cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solubility of anthracene in complex solvent systems

The solubility of anthracene was measured in binary and ternary cosolvent‐water systems. The binary systems consisted of water and a completely miscible organic solvent (CMOS); while, the ternary systems incorporated a partially miscible organic solvent (PMOS) into the binary systems. A model is developed which predicts that the incorporation of a PMOS, as a solubilized solute, into a CMOS‐water mixture can lead to an increase in the solubility of anthracene due to cosolvency effect of the PMOS. The results indicate a good correlation between the observed vs. predicted increase in solubility.
Laser feedback metrology of optical systems

A simple interferometric metrology instrument based on the effect of weak optical feedback on the power output of laser diodes is described. Laboratory demonstrations of the principle applied to the analysis of wavefront aberrations in optical systems is reported.
The Contentious Crown: Public Discussion of the British Monarchy in the Reign of Queen Victoria

Radical and republican criticism of the monarchy, 1837-61 the rise and fall of the British republican movement, 1861-1901 perceptions of political power and partisanship, 1837-1861 perceptions of political power and partisanship, 1861-1901 the monarchy, patriotism and nationalism reverence and sentimentality towards the monarchy and Royal family attitudes to royal ceremonial.
Effect of two types of latex gloves and surfactants on polymerization inhibition of three polyvinylsiloxane impression materials.

Abstract Statement of problem Polymerization inhibition of polyvinylsiloxane impression materials has been reported when in sustained contact with some types of latex gloves. Purpose This study examined the polymerization inhibition of 3 polyvinylsiloxane impression materials placed in contact with surfaces subjected to prior contact with gloves or commonly used surfactants. Material and methods A 2 × 3 × 4 × 2 design was used (n = 20), with 2 types of gloves (powdered and unpowdered), 3 types of polyvinylsiloxane impression materials (Aquasil, Extrude, and Affinis), 4 surfactant conditions (water, soap/water-rinse, alcohol, and unexposed), and 2 ambient temperatures of 22°C and 36°C. After glove exposure to surfactants, a glass surface was subjected to rubbing contact with the treated glove for a standardized time. After drying, automixed polyvinylsiloxane impression materials were dispensed onto the treated surface. Specimens were removed and evaluated for polymerization inhibition at the manufacturer's recommended polymerization time (36°C), or after 15 minutes at 22°C. Specimens were rated as polymerized, or as inhibited if any polyvinylsiloxane residue remained on the slab. A chi-square analysis was used to evaluate the results (α=.05). Results Setting inhibition was found only with one of the polyvinylsiloxane materials when alcohol was used as a surfactant. At 22°C, the inhibition rate ranged from 95% to 100% for both glove types; at 36°C inhibition ranged from 40% (unpowdered gloves) to 75% (powdered gloves), respectively. Conclusion Under these in vitro conditions, glove exposure to alcohol resulted in polymerization inhibition of 1 of 3 tested polyvinylsiloxane impression materials (Extrude).
The NDC80 complex proteins Nuf2 and Hec1 make distinct contributions to kinetochore–microtubule attachment in mitosis

The NDC80 complex is known to function in kinetochore-microtubule attachment during mitosis. We analyzed the mitotic roles of three separate structural motifs within the complex and found that the ...
A Figural Education with Lyotard.

While there was a flurry of articles throughout the 1990s in philosophy of education on Lyotard, there are still several key concepts in his oeuvre that have import for but remain largely underdeveloped or absent in the field. One of the most interesting of these absent concepts is Lyotard’s notion of the figural. In this paper, I take the figural as an educational problematic and ask what new educational insights it can generate in regard to the existing literature. As such, this article begins with a survey and synthesis of educational literature on Lyotard and the primary work on which most of it is based, exploring the relationship between knowledge, performativity, the differend, and “the system.” I then examine conceptions of education oriented toward defending the differend and disrupting the system and claim that, while helpful, these conceptions are limited in that they do not mention how educators and students might engage the alterity that the system seeks to repress. I believe that it is here that Lyotard’s notion of the figural can be productively engaged. The next section of the paper performs a partial and educationally partisan reading of Discourse, Figure. After this reading I move to formulate a figural education, which is composed of three educational processes and modes of engagement: reading, seeing, and blindness. A figural education, I argue, holds each of these practices in an uncertain and unsettling relation and, in so doing, can help educators defend the figural and the differend against the discursive demands of the system.
Catholic charities: A praxis for catholic church social teachings

The good news of the Gospel and the scandal of human suffering together situate the paradoxical mandate of Catholic Charities (NCCC, 1972, p. 17).
A measure of axisymmetry for vortex rings

