cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WORLD REGIONS IN URBAN GEOGRAPHY1

ABSTRACT Most cities are influenced by those cultures which they serve and represent. At the same time, the cultures are influenced by their respective cities. This mutual relationship among cities and cultures constitutes a complex of processes of functional interrelationships. The geographic approach to these processes leads to the delimitation of twelve major world-regions and several sub-regions that are characterized by the areally varying processes associating cities and cultures. A system of world-regions of this nature is proposed in the present paper. The proposed system places every city of the world into a hierarchy of functional regions, far beyond the city's own hinterland. Every city is then visualized as a molder and reflector of its cultural environment. In addition, the following implications of such a regional system on the field of urban geography are discussed. First, the urban geographer is able to contribute to regional studies by considering the influence the cities have upon a give...
Comparative studies on membranes from bovine choroid plexus and rat kidney cortex

Abstract Comparative subcellular fractionation studies on rat kidney and bovine choroid plexus using differential centrifugation and free flow electropheresis were undertaken because of the morphological and functional similarities of the epithelial cells of both tissues. The activities of three enzymes commonly used as markers for brush border membranes in kidney were measured in fractions of each tissue. γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, and 5'-nucleotidase copurified in membrane fractions of renal cortex collected by differential centrifugation. Application of a similar fractionation procedure to choroid plexus gave relatively similar results, except for alkaline phosphatase, the yield of which was substantially reduced in a fraction enriched with two marker enzymes. Further fractionation of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and alkaline phosphatase activities in these membrane fractions was achieved using free flow electropheresis. The two enzymes from kidney exhibited discrete peaks with a small separation, while the electropheretic pattern of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase from choroid plexus was biphasic. Alkaline phosphatase was observed to migrate with the more basic γ-glutamyl transpeptidase peak.
Early Stooling as an Indicator of Intestinal Motility/Maturity and Its Relation To Feeding Intolerance

Early Stooling as an Indicator of Intestinal Motility/Maturity and Its Relation To Feeding Intolerance
To "doe some good upon their countrymen": The Paradox of Indian Slavery in Early Anglo-America

The enslavement of Indians by Englishmen in seventeenth-century America is often characterized by historians as an inconsequential phenomenon that either presaged the large scale enslavement of African peoples or, conversely, resulted from the expansion of the plantation complex. The early enslavement of Indians, however, was neither closely related to emerging labor demands nor an accident of Anglo-American colonialism. Indian slavery was purposeful and rationalized, often, by pointing to the need to punish natives for their crimes and by emphasizing that bondage might serve to rehabilitate recalcitrant individuals. Eventually, the enslavement of Indians would be almost indistinguishable from the enslavement of Africans, but throughout much of the seventeenth century Indian slavery was a distinct practice. African slavery was accepted, in part, because the English viewed them as fundamentally different. Indian slavery was accepted, paradoxically, because the English allowed that the indigenous inhabitants of North America were not unlike themselves. Indian slavery was premised on social and cultural assumptions that appear contradictory in retrospect. Yet, by retelling the story of Indian slavery in the context of the early modern Atlantic world, including Anglo-Spanish relations, this essay reveals that human bondage was both more important to the English inhabitants of colonial America than is generally appreciated and more complicated than historians have admitted.
Vibrational spectra of Se2+ and Te2+ in their ground states

Abstract Vibrationally resolved photoelectron spectra of Se 2 + and Te 2 + in their ground states were measured using a newly constructed high-temperature supersonic molecular beam source. Ionization potentials and fundamental spectroscopic constants for the molecular ions were obtained.
Linear Convolution Using Skew-Cyclic Convolutions

It is shown that the linear convolution required in block filtering can be decomposed into a sum of skew-cyclic convolutions. Such convolutions can be realized efficiently with half-length complex transforms when the signals are real. This method results in computational savings over the traditional overlap-add and overlap-save algorithms. It is also more economical than fast parallel finite impulse response (FIR) filter structures for longer filter lengths
A CAD methodology for linear multivariable feedback systems based on algebraic theory

A design methodology for linear multivariable feedback systems is formulated which utilizes modern algebraic control theory and does not require manipulation of polynomial or rational matrices. The methodology uses direct measurements of the plant in obtaining designs.
Photoelectrochemical roughening of p-GaN for light extraction from GaN/InGaN light emitting diodes

A method for photoelectrochemical (PEC) etching of Ga-face, p -type GaN is presented using GaN/InGaN heterostructures. This technique, which does not require any special epitaxial structure, flip chip bonding, or complicated processing, is used to roughen p -side-up lightemitting diodes (LEDs) to increase extraction efficiency. The extraction efficiency is increased by 20 ± 5% for roughened LEDs compared to nearby unetched LEDs, without any effect on the electrical properties of the devices. This is the first report of rapid, external-bias free PEC etching of p -type GaN, which could have broad applications to low-damage selective etching for a variety of electronic and optical devices. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
HEPATITIS B VIRUS HBX PROTEIN LOCALIZED TO THE NUCLEUS RESTORES HBX-DEFICIENT VIRUS REPLICATION IN HEPG2 CELLS AND IN VIVO IN HYDRODYNAMICALLY-INJECTED MICE

