cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predatory Lending and the Military: The Law and Geography of "Payday" Loans in Military Towns

A heated national debate has developed over whether one type of high-cost predatory lender, commonly known as "payday lenders," are targeting financially vulnerable military families and whether the law protects them from such predation. Writing within the relatively new interdisciplinary "law and geography" movement, this article provides geographic evidence that payday lenders do aggressively target American military personnel, irrespective of most forms of legal regulation. This paper first provides a comprehensive introduction to payday lending business practices and to the financial vulnerability of military personnel. In conducting our empirical research, we examined 20 states, 1,516 counties, 13,253 ZIP codes, nearly 15,000 payday lenders, and 109 military bases. We consistently found high concentrations of payday lending businesses in counties, zip codes, and neighborhoods in close proximity to military bases. Our observations were controlled by comparing payday lender densities in military areas to statewide averages and also by comparing payday lender locations to bank locations. Of the twenty states involved, the only legal strategy which prevented payday lender targeting of military personnel was New York's aggressive enforcement of civil and criminal usury law. Going beyond the debate over predatory lending to military personnel, our research provides a realist check on pure legal reasoning and unfounded faith in current consumer protection rules.
Reduction of GC → TA Transversion Mutation by Overexpression of MutS in Escherichia coli K-12

Overexpression of the MutS repair protein significantly decreased the rate of lacZ GC --> TA transversion mutation in stationary-phase and exponentially growing bacteria and in mutY and mutM mutants, which accumulate mismatches between 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) and adenine residues in DNA. Conversely, GC --> TA transversion increased in mutL or mutS mutants in stationary phase. In contrast, overexpression of MutS did not appreciably reduce lacZ AT --> CG transversion mutation in a mutT mutant. These results suggest that MutS-dependent repair can correct 8-oxoG:A mismatches in Escherichia coli cells but may not be able to compete with mutation fixation by MutY in mutT mutants.
Protective storage and transit environments for kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis Planch.) and their effect on fruit quality

Abstract Transit times for kiwifruit shipped from California to European markets varied from 16 to 29 days, depending upon the route and transport mode. Temperatures in transit averaged 1·5°C, but ranged from −2° to 13°C. Occasional malfunctions of refrigeration equipment account for the wide range. When the equipment was operating properly, temperatures generally ranged from 0·5° to 3°C. Loss of firmness was the most serious defect in kiwifruit on the European market. Most softening occurred in pre-shipment storage, except in the earliest shipments (October) that had not been stored long; fruit averaged 8·5 kilogram-force (kgf) when harvested, 2·5 kgf when shipped, 1·3 kgf on arrival, and 0·7 kgf after ripening. Decay and other defects were negligible in most test shipments. Soluble solids content did not change appreciably in transit, except in the earliest shipment in which it increased. Ethylene levels did not exceed 44 ppb when the fruit was shipped, and when it arrived in Europe, except in two shipments in which the averages were 58 and 137 ppb, respectively.
Ion beam analysis of the imidization kinetics of polyamic ethyl ester

Abstract The extent of imidization was determined as a function of depth in films of the deuterated version of a model polyimide precursor, polyamic ethyl ester (d-PAE), using a novel ion beam analysis technique. Monitoring the loss of the deuterated ethyl moiety provided a precise means of evaluating the extent of imidization f as a function of the temperature of imidization and time at the imidization temperature. The imidization reaction was found to proceed uniformly as a function of depth down to 700 nm below the surface. The imidization kinetics followed a two-stage sequence in which the initial rate of imidization was rapid, up to f values of ca. 0.6, whereupon the reaction rate diminished sharply.
Group III metabotropic glutamate receptors and drug addiction

Neuroadaptations of glutamatergic transmission in the limbic reward circuitry are linked to persistent drug addiction. Accumulating data have demonstrated roles of ionotropic glutamate receptors and group I and II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in this event. Emerging evidence also identifies Gαi/o-coupled group III mGluRs (mGluR4/7/8 subtypes enriched in the limbic system) as direct substrates of drugs of abuse and active regulators of drug action. Auto- and heteroreceptors of mGluR4/7/8 reside predominantly on nerve terminals of glutamatergic corticostriatal and GABAergic striatopallidal pathways, respectively. These presynaptic receptors regulate basal and/or phasic release of respective transmitters to maintain basal ganglia homeostasis. In response to operant administration of common addictive drugs, such as psychostimulants (cocaine and amphetamine), alcohol and opiates, limbic group III mGluRs undergo drastic adaptations to contribute to the enduring remodeling of excitatory synapses and to usually suppress drug seeking behavior. As a result, a loss-of-function mutation (knockout) of individual group III receptor subtypes often promotes drug seeking. This review summarizes the data from recent studies on three group III receptor subtypes (mGluR4/7/8) expressed in the basal ganglia and analyzes their roles in the regulation of dopamine and glutamate signaling in the striatum and their participation in the addictive properties of three major classes of drugs (psychostimulants, alcohol, and opiates).
Relationships between axonal diameter, soma size, and axonal conduction velocity of HRP-filled, pyramidal tract cells of awake cats.

