cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Staging a Christopher Columbus Play in a Culture of Illusion: Public Pedagogy in a Theatre of Genocide

In the foreword to The Politics of Genocide, political theorist Noam Chomsky writes that denial of the American Indian holocaust is a potent force in the United States. He argues that ‘the most unambiguous cases of genocide’ are often ‘acknowledged by the perpetrators, and passed over as insignificant or even denied in retrospect by the beneficiaries, right to the present’. That is very true in the United States, where the author of this article discovers that few of his college students know much, if anything, about the capacious genocide of North American Indians. In this article, Brian McKenna explores the power of aesthetic theory and praxis to help overcome the rigid psychological defenses of besieged students. He carefully informs students about the genocide spawned by Columbus and the Spanish, and then draws connections between that history and the history of US Indian genocide and imperialism, up to the present day in Iraq and around the globe. The article presents a five-part exercise, refined ov...
Role of Surface Area and Surface Chemistry during an Investigation of Eucalyptus Wood Char for Fluoride Adsorption from Drinking Water

AbstractThis work studied the use of eucalyptus wood char as a filtration material for fluoride adsorption from drinking water to increase access to safe water. Upon increasing charring temperature, the specific surface area of the eucalyptus wood char increased from 0.9 to 327 m2/g; however, the fluoride removal capacity of the unamended eucalyptus wood char was negligible for all charring temperatures. Amendment of the char media with aluminum oxides increased the fluoride removal capacity to 1.6 mg/g, demonstrating a significant improvement relative to the unamended wood char. While this adsorptive capacity is not yet as high as values reported for bone char, it is higher than the capacity of some other media currently in use and is a significant improvement over the unamended wood char. Thus, the aluminum oxide modified eucalyptus char may be a helpful alternative for fluoride removal in areas where bone char is not a viable option. This work also studied the possibility of altering the pHPZC, initi...
Obstruction of the microcirculation in rejecting canine renal allografts.

Abstract Early obstruction of peritubular capillaries of the intrarenal vascular tree was demonstrated by carbon perfusion of rejecting canine renal allografts. Untreated rejecting kidneys, 4 and 6 days post-transplantation, showed first a progressive decrease in cortical perfusion and later reduction of perfusion in the medulla. Azathioprine-treated allografts undergoing rejection showed similar changes although less marked. Second-set allografts demonstrated rapid progression of vascular obstruction within the first 24 hours post-transplantation. Dry-weight determinations of cortex and medulla revealed a progressive increase in tissue water content from post-transplant day 4–6 parallel to the histological process of rejection. Renal edema in rejecting renal allografts could not be related to alterations in small vessel permeability by injecting tracer particles of known size.
Electric dichroism and sedimentation velocity studies of DNA-Hg(II) and DNA-Ag(I) complexes.

Abstract The cause of the induced CD bands of DNA-Hg2+ and DNA-Ag+ complexes has been interpreted as a condensed ψ state (Walter, A. and Luck, G. (1977) Nucl. Acids Res. 4, 539–550). Electric dichroism and sedimentation velocity experiments indicate that there is no tertiary structure formation of DNA-heavy-metal-ion complexes to support a ψ state. The increase of the sedimentation coefficient of DNA-heavy-metal-ion complexes can be accounted for by an increase in molecular weight and a decrease in the partial specific volume upon the binding of Hg2+ and Ag+. Electric dichroism measurements show that the new optical bands produced by the binding of Hg2+ to DNA and the mode I binding of Ag+ to DNA result in transition moments polarized in the plane of the bases. Binding mode II of the DNA-Ag+ complex at 265 nm gives an optical perturbation where the transition moment has an out-of-plane contribution. The CD studies reported in the following paper give further insight into the binding sites and binding modes of these two metal ions.
Impact behavior of a nitrile elastomer

This investigation studies the behavior of several cylindrical specimens of a Buna-N elastomer subjected to compression impact by a finite mass. Initial strain rates fall in the range between 40/sec and 400/sec, with maximum nominal strains up to 0.4. It is shown that values of nominal stress, true and nominal strain, energy dissipation and impact duration can be correlated with elastomer geometry and initial kinetic energy by means of two parameters derived from an analysis of a linear viscoelastic model. Other sources of variability of elastomer behavior are discussed.
Magnetic monopole solutions of string theory

Abstract Some aspects of monopoles in string theory are considered. Three cases are described where monopole solutions can be constructed in a systematic approximation scheme. The lowest order solutions are exhibited for these examples, as well as certain higher order corrections. Issues involved in a proper string theoretic treatment of these solutions, such as collective coordinates and vertex operators are discussed.
Traumatic brain injury: An overview of diagnosis, management, and prognosis

