cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Community Dynamics of Small Landbirds with and Without Exposure to Extensive Disturbance from Military Training Activities

Military training activities are known to impact individual species, yet our understanding of how such activities influence animal communities is limited. In this study, we used long-term data in a case study approach to examine the extent to which the local small landbird community differed between a site in northeast Kansas that experienced intensive disturbance from military training activities (Ft. Riley Military Installation) and a similar, nearby site that experienced minimal human disturbance (Konza Prairie Biological Station). In addition, we characterized how the regional pool of potential colonizers influenced local community dynamics using Breeding Bird Survey data. From 1991 to 2001, most species of small terrestrial landbirds (73%) recorded during breeding surveys were found at both sites and the mean annual richness at Ft. Riley (39.0 ± 2.86 [SD]) was very similar to that of Konza Prairie (39.4 ± 2.01). Richness was maintained at relatively constant levels despite compositional changes because colonizations compensated local extinctions at both sites. These dynamics were driven primarily by woodland species that exhibited stochastic losses and gains and were present at a low local and regional abundance. Our results suggest that military training activities may mimic natural disturbances for some species in this area because the small landbird community did not differ markedly between sites with and sites without extensive human disturbance. Although our results suggest that military training is not associated with large changes in the avian community, additional studies are needed to determine if this pattern is found in other ecological communities.
Phase-modulated rotating-frame spectroscopic localization using an adiabatic plane-rotation pulse and a single surface coil

Spectroscopic spatial localization based on B1 gradients is generally performed as an amplitude-modulated experiment using a single surface coil, with a consequent loss in signal-to-noise (SN) ratio. The phase-modulated implementation of such experiments with a single surface coil requires the ability to apply both B1-dependent rotations and B1-independent 90° plane rotations using the same surface coil. It is demonstrated that this is now possible using adiabatic plane-rotation pulses. These pulses can execute a plane rotation of any angle despite the presence of large B1 inhomogeneities; therefore, they can be used to perform a 90° plane rotation throughout the sensitive volume of a surface coil. A new phase-modulated, spatial-localization experiment based on B0 and B1 gradients (RAPP-ISIS) is introduced. It is shown, using phantom and in vivo, intact animal studies, that the technique provides excellent spectroscopic localization and the expected gain in SN compared to its amplitude-modulated analogue.
Political cartoons as rhetorical form: A taxonomy of graphic discourse

This essay is a taxonomic study of the available means of graphic persuasion as manifested in the art of political cartooning. The authors argue that the neo‐classical canons of rhetoric, slightly modified, provide an adequate superstructure for the production and criticism of graphic discourse. It is further argued that the specific techniques which grow out of the application of the canons reveal significant differences between the means of persuasion available to the graphic artist and those available to the oral persuader. These differences of technique arise from the nature of the medium and force a reconceptualization of the canons of memory and delivery as applied to non‐oratorical forms in general and graphic persuasion in particular.
Dark matter in the solar system: Hydrogen cyanide polymers

In the presence of a base such as ammonia liquid HCN (bp 25 °C) polymerizes readily to a black solid from which a yellow-brown powder can be extracted by water and further hydrolyzed to yieldα-amino acids. These macromolecules could be major components of the dark matter observed on many bodies in the outer solar system. The non-volatile black crust of comet Halley, for example, may consist largely of such polymers, since the original presence on cometary nuclei of frozen volatiles such as methane, ammonia, and water makes them possible sites for the formation and condensed-phase polymerization of hydrogen cyanide. It seems likely, too, that HCN polymers are among the dark —C≡N bearing solids identified spectroscopically by Cruikshanket al. in the dust of some other comets, on the surfaces of several asteroids of spectral class D, within the rings of Uranus, and covering the dark hemisphere of Saturn's satellite Iapetus. HCN polymerization could account also for the yellow-orange-brown coloration of Jupiter and Saturn, as well as for the orange haze high in Titan's atmosphere. Implications for prebiotic chemistry are profound. Primitive Earth may have been covered by HCN polymers through cometary bombardment or terrestrial synthesis, producing a proteinaceous matrix that promoted the molecular interactions leading to the emergence of life.
Do the Foxes Guard the Hen House? A Note on Agency Costs

It is a fairly common practice for the CEOs of onecorporation to serve on the Board of Directors of another corporation. The question addressed here is the effect that the presence of outside CEOs on the Board of Directors has on the compensation of the firm’s CEO. There are two alternative views that emerge from the literature. One view is that CEOs are selected to serve as directors because they will back management, including proposals for increased compensation. The other possibility is that a CEO knows the techniques that another CEO may use to obtain increased compensation and will thus serve as a better watch dog than a non‐CEO. Using a sample of the Fortune 1000, we find that for non regulated firms there is a negative relationship between the proportion of outside CEOs serving on the board and three different measures of CEO compensation after controlling for firm performance in four different ways.
Low-fluence laser-assisted chemical etching of InP: an XPS study

