cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STUDIES OF ELECTROMAGNETICALLY INDUCED TRANSPARENCY IN THALLIUM VAPOR AND POSSIBLE UTILITY FOR MEASURING ATOMIC PARITY NONCONSERVATION

Motivated by the potential use of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) to measure atomic parity nonconservation (PNC), we have studied EIT and associated optical rotation for a three-level system in thallium vapor. EIT allows sub-Doppler resolution of the ${6P}_{1/2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{6P}_{3/2}$ mixed magnetic dipole, electric quadrupole transition at $1.28\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ when $0.535\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ radiation acts on the ${6P}_{3/2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{7S}_{1/2}$ transition. Our measurements include rotation due to electromagnetically induced birefringence and Faraday rotation perturbed by EIT. We also identify a new method for determining the amplitude ratio $E2/M1$ for the $1.28\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ transition. The possible advantages of an EIT technique for measuring atomic PNC are discussed in the context of our results.
An exploratory study on system-aided DRAM scaling

This paper advocates a system-aided DRAM scaling strategy, where the rationale is to embrace, instead of striving to tackle, the difficulty of storage node aspect ratio (A/R) scaling. In current practice, scaling down of DRAM cell size must be strictly accompanied with proportional scaling up of storage node A/R, in order to maintain the storage node capacitance and hence error-free memory operation. Given the significant difficulty of continuing to scale up storage node A/R, relaxing the strict coupling between DRAM cell size scaling down and storage node A/R scaling up appears to be the natural or even only option. Although it inevitably results in error-prone memory operation, explicitly exposing memory errors to system-level memory controllers is a viable option to ensure data storage integrity and meanwhile keep standard memory interface intact. This leads to a system-aided DRAM scaling paradigm, which conceptually resembles the scaling of NAND flash memory. In this exploratory study, we performed analysis and calculations to estimate error characteristics in the presence of storage node capacitance reduction, and propose a data-dependent error-tolerance approach to reduce the redundancy overhead of system-aided DRAM error mitigation. The results of our cross-layer study show a promising potential of this DRAM scaling paradigm, and we believe that it deserves more thorough and cohesive investigations from the system and circuit/device aspects as a plausible path for future DRAM scaling.
The dermal loss of iron.

Summary“Cell poor” and “cell rich” sweat samples from 25 normal subjects have been analyzed (total of 118 determinations). The iron content of “cell poor” sweat was negligible. On the other hand “cell rich” sweat contained a high concentration of iron. This iron loss is not an essential function of the process of sweating, but is associated primarily with desquamation.
Thermogravimetrische Analyse von Calciumoxalat unter Vermindertem Druck

It is suggested to carry out thermogravimetric measurements at pressures between 1 and 100 torr. In this pressure range thermal gas flow will cause only small disturbances, and the gas evolution will be much less inhibited by the surrounding gas than at higher pressures. In a thermal analysis of calcium oxalate, carried out with an apparatus containing a pressure controller, the weighing disturbances were reduced to a few micrograms.
An Overview of Psychometric Assessment

SummaryThe assessment of a number of behavioral and psychoso-cial domains may be important in baseline and outcome evaluations of CFS patients. These domains include mood disturbance, functional status, sleep disturbance, global well-being (i.e., psychiatric status), pain, behavioral coping, social support, locus of control, illness behavior and illness attribution. This article describes a variety of pen-and-paper measures designed to assess these behavioral dimensions and summarizes their psychometric properties and applicability to CFS populations.
Heat transfer and reaction issues in liquid composite molding

This paper surveys current issues in the modeling of heat transfer and chemical reaction in resin transfer molding and structural reaction injection molding. The discussion is organized around four steps of modeling : incorporating the physical phenomena into a model, gathering material data, analyzing the model to provide physical understanding, and solving the model for relevant cases. The local volume averaging approach is summarized as a method for deriving appropriate balance equations. The resulting equations are analyzed using dimensional analysis, and analytical solutions are presented for several special cases. These include steady heat transfer for small and large Graetz numbers, and a transient solution for heat transfer during filling at large Graetz numbers. This latter solution explains why preheating the fibers does not heat the resin uniformly. Numerical solution methods are discussed, with emphasis on upwinding techniques for hyperbolic problems. The paper concludes with a summary of research achievements and needs.
Employee benefits and public policy

The first expression of public policy regarding privately sponsored employee benefit programs occurred in 1921 when Congress authorized tax deductions and tax deferrals for employee stock bonus and profit sharing plans. Today, following numerous additional enactments, there is an annual tax expenditure for employee benefits of some $100 billion. Universal availability of privately sponsored employee benefits is clearly a goal of public policy. That goal has not been attained. It is the thesis of this article that the goal will not be attained by means of tax incentives alone; that an inequity exists between taxpayers who enjoy coverage and those who do not; that there are serious problems with our benefit system even for those who enjoy coverage; and that mandated benefits must be considered as a means of fulfilling public policy.
On Complexity of Protein Structure Alignment Problem under Distance Constraint

