cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Loss in childbearing among Gambia's kanyalengs: using a stratified reproduction framework to expand the scope of sexual and reproductive health.

Abstract This paper draws on ethnographic fieldwork with Gambian women who have experienced infertility and/or child mortality and who have consequently become kanyalengs. Kanyaleng kafoos are groups of women united by their reproductive difficulties whose bold public performances are designed to “beg God” for fertility and for children who will survive. I situate ’kanyalengs’ disrupted childbearing within a framework of stratified reproduction, which reveals the tensions between ongoing demands to meet norms of high fertility, women’s heavy burden of reproductive disease and the limits of a reproductive public health agenda narrowly focused on family planning and HIV prevention. To ameliorate these tensions, I call for an expansion of the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) agenda in Gambia to include RTI/STI prevention, diagnosis and management. This expansion reflects the goals set out by the Cairo International Conference on Population and Development for a broader approach to reproductive health, the productive potential of linkages between SRH and HIV prevention efforts, as well as the reproductive objectives of Gambian women and men.
Application Of LDV And LDA To Tribological Studies In Magnetic Recording Disk Drives

We study the motion of a magnetic recording disk drive read/write slider as it drags in contact with thin film and particulate media disks. The out-of-plane displacement of the slider is measured with a laser-Doppler vibrometer (LDV), and its in-plane component is detected with a laser-Doppler anemometer (LDA). One goal is to determine if the motion of a slider/suspension that is mounted on a strain gage transducer arm is substantially different from that in a production system during constant speed sliding. Another is to verify that the vibrations detected by the strain gage transducers are actually related to motion of the slider. In addition to obtaining answers to these questions, we observe that the motion of a slider in contact sliding is indicative of the topography of the disk surface. A track "signature" is obtained, and changes in this signature may be an early indicator of disk wear.
Targeting IL-17 in psoriasis: from cutaneous immunobiology to clinical application.

Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease associated with complex genetic susceptibility. Although the hallmark of psoriasis is characterized by cutaneous inflammation and keratinocyte hyperproliferation, recent studies show that the pathologic features observed in psoriasis arises as a result of innate and adaptive immune activation in genetically prone individuals. Studies focused on the microenvironment in the skin of psoriasis lesions have revealed novel cellular and cytokine abnormalities of the immune system. One pathway important is the role of the TH17/IL-17 dysregulation. The recent development of biologics that target the IL-17 cytokine pathway has confirmed the importance of TH17 and IL-17 homeostasis in the skin and yielded potent therapies in the treatment of psoriasis, and potentially other autoimmune diseases.
Murray's Presence: Translations from the Natural World

(2006). Murray's Presence: Translations from the Natural World. The Explicator: Vol. 64, No. 2, pp. 131-133.
The SF5 anion

Abstract Formation of a new type of anion, SF5−, is described. Salts of this anion with simple metal cations are not stable, but the tetramethylammonium salt is reasonably stable, exhibiting a small equilibrium dissociation pressure at room temperature. The tetramethylammonium salt of SF4Cl− decomposes readily at this temperature. These salts of pentavalent sulphur were prepared by reacting liquid SF4 with the corresponding tetramethylammonium fluoride or chloride.
The relationship between glucocorticoid biopotency and receptor binding in the AtT-20 cell.

The AtT-20 cell is a commonly used model for investigations of glucocorticoid agonist action. As yet, however, no reports quantify the relationship between the magnitude of agonist binding to the intact cell’s glucocorticoid receptor and the magnitude of response to agonists. Because this correlation may illuminate the molecular mechanism of hormone action, the abilities of triamcinolone acetonide, dexamethasone, and corticosterone to inhibit the AtT-20 cell’s production of ACTH were determined and compared with their binding affinities for the intact cell’s glucocorticoid receptor. Both variables were assayed under similar conditions. Each of the three steroids caused a dose-dependent suppression of ACTH production. To compare the potencies of the three, the concentration of agonist that caused a 50% reduction in ACTH secretion was determined and was found to be 0.12 nM for triamcinolone aetonide, 0.58 nM for dexamethasone, and 4.8 nM for corticosterone. The affinities of these steroids for the intact ce...
Resolution of two simple protein-ligand binding schemes with kinetic measurements

The protein-ligand binding schemes E+S⇌P1⇌P′1 and E+S⇌P1 E+Sr⇌P′1 have identical relaxation time dependencies upon the equilibrium concentrations of E and S. Although they are kinetically similar, the two schemes are mechanistically very different. When possible, initial rate dependencies upon the initial concentration of S will separate the two schemes; otherwise extremely accurate relaxation kinetic measurements must be fitted to the respective relaxation kinetic equations of the two schemes. Equilibrium titrations will not separate the two schemes.
DIRECTLY MEASURED INFLAMMATION IN PSORIASIS SKIN ASSOCIATES WITH VASCULAR INFLAMMATION BEYOND TRADITIONAL RISK FACTORS