Identifying the requirements for the regulatory HBx protein in hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication is an important goal. A plasmid-based HBV replication assay was used to evaluate whether HBx subcellular localization influences its ability to promote virus replication, as measured by real time PCR quantitation of viral capsid-associated DNA. HBx targeted to the nucleus by a nuclear localization signal (NLS-HBx) was able to restore HBx-deficient HBV replication, while HBx containing a nuclear export signal (NES-HBx) was not. Both NLS-HBx and NES-HBx were expressed at similar levels (by immunoprecipitation and Western blotting), and proper localization of the signal sequence-tagged proteins was confirmed by deconvolution microscopy using HBx, NLS-HBx, and NES-HBx proteins fused to GFP. Importantly, these findings were confirmed in vivo by hydrodynamic injection into mice. Our results demonstrate that in these HBV replication assays, at least one function of HBx requires its localization to the nucleus.
Formenlehre goes to the opera: Examples from Armida and elsewhere

One of the more surprising developments in recent American music theory has been the revival of interest in traditional, as opposed to Schenkerian, approaches to musical form. Spearheading this renewal are William Caplin’s 1998 treatise Classical Form , and James Hepokoski and Warren Darcy’s more recent Elements of Sonata Theory (2006). Both treatises, however, ignore the eighteenth-century operatic repertory entirely. And while valuable studies of eighteenth-century aria-forms exist (notably by James Webster and Mary Hunter), such studies generally predate the advent of the new American Formenlehre . There is, as a result, a gap between the most recent developments in the theory of Classical form and our current understanding of formal processes in late-eighteenth-century opera.This paper sketches one possible way across that gap. Even a casual survey of Haydn’s Eszterhaza operas suggests that formal processes play out in ways related to, but nonetheless distinct from, their articulation in Haydn’s instr...
GUCY2C opposes systemic genotoxic tumorigenesis by regulating AKT-dependent intestinal barrier integrity.

The barrier separating mucosal and systemic compartments comprises epithelial cells, annealed by tight junctions, limiting permeability. GUCY2C recently emerged as an intestinal tumor suppressor coordinating AKT1-dependent crypt-villus homeostasis. Here, the contribution of GUCY2C to barrier integrity opposing colitis and systemic tumorigenesis is defined. Mice deficient in GUCY2C (Gucy2c−/−) exhibited barrier hyperpermeability associated with reduced junctional proteins. Conversely, activation of GUCY2C in mice reduced barrier permeability associated with increased junctional proteins. Further, silencing GUCY2C exacerbated, while activation reduced, chemical barrier disruption and colitis. Moreover, eliminating GUCY2C amplified, while activation reduced, systemic oxidative DNA damage. This genotoxicity was associated with increased spontaneous and carcinogen-induced systemic tumorigenesis in Gucy2c−/− mice. GUCY2C regulated barrier integrity by repressing AKT1, associated with increased junction proteins occludin and claudin 4 in mice and Caco2 cells in vitro. Thus, GUCY2C defends the intestinal barrier, opposing colitis and systemic genotoxicity and tumorigenesis. The therapeutic potential of this observation is underscored by the emerging clinical development of oral GUCY2C ligands, which can be used for chemoprophylaxis in inflammatory bowel disease and cancer.
Algorithm for gray/white matter segmentation of MRI brain images

A segmentation algorithm using both global and local image analysis techniques in combination with anatomical information is proposed to separate grey matter from white matter in 2-dimensional (2D) axial magnetic resonance images (MRI) brain images. The global technique used is a variant of the fuzzy c-means (FCM) algorithm. This variant only relies on pixel brightness for its clustering operation. The local techniques include methods of morphological image processing and edge detection. The anatomical information is limited to the expected order of tissue from the scalp on the exterior to the ventricles in the center. The results have proved useful in a study of regional biochemistry of the human brain using spectroscopic MRI.
Efficacy of Inhaled Metaproterenol and Orally-administered Theophylline in Patients with Chronic Airflow Obstruction

To evaluate comparative bronchodilator efficacy with chronic airflow obstruction (CAO), we randomly administered to ten patients week-long treatments consisting of: (1) inhaled metaproterenol from a metered dose canister (1.30 mg six times a day) and doses of a sustained-release theophylline formulation sufficient to achieve plasma levels of 10-15 µg/ml; (2) metaproterenol-placebo; (3) theophyllineplacebo; or (4) placebo-placebo. At the end of each period, treatment responses were evaluated by spirometric tests, by exercise tolerance (12 minute walk and progressive cycle ergometry) and by subjective perception of dyspnea (oxygen cost diagram and breathlessness rating). Metaproterenol as a single treatment caused statistically significant improvements in spirometric variables and in the breathlessness rating. Theophylline as a single treatment caused significant changes in none of the test variables, though favorable trends were observed. Combined drug therapy was significantly better than metaproterenol only in the case of the breathlessness rating. We conclude that in the treatment of patients with CAO, inhaled metaproterenol is superior to oral theophylline. Our results permit no definite conclusion concerning added benefits of combined drug therapy.
Nitric Oxide Signaling and Clinical Alternatives to Nitric Oxide

