cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serrulacaulis furcatus gen. sp. nov., a New zosterophyll from the lower upper devonian of New York state

A new zosterophyll is described from the lower Upper Devonian of New York. Serrulacaulis furcatus is characterized by two rows of emergences which are opposite in arrangement and attached on opposite margins of the axis. They are deltoid in side view and are contiguous vertically, giving the stem a scalloped or saw-toothed appearance. Epidermis over much of the plant consists of elongate cells and interspersed isodiametric cells. The vascular strand consists of spirally thickened tracheids. Rhizomes are densely covered by rhizoids that are more numerous on small papillae and at the apex of tooth-like emergences. Aerial axes terminate in circinate apices. Some axes bear short-stalked, reniform sporangia arranged alternately in two rows on one side of the axis only. The dehiscence zone is a thickened rim over the distal, convex margin of the sporangium. Dehiscence is basipetal, producing two equal valves. Spores are smooth to slightly granulate, circular to subtriangular, with a trilete mark that extends 13–12 the radius and is surrounded by a darkened triangular area. Sawdonia ornata, described earlier from the same quarry, and now Serrulacaulis, are the two genera of zosterophylls proven to occur in Late Devonian time. The world-wide distribution of zosterophylls and the fact that the group is a natural one are reviewed.
Sequential Product of Quantum Effects: An Overview

This article presents an overview for the theory of sequential products of quantum effects. We first summarize some of the highlights of this relatively recent field of investigation and then provide some new results. We begin by discussing sequential effect algebras which are effect algebras endowed with a sequential product satisfying certain basic conditions. We then consider sequential products of (discrete) quantum measurements. We next treat transition effect matrices (TEMs) and their associated sequential product. A TEM is a matrix whose entries are effects and whose rows form quantum measurements. We show that TEMs can be employed for the study of quantum Markov chains. Finally, we prove some new results concerning TEMs and vector densities.
PHILIP HEFNER AND THE MODERNIST/POSTMODERNIST DIVIDE

Philip Hefner is part of neither the dominant Western paradigm nor the usual postmodernist reaction against it. He belongs within an Anglo-American viewpoint that also is within neither the dominant Western nor the postmodernist paradigm. Herein I sketch the differences between these paradigms. I elaborate Hefner's theology of the created co-creator to show where Hefner constrasts with them and then contrast his ideas with those of two contemporary theologians who fit into the second paradigm, George Lindbeck and Mark C. Taylor.
Formation of zinc oxide films using submicron zinc particle dispersions

The thermal oxidation of submicron metallic Zn particles was studied as a method to form nanostructured ZnO films. The particles used for this work were characterized by electron microscopy, x ray diffraction, and thermal analysis to evaluate the Zn-ZnO core shell structure, surface morphology, and oxidation characteristics. Significant nanostructural changes were observed for films annealed to 400 °C or higher, where nanoflakes, nanoribbons, nanoneedles, and nanorods were formed as a result of stress induced fractures arising in the ZnO outer shell due to differential thermal expansion between the metallic Zn core and the ZnO shell. Mass transport occurs through these defects due to the high vapor pressure for metallic Zn at temperatures above 230 °C, whereupon the Zn vapor rapidly oxidizes in air to form the ZnO nanostructures. The Zn particles were also incorporated into zinc indium oxide precursor solutions to form thin film transistor test structures to evaluate the potential of forming nanostructure...
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Reduction in Overweight and Obese Adults Through Multidisciplinary Group Sessions: Effects of Meeting Attendance

This study evaluated the importance of attendance in a commercial weight loss program for type 2 diabetes risk reduction in normoglycemic men (n = 8) and women (n = 53) aged 25 to 50 years (38.7 ± 6.0 years), with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 to 35 kg/m2 (31.6 ± 2.3 kg/m2). The single-group 24-week intervention consisted of food, activity, and behavior modification plans within weekly meetings. Weight, waist circumference, meeting attendance, and glucose handling were measured before and after. Relationships between meeting attendance and outcomes were analyzed via Pearson correlation. Quartiles for meeting attendance were calculated (quartile 1: 30.0% ± 10.4%; quartile 2: 52.1% ± 5.8%; quartile 3: 65.5% ± 3.8%; quartile 4: 82.4% ± 4.6%), and between-group differences were assessed via 1-way analysis of variance. Meeting attendance was correlated with decreases in weight, BMI, and waist circumference (r = 0.476, 0.492, and 0.455; P = .002, .001, and .003, respectively). Quartile 1 lost significantly less...
Unc-45 Mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans Implicate a CRO1/She4p-like Domain in Myosin Assembly