Inflammation is critical to development and progression of atherosclerosis. Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by skin and systemic inflammation, is associated with increased cardiovascular diseases (CVD). We have previously demonstrated increased vascular inflammation by FDG
Imparting Catalyst-Control upon Classical Palladium-Catalyzed Alkenyl C–H Bond Functionalization Reactions

The functional group transformations carried out by the palladium-catalyzed Wacker and Heck reactions are radically different, but they are both alkenyl C–H bond functionalization reactions that have found extensive use in organic synthesis. The synthetic community depends heavily on these important reactions, but selectivity issues arising from control by the substrate, rather than control by the catalyst, have prevented the realization of their full potential. Because of important similarities in the respective selectivity-determining nucleopalladation and β-hydride elimination steps of these processes, we posit that the mechanistic insight garnered through the development of one of these catalytic reactions may be applied to the other. In this Account, we detail our efforts to develop catalyst-controlled variants of both the Wacker oxidation and the Heck reaction to address synthetic limitations and provide mechanistic insight into the underlying organometallic processes of these reactions.In contrast ...
Serum stimulated DNA synthesis in mouse embryo fibroblasts: Synergistic enhancement by staphylococcal lipoteichoic acid

Abstract Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) isolated from Staphylococcus aureus was found to exert a synergistic effect with calf serum to enhance DNA synthesis and growth of mouse embryo fibroblasts. LTA alone had no effect on DNA synthesis or cell multiplication. Mild base hydrolysis of LTA, which separates the molecule into its hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties, completely destroyed its biological activity in this regard. Results are presented which suggest that LTA may enhance serum-induced DNA synthesis through interaction with cell surface components. The data indicate that LTA may prove to be a useful tool with which to probe cell membrane parameters involved in the regulation of cell proliferation.
A Comparison of Dewey’s and Russell’s Influences on China

John Dewey and Bertrand Russell visited China at around the same time in 1920. Both profoundly influenced China during the great transition period of this country. This article will focus on the differences between the two great figures that influenced China in the 1920s. This comparison will examine the following five aspects: 1. Deweyanization vs. Russellization; 2. Dewey’s “Populism” vs. Russell’s “Aristocraticism”; 3. Dewey’s “Syntheticalism” vs. Russell’s “Analyticalism”; 4. Dewey’s “Realism” vs. Russell’s “Romanticism”; 5. Dewey’s “Conservatism” vs. Russell’s “Radicalism”. This examination will highlight that, although their visit left indelible impressions among Chinese intellecturals, for the radical Marx–Leninists, any Western philosophy and socio-political theories, including Dewey’s and Russell’s, were prejudicial, outworn, and even counterrevolutionary. Soon “Marxi–Leninization” was gradually substituted for “Deweyanization” and “Russellization.”
Economic analysis of pesticide use on processing tomato growing: A case study for Turkey

Abstract This study analysed the economics of pesticide use on processing tomatoes grown in Torbali–Izmir to determine the problems of pesticide use. Production data for 2003 were collected from 51 farmers who used pesticides. The average area of tomato production was 3.81 ha with 74,341 kg ha −1 . The average cost of tomato production was $3410 ha −1 . Gross margin and net profit were calculated to be $2833 and $1794 ha −1 , respectively. The average usages per hectare of active ingredient of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and acaricides were determined to be 228, 1367, 1007, and 9 g, respectively. Total pesticide and pesticide application costs were $141 ha −1 , which were 5.9% of variable costs and 4.1% of total costs, respectively. The economic threshold for pesticide use was determined to be 2014 kg ha −1 .
Aging processes and the development of osteoarthritis

Purpose of reviewAging is a primary risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis and the understanding of how aging processes contribute to the development of osteoarthritis is an important area of active research. The most recent literature in this area was reviewed in order to update investig
Ensemble covariances adaptively localized with ECO-RAP. Part 1: tests on simple error models

In atmospheric data assimilation (DA), observations over a 6–12-h time window are used to estimate the state. Non-adaptive moderation or localization functions are widely used in ensemble DA to reduce the amplitude of spurious ensemble correlations. These functions are inappropriate (1) if true error correlation functions move a comparable distance to the localization length scale over the time window and/or (2) if the widths of true error correlation functions are highly flow dependent. A method for generating localization functions that move with the true error correlation functions and that also adapt to the width of the true error correlation function is given. The method uses ensemble correlations raised to a power (ECO-RAP). A gallery of periodic one-dimensional error models is used to show how the method uses error propagation information and error correlation width information retained by powers of raw ensemble correlations to propagate and adaptively adjust the width of the localization function. It is found that ECO-RAP localization outperforms non-adaptive localization when the true errors are propagating or the error correlation length scale is varying and is as good as non-adaptive localization when such variations in error covariance structure are absent.
Segmentation of knee joints in x-ray images using decomposition-based sweeping and graph search