The chemical composition and surface morphology of (001) InP wafers, selectively etched in a chlorine atmosphere in the presence of UV laser illumination, was studied. The etching was carried out in a low pressure mixture of chlorine and helium (10% Cl 2 /He). For etching to take place, the surfaces were exposed to 308 nm pulsed XeCl excimer laser radiation with the fluence well below the ablation threshold of InP. The x-ray photoemission spectroscopy investigations indicate that, at room temperature, the applied etch mixture does not spontaneously react with the InP wafers. Laser irradiation at a fluence less than the ablation threshold of InP stimulates a chemical reaction. At low fluence, no In-Cl compound remains on the wafer surface after the process. In the illuminated areas, the presence of In-P-O and P-O is observed at larger amount than in the non-illuminated areas. Scanning electron microscopy studies show that laser illumination results in the efficient removal of reaction products from the illuminated area. The small scale morphological structures observed on the surface depend on the total amount of exposure to laser radiation.
A matter of identity: race and class issues in American urban schools

Two new books, Class reunion and Urban schools, offer significant contributions to the field of qualitative research and the knowledge base of urban educational theory. Both books are based on ethnographic case studies played out against the backdrop of changing social, economic and policy issues in the postmodern knowledge economy. Each book focuses on a different section of the traditionally underserved and underrepresented student population in American urban high schools. In Class reunion, Lois Weis uses a feminist and arguably middle-class lens to examine identity formation among white working-class students in the post-industrial age. Urban Schools' authors Mickey Lauria and Luis Mir6n study identity development among African Americans in four inner-city schools from an avowedly critical theorist perspective. They begin with the postulation that disadvantaged African American children are being socialized, with the help of the education system, to fill lower-level jobs in the service industry. Like Weis they are also interested in how the educational demands of the knowledge economy are reshaping students' underlying social values. In Class reunion, Lois Weis takes us back to Freeway, the post-industrial northeastern city we first encountered in her 1990 book Class without work. In 1985, the town of
Brake Specific Fuel Consumption and Power Advantages for a Turbocharged Two-Stroke Direct-Injected Engine

A turbocharged gasoline direct injection (GDI) two-stroke engine for use in snowmobile applications has been developed. Applying GDI to a two-stroke engine significantly reduces emissions of unburned hydrocarbons and improves fuel economy by reducing or eliminating the short-circuiting of fuel that occurs in conventional carbureted two-stroke engines. Performance is a high priority for recreational enthusiasts. Direct-injection also allows for further improvement in power and efficiency through the use of exhaust turbocharging. With the scavenging and fuel flows separated, turbocharging can efficiently increase the mass of air delivered to the engine. This increases specific power output and decreases specific fuel consumption. Results show that the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) of the turbocharged engine was improved over the entire engine operating range compared to the naturally aspirated engine. It was seen that a mild boost pressure of 5 psi could increase power by 40 brake-horsepower (bhp) at the peak engine speed and over 60 bhp at lower engine speeds. The results show that turbocharged direct injection is a viable option for high performance two-stroke engines.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Unilateral dislocation of the lumbosacral facet joint: Imaging features

Unilateral dislocation at the lumbosacral junction is a rare injury associated with severe hyperflexion and rotation of the lumbar spine. Plain film findings suggesting facet dislocation are usually confirmed with computed tomography. Most surgeons advocate early open reduction, internal fixation, and fusion.
Physical trapping of HIV-1 synaptic complex by different structural classes of integrase strand transfer inhibitors.

Raltegravir is an FDA approved inhibitor directed against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrase (IN). In this study, we investigated the mechanisms associated with multiple strand transfer inhibitors capable of inhibiting concerted integration by HIV-1 IN. The results show raltegravir, elvitegravir, MK-2048, RDS 1997, and RDS 2197 all appear to encompass a common inhibitory mechanism by modifying IN−viral DNA interactions. These structurally different inhibitors bind to and inactivate the synaptic complex, an intermediate in the concerted integration pathway in vitro. The inhibitors physically trap the synaptic complex, thereby preventing target DNA binding and thus concerted integration. The efficiency of a particular inhibitor to trap the synaptic complex observed on native agarose gels correlated with its potency for inhibiting the concerted integration reaction, defined by IC50 values for each inhibitor. At low nanomolar concentrations (<50 nM), raltegravir displayed a time-dependent i...
Spacecraft electrical power subsystem: Failure behavior, reliability, and multi-state failure analyses

Abstract This article investigates the degradation and failure behavior of spacecraft electrical power subsystem (EPS) on orbit. First, this work provides updated statistical reliability and multi-state failure analyses of spacecraft EPS and its different constituents, namely the batteries, the power distribution, and the solar arrays. The EPS is shown to suffer from infant mortality and to be a major driver of spacecraft unreliability. Over 25% of all spacecraft failures are the result of EPS failures. As a result, satellite manufacturers may wish to pursue targeted improvement to this subsystem, either through better testing or burn-in procedures, better design or parts selection, or additional redundancy. Second, this work investigates potential differences in the EPS degradation and failure behavior for spacecraft in low earth orbits (LEO) and geosynchronous orbits (GEO). This analysis was motivated by the recognition that the power/load cycles and the space environment are significantly different in LEO and GEO, and as such, they may result in different failure behavior for the EPS in these two types of orbits. The results indicate, and quantify the extent to which, the EPS fails differently in LEO and GEO, both in terms of frequency and severity of failure events. A casual summary of the findings can be stated as follows: the EPS fails less frequently but harder (with fatal consequences to the spacecraft) in LEO than in GEO.
Effects of Gramicidin and Tyrocidine on Pathogenic Protozoa and a Spirochete.