We study the well-known Largest Common Point-set (LCP) under Bottleneck Distance Problem. Given two proteins a and b (as sequences of points in three-dimensional space) and a distance cutoff \sigma, the goal is to find a spatial superposition and an alignment that maximizes the number of pairs of points from a and b that can be fit under the distance \sigma from each other. The best to date algorithms for approximate and exact solution to this problem run in time O(n^8 ) and O(n^{32} ), respectively, where n represents protein length. This work improves runtime of the approximation algorithm and the expected runtime of the algorithm for absolute optimum for both order-dependent and order-independent alignments. More specifically, our algorithms for near-optimal and optimal sequential alignments run in time O(n^7 \log n) and O(n^{14} \log n), respectively. For nonsequential alignments, corresponding running times are O(n^{7.5} ) and O(n^{14.5} ).
Smoothed empirical likelihood for ROC curves with censored data

The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is an attractive basis for the comparison of distribution functions between two populations. In this paper, we apply the censored empirical likelihood method with kernel smoothing to investigate the ROC curve. It is shown that the smoothed empirical likelihood ratio converges to a chi-square distribution, which is the well-known Wilks theorem. We also propose a bootstrap procedure for obtaining the censored empirical likelihood confidence band for the ROC curve. The performance of the proposed empirical likelihood method is illustrated through extensive simulation studies in terms of coverage probability and average length of confidence intervals.
Field primatology of today: current ethical issues.

As members of professional organizations such as American Society of Primatologists (ASP) and the International Primatological Society (IPS), primatologists must adhere to a set of nonhuman primate-focused principles outlined in resolutions and policy statements on, for example, the ethical treatment of nonhuman primates. Those of us that work in the field must also address issues such as the protection of primate health in the wild and the conservation of wild primate populations. Moreover, we increasingly find ourselves in complex situations where we must balance human and nonhuman primate needs and interests. The selection of commentary pieces in this edition of the American Journal of Primatology originated from presentations given in the symposium, Field Primatology of Today: Navigating the Ethical Landscape, held at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Primatologists (ASP) in September 2009. The goals of that symposium and these resulting commentary pieces are threefold: (1) to revive a discussion of key contemporary ethical issues faced by field primatologists, (2) to highlight the need for centrally placed ethical considerations in various facets of our professional lives, particularly research and teaching, and (3) to consider what a comprehensive ethical code that addresses all of these issues might look like. Am. J. Primatol. 72:749–753, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Aspartame decreases evoked extracellular dopamine levels in the rat brain: An in vivo voltammetry study

Conflicting reports exist concerning the effect aspartame (APM, l-aspartyl-l-phenylalanine methyl ester) has upon brain biogenic amines. In the following study, in vivo voltammetry was utilized to measure evoked extracellular dopamine (DA) levels in the striatum of rats in order to assess APM's effect. Time-course experiments revealed a significant decline in evoked extracellular DA levels within 1h of a single systemic dose (500mg/kg i.p.) when compared to vehicle-injected controls. The effect was frequency dependent and showed a significant decrease utilizing high frequency stimulation parameters (50 and 60Hz). In order to further determine APM's potential to alter evoked extracellular DA levels, extended stimulation periods were employed to deplete releasable stores both before and after APM administration in intact and 6-OHDA partially lesioned animals. The extended stimulation periods were applied at 60Hz for 2,5,10 and 20s durations. APM decreased DA levels under these conditions in both intact and 6-OHDA partially lesioned animals by an average of 34% and 51%, respectively. Kinetic analysis performed on frequency series indicated that the diminished DA levels corresponded to a significant reduction in DA release. These findings suggest that APM has a relatively potent effect of decreasing evoked extracellular DA levels when administered systemically under the conditions specified.
Radiology in the Intensive Care Unit (Part I)

The increasing complexity of the intensive care patient combined with the recent advances in imaging technology has generated a new perspective on intensive care radiology. The purpose of this 2-part review article is to describe the contribution of radiology to the management of these critically ill patients. The first article will discuss the impact of picture archiving and communication system (PACS) on critical care management and utility of the portable chest radiograph in the detection and evaluation of pulmonary disease with correlation to computed tomography (CT). The second article describes in more detail the increasing role of CT in diagnosis and therapeutic procedures. In particular, the implementation of CT pulmonary angiography in the evaluation of pulmonary emboli and the introduction of the new multislice detector CT scanners that allow even the most dyspneic patient to be evaluated. Pleural complications in the intensive care unit and image-guided intervention will also be discussed.
Predictors of Poor Weight Gain in Infants with a Single Ventricle