Abstract Traumatic brain injury constitutes a major health problem in the United States today. It is estimated that a patient dies of a brain injury every five minutes. Motor vehicle crashes are the most common cause of brain injury and the young adult remains the most common victim. Most brain injuries are relatively minor and require no particular treatment aside from observation for signs of deterioration. An understanding of the anatomy and physiology of serious brain injury is essential for prompt recognition and management. Without this prompt treatment the mortality of severe brain injury is substantial. The Glasgow Coma Score provides an easy to use measure of initial neurologic disability that should warn the practitioner of the potential for severe brain injury. Avoidance of secondary injury, such as hypoxia, becomes of paramount importance in minimizing the devastating sequelae of brain injury. Although mortality and morbidity can be reduced by attention to the details of resuscitation, timely surgical evacuation of mass lesions, management of intracranial hypertension, and early involvement of rehabilitation medicine, these patients often have long neurologic disabilities.
Effects of dominance and laterality on iris recognition

Eye dominance, the tendency to prefer to process visual input from one eye over the other, is a little discussed topic in iris biometrics. It has been seen in experiments that one eye tends to have improved performance over the other. One possible cause of this variation in performance could be the distribution of eye dominance among the subject population. In this paper we explore the effects of eye dominance on iris recognition. We also show how eye dominance can be used to guide the development of a single-eye recognition system. An exploration of the correlation between eyedness and handedness is also presented.
Enriched prostaglandin E-9 ketoreductase activity in outer medullary cells of the rabbit kidney.

Abstract PGE 2 metabolism was examined in rabbit renal slices and cell suspensions from the outer medulla, enriched (TALH and depleted (OMC) for the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop. Metabolism was negligible in intact cells, either OMC or TALH fractions. However, in OMC and TALH homogenates, transformation of PGE 2 to PGF 2∝ by NADPH-dependent prostaglandin E-9 ketoreductase (PGE-9KR) was observed at a PGE 2 concentration of 4×10 −9 M. This activity was not reversible and was enriched ten-fold in the TALH with 41% of PGE 2 transformed to PGF 2∝ afte r 30 min incubation. PGF 2∝ formation from PGE 2 could not be detected in homogenates of cortex, medullar or papilla. PGE-9KR activity, particularly in the thick ascending limb, may be a source of PGF 2∝ in urine.
Recommendations from child fatality review teams: results of a US nationwide exploratory study concerning maltreatment fatalities and social service delivery

Multidisciplinary child fatality review teams (CFRT) have existed in the United States (US) for almost 30 years; the products of the review process, however, remain unexamined. This study reviewed reports from CFRT throughout the US to compile and evaluate the identification of problems and recommendations by professionals concerning child maltreatment fatalities. Team- and state-level data were also used for analysis to better understand the context in which recommendations are made. Over 300 recommendations for change from CFRT were grouped into 11 macro categories. The frequency of each type of recommendation and examples from each category are provided. The authors provide recommendations of their own for improvements in CFRT outputs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design, Synthesis, and Photodynamics of Light-Harvesting Arrays Comprised of a Porphyrin and One, Two, or Eight Boron-Dipyrrin Accessory Pigments

Light-harvesting arrays containing one, two, or eight boron-dipyrrin (BDPY) pigments and one porphyrin (free base or Zn chelate) have been synthesized using a modular building block approach. The reaction of pyrrole and 4-(BDPY)benzaldehyde or 3,5-bis(BDPY)benzaldehyde, prepared by Pd-mediated ethynylation with the corresponding iodo-benzaldehydes, affords the desired BDPY-porphyrin array in yields of 10−58%. The arrays are soluble in organic solvents and have been characterized by static and time-resolved absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The blue-green BDPY absorption complements spectral coverage of the porphyrin chromophores and rivals the intensity of the porphyrin Soret band when eight BDPY accessory pigments are present. Efficient energy transfer from the BDPY pigment(s) to the porphyrin (free base or Zn-chelate) is observed in arrays containing one or two (>90%) or eight (>85%) accessory pigments per porphyrin. Biphasic excited-state decay behavior is exhibited by the BDPY pigments in isol...
Optimal sampling of recruitment curves for functional electrical stimulation control

A major challenge in controlling multiple-input multiple output functional electrical stimulation systems is the large amount of time required to identify a workable system model due to the high dimensionality of the space of inputs. To address this challenge we are exploring optimal methods to sample the input space. In this paper we present two methods for optimally sampling isometric muscle force recruitment curves. One method maximizes the information about the recruitment curve parameters, and the second method minimizes the average variance of the predicted output force. We compared these methods to two previously-used methods in simulation. The simulation model was identified from recruitment data collected during experiments with a human subject with a high spinal cord injury. The optimal sampling methods on average produced estimates of the output force with less error than the two previously-used methods. The optimal sampling methods require fewer system identification experiments to identify models with similar output prediction accuracy.
Mine detection technologies essential to survivability

Mine detection is essential to the military forces' mobility and survivability on the battlefield and to the deminers' survivability in humanitarian demining operations. Mine detection technologies are the same but the operational requirements and consequently the technical emphases are different. Twenty-four hour detection capability and rate of detection are essential in military operations while 100 percent probability of detection is essential in demining operations to ensure the inhabitants' safety. My presentation focuses primarily on mine detection technologies for military operations; however, these technologies are very applicable for detecting mines and mine-like targets during humanitarian demining operations.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cerebrovascular complications of the use of the "crack" form of alkaloidal cocaine.

