cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rate constant for the reaction of O(3P) with H2 by the flash photolysis—shock tube and flash photolysis—resonance fluorescence techniques; 504K≤T≤2495K

The rate constant for the reaction, O ( P 3 ) + H 2 → O H + H , ( 1 ) was measured over the temperature range of 504K to 2495 K by two independent experimental methods. The flash photolysis-shock tube (FP-ST) technique, combined with atomic resonance absorption spectroscopy (ARAS), was used over the temperature range 880K to 2495K. The results from the FP-ST work, expressed in simple Arrhenius form, are: k 1 ( T ) = ( 3.1 ± 0.2 ) × 10 − 10 exp ⁡ ( − 13620 ± 170 / R T ) c m 3 molecule − 1 s − 1 , where the units of R in this and succeeding expressions are cal mole −1 K −1 . The flash photolysis-resonance fluorescence (FP-RF) technique was utilized to measure rate constants from 504K to 923K. Results from the FP-RF experiments, also expressed in simple Arrhenius form, are: k 1 ( T ) = ( 7.2 ± 0.4 ) × 10 − 11 exp ⁡ ( − 10430 ± 70 / R T ) c m 3 molecule − 1 s − 1 . These kinetic results for the reaction of O( 3 P) with H 2 exhibit non-Arrhenius behavior. This conclusion is confirmed by the recent kinetic data of Presser and Gordon (297K≤T≤471K). The combined results from these three data sets are expressed by the three parameter fit: k 1 ( T ) = 8.4 × 10 − 20 T 2.67 exp ⁡ ( − 6290 / R T ) c m 3 molecule − 1 s − 1 . The estimated error in this expression is about ±30% over the entire temperature range, 297K to 2495K. Rate constants for reaction (1) from recent ab initio calculations are in excellent agreement with these experimental results.
SURRENDER OF JUDGMENT AND THE CONSENT THEORY OF POLITICAL AUTHORITY

The aim of this paper is to take the first steps toward providing a refurbished consent theory of political authority, one that rests in part on a reconception of the relationship between the surrender of judgment and the authoritativeness of political institutions. On the standard view, whatever grounds political authority implies that one ought to surrender one's judgment to that of one's political institutions. On the refurbished view, it is the surrender of one's judgment – which can plausibly be considered a form of consent – that makes political institutions practically authoritative.
A Hybrid Rapid Microfluidic Mixer Utilizing Electrokinetic Relay and Asymmetric Flow Geometries for Lab-on-a-Chip Applications

Numerical study on a rapid micromixer based on hybrid electrokinetic relay and asymmetric serpentine structures is presented. Effective mixing of liquids is essential in many applications such as drug delivery, DNA analysis/sequencing, pheromone synthesis in micro bioreactors, and biological/chemical agent detections. Rapid mixing can reduce the analysis time and permit high throughput in lab-on-a-chip or micro total analysis systems (μTAS). The proposed hybrid mixing takes advantages of both mixing enhancements induced by asymmetric flow geometries and the electrokinetic relay actuating. Simulation results show that the micro mixer is able to achieve high mixing efficiencies (94.3%) in short time (1.2s). Effects of relay frequency, electric field and channel geometry on micro-mixing have been conducted. Numerical results show that electrokinetic relay at an appropriate frequency causes effective micromixing. Moreover asymmetric flow geometries are critical for ultra effective mixing.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Qumran Aramaic, Corpus Linguistics, and Aramaic Retroversion

The Aramaic of Qumran is sometimes claimed to be the best or only Aramaic dialect to use for understanding the Aramaic background of the New Testament. In fact, although it has its uses, the corpus of Qumran Aramaic is very small, and it is not a sufficient source on its own for the purposes of back-translating portions of the New Testament into “authentic” first-century c.e. Palestinian Aramaic. A consideration of the difficulties of retroversion when the translation technique of the Greek writer is unknown, combined with inadequate control of Aramaic among retroverters, suggests that largescale Aramaic retroversion of New Testament passages has no chance of reconstructing the original Aramaic of the Gospels.
Terbium fluorescence studies of cisplatin binding to GH3/B6 pituitary tumor cells.

Abstract Terbium (Tb 3+ ) fluorescence was used to investigate the interaction of cisplatin with GH3/B6 pituitary tumor cells. The binding of cisplatin to GH3/B6 cells quenched the fluorescence intensity of bound Tb 3+ . The IC 50 for cisplatin inhibition of Tb 3+ -GH3/B6 fluorescence was determined to be 190 μM. Cisplatin was found to non-competitively inhibit the cellular binding of Tb 3+ , causing a dramatic decrease in the maximum number of high-affinity Tb 3+ binding sites (by 33%), without markedly affecting their binding affinity. The half-life for the cellular binding of cisplatin was calculated to be 2.7 min. It was suggested that the plasma membrane of GH3/B6 cells contain a specific protein receptor for binding cisplatin.
Stereotypes and Prejudice as Dynamic Constructs: Reminders about the Nature of Intergroup Bias from the Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