Abstract Relationships between axonal diameter, soma size, and axonal conduction velocity were examined in intracellularly recorded pyramidal tract (PT) cells of conscious cats using pressure injection of horseradish peroxidase. Positive linear correlations were found between axonal conduction velocities and axonal diameters as well as between axonal conduction velocities and soma sizes. All PT cells had somata located in layer V. Slow PT cells had high densities of dendritic spines in layer III; however, so did some fast PT cells, making this morphologic feature 4,8 unacceptable for distinguishing between slow and fast conducting PT neurons.
Analysis of Fiber-Core Wire Rope

Developpement d'une theorie pour l'analyse de câbles a torons d'acier et cœur de fibre. Utilisation de celle-ci pour le calcul du module d'elasticite effectif et du rapport de Poisson effectif avec obtention de valeurs en concordance avec les donnees experimentales
Energy-efficient coded-modulation for high-speed optical communication based on statistical physics concepts

Shannon's entropy can be obtained by Sterling's approximation of thermodynamics entropy, indicating that statistical physics energy minimization methods are directly applicable to the signal constellation design. We demonstrate that statistical physics inspired energy-efficient coded-modulation significantly outperforms conventional PDM-QAM.
Synthesis of deuterated 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) and its N-hydroxy derivative

The syntheses of the deuterium-labeled food mutagen 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) and its N-hydroxy metabolite are described. Unlabeled PhIP is deuterated using a boron trifluoride phosphoric acid complex in one step. Labeled PhIP–2H5 is nitrosated to give nitro-PhIP, which is then reduced to N-hydroxy–PhIP–2H5. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cumulative Damage Mechanics: Characterization, Modeling, and Interpretation of Progressive Failure in Ceramics and Composites

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) have evolved to exhibit inherent damage tolerance through nonlinear energy absorption mechanisms while retaining the desirable attributes of their monolithic structural ceramic counterparts. Mathematical (analytic and numeric) models together with experimental measurements of this damage absorption have aided in understanding the thermomechanical behavior of CMCs. This understanding has led to improved test methods, better predictive modeling of material behavior, appropriate processing methods, and finally novel design methodologies for implementing CMCs. In this paper, background on CMC damage is presented, damage measurement and damage models are discussed and finally probabilistic aspects of constituent materials that can be used to illustrate the cumulative damage behavior of CMCs are described.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Rapid steroid discontinuation for pediatric renal transplantation: a single center experience.

: To determine the outcomes of pediatric renal transplant recipients who received immunosuppression consisting of early withdrawal of corticosteroids at a single Northern California center. Protocols using minimal steroid exposure have been recently reported in adult transplant recipients with successful results. We examined the outcomes of pediatric renal transplant recipients who were managed at our center using a protocol with very early discontinuation of steroids after renal transplantation. We retrospectively studied the medical records of all renal transplant recipients followed at the Children’s Hospital at the University of California, Davis Medical Center from 01/2004 to 12/2005. All patients were less than 18 yr of age at the time of transplantation. The immunosuppressive protocol included three tapering daily doses of methylprednisolone, together with five doses of thymoglobulin followed by maintenance therapy with tacrolimus and MMF. Eight patients with equal numbers of males and females were transplanted during this time period. There were equal numbers of Caucasians, African-Americans, Hispanics, and Asians. A total of 37.5% (3/8) of the subjects received preemptive transplantation, 25% (2/8) received peritoneal, and 37.5% (3/8) received hemodialysis before transplantation. The median (range) age at transplantation was 12.3 (3.1–16.0) year with a follow-up of 1.7 (0.9–2.8) year. At one yr post-transplantation, 57% (4/7) of patients still required anti-hypertensives. Three children required erythropoietin supplementation after transplantation. The mean delta height standard deviation score at 12 months was 0.20 ± 0.56. There were no episodes of clinical acute rejection. One patient switched from tacrolimus to sirolimus due to biopsy-proven CAN. No patient became diabetic or required hypoglycemic agents. Surveillance biopsies showed no subclinical acute rejection in any patient. Steroid-free immunosuppression is safe in children after renal transplantation. Larger number of patients and longer follow-up are required to further confirm the effectiveness and safety of immunosuppression with rapid steroid discontinuation.
Localization of cortical function: new information from extraoperative monitoring of patients with epilepsy.

