cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) enhances intracellular lipid staining with Nile red in microalgae Tetraselmis suecica

Abstract In order to develop microalgae as a biofuel feedstock, broadly applicable methods are needed for lipid staining and phenotypic screening of industrially relevant microalgae species. We report that treatment with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) significantly enhances the fluorescence intensity for phenotypic screening of intracellular lipids in Tetraselmis suecica using Nile red (NR), a common lipophilic dye. EDTA treatment was evaluated in six different microalgae strains and was particularly effective for enhancing fluorescence intensity in T. suecica, with significant increases in fluorescence intensity compared to treatment using DMSO or glycerol. The optimal staining procedure for measuring intracellular lipids in T. suecica utilizes a 3.75 mg/mL EDTA (solution in water) stained with 1.3 μg/mL NR (solution in acetone) at 35 °C for 5 min. The ability of EDTA to improve NR staining in microalgae is attributed to the capability of EDTA to increase porosity of the cell wall. Conditions for NR lipid analysis have been optimized for six different strains of oleaginous microalgae in microplates with application for use in phenotypic screening.
Corticospinal excitability during walking in humans with absent and partial body weight support.

Abstract Objective To establish changes in corticospinal excitability with absent and partial body weight support (BWS), and determine test–retest reliability of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) recordings during stepping in healthy humans. Methods The tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus MEPs during stepping at 0 and at 25 BWS were recorded in two experimental sessions in the same subjects. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was delivered randomly across the step cycle at 1.2 × TA MEP resting threshold. The non-stimulated associated electromyogram (EMG) was subtracted from the TA and soleus MEPs at identical time windows and bins of the step cycle, and the resultant values were normalized to the maximal homologous EMG activity during stepping. The relationship between MEPs and background EMG activity was determined for each BWS level and session tested. Results The TA MEPs were facilitated at heel contact, progressively decreased during the stance phase, and facilitated throughout the swing phase of the step cycle. In contrast, the soleus MEPs were progressively increased at early-stance, depressed at the stance-to-swing transition, and remained depressed throughout the swing phase. The TA and soleus MEPs were modulated in a similar pattern across sessions at 0 and at 25 BWS, and were linearly related to the associated background EMG activity. Conclusions These results provide evidence that reduced body weight loading does not alter the strength of corticospinal excitability, and that MEPs can be reliably recorded at different sessions during stepping in healthy humans. Significance A rehabilitation strategy to restore gait in neurological disorders utilizes BWS during stepping on a motorized treadmill. Based on our findings, the strength of corticospinal drive will not be affected negatively during stepping under conditions of partial body loading.
Excited-state absorption in ZnWO4 crystal

Abstract We report the first measurement of Excited-State Absorption (ESA) in a zinc tungstate (ZnWO4) crystal. The ESA is assigned to the 2e→4t2 transitions and, in the simplest picture, can be related to the 10Dq energy in Td symmetry. The breadth and height of the ESA spectrum, compared with stimulated emission spectrum, precludes any possibility of laser action in this material. The very high strength of ESA transitions suggests a triplet character of the terminal ESA term, originating in (t51,4t2) configuration, and breaking the Laporte selection rule. The latter is consistent with considerable contribution of p-orbitals of the ligands and the tungsten ion in the terminal ESA state.
Solid-state chlorine NMR of group IV transition metal organometallic complexes.

Static solid-state 35Cl (I = 3/2) NMR spectra of the organometallic compounds Cp2TiCl2, CpTiCl3, Cp2ZrCl2, Cp2HfCl2, Cp*2ZrCl2, CpZrCl3, Cp*ZrCl3, Cp2ZrMeCl, (Cp2ZrCl)2μ-O, and Cp2ZrHCl (Schwartz’s...
Attenuated total reflection from oriented polypropylene films

Abstract Molecular orientation on one-way stretched polypropylene films has been characterized by applying polarized infrared attenuated-total-reflection (ATR) techniques. The surface orientation exhibits radial symmetry about the axis of drawing with the observed dichroic ratios approximately equal to the bulk values. In addition, a new germanium infrared polarizer which is compact enough to be used simultaneously with other spectrophotometer sampling attachments is described.
THE VARIABILITY OF BLOOD PRESSURE: BASAL AND CASUAL MEASUREMENTS IN ADULT TWINS.