Following Hurricane Katrina, hundreds of thousands of Gulf Coast residents, many of whom were African Americans, were relocated to communities around the U.S., including predominantly European American communities. The experiences of relocation community members are a potent reminder of the ever-changing and multiply-determined nature of stereotypes and prejudice. Prejudice and stereotyping are dynamic processes that evolve in response to numerous factors. Although several models of prejudice and stereotyping are dynamic and/or time-oriented, research on these topics predominantly has involved single-session laboratory experiments examining single mechanisms. To illustrate the importance of dynamic research, we outline a longitudinal model describing the potential independent and interactive effects of inter group contact, individuating information, and perceived group threat from Katrina evacuees on prejudice and stereotypes about African Americans. The "natural experiment" created by the Katrina relocation reminds psychologists that naturalistic and longitudinal research on prejudice and stereotypes is an important complement to laboratory experiments.
Basolateral K+ conductance in principal cells of rat CCD

Whole cell K+ current was measured by forming seals on the luminal membrane of principal cells in split-open rat cortical collecting ducts. The mean inward, Ba2+-sensitive conductance, with 40 mM e...
Asynchronous and clocked control structures for VLSI based interconnection networks

A central issue in the design of multiprocessor systems is the interconnection network which provides communications paths between the processors. For large systems, high bandwidth interconnection networks will require numerous 'network chips' with each chip implementing some subnetwork of the original larger network. Modularity and growth are important properties for such networks since multiprocessor systems may vary in size. This paper is concerned with the question of timing control of such networks. Two approaches, asynchronous and clocked, are used in the design of a basic network switching module. The modules and the approaches are then modelled and equations for network time delay are developed. These equations form the basis for a comparison between the two approaches. The importance of clock distribution strategies and clock skew is quantified, and a network clock distribution scheme which guarantees equal length clock paths is presented.
Engineering of a protein with cyclooxygenase and prostacyclin synthase activities that converts arachidonic acid to prostacyclin.

Prostacyclin (PGI2), a vascular protector with vasodilation and antithrombotic properties, is synthesized by coupling reactions of cyclooxygenase (COX, the first enzyme) with PGI2 synthase (PGIS, the second enzyme) using arachidonic acid (AA) as an initial substrate. The first COX product, prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) is also a command substrate for other prostanoid enzymes that produce distinct eicosanoids, such as thromboxane A2 (TXA2). The actions of TXA2 to cause vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation oppose the vasodilatory and anti-aggregatory effects of PGI2. Specifically upregulating PGI2 biosynthesis is an ideal model for the prevention and treatment of the TXA2-mediated thrombosis involved in strokes and myocardial infarctions. Here, we report that a single protein was constructed by linking COX-2 and PGIS together to form a new fusion enzyme through a transmembrane domain with 10 or 22 residues. The engineered protein expressed in HEK293 and COS-7 cells was able to continually convert AA to prost...
Distinct Caenorhabditis elegans HLH‐8/twist‐containing dimers function in the mesoderm

Background: The Caenorhabditis elegans basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factor HLH-8, the single Twist ortholog in the nematode genome, plays important roles in mesoderm development, including M lineage patterning and differentiation of vulval and enteric muscles. HLH-8 cooperates with HLH-2, the bHLH E/ Daughterless ortholog, to regulate downstream target genes, but it is not known whether HLH-2 is an obligate partner for all HLH-8 functions. Results: Using hlh-2 loss-of-function alleles and RNAi, we discovered that HLH-2 is required in the vulval muscles but not in M patterning or enteric muscle development. Additionally, we found that expressing tethered HLH-8/HLH-8 dimers in hlh-8 null animals rescued M patterning and enteric but not vulval muscle development. Conclusions: These results support a model whereby HLH-8/HLH-8 homodimers function in M lineage patterning and enteric muscles and HLH-8/ HLH-2 heterodimers function in the M-derived vulval muscles. Interestingly, the different dimers function in the same M lineage cells and the switch in dimer function coincides with vulval muscle differentiation. The use of distinct Twist dimers is evolutionarily conserved, and C. elegans provides a paradigm for future dissection of differential promoter regulation by these dimers at a single cell resolution. Developmental Dynamics 241:481–492, 2012. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Propagation into an unstable state

We describe propagating front solutions of the equations of motion of pattern-forming systems. We make a number of conjectures concerning the properties of such fronts in connection with pattern selection in these systems. We describe a calculation which can be used to calculate the velocity and state selected by certain types of propagating fronts. We investigate the propagating front solutions of the amplitude equation which provides a valid dynamical description of many pattern-forming systems near onset.
Protein in foliage leachates of Pinus radiata

Abstract Protein, together with polysaccharide, was identified among components of foliage leachates of Pinus radiata. The protein separated into two main fractions on Sephadex G-75 when eluted with Tris buffer or with sodium dodecyl sulphate. Electrophoresis of the mixture in polyacrylamide gel revealed seven protein-staining bands, while cellulose chromatography using acidic and basic solvents separated the protein into ten ninhydrin- reactive compounds. Acid-catalysed hydrolysis released fourteen amino acids, together with galactose, mannose, fucose, and galacturonic acid as the main monosaccharides.
Testing distortion estimations in Retinal Prostheses

