cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electronic structure of barium titanate studies by the extended Hückel tight‐binding method

The electronic structure of barium titanate is determined according to the extended Huckel tight‐binding method using atomic data based on a self‐consistent‐field calculation. The effects of the phase transition on the partial density of states are studied. The electronic contribution to the phase stability of the compound is calculated from the total density of states. The tetragonal phase is found to be stable as compared to the cubic phase. The density of states is compared with available x‐ray photoemission spectra and is found to be in agreement with some features in experimental results.
Isolation and characterization of ovochymase, a chymotrypsin-like protease released during Xenopus laevis egg activation.

Abstract A chymotrypsin-like protease contained in the perivitelline space of unactivated Xenopus eggs is released during egg activation and appears to participate in vitelline envelope conversion. This 30-kDa protease, which we have termed ovochymase, was isolated from the exudate of activated eggs using a soy bean trypsin inhibitor-agarose affinity column. The column eluant contained only two proteins, the 30-kDa ovochymase plus a 78-kDa chymotrypsin-like proteolytic activity, The 78-kDa protease was not usually observed in fresh egg exudate samples and thus was activated during the purification process and may represent the proposed precursor of the 30-kDa protease. The 30- and 78-kDa proteases were separated by gel filtration HPLC or by SDS-PAGE. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of SDS-PAGE-isolated ovochymase was determined to be VVGGQQAAPR. This conserved amino acid sequence, plus active site specific inhibition and substrate specificity studies, places ovochymase in the serine protease I family of enzymes. A two-dimensional protease activity gel revealed that ovochymase is present as several isozymes with a wide range of pI's.
Interaction of display mode and character size in vibrotactile letter recognition

Research with the Tactile Vision Substitution System, a device that converts optical patterns into vibrotactile patterns for display against the back, has shown that a simple pattern, such as a letter, is more easily recognized when presented sequentially than when presented in entirety all at once. In recent work with the Optacon, another such device using the surface of the finger for display, Craig (Note 2) has found quite the opposite result over an extensive range of pattern durations. The present study shows that the superiority of sequential presentation can be obtained with the Optacon if letters considerably smaller than usual are displayed. Sequential presentation is advantageous when the pattern information essential for recognition exceeds the spatial bandwidth of the sensory surface, whether it be the finger, back, or other skin surface. In the normal usage of the Optacon, however, it appears that the spatial bandwidth of the finger suffices for the recognition of large roman letters.
THE EFFECT OF SLOW LIPID INFUSION AND DOSAGE ON BILIRUBIN BINDING TO ALBUMIN IN THE PREMATURE INFANT

THE EFFECT OF SLOW LIPID INFUSION AND DOSAGE ON BILIRUBIN BINDING TO ALBUMIN IN THE PREMATURE INFANT
DNA sequence of the araBAD-araC controlling region in Salmonella typhimurium LT2

Abstract The araB and araC genes of Salmonella typhimurium have been cloned onto the plasmid pBR322. Restriction analysis and subcloning of restriction fragments localized these genes to a 4.4 kb DNA fragment. Complementation analysis revealed that the cloned araB and araC genes from S. typhimurium complemented araB and araC mutant strains of Escherichia coli . Conversely, cloned araB and araC genes from E. coli complemented araB and araC mutant strains of S. typhimurium . The DNA sequences was determined for the S. typhimurium araB and araC controlling region and for the initially translated portions of these genes. The nucleotide sequence of the araB promoter was 87% homologous with the same region in E. coli and contained no deletions or insertions relative to the E. coli sequence. The presumed AUG codon corresponding to the amino terminus of the S. typhimurium araC protein was in the same location as in E. coli . There was, however, considerable divergence from the E. coli sequence preceding the translation start site. The nucleotide sequence of the initial 237 bp in the open reading frame of the S. typhimurium araC gene was 78% homologous with the same sequence in E. coli . By comparison, the amino acid sequence for this region was 91% conserved.
Emissions from southeastern U.S. Grasslands and pine savannas: Comparison of aerial and ground field measurements with laboratory burns

Abstract Emissions from prescribed burns of a managed longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris ) forest and grass/savanna fields in western Florida were measured by simultaneous aerial and ground sampling. Results were compared with measurements made in an open burn laboratory test facility using biomass gathered from the same stands. Measurements included polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), black carbon (BC), brown carbon (BrC), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). The flaming phase (high modified combustion efficiency) was characterized by high levels of BC and BrC yet low levels of VOCs. In general, ground-based measurements of PM 2.5 , BC, and BrC reported marginally higher emission factors than those measured in the plume by aerostat (balloon)-lofted instruments. The optically-determined BC emission factor was approximately ten times higher than many previously reported results. Simultaneous BC and EC measurements showed that EC values were, on average, 42% lower than the BC values, lending uncertainty to the common use of EC measurements as a BC surrogate. PAH emission factors were indistinguishable across the sampling scenarios, while PCDDs/PCDFs saw a significant decline in the laboratory testing. Limited distinctions in particle-related emissions between aerial and ground measurements suggest sampling bias between these methods. Emission factor distinctions between laboratory burn simulations and field tests appear primarily related to lower combustion efficiencies in the latter, perhaps due to higher biomass moisture or surface wetness.
Role of Histamine in the Hypotensive Action of d-Tubocurarine in Humans