Abstract Background and Methods. The use of cocaine, especially one of its alkaloidal forms ("crack"), has been increasingly associated with cerebrovascular disease. To clarify the clinical, radiologic, and pathological features of the events associated with cocaine use, we identified 28 patients at four medical centers who had stroke temporally related to the use of alkaloidal cocaine (during or within 72 hours of use). Results. The 28 patients had the following types of cerebrovascular event: cerebral infarction (n = 18[2hemorrhagic; 1 fatal]) in the areas supplied by the middle cerebral artery (n = 10), anterior cerebral artery (n = 3), posterior cerebral artery (n = 1 ), and vertebrobasilar arteries (n = 4); subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 5); intraparenchymal hemorrhage (n = 4); and primary intraventricular hemorrhage (n = 1). Eighteen patients (64 percent) had acute neurologic symptoms immediately or within one hour of using cocaine. Fifteen patients (45 percent) with either occlusive or hemorrhagic st...
Heat exchangers for solar concentrators

Abstract The theoretical analysis of three types of heat exchangers for use with solar concentrators is developed. Under the assumptions of an incompressible inviscid fluid, constant energy rate input per unit area, and losses to the surroundings, an expression for the temperature field, and average exit temperature is given. An expression for a dimensionless temperature modulus, to aid in the determination of a fluid exit temperature, is derived and plotted for the three types of heat exchangers.
Effect of thermal and chemical components of bombardier beetle chemical defense: Glossopharyngeal response in two species of toads (Bufo americanus, B. marinus)

The effect of temperature in the chemical defense of bombardier beetles is examined on the basis of toad glossopharyngeal nerve responses to tongue stimulation with either bombardier beetle defensive discharges or artificial stimuli of variable temperature and quinone content. The results indicate the following: 1. Responses to bombardier beetle discharges (Fig. 1) are characterized by short latency (11–23 ms) and rapid attainment of maximum amplitude (within 100 ms). Response amplitude diminishes sharply within 400 to 700 ms, leaving a long-lasting (greater than 1.6 s) low level response. Repeated stimulation destroys general tongue sensitivity. 2a. Responses to artificial stimuli all begin with a brief mechanoreceptive response to the impact of the stimulus droplet (Figs. 2, 3 and 4). The latency of this initial response component is less than 8 ms; maximum response amplitude is reached between 12 and 15 ms after stimulus onset. 2b. Responses to unheated water aerosols contain only this initial response component (Figs. 3 and 4a); they end within 50 ms of stimulus onset. 2c. Responses to hot water aerosols show a second component in the interval between 30 and 200 ms after stimulus onset (Figs. 2 and 4). The maximum amplitude and breadth of this response — but not the time of maximum amplitude — change with increasing stimulus temperature (Fig. 4). Repeated stimulation does not measurably diminish tongue sensitivity. 2d. For unheated quinone stimuli (Fig. 3), the second response component begins sooner and lasts longer (i.e., more than 1.6 s) than it does for hot water stimuli, but there is no difference between the two stimuli in the time at which maximum amplitude is reached. Repeated stimulation with quinone destroys tongue sensitivity. 2e. Responses to hot quinone stimuli show an increase in the amplitude of the first 50 ms of the second response component which exceeds that to be expected from a summation of independent thermal and chemical responses (Fig. 3). A synergistic action of temperature in facilitating sublimation and spread of quinone is believed to explain this effect. 2f. Synergism of temperature and quinone is no longer evident after the first 50 ms of the second response component. On the contrary, the maximum amplitude of the second peak in responses to hot quinone approaches the sum of responses to hot water and unheated quinone in only one toad species (B. marinus, Fig. 3c and d). InB. americanus (Fig. 3a and b), maximum response amplitude is similar for hot quinone, hot water, and unheated quinone. 2g. Responses to hot quinone aerosols (Fig. 3) are similar to responses to bombardier beetle defensive discharges (Fig. 1) except for the presence of the initial mechanoreceptive response. 3. It is concluded that the evolutionary advantages of the hot defensive discharge rest primarily on its synergism of quinone effects and on concomitant advantages of the discharge mechanism. The role of heat as a primary deterrent is thought to be of secondary importance.
Arrestin-independent internalization of the m1, m3, and m4 subtypes of muscarinic cholinergic receptors.