Summary: Intraoperative cortical stimulation for evaluation of cortical function has been used extensively to define the extent of cortical excisions for surgical treatment of epilepsy. With chronic implantation of subdural electrodes, extraoperative cortical stimulation becomes possible, and these favorable testing conditions permit more precise mapping of the cortex. This assists the surgeon in planning details of the surgical removal and also provides additional data about the function of the human cortex. Four aspects in which detailed extraoperative studies have provided information complementing the pioneer studies of Foerster, Penfield, and others will be discussed here: (1) Frontal eye field: In the human, this is always an integral part of the motor strip (most probably located in Brodman's area 4 and/or 6) and elicits only conjugate eye movements to the contralateral side with a variable upward component. (2) Negative motor area: Stimulation of the inferior frontal gyrus immediately in front of the face area and of the supplementary motor area of the dominant and nondominant hemisphere produces “inhibition” of voluntary fine movements. (3) The movement related potentials (bereitschaftpotential, negative slope, and motor potential) are strictly localized to the portion of the sensorimotor strip where the movement is represented. Lower amplitude bereitschaftpotentials can also be detected in the homotopic ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex and in the supplementary motor cortex. (4) Three language areas can be distinguished by electrical stimulation: Broca's, Wernicke's, and the basal temporal language area. Electrical stimulation in all these areas produces a similar deficit, but Broca's area tends to overlap with the inferior frontal negative motor area. This may explain the predominant motor deficit of Broca's aphasia.
B−H Bond Protonation in Mono- and Diprotonated Borane Complexes H3BX (X = N2H4, NH2OH, and H2O2) Involving Hypercoordinate Boron1

Structures of mono- and diprotonated borane complexes H3BX (X = N2H4, NH2OH, and H2O2) as well as their neutral analogues were calculated using the density functional theory method at the B3LYP/6-3...
Foreign Travel Behaviour in a Growing Vacation Market: Implications for Tourism Marketers

This research into tourism motivation and high‐ and low‐risk perception of tourist venues shows that Saudi travellers place great importance on rational/denotative attributes, like visiting another Muslim country, good food, value for money and ease in renting a flat. Studies of the information sources the Saudis find valuable is also discussed and avenues for further research recommended.
Blue spectra of Kalb-Ramond axions and fully anisotropic string cosmologies

The inhomogeneities associated with massless Kalb-Ramond axions can be amplified not only in isotropic (four-dimensional) string cosmological models but also in the fully anisotropic case. If the background geometry is isotropic, the axions (which are not part of the homogeneous background) develop, outside the horizon, growing modes leading, ultimately, to logarithmic energy spectra which are "red" in frequency and increase at large distance scales. We show that this conclusion can be evaded not only in the case of higher dimensional backgrounds with contracting internal dimensions but also in the case of string cosmological scenarios which are completely anisotropic in four dimensions. In this case the logarithmic energy spectra turn out to be "blue" in frequency and, consequently, decreasing at large distance scales. We elaborate on anisotropic dilaton-driven models and we argue that, incidentally, the background models leading to (or flat) logarithmic energy spectra for axionic fluctuations are likely to be isotropized by the effect of string tension corrections.
Protective effect of zinc against ethanol toxicity in mice

Protection against the lethal effects of ethanol at 4.5 g/kg administered acutely was maximal when zinc was administered 60 min prior to ethanol. The timing of ethanol administration corresponded with elevated plasma levels of absorbed zinc. Protection was inversely related to the dose of zinc employed, as 0.5 μ.mol provided greater protection than 1.0 μmol, which provided greater protection than 2.0 μmol. Protection against ethanol lethality was greater if zinc was administered 60 min prior to each injection of ethanol. Acute zinc pretreatment did not alter the activity of liver alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), nor did it alter the blood clearance of ethanol. Chronic zinc administration as ZnCl2, 100 μg/ml in the drinking water for 30 d, produced a 25% decrease in hepatic ADH activity, which was accompanied by a similar decrease in the intravascular clearance of ethanol.
In situ DR-FTIR investigation of surface hydroxyls on γ-Al2O3 supported PdO catalysts during methane combustion

Abstract The fate of hydroxyls at the surface of γ-Al2O3 supported palladium oxide catalysts under lean methane combustion reaction conditions was investigated by in situ diffuse reflectance-fourier transform infrared (DR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Direct evidence was obtained for the formation and accumulation of hydroxyls at the catalyst surface during methane oxidation to CO2 and water. Several well-resolved absorption bands were observed in the wave number region characteristic for isolated OH groups along with a wide absorption at a lower frequency assigned to hydrogen bond associated hydroxyls at the surface. Experiments conducted with wet air pulses over the catalyst and the alumina support suggested the observed hydroxyls are related to the presence of the PdO phase at the catalyst surface. Analysis of DR-FTIR spectra recorded at different temperatures suggested the dehydroxylation mechanism proceeds through conversion of multibound to bridged and terminal species before recombination and desorption as gas phase water molecules. The proposed dehydroxylation mechanism has been confirmed by transient temperature experiments. In situ investigations of zirconia and ceria–zirconia supported PdO catalysts suggested that the oxygen mobility of the support influences the dynamic behavior of hydroxyls at the surface.
Gold Thioglucose-Induced Hypothalamic Damage, Hyperphagia, and Obesity: Dependence on the Adrenal Gland*