Abstract There are many conditions in which a vortex ring deviates from axisymmetry. The shape of a three dimensional vortex ring represents the axisymmetry of propulsion, which has applications in animal locomotion (e.g., the free-swimming of a jellyfish), rocket and marine propulsion devices as well as blood flow through the heart valves. No fluid dynamics’ measure is yet defined to quantify the axisymmetry of a three dimensional vortex ring with a single value. The non-axisymmetry exists, for instance, in the vortex ring formed downstream of the mitral valve of healthy hearts, and helps efficient blood momentum transfer from the left atrium toward the aorta. Here, we introduce an index that measures the deviation of a vortex ring from axisymmetry. This index examines the spectrum of the impulse of a naturally-formed vortex ring and expresses the deviation from axisymmetry in terms of the vortex’s impulse. We show that the axisymmetry index is related to the second moment of the vorticity distribution of the ring, i.e., as the second moment of vorticity on one side increases compared to the other side, the axisymmetry index decreases accordingly.
Bloggership, or is publishing a blog scholarship? A survey of academic librarians

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to gauge how academic libraries treat publishing a blog.Design/methodology/approach – As blogging becomes more popular, the question arises as to whether it should count as scholarship or a creative activity in academic promotion and tenure. To find out, the author sent a link to a questionnaire to several e‐mail lists, inviting academic librarians to answer a short survey.Findings – In total, 73.9 percent of respondents indicated that their institution expects them to engage in scholarly activities and/or publish scholarly articles, 53.6 percent indicated that their performance review committees do not weigh a blog the same as an article published in a peer‐reviewed journal.Research limitations/implications – As technology changes, policies will need to change.Practical implications – Libraries may need to adapt to new forms of scholarship. Electronic scholarship needs a mechanism for peer‐review.Originality/value – The paper is original – the author did not find any ot...
On the Quantitative Theory of Electrostatic Systems

General theory of cyclic electrostatic machines.---It is shown that if any system of insulated conductors is carried through a periodic cycle of electrostatic operations, the potential of any conductor of the system after $n$ such cycles can be expressed in the form of a recurrent sequence. A general formula is then deduced for the potential of any conductor of the system after $n$ cycles. The application of the formula to the case of electrostatic generators, electrostatic alternators, and electrostatic voltage multipliers is discussed. Methods of solution (1) for the case of a symmetrical alternator consisting of $m$ inductors and $m$ carriers so constructed that each carrier as it comes in front of an inductor is connected to the next following inductor, (2) for the Wimshurst alterantor of four inductors and (3) for a new type of symmetrical alternator derived from the Wimshurst alternator by doubling the number of inductors. Finally it is shown how a simple electrostatic system can be made to function as a generator, alternator, or a voltage multiplier merely by a change of connections.
SU‐GG‐J‐77: The Use of a Commercial Quality Assurance Device for Daily Output and Positioning Checks of Three Image‐Guided Stereotactic Positioning Systems

Purpose: To develop a simple, comprehensive daily QA program for a linac and three image‐guided stereotactic positioning systems (IGSPSs) and to summarize the results over extended periods. Method and Materials: The daily output check on a linac is commonly performed utilizing a chamber embedded in a phantom. Three IGSPSs; the AlignRT 3D surfaceimagingsystem, the Frameless SonArray System (FSA), and the Elekta kV CBCT are installed in a treatment room housing an Elekta linac. For daily QA, therapists routinely perform dosimetric checks of the linac and geometric accuracy tests of the IGSPSs using different vendor‐provided phantoms. We investigated the feasibility of using the commercially available Sun Nuclear DailyQA3™ (DQA3) phantom to perform this task. The QA program encompasses three components: dosimetry, mechanical, and imaging geometry. Results:The coincidence of the isocenter coordinate for AlignRT, FSA, and the linac mechanical isocenter was within 0.7 mm/0.6° of that of the CBCTsystem. We used the three imagingsystems to inspect the laser alignment and optical distance indicator, which each localized to within 0.5 mm. For gantry and table angles of 0°, the mean displacement vectors were within 0.4 mm and 0.1° for each axis between systems. The differences in couch angles using AlignRT and FSA were within 0.3°. Over a period of eight months, the output remained within 2%, the photon and electron energy remained within 2%, and the symmetry and flatness remained within 1%. The field size and light‐radiation field coincidence were within 1mm. The total measurement time for each QA session took 20 minutes or less. Conclusion: The use of the DQA3 simplifies daily QA measurements, shortening the set‐up time, and eliminating systematic errors introduced by switching phantoms. Clinical use of this device has improved the efficiency and thoroughness of our daily QA program for both the linacs and the IGSPSs.
Copper: an essential metal in biology

Summary Life on Earth has evolved within a complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds. While organic molecules such as amino acids, carbohydrates and nucleotides form the backbone of proteins and genetic material, these fundamental components of macromolecules are enzymatically synthesized and ultimately degraded. Inorganic elements, such as copper (Cu), iron and zinc, once solubilized from the Earth's crust, are neither created nor destroyed and therefore their homeostatic regulation is under strict control. In the fascinating field of ‘metals in biology', by virtue of direct interactions with amino acid side-chains within polypeptide chains, metals play unique and critical roles in biology, promoting structures and chemistries that would not otherwise be available to proteins alone.
Rates of trisomies 21, 18, 13 and other chromosome abnormalities in about 20 000 prenatal studies compared with estimated rates in live births