The administration of d-tubocurarine (dTc) to animals and humans has been reported to produce hypotension. Experiments in animals suggest that the hypotension is a result of both ganglionic blockade and histamine release. In order to determine the role of histamine release in dTc-induced hypotension in humans, the authors developed a sensitive radioenzymatic assay for plasma histamine and measured plasma histamine following dTc administration (0.25-0.75 mg/kg) to 21 surgical patients. While neither fentanyl (3 microgram/kg) nor thiopental (6 mg/kg) produced a significant change in plasma histamine, dTc caused a dose-dependent increase in plasma [dose dTc vs. log (plasma histamine), r = 0.62 P less than 0.003]. The log (plasma histamine) correlated with the dTc-induced hypotension (r= 0.61, P less than 0.005). The data suggest that histamine release is an important factor in the hypotension accompanying dTc administration in humans.
Common Medical Conditions in the Elderly:Impact on Pharyngeal Bolus Transit

Deglutition in the elderly may be impacted by the sequelae of medical diseases. It is unknown if the long-term presence of common medical diseases, such as arthritis and hypertension, leads to changes in neurologic and muscular function and thus swallowing ability. The aim of this project was to determine if the duration of bolus pharyngeal transit in nondysphagic elderly individuals with chronic medical problems is longer than that measured in nondysphagic elderly individuals without medical problems. Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies were performed on 63 elderly subjects with a variety of well-controlled medical problems and on 23 elderly subjects with no medical problems. The mean timing of pharyngeal bolus transit was compared between the two groups. The relationship between the presence of medical problems and the likelihood of transit times prolonged beyond two standard deviations of the mean transit time found in 60 younger normal controls was also analyzed. Findings included significantly prolonged pharyngeal transit time in the group of subjects with medical problems compared with those subjects without medical problems for a small bolus size. Those individuals with hypertension demonstrated the most significant delays in bolus transit. The presence of medical problems did correlate with an increased likelihood of prolonged transit times. This preliminary study indicates that medical problems common in elderly populations are associated with a deterioration of swallowing function and that changes identified in elderly individuals may not be due to aging alone.
The impact of domestic violence on mothers' prenatal representations of their infants

This study examined the relationship between domestic violence during pregnancy and moth- ers' prenatal representations of their infants and themselves as mothers. Two hundred and six women were recruited from the community and interviewed during their last trimester of pregnancy. Forty-four percent of women reported experiencing domestic violence during the current pregnancy, while 56% reported no domestic violence during the pregnancy. Maternal representations were assessed using the Working Model of the Child Interview(WMCI; Zeanah, Benoit, Hirshberg, Barton, & Regan, 1994). Multiple analysis of variance (MANCOVA) and analyses revealed that women who experienced 2
Programming for the DNA analysis of FCM data on an IBM microcomputer.

The analysis of data generated on a flow cytometer (FCM) is often performed on a computer obtained especially for dedicated use with the flow cytometer. This computer component can be expensive and also presents the FCM user with the added burden of mastering specialized programming language or of accepting the secret analytical processes of protected proprietary program routines. We believe that the evolution of more accurate and efficient FCM analyses that have the power to consider complex signal distributions can be assisted by the availability of analysis programs written in languages common to many users. DNA analysis routines written for a relatively inexpensive micro-computer (IBM PC/XT) in Basic and Pascal are described here. The routines can automatically process multiple FCM data files and can provide high-resolution graphic hardcopy. A foreground/background utilization is also described that allows the computer to be available for other uses in the laboratory.
A semi-analytical approach to Green׳s functions for heat equation in regions of irregular shape

Abstract Initial-boundary-value problems are considered for the classical two-dimensional heat equation in regions of irregular configuration. A semi-analytical algorithm is proposed to accurately compute profiles of Green׳s function for such problems. The algorithm is based on a modification of the standard boundary integral equation method. To make the modification efficient, analytical representations of Green׳s functions are required for relevant regularly shaped regions. These are obtained in a closed form and employed then as kernels of the corresponding heat potentials, reducing the problem to a regular integral equation on a part of a boundary of the considered region.
Mixing It Up Early African American Settlements in Northwestern Ohio