Previous studies from our laboratory suggested that adrenal hormones may participate, directly or indirectly, in the hypothalamic mechanism involved in the regulation of food intake. In the present studies, the effect of adrenalectomy on the development of gold thioglucose (GTG)-induced hyperphagia and obesity in mice was investigated. As expected, damage to the ventromedial hypothalamus by GTG was followed by hyperphagia and obesity. Ablation of the adrenal glands after the administration of GTG prevented the onset and development of hyperphagia and obesity. The administration of cortisone completely restored the hyperphagia and weight gain of GTG-treated adrenalectomized mice. The administration of desoxycorticosterone not only failed to restore the hyperphagia and obesity in these mice but, rather, led to a suppression of food intake, weight loss, and death. It is concluded that 1) GTG-induced hypothalamic hyperphagia and obesity are dependent on adrenal glucocorticoids, and 2) the ability of adrenal glucocorticoids to restore hyperphagia and obesity in hypothalamic lesioned adrenalectomized mice indicates that adrenal glucocorticoids can act on compounds outside of the ventromedial hypothalamus involved in the control of food intake.
Cytotoxicity of human macrophages for tumor cells' inhibition by inhibitors of protein synthesis

Abstract The effect of inhibitors of protein synthesis on macrophage mediated cytotoxicity was determined. Cytotoxicity was inhibited by concentrations of pactamycin and actinomycin D that almost completely inhibited protein synthesis by human macrophages derived from peripheral blood monocytes. In addition, cytotoxicity was also inhibited when 10 −5 M of pactamycin were added to the macrophage monolayers at the time of addition of the tumor cells or 30–60 minutes after addition of the tumor cells whereas no inhibition of cytotoxicity occurred when this drug was added more than one hour after the initiation of the cytotoxic reaction.
Finding a Unified Research Agenda for the Many Faces of Business Improvement Districts

While local governments have embraced Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) since the 1990s, the literature on BIDs has only recently fl ourished. Business Improvement Districts: Research, ! eories, and Controversies is a timely piece of scholarly work that compiles into a single resource the theoretical and practical issues that have been addressed in a number of disparate articles. ! e book is a collection of essays, organized into three sections: (1) theoretical and legal issues and perspectives, (2) BIDs in the United States, and (3) BIDs in Canada, Great Britain, and Ireland. ! e fi rst section off ers seven thought pieces on conceptualizing BIDs as a policy and mechanism of service provision. ! e fi nal two sections illustrate through case studies the various incarnations of BIDs and how diff erent localities address BID formation, governance, and performance. ! e fi rst essay in the book is Goktug Morcol and Ulf Zimmermann’s overview of metropolitan governance and BIDs, in which they introduce the defi nition, history, and context of BIDs. BIDs, “self-assessment districts that are initiated and governed by property or business owners and authorized by governments to operate in designated urban and suburban geographic areas” (2), are examples of public–private ventures or “quasi-governmental” entities that provide supplemental services. However, BIDs can be an elusive concept, as they are structured in varying ways, and even given diff erent names, depending on the state.
An approach to soft tissue sarcomas of the hand and upper limb

Abstract Referral letters and histories of patients seen for sarcomas involving their hands repeatedly describe a serious tumour found during or after shelling out a “lump”. Many times these apparently unexpected encounters are followed by an incomplete excision which is, in turn, followed by one or more local recurrences. Repeat operations are often amputations of increasing magnitude, and are not infrequently followed by the death of the patient. The hand is a site in which a patient usually presents for evaluation of a swelling when it is quite small. For the patient with a sarcoma, initial adequate surgery offers the best hope of cure. Why are these relatively uncommon tumours of such interest and importance? They frequently afflict young, productive patients. When treated late or inadequately, they can result in tremendous suffering. In recent years there has been considerable progress made in the treatment of sarcomas. Early and effective treatment often allows local control of the tumour without amputation. In order to accomplish this, the approach to these patients must be cautious and precise.
Introduction: economy of running: a multidisciplinary perspective.

This symposium endeavors to address the issue of running economy from a multidisciplinary perspective. Topics addressed in this symposium include physiological aspects of running economy, changes in running economy with age during childhood and adolescence, biomechanical considerations for economical walking and running, psychological state and running economy, and running economy of elite performers. While the knowledge base in this area is expanding, future research should emphasize the formulation of testable hypotheses and the fostering of collaborative efforts aimed at identifying and manipulating variables associated with improved economy and discovering mechanisms underlying economical running styles.
Perspectives of a cardiac surgery resident in-training on off-pump coronary bypass operation