Abstract Basal and casual blood pressure measurements have been obtained under standardized conditions of study in 53 adult pairs of twins who were determined to be in good general health on the basis of health histories and medical examinations. These data have afforded an analysis of: differences between the left and right arms, and differences between casual and basal blood pressure measurements in individuals, and within and between pairs of twins. In both the casual and basal studies it can be seen from the critical MZ:DZ ratios that variability in the measured levels of the blood pressure (in these adult subjects in good general health) is predominantly under environmental influences. However, different comparisons of the monozygotic twin intrapair casual and basal variances indicate that there may be genetic as well as sex influences which are not effectively defined by single blood pressure measurements, at least in the normal range of this variable. It was found that: (1) Although the average of the blood pressures is unaffected by the arm employed, differences between pressures on the left arm and those on the right arm are an important consideration when comparing measurements taken on the same individual, or between the two members of a pair of twins. (This would also be an important consideration in the study of siblings and families.) (2) The conditions of study have a greater effect upon the interpretation of blood pressure data than might be implied by the relatively small differences in the average of the blood pressures taken under varying conditions of study. (3) Measurement of genetic, environmental, and sex influences upon blood pressure, as well as the association of blood pressure with such variables as weight and ponderal index, depend upon the conditions of study. (4) There are genetic and sex-influenced factors related to cardiac function which are not effectively described by single measurements of the level of the blood pressure. The analyses of these data on twins pose the question whether measured levels of the blood pressure constitute the most critical manifestation of the genetic and sexinfluenced variables to be investigated. The lability of the blood pressure, its reactivity to specific stimuli, the relationship of systolic to diastolic pressure, and, possibly, the correlation of blood pressure with other attributes may be the most promising avenues for further genetic investigations of this clinically important measurement.
Informed consent in cataract surgery.

Purpose of review With the introduction of several new intraocular lenses into the US ophthalmology market over the past several years, the importance of the informed consent process has significantly increased for all cataract surgeons. Managing unrealistic patient expectations is paramount in reducing the medico-legal risk associated with these procedures. Recent findings Increased emphasis on the informed consent process is intended to promote patient safety and reduce liability exposure when performing cataract or refractive lens exchange surgery. Particular attention to preoperative counseling, careful patient selection, and timing of the informed consent process are key elements in successfully managing the medico-legal risk associated with these surgical procedures. Summary The new intraocular lens options for correcting both near and distant vision through cataract surgery raise important risk management and informed consent issues for the ophthalmologist. As long as the informed consent process has been performed appropriately and is well documented in the medical record and the risk/benefit ratio of the specific procedure for a given patient is favorable, the decision to proceed with surgery should be considered sound.
Notulae de Chrysobalanaceis Malesianis Praecursoriae

In preparation for the treatment of Chrysobalanaceae forFlora Malesiana, New and critical taxa are discussed and described. Two new species were found,Atuna cordata andParastemon grandifructus.Hunga fusicarpa is transferred to the genusLicania asL. fusicarpa. Species complexes aroundParinari costata andP. papuana are discussed; in both cases previously recognized species are reduced to subspecific rank within rather polymorphic species.
Determination of favorite components of garbage by dogs

Abstract This study was to determine which commonly found household garbage odors would be the most attractive to dogs. Thirteen items were tested as fresh odors or were aged for 72 h before testing. Each of the 325 paired odor combinations was tested on 12 dogs. Fresh odors were preferred to aged ones, and meat odors were chosen more often than non-meat odors. Fried liver with onions and baked chicken were the top ranking fresh and old odors. Liver was the highest ranking raw meat.
Telerounding and Patient Satisfaction after Surgery

Background Technologic advances in communications have facilitated the development and diffusion of telemedicine. Most applications have focused on remote outpatient management of medical conditions. We assessed the impact of introducing remote video conferencing during the immediate postoperative period (telerounds) on patient-reported satisfaction with their hospitalization. Study design Between October 2002 and June 2003,85 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic or percutaneous urologic procedures were enrolled in a trial testing the impact of telerounds on patients' satisfaction with their hospitalization. Participants were entered into one of three postoperative care arms: standard once-daily attending bedside rounds; standard once-daily attending level bedside rounds plus one afternoon telerounding visit; or a substitution of one daily bedside round with a robotic telerounding visit. Participants completed a validated patient satisfaction survey 2 weeks after hospital discharge. Results Eighty-five individuals (100% response rate) completed the questionnaire. With responses dichotomized to "excellent" or "other," patients in the telerounding arm demonstrated statistically substantial improvements in ratings of examination thoroughness, quality of discussions about medical information, postoperative care coordination, and attending physician availability. Patients in the robotic telerounding arm indicated considerably higher satisfaction with regard to physician availability. After adjusting for age differences, ratings of each of the previously listed aspects of care remained notably improved in the telerounding arm. Conclusions Telerounding either as an additional visit or as a substituted bedside visit is associated with increased patient satisfaction in postoperative care. This type of interaction appears to acceptably facilitate physician communication with hospitalized patients.
Integration of Biogenic Nanopore Membranes on Prefabricated Fluidic Support Substrates