Prior to the 19th century, African American settlers founded a number of productive communities in northwestern Ohio. During this time period, there were a number of intermarriages and couplings between indigenous people, European explorers, ethnically diverse shipmates, and free and enslaved Africans in this section of the country. Descendents of these unions were dubbed Melungeon, mulatto, or colored, depending on the discretion of oft-illiterate census takers. Though much is written about the hostilities free people of color faced in the South, descriptive documentation of their experiences in northwestern Ohio is scarce. An examination of primary and secondary sources offers evidence of their agency as they struggled with structural barriers that led to disenfranchisement and descent into the racially identifiable category of African American. White resistance to these diverse settlements and settlers challenges America's collective memory of a racially tolerant North.
Fabrication and mathematical analysis of an electrochemical microactuator (ECM) using electrodes coated with platinum nano-particles

This paper reports the design, fabrication, modeling, and analysis of an electrochemical microactuator (ECM). The driving mechanism of the ECM is based on the reversible electrolysis process of water. The expansion and shrinkage of gas bubbles generated in a micro electrochemical chamber during a reversible electrolysis process can be used for actuation in microfluidic systems. The fluidic components of the ECM were fabricated on a glass substrate using UV lithography of SU-8. Two electrodes were used, with one Pt black (coated with platinum nanoparticles) as working and auxiliary electrode and the other Ag/AgCl coated as reference. The nano particles coated on the working electrode help to boost the surface-to-volume ratio of the electrode and to obtain higher operation frequency. Pulse electropotentials were supplied for active control of expansion and shrinkage of gas bubbles using reproducible electrochemical reactions. The theoretical volume change rate of gas bubbles was simulated as a function of time using the ideal gas law and compared with the measured volume change. The experimental results show the electrode coated with platinum nanoparticles helped to enhance the reversible electrolysis process significantly. The results also show that the dynamic model can be used to simulate the dynamic behaviors of the ECM actuator. The ECM can be used in microfluidic applications such as pumping or valves.
Urgently needed: a filter for the HIV-1 vaccine pipeline

Research groups worldwide are trying to make immunogens intended to elicit neutralizing antibody responses as part of a prophylactic vaccine to counter the spread of HIV-1. The relative merits of different designs can only be gauged properly through comparative studies, and particularly by evaluating human or animal antisera under identical, or comparable, conditions. Hence there is a need for assay standardization and for the creation of a centralized testing facility that could distribute consensus protocols and reagents.
The serial discontinuity concept : extending the model to floodplain rivers

The serial discontinuity concept (SDC) was developed as a theoretical construct that views impoundments as major disruptions of longitudinal resource gradients along river courses. According to the SDC, dams result in upstream–downstream shifts in biotic and abiotic patterns and processes; the direction and extent of the displacement depend on the variable of interest and are a function of dam position along the river continuum. As originally formulated, the SDC did not consider interactions between the river and its flood plain. The new perspective presented herein is an initial attempt to encompass the dynamics of alluvial flood plain rivers into the model using a three reach characterization: constrained headwater reach, braided reach and meandering reach. The constrained headwater reach has conditions similar to those described in the original SDC, but the braided and meandering reaches provide a perspective that was not addressed in the model. Lateral interactions between the channel and the flood plain are critical to a holistic understanding of natural river ecosystems and the alterations induced by regulation. The fringing flood plain, with its diverse water bodies and alluvial forest mosaic, is considered an integral part of the river system.
A Clinician’s Perspective on Antimicrobial Mouthrinses

Today's dental professional must advise patients as to the antimicrobial mouthrinse appropriate for their periodontal condition. Considerations such as chemical nature, mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of mouthrinses are important to the clinician. Taste and cost are equally important considerations to the patient. No ideal antimicrobial mouthrinse exists; yet, chlorhexidine gluconate (Peridex), Listerine, and two of its generic equivalents have the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance. An expanded role of antimicrobial mouthrinses that holds promise is that of preprocedural rinsing. This protocol can decrease the number of microorganisms aerosolized during numerous dental procedures.
Double-blind study of belladonna-ergotamine-phenobarbital for interval treatment of recurrent throbbing headache.

SYNOPSIS In a double-blind study comparing crossover and parallel group designs, 55 patients with recurrent throbbing headache were given either belladonna-ergotamine-phenobarbital (BEP) or placebo for headache prophylaxis. Analysis of the crossover design showed BEP to be significantly more effective than placebo in reduction of headache severity and overall effectiveness. During BEP treatment, patients had less days during which medications for relief of headache symptoms were required. Although there were period effects favoring BEP, no significant differences between treatments were observed in the parallel design. The greater variability in the parallel portion of the study precluded demonstration of statistical significance with this number of patients. The crossover design indicates that BEP offers benefits in the prophylaxis of recurrent throbbing headache, without serious or frequent side effects.
Changes in Acromion and Scapular Position after Short-term Overhead Work