To understand what processes contribute to the agonist-induced internalization of subtypes of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, we analyzed the role of arrestins. Whereas the m2 mAChR has been shown to undergo augmented internalization when arrestins 2 and 3 are overexpressed (Pals-Rylaarsdam, R., Gurevich, V. V., Lee, K. B., Ptasienski, J. A., Benovic, J. L., and Hosey, M. M. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 23682–23689), the agonist-induced internalization of m1, m3, and m4 mAChRs was unchanged when arrestins 2 or 3 were overexpressed in transiently transfected HEK-tsA201 cells. Furthermore, when a dominant-negative arrestin was used to interrupt endogenous arrestin function, there was no change in the internalization of the m1, m3, and m4 mAChR whereas the internalization of the β2 adrenergic receptor was completely blocked. Wild-type and GTPase-deficient dominant-negative dynamin were used to determine which endocytic machinery played a role in the endocytosis of the subtypes of mAChRs. Interestingly, when dynamin function was blocked by overexpression of the GTPase-deficient dynamin, agonist- induced internalization of the the m1, m3, and m4 mAChRs was suppressed. These results suggested that the internalization of the m1, m3, and m4 mAChRs occurs via an arrestin-independent but dynamin-dependent pathway. To ascertain whether domains that confer arrestin sensitivity and dynamin insensitivity could be functionally exchanged between subtypes of mAChRs, chimeric m2/m3 receptors were analyzed for their properties of agonist-induced internalization. The results demonstrated that the third intracellular loop of the m2 mAChR conferred arrestin sensitivity and dynamin insensitivity to the arrestin-insensitive, dynamin-sensitive m3 mAChR while the analogous domain of the m3 mAChR conferred arrestin resistance and dynamin sensitivity to the previously arrestin-sensitive, dynamin-insensitive m2 mAChR.
Versatility of biological non-heme Fe(II) centers in oxygen activation reactions

Oxidase and oxygenase enzymes allow the use of relatively unreactive O2 in biochemical reactions. Many of the mechanistic strategies used in nature for this key reaction are represented within the 2-histidine-1-carboxylate facial triad family of non-heme Fe(II)-containing enzymes. The open face of the metal coordination sphere opposite the three endogenous ligands participates directly in the reaction chemistry. Here, data from several studies are presented showing that reductive O2 activation within this family is initiated by substrate (and in some cases cosubstrate or cofactor) binding, which then allows coordination of O2 to the metal. From this starting point, the O2 activation process and the reactions with substrates diverge broadly. The reactive species formed in these reactions have been proposed to encompass four oxidation states of iron and all forms of reduced O2 as well as several of the reactive oxygen species that derive from O-O bond cleavage.
Nucleation in undercooled Zr41Ti14Cu12Ni10Be23 melts

The undercooling and solidification of bulk glass forming Zr41Ti14Cu12Ni10Be23 liquids is investigated by processing in high purity graphite crucibles. Isothermal nucleation studies are performed between the liquidus and the glass transition temperature. The resulting time–temperature–transformation diagram is similar to the diagram obtained from containerlessly processed samples. Heterogeneous surface nucleation at the container walls does not effect the crystallization. The solidification products of these differently processed specimens are investigated by scanning electron microscopy as well as by electron microprobe. The investigations reveal the morphology and typical length scale of the microstructure after crystallization at different degrees of undercooling. The number density of nuclei during primary crystallization is estimated from the microstructure.
Coupled oscillations of H2/O2/CO on silica supported rhodium catalyst

Self-sustained oscillations obtained during the catalytic oxidation of CO and H2 were studied over Rh/SiO2 by an FTIR-mass spectrometric technique. An average oscillatory period of 7.1±0.5 minutes was obtained for the CO/O2 reaction at 348 K. For the H2/O2 oscillatory reaction the period was observed to be 1.3±0.8 minutes. When the oscillations were coupled at the same temperature, the period for both the CO/O2 and the H2/O2 reactions was observed to be 7.9±0.8 minutes. The kinetic coupling of the reaction rates is explained by considering the periodic fluctuations in surface temperature which occur as a result of the more exothermic CO/O2 reaction.
The effect of a supplementation program on the genetic and life history characteristics of an Oncorhynchus mykiss population

Conservation hatcheries, which supplement natural populations by removing adults or embryos from the natural environment and rearing and releasing parr, smolts, or adults back into their natal or a...
A time-sharing interactive program for class scheduling

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to describe a time-shared class scheduling program that has been implemented and used for the past three years by the Oklahoma City Public Schools. The program uses heuristic procedures in an attempt to minimize student conflicts in a “modified modular scheduling” environment. In addition, the program is interactive so that the scheduler takes an active role in the scheduling decisions.
The valuation of options on yields

Abstract Many contingent claims incorporate options on yield levels. I derive closed-form expressions for European yield-option prices using a general equilibrium model in which the underlying yield is the relevant state variable. The properties of these options differ markedly from those of conventional options on traded assets. For example, yield-call values can be less than their intrinsic value and can be decreasing functions of the underlying yield. These features have important hedging implications. I examine the empirical implications of the model using price data for the 13-week T-bill options traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange.
Enforcing Firearms Laws at the Local Level: A Case Study of the Virginia Beach Police Department's Gun Trace Unit:

Gun violence remains a serious threat to public safety throughout the United States. Numerous federal and local agencies have taken a variety of steps in an attempt to deal with this perennial problem. One of the most common tactics has been the development of task forces between local agencies and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). This is the approach that the Virginia Beach Police Department took until recently. In April 2008, however, the department disbanded its task force and developed its own internal unit tasked with the investigation of firearms-related crimes called the Gun Trace Unit. This article details the new unit's mission, how it functions, and what advantages it has over the previously instituted task force approach. The Gun Trace Unit has been a successful innovation in Virginia Beach and may serve as a useful model for other jurisdictions.
108 CALCIUM BLOCKERS AFTER B-BLOCKADE IN CONSCIOUS PUPPIES

Following reports of cardiac arrest, acute conversion therapy with verapamll is contralndicated in children on chronic propranlol for recurrent SVT. The exact hemodynamic changes produced by verapamil after β-blockade have not been shown in children or awake, instrumented immature animals. We proposed to document these alterations and compare them to those produced by a similarly effective calcium-blocking agent, diltiazem, potentially of use in pediatrlc patients. Fourteen puppies were chronically instrumented for: aortic flow(CO); regional LV shortenlng(SF); pressures--carotid(MBP), pulmonary(PAP), and left a trial(LAP); heart rate(HR) and P-R interval. Measurements during infusions of each agent at 5-125/μ/kg/min were repeated after a propranolol bolus (0.7-0.9mg/kg) lowered HR 10%, simulating p therapy. Results at maximal infusion (mean ± S.D.; *p (.01): Verapamll's effects before β-blockade were similar to those documented in other studies. Diltiazem produced significantly less decrease in cardiac output (p<.01) both before and after β-blockade. Throughout, LAP rose (p<.01) when CO decreased significantly, while PAP did not change. SF did not show significant changes. 7/14 animals progressed to severe bradycardia after V+P responsive only to Ca++ gluconate infusion with immediate Improvement in CO (p<.01). We have documented verapamll's profound depressant effect in the presence of B-blockade. We also conclude that diltiazem, with similar antlarrhythmlc properties, produces less negative inotropic effect than verapamll in unsedated immature animals.
Interfacial dynamic properties of polymer films

Many vinyl homopolymers are surface active by virtue of their side chains being hydrophilic while backbone hydrocarbon structure being hydrophobic, thus they form remarkably stable monolayers. We report here the studies of collective dynamics of these monolayers and thin films with the technique of surface light scattering by the spontaneous capillary waves on the air/water and oil/water interfaces. The dynamics are represented by the viscoelastic parameters of the lateral dilational mode, which couples efficiently with the transverse mode in the case of air/water interface.
Comparison of the NCI open database with seven large chemical structural databases.

Eight large chemical databases have been analyzed and compared to each other. Central to this comparison is the open National Cancer Institute (NCI) database, consisting of approximately 250 000 structures. The other databases analyzed are the Available Chemicals Directory ("ACD," from MDL, release 1.99, 3D-version); the ChemACX ("ACX," from CamSoft, Version 4.5); the Maybridge Catalog and the Asinex database (both as distributed by CamSoft as part of ChemInfo 4.5); the Sigma-Aldrich Catalog (CD-ROM, 1999 Version); the World Drug Index ("WDI," Derwent, version 1999.03); and the organic part of the Cambridge Crystallographic Database ("CSD," from Cambridge Crystallographic Data Center, 1999 Version 5.18). The database properties analyzed are internal duplication rates; compounds unique to each database; cumulative occurrence of compounds in an increasing number of databases; overlap of identical compounds between two databases; similarity overlap; diversity; and others. The crystallographic database CSD and the WDI show somewhat less overlap with the other databases than those with each other. In particular the collections of commercial compounds and compilations of vendor catalogs have a substantial degree of overlap among each other. Still, no database is completely a subset of any other, and each appears to have its own niche and thus "raison d'etre". The NCI database has by far the highest number of compounds that are unique to it. Approximately 200 000 of the NCI structures were not found in any of the other analyzed databases.
Management of liver transplant recipients with recurrent hepatitis C.

Purpose of review Hepatitis C virus infection is the leading indication for liver transplantation, with recurrent hepatitis C almost universal. Although posttransplant treatment of hepatitis C virus infection remains suboptimal, active investigation continues to inform patient selection and risk–benefit analysis. Recent findings Several key studies have identified components in the immunological response that are associated with the necroinflammatory and fibrotic response. Hepatitis C virus infection is associated with a higher rate of diabetes mellitus after transplant. Patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome have poorer outcomes, and aggressive management is necessary. Differentiation of acute rejection from recurrent hepatitis C is difficult; however, the use of hepatitis C virus RNA tissue levels, immunohistochemistry and Councilman body/portal tract ratio may help with this diagnostic dilemma. The use of a specific calcineurin inhibitor appears not to influence recurrent hepatitis C, but rapid steroid taper is detrimental and, if steroids are used, long slow taper should be used. Use of rapid and early virological responses is very helpful in the management of hepatitis C after transplantation. In the patients with sustained virological response, histological and survival benefits are noted. Summary The present review highlights advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of hepatitis C virus infection after liver transplantation in the last few years.
Sensitivity and detection limit enhancement of gas chromatographic detection by thermal modulation