Objective To assess growth from the time of neonatal discharge to the time of performance of the bidirectional Glenn (BDG) procedure in infants with a single ventricle and determine predictors of poor growth. Study design We performed a retrospective case series of infants who underwent the BDG procedure at our institution between January 2001 and December 2007 (n = 102). Anthropometric and clinical data were recorded during neonatal hospitalization and before BDG. Outcome variables included weight-for-age z -score (WAZ) at the time of BDG and average daily weight gain between neonatal discharge and BDG. Results Median age at the time of BDG was 5.1 months (range, 2.4-10 months), and median WAZ was -0.4 (range, -2.6 to 3.2) at neonatal admission and -1.3 (range, -3.9 to 0.6) at the time of BDG. Non-Caucasian infants ( P = .03) and those with lower WAZ at neonatal discharge ( P P = .04), and having higher mean pulmonary arterial pressure ( P = .04) and systemic oxygen saturation ( P = .006) were associated with lower average daily weight gain between neonatal discharge and BDG. Conclusions Infants with a single ventricle have poor weight gain between neonatal discharge and BDG. Non-Caucasian infants and those with evidence of increased pulmonary blood flow are at particular risk for growth failure.
Equidensitometry by coherent optical filtering

A new and simple method has been developed for fabrication of multilevel halftone screens that have proved useful for generation of equidensity contours by means of coherent optical filtering. Up to ten contours of constant brightness have been generated on a picture by coherent optical filtering of a single halftone copy of that picture. The possible application of this method to optical analog-to-digital conversion using a single halftone photograph is discussed.
Postsynthetic Covalent Modification of a Neutral Metal−Organic Framework

The covalent modification of the metal−organic framework IRMOF-3 has been achieved using acetic anhydride. Mass spectrometry and 1H NMR evidence shows that the free amine groups in IRMOF-3 are converted to amides in high yields. Control experiments and X-ray diffraction studies suggest that this reaction occurs on the intact framework with preservation of crystallinity. This finding opens up new possibilities for the preparation of novel MOFs using a postsynthetic modification strategy.
Surface waves in vertically vibrated granular materials.

Noncohesive granular materials driven by a vertically vibrated horizontal surface become unstable when the acceleration exceeds g. Then there is internal convective transport of materials balanced by continuous surface avalanches leading to an inclined surface. We describe studies above the onset to flow where new surface wave motions occur. The surface waves travel upward against gravity on the free surface. They occur only above minimum accelerations and dimensionless energies, and only with large vibration amplitude.
Control of epinephrine synthesis in the adrenal medulla by the adrenal cortex: hormonal specificity and dose-response characteristics.

Hypophysectomy in the rat is followed by a decline in the activity of phenylethanolamine- N-methyl transferase (PNMT), the adrenal medullary enzyme which synthesizes epinephrine. This decline, as well as the consequent fall in adrenal epinephrine content, can be corrected by treatment with ACTH. The PNMT activity of hypophysectomized rats is also elevated by glucocorticoids, but is unaffected by FSH, LH, prolactin, TSH, growth hormone, estrogen, or testosterone. The doses of ACTH required to restore epinephrine biosynthesis are of the same order of magnitude as those needed to maintain adrenal weight. However, the doses of exogenous glucocorticoid needed for this effect are at least 100-fold greater than the usual steroid “replacement doses.” A dose of ACTH which is equally effective with a given amount of hydrocortisone in depressing splenic weight is much more effective in restoring PNMT activity. Since the action of ACTH on the epinephrineforming enzyme is known to be mediated by its stimulation of glu...
Evaluation of Treatment for Autistic Children and Their Parents

We review five different systematic studies evaluating outcome elements of the TEACCH Program. These include (1) the effect of program structure, (2) home observation of child behaviors before and after treatment, (3) behavioral ratings of parent's teaching effectiveness before and after treatment, (4) parents' and therapists' perceptions of treatment outcome, and (5) long-range outcome as measured by rate of institutionalization. The series of outcome studies reviewed here offers a cumulative body of outcome evidence for treatment effectiveness that any single research effort could not offer. Multiple studies are recommended for others seeking treatment outcome information.
An experimental dynamic public goods game with carryover

Abstract We examine voluntary contributions in a two-stage public good experiment with ‘carryover.’ In two treatments, each subject's second-stage endowment is determined by the return from the public good in the first-stage. We manipulate payoffs across treatments such that, relative to our no-carryover baseline, earnings from either Nash Equilibrium (constant NE) play or Pareto Optimal (constant PO) play are held constant. The remaining two treatments maintain a constant endowment in each stage, but vary the marginal per capita return (MPCR high or MCPR low) to contributions in the second-stage. Our results indicate that carryover increases first-stage contributions. Our implementation of carryover enables us to examine the effects of changing endowments and a wide range of MPCR's. Consistent with the literature, we find that MPCR and endowment effects are important determinants of subject contributions to the group account. While stage 1 contributions tend to increase in the presence of carryover, efficiency levels across both stages fall relative to the baseline. Efficiency levels fall because the maximum earnings possible increase with carryover (due to higher endowments or MPCR levels in stage 2).
The 2007 National Asthma Education and Prevention Program asthma guidelines: accelerating their implementation and facilitating their impact on children with asthma

