities impacted by metals, in the absence of degraded habitat and with nearby colonist pools, will recover quickly if low instream concentrations of toxicants are achieved.
Vertebral artery dissection from neck flexion during paroxysmal coughing.

Vertebral artery dissection has a characteristic presentation that should be considered when symptoms are preceded by any trauma that causes neck movement. We present the case of a man with vertebral artery dissection following severe coughing that presented as a posteroinferior cerebellar artery territory stroke. The patient was anti-coagulated, and his neurologic deficits were partially resolved. The mechanism and presentation of vertebral artery dissection are discussed with an emphasis on early detection.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a Notably Lethal Human Pathogen Derived From Seafood: A Review of its Pathogenicity, Characteristics, Subspecies Characterization, and Molecular Methods of Detection

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a gram-negative enteropathogenic marine Vibrio that is capable of causing mild gastroenteritis to severe debilitating dysentery. Infections of the G.I. tract are usually due to consumption of raw shellfish. In addition, extraintestinal infections have been reported to be due to the organism such as eye and ear infections, and wound infections of the extremities. Virulence has been found to be associated with two principle genes that code for (1) a thermally stable direct acting hemolysin (tdh) and (2) a thermally stable direct acting–related hemolysin (trh) that is thermally lable. Virulent strains are usually characterized as Kanagawa Phenomenon (KP) positive which refers to β-hemolysis on a special blood agar known as Wagatsuma blood agar. Epidemiological studies have indicated that specific clones of certain serotypes, notably 03:K6 having enhanced virulence have become endemically established in certain global locals.
Zooarcheological evidence for the faunal exploitation behavior of neandertals and early modern humans

The study of the origins of modern humans continues to be a dynamic, quickly changing field, as shown by the recent extraction and analysis of DNA from the Neander Valley fossils.1 The dynamic nature of the field partly arises from the clearly defined opposing models for the origins of modern humans,2 and the spirited defense of the opposing models by the main protagonists in the debate. Although the “Out-of-Africa” and “Multiregional Continuity Models” are typically argued from the perspective of biological evolution, with the debates centering on anatomical and molecular evidence, the behavioral side of the question is of equal significance. Even though the anatomical record will always be a productive avenue for behavioral reconstruction,3,4 archeology remains the major contributor to our understanding of the behavioral side of this debate.
Upper limit on T nonconserving tensor couplings in nuclear beta decay

Upper limits are derived for the first time on charged, tensor coupling constants that violate time reversal invariance (T). Various previous measurements of beta polarization from nuclear decays are analyzed. The best limit is Im(C/sub T/C/sub A//sup primeasterisk/+C/sub T//sup prime/C/sub A/() = -0.063 +- 0.052, a factor of 5 more precise than the present limit on analogously-defined, scalar T-violating terms. Finally, the relation of tensor couplings to searches for scalar couplings is discussed. No T violations are inferred.
The coronary-prone behavior pattern in employed men and women.

Abstract The Coronary-Prone Behavior Pattern is a hard-driving, aggressive style of life which previous work has shown to be associated with a substantially increased risk of coronary heart disease. A questionnaire, the Jenkins Activity Survey, yields a Type A score which is a measure of the Coronary-Prone Behavior Pattern. A previous factor analysis of questionnaire responses given by older employed white men yielded three factors designated Speed-and-Impatience, Job-Involvement and Hard-Driving-and-Competitive. Factor analyses for our sub-samples of younger and older employed white men and women all yielded factors closely related to the three factors derived previously. Factor analyses for the subsamples of black men and black women yielded factors which were similar but suggested some cultural differences. For employed women, maximum values of Type A and Speed-and-Impatience scores were observed at ages 30–35. The scores for employed men did not show this peak. We hypothesize that women who are more T...
The effects of serotonin3 receptor blockade on the psychobiological response to intravenous clomipramine in healthy human subjects.

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the role that serotonin (5-HT) 3 receptors play in the prolactin and nausea responses to clomipramine challenge. Methods: Twenty healthy subjects were randomly assigned to pretreatment with either the selective 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist ondansetron, or placebo, prior to intravenous infusion with clomipramine. Results: Ondansetron pretreatment had no effect on the prolactin response to clomipramine challenge. There was a trend toward decreased nausea with ondansetron pretreatment. Conclusions: These findings are consistent with other data suggesting that 5-HT 3 receptors do not play a major role in the prolactin response to 5-HT challenge in human subjects, but may mediate nausea associated with enhanced 5-HT neurotransmission.
Developing and maintaining accelerated degree programs within traditional institutions

This chapter describes some of the essential criteria and elements for initiating and sustaining a successful accelerated degree program.
Chromatographic Methods Used to Identify and Quantify Organic Polymer Additives

Abstract In this paper, methods for identification and quantitation of organic polymer additives are presented. Information is given in convenient tabular form and detailed references are provided. Reprinted from the Encyclopedia of Chromatography, Jack Cazes, Ed., Marcel Dekker, Inc. (© 2003); URL: http://www.dekker.com./servlet/product/productid/E‐ECHR
A Compositional Reservoir Simulator on Distributed Memory Parallel Computers