Data were analyzed on the results of 19675 prenatal cytogenetic diagnoses reported to two chromosome registries on women aged 35 or over for whom there was no known cytogenetic risk for a chromosome abnormality except parental age. The expected rates at amniocentesis of 47,+21; 47,+18; 47,+13; XXX; XXY; XYY; and other clinically significant cytogenetic defects by maternal age were obtained from a regression analysis on the observed rates, using a first degree exponential model. After an adjustment for maternal age, these rates were compared with previously estimated rates by maternal age in live births. The rates of 47,+21 at amniocentesis and live birth are approximately parallel, with the latter about 80% of the amniocentesis rates. The rates of 47,+18 at amniocentesis and live birth are approximately parallel, with the live birth rates about 30% of the amniocentesis rates, consistent with high fetal mortality of 47,+18 after amniocentesis. The rates of 47,+13 at amniocentesis indicate an increase in maternal age that is not as marked as thar previously estimated in live births. The rates at amniocentesis for XXX and XXY increase with maternal age, with the rates of XXY almost identical to those estimated previously in live births, suggesting no late fetal mortality of XXY. The rates of XYY show a slight decrease with maternal age also consistent with little late fetal mortality of XYY. No consistent trend with age is seen for the pooled group of other clinically significant defects.
Reversal of hypotonia in infants with Down's syndrome by administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan

Abstract Depression of whole-blood serotonin, previously reported in older children with the trisomy-21 type of Down's syndrome, is also found in neonatal mongols. 5-hydroxytryptophan, the metabolic precursor of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), was given by mouth to fourteen infants with trisomy-21; hypotonia was greatly improved. No prognostic inferences regarding intelligence are warranted.
Enslaved Swimmers and Divers in the Atlantic World

Long before a single coastal or interior West African was enslaved and cargoed off to toil the length of his days under the skies of the New World, many had become adept swimmers and underwater divers. West Africans often grew up along riverbanks, near lakes, or close to the ocean. In those waterways, many became proficient swimmers, incorporating this skill into their work and recreation. When carried to the Americas, slaves brought this ability with them, where it helped shape generations of bondpeople’s occupational and leisure activities. From the age of discovery up through the nineteenth century, the swimming and underwater diving abilities of people of African descent often surpassed those of Europeans and their descendants. Indeed, most whites, including sailors, probably could not swim. To reduce drowning deaths, some philanthropists advocated that sailors and others learn to swim. In 1838 the Sailor’s Magazine, a New York City missionary magazine, published the inscription on a city placard titled “Swimming.” It read: “For want of knowledge of this noble art thousands are annually sacrificed, and every fresh victim calls more strongly upon the best feelings of those who have the power to draw the attention of such persons as may be likely to require this art, to the simple fact, that there is no difficulty in floating or swimming.” Similarly, !eodorus Bailey Myers Mason’s 1879 pamphlet, !e Preservation of Life at Sea, claimed, “!e great majority of people cannot swim, and strange as it may seem to you, there are many who follow the sea as a profession who cannot swim a stroke.” Mason then proclaimed that, as part of their instruction, all United States Naval Academy cadets should be taught to swim.1
Multiresolution fuzzy approach for singularity detection in fingerprint images

This paper describes an approach for singularity (cores and deltas) detection on fingerprint images which uses fuzzy concepts and hierarchical structure. Singularity detection is usually performed of a discrete orientation matrix. Each of the elements of this matrix represents the dominant orientation on a given region. In this case, a fuzzy description of the orientation is defined. A very common method for singularity detection is the evaluation of the Poincare index on the orientation matrix. The fuzzy orientation is then naturally extended to the Poincare index. A multi-resolution description of the orientation matrix is developed and applied in a hierarchical way to estimate the location of singularities in fingerprint images. The method is illustrated on a database consisting of 310 fingerprints with mixed quality with application to fingerprint verification. The performance of this procedure is better than 98%.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An oxygenated C1 intermediate in the fischer-tropsch synthesis on cobalt

The active surface carbon in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis over a cobalt catalyst spends most of its time on the surface as an intermediate which is common to both methanol and hydrocarbon products. This intermediate is distinct from COads but contains the original C-O bond.
A special one-sided approximation problem

Abstract Let P be a nonnegative perfect spline of degree n on [ a , b ] satisfying P ( j ) ( a ) = P ( j ) ( b ) = 0 ( j = 0, …, n − 1). We wish to approximate P from below in the L 1 -norm by nonnegative splines of degree n − 1 with the same fixed knots as P . We show that a unique best approximation exists (differing, in general, from the best approximation without the nonnegativity restriction), and describe the zero structure of the error function. In addition, we discuss the semi-infinite programming approach and deduce relationships with mononsplines and quadrature formulas.
An evaluation of mercury-203 for assessing the induction of metallothionein-like proteins in mussels exposed to cadmium

Animals exposed to heavy metals often respond by synthesizing low molecular weight proteins called metallothioneins (Kagi and Nordberg 1979). These proteins are very rich in sulfhydryl groups which can bind heavy metal cations to varying degrees. Metallothionein proteins have the potential to play a useful role in monitoring studies for biologically important levels of heavy metals. A rapid method for the quantification of the metallothionein content of rat liver and kidney has been introduced. In this method, radioactive mercury was used to tag the metal-binding sulfhydryl groups and the metallothioneins were then separated from high molecular weight proteins by TCA precipitation. The purpose of the present study was to determine the sensitivity and feasibility of this method with cadmium-exposed marine mussels (Mytilus edulis).
Detection of myocardial ischemia: value of combined myocardial perfusion and cineangiographic MR imaging.