A thermal desorption modulator placed between the outlet of a column and the inlet of a detector enhances chromatographic sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio and detection limit. The modulator operates at a selectable frequency up to 10 Hz, chopping the effluent from the chromatographic column into a series of concentration pulses whose envelope follows the form of the chromatogram. Measuring the difference between the top of each concentration pulse and the following valley demodulates the detector output signal. Thermal modulation increases the recorded signal amplitude because the modulator concentrates substances emerging from the column over a relatively long time into concentration pulses of much shorter duration. Thermal modulation also attenuates low frequency drift. Using this technique enhanced the signal amplitude of a flame ionization detector by a factor of 15 and the signal-to-noise ratio by a factor of 5.
Brittle fracture in polycrystalline Ir-0.3 pct W

Polycrystalline iridium fails by brittle intergranular fracture at room temperature. We have previously shown that this fracture is intrinsic because segregation of impurity elements to the grain boundaries was not found. We examined the structure of grain boundaries in Ir-0.3 pct W by transmission electron microscopy and found numerous ledges in the boundaries. In most boundaries the ledges aligned with the {111} crystallographic planes in one of the grains. In addition to ledges we observed numerous microscopic cracks near the edges of the thin foils. Most cracks occurred along twin boundaries. However, a substantial number of cracks that were not associated with twins also aligned with {111} planes in the grain matrix, establishing the {111} planes as secondary cleavage planes; {100} are the primary planes. The ease of cleavage along {111} planes makes the predominantly {111} oriented ledges ideal sites for crack initiation and propagation along grain boundaries, thereby explaining the intrinsic nature of intergranular fracture in iridium.
The rewards of science extend far beyond publication.

Good research and wise mentorship should be valued more highly than a name added to a paper.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of chain length and surface coverage on fouling of surface grafted polypeptoids

Numerous strategies exist to prevent biological fouling of surfaces in physiological environments; the authors’ strategy focuses on the modification of surfaces with poly-N-substituted glycine oligomers (polypeptoids). The authors previously reported the synthesis and characterization of three novel polypeptoid polymers that can be used to modify titanium oxide surfaces, rendering the surfaces resistant to adsorption of proteins, to adhesion of mammalian and bacterial cells, and to degradation by common protease enzymes. In this study, they investigated the effect of polypeptoid chain length on the antifouling properties of the modified surfaces. For these experiments, they used poly(N-methoxyethyl) glycines with lengths between 10 and 50 repeat units and determined the influence of chain length on coating thickness and density as well as resistance to protein adsorption and cellular adhesion. Short-term protein resistance remained low for all polymers, as measured by optical waveguide light mode spectroscopy, while fibroblast adhesion after several weeks indicated reduced fouling resistance for the polypeptoid-modified surfaces with the shortest chain length polymer. Experimental observations were compared to predictions obtained from a molecular theory of polymer and protein adsorption. Good agreement was found between experiment and theory for the chain length dependence of peptoid grafting density and for protein adsorption as a function of peptoid grafting density. The theoretical predictions provide specific guidelines for the surface coverage for each molecular weight for optimal antifouling. The predictions show the relationship between polymer layer structure and fouling.
Tricks and treats: nonlinear operations in digital simulation

Abstract This report describes powerful shortcuts for programming common nonlinear functions, transfer characteristics, and signal generators useful for digital dynamic-system simulation, and also for digital instrumentation and control These computer routines are digital equivalents of analog diode and switching circuits. Recursion relations (difference equations) are often useful. Complete personal- computer programs demonstrate. limiters, hysteresis, backlash, function switches, and track/hold circuits, with practical applications to blood-circulation and control-rocket simulation, automatic display scaling, and computation of multi-run simulation envelopes.
Close encounters: exemplars of process-oriented qualitative research in health care

Qualitative and quantitative research approaches reflect different ‘world views’ and raise different questions for inquiry. In this article, we map several prominent features of the landscape of qu...
Efficient calculation of general Voigt profiles

Abstract We present an accurate and efficient program for the computation of OIL profiles, generalizations of the Voigt profile resulting from the “one interacting level” model of Ward et al . These profiles have speed dependent shift and width functions and have asymmetric shapes. The program contains an adjustable error control parameter and includes the Voigt profile as a special case, although the general nature of this program renders it slower than a specialized Voigt profile method. Results an accuracy and computation time are presented for a broad set of test parameters and a comparison is made with previous work on the asymptotic behavior of general Voigt profiles.
Kinetic analysis of the hydrodynamic transition accompanying protein folding using size exclusion chromatography. 1. Denaturant dependent baseline changes

Size exclusion profiles of proteins with persistent conformations exhibit broad asymmetric peaks whose shape and elution times are dependent on denaturant concentration. The collective elution profiles were precisely simulated by an apparent binding model that treats the denaturant dependence in terms of an apparent matrix binding. The model requires three experimentally measurable parameters: the elution time for the unbound protein, an apparent association equilibrium constant for binding, and an apparent exchange time for binding. The denaturant dependence for each of these parameters is related to the accessible surface area of the protein. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
REIT markets: periodically collapsing negative bubbles?