[Purpose] This study investigated the changes in acromion and scapular position after short-term overhead work. [Subjects] Twelve males aged 20–27 years, were recruited. [Methods] We measured the acromial angle and scapular inferior distance using a palpation meter before and after overhead work. [Results] The acromion angle was significantly decreased after the overhead work compared to before. The scapular inferior distance was significantly increased after the overhead work compared to before. [Conclusion] Even though the overhead work was short-term work lasting less than one hour, it resulted in an abnormal scapular position.
Micromechanical multiplane finite element modeling of crack growth in fiber reinforced materials

Abstract The purpose of this study was to devise and verify a scheme of analysis which can be used to investigate the micromechanical failure mechanisms and determine an effective fracture toughness for a class of fiber reinforced materials. The material of primary interest in this study consists of a linearly elastic matrix material reinforced with rows of parallel, linearly elastic and straight fibers. Micromechanical multiplane finite element and experimental studies of the stress conditions near a crack front in a side cracked fiber reinforced epoxy tensile specimen were conducted. The 2-D multiplane method of analysis, recently developed at Syracuse University for approximate analysis of a class of 3-D problems, was the basis of the micromechanical finite element analytical technique developed in this study. Since failure of a member fabricated from a fiber reinforced material is generally proceeded by local failures, sequential finite element analyses were performed to model the progressive failure mechanism. Local failure modes considered in the analysis are yield in either the matrix material or fibers, crack extension in the matrix material, and failure of the matrix to fiber bond. The agreement between the multiplane analytical and laboratory test results show that the multiplane method provides a useful tool for micromechanical study of fiber reinforced composite materials.
Hip abscess due to Aerococcus urinae in a man with paraplegia: case report

Single case report. Present a case of hip abscess culture positive for Aerococcus urinae in a man with paraplegia. Aerococcus species are uncommonly reported and may be misinterpreted as alpha streptococci or staphylococci. This organism can cause significant morbidity due to urinary tract infection with septicemia or endocarditis. Single case report. The patient required surgical incision and debridement. Open joint inspection was performed, which was complicated by superior dislocation. The patient later required a Girdlestone procedure. A. urinae was cultured from a hip abscess in a man with paraplegia. Bacteremia, with the bladder as the reservoir, likely led to this abscess. Aerococcus is pathogenic and should be considered when culture results reveal unusual staph or strep species.
Parasitic gastritis in a llama (Lama glama) associated with inhibited larval Teladorsagia spp. (Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea).

Abstract A 7-year-old female llama was experimentally infected with 500 Fasciola hepatica metacercariae then turned out onto pasture also grazed by domestic sheep. The llama was necropsied approximately 22 weeks post infection. Routine examination of the gastrointestinal tract revealed diffusely coalescing, umbilicated nodules covering the caudal one-fifth of the third stomach compartment. Microscopically, the mucusa was irregularly thickened. Numerous nematode larvae were present in glandular lumens, often extending to the base of the glands. Where nematodes were most numerous, decreased numbers of parietal cells, attenuation of glandular epithelium and increased collagen within the lamina propria were evident. Of a total of 6510 adult nematodes in the third stomach compartment, 51% were Teladorsagia spp., 47% were Trichostrongylus axei, and 2% were Camelostrongylus mentulatus. Except for C. mentulatus, three sheep that had grazed with the llama and were necropsied at approximately the same time, harbored the same nematode species. The total number of larvae in the llama was 56 710, with more than 97% being ostertagiine early fourth-stage larvae. Ostertagiine larvae were also present in the sheep. Based on the composition of the adult populations in the llama and sheep, the larvae were considered to be species of Teladorsagia. Additionally, the larger numbers of early fourth-stage larvae indicated that the development of Teladorsagia spp. in the llama is inhibited.
A world of dispositions

Perhaps the fundamental concepts of physical ontology are those of objects and events; for it is widely assumed that the world itself is amenable to being characterized successfully by means of an event ontology or an object ontology, where the outstanding difficulty is simply one of finding the right sort of fit. Although these pathways have seemed promising, they have not been without their own distinctive difficulties, for despite an area of agreement concerning suitable criteria for the individuation of objects, substantial disagreement abounds regarding appropriate standards for the differentiation of events.1 This matter is consequential for both perspectives, moreover, since whether objects are to be constructed from events or events from objects, neither view presumes either category alone provides a sufficient foundation for an adequate ontology.2 The problems which they share have resisted successful explication, nevertheless.
Relationship between clinical sinusitis symptoms and sinus CT severity in pediatric post bone marrow transplant and immunocompetent patients