Nearly 2 decades have elapsed since the National Center for Health Statistics raised concerns regarding the trends in increasing asthma prevalence. Additional research highlighted the large racial disparities and geographic variations in asthma morbidity and mortality rates. Although there was little national consensus on the care of children with asthma at the time, there were improvements in the understanding of the mechanisms and treatment of asthma. It was in this context that the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute launched the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program, which convened its first panel of experts to create the national consensus clinical practice guidelines on the treatment of asthma. More than 15 years have passed since the publication of those first guidelines and, in August 2007, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute released its newest updates, which are the product of the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program third expert panel. The release of the updated guidelines serves as an occasion to examine important issues regarding the dissemination and clinical implementation of National Asthma Education and Prevention Program guidelines. The goals of this report are to examine the adoption of earlier versions of the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program guidelines and to suggest opportunities for rapid adoption of the newly released guidelines.
Determination of selected oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (oxy-PAHs) in diesel and air particulate matter standard reference materials (SRMs).

Oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (oxy-PAHs) have recently received much attention in discussions regarding the negative impacts of particulate matter (PM) on human health and the environment. The National Institute of Standards and Technology provides several environmental matrix standard reference materials (SRMs) with certified and reference values for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrated PAHs. In this study, the concentrations of oxygenated PAHs are determined in three air PM SRMs (1649b, 1648a, and 2786) and three diesel PM SRMs (1650b, 2975, and 1975) using two independent gas chromatography–mass spectrometry methods. Concentrations of oxy-PAHs were at the milligrams per kilogram level with higher overall concentrations in diesel PM (up to 50 mg/kg for 9,10-anthraquinone). One of the highest oxy-PAH concentrations (up to 5 mg/kg) measured in the air particulate SRMs was for 7,12-benz[a]anthracenquinone. These results suggest that oxygenated PAHs should not be neglected in the analysis of PM as their concentrations can be as high as those of some PAHs and are one to two orders of magnitude higher than those for nitro-PAHs.
Unit responsivity in various hippocampal layers and the depressive effects of ethanol

Abstract This research was a study, using acutely prepared rabbits, of neuronal responsivity in 7 hippocampal layers to electrical stimulation of the 3 primary input structures (entorhinal cortex, septum, and midbrain reticular formation). For each stimulus/response site, we determined the minimal stimulus intensity required to evoke a threshold response (≶ X ± 2 SD of the discharge rate immediately prior to stimulation). For all stimulus/response site combinations, the threshold voltage was low (range of 0.17 to 0.45 volts), and a threshold response was easily obtained (range of 60 to 100% of the trials). The predominant response was excitatory, but depression sometimes occurred (up to 20% incidence). Areas that never showed depression were the hippocampal and dentate molecular layers and the subiculum. The high incidence of low threshold, excitatory responses in all layers to all 3 kinds of input indicates that the hippocampus is very sensitive to diverse inputs and that excitatory input is readily distributed throughout all layers. A second phase of the research was a test of ethanol (0.8 gm/kg) influence on the evoked unit responses. Ethanol elevated threshold for all pairings. Regional differences were clearly established with brainstem reticular formation stimulation, in which threshold after ethanol was elevated more in the hippocampal molecular layer and, to a lesser extent, in the dentate granule cell layer.
Hamster Prolactin: Physiological Changes in Blood and Pituitary Concentrations as Measured by a Homologous Radioimmunoassay

A specific and sensitive homologous radioimmunoassay (RIA) for determination of hamster prolactin is described and compared to heterologous hamster prolactin RIA and to the homologous and heterologous RIAs for rat prolactin. With this method, we have determined that, in the golden hamster, diurnal plasma prolactin fluctuations have a mean interpeak interval of 1.5 h, that serum prolactin concentrations are influenced by day length, by ether vapors, by animal’s gender, and by refeeding following a fast but not by neurosurgical procedures which increase somatic growth and serum GH concentration in adult hamsters. Variations in day length influenced pituitary prolactin content and concentration, and pituitary removal abolished prolactin secretory responses to ether stress. A heterologous RIA for hamster prolactin which utilizes radioiodinated rat prolactin and rabbit antihamster prolactin serum (RK1–15) represents the most advantageous method for the measurement of hamster prolactin because of its high sensitivity (0.14 ng/ml), high antiserum binding to iodinated rat prolactin, and the ability to measure both hamster and rat prolactin.
Geographies of race and ethnicity 1: White supremacy vs White privilege in environmental racism research