Summary1. The effects of substances derived from Bacillus brevis were tested on protozoa, a leptospira, and on Bartonella bacilliformis. 2. Tyrocidine in a concentration of 5.0 γ per cc markedly inhibited the growth of Leishmania tropica, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Trypanosoma lewisi but not that of either Leptospira icterohemorrhagiae or Bartonella bacilliformis. 3. Tyrothricin killed Trichomonas vaginalis in culture at a concentration of 50 γ per cc of fluid medium. In patients with “trichomonas vaginitis” tyrothricin caused an initial dramatic disappearance of the trichomonads; relapse forms were uninfluenced by further applications. 4. Gramicidin in concentrations of 1.0 γ per cc of culture medium, or less, exerted no apparent adverse effect on the hemoflagellates nor upon Leptospira icterohemorrhagiae or Bartonella bacilliformis. These organisms are all gram-negative. The results obtained extend the correlation between gram-positive staining and gramicidin sensitivity.
Human poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) gene and the common promoter sequence it shares with inner mitochondrial membrane translocase 23 (TIM23).

Abstract Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation is a posttranslational protein modification mediated by members of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) family. The ADP-ribose polymers, synthesized by the diverse PARP enzymes by cleavage of NAD+, are involved in the regulation of multiple cellular functions. At present, only a single enzyme, poly (ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG), has been identified to catalyze ADP-ribose polymer hydrolysis in the cell causing a rapid turnover of the biopolymer which may ultimately result in lethal depletion of cellular NAD+ pools. In this study, we describe the construction of the first human PARG cDNA clone by reverse transcription of CF3 human fibroblast RNA. Using the NCBI “Genome BLAST” program, the human PARG gene was mapped to chromosome 10 (10q11.23) in agreement to earlier results obtained by in situ hybridization. In vitro coupled transcription and translation of the cDNA yielded several specific bands in the range of 111–85 kDa, indicating possible usage of alternative translation initiation sites. The gene structure was characterized by further detailed computational analyses. The open reading frame consists of 18 exons and 17 introns with exons 9 to 14 forming the catalytic center of the enzyme and exons 1 to 3 encoding the putative regulatory domain. We show that the human PARG gene shares a 470-bp common promoter region with the inner mitochondrial membrane translocase 23 (TIM23). The human bidirectional promoter region was cloned and expression studies in transiently transfected HEK293 cells was performed using an EGFP-luciferase reporter fusion gene (GFL) to quantify transcription activation in both directions. The activity of the promoter was found to be 3.7 fold higher for TIM23 than for PARG, indicating that the two genes are expressed at different levels, although coregulation of the two genes remains an interesting possibility.
Precarious Investments in Microcap Stocks

With new technology come new rewards as well as new problems. The Internet may be an excellent tool for investors, but it acts as a double-edged sword a source of information and a source of fraud. Investors must be vigilant in watching for false information passed through the Internet and other channels, or they risk falling prey to insidious schemes. Swindlers commonly employ certain tactics to commit microcap stock fraud. Here are some recommendations on combating the frauds.
Expression of the c-myc proto-oncogene is essential for HIV-1 infection in activated T cells.

We previously found that activation of primary CD4+ T cells via both the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) and CD28 is required for HIV-1 DNA to be translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Here we report that expression of c-Myc protein in CD4+ T cells is induced only after such costimulation. In addition, cyclosporin A not only inhibits nuclear import of HIV-1 DNA but also inhibits expression of c-Myc protein. Because of these correlations, we tested whether c-Myc is necessary for nuclear import of HIV-1 DNA. Specific c-myc antisense, but not sense or non-sense, phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides selectively induced the accumulation of two NH2-terminally truncated c-Myc proteins and abolished HIV-1 genome entry into host nuclei. Consequently, both virus replication and HIV-1–induced apoptotic cell death were inhibited. Synthesis of viral full-length DNA was not affected. Specific c-myc antisense oligonucleotide inhibited HIV-1 infection under conditions that did not affect cell cycle entry or proliferation. Thus, c-Myc appears to regulate HIV-1 DNA nuclear import via a mechanism distinct from those controlling entry into the cell cycle.
Cortical slippage in Tetrahymena