The Caenorhabditis elegans unc-45 locus has been proposed to encode a protein machine for myosin assembly. The UNC-45 protein is predicted to contain an NH2-terminal domain with three tetratricopeptide repeat motifs, a unique central region, and a COOH-terminal domain homologous to CRO1 and She4p. CRO1 and She4p are fungal proteins required for the segregation of other molecules in budding, endocytosis, and septation. Three mutations that lead to temperature-sensitive (ts) alleles have been localized to conserved residues within the CRO1/She4p-like domain, and two lethal alleles were found to result from stop codon mutations in the central region that would prevent translation of the COOH-terminal domain. Electron microscopy shows that thick filament accumulation in vivo is decreased by approximately 50% in the CB286 ts mutant grown at the restrictive temperature. The thick filaments that assemble have abnormal structure. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy show that myosins A and B are scrambled, in contrast to their assembly into distinct regions at the permissive temperature and in wild type. This abnormal structure correlates with the high degree of instability of the filaments in vitro as reflected by their extremely low yields and shortened lengths upon isolation. These results implicate the UNC-45 CRO1/She4p-like region in the assembly of myosin isoforms in C. elegans and suggest a possible common mechanism for the function of this UCS (UNC-45/CRO1/She4p) protein family.
Stereoselective C-Glycosylation Reactions of Ribose Derivatives: Electronic Effects of Five-Membered Ring Oxocarbenium Ions

The factors controlling the highly α-selective C-glycosylation of ribose derivatives were determined by examining the stereoselective reactions of 18 ribose analogues differing in substitution at C-2, C-3, and C-4. The lowest energy conformers of the intermediate oxocarbenium ions display the C-3 alkoxy group in a pseudoaxial orientation to maximize electrostatic effects. To a lesser extent, the C-2 substituent prefers a pseudoequatorial position, and the alkyl group at C-4 has little influence on conformational preferences. In all cases, the product was formed by stereoelectronically preferred inside attack on the lowest energy conformer.
Selected scientific aspects of marathon racing. An update on fluid replacement, immune function, psychological factors and the gender difference.

Four topics are addressed: fluid/fuel replacement during the marathon, marathoning and susceptibility to infection; psychological aspects of elite marathoners and the gender gap in marathon performance. Although these topics are diverse, they all relate to practical questions raised by coaches and athletes. Evidence from laboratory and field studies indicates that it is advisable for marathoners to consume 800 to 1000 L/h of sports drink providing 45 to 60 g/h of carbohydrate. It is strongly suggested to practise fluid consumption during training sessions as it is probable that tolerance to drinking during running is a trainable adaptation. Epidemiological and clinical research support the concept that marathon training and racing increase the runner’s risk of upper respiratory tract infections because of negative changes in immune function. Susceptibility to infection may be reduced by proper nutrition, adequate sleep, appropriate recovery between vigorous workouts and minimal exposure to sick people during periods of heavy training and major races. Although psychological research in this area is still limited, evidence suggests that elite marathoners rely primarily on associative strategies during competition while judiciously disso-ciating in order to cope with pain. It is recommended that coaches and athletes interested in employing psychological interventions seek assistance from professionals well trained in the fields of both psychology and exercise science. Will women soon outrun men? Over the past 2 decades societal views and training practices of women distance runners have changed greatly, yet certain performance-related biological differences between men and women are unlikely to change.
Highly efficient expression of transgenic proteins by naked DNA-transfected dendritic cells through terminal differentiation.

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in the induction and control of immunity. Genetic engineering of DCs is a promising approach for the development of a broad range of immunomodulatory strategies, for purposes ranging from genetic immunization to tolerance induction. The development of DC-based immunotherapies is limited by the inability to efficiently transfect DCs using naked DNA. Here we demonstrate that after plasmid DNA delivery, the transgene expression level controlled by the human immediate-early cytomegalovirus promoter (hIE-CMVp) is higher in mature DCs than in immature DCs and is further increased after terminal differentiation of DCs by agonist anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody (mAb) or after DC interaction with CD4+ T cells. CD40 signaling of DCs resulted in nuclear translocation of the transcription factors nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), activator of protein-1 (AP-1), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)–responsive element, necessary for the activation of hIE-CMVp. Transgene expression by DCs diminished after the inhibition of these transcription factors or the blockade of adhesion molecules involved in the DC–T-cell synapse. Importantly, CD40 signaling of DCs results in the highly efficient expression and presentation of transgenic antigens and the induction of “in vivo” cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) responses specific for transgenic antigen peptides, demonstrating the functional potential of genetically engineered DCs.
Recent progress on electroelastomer artificial muscles and their application for biomimetic robots