Nitric oxide has been implicated in numerous biological processes, particularly those involved with the cardiovascular system. Nitric oxide production is closely regulated and influenced by a numbe...
Mapping woody plant cover in desert grasslands using canopy reflectance modeling and MISR data

[1] A simplified geometric-optical model (SGM) was inverted using red band reflectance data acquired at 275 m in nine viewing angles from the Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) flown on NASA's Terra satellite, to provide estimates of fractional woody plant cover for large areas (over 3519 km2) in parts of the Chihuahuan Desert in New Mexico, USA. The use of the model in these semi-arid environments was enabled by the derivation of a priori estimates of the soil/understory background reflectance response. This was made possible by determining relationships between the kernel weights from a LiSparse-RossThin model adjusted against the same MISR data – together with spectral reflectance data derived from MISR's nadir-viewing camera – and the parameters of the Walthall model used to represent the background. Spatial distributions of retrieved fractional woody plant cover match those of % tree cover in the global MODIS Vegetation Continuous Fields product but also include shrubs. Good relationships were obtained with fractional shrub cover measured in pastures in the USDA, ARS Jornada Experimental Range but tree cover in higher elevation and riparian zones was dramatically over-estimated as a result of the fixing of crown height and shape parameters.
Kinetics of Carbonyl Sulfide Hydrolysis. 1. Catalyzed and Uncatalyzed Reactions in Mixtures of Water + Propane

Carbonyl sulfide (COS), which occurs as an impurity in commercial sources of propane, can hydrolyze in the presence of water to form hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Whereas COS is not itself corrosive, the hydrolysis product H2S is corrosive, especially in the presence of water. In this paper, we summarize the results from studies that address the issue of COS hydrolysis in propane, thought to be a major problem in the liquefied petroleum gas industry. A series of kinetics measurements were made of COS in a propane−water system. Reaction rates were determined from chromatographic monitoring of the decrease in COS and the appearance of H2S in the vapor phase as a function of time. The hydrolysis rate was measured for 500 and 1000 ppm mixtures of COS in propane at 38, 65, and 85 °C. COS hydrolysis was not observed in propane at 16 °C. In addition, rate constants were measured for the hydrolysis reaction catalyzed by potassium hydroxide and alkanolamines. The rate of hydrolysis of COS in the...
Ultrastructural observations of organelle accumulation in the equine recurrent laryngeal nerve.

The left recurrent laryngeal nerves from five horses with sub-clinical neuropathy were examined by light and electron microscopy in a study designed to examine accumulation of axonal organelles at paranodal and internodal locations. Transverse sections of the nerve showed scattered fibres with split myelin sheaths and axonal accumulation of organelles. On longitudinal sections these collections were seen to result from an axonal outpouching in which dense lamellar bodies and mitochondria had accumulated. These paranodal collections, which could be found on both sides of the node, were often associated with infoldings of the terminal loops of myelin and with occasional paranodal demyelination. The fact that many of the organelles in the outpouches were lysosomal in nature was confirmed by their positive staining for cathepsin D activity. Longitudinal sections demonstrated a number of axons which were swollen over a long distance and which contained focal accumulations of similar organelles. In places, however, there was a clear separation between these organelles and the cytoskeletal proteins. In each case these swollen axons were surrounded by Schwann cell nuclei and their processes, forming well-ordered onion bulbs. The possibility that these two types of changes, i.e. the paranodal accumulations and the axonal swellings could result from a disturbance in axonal transport in this distal axonopathy is discussed.
Ultra-cold atomic hydrogen beam

Abstract We investigated two methods of producing a continuous free beam of electron-spin polarized atomic hydrogen, using a 7.5 T solenoid magnetic field and a helium film-coated cell. The first method involves accumulating H ↓ at high field in a 300 mK storage cell and flipping the electron spin by using microwaves to drive a hyperfine transition. The resulting H↑ atoms are accelerated and focused by the solenoid gradient to form an extracted beam. The second method uses the helium film-coated cell as an ultra-cold nozzle. Unpolarized hydrogen is thermalized in high field by collisions with the cell walls; the field gradient subsequently separates the atoms of different spin states to produce an H↑ beam.
On the Constitutive Response Characterization for Composite Materials via Data-Driven Design Optimization

In the present paper we focus on demonstrating the use of design optimization for the constitutive characterization of anisotropic material systems such as polymer matrix composites, with or without damage. All approaches are based on the availability of experimental data originating from mechatronic material testing systems that can expose specimens to multidimensional loading paths and can automate the acquisition of data representing the excitation and response behavior of the specimens involved. Material characterization is achieved by minimizing the difference between experimentally measured and analytically computed system responses as described by strain fields and surface strain energy densities. A one dimensional model is presented first to elucidate the design optimization for the general non-linear constitutive response. Small and large strain formulations based on strain energy density decompositions are developed and utilized for determining the constitutive behavior of composite materials. Examples based on both synthetic and actual data demonstrate the successful application of design optimization for constitutive characterization.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Effects of quinidine versus procainamide on the QT interval