Abstract Background . Contemporary residency training in the cardiac component of cardiothoracic operation is focused mainly on attaining technical proficiency in coronary artery revascularization. Most trainees in cardiothoracic operation are required to perform 35 cases of coronary revascularization in order to fulfill the minimum requirements for certification by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. Although experience in minimally invasive coronary revascularization is not required for board certification in cardiothoracic operation, it is recognized by both trainees and program directors as an important component of contemporary training in less-invasive surgical approaches (LISA) for coronary artery disease. The objective of this study was to describe the training of residents in off-pump coronary revascularization in an accredited training program. Methods . A retrospective analysis of a single resident's experience in minimally invasive coronary revascularization over an 18 month period in a 2-year residency program in cardiothoracic operation was carried out. Results . Of the 166 total cases of coronary bypass operation, the resident performed 61 cases (37% of the total) off-pump as primary surgeon with attending supervision. Patients undergoing off-pump coronary bypass had an average of 2.4 grafts (range 1 to 5) and conventional coronary artery surgeon (on cardiopulmonary bypass) performed by the resident had an average of 4 grafts (range 2 to 5). The marginal/circumflex system was bypassed in patients that required revascularization of the marginal/circumflex system, which was 56% (n = 36 of 62) in the off-pump group and 90% for the conventional group using cardiopulmonary bypass. The conversion rate from off-pump technique to conventional coronary bypass using cardiopulmonary bypass was 3.2% in this series. Conclusions . Technical innovations and evolution of techniques to better stabilize the heart for off-pump coronary revascularization have made the procedure both effective and safe. Our experience has shown that cardiothoracic residents can be taught the skills necessary to perform coronary revascularization off cardiopulmonary bypass. There are currently no standards for the training of cardiothoracic residents in off-pump coronary artery operation. We propose that at least 50 cases be performed under supervision by a trained surgeon to obtain adequate credentials in minimally invasive coronary revascularization.
Stress effects on remanence ratios from changes in spike domain volume

An analysis of the effect of stress on spike or closure domains formed at pores is presented in an effort to gain further insight into the effects of applied stress on remanence ratios. The model is based on the concept that spike domain volume is dependent on the domain wall energy, which in turn is influenced by magnetic anisotropy and stress energies. The results indicate that the effects on remanence ratios are proportional to p /K_{1} , the ratio of the product of porosity and average magnetostriction constant to the magnitude of the first-order magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant. This conclusion is used in conjunction with the results of previous models to offer an explanation of the effects of applied stress in the Y 3 Mn x Fe 5-x O 12 system.
Permeability evolution during dynamic stressing of dual permeability media

[1] Changes in permeability due to dynamic loading from earthquakes are observed commonly but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This study reports fluid flow-through experiments on fractured rock that reproduce, at laboratory scale, transient changes in permeability that decay to background over extended periods of time. We explore this response as a particular form of poroelastic loading in dual-porosity and dual-permeability media subject to zero net strain but with incremented fracture fluid pressures. Initial augmentation of pore fluid pressure dilates the fracture and compacts the surrounding, low permeability matrix, resulting in a step-like (order of seconds), transient increase in the effective permeability of the rock mass. With time, fluid pressure diffusion into the low permeability matrix then resets the effective permeability to the background magnitude, with the rate controlled by a diffusive timescale. We show that for an increase in fracture pore fluid pressure, the magnitude of the transient increase in fracture permeability scales with the ratios of the pore pressure increase to the intact modulus and the fracture spacing to the initial fracture aperture, for a broad suite of experiments. The duration of the permeability transient, measured via the time to recover background permeability, scales inversely with matrix permeability and modulus of the intact matrix and directly with the square of the spacing between fractures.
Optimal Placement of Wireless Sensor Nodes with Fault Tolerance and Minimal Energy Consumption

In this paper, an evolutionary algorithm is presented to develop a solution for the variable radii sensor placement optimization problem. Sensor nodes are placed in a sensor field such that maximum coverage of the target region is achieved. Coverage is defined in terms of monitoring points of interest. In point coverage, it is desired to place the sensor nodes such that certain target points in the area to be monitored are efficiently covered. The sensors are assumed to have varying communication and sensing radii within specified ranges. To attain a certain degree of fault tolerance, the network is required to have k-connectivity. Therein, the challenge lies in finding a solution that provides the optimal choice and arrangement of sensor nodes with a minimized overall energy consumption. Our devised algorithm places the sensors to form an energy-efficient and fault tolerant network that provides coverage of the given query points.
FTIR Spectroscopy Combined with Isotope Labeling and Quantum Chemical Calculations to Investigate Adsorbed Bicarbonate Formation Following Reaction of Carbon Dioxide with Surface Hydroxyl Groups on Fe2O3 and Al2O3.

FTIR spectroscopy combined with isotope labeling experiments and quantum chemical calculations is used to investigate the adsorption of carbon dioxide on hydroxylated metal oxide surfaces. In particular, transmission FTIR spectra following CO2 adsorption on hydroxylated nanoparticulate Fe2O3, alpha-Al2O3, and gamma-Al2O3 particles at 296 K are reported. As expected, reaction of CO2 with these surfaces results in the formation of adsorbed bicarbonate and carbonate. In this study, the vibrational spectrum of the bicarbonate product is analyzed in detail through the use of isotope labeling experiments and quantum chemical calculations. The experimental and calculated vibrational frequencies of adsorbed HC16O3-, DC16O3-, HC18O3-, HC16O18O2-, and HC18O16O2- indicate that bicarbonate bonds to the surface in a bridged structure. There is some evidence from the mixed isotope experiments that following initial nucleophilic attack of OH, the formation of the final bicarbonate structure involves a proton transfer. On the basis of energetic considerations, the proton transfer mechanism most likely occurs through an intermolecular process involving either coadsorbed hydroxyl groups and/or carbonate.
Effect of lifter shape and configuration on material transport part I: In rotating drums