Two strains of Tetrahymena pyriformis manifest similar deviations from the usual pattern of stomatogenesis. Some of the cells develop oral anlagen in the normal manner on the right postoral meridian (meridian 1), but others have oral primordia displaced to the left or (less frequently) to the right by one or more ciliary rows. The other caudal organelles, the cytoprocts and contractile vacuole pores, are displaced in a similar manner. In the course of successive fissions and repeated stomatogenic shifts, the stomatogenic site, and indeed all cortical structures, are expected to completely circumnavigate the cell. These observations support the interpretation that the various kineties are not permanently differentiated with respect to their morphogenetic capacities.
Exotic channels and approach to scaling in inclusive reactions

Abstract Inclusive sum rules are used to couple the 2-component theory of total cross sections and a dual theory of single particle spectra. Definite predictions on the way scaling is approached are obtained. They explain available data, including the odd behavior of σ(pp→K1+anything).
DETECTION IN THE INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM OF THE WEAK [Mg II] TRANSITION AT 1398.8 A

High- and medium-resolution ultraviolet spectra from the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph and the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph were used to search for the weak electric quadrupole transitions of [Mg II] near 1398.8 A. This forbidden doublet was detected in eight sight lines. We calculate an empirical f-value of (1.29 ± 0.13) × 10–5 from all detections and discuss prospects of using this weak line in future studies of translucent interstellar clouds and in damped Lyα systems.
Glycerolipid biosynthesis in rat adipose tissue 10. Changes during a starvation and re-feeding cycle

Abstract Effects of starvation and re-feeding on adipocyte glycerolipid formation were investigated in young (age 45–55 days) and old rats (age 83–94 days). Adipocyte homogenates were used to assay glycerophosphate acyltransferase and Mg2+-dependent phosphatidase phosphohydrolase. Glycerophosphate acyltransferase was measured in the presence of [ 14 C]glycerol 3-phosphate , palmitate, ATP, CoA and Mg2+. The release of inorganic phosphate from aqueous dispersed phosphatidase was taken as a measure of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity. Young rats starved for 48–72 h showed a 2-fold decline in the glycerophosphate acyltransferse activity. Older rats did not show any change in the glycerophosphate acyltransferase activity during 96 h starvation. Re-feeding of starved rats with chow for 48 h caused significant increases in the glycerophosphate acyltransferase activity. These changes were mainly limited to N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive glycerophosphate acyltransferase. Phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity decreased significantly (2-fold) during starvation in both young and old rats. Phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity was regained completely after re-feeding of starved rats. Initial changes in the glycerophosphate acyltransferase and phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activities were very slow. Most notable increases in the glycerophosphate acyltransferase and phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activities were observed between 24 and 48 h after initiation of a re-feeding schedule. Mean adipocyte size decreased during starvation of rats for 72 h. Although considerable increases in the activities of both glycerophosphate acyltransferase and phosphatidate phosphohydrolase were apparent by re-feeding of starved rats for 48 h, mean adipocyte size did not change during this period. Thus, enzyme changes which occurred after re-feeding were independent of the adipocyte size. To separate the effects of age from the cell size on adipocyte glycerolipid formation during starvation and re-feeding periods, adipocytes from older rats were subjected to filtration through a nylon screen to obtain adipocytes of similar sizes. These studies suggest that the age of the animal significantly influences the effects of starvation and re-feeding on adipocyte glycerolipid formation.
A radiolabeled-ligand-binding technique for the characterization of opioid receptors in the intact mouse vas deferens

Abstract The mouse vas deferens has served as a useful bioassay for examining the properties of opiate receptor subtypes. However, recent data indicate that the response of the vas deferens to opiates may be mediated by one or more of the several opiate receptors found in this preparation. Although a number of techniques can be utilized to assess the relative contribution of these receptors to the response of the mouse vas deferens to opiates (e.g., selective tolerance and naloxone antagonism studies), a radiolabeled-binding technique would provide an independent means of more completely characterizing the opiate receptor profiles in this preparation. Up to the present, however, there has been only limited success in developing a binding assay utilizing crude membrane fractions of the mouse vas deferens. To circumvent these problems, we have developed a binding technique utilizing the intact vas deferens. In contrast to results obtained with membrane fractions, we found highly specific (90–95%) and saturable binding of d -[2- 3 H]alanine, 5- d -leucine enkephalin, a ligand selective for delta opiate receptors, to the intact vas. Scatchard analyses indicated a single class of binding sites with an apparent K d of 1.5 n m and a B max of approximately 12 pmol/2 vas. The selectivity of binding was also examined. Naltrexone was 40 times less potent than unlabeled 2- d -alanine, 5- d -leucine enkephalin in displacing binding, whereas morphine and ethylketocyclazocine were 300 and 500 times less effective, respectively. This technique, coupled with the mouse vas deferens bioassay, should provide a more complete characterization of opioid receptor populations than has heretofore been possible.
Estrogen receptors in the chick oviduct.