Electroelastomers (electroactive elastomers, a.k.a. dielectric elastomers) such as those based on acrylic elastomer films with compliant electrodes, when highly prestrained, exhibited up to 380% electromechanical strain in area expansion at 5 to 6 kV. By rolling highly prestrained acrylic films around a compression spring, multifunctional electroelastomer rolls (MERs, or spring rolls) were obtained that combined load bearing, actuation, and sensing functions. The design was extended to two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) and 3-DOF spring rolls by patterning the electrodes along the circumferential spans of the rolls. Multiple-DOF spring rolls retained the linear actuation of 1-DOF spring rolls with additional bending actuation. New electroelastomers were developed that preserved the high strain and energy capability of the acrylic films but could respond one order of magnitude faster. One-DOF spring rolls using this new material exhibited response speeds up to 100 Hz, and power densities as high as 400 W/kg of actuator mass and 2000 W/kg of electroelastomer mass based on maximum force, stroke, and frequency. Further, new electroelastomers were prepared that exhibited 200% strain without the need for prestrain. These materials may enable new actuators containing no prestrain-supporting structures that are even lighter, more compact, and compliant. The new actuators would have a higher percentage of active mass and higher energy and power densities than those based on the prestrained acrylic films matching the characteristics of animals. A roll actuator containing no supporting structure was fabricated to output 33% strain. Preliminary lifetime measurements confirmed the potentially long lifetime of the electroelastomers. Improvements in MER design and materials have enabled a new generation of small walking robots, MERbot, with a multi-DOF spring roll as each of its six legs, as well as a new type of robot that can be quickly fabricated from a single flat multifunctional actuator structure. Such small flat robots can hop or jump two to three times their height and have been able to quickly clear obstacles equal to the robots' height.
Is visfatin an adipokine or myokine? Evidence for greater visfatin expression in skeletal muscle than visceral fat in chickens

Visfatin, an adipokine hormone produced primarily by visceral adipose tissue in mammals, has been implicated in the immune system, cellular aging, and glucose metabolism. Increased visceral adiposity and hyperglycemia have been correlated with elevated plasma visfatin levels in humans. The present study investigated visfatin cDNA and protein expression as well as plasma visfatin levels in chickens that are selected for rapid growth and are naturally hyperglycemic relative to mammals. By RT-PCR, we detected visfatin cDNA in multiple tissues in the chicken. The deduced amino acid sequence of full-length chicken visfatin was 92-93% homologous to mammalian visfatin. Using real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting, chicken skeletal muscle was found to contain 5- and 3-fold greater quantities of visfatin mRNA and protein than abdominal fat pad, respectively. Visfatin mRNA and protein quantities were not significantly different among sc and visceral adipose tissue depots. Skeletal muscle visfatin mRNA and protein quantities as well as plasma visfatin levels determined by enzyme immunoassay were significantly higher in 8-wk-old compared with 4-wk-old chickens, possibly due to rapid skeletal muscle growth and visceral fat accretion occurring in broiler chickens during this period. However, fasting and refeeding did not affect plasma visfatin levels in the chicken. Collectively, our results provide novel evidence that skeletal muscle, not the visceral adipose tissue, is the primary source of visfatin in chickens, thereby raising the possibility that visfatin may be acting as a myokine affecting skeletal muscle growth and metabolism.
NaCl balance in blue crabs,Callinectes sapidus, in fresh water

1. Salt regulation was studied in blue crabs living at Na+ and Cl− concentrations of 1.5 to 3.0 meq·l−1. The crabs maintain blood Na+ at 302±36 meq·1−1 (±S.D.) and Cl− at 297±22 meq·1−1. 2. The transepithelial potential (TEP) across the whole crab is normally −2 to −4mV. Its response to changes in external Na+, K+, and Cl− is negligible, but values as large as −30mV were observed in Ca-free media. 3. Unidirectional fluxes are large, averaging 688±50 μeq·100 g−1·h−1 (±S.E.) for Na+ influx and 961±74 μeq·100 g−1·h−1 for Cl− influx in animals in net salt balance. 4. The responses of TEP and efflux to changes in external Na+ and Cl− indicate that about 50% and 70% respectively, of the effluxes meet the usual criteria for exchange diffusion. 5. The urine was nearly isosmotic with blood. Radioisotope data and a kinetic simulation model were used to estimate the rate of urine production as 12.7% of body weight per day. This represents approximately 26% of the total Na+ and Cl− efflux. 6. Invasion of freshwaters by the blue crab is accomplished by activation of salt uptake mechanisms, with little apparent reduction in either osmotic water permeability or urinary salt loss.
Pigment content and photosynthetic rate of the fronds of Macrocystis pyrifera

The Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Ag. frond is here described in terms of chlorophyll a, fucoxanthin, chlorophyll c and photosynthetic rate. Pigment concentrations increased back from the apical meristem reaching a maximum after 2 to 3 m. Pigment concentrations were then generally constant throughout most of the length of the frond, finally decreasing again in the oldest parts of the frond with the exception of the sporophylls. Pigment ratios remained relatively constant throughout. Maximum net photosynthetic rates on a given frond showed a decrease with tissue age on both an area basis (1040 down to 463 nmol O2 cm-2 h-1) and on a chlorophyll a basis, which was shown as half-saturation constants (quantum irradiance) which dropped on an area basis from 85 μmol m-2 sec-1 at 4.5 m above the holdfast to 26 μmol m-2 sec-1 at 15.5 m. Young sporophytes transplanted from the sea floor to the surface (12 m) tended to decrease pigment content, while those transplanted to the bottom tended to increase all pigments, but especially fucoxanthin. Photosynthetic rates, however, changed little on a unit area basis. The results of these data are considered in the light of recent work on photosynthetic units, tissue age effects and general adaptations of the M. pyrifera frond to its light environment.
Study on Integral Summation Algorithm for Measurement of Superfine Scale Based on Fraunhofer Diffraction