Since typical inflammatory responses may be diminished in children following bone marrow transplant (BMT), computed tomography (CT) imaging of the sinuses has been increasingly ordered to diagnose sinusitis in this group. The objective of this study was to determine the association between clinical sinusitis symptoms and sinus opacification on CT scans in post BMT versus immunocompetent children. Our sample was comprised of 64 post BMT and 86 immunocompetent children with sinus CT scans. CT sinus opacification was scored using the modified Lund–Mackay staging system. The relationship between clinical sinusitis symptoms (rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, cough, headache, and facial pain) and opacification was compared for the two groups. The severity of sinus opacification in the BMT group was significantly higher compared to the immunocompetent group. In combined patient groups the odds ratio (OR) for moderate/severe sinusitis was significantly elevated for rhinorrhea (OR = 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–7.12), cough (OR = 2.80; 95% CI, 1.22–6.42), and having either rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, or cough (OR = 4.76; 95% CI, 1.71–13.24). While the immunocompetent group had a greater number of sinusitis symptoms compared to the post BMT group, both groups had a significant increase in the severity on CT with increasing number of symptoms. Conclusion: In post BMT patients, our data demonstrated higher odds of moderate/severe sinusitis on CT scans associated with rhinorrhea, cough or nasal congestion. These finding suggest that in post BMT children, detailed sinus history may still play a vital role in the diagnosis of sinusitis.
Calcium, magnesium, and long-term recovery from hypoxia in hippocampal tissue slices

Ortho- and antidromic responses recovered and remained robust for 5 h in slices exposed to transient hypoxia in low calcium, while responses remained depressed in slices made hypoxic in normal calcium. Elevating magnesium in addition to reducing calcium did not improve recovery compared to reducing calcium alone. Spreading depression-like hypoxic depolarization occurred earlier in low calcium than in control fluid. We conclude that loss of function was triggered by calcium uptake by neurons and not by cell swelling, and that activation of NMDA receptors probably played no part.
Plastid division: across time and space.

Plastid division is executed by the coordinated action of at least two molecular machineries — an internal machinery situated on the stromal side of the inner envelope membrane that was contributed by the cyanobacterial endosymbiont from which plastids evolved, and an external machinery situated on the cytosolic side of the outer envelope membrane that was contributed by the host. Here we review progress in defining the components of the plastid division complex and understanding the mechanisms of envelope constriction and division-site placement in plants. We also highlight recent work identifying the first molecular linkage between the internal and external division machineries, shedding light on how their mid-plastid positioning is coordinated across the envelope membranes. Little is known about the mechanisms that regulate plastid division in plant cells, but recent studies have begun to hint at potential mechanisms.
Holmium:YAG laser: effects of various treatments on root surface topography and acid resistance

The effects of Holmium:YAG laser energy with and without a topical fluoride mixture (resin to NaF) was compared with two types of topical fluorides on surface topography and resistance to acid destruction of root surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the effects of the selected treatments on surface topography before acid exposure. Toluidine blue dye was used to test the permeability of root surfaces after acid exposures. SEM examinations of the dentinal root surfaces showed consistently smooth surfaces with tubule closures when using topical resin to fluoride and HO:YAG laser treatment; in contrast, HO:YAG laser energy treatment alone exhibited increased roughness of root surfaces. Topical fluoride applications alone presented surfaces similar to untreated control sites. Toluidine blue dye penetration into root surfaces of the fluoride/laser-treated root surfaces showed significantly less dye penetration after acid exposures than controls and other treatment protocols. The results of this study indicate that the resin–fluoride application and holmium:YAG irradiation effectively produced increased smoothness and increased resistance to destruction of root surfaces in human extracted teeth under these in vitro conditions.
Induction of Ceramide Glucosyltransferase Activity in Cultured Human Keratinocytes CORRELATION WITH CULTURE DIFFERENTIATION

Ceramides are the major component of the extracellular lipids that comprise the epidermal permeability barrier. They are derived from glucosylceramides (GlcCer) upon their extrusion from lamellar granules into the extracellular space in the upper layers of the epidermis. To better understand the regulation of the unique pathway for ceramide production in epidermis, we have studied the activity of the enzyme responsible for GlcCer synthesis, ceramide glucosyltransferase (CerGlc transferase), during keratinocyte culture differentiation. Human keratinocyte cultures were expanded in low calcium keratinocyte growth medium (KGM) and then switched to either normal calcium KGM (nKGM) or "complete" Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium/Ham's F-12 (3:1) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (cDMEM). At 7 and 10 days after the medium switch, electron microscopy revealed that cDMEM cultures were more fully differentiated morphologically and contained numerous lamellar granules. The GlcCer/DNA content of cDMEM cultures increased to 6 times that of day 0 cultures and was nearly 4 times greater than that of nKGM cultures, whereas the total lipid/DNA content of cDMEM cultures increased to only 1.8 times that of day 0 cultures and was approximately 1.2 times that of nKGM cultures. CerGlc transferase activity/DNA increased 6 times in cDMEM cultures but <1.5 times in nKGM cultures. By contrast, beta-glucocerebrosidase activity, which is responsible for the conversion of GlcCer to ceramide, increased to a similar extent in both differentiating culture systems. Treatment of cultures with the reversible CerGlc transferase inhibitor, DL-threo-1-phenyl-2-(palmitoylamino)-3-morpholino-1-propanol, prevented the increase of GlcCer in cDMEM cultures, and blocked conversion of exogenously added ceramide to GlcCer. A low level of CerGlc transferase activity, relative to that in differentiated keratinocytes, was detected in cultures of other human cell types. These results indicate that CerGlc transferase activity is induced during epidermal differentiation and that regulation of this enzyme may be an important determinant of the specialized production and compartmentalization of epidermal sphingolipids.
Contaminant immobilization and nutrient release by biochar soil amendment: roles of natural organic matter.