Marine diatoms provide an alternative to machined silica nanopores, avoiding costly and slow throughput fabrication steps, while being able to achieve pore structures with diameters on the order of 40 nm. The hierarchical pore architecture makes these biogenic nanomembranes exceptionally mechanically stable, while maintaining a short pore length and a high porosity. The most prominent issue when replacing machined silica nanopore membranes with biogenic membranes is the initial random placement of the membranes on the solid substrate. This is also problematic when trying to accomplish a permanent fluidic seal around the membrane.In our study, we demonstrate the ability to localize and immobilize a 200μm-diameter biomineralized nanopore membrane structure from marine algae, Coscinodiscus wailesii, on pre-defined positions on micro-machined silicon substrates. The substrates feature micron-sized through-wafer channels that allow easy access to the nanopore membrane. Localization of the membrane structure is accomplished using patterning of 8 μm thick hydrophobic resin. The addition of poly-L-lysine to the surface before solution-depositing the nanopore membranes results in a strong electrostatic binding force between the oxidized silicon platform and the diatom membranes. Lift-off of the photoresist in acetone removes randomly placed nanopore membranes on the resist-coated area, not affecting diatoms adhering to the silicon surface.While poly-L-lysine provides an initial fluidic seal, permanent immobilization is accomplished by using UV-curable photoresist SU-8 and proximity photo lithography. Scanning electron micrographs after processing show intact diatoms without the presence of stress cracks. While initial electrochemical measurements indicate that some of the nanopores are clogged by residual epoxy resist after development, subsequent sulfuric-peroxide mixture (SPM) treatment removes the residual resist. Successful translocation experiments using polystyrene beads shows presence of unclogged pores, also indicating that the pore size of the biogenic silica nanomembranes can be modified by chemical treatment.
Nuclear Pulse Propulsion

A general technical description and programmatic review of nuclear pulse propulsion activities over the last decade is presented. Major problem areas are reviewed together with the status of current research efforts. Sufficient technical information is now available to predict achievable propulsion systems performance with a rather high degree of confidence based on current materials and nuclear technology. Expected performance is summarized for one specific small propulsion module capable of being orbited by a Saturn V ELV. Finally, technical routes to achieve substantial performance improvements beyond those currently indicated are discussed.
Sustaining oak forests in eastern North America: regeneration and recruitment, the pillars of sustainability.

Oak cover types comprise half of the forestlands in the eastern United States. There is a great desire to sustain these highly valued forests. Unfortunately, reports of the successional replacement of oak are all too common, as they are throughout the world. Sustaining the oak resource requires the ability to both regenerate and recruit oak into the overstory as dominant mature trees. Too often these two critical processes are disconnected in oak management, thwarting the best of intentions to sustain oak. Restoring and sustaining oak forests require active management and long-term commitment. Climate change, high deer populations, invasive species, and social constraints can complicate oak management. Despite these challenges, we have sufficient knowledge to be successful in our efforts despite an uncertain future. Forest landscapes are too homogeneous today and may cause a bottleneck in oak regeneration as mature forests become old-growth. Management is needed to diversify the landscape and create a more balanced age structure that has the capacity to naturally regenerate oak. Landscape diversity is also desired to combat the myriad of forest threats and future uncertainty. Getting private landowners and public managers to manage for oak is key to changing landscapes and ensuring a quality oak resource.
Vasopressin: New uses in critical care

The science of medicine has evolved dramatically over recent years, with better understanding of the mechanisms of disease leading to innovative new treatments. However, the critical care patient still suffers from a high mortality rate with few advances from the traditional modalities of therapy. Arginine vasopressin has been explored as a vasoconstrictor in the treatment of the hypotension associated with septic shock. This drug has also recently been added to the advanced cardiac life support protocol for the resuscitation of pulseless ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Studies of arginine vasopressin in these situations have been promising but still have yet to prove a survival benefit over traditional therapies. Newer and larger trials are necessary to determine whether any mortality benefit can be sustained from the use of arginine vasopressin in critical care patients with septic shock and cardiac arrest secondary to pulseless ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.
Inflammatory modulation of PPARγ expression and activity

Nitric oxide (NO) production increases with age in the lupus-prone MRL/lpr mouse, paralleling disease activity. One mechanism for excess NO production in MRL/lpr mice may be a defect in down-regulatory mechanisms of the iNOS pathway. A potential modulator of NO is the nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferation activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). We demonstrate that renal PPARγ protein expression was altered as disease progressed in MRL/lpr mice, which paralleled increased iNOS protein expression. Additionally, MRL/lpr-derived primary mesangial cells expressed less PPARγ than BALB/c mesangial cells and produced more NO in response to LPS and IFNγ. Furthermore, PPARγ activity was reduced in mesangial cells following exposure to inflammatory mediators. This activity was restored with the addition of a NOS enzyme inhibitor. These results indicate that the activation of inflammatory pathways may lead to reduced activity and expression of PPARγ, further exacerbating the disease state.
First-principles calculation of the electronic structure of sapphire: Bulk states.