This paper presents the application of distributed memory parallel computes to field scale reservoir simulations using a parallel version of UTCHEM, The University of Texas Chemical Flooding Simulator. The model is a general purpose highly vectorized chemical compositional simulator that can simulate a wide range of displacement processes at both field and laboratory scales. The original simulator was modified to run on both distributed memory parallel machines (Intel iPSC/960 and Delta, Connection Machine 5, Kendall Square 1 and 2, and CRAY T3D) and a cluster of workstations. A domain decomposition approach has been taken towards parallelization of the code. A portion of the discrete reservoir model is assigned to each processor by a set-up routine that attempts a data layout as even as possible from the load-balance standpoint. Each of these subdomains is extended so that data can be shared between adjacent processors for stencil computation. The added routines that make parallel execution possible are written in a modular fashion that makes the porting to new parallel platforms straight forward. Results of the distributed memory computing performance of Parallel simulator are presented for field scale applications such as tracer flood and polymer flood. A comparison of the wall-clock times formore » same problems on a vector supercomputer is also presented.« less
Cloning and chromosomal mapping of an orphan chemokine receptor: mouse RDC1

Degenerate RT-PCR was used to identify a new seven-transmembrane-spanning receptor expressed in astrocytes. A receptor, termed RDC1, displaying the characteristic structural features of a chemokine receptor was cloned. The predicted 362-amino-acid sequence displayed 92% and 91% similarity to the human and dog orphan receptor RDC1, respectively. In addition, RDC1 shares 43% amino acid similarity to rabbit and mouse CXCR2. Transcripts of RDC1 were found in astrocytes, heart, kidney, the mesangial tumor line MES-13, spleen, and neutrophils by means of northern blot. Using linkage analysis of interspecies backcross mice, we localized to chromosome 1 the genes for mouse CXCR2, CXCR4, and RDC1. Mouse RDC1 is linked to and lies between the genes for the mouse CXC chemokine receptors CXCR2 and CXCR4. The combined data of chromosomal location and sequence similarity suggest that RDC1 is an orphan CXC chemokine receptor.
Inside the firm: Socioeconomic versus agency perspectives on firm competitiveness

Abstract In this paper, we examine agency theory’s presumptions of self-interest, opportunistic behavior, and the notion of the “economic man” (or woman). We contend that the application of agency theory’s presumptions to the firm may imply high costs, competitive disadvantage, and high firm risk. We suggest that agency theory’s presumptions may not contribute to the interests of the principal, agent, or other stakeholders. Alternatively, we discuss socioeconomic theories’ presumptions of enlightened self-interest, trustworthy behavior, and the possibility of the noneconomic person. We argue that the extension of socioeconomic theories to the firm may imply low costs, competitive advantage, and low firm risk. We contend that the socioeconomic presumptions may contribute to the interests of various stakeholders.
Politics in the pulpit: ecclesiastical discourse on the death of Louis XV

(1986). Politics in the pulpit: ecclesiastical discourse on the death of Louis XV. History of European Ideas: Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 149-160.
The effect of grain size on the stored energy of cold work as a function of strain for polycrystalline nickel

It is well known that both the distribution and density of dislocations are affected by grain boundaries and that the stored energy of deformation is e function of the density of dislocations. Thus, the grain size affects the stored energy of deformation. In general, a fine grain-sized material has a higher dislocation density than a coarse grain-sized material for a given plastic strain. This paper presents measurements of the total stored energy as a function of strain for a series of polycrystalline nickel specimens of different grain size. The aim is to determine how the stored energy of deformation from the geometrically-necessary dislocations contributes to the total stored energy of deformation as a function of the strain.
RGS Proteins Provide Biochemical Control of Agonist-Evoked [Ca2+]i Oscillations

Abstract Agonist-evoked [Ca 2+ ] i oscillations have been considered a biophysical phenomenon reflecting the regulation of the IP 3 receptor by [Ca 2+ ] i . Here we show that [Ca 2+ ] i oscillations are a biochemical phenomenon emanating from regulation of Ca 2+ signaling by the regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins. [Ca 2+ ] i oscillations evoked by G protein–coupled receptors require the action of RGS proteins. Inhibition of endogenous RGS protein action disrupted agonist-evoked [Ca 2+ ] i oscillations by a stepwise conversion to a sustained response. Based on these findings and the effect of mutant RGS proteins and anti-RGS protein antibodies on Ca 2+ signaling, we propose that RGS proteins within the G protein–coupled receptor complexes provide a biochemical control of [Ca 2+ ] i oscillations.
Frontiers of polarized electron scattering experiments