The paper introduces a new method, integral summation algorithm, to measure superfine scale based on Fraunhofer Diffraction. Be different from the traditional method, the paper simulates a series of curve of diffraction luminance distribution on different given size based on Fraunhofer Diffraction theory and researches the closest one to the diffraction curve of unknown slot measured. In order to get more accurate measurement result, the curve is taken by the integral summation algorithm and be compared on the integration area difference instead of comparing the standard deviation. The result shows that the size of given slot is closer to the size of unknown slot than standard deviation method, which somewhat improves the accuracy of the measurement.
Neurochemical Observations on Spawning Pacific Salmon

WHEN the Pacific salmon (Oncorhyncus spp.) heads into fresh water to spawn, the entire generation is doomed to perish on the spawning grounds. In other Salmonidae, however, life does not necessarily terminate at this point and many return to the sea to repeat the reproductive cycle. In Oncorhyncus, the inevitable death is preceded by a variety of metabolic changes, and this metabolic collapse of the Pacific salmon has the characteristics of a predestined bioprogramme. This programme might be the expression of a thanatotropic genetic imprint.
Predicting End-of-Life Treatment Preferences: Perils and Practicalities

Rid and Wendler propose the development of a Patient Preference Predictor (PPP), an actuarial model for predicting incapacitated patient's life-sustaining treatment preferences across a wide range of end-of-life scenarios. An actuarial approach to end-of-life decision making has enormous potential, but transferring the logic of actuarial prediction to end-of-life decision making raises several conceptual complexities and logistical problems that need further consideration. Actuarial models have proven effective in targeted prediction tasks, but no evidence supports their effectiveness in the kind of broad spectrum prediction task that is the proposed goal of the PPP. We argue that a more focused approach, targeting specific medical conditions and generating treatment predictions based on the preferences of individuals with actual disease experience, is both more firmly grounded in past research and is a more prudent initial strategy for exploring the efficacy of actuarial prediction in end-of-life decision making.
Q: Is hemoglobin A1c an accurate measure of glycemic control in all diabetic patients?

Regard its values with suspicion, especially when they do not agree with the patient’s blood glucose levels.
Credo of a Militant Humanist.

Beginning with the basic assumption that the only reason to live is to grow, the author discusses the dozen propositions that guide him in his efforts at human and community resource development. These propositions revolve around the physical, emotional, and intellectual development of the individual.
Another piece of the TFIID puzzle

The RNA polymerase II transcription factor TFIID comprises the TATA-binding protein (TBP) and a dozen or so TBP-associated factors known as TAFs. TBP performs an essential and well-defined role in transcription, binding core promoter DNA and nucleating assembly of the initiation complex. By contrast, TAFs appear to facilitate transcription in a gene-specific manner, although this conclusion is controversial and the function of most TAFs remains elusive. The most complex of the TFIID subunits, denoted TAF250 in mammalian cells, has histone acetyltransferase and protein kinase activities. TAF250 also includes two bromodomains, a common structural feature among transcription and chromatin-remodeling factors. Interestingly, Taf145p, the yeast homolog of TAF250, has histone acetyltransferase activity, but lacks the protein kinase and bromodomains. This structural distinction suggested that yeast TFIID might lack specific functions associated with mammalian TFIID.Matangkasombut et al.1xBromodomain factor 1 corresponds to a missing piece of yeast TFIID. Matangkasombut, O. et al. Genes Dev. 2000; 14: 951–962PubMedSee all References now report that the yeast Bdf1p protein corresponds to the segment of TAF250 missing from Taf145p. Using Taf67p as the bait in a two-hybrid screen for interacting proteins, Bdf1p and its homolog Bdf2p were identified. Like TAF250, Bdf1p has protein kinase activity and includes two bromodomains. Thus, the yeast counterpart of human TAF250 appears to be split between Taf145p and Bdf1p. Consistent with this conclusion, Bdf1p is recruited to promoter DNA and is required for the expression of many, but not all, genes. Bdf1p interacts directly with Taf67p and coimmunoprecipitates with TFIID. Nonetheless, purified preparations of yeast TFIID have not been reported to include Bdf1p, implying that Bdf1p is not a bona fide TFIID component. Matangkasombut et al.1xBromodomain factor 1 corresponds to a missing piece of yeast TFIID. Matangkasombut, O. et al. Genes Dev. 2000; 14: 951–962PubMedSee all References speculate that acetylated histones might interact with the bromodomain of Bdf1p, which would, in turn, stimulate transcription by recruiting TFIID to the promoter.
Classic examples show how the Government can influence, directly or indirectly, innovation and productivity

Because the technological innovation process is so complex, ranging from basic research to the retirement of old technology, it is influenced by a broad spectrum of public policies. At times, this influence is intentional; in other cases, it happens indirectly ? when intentional, technological opportunity, societal (market) needs, and timing have combined in such a way that public policy initiatives have contributed significantly to ultimate success.
ATP requirement for binding of 125I-labeled globin mRNA to Artemia salina ribosomes.