Abstract Eighteen patients were given quinidine and procainamide separately to evaluate whether prolongation of the QT interval by type la antiarrhythmic agents is a drug-specific phenomenon. Doses were titrated to achieve standard trough therapeutic levels of quinidine (2 to 5 μg/ml) and procainamide (4 to 12 μg/ml). In 16 of the 18 patients, the increase in corrected QT interval (QTc) was greater with quinidine than with procainamide, averaging 78 ± 10 ms (± standard error of the mean) with quinidine and 39 ± 7 ms with procainamide (p
Thrombospondins as matricellular modulators of cell function.

Thrombospondins (TSPs) are a small family of secreted, modular glycoproteins whose functions, at a mechanistic level, are not well understood, despite increasing scrutiny in recent years. TSP1 and TSP2 form one subgroup and are trimers with a chain molecular mass of about 145 kDa. The pentameric TSPs 3–5 are significantly smaller, with a subunit molecular mass of about 100 kDa (1), and their physiological roles are probably distinct. This Perspective will concern itself with TSP1 and TSP2.
Transit time isolation of a high power microwave amplifier.

We report experimental results from a high power [ital X]-band traveling wave tube amplifier desgined to eliminate sidebands due to reflections from its output. The amplifier has a very low energy velocity, such that the time it takes a wave to be reflected from the output to the input is of the order of, or greater than, the electron beam pulse duration. The bandwidth of the output spectrum is limited by the very narrow passband of the periodic structure. The amplifier has been operated at power levels of up to 160 MW at 9 GHz for pulse durations of 50 ns.
Inhibition of collagen and sulfated glycosaminoglycan synthesis in neonatal mouse dermal fibroblasts by corticosterone.

Abstract The effects of corticosterone on collagen and sulfated glycosaminoglycan production were investigated in primary cultures of mouse neonatal dermal fibroblasts. Two genetically different strains, A/J and C57BL6/J were compared. Fibroblasts were cultured in the absence or presence of corticosterone for two to seven days. In control cultures, [ 35 S] sulfate incorporation into TCA insoluble glycosaminoglycans increased up to the eighth day. Collagen was highest on the fifth day in culture. In the medium, about 15% of the total protein was collagen. After four to seven days in the presence of 10 −6 M corticosterone, 35 S sulfated glycosaminoglycans and collagen in the medium were reduced by up to 70% in both mouse strains. Corticosterone specifically inhibited in a dose-dependent manner collagen over total protein, reducing the percentage of collagen in the medium to 7% of the total protein in both strains.
Does prostate brachytherapy treat the seminal vesicles? A dose-volume histogram analysis of seminal vesicles in patients undergoing combined PD-103 prostate implantation and external beam irradiation.

Abstract Purpose: Combined brachytherapy of the prostate and external beam irradiation (EBRT) of the prostate and seminal vesicles (SV) is becoming a popular treatment for high-risk prostate cancer. Dose–volume histogram (DVH) analysis of the SV in patients undergoing this treatment was performed to determine the dose distribution to the SV and the adequacy of this treatment in patients with potential SV involvement. Methods and Materials: Twenty-five consecutive patients were treated with a Pd-103 implant of the prostate alone and 45 Gy of EBRT to the prostate and SV. Attempts were not made to implant the SV but seeds were routinely placed at the junction of the prostate and SV. All patients underwent CT-based postimplant dosimetric analysis 1 month after implantation. As part of this analysis, DVH were generated for the prostate and total SV volume (SVT). In addition, the SV was divided into 6-mm-thick volumes identified as SV1, SV2, SV3, SV4, and SV5 starting from the junction of the prostate and SV and extending distally. DVH were also generated for these structures. Delivered dose was defined as the D90 (dose delivered to 90% of the organ on DVH). Results: The median volumes in cc of the prostate, SVT, SV1, SV2, SV3, SV4, and SV5 were 34.33, 9.75, 2.7, 3.48, 2.92, 3.18, and 1.96 respectively. The SVT contained from 0–9 seeds (median 2). There was little dose delivered to the SVT and SV volumes from the implanted prostate. The median D90 values for the prostate, SVT, SV1, SV2, SV3, SV4, and SV5 were 8615 cGy, 675 cGy, 3100 cGy, 1329 cGy, 553 cGy, 246 cGy, and 67 cGy, respectively. The dose delivered to the prostate covered small percentages of SV. The percents of SV volumes covered by the prostate D90 were 11, 35, 3.3, 0, 0, and 0 for SVT, SV1, SV2, SV3, SV4, and SV5, respectively. Conclusions: DVH analysis of the SV reveals that dose generated from an implanted prostate contributes little to the SV. Those patients at high risk for SV involvement may be undertreated with combined EBRT to prophylactic doses and prostate implantation.
Observation of fractional revivals of a molecular wave packet