Retinal Prosthesis device has been approved by FDA for treatment of vision impairment caused by RP. Validating the visual distortion estimation algorithms used in prosthesis is crucial for the safe use of prosthesis. An approach based on metamorphic testing was described to validate a prosthesis distortion estimation algorithm. Four metamorphic relations including two necessary conditions for the correct functioning of the estimation algorithm were identified. Violations in two metamorphic relations were detected showing different estimation behavior of prosthetic vs. regular images and those having high distortions.
Precise Voltage to Frequency Converter for Telemetry Applications of Strain Gage Pressure Transducers

A voltage to frequency converter suitable for telemetric applications of strain gage pressure transducers is described and analyzed. The circuit uses a voltage reference IC and a temperature dependent op amp bias current to achieve zero pressure offsets less than 3 torr over a 25°C temperature range and a 1 volt supply voltage range.
Overcoming Religious Illiteracy: Expanding the Boundaries of Religious Education

AbstractAfter defining religious literacy, the article explores key characteristics of the study of religion based on the differentiation of the devotional expressions of religions and their study, the fact that religions are internally diverse, and that they are situated in cultures. A cultural studies approach to the teaching of religion is described. Implications are drawn for the work of religious educators.
Electron transfer dissociation of multiply protonated and fixed charge disulfide linked polypeptides

Abstract Multiply protonated disulfide linked peptides and fixed charged analogs have been subjected to electron transfer ion/ion reactions to examine the role of excess protons in inducing cleavage of the disulfide bond in electron transfer dissociation. Systems in which all of the excess charge was due to fixed charge sites (i.e., quaternary ammonium groups) showed somewhat more disulfide bond cleavage than the fully protonated species. This observation argues against a major role for a mechanism that requires hydrogen transfer to the disulfide bond as a prerequisite for its cleavage. Interestingly, species with mixed cation sites (one or more excess protons and one or more fixed charge side chains) showed lower propensities for disulfide bond cleavage than either the corresponding fully protonated or fully derivatized species. This observation is not likely to be accounted for by direct electron transfer to a Coulomb stabilized disulfide bond because the identities of the charge bearing sites are not expected to play a significant role in the degree of stabilization. The results appear to be best rationalized on the basis of the ‘through bond electron transfer’ mechanism of Simons et al., in conjunction with rate limiting intramolecular electron transfer(s) between charge bearing sites. Intramolecular electron transfer between charge sites can play a role in mediating electron movement from the site of initial electron capture to the site from which an electron is transferred to the disulfide anti-bonding orbital.
Constraints on information processing capacity in adults with ADHD.

Objective Researchers in the cognitive sciences have demonstrated the existence of processing capacity bottlenecks in the human brain. These capacity bottlenecks restrict our ability to process and act on environmental information. The purpose of the current study was to examine whether adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show reduced capacity of working memory and response selection mechanisms. Method Thirty-eight young adults with ADHD and 33 comparison adults were assessed using two measures of processing capacity. A dual choice-response task (psychological refractory period [PRP] task) measured response selection capacity, and an n-back task measured working memory capacity. These tasks measured capacity by assessing the degree to which increasing processing load disrupted performance. Results Results confirmed that performance declined as cognitive load was increased, and this was true for both groups on each task. On the PRP task, the performance decline resulting from increased cognitive load was more pronounced in the ADHD group than in the control group, indicative of reduced response selection capacity in the ADHD group. On the n-back task, however, there was no group difference in the degree to which increasing processing load disrupted performance. Conclusions Results indicate that adults with ADHD show a specific capacity reduction of response selection. This evidence suggests a dissociation between working memory and response selection capacities, and it may have implications for understanding cognitive dysfunction in adults with ADHD.
Effects of Foreign Aid on GDP Growth and Fiscal Behavior: An Econometric Case Study of Bangladesh

This study estimates an aid-growth model and an aid-fiscal model to quantify the effects of foreign aid on GDP growth and fiscal behavior in Bangladesh over the 1973-1999 period. The aid-growth model applies the cointegration method to a neoclassical growth model and finds that aid has marginal effects on GDP growth, but when aid is disaggregated into loans and grants, it is found that loans significantly raise GDP growth, while grants do not. The aid-fiscal model employs a non-linear simultaneous model and finds that foreign grants mostly finance non-productive civil expenditures, but foreign loans generally finance public investment projects and human capital building programs, which eventually lead to higher output growth. â€©
EFFECT OF TISSUE ABSORPTION AND MICROSCOPE OPTICAL PARAMETERS ON THE DEPTH OF PENETRATION FOR FLUORESCENCE AND REFLECTANCE MEASUREMENTS OF TISSUE SAMPLES