In this report I compare two forms of racism: white privilege and white supremacy. I examine how they are distinct and can be seen in the environmental racism arena. I argue that within US geograph...
Conceptual design of a fully reusable manned launch system

The conceptual design of a rocket-powered, two-stage fully reusable launch vehicle has been performed as a part of the advanced manned launch system (AMLS) study by NASA. The main goals of the AMLS study are to provide routine, low-cost manned access to space. Technologies and system approaches have been studied that would contribute to significant reductions in operating time and manpower relative to current systems. System and operational characteristics of the two-stage fully reusable vehicle are presented, and the various tools and methods used in the design process are summarized. The results of a series of trade studies performed to examine the effect of varying major vehicle parameters on the reference two-stage fully reusable vehicle are also summarized.
Municipal annexation: Does state policy matter?

Annexation, the process of bringing land from one jurisdiction to another is the means by which municipalities physically expand in the United States. The process of annexation is implemented through procedures at the local level and authorized by general state enabling legislation. State annexation policy varies widely across the United States, but it has the potential to play a significant role in facilitating or constraining local annexation activity. This paper details the effects of specific provisions of state annexation law on municipal annexation activity. A sample of over 900 cities containing at least 10,000 people that annexed during the 1990–1999 decade was used to explore the effects. Eleven different provisions of state law were included in the analysis, including whether the state has a boundary agency overseeing annexation and whether an election is required to complete the annexation process. Results show that nearly all state provisions affect the frequency of municipal annexation, although some had unexpected results. State provisions also affect rates of annexation and acre growth through annexation, but not as consistently as they affect frequencies. The paper concludes with a discussion of the efficacy of state policy to influence local annexation activity.
The PB&J Challenge: Using Value‐Stream Mapping to Drive Learning Loops*

Today, leading companies win competitive battles not on what they make but on how they make it. By focusing on the “how,” managers promote the learning needed to stay relevant in a fastclockspeed age when all competitive advantage is temporary. Value-stream mapping helps promote such learning. Yet, most classroom discussions of value-stream mapping are anything but transparent. An interactive exercise is needed to give decision makers an opportunity to 1) run and map a simple, but real process, 2) engage in a structured, process-improvement brainstorming exercise, 3) implement process-improvement ideas and document performance improvements, and 4) report findings to an executive steering committee to build initiative momentum. As an experiential learning exercise, “The PB&J Challenge” helps managers learn mapping skills as they become levers of organizational change. Impressive improvements are often reported: cycle times are reduced by as much as 50-80% and quality is improved by upwards of 90%. Most importantly, students feel confident that they have learned new skills.
Identification of unions of languages drawn from an identifiable class

We follow a line of research begun by Gold and continued by Angluin. Gold defined a property of language classes: identifiability in the limit from positive examples (i.e. text). This means that given any stream of examples drawn from some language in the class it is possible to produce a stream of guesses that converges to the language from which the examples are drawn. Suppose we are given a class of languages that is identifiable from text, and a stream of examples drawn from two of those languages intermixed. Is it possible to converge in the limit to a pair of languages that together explain the examples? The answer is: in general, no. We define a property of language classes that ensures such bilingual identification is possible. We call this property of language classes finite elasticity. Finite elasticity is preserved by the operation of taking unions of pairs of languages. This generalizes a result due to Shinohara. Shinohara has shown that pairs of pattern languages are identifiable from text. It is easy to see that the class of pattern languages has finite elasticity. We now see that Shinohara's result holds for any language class with finite elasticity.
Salutary role for angiotensin in partial urinary tract obstruction.

Salutary role for angiotensin in partial urinary tract obstruction. Background In the neonatal period, angiotensin II (Ang II) is up-regulated and induces a timely development of the renal pelvis and ureteral peristalsis, thereby protecting the kidney from hydronephrosis. We tested the possibility that in adulthood, Ang II may act salutarily on the kidney structure during partial urinary tract obstruction by inducing adaptive changes in the peristaltic machinery. Methods Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to partial unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and divided into two groups, that is, those treated with (group L, N = 21) and those without (group C, N = 21) an angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist (losartan). Control animals were sham operated (N = 10). Rats were sacrificed either at day 7 or day 14. Results The degree of hydronephrosis determined morphometrically was significantly more severe in group L than group C at both day 7 and day 14, indicating that Ang II inhibition accentuated hydronephrosis. The measurement of upstream pressure within the partially ligated ureter in vivo revealed that losartan significantly attenuates the frequency of ureteral peristaltic activities. In in vitro studies using ureteral strips harvested from normal adult Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 10), Ang II (10-8 mol/L) was shown to augment contraction, which was completely inhibited by losartan (10-6 mol/L). Conclusions Ang II has a salutary effect of protecting kidneys from hydronephrosis during partial ureteral obstruction through its ability to augment ureteral peristalsis.
A mathematical analysis of fluid movement across capillary walls.