The study and control of molecular dynamics through the use of femtosecond laser techniques require an understanding of various orders of molecular wave-packet phenomena such as revivals. We present the observation of fractional revivals in a vibrational wave packet: the $B$ state of the ${\mathrm{Br}}_{2}$ molecule. Fractional revivals occur in anharmonic systems at characteristic times in the nonclassical regime when, due to dephasing between vibrational eigenstates, the wave packet partially localizes into sub-wave-packets. Half and quarter revivals were clearly observed, as well as indications of one-sixth revivals.
Hypericum cumulicola demography in unoccupied and occupied Florida scrub patches with different time-since-fire

1 Metapopulation models predict that unoccupied, but suitable, patches will exist for species subject to extinction and colonization dynamics. We compared the demographic responses of Hypericum cumulicola, a rare herbaceous species almost entirely restricted to Florida rosemary scrub, when transplanted to occupied or unoccupied patches. 2 Seedlings were transplanted and seeds buried into Florida rosemary scrub patches differing in time since last fire, and in the presence or absence of H. cumulicola. We used a replicated, factorial design to place the transplants and seeds in the field, and monitored their performance for 18 months. 3 Neither time-since-fire nor prior H. cumulicola site occupancy affected survival of transplants. Only time-since-fire affected growth. Time-since-fire, H. cumulicola occupancy, and their interaction affected reproductive effort, but these effects were not consistent between years. 4 Flowering and seed production led to subsequent seedling recruitment near transplants, mainly in recently burned sites. Genetic screening of transplants and seedlings showed that transplants in occupied sites could have crossed with nearby resident plants, but that offspring in sites previously unoccupied were likely to have been parented only by nearby transplants. 5 Seeds buried, and later exhumed, germinated after 1 or 2 years of burial, demonstrating a persistent soil seed bank from which populations could recover after fire. Neither time-since-fire nor H. cumulicola occupancy affected seed dormancy or germination. 6 Similar demography in unoccupied and occupied patches suggests that the patchy pattern of site occupancy by H. cumulicola is probably due to limited dispersal and periodic extinction, especially associated with long fire-free intervals. Conservation measures need to protect unoccupied patches to allow metapopulation dynamics and persistence.
Effects of SDPNFLRF-amide (PF1) on voltage-activated currents in Ascaris suum muscle.

Helminth infections are of significant concern in veterinary and human medicine. The drugs available for chemotherapy are limited in number and the extensive use of these drugs has led to the development of resistance in parasites of animals and humans (Geerts and Gryseels, 2000; Kaplan, 2004; Osei-Atweneboana et al., 2007). The cyclooctadepsipeptide, emodepside, belongs to a new class of anthelmintic that has been released for animal use in recent years. Emodepside has been proposed to mimic the effects of the neuropeptide PF1 on membrane hyperpolarization and membrane conductance (Willson et al., 2003). We investigated the effects of PF1 on voltage-activated currents in Ascaris suum muscle cells. The whole cell voltage-clamp technique was employed to study these currents. Here we report two types of voltage-activated inward calcium currents: transient peak (Ipeak) and a steady-state (Iss). We found that 1 μM PF1 inhibited the two calcium currents. The Ipeak decreased from −146 nA to −99 nA (P = 0.0007) and the Iss decreased from −45 nA to −12 nA (P = 0.002). We also found that PF1 in the presence of calcium increased the voltage-activated outward potassium current (from 521 nA to 628 nA (P = 0.004)). The effect on the potassium current was abolished when calcium was removed and replaced with cobalt; it was also reduced at a higher concentration of PF1 (10 μM). These studies demonstrate a mechanism by which PF1 decreases the excitability of the neuromuscular system by modulating calcium currents in nematodes. PF1 inhibits voltage-activated calcium currents and potentiates the voltage-activated calcium-dependent potassium current. The effect on a calcium-activated-potassium channel appears to be common to both PF1 and emodepside (Guest et al., 2007). It will be of interest to investigate the actions of emodepside on calcium currents to further elucidate the mechanism of action.
Effects of Driving Speed and Sign Reflectance on Nighttime Highway Sign Legibility Distance and Reading Time Requirements

Nighttime highway sign legibility distance was evaluated as drivers maintained speeds of 5 versus 60 MPH. Effective legibility distance fell by approximately 30% when driving at high speed (114.9 versus 81.2 m at 5 and 60 MPH, respectively; F(1,9) = 48.6, p < 0.001). This finding suggests that past research, usually conducted under static viewing conditions (i.e., less than 5 MPH), probably overestimates the distance at which drivers can effectively read signs at night. In order to evaluate the appropriateness of new minimum sign reflectance levels proposed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), legibility distance was also evaluated using 100% (new) versus 15% reflectance signs. Results indicate that nighttime legibility distance can be expected to fall by approximately 12% over the life cycle of a microprismatic retroreflective highway sign given the proposed FHWA minimum reflectance specification (104.2 versus 91.9 m for 100% and 15% reflectance, respectively; F(1,9) = 20.6, p < 0.001).
Does Voter Turnout Influence School Bond Elections