An estradiol binding component has been identified in the cytoplasmic fraction of the immature chick oviduct. The method used to resolve this receptor differed from the standard sucrose gradient centrifugation approach in that tritiated hormone was present throughout the sucrose gradient. This modification was necessary to preserve the hormone complex during centrifugation. Under these conditions, an ∼ 8 S binding component was demonstrated which underwent dissociation to a ∼ 5 S component in high ionic strength medium. Binding specificity determinations revealed that this receptor preferentially bound estrogens. Quantitative binding analysis showed that a limited class of binding sites was present with a dissociation constant (Kd) for estradiol of ∼ 8.6 × 10−10M. These properties indicate that this binding component may function as a biologic receptor for estrogens in the oviduct. (Endocrinology 96: 199, 1975)
Polymerization of Sulfur-Containing Aldehydes. I. Polymerization by Cationic Catalysts

An attempt was made to polymerize sulfur-containing aldehydes such as β-methylthiopropaldehyde(MTPA), β-ethylthiopropaldehyde(ETPA), β-methylthiobutyraldehyde(MTBA), β-ethylthiobutyraldehyde(ETBA), and β-phenylthiobutyraldehyde (PTBA) using various cationic catalysts.Poly(phosphoric acid), poly(phosphoric acid) aniline salt, and BF3OEt2 gave only a cyclic trimer in the different polymerization conditions. On the other hand, these aldehydes were polymerized by SnCl4 and by AlBr3 to the linear polyacetal and the cyclic trimer. The ratio of the polymer and the cyclic trimer produced was influenced by monomer structure, catalyst, solvent, and polymerization temperature. PolyETPA and PolyETBA were soluble in ethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, and halogenized hydrocarbon, while poly-MTPA and poly PTBA were partly insoluble in usual organic solvents.
Identifying the domain of overheating on the energy performance curves of a passive solar house

Abstract The thermal performance of a house employing direct solar gain is described in terms of the heat requirements and the hours of overheating. An attempt is made to relate these outputs to dimensionless parameters involving window area, thermal mass, resistance value of the thermal envelope, and the local meteorological variables. The results are presented in the form of performance curves. By defining an index known as the passive solar efficiency, the domain describing the performance curves is divided into two regions: a region of no overheating and a region of overheating. An approximate relationship for predicting the boundary separating the two regions is given, which can also be used to determine the technical optimum amount of thermal mass that could be installed in a passive house.
Hemodynamic effects of metocurine during isoflurane anesthesia.

Anesthesia was induced in 42 adults with thiopentone 3-7 mg/kg i.v. and maintained with isoflurane at a constant inspired concentration of 1-2%. After 30 min of hemodynamic stabilization with continuous muscle relaxation and an absence of surgical stimulation, each patient was randomly assigned to one of four metocurine dosage groups: I - control (n = 11); II - 0.2 mg/kg (n = 10); III - 0.3 mg/kg (n = 10); and IV - 0.4 mg/kg (n = 11). There were no significant hemodynamic changes in Groups I or II. In Groups III and IV mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased 32% and 26% respectively, and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) decreased 42% and 36%, respectively (P less than 0.01). In Group IV, an increase of 24% in cardiac output was also significant (P less than 0.05). These results, especially in Group IV patients, stand in marked contrast to the lack of hemodynamic effects produced by metocurine during balanced anesthesia.
Psoralen Cross-Linking as Probe of Torsional Tension and Topological Domain Sizein Vivo

Abstract DNA within a cell is organized with unrestrained torsional tension, and each molecule is divided into multiple individual topological domains. Psoralen photobinding can be used as an assay for supercoiling and topological domain size in living cells. Psoralen photobinds to DNA at a rate nearly linearly proportional to superhelical density. Comparison of the rate of photobinding to supercoiled and relaxed DNA in cells provides a measure of superhelical density. For this, in vivo superhelical tension is relaxed by the introduction of nicks by either ionizing radiation or photolysis of bromodeoxyuridine in the DNA. Since nicks are introduced in a random fashion, the distribution of nicks is described by a Poisson distribution. Thus, after nicking, the fraction of topological domains containing no nicks is described by the zero term of the Poisson distribution. From measurement of the number of nicks introduced in the DNA and the fraction of torsional tension remaining, an average topological domain size can be estimated. Using this logic, procedures were designed and described for measuring supercoiling and domain size at specific sites in eukaryotic genomes.
Polyphosphazenes with High Refractive Indices: Optical Dispersion and Molar Refractivity

The optical properties of a series of high refractive index polyphosphazenes were investigated. The wavelength-dependent change in refractive index (optical dispersion) associated with two selected...
An Examination and defense of one Argument concerning Animal rights

An argument is examined and defended for extending basic moral rights to animals which assumes that humans, including infants and the severely mentally enfeebled, have such rights. It is claimed that this argument proceeds on two fronts, one critical, where proposed criteria of right‐possession are rejected, the other constructive, where proposed criteria are examined with a view to determining the most reasonable one. This form of argument is defended against the charge that it is self‐defeating, various candidates for the title, ‘most reasonable criterion of right‐possession’, are critically examined, and it is argued that this criterion is to be found in the notion of inherent value: What underlies the ascription of rights to any given x is that x has value logically independently of anyone's valuing x; thus, to treat x as if x had value only if or as it served one's interests, etc., is to violate x ‘s rights. It is argued that many animals, owing to their being subjects of a life that is more or less ...
Tool kit for screening otologic function of older adults1.