Abstract A mathematical analysis of the exchange of fluid between a blood capillary and the surrounding tissue is presented. The diameter and permeability of the capillary are assumed to vary along its length in accordance with observation, and fluid movement across the capillary wall is assumed to be governed by a generalization of Starling's law. The motion of the interstitial fluid obeys a nonlinear form of Darcy's law in which the porosity and hydrodynamic conductivity of the tissue vary with interstitial fluid pressure. An asymptotic method of solution is developed for a simplified problem in order to establish techniques applicable to the general case. The results are used to discuss some specific examples of physiological interest.
Vested interest and symbolic politics—observations and recommendations: Reply to Sears (1997).

In his comment on the author's original article (W. D. Crano, 1997) on vested interest, symbolic politics, and attitude-behavior consistency, D. Sears (1997) concentrated on 3 important features of the original study: the logic of the analytic design, the strength of effects and, more broadly, the possibility that the apparent discontinuity between survey and laboratory findings on self-interest and attitude may reside in respondent characteristics. In response, it is argued that (a) the analytic logic, although at variance with that used in survey studies of symbolic politics, is appropriate, logical, and in conformance with standard practice; (b) the predicted effects reported are both statistically and practically significant; (c) the discontinuity between laboratory and field research may be more apparent than real; but (d) a more intense integration of self-interest and symbolic politics--a suggestion made in the original article--is precisely what is needed.
High-resolution preparative SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis: fluorescent visualization and electrophoretic elution-concentration of protein bands.

Abstract Milligram quantities of protein, containing a small amount of dansyl derivative as a fluorescent tracer, may be separated electrophoretically under continuous monitoring on 1-cm diameter SDS-polyacrylamide gels and, after an adequate separation has been achieved, specific protein-containing sections can be removed accurately under ultraviolet illumination. Proteins may be electrophoretically eluted from such sections into dialysis sacks and simultaneously concentrated into a volume of dense fluorescent solution as small as 0.2 ml; desalting takes place by electrodialysis. Yields approach theoretical, subject only to mechanical loss during removal of gel sections and pipetting of the eluted and concentrated protein solution.
Oligomerization of the transmembrane domain of IRE1α in SDS micelles

IRE1α (Inositol-requiring enzyme 1 α), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident sensor for mammalian unfolded protein response, is a type I transmembrane protein which has a bifunctional enzyme containing kinase and RNase domains. Although the luminal domain and cytosolic domain of IRE1α are thought to play crucial roles in regulating the protein activity, no functional and structural studies of the transmembrane domain exist thus far. Herein, using CD spectroscopy, we report that the transmembrane domain of the IRE1α is alpha-helical in a membrane-like environment. In addition, SDS-PAGE and FRET analyses support that the transmembrane domain forms oligomers in SDS micelles. Thus, the study would provide insights into how the transmembrane domain plays a role in regulating the IRE1α protein activity.
Malfunction of a Cutter-Smeloff mitral ball valve prosthesis: Diagnosis by phonocardiography and echocardiography☆

Abstract Mitral ball valve prosthesis malfunction is uncommon but may be associated with serious morbidity and may be fatal. The diagnosis may be suspected clinically and confirmed phonocardiographically and echocardiographically. It would appear reasonable to perform these studies serially at intervals of 3 to 6 months in patients with a mitral ball valve prosthesis, and whenever symptoms suggestive of peripheral embolization or of the onset or worsening of congestive heart failure are present.
Broadly Tunable and Multi-Spectral Mid-IR Semiconductor Lasers and Applications

This paper describes an application-centric development of broadly tunable and multi-spectral mid/long-wave IR semi-conductor lasers. Examples of various external-cavity lasers capable of broad, continuous wavelength tuning with type-I and type-II quantum cascade lasers are discussed. Laser configurations studied include conventional Littman-Metcalf, Littrow, multi-segment and Bragg-grating-coupled surface-emitting. All were capable of single-mode continuous tuning with high side-mode-suppression ratio. The lasers were evaluated with spectroscopic applications, which include wave-length-modulation spectroscopic imaging and multi-wavelength decomposition of a gas mixture. The results showed that these lasers were capable of maintaining wavelength accuracy and stability over the entire tuning range. Multi-spectral imaging with discrete wavelengths over a wide spectral range was also studied. The results with a modest 4-wavelength system demonstrated the potential application for target discrimination, detection, and identification. These results suggest potential value for broadly tunable, wide-band M/LWIR laser technology.
Resonance modes in one-dimensional parallel arrays of Josephson junctions