— An equation has been derived that is concerned with the measurements of fluorescence or reflectance intensities in reflectance or incident light microscopy. A theoretical basis for the linear relationship between relative fluorescence and reflectance changes is given. This equation predicts both the contributions of different volume elements below the surface of a tissue sample to the total intensity and the depth of penetration of the measured intensities. The relationship requires knowledge of the effective focal points of the excitation beam and the apparent absorption coefficient of the sample. Two procedures are given to provide the empirical values of the effective focal point. The absorption coefficient of mouse liver tissue at 420 nm was determined to be 3.3/mm. The fluorescence intensities of liver slices of differing thickness containing pyrene butyric acid were measured and were found to compare favorably with the calculated values for tissue absorption of 3/mm.
Hepatotoxins and Liver Transplantation Decrease Pulmonary Metastases in Rats with Hepatoma

Abstract Results following liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma have been dismal, attributed largely to recurrent disease locally or at distant sites. Undetected micrometastases or tumor that embolizes at the time of liver transplant from manipulation of the liver may account for these recurrences. A model and treatment protocol were developed to address this clinical problem. The protocol is modeled on the concept of bone marrow transplantation for leukemia. Hepatotoxins that are lethal to both normal hepatocytes and hepatoma cells are administered followed by liver transplantation to “rescue” the failing liver. The feasibility of this protocol was examined in a rat model. Male Buffalo rats were injected with 1 million Morris hepatoma MH-7777 cells intravenously at Day 0 as a model for micrometastatic disease. Three treatment groups were established. Group 1 received no treatment. Group 2 received 5% dextrose in water (D5W) followed by a syngeneic orthotopic liver transplant (OLTX). Group 3 received the hepatotoxin pyrazofurin (10 mg/kg) followed by OLTX. Animals were followed to Day 35, at which time they were sacrificed and examined for evidence of pulmonary metastases and quantitation of nodules with India ink insufflation. There was a significant decrease in the number of pulmonary nodules as well as the number of animals with pulmonary metastatic disease in the pyrazofurin-treated group compared with groups 1 and 2 (4.8 ± 4.0 nodules/animal vs 45.2 ± 11.2 nodules/animal—no treatment and 60.8 ± 21.4 nodules/animal—D5W/OLTX group) These data indicate that this model is reliable for examining metastatic hepatoma and that pyrazofurin is effective in preventing hematogenous micrometastases of hepatoma cells. Other hepatotoxins and the effect of allogeneic transplantation and immunosuppression could be examined in this model.
Versican in human fetal skin development

The extracellular matrix of human fetal skin differs substantially from that of adult skin. Fetal skin contains sparse amounts of fibrillar collagen enmeshed in a highly hydrated amorphous matrix composed of hyaluronan and sulfated proteoglycans. Both fetal and adult skin contain two major interstitial proteoglycans that are extracted by chaotrophic agents and detergents. These are the large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan versican and the small dermatan sulfate proteoglycan decorin. For this study, proteoglycans extracted from fetal and adult skin were compared on Western blots to determine the relative amounts of versican. Decorin present in the same samples provided an internal standard for these studies. Fetal skin differed from adult skin in that it contained a significantly higher proportion of versican than did adult skin. Immunohistochemical studies compared early-fetal with mid-fetal skin and found that versican was a significant component of the interstitial extracellular matrix at both of these stages of skin development. However, by the mid-fetal period, interstitial versican became restricted to the upper half of the dermis, although versican also continued to be highly expressed around hair follicles, glands, and vasculature in the lower half of the dermis. Fetal skin extracts differed from an adult skin extract by the presence of a 66-kDa protein immunologically related to versican and by the absence of a 17-kDa core protein of a proteoglycan related to decorin. Both of these molecular species may represent degradation products of their respective proteoglycans. Monoclonal antibodies which detect epitopes in native chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan chains recognized versican extracted from fetal skin. However, the tissue distribution of these antigens did not entirely conform to that for versican core protein, suggesting that versican in different regions of the skin may be substituted with glycosaminoglycan chains with different microchemistries. The results of these studies indicate that human fetal skin is structurally different from adult skin in terms of both the distribution and the composition of the large, aggregating chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan versican.
A short note on pitman nearness for elliptically symmetric estimators

Abstract The Pitman nearness criterion for estimators with elliptically symmetric distributions is considered. Certain results in Peddada and Khattree (1986) are generalized for this family of distributions.
Effects of Full-Scale Beach Renovation on Fecal Indicator Levels in Shoreline Sand and Water