Abstract This paper presents the steady-state transport behavior of rotating drums fitted with (i) conventional bar lifters, and (ii) forward- and reverse-spiralling square lifters, when monosize hematite was fed through these devices. The steady-state hold-up in the drum fitted with the forward-spiralling square lifters was less than that in the drum fitted with reverse-spiralling square lifters. However, the dimensionless RTDs for the drums were independent of the direction of spiralling of the lifters. Overall, the degree of mixing within the drum hold-up, as revealed by the magnitude of the axial dispersion coefficient of the RTDs, was greater for the drums fitted with square lifters than for the drum fitted with conventional bar lifters. Between the forward- and reverse-spiralling configurations, the former showed a relatively greater degree of mixing. RTDs are discussed in this paper in terms of single-parameter models and mechanistic explanations for the experimental observations are offered where appropriate.
Innate and adaptive mediators in cystic fibrosis and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.

BackgroundSurfactant-associated proteins (SP) A and D are both innate immunity mediators and produced in normal and diseased sinus mucosa. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is associated with Th1 adaptive infla...
Kinetics of nitric oxide formation in high-pressure flames

It is currently recognized that the oxides of nitrogen are major air pollutants and that automotive internal combustion engines constitute a major source of these compounds. The principal oxide of nitrogen found in the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines is nitric oxide, NO. Previous investigations have been concerned with the behavior of nitric oxide subsequent to its formation in engine-related combustion processes. However, the initial formation of nitric oxide in such processes has received little attention. For this reason, the purpose of the work presented here has been to investigate the kinetics of nitric oxide formation under conditions related to those occurring in internal combustion engines. Spectroscopic techniques have been used to directly record the time rate of formation of nitric oxide in the immediate vicinity of a flame front propagating through a high-pressure combustion vessel. The results presented represent initial experiments for which hydrogen and air were employed as fuel and oxidizer. Similar work with hydrocarbon-air and hydrocarbon-air-diluent mixtures is now in progress and will be reported later. Measurement of spectral absorption due to the (0, 0) gamma band of nitric oxide has yielded formation rates for nitric oxide in the vicinity of the flame front. These measurements have shown that nitric oxide formation occurs primarily in post-flame gases. Under these conditions, formation rates are accurately predicted by the two step mechanism N 2 + O ⇄ NO + N O 2 + N ⇄ NO + O with oxygen- and nitrogen-atom concentrations set equal to their chemical equilibrium values.
Expecting the Unexpected: Radiation Hardened Software

Radiation induced Single Event Effects (SEEs) are a serious problem for spacecraft flight software, potentially leading to a complete loss of mission. Conventional risk mitigation has been focused on hardware, leading to slow, expensive and outdated on-board computing devices, increased power consumption and launch mass. Our approach is to look at SEEs from a software perspective, and to explicitly design flight software so that it can detect and correct the majority of SEES. Radiation hardened flight software will reduce the significant residual residual risk for critical missions and flight phases, and enable more use of inexpensive and fast COTS hardware.
Role of the sulphate charge center in irreversible interactions of holothurin A with chemoreceptors

Abstract Further studies with the crystalline neurotoxin holothurin A and the rat phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation (PN-D) have shown that potency and degree of irreversibility of agonistic actions are sharply dependent on the presence of the charged sulfate residue in the toxin structure. With a selectively desulfated derivative (DeH) of the natural toxin (H) to establish relative indices of potency, it has been found that H is approximately one order of magnitude more powerful than DeH in direct contractural action on the muscle, and in blockade of the directly or indirectly elicited twitch response. But strikingly, the blocking actions of DeH are largely reversible on washing, in contrast with the clear irreversibility with which the parent toxin H destroys excitability in the preparation. Additionally, the uncharged species DeH at the 1–5 × 10 −5 M level is able to afford significant elements of protection against irreversible destruction of twitch response normally evoked in the PN-D by the charged anion H at a 1 × 10 −4 M level in the bathing medium. In the intact mouse studied for acute toxic response on i.V. administration of DeH or H, the syndromes leading to lethality are quite similar for the two agents, except for their relative time courses. Neutral DeH is characterized by an extensive lag time in onset of its peripheral and central effects and a very prolonged interval of tissue interactions, in contrast with the very much accelerated rate at which anionic H sweeps through the same spectrum of toxic signs. These findings are discussed in terms of the effects that anionic charge, imparted to H by virtue of its half-esterified sulfate function, may have on the strength and progress of interactions with receptor loci in neuromuscular and other tissues.
Measuring spatial variation in natural selection using randomly‐sown seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana

We describe a simple method of measuring spatial variation in fitness using randomly sown seeds. Given a random initial distribution of seeds, any spatial variation in the final distribution of genotypes must be the result of spatial variation in natural selection. Departures from spatial randomness are tested using a modification of join-count statistics, based on the probability that two randomly chosen plants separated by a given distance carry the same genetic marker. Monte Carlo simulations showed that for the randomly sown seeds design the join-count test had higher power to detect spatial variation in fitness than analysis of variance. The power was relatively independent of the number of genotypes used or the number of microsites sampled. The method was tested in the field using three standard lines of Arabidopsis thaliana. At the end of the life cycle, adjacent plants were significantly more likely to be the same line than randomly chosen pairs and the spatial dependence extended to distances of nearly 50 cm. Simple experiments like this may be especially useful for “comparative ecological genetics”, allowing systematic studies of natural selection among many species or habitats.
1.55 μm Er-doped GaN LED

Abstract Erbium (Er) doped semiconductors are of interest for light-emitting device applications operating at around 1.55 μm and for the potential integration with other semiconductor devices. However, the optical emission of Er3+ ions in semiconductors has not been as efficient as in dielectric materials, particularly at room temperature. This may be because ionic bonds, which are characteristic of dielectrics, are better suited for forming the required Er3+ energy levels than are covalent bonds, which are present in most III-V semiconductors. In this paper, we report 1.55 μm emission from an Er-doped GaN LED. We also discuss the effect of the measurement temperature on the emission spectrum as well as the effect of sample annealing on the emission spectrum.
ON THE OCCURRENCE OF INTERCELLULAR PECTIC WARTS IN COMPOSITAE

IN A NUMBER of vascular plants, protuberances of various shapes characteristically occur on the outer surface of parenchyma cell-walls facing intercellular spaces. As the review of Kisser (1928) shows, these structures have been demonstrated in stem, petiole, or lamina of various ferns and of a small number of Equisetaceae, Cycadaceae, Taxaceae, and Angiospermae. They have been found also in aerial roots of orchids (Noack, 1892) and palms (Jost, 1887) and in the seed coats of Leguminosae (Mattirolo and Buscalioni, 1889). Kisser (1928) was unable to find any of these structures, which he terms "Pektinwarzen" on account of their chemical composition, in the Compositae he investigated. During a survey of the anatomy of the genus Fitchia and other members of the tribe Heliantheae (Compositae), the writer encountered such pectic warts in certain tissues of Fitchia speciosa Cheeseman and Wyethia ovata T. & G. Because these pectic warts represent a new record and differ in several respects from those described by Kisser and others, a description of these, together with photomicrographs-seemingly the first published of pectic warts-appeared desirable. Although inconspicuous and perhaps rare in vascular plants, intercellular pectic warts represent a neglected phenomenon which requires explanation by students of cell wall structure. MATERIALS AND METHODS.-Vegetative material of Fitchia speciosa (Carlquist H293.), was fixed in a Carnoy's fluid (3 parts absolute ethyl alcohol: 1 part glacial acetic acid). Material of Wyethia ovata (Carlquist 398 3), was fixed in formalin-propionic-alcohol (Johansen, 1940, p. 42). For infiltration and embedding of both species, the tertiary butyl alcohol series of Johansen (1940, p. 130) was used. The sections of Fitchia speciosa (fig. 1-4) were stained by the tannic acid-ferric chloride schedule of Foster (1934). For sections of Wyethia ovata, a safranin-fast-green combination corresponding to Northen's modification of Foster's tannic acid-ferric chloride method (Johansen, 1940, p. 92) was employed. Although the dehydration entailed by the above microtechnical methods tends to shrink structures rich in pectic materials, comparison of fresh material with paraffin sections of Wyethia ovata revealed no appreciable differences. It seems likely that the swelling tendency of the weak acids employed in fixation may have compensated for the shrinking effect of
Biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans by the separated tissues of the embryonic chick cornea

Abstract Corneal tissues (epithelium, endothelium, and stroma) were isolated from chick embryos at 14, 17, and 20 days of incubation and immediately labeled in vitro with d -[6-3H]glucosamine and H235SO4. Amount of label incorporated into each type of glycosaminoglycan or into glycopeptides was determined by specific degradative techniques, in conjunction with gel filtration chromatography. Results suggested that corneal epithelium synthesized little, if any, corneal keratan sulfates, but that corneal endothelium may have synthesized small amounts of corneal keratan sulfates. Nearly all corneal keratan sulfates were derived from the stroma. Corneal heparan sulfates appeared to be derived predominantly from corneal epithelium at later stages of development. Corneal endothelium contributed large proportions of the hyaluronic acids of the cornea. Only epithelium produced a large proportion of sulfated glycoproteins. In addition, epithelium synthesized a large proportion of a sulfated, high molecular weight polysaccharide which was resistant to treatments degrading known types of glycosaminoglycans. Each corneal tissue may not only affect corneal morphogenesis directly by contributing a unique spectrum of glycosylated proteins to the extracellular matrix, but also may regulate the extracellular matrix composition indirectly by modulating the biosynthetic activities of the other corneal tissues.
New Media and Political Marketing in the United States: 2012 and Beyond