Established noninvasive methods for assessing myocardial ischemia have limitations that might be overcome by MR imaging. We investigated MR myocardial perfusion imaging and MR ventriculography, before and after dipyridamole-induced stress, to determine whether the superior spatial and temporal resolution of MR imaging has advantages for the evaluation of myocardial ischemia.Eighteen patients with symptoms suggestive of myocardial ischemia were examined by use of MR perfusion imaging and MR cineangiography before and during dipyridamole-induced stress. Multiplanar gradient-echo MR cineangiography and cardiac gated fast low-angle shot (turbo-FLASH) MR imaging during injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine were used. Results were compared with findings from perfusion scintigraphy and coronary arteriography.The accuracy of the combination MR technique for detecting myocardial ischemia was similar to that of scintigraphy. No significant difference was found between the MR technique and scintigraphy for detectin...
Space Science Reviews Volume on Galileo Mission Overview

The Galileo Mission is an extremely complex undertaking. This paper provides a brief historical overview, a discussion of broad scientific objectives, and a description of the spacecraft and trajectory characteristics.
Microleakage at the gingival margin of class II composite restorations with glass-ionomer liner

Abstract Microleakage at the gingival margins is a major problem with class II posterior composite restorations. Gingival margins of class II restorations with a glassinomer cement liner were evaluated for in vitro microleakage. At the end of 1 year less microleakage occurred at the gingival margin of class II restorations when a glass-ionomer cement was used as a liner.
Crystal and molecular structure of Cr(CO)5(SCMe2), a thioketone complex

Abstract The crystal structure of Cr(CO) 5 (SCMe 2 ) has been determined by three-dimensional single crystal X-ray analysis. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P 2 1 / a with a = 10.468(8), b = 11.879(5), c = 9.575(6) A and β = 108.14(9)°. Least squares refinement of 1435 reflections resulted in a final conventional crystallographic discrepancy factor of R = 0.075. The coordination around the chromium atom is essentially octahedral; the CrC distance opposite the Me 2 CS group is significantly shorter, 1.835(12) A, than the remaining CrC CrSC angle is 120.8(4)°, and the chromium atom deviates from the plane described by the Me 2 CS moiety by only 0.2 A.
Characterization of f-Met-Leu-Phe-Stimulated Fluid Pinocytosis in Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes by Flow Cytometry

N-formylated chemotactic peptide stimulation of human neutrophils initiates a number of cellular processes, such as lysosomal enzyme release and superoxide anion production, that are indicative of the events of neutrophil activation during the acute inflammatory response in disease. This study characterizes a newly recognized neutrophil activation event, N-formylated chemotactic peptide-stimulated fluid pinocytosis in human neutrophils, using a novel flow cytometric assay for this activity. Fluid pinocytosis was found to be inhibited by acidic pH and low temperature but could be enhanced by cytochalasin B treatment or surface adherence by neutrophils. The activity measured by this new assay of fluid pinocytosis appears to be separate and distinct from lysosomal enzyme release and receptor-mediated adsorptive endocytosis in neutrophils. The physiologic significance of N-formylated chemotactic peptide-stimulated fluid pinocytosis is not known, but a possible relationship to neutrophil locomotion is discussed.
Thermal exposure of adult Chinook salmon in the Willamette River basin.

Abstract Radiotelemetry and archival temperature loggers were used to reconstruct the thermal experience of adult spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the highly regulated Willamette River system in Oregon. The study population is threatened and recovery efforts have been hampered by episodically high prespawn mortality that is likely temperature mediated. Over three years, 310 salmon were released with thermal loggers and 68 were recovered in spawning tributaries, primarily at hatchery trapping facilities downstream from high-head dams. More than 190,000 internal body temperature records were collected (mean ~2800 per fish) and associated with 14 main stem and tributary reaches. Most salmon experienced a wide temperature range (minima ~8–10 °C; maxima ~13–22 °C) and 65% encountered potentially stressful conditions (≥18 °C). The warmest salmon temperatures were in lower Willamette River reaches, where some fish exhibited short-duration behavioral thermoregulation. Cumulative temperature exposure, measured by degree days (DD) above 0 °C, varied more than seven-fold among individuals (range=208–1498 DDs) and more than two-fold among sub-basin populations, on average. Overall, ~72% of DDs accrued in tributaries and ~28% were in the Willamette River main stem. DD differences among individuals and populations were related to migration distance, migration duration, and salmon trapping protocols (i.e., extended pre-collection holding in tributaries versus hatchery collection shortly after tributary entry). The combined data provide spatially- and temporally-referenced information on both short-duration stressful temperature exposure and the biologically important total exposure. Thermal exposure in this population complex proximately influences adult salmon physiology, maturation, and disease processes and ultimately affects prespawn mortality and fitness. The results should help managers develop more effective salmon recovery plans in basins with marginal thermal conditions.
Degradation of trichloroethylene by the ammonia-oxidizing bacterium Nitrosomonas europaea.