Plain radiography (i.e., X-ray imaging) provides an effective and economical imaging modality for diagnosing knee illnesses and injuries. Automatically segmenting and analyzing knee radiographs is a challenging problem. In this paper, we present a new approach for accurately segmenting the knee joint in X-ray images. We first use the Gaussian high-pass filter to remove homogeneous regions which are unlikely to appear on bone contours. We then presegment the bones and develop a novel decomposition-based sweeping algorithm for extracting bone contour topology from the filtered skeletonized images. Our sweeping algorithm decomposes the bone structures into several relatively simple components and deals with each component separately based on its geometric characteristics using a sweeping strategy. Utilizing the presegmentation, we construct a graph to model the bone topology and apply an optimal graph search algorithm to optimize the segmentation results (with respect to our cost function defined on the bone boundaries). Our segmented results match well with the manual tracing results by radiologists. Our segmentation approach can be a valuable tool for assisting radiologists and X-ray technologists in clinical practice and training.
Droplet size resulting from breakup of liquid at gas-liquid interfaces of liquid-submerged subsonic and sonic gas jets

It has been demonstrated both analytically and experimentally (Chawla 1975a; Bell, Boyce & Collier 1972) that, due to existence of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability at the gas-liquid interfaces of liquid-submerged subsonic and sonic gas jets, liquid at the interface breaks up and becomes entrained in the form of droplets in these gas jets. The study of this phenomenon has numerous industrial applications. For example, in the study of the fuel-failure propagation potential of fission-gas jet impingement in liquid metal cooled fast breeder reactor subassemblies, the liquid entrainment rate and droplet size control the rate of heat transfer in the impingement area of the fission-gas jet (Chawla 1975b). The study of the rate of entrainment and droplet size at the gas-liquid interface of a sonic gas jet submerged in a liquid is also of interest in the field of boiling water reactor safety (Chawla 1975b) and in a number of chemical-engineering processes. An analysis of the rate of liquid entrainment at the gas-liquid interface of a liquid-submerged sonic gas jet has been presented previously (Chawla 1975b). The purpose of the present note is to obtain the droplet sizes due to breakup of the liquid at the interfaces of subsonic and sonic gas jets submerged in a liquid. The existing correlations (e.g. Hinze 1948, 1955) for droplet size do not explicitly include the effect of Mach number or compressibility of gas stream; the present analysis, however, explicitly obtains this dependence for both subsonic and sonic gas jets.
A Vibration-Based PMN-PT Energy Harvester

We report design, modeling, analysis, and experimental study of a vibration-based piezoelectric energy harvester. The energy harvester is made of a composite cantilever of a single crystal relaxor ferroelectric material, (1- x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-xPbTiO3 (PMN-PT), and a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) base layer. A PDMS proof mass is constructed at the tip of the composite cantilever beam and is used as a means to tune the system natural frequency. The use of the PMN-PT piezoelectric material and an interdigited electrodes (IDEs) design improves the energy conversion efficiency. A dynamic systems modeling approach is employed to analyze the responses and the performance of the harvester design. We have demonstrated that a prototype of the harvester with a size of 7.4 mm times 2 mm times 110 mum outputs a voltage of 10 V (0.3 mW power) under a vibration excitation with a peak-to-peak amplitude of 1 mm at a frequency around 1.3 kHz. Based on the experimental results, the power density prediction of the proposed harvester design shows a superior performance than that of the other reported piezoelectric harvesters.
Redesigning electronic health record systems to support public health

Current electronic health record systems are primarily clinical in focus, designed to provide patient-level data and provider-level decision support. Adapting EHR systems to serve public health needs provides the possibility of enormous advances for public health practice and policy. In this review, we evaluate EHR functionality and map it to the three core functions of public health: assessment, policy development, and assurance. In doing so, we identify and discuss important design, implementation, and methodological issues with current systems. For example, in order to support public health's traditional focus on preventive health and socio-behavioral factors, EHR data models would need to be expanded to incorporate environmental, psychosocial, and other non-medical data elements, and workflow would have to be examined to determine the optimal way of collecting these data. We also argue that redesigning EHR systems to support public health offers benefits not only to the public health system but also to consumers, health-care institutions, and individual providers.
Imaging atomic Stark spectra

Photoabsorption spectra have been measured as a continuous function of energy and applied electric field for the $m=0,$ 1, and 2 Rydberg series in sodium. The spectra are Fourier transformed in scaled coordinates, generating scaled recurrence maps. The continuous nature of the scaled maps allows us to investigate patterns in the recurrence strength with good resolution.
New approach in the synthesis of hybrid polymers grafted with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane and their physical and viscoelastic properties