The electronic structure of sapphire, {alpha}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, was calculated using the self-consistent-field discrete variational method in the local-density framework. Clusters of the size of 26--80 atoms embedded in the infinite host lattice were used to model the sapphire single crystal. A three-dimensional Ewald summation was used to obtain the Coulomb potential of the infinite lattice. Calculations were performed on ten clusters centered at four points of different point-group symmetries in bulk sapphire. The consistency of the calculated electronic structure among these ten clusters and good agreement with experimental data and recent first-principles band-structure calculations indicate that the bulk values can be achieved with clusters of modest size. Features in the valence density of states are interpreted with the help of the bond densities between the O atom and its near neighbors. Bulk sapphire is found to be mostly ionic measured by about 2% orbital overlaps between nearest-neighbor Al and O atoms, with no charge accumulation in the bonding region.
Toward realizing high power semiconductor terahertz laser sources at room temperature

The terahertz (THz) spectral range offers promising applications in science, industry, and military. THz penetration through nonconductors (fabrics, wood, plastic) enables a more efficient way of performing security checks (for example at airports), as illegal drugs and explosives could be detected. Being a non-ionizing radiation, THz radiation is environment-friendly enabling a safer analysis environment than conventional X-ray based techniques. However, the lack of a compact room temperature THz laser source greatly hinders mass deployment of THz systems in security check points and medical centers. In the past decade, tremendous development has been made in GaAs/AlGaAs based THz Quantum Cascade Laser (QCLs), with maximum operating temperatures close to 200 K (without magnetic field). However, higher temperature operation is severely limited by a small LO-phonon energy (~ 36 meV) in this material system. With a much larger LO-phonon energy of ~ 90 meV, III-Nitrides are promising candidates for room temperature THz lasers. However, realizing high quality material for GaN-based intersubband devices presents a significant challenge. Advances with this approach will be presented. Alternatively, recent demonstration of InP based mid-infrared QCLs with extremely high peak power of 120 W at room temperature opens up the possibility of producing high power THz emission with difference frequency generation through two mid-infrared wavelengths.
Plume Expansion and Ionization in a Microlaser Plasma Thruster

Abstract : Ion density measurements have been performed on the plasma generated by an ablative diode laser thruster using a negatively biased flat plate probe. The biased probe data was coupled with measurement of the ablation crater through use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The SEM was used to analyze the post-pulse ablation spots to determine the volume of fuel ablated. The micro-laser plasma thruster (micro-LPT) discussed here ablates a target material through the back surface by focusing the laser through a transparent substrate in a process typically referred to as Transmissive mode (T-mode) ablation. The target materials investigated were polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and glycidyl azide polymer (GAP), while the substrates used were cellulose acetate and Kapton(Tradename). Peak ion densities for a GAP (target)/acetate (substrate) were found to be 1.6x10(exp 7)/cu cm, while for GAP/kapton and PVC/acetate the peak ion densities were 4.5x10(exp 7)/cu cm and 7.9x10(exp 9)/cu cm respectively. Although these corresponded to low ionization fractions calculated from the observed mass loss, the results indicate there are ways to improve the ionization fraction and in turn increase the specific impulse.
Inhibition of amino acid transaminases by L-cycloserine.

Abstract 1. 1. l -Cycloserine inhibited in vitro three hepatic transaminating enzymes, alanine aminotransferase, phenylalanine aminotransferase, and tyrosine aminotransferase. The inhibition was irreversible and noncompetitive with respect to the amino-acid substrate. The D isomer of cycloserine was less effective as an inhibitor. 2. 2.In the isolated, perfused rat liver, l -cycloserine inhibited total gluconeogenesis and the conversion of 14 C-alanine to 14 -C-glucose and 14 C-carbon dioxide. l -cycloserine had little or no effect on gluconeogenesis from pyruvate or glutamate. 3. 3.In rats, l -cycloserine inhibited alanine aminotransferase and phenylalanine aminotransferase in vivo as measured by enzyme assay of homogenized tissue from treated rats. Alanine aminotransferase was also inhibited in heart, brain, and kidney. The long duration of inhibition suggested irreversible enzyme inactivation. 4. 4.In fasted rats, the conversion of 14 C-alanine to expired 14 C-carbon dioxide was markedly inhibited by l -cycloserine. The inhibition was dose-related and occurred at i.p. doses as low as 1 mg/kg. The conversion of 14 C-glutamate to 14 C-carbon dioxide was only marginally affected by a high dose (100 mg/kg) of l -cycloserine. 5. 5.In fasted rats, the release of 3 H from alanine-2- 3 H into plasma water was inhibited by l -cycloserine (10 mg/kg), a direct indication that alanine transamination was inhibited. 6. 6.These results lend further evidence for the effectiveness of l -cycloserine as an inhibitor of alanine aminotransferase and demonstrate that two additional aminotransferases are also affected to a lesser degree. The use of l -cycloserine may help elucidate the significance of amino acid transamination in various physiologic states.
Response of an allergenic species, Ambrosia psilostachya (Asteraceae), to experimental warming and clipping: implications for public health