This article investigates the role of voter turnout in school bond election outcomes. It is widely believed that turnout is negatively related to bond approval rates. Conclusions from previous empirical research, however, may be misleading because many sociodemographic factors and election parameters that influence bond support are also likely to influence voter turnout decisions. To account for the endogeneity of turnout, we employ an instrumental variable approach. We find that the persistent part of voter turnout plays a negligible role in explaining bond approval shares conditioned on election timing, past voting behavior, and district characteristics. Using first-difference models, change in turnout has a negative and significant influence on change in approval share and probability of bond success. Our results support previous research and suggest that targeted voter mobilization strategies have the potential to influence school bond outcomes.
Histamine synthesis inhibition reduces light-induced phase shifts of circadian rhythms

Circadian rhythms are generated by the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei, a site of dense histaminergic innervation. Histamine can phase shift circadian rhythms in a manner similar to light. In this experiment, we administered alpha-fluoromethylhistidine (FMH), an inhibitor of histamine synthesis, prior to a light pulse in hamsters housed under constant darkness. Photic phase shifts in wheel-running rhythms were significantly attenuated by FMH pretreatment. These results suggest that histamine may modulate photic input to the circadian clock.
Structure of the strong tidal jet in the naruto strait

In order to clarify the structure of the strong tidal current at the Naruto Strait in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, the sea-level values were observed in the strait and the current measurements were made with an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). The tidal volume transports for M2 and S2 tides were about 74×103 and 26×103 m3 sec−1, respectively. The horizontal profile of the velocity at the phase of the strong tidal current compares favorably with a theoretical profile of the two-dimensional steady turbulent jet except for the side parts of the profile. Moreover, the entrainment rate of the surrounding water into the strong tidal jet was estimated from the difference of mass flux between two cross-sections at the strait, the entrainment rate and entrainment constant for both the northward and southward flows being about 1.3–2.5×10−4m−1 and about 0.03–0.05, respectively.
Findout: finding outliers in very large datasets

Finding the rare instances or the outliers is important in many KDD (knowledge discovery and data-mining) applications, such as detecting credit card fraud or finding irregularities in gene expressions. Signal-processing techniques have been introduced to transform images for enhancement, filtering, restoration, analysis, and reconstruction. In this paper, we present a new method in which we apply signal-processing techniques to solve important problems in data mining. In particular, we introduce a novel deviation (or outlier) detection approach, termed FindOut, based on wavelet transform. The main idea in FindOut is to remove the clusters from the original data and then identify the outliers. Although previous research showed that such techniques may not be effective because of the nature of the clustering, FindOut can successfully identify outliers from large datasets. Experimental results on very large datasets are presented which show the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Cloning of a cDNA encoding the cranberry dihydroflavonol-4-reductase (DFR) and expression in transgenic tobacco

Abstract A clone representing a fragment of the dihydroflavonol-4-reductase ( DFR ) gene from cranberry was isolated from a genomic DNA library using the tomato DFR gene as a probe. Sequence analysis of the clone confirmed homology to published DFR gene sequences. 3′ and 5′ RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) reactions from cranberry leaf total RNA were used to obtain the entire cDNA sequence. The sequence information was used to amplify a full-length clone by RT-PCR. Sequencing analysis to confirm the identity of the full-length DFR cDNA identified a putative second allele. Segregation analysis suggested that the two sequences are not allelic, but multi-locus. Nucleotide sequence homology of the full-length clones was highest to published DFR sequence from Camellia sinensis (about 80% identity) followed by Forsythia x intermedia , Antirrhinum majus , Rosa hybrida and Petunia hybrida . When expressed using the CaMV 35S promoter, the corolla of flowers of transgenic tobacco plants were much darker pink than the controls. Some flower parts not normally highly pigmented, such as the filaments, were also dark pink. These data confirm the identity and function of the cranberry clones and further suggest that overexpression of the cranberry DFR could be used to increase anthocyanin production in transgenic plants.
Bird utilisation of rehabilitated bauxite minesites in Western Australia

Abstract Alcoa of Australia Limited rehabilitate bauxite mined areas in the southwest of Western Australia. One of the aims of the revegetation programme is to promote the return of fauna species which inhabited areas prior to mining. This paper discusses the extent to which bird species utilise revegetated bauxite minesites. It was shown that revegetated areas as young as 4–5 years can support similar bird species numbers, densities and diversities as unmined forest. However, the avifaunal populations occupying any rehabilitated area depend largely on the rehabilitation technique used. Factors which may be used to increase further avifaunal utilisation of minesites are discussed. The effects of jarrah dieback and fire on forest birds are compared with results for bauxite mined areas. From this, it is possible to assess the combined impact of dieback, fire and mining on the longer term conservation of jarrah forest bird species.
Isolated T wave alternans progressing to QRS-T alternation after ventricular defibrillation.