Technology is an ever-evolving aspect of political campaigns in the United States. Even before the days when sophisticated survey research or television advertising burst on the scene, campaigners were seeking ways to campaign more efficiently and effectively. The Internet has provided a wealth of opportunities for candidates and their campaigns to use technology in creative and innovative ways. The 2008 U.S. presidential campaign clearly illustrated this. But the question becomes: What is next? Where does new media go from here, and, more importantly for scholars, what kind of research questions will be central when studying these new uses of technology? This article begins with a discussion of where new media, and the study of it, go in 2012 and beyond. We briefly take a look back at the 2008 election in which campaigns made great strides in the use of new media, breaking new ground by using tools such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other online video sharing sites and many others in ways that had n...
Dielectric Studies of Poly(ethylene oxide)/Poly(styrene-co-p-hydroxystyrene) Blends: Influence of Hydrogen Bonding on the Dynamics of Amorphous Blends

The segmental dynamics of a poly(styrene-co-p-hydroxystyrene) random copolymer [SHS, 50 wt % HS] and its amorphous, melt-miscible blends with poly(ethylene oxide) were investigated using broadband ...
Creating Advanced Architecture for Space Systems: Emergent Lessons from New Processes

Techniques are considered for developing clean sheet designs of advanced architectures for space systems. The terrestrial observer swarm A, an ionospheric mapping system using a swarm of small satellites, is used as an example. A process for exploring open-ended trade spaces is briefly described, and its application to the system followed. The utilities and costs of 1380 possible architectures are calculated. The trade space is explored; the two primary missions of the system are found to drive the architecture in opposite directions, suggesting a rethinking of the mission mix. This tension is coupled to the available funding level because larger, more expensive swarms can do both missions. The process is observed to require careful definition of a set of utility metrics to capture user needs, and updating of the design parameter set to be explored, as understanding of the system and its technical challenges emerges. Overall, both the process used and the swarm technology considered are found to be useful for defining and understanding a large set of available architectures.
Jaundice predicts advanced disease and early mortality in patients with gallbladder cancer.

Background: In patients with gallbladder cancer, jaundice suggests tumor involvement of the porta hepatis. This study reports on the prevalence, etiology, and clinical significance of jaundice in patients with gallbladder cancer.
Severity of Esophageal Eosinophilia Predicts Response to Conventional Gastroesophageal Reflux Therapy

Pediatric patients who present with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and severe eosinophilic esophagitis may be unresponsive to aggressive anti-reflux medical therapy. In order to determine whether the degree of eosinophilia predicts anti-reflux treatment response and possibly distinguishes different etiologies, we reviewed the initial biopsies of patients with esophageal eosinophilia and compared the number of eosinophils with the response to anti-reflux treatment. Over a 1-year period, 102 patients with a biopsy demonstrating at least 1 intraepithelial eosinophil were identified among patients undergoing initial endoscopy for symptoms of reflux. All patients were treated with H2 blockers and prokinetic agents. Treatment response was classified into three categories: improvement, relapse, and failure. There were significant differences between the group who improved (mean eosinophil count [MEC] 1.1 +/- 0.3 SEM) and those who failed (24.5 +/- 6.1 SEM, P or = 7 provided a sensitivity of 61.3%, a specificity of 95.7%, and a predictive value for treatment failure of 86.1. A MEC value of or = 7 per high power field offering a valuable clinical threshold for predicting outcome of conventional therapy. (2) The variable response to conventional reflux treatment may reflect different etiologies. (3) Alternate medical treatment modalities may be appropriate in the presence of severe eosinophilia, before considering surgical intervention.
New chromosomal syndrome: Miller-Dieker syndrome and monosomy 17p13

The Miller-Dieker Syndrome (MDS) consists of lissencephaly, characteristic facies, pre- and postnatal growth retardation, plus various other birth defects. Autosomal recessive inheritance has been presumed based on four reported families with two or more affected siblings. We present substantial evidence that monosomy 17p13.3 causes the MDS phenotype. This includes two patients with ring chromosome 17, one patient with a de novo 17p13 deletion, and one patient with monosomy 17p due to an unbalanced 7p; 17p translocation. We report the first prenatal diagnosis of MDS in a 20-week fetus from this latter family. Additionally, we report a balanced translocation between chromosome 17 and different autosomes (8, 12, and 15) in three of the four familial cases of lissencephaly. The finding of a chromosomal basis for this presumed autosomal recessive disorder significantly alters genetic counseling and makes prenatal diagnosis possible in some families.
Adaptive Control: Stability, Convergence and Robustness

The deterministic theory of adaptive control (AC) is presented in an introduction for graduate students and practicing engineers. Chapters are devoted to basic AC approaches, notation and fundamental theorems, the identification problem, model-reference AC, parameter convergence using averaging techniques, and AC robustness. Consideration is given to the use of prior information, the global stability of indirect AC schemes, multivariable AC, linearizing AC for a class of nonlinear systems, AC of linearizable minimum-phase systems, and MIMO systems decouplable by static state feedback.