We examined the responses of an allergenic species, western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya DC.), to experimental warming and clipping. The experiment was conducted in a tallgrass prairie in Oklahoma, USA, between 1999 and 2001. Warming increased ragweed stems by 88% when not clipped and 46% when clipped. Clipping increased ragweed stems by 75% and 36% in the control and warmed plots, respectively. In 2001, warming resulted in a 105% increase in ragweed aboveground biomass (AGB), and the ratio of ragweed AGB to total AGB increased by 79%. Dry mass per ragweed stem in the warmed plots was 37% and 38% greater than that in the control plots in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Although warming caused no difference in pollen production per stem, total pollen production increased by 84% (P , 0.05) because there were more ragweed stems. Experimental warming significantly increased pollen diameter from 21.2 mm in the control plots to 23.9 mm in the warmed plots (a 13% increase). The results from our experiment suggest that global warming could aggravate allergic hazards and thereby jeopardize public health.
Familial head and neck cancer: molecular analysis of a new clinical entity.

Objective: The tumor suppressor gene p16 encodes a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that normally inhibits cell proliferation by causing a G1 cell cycle arrest. The p16 gene is frequently mutated in a variety of somatic tumors, as well as in familial melanoma and familial pancreatic carcinoma. We identified a family with a high incidence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and melanoma. Molecular analyses of the p16 gene locus in blood and tumor DNA from this family was performed to determine whether an association between germline p16 gene mutation and HNSCC exists. Study Design: Molecular pedigree analyses. Methods: Exon 2 of p16 was polymerase chain reaction amplified from blood, tumor, or nontumor DNA isolated from affected and unaffected members, then directly sequenced and compared with consensus p16 sequence. Cell cycle position of cells expressing wild-type or mutant p16 was determined by flow cytometry. Results: Molecular analyses revealed a nonfunctional germline point mutation within exon 2 of the p16 gene that encodes a mutant p16 protein substituting proline at amino acid position 87 for the wild-type arginine (p16R87P). Relative to wild-type p16, p16R87P lost ability to cause a growth arrest following ectopic expression. The mutant (p16R87P) allele segregated with cancer predisposition in tested family members, and analyses of HNSCC tumor tissues demonstrated universal loss of wild-type allele. Conclusions: Significance of the mutant p16 (p16R87P) in HNSCC tumorigenesis is strongly suggested by its loss of cell cycle arrest activity and its retention in tumor tissue with simultaneous loss of the wild-type allele. Further, the germline p16 mutation segregated with cancer predisposition within the family. In aggregate, these data suggest that there is a direct causal relationship between the germline p16 mutation in this family and HNSCC tumorigenesis. Based on our observations, the spectrum of familial cancers associated with p16 mutations should include a new clinical entity, familial HNSCC.
Optimizing intracavity high harmonic generation for XUV fs frequency combs

Previous work has shown that use of a passive enhancement cavity designed for ultrashort pulses can enable the up-conversion of the fs frequency comb into the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) spectral region utilizing the highly nonlinear process of high harmonic generation. This promising approach for an efficient source of highly coherent light in this difficult to reach spectral region promises to be a unique tool for precision spectroscopy and temporally resolved measurements. Yet to date, this approach has not been extensively utilized due in part to the low powers so far achieved and in part due to the challenges in directly probing electronic transitions with the frequency comb itself. We report on a dramatically improved XUV frequency comb producing record power levels to date in the 50-150 nm spectral region based on intracavity high harmonic generation. We measure up to 77 μW at the 11th harmonic of the fundamental (72 nm) with μW levels down to the 15th harmonic (53nm). Phase-matching and related design considerations unique to intracavity high harmonic generation are discussed, guided by numerical simulations which provide insight into the role played by intracavity ionization dynamics. We further propose and analyze dual-comb spectroscopy in the XUV and show that the power levels reported here permit this approach for the first time. Dual-comb spectroscopy in this physically rich spectral region promises to enable the study of a significantly broader range of atomic and molecular spectra with unprecedented precision and accuracy.
Reagan's America : innocents at home

Ronald Reagan achieved magical accord with the American people, attuning them to his moral vision of a nation made up of optimistic individualists, tough yet God--fearing, blessed with a special destiny. In Reagans America, Pulitzer Prize winning author and historian Garry Wills seeks to understand Reagans appeal through understanding his audience, the Americans who found in him everything they wanted to believe about themselves.
An application of the Design Structure Matrix to Integrated Concurrent Engineering