Purpose To propose a hearing health care tool kit, for use in primary care, that includes a new, comprehensive, and easy-to-administer self-report tool, namely, the Screening for Otologic Functiona...
Smarter compositing with the Kinect

A image processing pipeline is presented that applies principles from the computer graphics technique of deferred shading to composite rendered objects into a live scene viewed by a Kinect. Issues involving the presentation of the Kinect's output are addressed, and algorithms for improving the believability and aesthetic matching of the rendered scene against the real scene are proposed. An implementation of this pipeline using GLSL shaders to perform this pipeline at interactive framerates is given. The results of experiments with this program are provided that show promise that the approaches evaluated here can be applied to improve other implementations.
Oxygen Transport Resistant and Electrically Conductive Perovskite Coatings for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Interconnects

Samples of undoped LaMnO 3 (LM), Sr-doped LaMnO 3 (LSM), and Ti-doped LaMnO 3 (LTM) were fabricated by conventional solid-state ceramic processing methods. The objective of Ti doping was to suppress oxygen vacancy concentration/ion transport, while doping with Sr was to enhance oxygen vacancy concentration/ion transport in relation to undoped LM. Total conductivity, mainly electronic, was measured between 500 and 800°C in air. Coatings of LSM, LM, and LTM, 1 μm thick, were deposited on Haynes 230 (H230) foils by sputtering. Uncoated and coated H230 samples were oxidized in air at 800°C for up to 1080 h. Oxidation kinetics of uncoated and coated samples was studied by measuring oxide scale thickness as a function of time. In all coated samples, oxide scale formed under the coating. All coatings were found to suppress oxidation kinetics. Of the materials studied, LTM was the most protective while LSM was the least protective, in accord with defect chemistry, LTM with the lowest oxygen vacancy concentration and LSM with the highest. Area specific resistance (ASR) measurements showed that LTM-coated samples exhibited the lowest ASR, while the uncoated ones exhibited the highest ASR, again in accord with defect chemistry. A 15 μm LTM coating should be sufficient to ensure a 40,000 h interconnect life at 800°C. A comparison of LTM coating to Mn-Cr-spinel of earlier work shows that LTM coating is ∼ 23 times more effective than spinel coating in suppressing oxidation kinetics.
THE USEFULNESS OF BONE SCANS IN DIFFERENTIATING OSTEOMYELITIS FROM THROMBOTIC CRISIS IN CHILDREN WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE

While the usefulness of a bone scan showing increased uptake of 99m Technitium diphosphonate in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis is well documented, its efficacy in differentiating thrombotic crisis from osteomyelitis in Sickle Cell Disease is not known. In an effort to differentiate these two clinical entities, we have performed bone scans in 15 children with Sickle Cell Disease who presented with bone pain. Decreased or normal isotope uptake was found in 8 patients; all of them had negative cultures and had thrombotic crises; none had osteomyelitis. Increased isotope uptake was found in 7 of the children; two of these proved to have osteomyelitis. These findings suggest that even in Sickle Cell Disease, a normal (or decreased) uptake of isotope during a bone scan is a useful diagnostic test indicating the absence of osteomyelitis.
Synthesis of High-Surface-Area Alumina Aerogels without the Use of Alkoxide Precursors

Alumina aerogels were prepared through the addition of propylene oxide to aqueous or ethanolic solutions of hydrated aluminum salts, AlCl3·6H2O or Al(NO3)3·9H2O, followed by drying with supercritical CO2. This technique affords low-density (60−130 kg/m3), high-surface-area (600−700 m2/g) alumina aerogel monoliths without the use of alkoxide precursors. The dried alumina aerogels were characterized using elemental analysis, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, solid-state NMR, acoustic measurements, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis. Powder X-ray diffraction and TEM analysis indicated that the aerogel prepared from hydrated AlCl3 in water or ethanol possessed microstructures containing highly reticulated networks of pseudoboehmite fibers, 2−5 nm in diameter and of varying lengths, whereas the aerogels prepared from hydrated Al(NO3)3 in ethanol were amorphous with microstructures comprised of interconnected spherical particles with diameters in the 5−15 nm ra...
Unilateral incongruity in crosses involving Lycopersicon pennellii and L. esculentum is distinct from self-incompatibility in expression, timing and location