Recolonization of enterococci, at a non-point source beach known to contain high background levels of bacteria, was studied after a full-scale beach renovation project. The renovation involved importation of new exogenous sand, in addition to infrastructure improvements. The study's objectives were to document changes in sand and water quality and to evaluate the relative contribution of different renovation activities towards these changes. These objectives were addressed: by measuring enterococci levels in the sand and fecal indicator bacteria levels (enterococci and fecal coliform) in the water, by documenting sediment characteristics (mineralogy and biofilm levels), and by estimating changes in observable enterococci loads. Analysis of enterococci levels on surface sand and within sediment depth cores were significantly higher prior to beach renovation (6.3-72 CFU/g for each sampling day) when compared to levels during and after beach renovation (0.8-12 CFU/g) (P < 0.01). During the renovation process, sand enterococci levels were frequently below detection limits (<0.1 CFU/g). For water, exceedances in the regulatory thresholds that would trigger a beach advisory decreased by 40% for enterococci and by 90% for fecal coliform. Factors that did not change significantly between pre- and post- renovation included the enterococci loads from animals (approx. 3 × 10(11) CFU per month). Factors that were observed to change between pre- and post- renovation activities included: the composition of the beach sand (64% versus 98% quartz, and a significant decrease in biofilm levels) and loads from direct stormwater inputs (reduction of 3 × 10(11) CFU per month). Overall, this study supports that beach renovation activities contributed to improved sand and water quality resulting in a 50% decrease of observable enterococci loads due to upgrades to the stormwater infrastructure. Of interest was that the change in the sand mineralogy also coincided with changes in biofilm levels. More work is needed to evaluate the relationships between beach sand mineralogy, biofilm characteristics, and the retention of fecal indicator bacteria in sand.
Use of barrel in applications studies

Barrel is a language-development facility, whose conceptual and theoretical bases are outlined in a companion paper. The present paper attempts to describe applications of Barrel and usages of it, on the Data General Eclipse, mostly, but also on the DEC Vax 11/750.The studies in which Barrel has been applied are primarly non-numerical. An attempt is being made to develop strong capabilities in both string and list processing. An important newer form of computation: that of logic processing is being watched with some facilities for it being included in the work.Four components of Barrel are described: BMAC, basic facilities providing an interpreter with some rudimentary compiler features, reminiscent of interactive Basic; BICON, delivering string processing facilities modeled after the new string-processing language, ICON; BLISP, a (functional programming) subset of LISP; BTPS, a table-processing system which links to other (network based) table-processing software. The components operate interactively, line-by-line or in larger units of code.
TAXONOMY AND ULTRASTRUCTURE OF GOMPHONEIS MESTA SP. NOV. (BACILLARIOPHYTA), A NEW EPILITHIC DIATOM FROM THE MESTA RIVER, BULGARIA1

A new species from the diatom genus Gomphoneis, G. mesta, was described following morphological and ultra-structural analyses of its frustules by light and scanning electron microscopy. The valve striation consisting of double rows of areolae and the presence of longitudinal lines dictate the systematic position of this taxon in the genus Gomphoneis. The set of features that distinguishes G. mesta from allied taxa is small valves, 26.5–81.6 μm in length and 7–12.5 μm in width, lanceolate to clavate shape, with a broadly lanceolate axial area, and longitudinal lines positioned next to the valve margins, thus contributing to a general thickening of the valve outline. When compared to other members of the genus, G. mesta most resembles G. magna Kociolek & Stoermer. Gomphoneis mesta dominates the epilithic community, growing in the Cherna Mesta, a pristine high-mountainous tributary of the Mesta River in Bulgaria. The species has been also found as small populations in all other benthic habitats of the Cherna Mesta and in a few locations along the Mesta River.
Sharp regularity results on second derivatives of solutions to the Monge‐Ampère equation with VMO type data

We establish interior estimates for Lp-norms, Orlicz norms, and mean oscillation of second derivatives of solutions to the Monge-Ampere equation det D2u = f(x) with zero boundary value, where f(x) is strictly positive, bounded, and satisfies a VMO-type condition. These estimates develop the regularity theory of the Monge-Ampere equation in VMO-type spaces. Our Orlicz estimates also sharpen Caffarelli's celebrated W2, p-estimates. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An ab initio study of ethane conversion reactions on zeolites using the complete basis set composite energy method

Ab initio methods are used to study the transition state structures and activation energies of ethane cracking, hydrogen exchange, and dehydrogenation reactions catalyzed by a zeolite model cluster. The reactant and transition state structures are optimized by HF and MP2 methods and the final energies are calculated using a complete basis set composite energy method. The computed activation barriers are 71.39 kcal/mol for cracking, 31.39 kcal/mol for hydrogen exchange and 75.95 kcal/mol for dehydrogenation using geometries optimized with the MP2 method. The effects of cluster size and acidity on the reaction barriers are also investigated. The relationships between activation barriers and zeolite deprotonation energies for each reaction are proposed so that accurate activation energies can be obtained when using different zeolites as catalysts.
Neutropenic colitis in children.