This study tests for the presence of negative bubbles in the REIT markets over the period 1972:01 to 2004:05 using the momentum threshold autoregressive (MTAR) model. There is evidence of asymmetric adjustment towards the long-run equilibrium between REIT prices and dividends indicative of negative bubbles for mortgage and hybrid REITs.
Rotational References for Total Knee Arthroplasty Tibial Components Change with Level of Resection

Various landmarks can guide tibial component rotational alignment in routine TKA, but with the deeper tibial resection levels common in complex primary and revision TKAs, it is unknown whether these landmarks remain reliable. We asked whether three techniques for determining tibial component rotation based on local anatomic landmarks are reliable deeper tibial resection levels. The femoral transepicondylar axis was identified by three independent reviewers on MR images of knees from 24 men and 24 women and transposed at a traditional tibial resection level and at the level of the proximal, middle, and distal parts of the proximal tibiofibular joint. Three axes were drawn on axial slices at these levels: the geometric center of the tibial plateau to the medial 1/3 of the tubercle, the posterior condylar line of the tibia, and the largest mediolateral dimension of the tibia. These lines were compared with the transposed femoral epicondylar axis line. The posterior condylar line of the tibia is the least variable local landmark for tibial component positioning at deep resection levels. Assuming the normal posterior condylar line of the tibia is visible at revision, setting the tibial component at 10° external rotation with respect to the posterior condylar axis of the tibia gets the tibial component within 10° of proper rotation in 86% to 98% of patients, even to the distal part of the proximal tibiofibular joint. The experienced surgeon then can adjust this position based on cues from an assortment of other axes.
Women Mystics and Sufi Shrines in India, by Kelly Pemberton, University of South Carolina Press: Columbia, SC, 2010, xxviii + 233 pp. ISBN 978-1-57003-919-5, US$59.95 (cloth)

Women Mystics and Sufi Shrines in India, by Kelly Pemberton, University of South Carolina Press: Columbia, SC, 2010, xxviii + 233 pp. ISBN 978-1-57003-919-5, US$59.95 (cloth) What might women mysti...
Microscales of turbulent combustion

Abstract A novel approach leading to the microscales of complex turbulent flows is reviewed. The approach is illustrated in terms of the classical microscales proposed by Taylor, Kolmogorov, Oboukhov-Corrsin and Batchelor. A thermal mesomicroscale between the Kolmogorov and Batchelor scales, η θ =(η η 2 B ) 2 3 is introduced. Here η and η B , respectively, denote the Kolmogorov and Batchelor scales, ν and α the kinematic and thermal diffusivities, and e the rate of turbulent mechanical energy per unit mass. The foundations of the well-known correlation for forced convection over a flat plate, Nu l ∼ Re 3 4 l Pr 1 4 l being an integral scale, is interpreted in terms of l , η and η θ . The approach is utilized to construct the microscales of forced and natural diffusion flames. In terms of a flame Batchelor scale η B =( ν β D 2 β e 1 4 the thermal scale is extended to a flame mesomicroscale, η β . Here ν β = ν (1 + B ) and D β = D (1 + B ), respectively, denote the flame momentum diffusivity and the b -property diffusivity, ν and D being the usual diffusivities and B the transfer number. A model for the fuel consumption in forced flames is proposed in terms of η β . The model correlates well with the existing experimental data. For oscillating(on the mean) flows, a Kolmogorov scale η β ∼(1+σ β ) 1 4 ( D 3 β B 1 4 is proposed. Here σ β = ν / D β denotes a flame Schmidt number, B being the rate of buoyant energy production. The limit of this scale for ϑ β → 0 turns out to be a flame Oboukhov-Corrsin scale, η C ∼( D 3 β B ) 1 4 A model for the fuel consumption in buoyancy-driven flames is proposed in terms of η β . The model correlates well with the existing experimental data. For oscillating (on the mean) flows, a Kolmogorov scale. η∼ ( ν 3 e 1 4 [1+ω( ω e ) 1 2 ] 1 2 is proposed. Here ω denotes the frequency of externally imposed-internally induced flow. The two limits of this scale corresponding to ω → 0 and ω → ∞ are the usual Kolmogorov and Stokes scales. A model for heat transfer in pulse combustor tailpipes is proposed in terms of η. The model correlates well with the existing experimental data.
Generic factor-based node marginalization and edge sparsification for pose-graph SLAM

This paper reports on a factor-based method for node marginalization in simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) pose-graphs. Node marginalization in a pose-graph induces fill-in and leads to computational challenges in performing inference. The proposed method is able to produce a new set of constraints over the elimination clique that can represent either the true marginalization, or a sparse approximation of the true marginalization using a Chow-Liu tree. The proposed algorithm improves upon existing methods in two key ways: First, it is not limited to strictly full-state relative-pose constraints and works equally well with other low-rank constraints such as those produced by monocular vision. Second, the new factors are produced in a way that accounts for measurement correlation, a problem ignored in other methods that rely upon measurement composition. We evaluate the proposed method over several real-world SLAM graphs and show that it outperforms other state-of-the-art methods in terms of Kullback-Leibler divergence.
A comparison of the crystallization behavior of liquid-quenched and vapor-quenched amorphous Cu60Ti40