Both interspecific and intraspecific mechanisms restrict the exchange of genes between plants. Much research has focused on self incompatibility (SI), an intraspecific barrier, but research on interspecific barriers lags behind. We are using crosses betweenLycopersicon esculentum andL. pennellii as a model with which to study interspecific crossing barriers. The crossL. esculentum×L. pennellii is successful, but the reciprocal cross fails. Since the cross can be successfully made in one direction but not the other, gross genomic imbalance or chromosomal abnormality are precluded as causes. We showed that the lack of seed set observed in the crossL. pennellii×L. esculentum is due to the inability of pollen tubes to grow more than 2–3 mm into the style, whereas S1 crosses show continued slow pollen tube growth but, also, fail to set seed. These results indicate that the unilateral response is a barrier distinct from SI, differing from SI in the timing and location of expression in the style. We therefore suggest that this unilateral response in theL. pennellii×L. esculentum cross is more accurately referred to as “unilateral incongruity” (UI) rather than interspecific incompatibility. Periclinal chimeras were used to determine the tissues involved in UI. The results of crosses with the available chimeras indicate that the female parent must beL. pennellii at either LI (layer 1) or both LI and LII (layer 2) and the male parent must beL. esculentum at either LII or both LI and LII to observe UI similar to that seen in theL. pennellii×L. esculentum cross. Pollinations with a mixture of pollen fromL. pennellii and from transgenicL. esculentum plants harboring a pollen-specific GUS reporter gene marker were used to ascertain whether the growth of the pollen tubes of either species was modified as a possible means of overcoming UI. We found no evidence of communication between the two types of pollen tubes to either enhance or restrict all pollen tube growth.
Microfluidic device for trapping and monitoring three dimensional multicell spheroids using electrical impedance spectroscopy

In this paper, we report the design, fabrication, and testing of a lab-on-a-chip based microfluidic device for application of trapping and measuring the dielectric properties of microtumors over time using electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) techniques were used to embed opposing electrodes onto the top and bottom surfaces of a microfluidic channel fabricated using Pyrex substrate, chrome gold, SU-8, and polydimethylsiloxane. Differing concentrations of cell culture medium, differing sized polystyrene beads, and MCF-7 microtumor spheroids were used to validate the designs ability to detect background conductivity changes and dielectric particle diameter changes between electrodes. The observed changes in cell medium concentrations demonstrated a linear relation to extracted solution resistance (Rs), while polystyrene beads and multicell spheroids induced changes in magnitude consistent with diameter increase. This design permits optical correlation between electrical measurements and EIS spectra.
Compliance with periodontal maintenance may be associated with increased tooth loss

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Miyamoto T, Kumagai T, Jones JA, Van Dyke TE, Nunn ME. Compliance as a prognostic indicator: retrospective study of 505 patients treated and maintained for 15 years. J Periodontol 2006;77(2):223-32. Level of Evidence 3a Purpose/Question To evaluate the impact of compliance with maintenance on tooth loss Source of Funding Not reported Type of Study/Design Cohort study
Structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Co/Pd(111) and Co/Pt(111)

Abstract The structural, electronic and magnetic (including magnetic anisotropy) properties of the Co/Pd(111) and Co/Pt(111) systems were investigated using the local density total energy full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) method. Structurally, the pseudomorphic Co overlayer occupies the fcc sites on the substrates, with a 5–6% contraction of nearest Co-Pd and Co-Pt distances. As results of a second variation magnetic anisotropy calculation, Co/Pt(111) shows strong perpendicular spin orientation (with an anisotropy energy ≈4.5×10 -4 eV/adatom). Strong covalent overlayer/ substrate bonding results in large adsorption energies of 2.2–2.5 eV/adatom. Unlike other magnetic/nonmagnetic adsorption systems, Co atoms retain (or even enhance) their local magnetic moment as in the free-standing Co monolayer. The Co overlayer induces a long-range (beyond 3 atomic layers) spin polarization in Pd(111), but a relatively shorter-range disturbance in Pt(111).
Resolvable degrees of freedom in observation of a coherent object

The Shannon number is shown to specify the number of degrees of freedom that can be resolved in a coherent object scrutinized by a distant optical instrument that extracts information about the object from the light passing through its aperture. The quantum-mechanical nature of the light is taken into account, and the problem of determining the object amplitude distribution is treated by means of quantum estimation theory, which defines a limitation on the accuracy of an estimate of the object distribution that cannot be surpassed by any means of processing the received light. Fundamentally, the limitation arises from the inability of more than a finite number of modes of excitation of the object to deposit a significant number of photons in the aperture.
Expression of activin mRNA during early development in Xenopus laevis.

Abstract Activins are members of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, a class of peptide growth factors that can regulate the growth and differentiation of a variety of cell types. In mesoderm induction assays, activins A and B were shown to be very potent inducers and it was only recently demonstrated that they are crucial for initial mesoderm induction in Xenopus embryos. To determine the source of activin protein for initial mesoderm induction and to investigate whether activins may play further roles in embryonic development we have examined the localization of the mRNAs encoding the activin βA and βB subunits in Xenopus embryos. Activin βA and βB mRNAs are found in the follicle cells surrounding oocytes but not in oocytes themselves or fertilized eggs. During embryogenesis activin mRNA is first detected after the midblastula transition and expression increases as development proceeds. Activin βB mRNA is homogeneously distributed during blastula and early gastrula stages but restricted to the dorso-anterior region in neurula stage embryos. At the early tailbud stage activin expression becomes confined to the brain, eye anlagen, visceral pouches, otic vesicles, and the anterior notochord.
Hysteresis phenomena in plasmas in catastrophe theory

Sudden jumps and hysteresis effects in plasmas which were observed recently are interpreted by means of a voltage-current characteristic with a negative resistance. The plasma behavior can be described as a cusp catastrophe.
Potential influence of total parenteral nutrition on body composition at discharge in preterm infants.