Abstract Suspensions of Nitrosomonas europaea are shown to cause the complete disappearance of 10 μM trichloroethylene at rates of 1 μM mg protein−1. The reaction continues at nearly this rate for many hours. Fresh cells catalyze the reaction in the absence of added ammonium (presumably utilizing endogenous ammonia or stored reductant). In older cells, trichloroethylene degradation depends on the addition of ammonia. Acetylene, 2-chloro 6-trichloromethylpyridine and αα′-dipyridyl, which inhibit the oxidation of ammonia by cells, inhibit the degradation of trichloroethylene. Thus degradation of trichloroethylene is dependent on- and possibly catalyzed by the ammonia oxidizing enzyme.
A low power self-capacitive touch sensing analog front end with sparse multi-touch detection

Capacitive sensing technology is ubiquitous in today's electronic devices. This paper proposes a novel architecture for the design of an ultra low power self-capacitive touch sensing analog front end (AFE) by exploiting the sparsity of simultaneous touches with respect to the number of sensor nodes. It is possible to significantly reduce the complexity and the power consumption of the AFE by migrating the computational burden to the digital processor which usually have surplus computational power. Based on the 1-bit compressive sensing theory, the ADC(s) in the AFE can be replaced by a single comparator. The number of measurements required in order to resolve the touch positions is related to the number of simultaneous touches rather than the number of sensor nodes. Detailed AFE architecture and the capacitance measurement process will be presented along with a corresponding digital reconstruction algorithm run by the digital processor.
A Coxiella-Like Endosymbiont Is a Potential Vitamin Source for the Lone Star Tick

Amblyomma americanum (Lone star tick) is an important disease vector in the United States. It transmits several human pathogens, including the agents of human monocytic ehrlichiosis, tularemia, and southern tick-associated rash illness. Blood-feeding insects (Class Insecta) depend on bacterial endosymbionts to provide vitamins and cofactors that are scarce in blood. It is unclear how this deficiency is compensated in ticks (Class Arachnida) that feed exclusively on mammalian blood. A bacterium related to Coxiella burnetii, the agent of human Q fever, has been observed previously within cells of A. americanum. Eliminating this bacterium (CLEAA, Coxiella-like endosymbiont of A. americanum) with antibiotics reduced tick fecundity, indicating that it is an essential endosymbiont. In an effort to determine its role within this symbiosis, we sequenced the CLEAA genome. While highly reduced (656,901 bp) compared with C. burnetii (1,995,281 bp), the CLEAA genome encodes most major vitamin and cofactor biosynthesis pathways, implicating CLEAA as a vitamin provisioning endosymbiont. In contrast, CLEAA lacks any recognizable virulence genes, indicating that it is not a pathogen despite its presence in tick salivary glands. As both C. burnetii and numerous “Coxiella-like bacteria” have been reported from several species of ticks, we determined the evolutionary relationship between the two bacteria. Phylogeny estimation revealed that CLEAA is a close relative of C. burnetii, but was not derived from it. Our results are important for strategies geared toward controlling A. americanum and the pathogens it vectors, and also contribute novel information regarding the metabolic interdependencies of ticks and their nutrient-provisioning endosymbionts.
ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURE OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND DYNAMICS OF EMISSION OF ATMOSPHERIC SPECIES RELATED TO THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE (SOX, NOX, AND CO2) IN ASIA

The structure of energy consumption and the conditions of SOx, NOx and CO2 emissions, which have most affected the global changes (acid rain and greenhouse effect), and their changes from 1975 to 1987 in the whole Asian area (east of Afghanistan and Pakistan) are shown by countries and regions. China and India, whose lands are much larger than other countrie, are divided into 29 and 13 regions, respectively. Each of these regions has about the same area as other countries in this Asian area. (A) This paper was presented at the Supercities: environmental quality and sustainable development conference held San Francisco, USA, October 26-30, 1992, organised by the Pacific Basin Study Center, College of Science and Engineering, San Francisco State University.
Constrained Peptidomimetics for TRH: cis-Peptide Bond Analogs

Abstract Two constrained analogs of the tripeptide hormone thyroliberin (TRH) have been synthesized. In both, the HisPro peptide bond of the hormone has been ‘locked’ into a cis -conformation. In the first analog, the constraint used was identical to the constraint used in an earlier trans -peptide bond analog that was a potent agonist for the TRH endocrine receptor TRH-R 1 . The second analog was built in order to take advantage of a tetrazole ring as the cis -peptide bond constraint. Neither analog showed agonist or antagonist behavior toward TRH-R 1 suggesting that the cis -peptide bond conformation may not play a role in the affinity of TRH for TRH-R 1 .
Serum hormone profiles and return to estrus in early-postpartum spring-lambing ewes treated with somatostatin.