Abstract This paper demonstrates an application of the Design Structure Matrix (DSM) to Integrated Concurrent Engineering (ICE), an approach to conceptual space systems design intended to increase the pace of work by bringing together all relevant personnel in the same room to conduct focused, collaborative one-week design studies. Although the DSM methodology explicitly incorporates the concurrent aspects of engineering design, it has not been applied formally to an integrated, rapid design environment such as ICE. In this paper, a DSM consisting of 172 design parameters and 682 dependencies is constructed to represent the typical process employed at the Mission Design Laboratory (MDL), an ICE facility at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). Analysis of the DSM reveals an optimal sequencing among five phases of the ICE design process, the interdependent disciplines in the design team, and a set of starting assumptions that can be made at the outset of the work to facilitate a more structured approach to the highly complex and iterative process of space systems design.
A Modern Mosaic: Art and Modernism in the United States

The modernist movement has shaped our era as has no other. This collection of essays explores the impact of modernism on American culture and the ways in which modernism remains a key to understanding American art and society. The contributors examine the works and their creators across the whole spectrum of artistic expression - fiction and poetry, painting and sculpture, architecture, dance, photography, and film. They explore how the ideas of modernism helped shape such artistic expressions as the writings of the Harlem Renaissance, the paintings of Edward Hopper, New Deal public art projects, and George Antheil's "Ballet Mecanique".
The Central and South American Anomalepid Snakes of the Genus Liotyphlops

The essential characters of the anomalepid snake genus Liotyphlops are found in its osteology, scale rows, numbers of dorsals, size, and head scale arrangements. The twelve currently recognized species of Liotyphlops are reduced to five through the analyses of variation of all available specimens in the Genus. Liotyphlops caracasensis, L. cucutae, L. guentheri, L. incertus, L. metae, L. petersi, and L. rowani, are placed in the synonomy of other species. One currently recognized synonym, L. beui, is removed from synonomy and recognized as a separate species. A new species is described from the Rio Magdalena basin of Colombia, and one individual from Brazil represents an apparent new species, but is not formally described in this paper. Other species of Liotyphlops recognized by us areL. albirostris, L. anops, L. schubarti, L. ternetzii, and L. wilderi. Variation in lateral head scale arrangements is documented for a large series of L. albirostris from Panama. Head scale variations, variations in numbers of scale rows about the body, and absence ofan unified method of labeling head scales has produced an excessive number of synonyms for the species of the genus. A new method for labeling lateral head scales of Liotyphlops is proposed, the entire distribution ofthe genus is clarified, and a key to the species is presented.
Chest reconstruction: I. Anterior and anterolateral chest wall and wounds affecting respiratory function

Learning Objectives: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe the indications for chest wall reconstruction. 2. Understand the function of the chest wall and implications for both reconstruction and the chest wall itself when components are missing or used for reconstruction. 3. List the reconstructive requirements of chest wall wounds. 4. Identify flaps for regional reconstruction of the chest wall. 5. Describe the role of microvascular surgery in chest wall reconstruction. Background: Chest wall and mediastinum wounds may be life-threatening. They interfere with respiratory mechanics and may also be contaminated with exposed vital structures. Consideration is given to flap choice to restore function, resolve infection, and maintain suitable aesthetics. Methods: Literature search as well as the authors’ personal experience enabled preparation of this article. Results: Where necessary, skeletal integrity must be restored, generally with prosthetic material, and then covered with well-vascularized soft tissue. “Living tissue” is required to help combat infection, buttress visceral repairs, and fill dead space. Soft-tissue deficiency must occasionally be augmented with large distant microvascular flaps. Conclusion: Flap reconstruction has reduced morbidity and mortality of these complex problems without undue donor-site impairment of respiratory and upper extremity function.
Fuzzy approach for improved recognition of citric acid induced piglet coughing from continuous registration

Abstract A natural acoustic indicator of animal welfare is the appearance (or absence) of coughing in the animal habitat. A sound-database of 5319 individual sounds including 2034 coughs was collected on six healthy piglets containing both animal vocalizations and background noises. Each of the test animals was repeatedly placed in a laboratory installation where coughing was induced by nebulization of citric acid. A two-class classification into ‘cough’ or ‘other’ was performed by the application of a distance function to a fast Fourier spectral sound analysis. This resulted in a positive cough recognition of 92%. For the whole sound-database however there was a misclassification of 21%. As spectral information up to 10000 Hz is available, an improved overall classification on the same database is obtained by applying the distance function to nine frequency ranges and combining the achieved distance-values in fuzzy rules. For each frequency range clustering threshold is determined by fuzzy c-means clustering.
Effects of initial-state population variations on the 2p-->1s K alpha dielectronic satellite spectra of highly ionized iron ions in high-temperature astrophysical and laboratory plasmas.