Synthesis, chain characteristics, and time-dependent viscoelastic response of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS)-containing hybrid polymers were investigated. Unlike many other reported POSS hybrid copolymers works, the POSS-grafted copolymers used in this study, although having different amounts of POSS attachments, have the same degrees of polymerization and molecular weight distribution. This was accomplished by grafting different amounts of aluminosilsesquioxane onto a previously synthesized, random copolymer of styrene and vinyl−diphenylphosphine oxide, PSP. The coordination bonding between aluminum and phosphine oxide is quantitative, which enables the investigation of physical characteristics and viscoelastic response of polymers as influenced only by the POSS attachments. Similar to other hybrid polymers with covalently bonded POSS, we observed a systemic increase in the characteristic relaxation time of polymers at the terminal zone due to the POSS attachment. Linear viscoelastic respon...
Conformational Changes That Occur during M3Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Activation Probed by the Use of an in Situ Disulfide Cross-linking Strategy

The structural changes involved in ligand-dependent activation of G protein-coupled receptors are not well understood at present. To address this issue, we developed an in situ disulfide cross-linking strategy using the rat M3 muscarinic receptor, a prototypical Gq-coupled receptor, as a model system. It is known that a tyrosine residue (Tyr254) located at the C terminus of transmembrane domain (TM) V and several primarily hydrophobic amino acids present within the cytoplasmic portion of TM VI play key roles in determining the G protein coupling selectivity of the M3receptor subtype. To examine whether M3 receptor activation involves changes in the relative orientations of these functionally critical residues, pairs of cysteine residues were substituted into a modified version of the M3 receptor that contained a factor Xa cleavage site within the third intracellular loop and lacked most endogenous cysteine residues. All analyzed mutant receptors contained a Y254C point mutation and a second cysteine substitution within the segment Lys484–Ser493 at the intracellular end of TM VI. Following their transient expression in COS-7 cells, mutant receptors present in their native membrane environment (in situ) were subjected to mild oxidizing conditions, either in the absence or in the presence of the muscarinic agonist, carbachol. The successful formation of disulfide cross-links was monitored by studying changes in the electrophoretic mobility of oxidized, factor Xa-treated receptors on SDS gels. The observed cross-linking patterns indicated that M3 receptor activation leads to structural changes that allow the cytoplasmic ends of TM V and TM VI to move closer to each other and that also appear to involve a major change in secondary structure at the cytoplasmic end of TM VI. This is the first study employing an in situ disulfide cross-linking strategy to examine agonist-dependent dynamic structural changes in a G protein-coupled receptor.
An improved method for rapid layering of Ficoll-Hypaque double density gradients suitable for granulocyte separation

Abstract A simple technique is described to layer Ficoll-Hypaque double density gradients suitable for rapid isolation of human granulocytes using disposable plastic syringes and 20-gauge needles. The syringes without plungers were kept at 45° angle initially at the top of the test tube, the tip of the needle touching the side of the test tube. While layering the gradients, the syringes were progressively adjusted at 3 different positions which enhanced the smooth flow by forming a continuous stream from the tip of the needle to the top of the lower gradient resulting in excellent interfaces without causing turbulence or inadvertent mixing. This method is useful particularly when unknown sera are screened against granulocytes or lymphocytes from a large number of normal donors.
Real-time Monitoring of Radiofrequency Ablation and Postablation Assessment: Accuracy of Contrast-enhanced US in Experimental Rat Liver Model

Contrast-enhanced US has an ability equal to that of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen staining to help monitor the effects of radiofrequency ablation in real time and to help quantify the size of thermal damage after treatment in the liver.
Effects of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1C toxin on the metabolic rate of Cry1C resistant and susceptible Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The effects of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1C toxin on the metabolic rate of Cry1C resistant and susceptible Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are investigated using closed-system respirometry. Mechanisms of resistance to the Bt toxin may be associated with an energetic cost that can be measured as an increase in metabolic rate compared with Bt-susceptible insects. This hypothesis is tested usingthird- and fifth-instar larvae and 1-7-day-old pupae. Metabolic rate is measured as the amount of O2 consumed and CO2 produced. _ V O2 and _ V CO2 (mL g � 1 h � 1 ) of third-instar Cry1C resistant larvae reared continuously on a diet containing320 mgCry1C toxin per gdiet (CryonT) are significantly greater than third-instar Cry1C resistant larvae reared on toxin for 5 days and reared thereafter on untreated diet (Cry5dT), Cry1C resistant larvae reared on untreated diet (CryReg) and the susceptible parental strain (SeA) reared on untreated diet. There are no differences in _ V O2 and _ V CO2 (mL g � 1 h � 1 ) among
Validation of Attenuation Models for Ground Motion Applications in Central and Eastern North America

Recently developed attenuation models are incorporated into standard one-dimensional (1-D) ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs), effectively making them two-dimensional (2-D) and eliminating ...
Individual Differences in Self-Perception and the Job-Life Satisfaction Relationship