AbstractObjective: This study was undertaken to assess the potential influence of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) on body composition (BC) in preterm infants.Study design: This prospective, observational study of infants born <35 weeks measured BC at discharge using air displacement plethysmography. The % body fat (BF) at discharge was correlated with variables gestational age (GA), severity of illness, days on oxygen, time to regain birth weight and duration of TPN.Result: The 61 patients enrolled had a %BF at discharge of 13.9%. GA and TPN days correlated with %BF for the entire group. Multiple regression analysis identified that the time to regain birth weight added to the effect of GA, but not TPN. Isolating the influence of TPN in a subgroup of similarly aged infants (30–35 weeks) did not reveal a difference in body composition at the time of discharge between infants who did or did not receive TPN.Conclusion: These findings fail to demonstrate a clear influence of TPN on the increased accrual of BF...
Axial sampling requirement for three-dimensional quantification of myocardial function with positron emission tomography

The axial sampling requirements in cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) studies for the detection of myocardial defects has been investigated using stationary and beating heart phantoms. This study examines the relationship between defect volume quantification and axial sampling frequency in a stationary myocardium. The effect that myocardial motion has on this relationship is determined. The variation in volume and activity quantification as a function of defect position in the tomograph is discussed. >
Some aspects of dimorphism and human speech

The production of human speech involves thre supralaryngeal airway filtering the acoustic energy generated by either laryngeal or noise sources. Both the supralaryngeal vocal tract and the larynx are subject to sexual dimorphism in anatomically modernHomo sapiens, yielding acoustic signals that can convey a speaker’s sex. Formant frequencies can be lower because the adult male supralaryngeal vocal tract is often longer. The fundamental frequency of phonation also can be lower because of the enlargement of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx and concomitant increases in the length and mass of the vocal cords. Secondary, learned supralaryngeal vocal tract maneuvers can also lower or raise formant frequencies. These acoustic effects yield male-female «microphonetic» dialects that are ultimately related to the average dimorphism found in the adult population. The dimorphism anatomy of the supralaryngeal vocal tract and larynx of fossil hominoids can be inferred from their skulls.
Newer antipsychotic drugs and obesity in children and adolescents. How should we assess drug-associated weight gain?

Objective: Antipsychotic drugs may contribute to weight gain in children and adolescents. Method: We used Medline's PubMed in the pediatric age using key words ‘weight gain’ and ‘obesity’, for each newer antipsychotic drug. Results: We found 21 articles linking weight gain and obesity with newer antipsychotic drugs among youths. Risperidone was the most commonly cited agent. Weight gain from olanzapine was the largest among the more commonly prescribed newer agents. All studies reported absolute weight gain. Only a few studies used the better measure of body mass index (BMI). None incorporated growth charts to allow for changes in weight and height over time because of growth. Conclusion: Weight gain may be a major problem when prescribing newer antipsychotic drugs in the pediatric population. Risperidone is associated with less weight gain than olanzapine. Published reports and studies have not utilized state-of-the-art techniques using BMI with readily available growth charts.
Factors Associated with Black-Owned Land Loss

Since the 1982 report by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, special emphasis has been focused on Black fanners in the United States. Of particular importance has been the crisis surrounding Black...
Public vs. Private Garbage Disposal: The Economics of Solid Waste Flow Controls

ABSTRACT The welfare effects of public versus private waste disposal with and without flow controls are analyzed. The pricing of private waste disposal services is modeled as being bounded above by the public entity's average disposal cost, but constrained by potential entry of private competitors. It is found that once a publicly owned disposal facility has been built, waste generators are almost always better off if their local government has flow control authority. This results from the necessity of covering the fixed costs of the public facility once it has been built, in conjunction with the expected pricing behavior of private firms.
Intraoperative hypothermia and ventricular shunt infections.

Several recent studies have demonstrated a relationship between intraoperative hypothermia and postoperative infection. A study was therefore conducted to evaluate the relationship between intraoperative hypothermia and ventricular shunt infections. Sixty-eight children who underwent ventricular shunt placement, including revisions, over a six year period subsequently developed a shunt infection (overall shunt infection rate of 5%). Mean age was 8 years (range, neonate to 20 years). The last 74 children who underwent ventricular shunt placement without subsequent infection served as a comparison group. The anesthetic records of all cases were reviewed to determine the lowest core temperature recorded during the surgical procedure. The lowest core temperature varied from 33.9°C to 37.7°C (mean 36.0°C). Hypothermia was defined as a temperature less than 35.1°C. No relationship was found between hypothermia and the subsequent occurrence of a shunt infection (P=0.45). When those children less than 2 years old were excluded from analysis, there was a trend towards statistical significance (P=0.07). In summary, this study failed to show any significant relationship between the occurrence of intraoperative hypothermia and subsequent ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection in a group of pediatric patients.