A 54-year-old woman underwent re placement of a thrombosed Bjork-Shi ley aortic valve prosthesis. Post oper ative electrical defibrillation resulted in isolated T wave alternation which progressed to total QRS-T electrical al ternans. This report represents the first description of such a phenomenon.
An insulator loop resides between the synthetically interacting elements of the human/rat conserved breast cancer susceptibility locus MCS5A/Mcs5a

Many low-penetrance breast cancer susceptibility loci are found to be located in non-protein-coding regions, suggesting their involvement in gene expression regulation. We identified the human/rat-conserved breast cancer susceptibility locus MCS5A/Mcs5a. This locus has been shown to act in a non-mammary cell-autonomous fashion through the immune system. The resistant Mcs5a allele from the Wistar-Kyoto (WKy) rat strain consists of two non-protein-coding genetic elements that must be located on the same chromosome to elicit the phenotype. In this study, we show the presence of a conserved higher order chromatin structure in MCS5A/Mcs5a located in between the synthetically interacting genetic elements. The looped elements are shown to be bound by CTCF and cohesin. We identify the downregulation of Fbxo10 expression in T cells as a strong candidate mechanism through which the interacting genetic elements of the resistant Mcs5a allele modulate mammary carcinoma susceptibility. Finally, we show that the human MCS5A polymorphisms associated with breast cancer risk are located at both sides of the looped structure and functionally interact to downregulate transcriptional activity, similar to rat Mcs5a. We propose a mechanistic model for MCS5a/Mcs5a in which a CTCF-mediated insulator loop encompassing the TOMM5/Tomm5 gene, resides in between and brings into closer physical proximity the synthetically and functionally interacting resistant genetic variants.
Predicting drinking onset with discrete-time survival analysis in offspring from the San Diego prospective study

Previous research has shown that an early onset of drinking is associated with a range of problematic drinking outcomes in adulthood. However, earlier drinking is also linked to additional characteristics that themselves predict alcohol problems including male gender, a family history (FH) of alcoholism, age, race, parental alcoholism, depression symptoms, prior drug use, and conduct problems. This study tested the relationship between the age of first drink (AFD) and a range of risk factors that predict the onset of alcohol use. Participants were offspring from the San Diego Prospective Study (SDPS) who were at least 15 years old at the time of their most recent interview (n=147). Discrete-time survival analysis (DTSA) was used to relate multiple characteristics to the hazard function of alcohol onset across a relevant age range. The results demonstrated the predicted relationships to AFD for conduct problems, male gender, prior marijuana use, and a FH of alcoholism, even when these characteristics were estimated together. Furthermore, an interaction occurred such that offspring with both conduct problems and marijuana use were at substantially higher risk for alcohol use onset during this time period than would be predicted from the effect of these two risk factors alone. However, age at interview, ethnicity, parent education, and depressive symptoms did not predict the pattern of onset of drinking. Implications for future research and prevention efforts are discussed.
Experiments on shear deformation, debonding and local load transfer in a model graphite/glass/epoxy microcomposite

Recent statistical theories for the failure of polymer matrix composites depend heavily on details of the stress redistribution around fibre breaks. The magnitudes and length scales of fibre overloads as well as the extent of fibre/matrix debonding are key components in the development of longitudinal versus transverse crack propagation. While several theoretical studies have been conducted to investigate the roles of these mechanisms, little has been substantiated experimentally about the matrix constitutive behaviour and mechanisms of debonding at the length scale of a fibre break. In order to predict the growth of transverse and longitudinal cracks using the same micromechanical model, we microscopically observed the epoxy shear behaviour around a single fibre break in a three-fibre microcomposite tape. The planar specimens consisted of a single graphite fibre placed between two larger glass fibres in an epoxy matrix. The interfibre spacing was less than one fibre diameter (<6 μm) in order to reflect the spacing between fibres found in typical composites. The epoxy constitutive behaviour was modelled using shear-lag theory where the epoxy had elastic, plastic, and debond zones. The criteria for debonding were modified from conventional shear-lag approaches to reflect the orientational hardening in the epoxy network structure. The epoxy, which is brittle in bulk, locally underwent a shear strain of about 60% prior to debonding from the fibre.
Hierarchical nano-/micromaterials based on electrospun polymer fibers: Predictive models for thermomechanical behavior

Applications of small electrospun polymer fibers in hierarchical composite materials are discussed. Micromechanics models for effective elastic, thermal, and thermoelastic behavior of these materials are developed. The principle of effective homogeneity is applied to connect scales in the materials. Effective thermoelastic characteristics of nano- and microfiber composite are analyzed to illustrate the developed approach. Strong hybrid effects are observed in the dependence of effective modulus and thermal expansion coefficient on fractional content of fibers of different diameters. The extrema are located at the higher fractions of larger reinforcing elements. The methodology developed can be utilized for connecting scales in modeling other hierarchical materials.
A PLL Based Approach to Building an Effective Covert Timing Channel