Summary This study investigated the relationship of self-perception to job-life satisfaction. Eighty-four male engineers completed (a) the Job Description Index (JDI), (b) a measure of life satisfaction, and (c) the Thompson Biographical Information Blank (BIB). Two sets of parallel analyses were performed in order to assess the moderating effect of individual differences in self-perception upon the job-life satisfaction relationship. First, Ss were divided at the median with respect to the distribution of BIB scores into high and low self-perception groups and differences in correlation pairs were examined. Second, to cross-validate the results obtained, moderated regression analyses were performed to assess further the statistical significance of each of the moderating effects achieved. The data indicated a significant positive relationship between JDI satisfaction with supervision and satisfaction with life in general as moderated by high self-perception. Self-perception was also found to moderate the ...
Needle-based fluorescence endomicroscopy via structured illumination with a plastic, achromatic objective

In order to diagnose cancer, a sample must be removed, prepared, and examined under a microscope, which is expensive, invasive, and time consuming. Fiber optic fluorescence endomicroscopy, where an image guide is used to obtain high-resolution images of tissue in vivo, has shown promise as an alternative to conventional biopsies. However, the resolution of standard endomicroscopy is limited by the fiber bundle sampling frequency and out-of-focus light. A system is presented which incorporates a plastic, achromatic objective to increase the sampling and which provides optical sectioning via structured illumination to reject background light. An image is relayed from the sample by a fiber bundle with the custom 2.1-mm outer diameter objective lens integrated to the distal tip. The objective is corrected for the excitation and the emission wavelengths of proflavine (452 and 515 nm). It magnifies the object onto the fiber bundle to improve the system’s lateral resolution by increasing the sampling. The plastic lenses were fabricated via single-point diamond turning and assembled using a zero alignment technique. Ex vivo images of normal and neoplastic murine mammary tissues stained with proflavine are captured. The system achieves higher contrast and resolves smaller features than standard fluorescence endomicroscopy.
Primary carcinoma in an artificial vagina

Summary Surgically created neovaginas are able to provide sexual rehabilitation for women who have undergone total pelvic exenteration. In the case presented, a new primary carcinoma was discovered in the grafted skin lining such a neovagina. Biopsies confirmed the presence of malignancy, and also showed the remarkable changes that split thickness skin grafts undergo when placed in the perineal area, including loss of hair follicles and sweat glands, reduction in the number of long elastic fibers, hyperplasia of epithelial cells, and the accumulation of glycogen. The possibility that potential for malignant transformation can be regionally conferred to grafted skin is considered.
Hardening of MJS77 Spacecraft against the Jupiter Radiation Belts

Results of the device characterization program to identify components of the Mariner Jupiter/Saturn spacecraft in need of radiation hardening to meet a total dose requirement of 5 trillion e/sq cm are presented. The parts to be tested, including bipolar transistors, JFETs, SCRs, CMOS devices, linear integrated circuits, Zener diodes and other radiation-sensitive parts, were identified by a worst case circuit analysis of the 20 major subsystems. The test samples were exposed to several levels of irradiation from a Dynamitron electron accelerator capable of producing a steady stream of electrons at energies up to 2.5 eV. The electrical parameters of the devices were measured immediately following irradiation to prevent annealing. CMOS devices and linear devices showed the most severe degradation in a moderate radiation environment, and significant degradation was produced at low current in bipolar transistors. Three methods used for screening a number of devices determined by circuit and shielding analyses to be unacceptable radiation-sensitive are described: diffusion and metallization lot screening; wafer lot screening; and irradiation-anneal screening.
Primary cutaneous perivascular epithelioid cell tumor: A clinicopathological and molecular reappraisal

Background Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is a rare neoplasm of uncertain histogenesis with a mixed myomelanocytic immunophenotype, rarely arising in the skin (primary cutaneous PEComa [pcPEComa]). Objective We analyzed the clinicopathological features of 8 pcPEComas, assayed for DNA copy number changes and for initiating mutations common in melanocytic neoplasms. Methods pcPEComas were evaluated using immunohistochemistry, comparative genomic hybridization, and DNA sequencing. Results pcPEComas were erythematous nodules, mostly in the lower extremities of women (5/8), composed of large pale-staining epithelioid cells. The patient's age range was 26 to 67 (mean 46) years. The percentages of tumors staining positively were as follows: micro-ophthalmia-associated transcription factor, NKI/C3, bcl-1, E-cadherin, and cathepsin K (100%); HMB-45, 4E-binding protein 1, and CD68 (88%); smooth muscle actin and muscle-specific actin (40%); S100 (38%); calponin (20%); desmin (13%); and melan-A, SOX10, and keratin (0%). No chromosomal copy number changes or initiating mutations were identified. Limitations Small sample size is a limitation. Conclusions pcPEComas have a different molecular signature than extracutaneous tumors and are unrelated to tuberous sclerosis. However, the common expression of 4E-binding protein 1 points to a role of the mTOR pathway in their pathogenesis. Because pcPEComas are diagnostically challenging, we propose that micro-ophthalmia-associated transcription factor, NKIC3, smooth muscle actin, desmin, bcl-1, cathepsin K, and 4E-binding protein 1 can be used when evaluating a possible pcPEComa.
Free trade, factor returns, and factor accumulation