Abstract We investigate both experimentally and numerically the dynamics of discrete one-dimensional parallel arrays of underdamped Josephson junctions. In a magnetic field, measurements show steps in the current-voltage characteristics which are the discrete analogs of Fiske steps in a long Josephson junction. From the position of the steps, one can construct a plot of the dispersion relation Ω(k) . We observe a sine-dependence in the dispersion relation due to the discrete nature of our arrays. We also observe an additional, smaller gap at a k-value determined by the periodicity of the vortex lattice. Our measurements are supported by numerical simulations of the full dynamics. The Fiske steps provide an experimental method to measure the self-inductance of 1D parallel arrays.
Feedback linearization of sampled-data systems

It is shown that feedback linearizability of a continuous-time system can be destroyed through the introduction of the usual sample-and-hold devices. A method whereby a feedback linearizable discrete-time model can be recovered is given. >
Spatiotemporal signal processing for blind separation of multichannel signals

This paper is concerned with the problem of blind separation of independent signals (sources) from their linear convolutive mixtures. The problem consists of recovering the sources up to shaping filters from the observations of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system output. The various signals are assumed to be linear but not necessarily i.i.d. (independent and identically distributed). The problem is cast into the framework of spatio-temporal equalization and estimation of the matrix impulse response function of MIMO channels (systems). An iterative, Godard cost based approach is considered for spatio-temporal equalization and MIMO impulse response estimation. Stationary points of the cost function are investigated and it is shown that all stable local minima correspond to desirable minima when doubly infinite equalizers are used. Analysis is also provided for the case when finite-length equalizers exist. The various input sequences are extracted and cancelled one-by-one. The matrix impulse response is then obtained by cross-correlating the extracted inputs with the observed outputs. Identifiability conditions are analyzed. Computer simulation examples are presented to illustrate the proposed approach.
Hegemonic Masculinity in Sport Education: Case Studies of Pre-Service Physical Education Teachers with Teaching Orientations.

Previous research had indicated that pre-service teachers (PTs) with coaching orientations reinforced sexism and masculine bias while employing the sport education (SE) model. The purpose of the current study was to examine whether or not and the degree to which SE delivered by PTs with teaching orientations served to combat or reinforce sexism and masculine bias. Participants were two PTs who taught four SE seasons during their culminating internship. The theory of hegemonic masculinity guided data collection and analysis. Data were collected through formal, informal and stimulated recall interviews, passive participant observation, and document analysis. Analytic induction and constant comparison were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that masculine bias and sexism were largely combatted and rejected during the SE seasons and that the PTs provided a relatively equitable experience for girls and smaller, less physically able boys. Key reasons for the PTs' success included their liberal views ab...
Radiation therapy of epithelioid sarcoma

Epithelioid sarcoma is an uncommon tumor characterized by its appearance in the distal extremities (especially the forearm, wrist, and ankle), the tendency to recur locally, and high probability of spread to regional lymph nodes. Most patients have been treated surgically, and the potential role of radiation therapy alone or combined with surgery is not well defined. The authors treated eight patients with epithelioid sarcoma. Four patients were male; patients ranged in age from 7 to 66 years (median, 54.5). Six patients had upper extremity lesions, and two had lower extremity lesions. Median maximum tumor dimension was 3.0 cm. Three patients had Grade 2 lesions, and the others had grade 3 lesions. Regional lymph nodes were involved initially or during the course of the disease in five of our eight patients (62%). Five patients were treated following surgery for primary or recurrent tumor, with a median dose of 68 Gy (TDF 109). Four were NED with follow-up at 18, 24, and 84 months, respectively, and the other patient failed locally and in regional nodes at 6 months (treated successfully by salvage amputation) and is now living at 96 months with distant metastases. One patient treated pre-amputation with 50 Gy (TDF 81) is NED at 12 months. Two patients received radiation therapy alone, with a median dose of 65 Gy (TDF 104). One patient with a 22-cm primary died with persistent local disease as well as metastases, and the other died with distant metastases but with local control at 18 months. Four patients with local control did not undergo amputation, and all have unimpaired function of the affected extremity. Local control and survival for this group of patients is similar to that for other patients with upper extremity or high grade sarcomas. The authors concluded that radiation combined with surgery achieves a low rate of local recurrence, and a high likelihood of maintaining a functional extremity and good cosmesis.
Distinctions between hippocampus of mouse and rat: protein F1/GAP-43 gene expression, promoter activity, and spatial memory