Background Neutropenic colitis (NC) or typhlitis has an incidence of approximately 5% in patients receiving chemotherapy for malignancy. The precise cause is unknown, but almost all patients are neutropenic; most profoundly so. We reviewed our experience with neutropenic colitis over the past 10 y to assess the incidence, management, and outcome. Materials and Methods Hospital records were reviewed after obtaining IRB approval (# 10-10-184E). There were 1224 children treated for cancer at our institution over the study interval. Neutropenic colitis was strictly defined as the presence of both clinical and radiographic findings consistent with the diagnosis, since there are no definitive diagnostic criteria. Patients with confirmed appendicitis were excluded. Medical management consisted of bowel rest and/or decompression, broad-spectrum IV antibiotics and anti-fungal coverage, and serial clinical exams and radiographic studies. Clinical deterioration and free air were the primary indications for surgery. Demographic factors, signs, symptoms, clinical presentation, underlying disease process, white blood cell count (WBC), and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) prior to the onset of the disease, treatment, and outcome were analyzed. Results Neutropenic colitis was confirmed in 17 children (1.4% incidence). Three patients had more than one episode. Leukemia was the most common underlying diagnosis (53%). There was no gender predominance, and the mean age at diagnosis was 8.4 y. Mean WBC and ANC at onset were 670 and 164, respectively. A sharp decline in the ANC usually immediately preceded the onset of NC; 2/17 (12%) underwent operation, but both patients had only pneumatosis at exploration. Overall survival was 9/17 (53%), but no deaths were directly attributable to the colitis. Conclusion Neutropenic colitis is an uncommon occurrence in children with neoplasia (1.4% in the current study). Leukemia is the most common cause. A precipitous decline in ANC usually occurs prior to the onset of NC. Most patients do not require operation and the overall mortality directly attributable to NC is low.
New test of quantum mechanics: Is Planck’s constant unique?

We discuss the possibility that different realms of physics are described by distinct quantization constants. From the consistency of existing data, we infer limits on the differences between hypothetically distinct quantization constants for different elementary particles. Since the existence of multiple Planck constants implies violations of space-time symmetries, these limits may be viewed as precise tests of fundamental conservation laws, including the conservation of linear momentum and energy.
Plk1 phosphorylation of IRS2 prevents premature mitotic exit via AKT inactivation

Insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins play important roles by acting as a platform in transducing signals from transmembrane receptors upon growth factor stimulation. Although tyrosine phosphorylation on IRS proteins plays critical roles in signal transduction, phosphorylation of IRS proteins on serine/threonine residues is believed to play various regulatory roles in IRS protein function. However, studies of serine/threonine phosphorylation of IRS proteins are very limited, especially for insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2), one member of the IRS protein family. In this study, we identify Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) as the responsible kinase for phosphorylation of IRS2 on two serine residues, Ser 556 and Ser 1098. Phosphorylation of IRS2 at these two serine residues by Plk1 prevents the activation of the PI3K pathway upon growth factor stimulation by inhibiting the binding between IRS2 and the PI3K pathway components and increasing the level of IRS2 protein degradation. Significantly, we show that IRS2 phosphorylation is cell cycle-regulated and that Plk1 phosphorylation of IRS2 prevents premature mitotic exit via AKT inactivation.
A platinum acetylide polymer with sterically demanding substituents: effect of aggregation on the triplet excited state.

The effect of interchain interaction on the triplet excited state is explored in two Pt−acetylide polymers of the type [−trans-Pt(PBu3)2−C⋮C−Ar−C⋮C−]n, where Ar is either 1,4-phenylene or is based on the pentiptycene unit (polymers 2 and 3, respectively). To explore the effect of interchain interaction in Pt−acetylide materials, the optical properties of parent polymer 2 are compared with those of polymer 3 in which interchain interaction is precluded by the sterically bulky pentiptycene moiety. Insight into the effect of the pentiptycene unit on packing in the solid state comes from the X-ray structure of monomer 1b, Ph−C⋮C−[trans-Pt(PBu3)2]−C⋮C−Ar−C⋮C−[trans-Pt(PBu3)2]−C⋮C−Ph. Spectroscopic studies indicate that weak phosphorescence emission from an interchain aggregate is observed from parent polymer 2, both in solution and in the solid state. By contrast, the photophysics of 3 is dominated by the intrachain triplet exciton. Interestingly, the phosphorescence emission of polymer 3 in the solid state is...
Factors influencing the sparkover voltage of asymmetrically connected sphere gaps

THE sphere gap which is widely used as a method of measuring high voltage has its acceptance based on extensive calibration of the breakdown of air as a dielectric between spheres of specified sizes and spacings. The breakdown voltages between spheres of particular sizes are given for spacings up to a sphere diameter in the AIEE Standard no. 41 and in the British Standard no. 358.2
Scientists meet the KWIC index

A KWIC Cumulative Index to the first 53 years of the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America has been produced and distributed to the members of the Society. There are only about 1,000 members of this group. This paper reports the reactions of this group of scientists to the novel index. Temporal variation of the preference is studied both as a simple Markov process and as a birth and death model. The findings are extrapolated to predict the stable level of preference. By the birth and death model, about 75% of the respondents would eventually prefer the KWIC index over the traditional subject index. Authors provided a large percentage of the respondents so they were treated separately. About 80% of the authors would eventually prefer the KWIC index, assuming no change in the environment. The simple Markov process gave slightly lower values. Because of the rapid change in information retrieval techniques, these results may not remain valid very long, nor for groups in different environments.
A Theoretical Model of Scenario Planning