A model of development is studied in which physical capital and unskilled labor are good substitutes, and skilled labor is complementary to the resulting aggregate. Growth in a closed economy is compared with two open regimes. Inflows of physical capital only reduce the interest rate and raise both wage rates. The skilled wage rises more sharply, however, increasing the skill premium and accelerating human capital accumulation. Full integration with a larger and more developed neighbor also reduces the interest rate and raises both wage rates, but in this case the skill premium falls and human capital accumulation changes very little.
A Narrow Band-Based Multiscale Multigroup Full-Spectrum k-Distribution Method for Radiative Transfer in Nonhomogeneous Gas-Soot Mixtures

The full-spectrum k-distribution (FSK) approach has become a promising method for radiative heat transfer calculations in strongly nongray participating media, due to its ability to achieve high accuracy at a tiny fraction of the line-by-line (LBL) computational cost. However, inhomogeneities in temperature, total pressure, and component mole fractions severely challenge the accuracy of the FSK approach. The objective of this paper is to develop a narrow band-based hybrid FSK model that is accurate for radiation calculations in combustion systems containing both molecular gases and nongray particles such as soot with strong temperature and mole fraction inhomogeneities. This method combines the advantages of the multigroup FSK method for temperature inhomogeneities in a single species, and the modified multiscale FSK method for concentration inhomogeneities in gas-soot mixtures. In this new method, each species is considered as one scale; the absorption coefficients within each narrow band of every gas scale are divided into M exclusive spectral groups, depending on their temperature dependence. Accurate and compact narrow band multigroup databases are constructed for combustion gases such as CO 2 and H 2 O. Sample calculations are performed for a 1D medium and also for a 2D axisymmetric combustion flame. The narrow band-based hybrid method is observed to accurately predict heat transfer from extremely inhomogeneous gas-soot mixtures with/ without wall emission, yielding close-to-LBL accuracy.
Fast Transient Detection as a Prototypical “Big Data” Problem

The detection of fast (< 1 second) transient signals requires a challenging balance between the need to examine vast quantities of high time-resolution data and the impracticality of storing all the data for later analysis. This is the epitome of a “big data” issue—far more data will be produced by next generation-astronomy facilities than can be analyzed, distributed, or archived using traditional methods. JPL is developing technologies to deal with “big data” problems from initial data generation through real-time data triage algorithms to large-scale data archiving and mining. Although most current work is focused on the needs of large radio arrays, the technologies involved are widely applicable in other areas.
Laser-noise analysis by first-passage-time techniques

Laser-noise analysis is presented for colored, multiplicative noise, as well as additive, spontaneous emission noise. A novel technique employing first-passage-time analysis recently used by Roy et al. provides the measured data and a two-dimensional dynamical model of the phenomena. A one-dimensional, contracted model is proposed which enables one to derive formulas characterizing the mean first-passage time and its variance. The agreement with the measured data strongly supports the validity of the effective Fokker-Planck equation recently introduced for colored, multiplicative noise.
Design of Efficient Content Addressable Memories in High-Performance FinFET Technology

Content addressable memories (CAMs) enable high-speed parallel search operations in table lookup-based applications, such as Internet routers and processor caches. Traditional CAM design has always suffered from the high dynamic power consumption associated with its large and active parallel hardware. However, deeply scaled technology nodes, with multigate devices replacing planar MOSFETs, are expected to bring new tradeoffs to CAM design. FinFET, a vertical-channel gate-wrap-around double-gate device, has emerged as the best alternative to planar MOSFET. In this brief, for the first time, we explore the design space of symmetric and asymmetric gate-workfunction FinFET CAMs. We propose several design alternatives and evaluate them in terms of their dc and transient metrics for different mismatch probabilities using technology computer-aided design simulations with 22-nm FinFET devices. We also propose two orthogonal layout styles for CAM design and show that one of them (vertical-search line) outperforms the other (vertical-match line) in terms of total power (22.3%) and search delay (5.8%).
Biotransformation of para-aminobenzoic acid and salicylic acid by PMN

Abstract Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is an essential cofactor for the production of folic acid in bacteria and has mild anti-inflammatory activity. We have recently reported that salicylic acid and benzoic acid are oxidized by stimulated granulocytes Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils (PMN). The oxidation of salicylate appears mediated by a potent oxygen metabolite generated during the respiratory burst which is dependent primarily on superoxide (O 2 − ) for its production. These background studies with the salicylate group of drugs suggested that PABA might be similarly metabolized by PMN. In these studies, we demonstrate that PABA is metabolized by stimulated PMN. However, in contrast to the biochemical mechanism involved in the metabolism of salicylate, our scavenger studies indicate that PABA is metabolized primarily by the myeloperoxidase pathway. Our results may explain the mild anti-inflammatory actions of the drug and suggest that the degradation of PABA by PMN at an inflammatory site may limit the availability of PABA for bacterial growth.
Analysis of the regulation of lin-41 during chick and mouse limb development