Parity-violating electron scattering has developed into a precise and sensitive tool to probe the structure of weak neutral current interactions at Q 2 ≪ M Z 2 . Steady improvements in experimental techniques have made feasible asymmetry measurements with precision approaching 10 parts per billion and fractional accuracy of a few percent. In the future, upgrades of new facilities, new laboratories and further refinements of experimental techniques should allow us to explore new aspects of the strong and electroweak interactions. We describe some of these ideas in this article.
Fidelity of polarization and spatial information recovery using a fiber-coupled phase-conjugate mirror

We report the investigation of polarization and spatial information recovery using a fiber-coupled phase-conjugate mirror. A marked dependence of the phase-conjugate output on the input-beam conditions is experimentally observed. A theoretical model for these phenomena is also discussed.
Separation and characterization of tetracycline antibiotics by capillary electrophoresis

Abstract The electrophoretic behavior of the antibiotics tetracycline, chlortetracycline, demeclocycline, oxytetracycline, doxycycline, rnethacycline and minocycline has been characterized by capillary electrophoresis in phosphate buffer solutions in the pH range 4–11. A complete set of acid-base equilibrium constants and electrophoretic mobilities was determined and, subsequently, was used in a computer-assisted optimization program to assess the separation of the tetracyclines. Under the predicted optimum conditions (pH 7.5, 18.2 mM ionic strength, 4.3 mM buffer concentration, and constant current of 20 μA), the separation was performed satisfactorily and all tetracyclines were readily identified. Moreover, the common impurities in tetracycline resulting from dehydration and epimerization reactions were discriminated under the same conditions. The determination of tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline was performed in commercially available pharmaceutical formulations. During the dissolution of the contents of hard-filled capsules, a minimum recovery of 95% of the active ingredient was obtained. A calibration curve of peak height versus concentration gave a slope of 6.15 · 10−4 cm M−1, intercept of −1.18·10−5 cm, and coefficient of determination equal to 0.9989. The analysis using UV-absorbance detection at 260 nm provided a detection limit of 1 · 10−5M at a signal-to-noise ratio of approximately 3, with a linear range of two orders of magnitude.
Nonconservation of fermionic degrees of freedom at low energy in doped Mott insulators

Hall and optical conductivity experiments on the cuprates indicate that the low-energy fermionic degrees of freedom in a doped Mott insulator posess a component that is dynamcially generated and hence determined by the temperature. We show explicitly how the spectrum in the lower Hubbard band should be partitioned to describe such dynamically generated charge degrees of freedom and corroborate this picture with the results from the exact low-energy theory of the Hubbard model. A consequence of such dynamics is that the Landau one-to-one correspondence between bare electrons and the effective fermionic degrees of freedom at low energies breaks down explicitly. This state of affairs obtains because the total hole number is not conserved as it contains a dynamical contribution. We propose that any experimental probe that couples to the low-energy dynamics of a doped Mott insulator, quantum oscillation experiments included, should be interpreted in terms of the total dynamically generated hole number rather than the bare value.
Expression and alteration of the S2 subsite of the Leishmania major cathepsin B-like cysteine protease.

The mature form of the cathepsin B-like protease of Leishmania major (LmajcatB) is a 243 amino acid protein belonging to the papain family of cysteine proteases and is 54% identical to human-liver cathepsin B. Despite the high identity and structural similarity with cathepsin B, LmajcatB does not readily hydrolyse benzyloxycarbonyl-Arg-Arg-7-amino-4-methyl coumarin (Z-Arg-Arg-AMC), which is cleaved by cathepsin B enzymes. It does, however, hydrolyse Z-Phe-Arg-AMC, a substrate typically cleaved by cathepsin L and B enzymes. Based upon computer generated protein models of LmajcatB and mammalian cathepsin B, it was predicted that this variation in substrate specificity was attributed to Gly234 at the S2 subsite of LmajcatB, which forms a larger, more hydrophobic pocket compared with mammalian cathepsin B. To test this hypothesis, recombinant LmajcatB was expressed in the Pichia pastoris yeast expression system. The quality of the recombinant enzyme was confirmed by kinetic characterization, N-terminal sequencing, and Western blot analysis. Alteration of Gly234 to Glu, which is found at the corresponding site in mammalian cathepsin B, increased recombinant LmajcatB (rLmajcatB) activity toward Z-Arg-Arg-AMC 8-fold over the wild-type recombinant enzyme (kcat/Km=3740+/-413 M-1.s-1 versus 472+/-72.4 M-1.s-1). The results of inhibition assays of rLmajcatB with an inhibitor of cathepsin L enzymes, K11002 (morpholine urea-Phe-homoPhe-vinylsulphonylphenyl, kinact/Ki=208200+/-36000 M-1. s-1), and a cathepsin B specific inhibitor, CA074 [N-(L-3-trans-propylcarbamoyloxirane-2-carbonyl)-l-isoleucyl-l- prolin e, kinact/Ki=199200+/-32900 M-1.s-1], support the findings that this protozoan protease has the P2 specificity of cathepsin L-like enzymes while retaining structural homology to mammalian cathepsin B.