Abstract Conditions for the binding of radioactively labeled globin mRNA to Artemia salina ribosomes were studied. In addition to GTP, ATP is required and cannot be substituted by its methylene analog, 5′-adenosyl methylene diphosphonate. Binding of mRNA is not seen in the absence of initiator Met-tRNA f Met . Edeine does not interfere with the interaction of mRNA and 40S ribosomal subunits but inhibits the subsequent joining of 60S subunits.
Women and power : definition, dualism, and difference

This article reviews the discussions of power and of women and power in United States psychology. Although the field has had difficulty dealing with power, feminist psychology has focused attention on the topic and has advanced the discussion significantly. There are three problems in the literature: definition; person/society dualism; and the need to deal with race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, and other social differences besides gender. This article describes components needed for a good definition, criticizes the reduction of power to two modes, and discusses issues involved in improving the analysis of social differences and moving towards resolving person/society dualism. Several nondualistic concepts and potentially useful directions are proposed.
Mechanisms of the multiphasic kinetics in the folding and unfolding of globular proteins

Abstract The multiphasic kinetics of the protein folding and unfolding processes are examined for a “cluster model” with only two thermodynamically stable macroscopic states, native (N) and denatured (D), which are essentially distributions of microscopic states. The simplest kinetic schemes consistent with the model are: N-(fast) → I-(slow) → D for unfolding and N ← (fast)-D2 ← (slow)-D1 for refolding. The fast phase during the unfolding process can be visualized as the redistribution of the native population N to I within its free energy valley. Then, this population crosses over the free energy barrier to the denatured state D in the slow phase. Therefore, the macrostate I is a kinetic intermediate which is not stable at equilibrium. For the refolding process, the initial equilibrium distribution of the denatured state D appears to be separated into D1 and D2 in the final condition because of the change in position of the free energy barrier. The fast refolding species D2 is due to the “leak” from the broadly distributed D state, while the rest is the slow refolding species D1, which must overpass the free energy barrier to reach N. At an early stage of the folding process the amino acid chain is considered to be composed of several locally ordered regions, which we call clusters, connected by random coil chain parts. Thus, the denatured state contains different sizes and distributions of clusters depending on the external condition. A later stage of the folding process is the association of smaller clusters. The native state is expressed by a maximum-size cluster with possible fluctuation sites reflecting this association. A general discussion is given of the correlation between the kinetics and thermodynamics of proteins from the overall shape of the free energy function. The cluster model provides a conceptual link between the folding kinetics and the structural patterns of globular proteins derived from the X-ray crystallographic data.
Anatomy of a Professional Élite: The Executive Commitee of the American Accounting Association 1916-1996

Abstract The American Accounting Association (AAA) has an eighty-year history in which a relatively small number of executive committee (AAAEC) members have managed its organization through several significant changes in the accounting knowledge production process. Building on previous research of the AAA (Lee, 1995), this study examines the membership composition of the AAAEC and concludes that it has been dominated throughout its history by faculty from three major US universities. Using a theoretical perspective derived from Bourdieu (1988) and Whitley (1984a), the public interest implications of this elitist situation are discussed. In particular, the discussion interprets the studyas findings at a time when there is considerable discontent with the management and leadership of the AAA.
Immunization by Avian H5 Influenza Hemagglutinin Mutants with Altered Receptor Binding Specificity

Influenza virus entry is mediated by the receptor binding domain (RBD) of its spike, the hemagglutinin (HA). Adaptation of avian viruses to humans is associated with HA specificity for α2,6- rather than α2,3-linked sialic acid (SA) receptors. Here, we define mutations in influenza A subtype H5N1 (avian) HA that alter its specificity for SA either by decreasing α2,3- or increasing α2,6-SA recognition. RBD mutants were used to develop vaccines and monoclonal antibodies that neutralized new variants. Structure-based modification of HA specificity can guide the development of preemptive vaccines and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies that can be evaluated before the emergence of human-adapted H5N1 strains.
Study of the Ca2+ transport mechanism of X537A in phospholipid membranes using fluorescence and rapid kinetic techniques