We have cloned the chicken and mouse orthologues of the Caenorhabditis elegans heterochronic gene lin-41. During limb development, lin-41 is expressed in three phases over developmental time and most notably is associated with the developing autopod. Using chicken and mouse mutants and bead implantations, we report that lin-41 is genetically and biochemically downstream of both the Shh and Fgf signaling pathways. In C. elegans, it is proposed that lin-41 activity is temporally regulated by miRNAs (let-7 and lin-4) that bind to complementary sites in the lin-41 3′-untranslated region (UTR). Taking a bioinformatics approach, we also report the presence of potential miRNA binding sites in the 3′-UTR of chicken lin-41, including sites for the chicken orthologues of both C. elegans let-7 and lin-4. Finally, we show that these miRNAs and others are expressed in the chick limb consistent with the hypothesis that they regulate chicken Lin-41 activity in vivo. Developmental Dynamics 234:948–960, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Circulating current control and reduction in a paralleled converter test-bed system

It is a flexible and effective approach to emulate the behaviors of electric power system components using interconnected parallel power converters. The reduction of unnecessary circulating current is essential for the validity of the test-bed system. The types of the circulating current in the test bed system are discussed in this paper. The causes and the reduction strategies for the switching period circulating current, zero sequence circulating current and lower order harmonics are presented. Simulation and experimental results are given to verify the feasibility.
Evidence for function of the ferredoxin/thioredoxin system in the reductive activation of target enzymes of isolated intact chloroplasts.

Abstract Results obtained with isolated intact chloroplasts maintained aerobically under light and dark conditions confirm earlier findings with reconstituted enzyme assays and indicate that the ferredoxin/thioredoxin system functions as a light-mediated regulatory thiol chain. The results were obtained by application of a newly devised procedure in which a membrane-permeable thiol labeling reagent, monobromobimane (mBBr), reacts with sulfhydryl groups and renders the derivatized protein fluorescent. The mBBr-labeled protein in question is isolated individually from chloroplasts by immunoprecipitation and its thiol redox status is determined quantitatively by combining sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorescence measurements. The findings indicate that each member of the ferredoxin/thioredoxin system containing a catalytically active thiol group is reduced in isolated intact chloroplasts after a 2-min illumination. The extents of reduction were FTR, 38%; thioredoxin m, 75% (11-kDa form) and 87% (13-kDa form); thioredoxin f, 95%. Reduction of each of these components was negligible both in the dark and when chloroplasts were transferred from light to dark conditions. The target enzyme, NADP-malate dehydrogenase, also underwent net reduction in illuminated intact chloroplasts. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase showed increased mBBr labeling under these conditions, but due to interfering γ globulin proteins it was not possible to determine whether this was a result of net reduction as is known to take place in reconstituted assays. Related experiments demonstrated that mBBr, as well as N-ethylmaleimide, stabilized photoactivated NADP-malate dehydrogenase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase so that they remained active in the dark. By contrast, phosphoribulokinase, another thioredoxin-linked enzyme, was immediately deactivated following mBBr addition. These latter results provide new information on the relation between the regulatory and active sites of these enzymes.
Spatial and temporal variability of internal and external phosphorus loads in Mona Lake, Michigan

A study was conducted in Mona Lake, a small eutrophic lake located in western Michigan (USA) to address the temporal and spatial variability of external and internal phosphorus loading. External P load varied among subbasins, which was mostly related to discharge, but also to land use. Black Creek, which drains lands with natural cover and agriculture, accounted for the majority of flow, and total phosphorus (TP) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) load, to Mona Lake. However, the relative contribution of SRP load was greater in Little Black Creek, which flows through a mostly urbanized subbasin, than in Black Creek. The relative importance of internal loading was strongly related to season, as internal TP loads contributed only ∼9% of the overall P load in April 2005, but ∼68–82% of the overall P load in the summer and early fall seasons. Internal TP and SRP loading was greater under anaerobic than aerobic conditions. Mean anaerobic TP release rates ranged from 0.80 to 15.56 mg P m−2 d−1, varying with site and season. Spatial variability in both internal phosphorus loading and sediment P concentration was also evident. By taking into account the spatial and temporal variability of different loading sources, management practices can be targeted to optimize nutrient source control strategies.
Developing teacher leadership and the management team concept: A case study

Abstract This article presents the findings of a case study that explored the use of teacher leaders on a management team at a school site level. The findings suggest that ambiguity and organizational constraints surround the new roles for teacher leaders, and that, in order for new teacher leadership roles to be successful, norms related to the collegium of teachers need to be reexamined because some teachers are not comfortable with expanded teacher roles. The findings also indicate that for new teacher leadership roles to be effective, roles must be clearly defined from the outset. In addition, staff input and collaborative decision making must occur when implementing a new teacher leadership model, and the principal needs to have excellent communication skills and knowledge of the change process.
G-Protein-Coupled Receptors Signal Victory

The 2012 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Brian K. Kobilka and Robert J. Lefkowitz for their studies of G-protein-coupled receptors. Their pioneering work over the past 40 years has provided detailed molecular insight into the structure and function of this fundamentally important family of receptors.
MULTIPOLAR MITOSIS IN THE KB (EAGLE) HUMAN CELL LINE AND ITS INCREASED FREQUENCY AS A FUNCTION OF 250 KV X-IRRADIATION.