We began these experiments as an attempt to replicate in the mouse the induction by kainate (KA) of F1/GAP-43 mRNA we observed in adult rat hippocampal granule cells [Mol. Brain Res., 33 (1995) 22-28]. However, even though KA induced behavioral seizures in the mouse similar to those in the rat, neither induction of F1/GAP-43 mRNA nor subsequent mossy fiber sprouting observed in the rat was detected in three different mouse strains. It was also surprising that the distribution of constitutive levels of F1/GAP-43 mRNA in mouse and rat hippocampus was qualitatively different. Indeed, F1/GAP-43 expression in CA3 pyramidal cells was significantly greater in rat than mouse, while F1/GAP-43 expression in CA1 cells of rat and mouse was equivalent using densitometric analysis. Thus, F1/GAP-43 expression in rat is quantitatively higher in CA3 and CA1 pyramidal cells. In mouse, expression was equivalent in these two subfields. In a transgenic mouse bearing a rat F1/GAP-43 promoter-reporter (lacZ) construct (line 252), in-vivo promoter activity of F1/GAP-43 was studied in hippocampal cells. Transgene expression in hippocampal pyramidal subfields, high in CA3, low in CA1 pyramidal cells, paralleled the distribution of rat F1/GAP-43 mRNA levels, not mouse. Differences in the constitutive F1/GAP-43 expression pattern in hippocampus between rat and mouse may therefore be determined by different recognition elements present on the F1/GAP-43 promoter. KA injected into the line 252 transgenic mouse did not activate the rat F1/GAP-43 promoter in mouse hippocampal granule cells. The absence of both F1/GAP-43 mRNA expression induction and promoter activation in mouse granule cells after KA is likely related to genera differences in transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, though post-transcriptional mechanisms cannot be excluded. Since the different hippocampal chemistry of F1/GAP-43 in rat and mouse likely extends to other molecular species, behaviors in rat and mouse that depend on hippocampal function might be different as well. We therefore evaluated spatial memory ability in a delayed matching-to-sample task. In contrast to rat, we were surprised to find no evidence of the ability to learn this task in three different mouse strains. Since interest in mouse genetics in relation to behavior and memory functions of hippocampus is growing, generalizations concerning hippocampal function from studies carried out on the mouse need to be made with caution considering the specific behavioral, pharmacological, and general molecular differences observed here. One can also be opportunistic and exploit the natural variations between these two genera to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying information storage.
Acute exposure to gas-supersaturated water does not affect reproductive success of female adult chinook salmon late in maturation†

At times, total dissolved gas concentrations in the Columbia and Snake rivers have been elevated due to involuntary spill from high spring runoff and voluntary spill used as a method to pass juvenile salmonids over dams. The goal of this project was to determine if acute exposure to total dissolved gas supersaturation (TDGS) affects the reproductive performance of female chinook salmon late in their maturation. During this study, adult female spring chinook salmon were exposed to mean TDGS levels of 114.1% to 125.5%. We ended exposures at first mortality, or at the appearance of impending death. Based on this criterion, exposures lasted from 10 to 68 h and were inversely related to TDGS. There was no effect of TDGS on pre-spawning mortality or fecundity when comparing treatment fish to experimental controls or the general hatchery population four to six weeks after exposures. Egg quality, based on egg weight and egg diameter, did not differ between treatment and control fish. Fertilization rate and survival to eyed-stage was high ( > 94%) for all groups. With the exception of Renibacterium salmoninarum (the causative agent of bacterial kidney disease; BKD), no viral or bacterial fish pathogens were isolated from experimental fish. The prevalence (about 45%) and severity of R. salmoninarum did not differ among the groups or the general hatchery population. We conclude that these acute exposures to moderate levels of gas-supersaturated water—perhaps similar to that experienced by immigrating adult salmon as they approach and pass a hydropower dam on the Columbia River—did not affect reproductive success of female chinook salmon late in their maturation. These results are most applicable to summer and fall chinook salmon, which migrate in the summer/fall and spawn shortly after reaching their natal streams. Published in 2004 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Francisella tularensis 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate cytidylyltransferase: kinetic characterization and phosphoregulation.

Deliberate and natural outbreaks of infectious disease, the prevalence of antibiotic resistant strains, and the ease by which antibiotic resistant bacteria can be intentionally engineered all underscore the necessity of effective vaccines and continued development of novel antimicrobial/antiviral therapeutics. Isoprenes, a group of molecules fundamentally involved in a variety of crucial biological functions, are derived from either the mevalonic acid (MVA) or methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway. While mammals utilize the MVA pathway, many bacteria utilize the MEP pathway, highlighting the latter as an attractive target for antibiotic development. In this report we describe the cloning and characterization of Francisella tularensis MEP cytidylyltransferase, a MEP pathway enzyme and potential target for antibiotic development. Size exclusion chromatography indicates the protein exists as a dimer in solution. Enzyme assays produced an apparent , , , , and a . The enzyme exhibits a strict preference for Mg+2 as a divalent cation and CTP as the nucleotide. Titanium dioxide chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry identified Thr141 as a site of phosphorylation. T141D and T141E site-directed mutants are catalytically inactive, suggesting a mechanism for post-translational control of metabolic flux through the F. tularensis MEP pathway. Overall, our study suggests that MEP cytidylyltransferase is an excellent target for the development of novel antibiotics against F. tularensis.