Abstract After parturition, 10 mature spring-lambing fine-wool ewes producing twins were allotted to one of two treatments. Five ewes received sterile saline (i.v.) twice daily on Days 12 to 15 post partum (PP) while 5 ewes were treated similarly except each injection contained 500 μg somatostatin (SRIF). Jugular blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals for 1 h before to 3 h after morning treatment on Days 12 and 15 PP. Animals were observed twice daily for signs of estrus using vasectomized rams beginning on Day 31 PP and continuing until ewes returned to estrus. Interval from parturition to estrus (mean ± SEM) was similar (P > 0.40) in ewes receiving SRIF (119 ± 6.2 d) and in control ewes (113 ± 6.2 d). Ewes receiving 500 μg SRIF had lower (P 0.40) between treatment groups. Serum growth hormone (GH) did not differ (P > 0.40) between treatment groups 1 h before treatment on Day 12 PP; however, ewes treated with SRIF had lower (P 0.80) were noted between treatment groups on Day 15 PP. These data indicate that 500 μg SRIF given twice daily from Days 12 to 15 PP neither lowered serum GH nor influenced return to estrus in lactating fine-wool ewes.
An axon scaffold induced by retinal axons directs glia to destinations in the Drosophila optic lobe

In the developing Drosophila visual system, glia migrate into stereotyped positions within the photoreceptor axon target fields and provide positional information for photoreceptor axon guidance. Glial migration conversely depends on photoreceptor axons, as glia precursors stall in their progenitor zones when retinal innervation is eliminated. Our results support the view that this requirement for retinal innervation reflects a role of photoreceptor axons in the establishment of an axonal scaffold that guides glial cell migration. Optic lobe cortical axons extend from dorsal and ventral positions towards incoming photoreceptor axons and establish at least four separate pathways that direct glia to proper destinations in the optic lobe neuropiles. Photoreceptor axons induce the outgrowth of these scaffold axons. Most glia do not migrate when the scaffold axons are missing. Moreover, glia follow the aberrant pathways of scaffold axons that project aberrantly, as occurs in the mutant dachsous. The local absence of glia is accompanied by extensive apoptosis of optic lobe cortical neurons. These observations reveal a mechanism for coordinating photoreceptor axon arrival in the brain with the distribution of glia to multiple target destinations, where they are required for axon guidance and neuronal survival.
Upper Airways Obstruction with Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis

In ten patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis, we demonstrated variable extrathoracic airway obstruction. The ratio of forced expiratory flow at 50 percent vital capacity to forced inspiratory flow at the same lung volume ( V ˙ E50 / V ˙ I50 ) 1.65 ± 0.77 (mean ± 1 SD). There was marked variability of inspiratory flow obstruction with a mean V ˙ I50 of 1.63 zb 0.75 liters/ sec and a range from 0.9 liters/sec to 3.2 liters/sec. Nine of the ten patients required tracheostomy for symptoms of dyspnea. Follow-up flow volume loops were obtained to document the effects of surgical intervention and tracheostomy.
Effect of penicillin on blood urea in the rat.

SummaryThe intraperitoneal injection of penicillin into adult albino rats had no significant effect on the blood urea level, even when doses as high as 500,000 Oxford units were administered per kg of body weight.
Thermal desorption spectroscopy from high-specific-area solids: hydrocarbon adsorption and diffusion in NaX zeolite crystals

This work illustrates a novel application of the thermal desorption spectroscopy technique to investigate adsorption, desorption, and surface diffusion phenomena on small zeolite crystals. Ultrahigh-vacuum procedures employed with zeolite samples of very small mass permit measurements to be made without the presence of intergranular diffusion effects. Studies of 1-butene and C/sub 2/H/sub 4/ adsorption have been carried out. A diffusion energy of approx.2.7 kcal/mole has been measured for 1-butene on zeolite-X; for C/sub 2/H/sub 4/ the measured diffusion energy is approx.1.9 kcal/mole. The desorption energy for C/sub 2/H/sub 4/ on zeolite-X is kinetically measured to be 8.9 kcal/mole in excellent agreement with the isosteric heat of adsorption (8.9 kcal/mole). The characteristic behavior of absorbate thermal desorption states upon annealing may be employed to discriminate between species adsorbed on the outer surface of the zeolite crystals, and species which are present within the pores of the zeolite.
In a non-human primate model, aging disrupts the neural control of intestinal smooth muscle contractility in a region-specific manner.