Abstract The frequency of multipolar anaphases in the KB human cell line were found to be 0.038 ± 0.007 when studied over a period of 14 months. Multipolarity was about evenly divided between tripolar divisions and tetrapolar divisions with a much smaller frequency of cells observed with greater polarity. Irradiation with 250 KV X-rays increased the frequency of multipolarity observed. A high positive linear correlation was found between the maximum frequency of induced multipolarity and radiation dose. About 400 r would produce 50 per cent multipolarity and 100 per cent multipolar divisions would theoretically result from 800 r. If the “survival curve” (dipolar cells) is considered an exponential function of radiation dose, then the mean lethal dose would be about 590 r. These data indicate that radiation induced multipolarity is the result of damage to a sensitive volume (target). The dose required to double the background frequency of multipolarity suggests this primary target has approximately the same sensitivity (or size according to the target theory of Lea) as gene mutations. A single or functionally double centriole does not appear to satisfy the requirements for the target, because there was neither a sequential appearance of tripolar and tetrapolar spindles after irradiation nor was there a differential frequency of occurrence between the two kinds of multipolarity.
A decidable query answering algorithm for circumscriptive theories

We describe a decidable algorithm to answer queries in circumscriptive theories, that allows the use of variable predicates. This significantly extends the results obtained in our earlier paper [P], where a similar algorithm was constructed for circumscriptive theories without variable predicates.Since prioritized circumscription is equivalent to a conjunction of parallel circumscriptions with variables, the algorithm can be used to answer queries in theories circumscribed by prioritized circumscription. The Closed-World Assumption (CWA) and its generalization, the Extended Closed-World Assumption (ECWA), can be considered as a special form of circumscription. Consequently, our method also applies to answering queries in theories using the Closed-World Assumption or its generalizations.For the sake of clarity, we restrict our attention to theories consisting of ground clauses. Our algorithm, however, has a natural extension to theories consisting of arbitrary clauses.
Long-term clinical and urodynamic evaluation of the polytetrafluoroethylene suburethral sling for treatment of genuine stress incontinence

Objective To assess long-term clinical and urodynamic outcomes of suburethral sling procedures using polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. Methods Between January 1986 and May 1991, 108 women underwent suburethral sling placement to treat genuine stress incontinence. At least 1 year after surgery, 62 women participated in a telephone interview about surgical outcome and completed a follow-up urodynamic evaluation. Results Seventy-three percent of patients reported stress incontinence cure and 61% were objectively cured. Neither low urethral closure pressure nor a history of multiple prior anti-incontinence procedures, singly or in combination, adversely affected outcome. Postoperative maximum urethral closure pressure and functional urethral length were significantly greater in patients who were cured of their incontinence than in those whose surgery failed. Patients who were cured had higher amplitude detrusor contractions during micturition and greater post-void residual urine than those who were not cured. Thirty-three percent of patients with urodynamically stable bladders preoperatively developed detrusor instability after surgery. Detrusor instability remitted after surgery in half of the patients who had this condition preoperatively. Postoperative wound complications developed in 40% of patients who underwent sling placement, and 22% of the grafts were eventually removed. Conclusion Polytetrafluoroethylene suburethral sling placement is an effective treatment for stress incontinence and low urethral pressure. Urodynamic data suggest that urethral obstruction is responsible for surgical cure. Patients should be warned of the high complication rate for this suburethral sling procedure and that graft removal may be necessary.
Cell Suspension and Callus Culture from Somatic Tissue of Maize

Cell suspension and callus cultures from somatic tissue of inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L.) were cultured on media that were defined via modification of a Linsmaier and Skoog preparation. Germlings incubated on the primary medium originally employed required long-term incubation for callus induction. Modification of the primary medium with high levels of iron and (ethylene dinitrillo)tetraacetic acid (EDTA), B vitamin amendments and vitamin E, shortened incubation by 75% and nearly doubled the percentage of germlings which produced callus. Callus did not remain viable in subcultures to the secondary medium originally employed, whereas a preparation, developed via modification of the original secondary medium, enabled perpetuation of callus through repeated subculture. Modification with high levels of iron and EDTA, plug B vitamins and vitamin E, with decreased concentrations of five inorganic salts, suppressed aberrant organogenesis and stabilized culture growth as viable callus. Similar modification, with the exception that EDTA was omitted, was employed for the development of a liquid medium. Tonicity of the medium was adjusted with a lowered level of sucrose, with the liquid further modified by addition of acetate. Upon development of this liquid, maize became the sixth monocot species for which somatic cells remain viable through repeated subculture in liquid suspensions.