Theoretical predictions are presented for the iron K\ensuremath{\alpha} x-ray emission spectra from high-temperature plasmas, assuming steady-state optically thin excitation conditions. Account has been taken of all fine-structure components of the 2p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1s inner-shell-electron radiative transitions in the iron ions from Fe xviii to Fe xxiv. The K\ensuremath{\alpha} emission spectra are assumed to be produced by means of dielectronic recombination and inner-shell-electron collisional excitation processes that involve intermediate autoionizing states belonging to electronic configurations of the type 1${s}^{1}$2${s}^{r}$2${p}^{s}$. In addition to the electron-temperature variation, which is attributable to the temperature dependences of the radiationless electron capture and inner-shell-electron collisional excitation rate coefficients and to the temperature dependence of the charge-state distribution, the K\ensuremath{\alpha} emission spectra exhibit an electron-density sensitivity. This electron-density sensitivity is a result of the density-dependent distribution of populations among the different fine-structure levels of the initial ions in the dielec- tronic recombination and inner-shell electron collisional excitation processes.
Growth via Intellectual Property Rights Versus Gendered Inequity in Emerging Economies: An Ethical Dilemma for International Business

In this paper, we critique the emergent international normative framework of growth – the knowledge economy. We point out that the standardized character of knowledge economy’s flagship – intellectual property rights (IPRs) – has an adverse impact on women in emerging economies, such as India. Conversely, this impact on women, a significant consumer segment, has a feedback effect in terms of market growth. Conceptually, we analyze the consequences of knowledge economy and standardized IPR through a feminist lens. We extend the analyses by pointing to various contradictions surrounding growth norms; for example, there are inherent contradictions between established “formal” legalistic interpretation of IPR, “soft law” norms of corporate social responsibility, a fluid situation of moral claims of human rights, and different institutional capabilities at the international and domestic level. Consequently, we are able to demonstrate how standard IPR laws fail to deliver equity for all. We argue our case through exploring the growth aspects of the agricultural sector in India and the adverse impact of standard biopatenting on women farmers’ rights (as producers and consumers) and preservation of environment. We suggest that desired gendered equity is better achieved when there is a constellation of actors – private-sector business, the state, and civil-society leaders – working together to ensure a balanced development through tailoring of IPR to local needs.
Conversion of Electromagnetic Waves to Electrostatic Waves in Inhomogeneous Plasmas

Propagation of electromagnetic waves in a large plasma reveals that refraction effects are much more significant than the amplitude swelling commonly predicted from the reduction in group velocity. Near electromagnetic wave cutoff, direct conversion into short-wavelength electron plasma waves is observed. Strong resonant enhancement of the electric field parallel to the density gradient is measured.
Stable grating formation in nearly degenerate four-wave mixing.

We demonstrate the formation of a stable refractive-index grating with nearly degenerate four-wave mixing in a photorefractive strontium barium niobate crystal. This is accomplished with a mode-locked argon-ion laser source and an acousto-optic modulation frequency that is synchronized with the laser pulse repetition rate. The short laser pulses sample the rf waveform at the same phase of each acoustic cycle, thereby writing the grating at the same spatial position within the strontium barium niobate crystal.
Characterization of Ectopic α-Adrenergic Binding Receptors of Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cells*

In the accompanying communication, we provided evidence for the formation of cGMP via the activation of α-adrenergic receptors in isolated adrenocortical carcinoma cells. The investigations of Williams et al. have demonstrated that the compound [3H]dihydroergocryptine (DHE) can be used as a specific ligand for the direct characterization of α-adrenergic receptors. In the present communication, we have used this agent for the direct identification of α-adrenergic receptors on adrenocortical carcinoma cells. The results showed that the binding of [3H]DHE with the adrenocortical carcinoma cell receptors is rapid, reversible, and of high affinity, with an apparent dissociation constant of 0.55 × 10−9 m. Binding of [3H]DHE was a saturable process corresponding to 85 fmol of sites/2 × 106 cells. α-Adrenergic agonists and antagonists competed far more effectively for the binding receptors of DHE than the β-adrenergic agents. Acetylcholine, a cholinergic agonist, was devoid of binding activity. No detectable bind...
The mechanism of cryoprotection of proteins by solutes.

Abstract We have tested the capacity of 28 different compounds to protect lactate dehydrogenase from damage during freeze-thawing. These solutes come from very dissimilar chemical classes including sugars, polyols, amino acids, methylamines, and lyotropic salts. All the compounds tested, except NaCl, protected the enzyme, to varying degrees, from inactivation. The only characteristic that these compounds have in common, as a group, is that they have all been shown to be preferentially excluded from contact with the surface of proteins in aqueous solution. It has been demonstrated previously (via thermodynamic arguments) that this interaction of solutes with proteins leads to the stabilization of proteins in nonfrozen, aqueous systems. Conversely, those solutes, e.g., urea and guanidine HCl, that bind to proteins destabilize proteins in solution, and we have found that they also enhanced the inactivation of lactate dehydrogenase during freeze-thawing. Based on the results of our freezethawing experiments and a review of the theory of protein stabilization in nonfrozen, aqueous solution we propose that the Cryoprotection afforded to isolated proteins by solutes can be accounted for by the fact that these solutes are preferentially excluded from contact with the protein's surface.
Factors affecting Yersinia enterocolitica (serotype O:8) viability in deliberately inoculated blood