This article attempts to address a lack of theory-based models in scenarioplanning practice. By using Dubin’s 1978 quantitative theory-building methodology, this article provides a theoretical model of scenario planning. To clarify, several critical elements of scenario planning are proposed as well as how they are related, in what environments they operate, and under what circumstances. In addition, some logical consequences are offered based on the constructed model. Finally, the implications of the model for human resource development research, practice, and theory are discussed.
Naturalistic inquiry and the saturation concept: a research note

Saturation is mentioned in many qualitative research reports without any explanation of what it means and how it occurred. Recognizing the saturation point presents a challenge to qualitative researchers, especially in the absence of explicit guidelines for determining data or theoretical saturation. This research note examines the saturation concept in naturalistic inquiry and the challenges it presents. In particular, it summarizes the saturation process in a grounded theory study of community-based antipoverty projects. The main argument advanced in this research note is that claims of saturation should be supported by an explanation of how saturation was achieved and substantiated by clear evidence of its occurrence.
Takeover Theory and the Law and Economics Movement

This chapter, from the forthcoming Research Handbook on the Economics of Corporate Law, examines the influence of the law and economics movement on takeover theory. Beginning in 1965 with Henry Manne's famous theory of the market for corporate control and ending with the 2011 decision in Air Products v. Airgas, this chapter is an intellectual history of the law and economics field as applied to takeovers. It is also about possible new directions and topics for this field and its future use in structuring and analyzing takeover theory.
Localization of acetylcholine receptors on isolated CNS neurons: cellular and subcellular differentiation

Significant progress has been made in determining regional expression of neurotransmitter receptors within the CNS, but little information is available at the neuronal level. In the current study, to begin characterizing cellular and subcellular aspects of receptor differentiation, we have localized ACh receptors on neurons isolated from the chicken CNS. Localization was determined autoradiographically using 2 cholinergic receptor probes: 3H-propylbenzilylcholine mustard (PrBCM) a muscarinic antagonist, and 125I-alpha-bungarotoxin (BTX), a putative nicotinic ligand in the avian CNS. To isolate neurons, we incubated embryonic chicken retinas (E13-E19) in Ca2+/Mg2+-free buffer containing 8 units/ml papain for 20 min and then gently agitated the tissue by trituration. Large numbers of dendrite-rich neurons, belonging to recognizable morphological subpopulations (e.g., multipolar neurons of various sizes, small bipolar and unipolar neurons), were collected on slides for autoradiography. Cell isolation had no effect on ligand binding levels, and a high ratio of specific to nonspecific binding allowed us to associate silver grains with receptor position. Muscarinic-receptor-positive cells comprised a recognizable subpopulation that had small rounded cell bodies (6–7 micron) and a single emergent arbor. The cells had an axial or elongated appearance. Muscarinic receptors were abundant over dendrites but absent from cell bodies. Segregation to dendrites was complete by E13, the age when synapses reportedly first begin to appear. Cells labeled with 125I-BTX were more heterogeneous in morphology. The most striking BTX-positive cells comprised neurons with large cell bodies (approximately 15 micron) and multiple processes. Dendrites were profusely labeled, but only sporadic labeling was seen on cell bodies, and often this was at sites crossed by labeled dendrites. Maximum labeling occurred in the distal, smallest-caliber ends of the dendritic arbors. All limbs of BTX- positive multipolar neurons expressed abundant receptors. Occasionally, a thin uniform-caliber process was seen branching from a primary dendrite, and such processes, which may have been axons, were never labeled. Very small neurons with bipolar morphology also showed minimal or no labeling on one process, despite dense labeling on the other. Photoreceptors and Mueller cells were never labeled with BTX or PrBCM. The data show that, within a discrete CNS region, specific subpopulations of neurons independently regulate expression of ACh receptors and that, even early in development, control mechanisms segregate receptors to physiologically appropriate regions of the cell surface.
Residential Immobility of the Elderly: An Empirical Investigation

This paper investigates the reasons for the substantially lower residential mobility rates among the elderly than the non-elderly. Households with low propensities to move are posited to be those that face few benefits from moving—that is, they are near equilibrium with respect to their housing consumption and tenure choice—or those that face large costs to moving. Using household data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, measures of housing disequilibrium and tenure disequilibrium were constructed. Elderly renters were found to be largely in equilibrium and would benefit little from moving. In contrast, elderly homeowners are more likely to be in substantial disequilibrium than their younger counterparts. Conclusions as to which costs to moving are most salient could not be made.
Inhibition of mTOR Signaling Reduces PELP1-Mediated Tumor Growth and Therapy Resistance