Abstract The equilibria and kinetics are reported for the partial reactions of the catalytic cycle of the Ca 2+ ionophore X537A in phospholipid vesicles. The analysis is based on the study of the behavior of the ionophore's intrinsic fluorescence in fluorescence lifetime, stopped-flow, temperature, and conventional steady-state fluorescence experiments. Binding to dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine vesicles gives rise to an enhancement of the fluorescence. At the pH of study (7.4) this involves the singly negatively charged form (X − ). Complexation of the membrane-bound form (X m − ) by monovalent (M + ) or divalent (M 2+ ) cations to give 1:1 (M-X) m and (M-X) m + complexes, respectively, gives rise to a further fluorescence enhancement. No evidence could be found for stoichiometries other than 1:1 in the equilibrium experiments. The fluorescence of X537A in the presence of phosphatidic acid vesicles or phosphatidylcholine/ phosphatidylethanolamine or phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol mixtures is much smaller than for pure phosphatidylcholine. Fluorescence lifetime experiments show that this is due to a reduction in binding rather than a reduction of the quantum yield of the bound species. Fluorescence decay profiles from the above-mentioned membranes showed two exponential components indicating that there were two fluorescent species. The shorter-lived species had a lifetime of 3–5 ns and accounted for 80–90% of the membrane-bound ionophore. The longerlived species (9–13 ns) was estimated to account for the remaining 10–20%. This species enjoys a higher degree of hydrophobic shielding than the shorter-lived species. Possible interpretations in terms of the ionophore orientation in the membrane are discussed. Temperature-jump experiments show that the binding rate of the ionophore is fast. The binding and dissociation rate constants were ca. 2 × 10 7 m (PC) −1 s −1 and 2 × 10 3 s −1 , respectively. Stopped-flow experiments gave evidence for a slower “insertion” process with a ca. 10-ms half-time. Analysis shows that this process is capable of transport of (K-X) across the membrane with a rate constant ≤ 69 −1 . In the presence of divalent cations a slower process involving transport of M 2+ -ionophore complexes across the membrane can be observed. The dependence of the rate on the total ionophore concentration indicates that the transported species is a neutral (M-X 2 ) complex. The lower limit for the rate constant for transport of the (Ca-X 2 ) complex is 35 s −1 . The divalent cation specificity of the overall reaction was shown to be Mg 2+ ⪡ Ca 2 2+ 2+ . The rates of the overall transport at low ionophore concentration are limited by the equilibrium constant for formation of the (M-X 2 ) m complex from the (M-X) m + complex.
VHDL's role in knowledge acquisition

The purpose of this document is to describe and forecast the use of FHDL in order to help construct the roadmap for future use of the output of the Learning System for Pilot Aiding (LSPA) LSPA VHSIC (Very High Speed Integrated Circuit) Hardware Description Language (VHDL) program. It is important to get an understanding of the realism of the current and projected use of VHDL in order to aid some of the decisions for the overall technology roadmap. This forecast will look at the projected development of commercial tools along with projected standards development in order to arrive at a somewhat pragmatic forecast.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Role of soil minerals and metallic cations in nitrite decomposition and chemodenitrification in soils

Abstract Work reported indicates that soil minerals and metallic cations do not promote chemical decomposition of nitrite in soils and do not play a significant role in the processes leading to gaseous loss of nitrogen from soils through chemodenitrification. No reactions promoting nitrite decomposition were observed in studies of the effects of soil minerals on the decomposition of nitrite in pH 5 buffer solution, and investigations of the reactions of nitrite with metallic cations provided no indications that chemodenitrification in soils is promoted by metallic cations. Of various metallic cations tested, only ferrous, cuprous and stannous ions promoted nitrite decomposition, and soils normally do not contain sufficient amounts of these cations to promote nitrite decomposition under the conditions known to be suitable for chemodenitrification.
Welcome to the phenomenological tradition

This essay was written on the basis of what I call a ‘happy misunde rstanding’, which is already conspicuous in the first paragraph below. Most misunderstandings have negative consequences. But in this case I was delighted to learn that I was mistaken in believing that phenomenology was just getting going in South Africa, when actually there have been phenomenologists there since before World War II! Why I and my colleagues editing the Encyclopedia of Phenomenology were ignorant of this and failed to include an entry on South Africa I am not yet able to explain, but I was at least able to apologise for this omission at the recent meeting. Beyond the firstclass quality of the presentations that I heard, the colleagues on the program were typically younger than I have seen in meetings of other groups recently and also a higher proportion were women, both factors auguring well for the future. I have not tried to hide my misunderstanding in the following essay and do hope to see two delegates at the meeting of the Organization of Phenomenological Organizations in Australia next year. South African Journal of Philosophy 2013, 32(4): 395–399
Steroid concentrations in the outer and inner zones of the adrenal cortex of the guinea pig.

Abstract The outer (glomerulosa and fasciculata) and inner (reticularis) zones of the adrenal cortex of the guinea pig were separated and their steroid content determined. It was found that the concentration of 21-hydroxypregnenolone, deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, aldosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, and cortisol was significantly higher in the outer cortical region, while the concentration of pregnenolone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone, and dehydroepiandrosterone was significantly higher in the inner zone. The concentration of progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione was not different in the two zones. Examination of specific steroid ratios suggested the following: (1) 3β-ol dehydrogenase/isomerase and 21-hydroxylase activities are reduced in the inner zone, (2) 17-hydroxylase and C 17–20 lyase activities appear to be equally active in the two zones (3) 11β-hydroxylase activity appears to be more active in the inner zone (4) 21-hydroxypregnenolone, deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, and cortisol along with aldosterone are produced principally in the outer zone.
Magnetic resonance imaging in female stress incontinence

A new technique is described for determination of the anatomy of the urethrovesical junction using magnetic resonance imaging. Using this technique it is possible to precisely define the anatomical relationships of the urethra and bladder base within the pelvis. It is non-invasive and non-ionizing. This report demonstrates its usefulness in Urogynecology.
Why should Austrian economists be pluralists