Interpretation of in vitro experiments using Yersinia enterocolitica in blood components requires information on factors affecting the organism's survival. Several factors were found to influence the survival of Y. enterocolitica (serotype O:8) in blood components. A 20-minute room-temperature incubation with plasma-containing components resulted in approximately 2 log10 inactivation. Inactivation could be prevented by preincubation treatment of the plasma at 55 degrees C for 1 hour, which suggests the involvement of heat-labile plasma factors. No antibacterial activity was observed in washed red cells during the 20-minute room-temperature incubation. However, Y. enterocolitica colony-forming units declined by up to 2 log10 in washed red cells during the first days of 4 degrees C storage. Use of a white cell-reduction filter on freshly inoculated samples removed approximately 1 log10 of the organism regardless of whether bacteria were suspended in saline or washed red cells. Thus, bacterial levels may be affected by plasma, cellular components, and white cell-reduction filters. However, caution should be exercised in interpreting in vitro spiking studies designed to investigate the potential benefits of white cell reduction to eliminate the growth of Y. enterocolitica because of potential differences between naturally infected and experimentally inoculated blood.
Deficient activity of guanine nucleotide regulatory protein in erythrocytes from patients with pseudohypoparathyroidism

Abstract The activity in two assay systems of guanine nucleotide regulatory protein was significantly lower in red cells from pseudohypoparathyroid patients compared to that of normal subjects. The results support the hypothesis that deficient activity of the guanine nucleotide regulatory protein is the molecular basis for hormone resistance in this inherited disorder.
μ-definable sets of integers

Inductive definability has been studied for some time already. Nonetheless, there are some simple questions that seem to have been overlooked. In particular, there is the problem of the expressibility of the μ-calculus.The μ-calculus originated with Scott and DeBakker [SD] and was developed by Hitchcock and Park [HP], Park [Pa], Kozen [K], and others. It is a language for including inductive definitions with first-order logic. One can think of a formula in first-order logic (with one free variable) as defining a subset of the universe, the set of elements that make it true. Then “and” corresponds to intersection, “or” to union, and “not” to complementation. Viewing the standard connectives as operations on sets, there is no reason not to include one more: least fixed point.There are certain features of the μ-calculus coming from its being a language that make it interesting. A natural class of inductive definitions are those that are monotone: if X ⊃ Y then Γ (X) ⊃ Γ (Y) (where Γ (X) is the result of one application of the operator Γ to the set X). When studying monotonic operations in the context of a language, one would need a syntactic guarantor of monotonicity. This is provided by the notion of positivity. An occurrence of a set variable S is positive if that occurrence is in the scopes of exactly an even number of negations (the antecedent of a conditional counting as a negation). S is positive in a formula ϕ if each occurrence of S is positive. Intuitively, the formula can ask whether x ∊ S, but not whether x ∉ S. Such a ϕ can be considered an inductive definition: Γ (X) = {x ∣ ϕ(x), where the variable S is interpreted as X}. Moreover, this induction is monotone: as X gets bigger, ϕ can become only more true, by the positivity of S in ϕ. So in the μ-calculus, a formula is well formed by definition only if all of its inductive definitions are positive, in order to guarantee that all inductive definitions are monotone.
YPHON: A package for calculating phonons of polar materials

Abstract In our recent works, we have developed a mixed-space approach within the framework of direct method for the first-principle calculation of phonon properties. It makes full use of the accuracy of the force constants calculated in the real space and the dipole–dipole interactions in the reciprocal space, making the accurate phonon calculation possible with the direct method for polar materials. In this paper, an efficient C++ implementation of the mixed-space approach, YPHON, is provided as open source, including demos and Linux scripts for extracting input data to YPHON from the output of VASP.5. The functions of the current package include the calculations of: (1) the phonon dispersions; (2) the phonon density of states; (3) the neutron scattering section weighted phonon density of state; (4) the phonons of the high symmetry structure using the force constants from low symmetry structure; (5) the phonon dispersions of random alloys; and (6) the analysis of the vibrational modes using the point group theory. Program summary Program title: YPHON Catalogue identifier: AETS_v1_0 Program summary URL: http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AETS_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen’s University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 567815 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 9763594 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: C++, Linux scripts. Computer: Linux systems with a g++ or C++ compiler. Operating system: Linux. RAM: Ranges from a few Mbytes to a few Gbytes, dynamically depending on the system size. Classification: 7.8. External routines: GSL—the GNU Scientific Library (GSL) is a numerical library for C and C++ programmers. VASP.5 or later for the calculations of force constants and dielectric constants and Born effective charge for polar materials. Nature of problem: This package has the purpose of computing accurately phonon properties of polar materials within the small displacement approach. Solution method: Mixed-space approach to the vibration-induced dipole–dipole interaction. Running time: In the scale of a common Linux command.