Key Messages  The presented experiments in a non-human primate model demonstrate age-induced changes to a phenotype that cannot be investigated in humans, and provide significant functional evidence supporting histological data previously reported for the aging human gut.  The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of aging on smooth muscle contractility in a non-human primate model with comparable rates and patterns of aging to humans.  Jejunal and colonic tissue were isolated from young and old baboons. Myogenic responses were investigated using potassium chloride (Kcl) and carbachol (Cch), and neurally mediated contractile responses were evoked by electric field stimulation (EFS) in the presence and absence of neuronal inhibitors.  Jejunal contractility increased with age and was associated with an impairment of nitrergic mechanisms. In contrast, colonic contractile responses were significantly reduced in aged baboons and involved blunted cholinergic mechanisms in the enteric nervous system and in the smooth muscle tissue.
The coupled-channel born approximation and J-dependence in 30Si(d,p)31Si

We have obtained statistically accurate angular distribution data at extreme forward angles (θ=2°−40°) for 30Si(d,p)31Si leading to the 2.32 MeV (32+) and 2.79 MeV (52+) states, at Ed=10 MeV, We show that the extreme difference in the angular distributions for these two states can be explained by coupled-channel Born approximation calculations taking into account contributions from inelastic scattering, essentially without adjustable parameters, and without inclusion of the deuteron d-state or other similar small corrections.
A transition community for deaf and hard of hearing students in information technology programs

In the Information Technology (IT) field, deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students are underrepresented and less academically successful compared to their hearing counterparts. DHH students face difficulty in handling the demands and expectations of college level classes, especially introductory programming courses. As a result, without appropriate support, most do not succeed in introductory programming courses. For this group, a combination of a transitional community and transitional programming course has been shown to improve their academic success. This paper describes 1) how the establishment of a community of peers with an appropriate academic support structure improves graduation persistence, 2) how a transition programming course with an appropriate support structure improves completion rates of the introductory programming sequence and 3) resources for instructors with DHH students in the classroom.
Is an Object an Object an Object? Cognitive and Neuropsychological Investigations of Domain Specificity in Visual Object Recognition

Are all types of objects recog nized in the same way, or are differ ent kinds of visual object recognition systems used to recognize different types of objects? Most current work on object recognition in cognitive science has assumed, explicitly or implicitly, that all visual stimuli are recognized by a common set of mechanisms. Cognitive scientists such as Marr1 and Biederman,2 who have proposed comprehensive theo ries of object recognition, do not specify different types of representa tions or processes for different types of stimuli. Rather, these scientists have described a single type of sys tem capable of recognizing as wide a range of stimuli as possible. Other researchers have ques tioned the existence of a general purpose pattern recognition system, and have instead suggested that the visual system has evolved numerous specialized subsystems for recogniz ing different types of stimuli. Proba bly the most extreme proponent of this view was Konorski,3 who sug gested that there were nine different subsystems used in visual recogni
Recurrence after laparoscopic excision of nonparasitic splenic cysts.

Abstract Background Minimally invasive treatments for nonparasitic splenic cysts are well described. Recent evidence suggests that laparoscopic splenic cystectomy is associated with high recurrence rates in children. Because these cysts are uncommon, no large series is available. We reviewed our clinical data focusing on cyst recurrences and their management. Methods All children who underwent laparoscopic excision of a nonparasitic splenic cyst from January 2002 to December 2006 were identified. Medical and surgical records were reviewed for perioperative details, hospital course, and outcome. Results Eight children (median age, 13 years; range, 7-16 years) who underwent laparoscopic splenic cystectomy were identified. The most common presenting complaint was left upper quadrant pain or mass (n = 6; 75%). Median cyst size was 13 cm (range, 4-20 cm). There were no conversions to an open technique, completion splenectomies, or perioperative complications. Cysts were identified pathologically as epidermoid (n = 6) or posttraumatic (n = 2). Median hospital stay was 1.5 days. One child required partial splenectomy because of cyst anatomy and remains recurrence-free at 12 months. Cyst recurrence occurred in 7 patients (88%) at a median of 9.4 months (range, 3-18 months) after initial surgery. Median recurrent cyst size was 5.6 cm (range, 3-11 cm). Of 7 recurrences, 4 (57%) were symptomatic. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided cyst drainage and sclerosis were performed in 2 children with symptomatic recurrences, one of whom required 4 separate interventions. There were no complications during management of cyst recurrences. Five children with recurrence (71%) have been followed conservatively and are free of morbidity at a median of 23 months (range, 8-55 months). Conclusions Laparoscopic excision of nonparasitic splenic cysts in children is associated with a high recurrence rate and may be insufficient treatment. Partial splenectomy may decrease recurrence rates. Conservative management of splenic cyst recurrence after laparoscopic excision is associated with good short-term outcomes. If necessary, image-guided management of symptomatic recurrences can be performed safely.
A Theory of Resilience Applied to Couples Affected by HIV/AIDS