Peter Boettke (2007) argues that economists need not act pluralistically in order for pluralism to thrive in the marketplace of economic ideas. From a market process perspective, Boettke sees intellectual diversity and openness as catallactic outputs, not inputs—emergent by-products of academic specialization and trade. To expect individual scholars to behave in a pluralistic manner is unnecessary and “completely inappropriate” since it detracts from their central task: “to commit themselves to an approach and pursue it doggedly, even in the face of great doubt and resistance by one’s peers” (Boettke 2007). This paper proposes a Smithian revision of Boettke’s position. The author argues that scholarly pluralism is best understood as a constitutional rule of academic life—a virtue ethic that promotes learning and intellectual freedom by mitigating tyranny and autarky in the republic of science. Drawing from the writings of Adam Smith, Friedrich Hayek, Deirdre McCloskey, Bruce Caldwell, James Buchanan, Don Lavoie, and Boettke himself, the author argues that scholarly pluralism has been, and continues to be, a necessary condition for the flourishing of Austrian economists as free, responsible, efficacious thinkers.
Modeling of Ordered Structures of Phase-Stabilized Cubic Bismuth Oxides

Stabilized bismuth oxides undergo a decay in conductivity when subjected to annealing at temperatures of <600°C, because of the formation of an ordered superstructure, which is observed in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) diffraction patterns. Neutron-diffraction studies of the aged samples indicate that there is a displacement of almost all the anions, from the regular 8c sites to interstitial 32f sites. Based on the TEM patterns and the displacement of the oxygen ions, various structural models for the superstructure have been analyzed. From this work, it can be deduced that the observed decay in conductivity is due to the ordering of the oxygen sublattice, along with a possible concomitant ordering of cations.
Appreciation of osteoporosis among men with hyperparathyroidism.

Objective: To define the scope of bone disease among men referred for parathyroidectomy and to document bone density screening trends in this high-risk population.Methods: Clinical data were analyzed from a prospectively maintained database of 1000 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism at the Cleveland Clinic between 2000 and 2006. Information collected included demographics, reason for referral, body mass index, intraoperative findings, preoperative and postoperative laboratory values (serum calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and 24-hour urinary calcium excretion), and preoperative and postoperative dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) findings.Results: Of the 1000 patients, 243 (24%) were men. As with women, bone health-related issues were the most common reason for referral (32%). In 2000, only 12% of men had preoperative DXA scans; this rose to 42% by 2005. The frequency of prereferral DXA screening increased throughout the study, ...
Giant Cell Arteritis

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a medium and large-vessel vasculitis, which is an important cause of secondary headache in older adults. While GCA has a classic presentation occurring after the age of 50, atypical presentations (eg, fever of unknown origin, cough, low or normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate) may lead to a delay in diagnosis. The topography of vascular involvement has implications for disease-related complications, which can result in neurologic disease at multiple levels of the nervous system. The most feared complication, vision loss, fortunately becomes uncommon after initiation of corticosteroids. Corticosteroid treatment should not be withheld while waiting the results of a temporal artery biopsy (TAB), which remains the gold standard for GCA diagnosis. Newer diagnostic modalities, including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography can play an important role in directing treatment in cases with negative TAB. After successful control of the disorder, patients should be gradually tapered off corticosteroids, with careful monitoring using both clinical and laboratory parameters to assess for relapse. Corticosteroid-related treatment complications are not uncommon in GCA. There is mixed evidence for use of adjunct corticosteroid-sparing agents (eg, methotrexate), although these should be initiated in the setting of corticosteroid-related morbidity and/or cases with frequent relapse.
Two-dimensional NMR studies of marine natural products. IV. Isolation of the cembranoid diterpene jeunicin from the mollusc planaxis sulcatus: Assignment of the proton and carbon NMR spectra by two-dimensional techniques

Numerous cembranoic diterpenes have been isolated from marine gorgonians and terrestrial plants. There have, however, been only a few reports of the isolation and identification of these interesting compounds from higher animal sources. The isolation of the oxo-bridged cembranoid diterpene jeunicin from the mollusc Planaxis sulcatus is reported. A comparative discussion of the utility of COSY, homonuclear RELAY (relayed COSY) and proton double quantum coherence techniques is presented, the latter successfully establishing the identities of all of the proton resonances. Acquisition of a two-dimensional proton-carbon chemical shift correlation spectrum provided the means of unequivocally establishing 13C resonance assignments.
Nutrient dynamics in Amazon shelf waters: results from AMASSEDS