Contamination of soil interstitial waters by labile heavy metals such as Cu(II), Cd(II), and Ni(II) is of worldwide concern. Carbonaceous materials such as char and activated carbon have received considerable attention in recent years as soil amendment for both sequestering heavy metal contaminants and releasing essential nutrients like sulfur. Information is currently lacking in how aging impacts the integrity of biochars as soil amendment for both agricultural and environmental remediation purposes. Major contributors to biochar aging in soils are: sorption of environmental constituents, especially natural organic matter (NOM), and oxidation. To investigate the impact of NOM and organic fractions of chars, we employed broiler litter-derived chars and steam-activated carbons that underwent varying degrees of carbonization, in the presence and absence of NOM having known carboxyl contents. For aging by oxidation, we employed phosphoric acid activated carbons that underwent varying degrees of oxidation during activation. The results suggest that the organic fractions of biochars, and NOM having high carboxyl contents can mobilize Cu(II) retained by alkaline soil. Base treatment of broiler litter-derived char formed at low pyrolysis temperature (350 °C) improved the immobilization of all heavy metals investigated, and the extent of immobilization was similar to, or slightly greater than pecan shell-derived phosphoric acid activated carbons. Portions of total sulfur were released in soluble form in soil amended with broiler litter-derived carbons, but not pecan shell-derived phosphoric acid activated carbons.
Post-Taconic tilting and Acadian structural overprint of the classic Barrovian metamorphic gradient in Dutchess County, New York

Field mapping and 40Ar/39Ar age spectrum dating of white mica across the classic metamorphic gradient in Dutchess County, New York indicate that post-peak metamorphic and structural events complicate the interpretation of this sequence as an intact Taconic metamorphic field gradient. Oriented samples were collected and fabrics were measured along two ∼7 km transects. These transects extend from west of the biotite zone (west of Clove Mountain) to the sillimanite zone (Swamp River Valley) in eastern Dutchess County. Field and petrographic analysis reveals three pervasive foliations (S1, S2 and S3). S1 is folded in the lower grade rocks of the sequence, but is increasingly overprinted at garnet and higher zones by a penetrative foliation, S2. S2 dips steeply to the SE and is axial planar to folds in S1. S2 is overgrown by porphyroblasts of biotite, biotite + chloritoid, biotite + garnet ± staurolite ± kyanite ± sillimanite, at respective metamorphic grades, that appear to approximate peak temperature conditions. S1, S2, and peak temperature conditions are constrained as late Taconic based on a depositional age of ∼460 Ma (Potter, 1972) for the Walloomsac Formation and a staurolite age of ∼454 Ma (Lanzirotti and Hanson, 1997) from kyanite-sillimanite grade rocks. S3 is a greenschist facies foliation composed of muscovite ± biotite ± chlorite that truncates or overprints S2 in garnet through sillimanite grade rocks in the eastern part of the study area. S3 dips gently to the S-SE and becomes more penetrative to the east, such that in the garnet zone, S2 is overprinted by a weakly developed spaced S3 cleavage, while in many samples in the staurolite and higher metamorphic zones S2 micas are significantly overprinted by S3 micas. S3 is observed wrapping around and truncating peak temperature porphyroblasts. Three samples of lepidoblastic white mica (with varying proportions of S1, S2, and S3) from the biotite through staurolite zone all produce 40Ar/39Ar age spectra suggesting closure ages of ∼385 Ma. These white mica ages are interpreted to represent the time of cooling through white mica closure (∼350 °C). The 40Ar/39Ar ages in conjunction with field mapping and petrographic analysis suggest that S3 developed in the Devonian Acadian orogeny. Furthermore, the 40Ar/39Ar data constrains the timing of tilting and uplift of the Ordovician Barrovian sequence from the Middle Silurian to Early Devonian. This study suggests mid-crustal wedging during the Salinic orogeny as a possible mechanism for tilting the rocks of this region and exposing the Taconic-aged Barrovian field gradient at the surface today. We conclude the low-grade Acadian metamorphic overprint of these rocks involved deformation that produced a new (third) cleavage that was coincident with regional cooling from peak Taconic metamorphic conditions and thus required strain but no reheating during the Acadian.
ON ETHNIC CONFLICT AND THE ORIGINS OF TRANSNATIONAL TERRORISM