Covert channel is used to secretly transfer information. In covert timing channels, all messages are decoded based on the arrival time of packets at the receiver side. In covert communications, synchronization between the sender and receiver plays a key role in decoding accuracy. Lost, duplicated, and out-of-order arrived packets may cause the loss of synchronization between the sender and receiver. In this study, a synchronization scheme, which is based on Phase Lock Loop (PLL), is proposed to build an effective covert timing channel. The scheme is software based and implemented in the transport layer. This is the first effort of using PLL for building a covert channel. Simulation results show that the scheme can achieve high decoding rate. Moreover, the covert timing channel built by the scheme is not affected by packet loss, duplication, and out-of-order arrival.
False-positive ketone tests: a bedside measure of urinary mesna

The sulfhydryl mesna is increasingly used to protect the bladder and kidney from effects of chemotherapy with ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide. Mesna reacts with reagents on urinary test strips designed to detect ketones. Test-strip results were correlated to sulfhydryl concentrations in 931 urine specimens obtained after infusions of mesna. These data may be used to estimate urinary mesna concentrations at the bedside or to test compliance in outpatients given oral mesna therapy.
Strings in Curved Space

Polyakov's quantization is extended to strings embedded in a curved space, and the critical dimension calculated. However the no-ghost theorem fails there unless the space is supersymmetric and Ricci-flat.
Structural Configuration of the Early Cretaceous Cordilleran Foreland-Basin System and Sevier Thrust Belt, Utah and Colorado

Abstract Stratigraphic and provenance data from Lower Cretaceous rocks in Utah and Colorado and structural evidence from the Sevier belt in west‐central Utah allow recognition of the ties between early thrust‐belt evolution and foreland‐basin system development. Regional isopach patterns of Lower Cretaceous strata define foreland‐basin system depozones. Lower Cretaceous strata in west‐central Utah that thicken westward from ∼100 m to ∼1.2 km were deposited within the flexurally subsiding foredeep depozone. Correlative units in eastern Utah and western Colorado ∼100 m thick were deposited in the back‐bulge depozone. These thickness trends indicate the Lower Cretaceous foreland‐basin system consisted of a foredeep ∼100–180 km wide and forebulge ∼260–460 km wide. A computer‐generated flexural model of the foreland‐basin system produces a reasonable match of the observed basin geometry using a 400‐km‐wide l...
The Real World of Arbitrariness Review

The Administrative Procedure Act instructs federal courts to invalidate agency decisions that are "arbitrary" or "capricious." In its 1983 decision in the State Farm case, the Supreme Court firmly endorsed the idea that arbitrariness review requires courts to take a "hard look" at agency decisions. The hard look doctrine has been defended as a second-best substitute for insistence on the original constitutional safeguards; close judicial scrutiny is said to discipline agency decisions and to constrain the illegitimate exercise of discretion. In the last two decades, however, hard look review has been challenged on the plausible but admittedly speculative ground that judges' policy preferences affect judicial decisions about whether agency decisions are "arbitrary." This study, based on an extensive data set, finds that the speculation is correct. Democratic appointees are far more likely to vote to invalidate, as arbitrary, conservative agency decisions than liberal agency decisions. Republican appointees are far more likely to invalidate, as arbitrary, liberal agency decisions than conservative agency decisions. Significant panel effects are also observed. Democratic appointees show especially liberal voting patterns on all-Democratic panels; Republican appointees show especially conservative voting patterns on all-Republican panels. Our central findings do not show that judicial votes are dominated by political considerations, but they do raise grave doubts about the claim that hard look review is operating as a neutral safeguard against the errors and biases of federal agencies. Because judicial policy commitments are playing a large role, there is a strong argument for reducing the role of those commitments, and perhaps for softening hard look review.
Locus of control and perceived alcohol ingestion in performance of a fine motor skill.

To investigate the influence of locus of control on a fine motor coordination task where subjects had ingested or believed that they had ingested alcohol, 60 men who were enrolled in introductory psychology and scored in the upper or lower thirds of the population on Rotter's I-E Scale (30 external and 30 internal scorers) were randomly assigned to one of three treatment conditions: a control group (no alcohol expected/no alcohol received), an alcohol group (alcohol expected/alcohol received), and a placebo group (alcohol expected/no alcohol received). Pretest and posttest measures of performance on the Purdue Pegboard Test were obtained from all subjects. Subjects in the control groups were given three 6-oz. (177.4-ml) glasses of fruit punch over a 35-min. waiting period between pretest and posttest on the Purdue Pegboard. The alcohol groups drank a sufficient number of similar glasses (usually three) to produce a 0.1% measure on a breathalyzer before completing the posttest on the Purdue Pegboard. The p...
Analysis of Practice

To profit most from experience, the physician needs some objective means of examining his practice. Practice analysis shows what you are actually doing and provides evidence of deficiencies that need correction. Beverly Payne has found that when clinicians view their practice in the aggregate, as in research participation, “There are compelling observations that lead to significant changes in behavior.”