Abstract Four hydrographic cruises were conducted on the Amazon shelf as part of the AMASSEDS field program. During each cruise, approximately 55 stations were occupied and nutrients, as well as other hydrographic parameters, were measured. The results of this time series sampling program indicate that the nutrient concentrations in the riverine end-member (silicate = 144 μmol kg−1, phosphate = 0.7 μmol kg−1, nitrate = 16 μmol kg−1, ammonium = 0.4 μmol kg−1, and urea = 0.9 μmol kg−1) remain relatively constant, despite a two-fold seasonal variation in river water discharge rate. Of the major nutrients (nitrate, phosphate, ammonium and silicate), nitrate shows the greatest seasonal change in riverine end-member concentration with a high value (23 μmol kg−1) during the March cruise (rising river discharge) and a low value (12 μmol kg−1) during the November cruise (falling river discharge). Nitrate is the dominant nutrient form of inorganic nitrogen throughout most of the river/ocean mixing zone, however, in the outershelf area, where nitrate has been depleted by biological production, this nutrient occurs at concentrations comparable to the other nitrogen species (ammonium, nitrite and urea), which are at levels Initial estimates of primary production on the Amazon shelf suggest that algal blooms are sustained by regeneration to a large extent (up to 83%, 69% and 59% for N, P and Si, respectively) as well as by riverine and upwelled sources. Nutrient budget calculations have been used to establish the dominant external source of nutrients to the algal blooms occurring on the outer shelf. Based on flux core measurements, diffusive nutrient fluxes from Amazon shelf sediments are very low relative to riverine supply rates (silicate flux out = 1.3% of riverine flux, the nitrate plus ammonium flux is essentially zero, and the phosphate seabed flux shows removal of ∼2% of the riverine flux). Inventories of naturally occurring210Pb were used to estimate the onshore flow of subsurface water onto the Amazon shelf. The radiochemical data indicate that the flux of water onto the shelf may be as much as five to ten times greater than the annual flow of the Amazon River. The nutrient flux from this shoreward movement of ocean water (originating at a depth of 60–100 m water depth) accounts for about 80% of the externally supplied ammonium, 52% of the externally supplied phosphate, 38% of the externally supplied nitrate, and 17% of the externally supplied silicate reaching the outer shelf, with the remainder of the nutrient fluxes coming from the river. Therefore, the outershelf algal blooms are supported to a significant extent by the shoreward flux of nutrients from offshore, subsurface waters.
Kinetics of the formation of monodispersed sulfur sols from thiosulfate and acid

Abstract 1. 1. The optical absorption of 0.0015 M NaHSO3, Na2S2O3, and Na2S4O6, in aqueous solution and of sulfur (0.001-0.003 M) in CHCl3, CCl4, CH3COCH3 and CS2 have been measured with the Beckman quartz spectrophotometer, model DU, over the range λ = 390 to 270 mμ. The ions do not absorb above λ = 300 and sulfur does not absorb above 390 mμ. Hence the absorption at λ = 300 can be used to determine sulfur in the presence of these ions. 2. 2. The transmittance of mixtures of dilute thiosulfate and acid has been studied as a function of the time elapsing after mixing at wave lengths of 300, 435 and 560 mμ. 3. 3. The solutions remain crystal clear in the visible (λ = 435 and 560 mμ) for a period of time which depends upon the initial concentrations of acid and of thiosulfate. During this period, however, the transmittance at λ = 300 shows conclusively that sulfur is being continuously formed during the homogeneous period of this reaction. Coincident with the visual appearance of a Tyndall beam, the optical density curves ( log I 0 I ) at all wave lengths exhibit a discontinuity, which is interpreted as corresponding to the formation of discrete sulfur particles from the supersaturated homogeneous solution of sulfur in water. 4. 4. Although the time of appearance of the Tyndall beam depends upon the initial concentrations of thiosulfate and acid, the optical density at that time remains constant, indicating that the transition from true solution to colloidal dispersion of sulfur occurs at a fixed value of supersaturation of sulfur in water, which corresponds approximately to 5 × 10−6 g.-atoms of sulfur/1, of water. 5. 5. Insofar as this method of preparing monodisperse colloids has been investigated, the results are in harmony with von Weimarn's conclusions on “corresponding crystallization conditions.” We intend shortly to discuss the results in terms of the more elaborate theory of Becker and Doering (Ann. Physik24, 719 (1935)).
A Resource Allocation Algorithm ALCOT for Controlling Mine Drainage Pollution

The algorithm is a means for analyzing a network of mines producing pollutants in a watershed. Treatment of mine effluents or abatement procedures reducing mine pollutant outputs can control pollutant inputs to streams from individual mine sources. In addition, treatment sites in the streams can remove pollutants flowing from upstream sites. The determination of least-cost decisions at mine sources and instream treatment sites for achieving a quality standard throughout a watershed constitutes a discrete nonlinear programming problem. A modification and extension to the partial enumeration method formulated by Lawler and Bell resulted in an efficient algorithm for solving this problem. An application illustrates the operation of the algorithm.
Urban conservation in Lijiang, China: Power structure and funding systems

Abstract Over recent decades, urban conservation has become an important strategy to improve urban competitiveness in the global economy. Insufficient attention has been paid to how urban conservation is governed and funded. Drawing on Lijiang Ancient Town, a Chinese World Heritage city, this study examines the power structure and funding systems of urban conservation, how social groups negotiate with the state in this process, and how this framework of governance and funding fits the general patterns of neoliberalism with Chinese characteristics. It argues that the framework turns urban heritage into a growth machine and strengthens the state’s politico-economic power. It also reveals that the entrepreneurial governance strategies are implicated in the interaction between state institutions and social groups. This paper will unravel how different forces can influence the conservation of heritage, and will contribute to an understanding of urban governance in Chinese cities.