Abstract The crystallization behavior of two Cu 60 Ti 40 amorphous alloys, one prepared by a vapor-quench (VQ) process and one by a liquid-quench (LQ) process, has been studied using differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Microstructural studies show that the two alloys have the same transformation sequence under similar annealing conditions. However DSC measurements of the crystallization temperature during isochronal annealing and of the incubation time for crystallization during isothermal annealing show that the LQ alloy is more thermally stable and therefore more structurally relaxed. TEM analysis of the partially annealed microstructures gives some insight into the mode of crystal nucleation and growth as a function of temperature. During isothermal annealing significant differences are observed for the two alloys in the shape and orientation of the crystals and in the crystal structure formed. Whereas the VQ alloy transforms polymorphicaly into the intermetallic Cu 3 Ti 2 , the LQ alloy forms the Ti-rich phase, Cu 4 Ti 3 . The two phases are closely related in structure and composition. The differences observed for the two alloys are discussed in terms of greater structural relaxation and short range order in the LQ alloy resulting from the mode of synthesis.
Hyperventilation alters colonic motor and sensory function: Effects and mechanisms in humans

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS. Hyperventilation-induced hypocapnia affects hemodynamic function and enhances colonic motility. The aims of this study were to determine the effects of hypocapnic hyperventilation on colonic motility and sensation in health and to explore the putative neurohumoral mechanisms. METHODS: In experiment 1, colonic tone, sensation, plasma levels of cortisol, beta-endorphin, selected gut neuropeptides, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and splanchnic blood volume were measured during two sequences of hypocapnic hyperventilation. In experiment 2, colonic tone and sensation were assessed during eucapnic hyperventilation and abdominal compression. RESULTS: Hypocapnic hyperventilation, but not eucapnic hyperventilation or abdominal compression, significantly increased colonic tone and sensitivity to balloon distention (P = 0.017) without altering humoral mediators or splanchnic blood volume. Plasma norepinephrine level increased (P = 0.017) and splanchnic blood volume decreased (P = 0.028) during 5 minutes after hyperventilation, consistent with homeostatic responses. CONCLUSIONS: Increased colonic tone and sensation during hypocapnic hyperventilation are not caused by colonic compression. These effects of hyperventilation are not mediated humorally but may result from direct metabolic effects of hypocapnia on colonic muscle or from changes in central autonomic control of colonic smooth muscle. (Gastroenterology 1996 Aug;111(2):368-77)
Estimation of Multibody Kinematics Using Position Measurements

A method for the estimation of kinematics of a system of rigid bodies connected by three degrees of freedom rotational joints using position measurements is introduced. In the proposed approach, system kinematics are computed from experimental measurements while preserving important physical and kinematic properties. These properties include system integrity, i.e., preserving interconnections between the bodies, and the entire system dynamic properties, namely, center of mass kinematics and its angular momentum. The computational procedure consists in solving a sequence of optimizations of appropriately formulated objective functions that incorporate the preservation of physical and kinematic properties by employing the penalty function approach. The configuration of the segment kinematics of the system is computed via a quaternion parametrization of orientation that leads to an efficient computation procedure. The sequence of optimization problems is solved using an embedded iteration process. Two studies are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach: estimations of the kinematics of a simulated three-link model and of an experimentally measured 3D motion of human body during flight phase of a jump. The results of the two studies indicate fast convergence of the algorithm to an optimal solution while accurately satisfying the imposed the constraints.
Aminoglycoside antibiotics bound to aminoglycoside-detoxifying enzymes and RNA adopt similar conformations

Conformations of ribostamycin and isepamicin, aminoglycoside antibiotics, bound to an aminoglycoside antibiotic, 3′-phosphotransferase, were determined by transferred nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy and molecular modeling. Two major conformers of enzyme-bound ribostamycin, a neomycin-group aminoglyeoside were observed. The 3′- and 5″-OH groups (reactive hydroxyl groups) in the conformers are placed in approximate locations. One of the conformers is similar to the structure of paromomycin bound to a 27-nucleotide piece of ribosomal RNA that represents the A-site of the small ribosomal subunit, where rings A and C are in an orthogonal arrangement.
Brief Screening for Lifetime History of Criminal Victimization at Mental Health Intake A Preliminary Study

This study determined the proportion of new intake clients identified as crime victims at a community mental health center using standard intake methods and using a brief victimization screening questionnaire. Results indicated that by using the screening questionnaire, the proportion of clients identified as physical assault victims nearly doubled, and the proportions of clients identified as sexual assault victims or survivors of homicide victims more than tripled. Brief victimization screening is recommended for all initial intake interviews.