ABSTRACT Much of the research related to HIV has focused on individual factors related to disease contraction, progression, and prevention. Improvements in medical treatments for those affected by HIV/AIDS have led to an increased viability of creating and maintaining longer term romantic relationships. However, research has just begun to examine the factors that affect both individual health outcomes and relationship outcomes, and it has done little to examine the role of context. Thus, the purpose of this article is to develop a contextual theoretical model grounded in risk and resiliency theory and the extant literature that can be used to guide future research into the influence of HIV/AIDS on both individual and relational outcomes with a focus on gay couples.
Chemical modelling on the bare rock or forested watershed scale

The simulation of weathering, solute distribution or acidification at the catchment scale is predominantly done with either a mass balance or process level model. The former redistributes total elemental concentrations between known points with measured total concentration, but does not explicitly include catchment hydrology. The latter includes compartmental hydrological models and detailed descriptions of spatially averaged chemical reactions. Interestingly, the model applications tend towards hydrologically different watershed structures: mass balance modelling favours bare rock watersheds similar to the Apache Leap Research Site, whereas process level models are applied most often to forested watersheds, among which the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest is an example. Although constrained either by mineral or water compositions on the one hand, or calibrated against stream or lake water chemistry on the other, both approaches basically fit parameters to the geochemical circumstances of the specific watershed of interest. Limited success is attained if the hydrological conditions remain within the circumstances of the parameter fitting. The principal differences in model formulation and approach to mass balance modelling are discussed. Without advancements in model calibration and rigorous model testing, and the development of methods for optimizing the important reactions and pathways, the transportability of models between watersheds or the simulation of extreme events will continue to be inadequate. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Educational peer effects and the Chicago public schools

Abstract Using data on third and sixth grade students in the Chicago public schools, I examine peer effects using variation in school tracking policies. In tracked schools, high ability students receive the benefit of being placed in classes with high ability peers. The opposite is the case for low ability students. If peer effects were important, one would expect students with high initial ability in tracked schools to outperform similar students in untracked schools. Similarly, students with low initial ability in tracked schools should lag behind their counterparts in untracked schools. Using an identification strategy that takes advantage of this intuition, I find peer effects to be quite small, though generally positive and statistically significant.
An experimental investigation of free surface transport, bifurcation, and adhesion phenomena as related to a hollow glass ampule and a metallic conductor

An experimental investigation of free surface transport and subsequent bifurcation and adhesion for a hollow glass ampule is presented in this work. Detailed phenomenological features of the process are displayed and discussed. This experimental investigation, which is generic in nature, provides the much needed phenomenological information on free surface transport, glass processing as related to optical fiber production, and glass-to-metal sealing processes. Detailed images of the actual sealing process provide valuable information on identifying and isolating the key regimes in the process and mapping out process defects, and contribute to a basic understanding of the physical mechanisms involved in the sealing process.
Effects of chemical composition on nitrogen mineralization from green manures of seven tropical leguminous trees

Green manures from seven tropical leguminous trees were incubated with soil to determine the rates and controls of net nitrogen release. Fresh green manure (leaves and succulent twigs) was mixed with moist soil and incubated in polyethylene bags. Net N mineralization from green manures was estimated by the accumulation of extractable ammonium and nitrate minus the accumulation in soil alone. Patterns of N mineralization were complex, differed among species, and at 12 weeks ranged from 10 to 65 percent of original green-manure N. Cumulative net N mineralization was negatively correlated with initial soluble polyphenol content in the early phases of decomposition (1 through 8 weeks) and with initial lignin content in later phases (4 through 12 weeks). Neither initial percent N nor lignin: N ratio were strongly correlated with N mineralization. The best chemical index of N release was the initial polyphenol: N ratio. This study confirms previous findings that N mineralization from tropical legumes is controlled more by soluble polyphenols than by lignin or N content.
Nitrate metabolism of the red tide dinoflagellate Gonyaulax polyedra Stein

Certain idiosyncracies in the metabolism of nitrogen and diurnal vertical migration may account for the development and persistence of Gonyaulax polyedra Stein red tides along the Southern California Coast. In culture, G. polyedra has the ability for both uptake and assimilation of nitrate in the dark and this together with its enhancement by previous N-starvation could enable these dinoflagellates to meet 50–100 % of their daily nitrogen requirements for growth from dark assimilation alone. Less pronounced light-dark variations in nitrate assimilation and a greater stability of the nitrate assimilatory enzymes, together with the ability to migrate into nitrate-rich subsurface waters at night, probably give G. polyedra and other red tide dinoflagellates a competitive advantage over coastal diatoms during the ‘upwelling season’, when most red tides occur.
Alpha-synuclein as a template for the synthesis of metallic nanowires

Exploiting the concepts learnt from nature to build new nanomaterials from the bottom up is critical for the efficient design of complex nanodevices. We demonstrate for the first time that the capacity of the α-synuclein protein to assemble into nanofibres can be used for the synthesis of metallic nanowires. Silver and platinum nanowires with controlled diameters, ranging from 15 to 125 nm, have been synthesized on an α-synuclein protein fibre scaffold.