Using the ITERATE dataset, we explore the origins of transnational terrorist activity, from 1982 through 1997, in 118 countries. We model terrorism, not as a function of a nation’s ethnic, religious or linguistic fractionalization, but as an independent measure of perceived ethnic tensions. When we control for institutional quality, evidence that political rights and civil liberties mitigate the terrorism‐producing effects of ethnic tensions exists only since 1990. Economic freedoms, on the other hand, robustly reduce the number of terrorist attacks originating in ethnically tense societies.
College of Charleston Campus Map

Abstract Please click here to download the map associated with this article. The College of Charleston Campus Map project was a student class project designed to improve the accuracy of the existing static map, and to create an interactive online map for the campus website. Campus maps can provide useful information to prospective and current students, visitors, and on-campus groups including public safety and maintenance. The current campus maps at the College of Charleston are skewed for aesthetic purposes, and do not accurately depict geospatial features. The campus map created by the students in this project is GIS based and designed to provide highly accurate, printable static and interactive online maps for the College of Charleston community, prospective students and visitors. The College of Charleston is a public university located on the downtown peninsula of Charleston, South Carolina. The core campus area encompasses approximately a square half mile, and includes academic, residence, and suppor...
Barriers to publishing visual rhetoric research

This paper describes the challenges of reproducing artwork as part of the analytical, evaluative, and critical work of scholars of visual rhetoric.
Development of GAD-immunoreactivity in the dorsal cochlear nucleus of the hamster and cat: light and electron microscopic observations.

Abstract Physiologic and pharmacologie evidence suggests that inhibitory influences are active in the mammalian dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) by the onset of hearing, while anatomical evidence suggests that inhibitory synapses are not present until days or weeks later. One inhibitory neurotransmitter in the DCN is gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its presence can be indexed by immunohistochemical localization of its synthetic enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). The present study investigated the ingrowth and synapse formation of GAD-immunoreactive inputs in the DCN of cat and hamster. GAD-immunoreactive puncta are present in the DCN of the cat at birth and of the hamster on postnatal day (PND) 3. Thus, the present data correlate well with the physiologic and pharmacologie evidence. In both species the first labelled puncta are near the dorsal acoustic stria and may originate from efferent axons in the stria. Several days later a band of labelled puncta is found in the fusiform cell layer. This location is equivalent to the termination zone of cartwheel cells, GAD- immunoreactive interneurons in the DCN. Based on this spatiotemporal sequence in the appearance of GAD-immunoreactive puncta, we suggest that sources of GABA extrinsic to the DCN mature first, followed by intrinsic sources.
Localization of phenolic compounds in crowns and roots of healthy and Rhizoctonia solani-infected sugar beets

A histochemical test employing nitrous acid, that produces red nitroso derivatives of some phenolic compounds, was modified for use in the field and was used to demonstrate localization of phenolic compounds in healthy and Rhizoctonia solani-infected sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) plants. Nitroso-reactive materials were present in petioles and around mature crown cavities of healthy plants. They were absent from tap roots, except that they occasionally were observed in lateral root tissue contained within tap roots. Nitroso-reactive materials were localized in healthy tissues surrounding quiescent, but previously active rot lesions caused by R. solani, but were not found around actively developing lesions or in association with wounds. The intensity of staining diminished late in the growing season. Preformed phenolic compounds may be involved in prophylaxis against pathogens in petioles and crown cavities and in active resistance against R. solani in sugar beet tap roots.
Deepwater energy industry impacts on economic growth and public service provision in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana

Abstract Oil and gas produced from active deepwater leases (over 1000 feet water depth) in the Gulf of Mexico as a percentage of total output increased from 27% in 1992 to 54% in 2005. This increase is requiring more land-based services. Port Fourchon's strategic location provides it with a competitive advantage as a supply base for a diverse set of deepwater oil and gas related activities, ranging from petroleum rig supply boats to the maintenance and repair of mobile drilling rigs. Further development of Port Fourchon as a supply base is expected to markedly impact Lafourche Parish. Community impact models (CIM) quantify the linkages among local economic activity and the demand for, and ability to support, local government services. A CIM developed for Louisiana, including an input–output module of the local economy, is used to evaluate the impact of the deepwater energy industry on the economy and government finances of Lafourche Parish. According to model results, the deepwater energy industry will continue to have a significant impact on that economy. By 2010, the industry was predicted to be directly and indirectly responsible for 2593 new jobs and $571 million in total output. Such activity should not strain the ability of local governments to deliver services.
A Provably High-Probability White-Space Satisfaction Algorithm With Good Performance for Standard-Cell Detailed Placement