Proline, Glutamic acid- and Leucine-rich Protein 1 (PELP1) is a proto-oncogene that modulates estrogen receptor (ER) signaling. PELP1 expression is upregulated in breast cancer, contributes to therapy resistance, and is a prognostic marker of poor survival. In a subset of breast tumors, PELP1 is predominantly localized in the cytoplasm and PELP1 participates in extranuclear signaling by facilitating ER interactions with Src and PI3 kinases. However, the mechanism by which PELP1 extranuclear actions contributes to cancer progression and therapy resistance remains unclear. In this study, we discovered that PELP1 crosstalked with the serine/threonine protein kinase mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) axis and modulated mTOR signaling. PELP1 knockdown significantly reduced the activation of mTOR downstream signaling components. Conversely, PELP1 overexpression excessively activated mTOR signaling components. We detected the presence of the mTOR signaling complex proteins in PELP1 immunoprecipitates. mTOR targeting drugs (Rapamycin or AZD8055) significantly reduced proliferation of PELP1 over expressed breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo xenograft tumor models. MCF7 cells that uniquely retain PELP1 in the cytoplasm showed resistance to hormonal therapy and mTOR inhibitors sensitized PELP1-cyto cells to hormonal therapy in xenograft assays. Notably, IHC studies using xenograft tumors derived from PELP1 overexpression model cells showed increased mTOR signaling and inhibition of mTOR rendered PELP1 driven tumors to be highly sensitive to therapeutic inhibition. Collectively, our data identified the PELP1-mTOR axis as a novel component of PELP1 oncogenic functions and suggest that mTOR inhibitor(s) will be effective chemotherapeutic agents for downregulating PELP1 oncogenic functions.
Lack of locomotor-cardiac coupling in trotting dogs

Coupling of locomotor and cardiac cycles has been suggested to facilitate effective arterial delivery and venous return during vigorous exercise. In an attempt to document locomotor-cardiac couplin...
The balance of great-power influence in contemporary Southeast Asia

This article reviews and critiques recent scholarly work on Southeast Asian relations with the great powers, examining the strategies that ASEAN governments have used and the effects of those strategies. The author argues that Southeast Asian governments have generally steered away from traditional balance of power politics to promote a more complex ‘balance of influence’ comprising military, economic, institutional, and ideational dimensions. A key feature of this balance of influence strategy has been its inclusiveness. Southeast Asian governments have invited competing great powers to participate in the region’s economic and diplomatic affairs so that they develop stakes in the region’s peace and prosperity. The author contends that Southeast Asian efforts have been relatively successful to date, contributing to a multi-dimensional balance that is relatively resilient and places significant constraints on any external power’s ability to exercise unwanted dominance in the region.
What the Journal of Electrocardiology can do for electrocardiogram technologists: an electrocardiogram Technologist's Perspective.

The position of an electrocardiogram (ECG) technologist or technician plays an integral role in any medical facility with responsibilities going far beyond placing electrodes on the patient’s chest for the ECG recording. An ECG technician’s responsibilities include patient preparation, performing ECG recordings, and understanding the cardiac conduction system and related terminology. The technician may be responsible for other noninvasive cardiology tests such as ambulatory Holter monitor, blood pressure recording, event recording and sleep disorder testing. An ECG technologist may have additional responsibilities for cardiac pharmacology, pacemaker technology, echocardiography, stress echocardiography, vascular imaging and catheter laboratory responsibilities. Some ECG technologists may be credentialed through a professional organization, whereas others receive on-the-job training. These articles are addressed to both groups of medical personnel. An ECG technologist/technician needs to be informed of new technologies and techniques that can enhance their job skills and improve the quality and reliability of the ECG. Accurate ECG lead placement (Fig. 1) is a critical aspect of every ECG. Knowledge of basic ECG, normal values, and basic heart rhythm is a background that is desirable for persons in this field. The technologist/technician needs to be able to identify when an abnormal baseline is due to artifact or the patient’s heart rhythm. They should be able to detect poor-quality ECGs, lead wire interchanges, and malfunctioning equipment, and be able to quickly remedy the problem. A good-quality ECG recording, using correct lead placement, will lead to accurate interpretation that is consistent for serial recordings and that is the ultimate goal for which the technologist/technician should strive. This column will touch on several topics in this and future issues and will strive to be informative and interesting with the goal of making the Journal of Electrocardiology a part of your professional reading. Questions are welcomed
SORTEZ: a relational translator for NCBI's ASN.1 database

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) has created a database collection that includes several protein and nucleic acid sequence databases, a biosequence-specific subset of MEDLINE, as well as value-added information such as links between similar sequences. Information in the NCBI database is modeled in Abstract Syntax Notation 1 (ASN.1) an Open Systems Interconnection protocol designed for the purpose of exchanging structured data between software applications rather than as a data model for database systems. While the NCBI database is distributed with an easy-to-use information retrieval system, ENTREZ, the ASN.1 data model currently lacks an ad hoc query language for general-purpose data access. For that reason, we have developed a software package, SORTEZ, that transforms the ASN.1 database (or other databases with nested data structures) to a relational data model and subsequently to a relational database management system (Sybase) where information can be accessed through the relational query language, SQL. Because the need to transform data from one data model and schema to another arises naturally in several important contexts, including efficient execution of specific applications, access to multiple databases and adaptation to database evolution this work also serves as a practical study of the issues involved in the various stages of database transformation. We show that transformation from the ASN.1 data model to a relational data model can be largely automated, but that schema transformation and data conversion require considerable domain expertise and would greatly benefit from additional support tools.