In this paper, we propose an effective white-space (i.e., row length) constraint satisfaction technique embedded in a network flow based detailed placer for standard cell designs that is suitable for both incremental as well as full detailed placement. The highlight of our method is a provable high-probability of obtaining a legal placement even under tight white space (WS) constraints. This high success probability of our method stems from our flexibility of allowing a well-controlled temporary WS constraint violation in the detailed placement process. The flexibility also helps improve the solution quality of the detailed placer, measured by the deterioration of the optimization metric from the global placement solution. We tested our WS constraint-satisfaction method controlled temporary violations (CTV) on two sets of benchmarks for both incremental and full placement applications, and for timing as well as wire length (WL) optimization problems. We obtained legal solutions for all circuits in reasonable times under a 3% WS constraint. For example, for a 210 k-cell circuit td-ibm18: 1) for the timing-driven incremental placement application, we obtain the final placement in 900 secs with a 35.2% delay reduction compared to an initial WL-optimized placement done by Dragon 2.23 and 2) for the full timing-driven placement problem, we obtain the final placement in less than 2.5 h with a timing improvement of 29.8% compared to the state-of-the-art WL-driven detailed placer of NTUplace3-LE. We also tested two internal methods, one that disallows any temporary WS violation, and another which moves cells from WS violated rows to non-full rows in a heuristic manner. The first method cannot legalize all benchmarks, and CTV is 41%-86% relatively better in delay and WL metrics than the two internal methods.
A remark on the Puente-Ladron, New Mexico, aerolite

There is ample evidence to support the belief that the American Indians collected meteorites and preserved them for longer or shorter periods, during which, in some cases, the meteorites were transported over considerable distances. The strip of country along the Rio Puerco, within which the Puente-Ladron, New Mexico, aerolite was found, was one of the main highways of Amerind traffic and a favorite camping and hunting ground until very recent times. Unless it can be shown that the aerolite in question was not transported into this area by an Indian and there discarded or lost, an all-out search of the Puente-Ladron area for other members of the shower to which it has been conjectured the stone belongs does not seem justified.
Injuries in a Modern Dance Company Effect of Comprehensive Management on Injury Incidence and Time Loss

BackgroundProfessional dancers experience high rates of musculoskeletal injuries.ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of comprehensive management (case management and intervention) on injury incidence, time loss, and patterns of musculoskeletal injury in a modern dance organization.Study DesignRetrospective/prospective cohort study.MethodsInjury data were analyzed over a 5-year period, 2 years without intervention and 3 years with intervention, in a modern dance organization (42 dancers). The number of workers’ compensation cases and number of dance days missed because of injury were compared across a 5-year period in a factorial design.ResultsComprehensive management significantly reduced the annual number of new workers’ compensation cases from a high of 81% to a low of 17% and decreased the number of days lost from work by 60%. The majority of new injuries occurred in younger dancers before the implementation of this program. Most injuries involved overuse of the lower extremity, similar to patterns reported...
Preparation and recovery of frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa via various sperm selection techniques employed in assisted reproductive technologies

Abstract A number of semen manipulative techniques are currently available to remove the undesirable spermatozoa, debris and other factors and to increase sperm quality. The use of motility stimulants such as caffeine or others could optimize the recovery and quality of frozen-thawed spermatozoa processed by a variety of sperm selection techniques. Frozen-thawed specimens from 5 bulls were slowly diluted and washed with Ham's F-10 medium containing 3% BSA (w/v) and 0 or 2mM caffeine. Aliquots containing approximately 50 × 10 6 total sperm cells were used for conventional sperm wash, swim-up, Percoll density gradient centrifugation (80, 70, 55 and 40% Percoll gradients) and Sephadex (SpermPrep TM I) filtration. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of selected spermatozoa included: total sperm (× 10 6 ), percentage and grade (0 to 4) of motility, percentage of spermatozoa with coiled tails and response to the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test (percentage of swollen spermatozoa). When compared to washed specimens, fewer spermatozoa were recovered via the swim-up, Percoll and SpermPrep TM I filtration methods. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of these spermatozoa improved further after processing with Ham's F-10 containing 2 mM caffeine, followed by selection via the various techniques. Enhancement of sperm motility, in conjunction with the most appropriate sperm selection technique, represents an efficient method for the recovery of spermatozoa with improved qualitative characteristics.
INTERCELLULAR SIGNALING AND SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION IN C. ELEGANS

Intercellular signaling and signal transduction underlie most aspects of development and behavior. To understand any specific case we must identify the ligands, receptors and transducers, as well as regulators that modulate the activity of the signaling pathway. To understand more general aspects of signaling, we have to address the questions: To what extent are there modular signaling pathways, i.e. pathways that act as coherent units? How many such pathways are there? What factors affect the action of a universal pathway in particular cases? How widely is a given component or pathway used? How are the effects of multiple signaling pathways integrated? Here I discuss the use of Caenorhabditis elegans molecular genetics to study problems of intercellular signaling and signal transduction.