cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Remote electrochemical biosensor for field monitoring of phenolic compounds

A submersible probe for monitoring of phenolic compounds at large sample/instrument distances is described. A specially designed device, comprising a specially designed tyrosinase enzyme electrode coupled to a 50-ft long shielded cable (via environmentally sealed connectors), is used. Challenges associated with the adaptation of enzyme electrodes to remote sensing are addressed. Variables relevant to field operations are explored and discussed. The combination of biocatalytic recognition and amperometric transduction offers highly selective measurements of micromolar concentrations of phenolic substrates in untreated river and groundwater samples. The concept seems suited for the remote monitoring of other environmentally relevant compounds via a judicious selection of the biorecognition element.
Rh−DuPHOS-Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Enol Esters. Application to the Synthesis of Highly Enantioenriched α-Hydroxy Esters and 1,2-Diols

The asymmetric hydrogenation of α-(acetyloxy)- and α-(benzoyloxy)acrylates 4 catalyzed by cationic rhodium−DuPHOS complexes has been examined. A wide range of substrates (4) were prepared via a convenient Horner−Emmons condensation protocol, and subsequently hydrogenated under mild conditions (60 psi of H2) at substrate-to-catalyst ratios (S/C) of 500. Overall, enol ester substrates 4 were reduced by the cationic Et−DuPHOS−Rh catalysts with very high levels of enantioselectivity (93−99% ee). Importantly, substrates 4 bearing β-substituents could be employed as E/Z isomeric mixtures with no detrimental effect on the selectivity. Labeling studies indicated that no significant E/Z isomerization of the substrates occurs during the course of these reactions. Details concerning optimization of the reaction, interesting solvent effects, and deprotection procedures for the synthesis of highly enantioenriched α-hydroxy esters and 1,2-diols also are provided.
Respiratory effects of 5'-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, an analog of adenosine, following microinjections into the nucleus tractus solitarius of rats.

Abstract Microinjections of 5′-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), an adenosine analog, were made into respiratory-related regions of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) of spontaneously breathing rats and cardiorespiratory parameters were recorded during a 60-min test period. Microinjections of NECA, in the dose range of 0.35–350 picomol per rat, produced significant dose-related reductions in respiratory rate which were accompanied by correlative increases in tidal volume. At the end of the 60-min test period following the administration of NECA, the respiratory rate remained profoundly depressed, whereas blood pressure and heart rate were not significantly affected compared to preinjection control values. The data from this study suggest that adenosine may exert modulatory influences in brainstem respiratory control regions.
Malaria dreams: Postwar visions of health and development in the third world

In 1955 the World Health Assembly voted to launch a global program for the eradication of malaria. The program lasted fourteen years. Though it was successful in a number of countries, eradication failed in most of the developing world. Studies that have examined the failure of malaria eradication have focused on the various technical, organizational, and financial problems which hampered the program. While these critiques are valid, they loose sight of the wider political, economic and cultural context within which eradication was conceived and executed. Malaria eradication was a product of a postwar vision of economic and social development and needs to be examined in this context Many of the problems that plagued eradication efforts flowed from this intense association between eradication and “development.”
Enantiospecific gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of urinary methylphenidate: implications for phenotyping.

Abstract A chiral derivatization gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric (GC–MS) method for urine methylphenidate (MPH) analysis was developed and validated to investigate preliminary findings regarding a novel MPH poor metabolizer (PM). Detection was by electron impact (EI) ionization-selected ion monitoring of the N -trifluoroacetylprolylpiperidinium fragments from MPH and the piperidine-deuterated MPH internal standard. The PM eliminated ∼70 times more l-MPH in urine (9% of the dose over 0–10 h), and ∼5 times more of the d-isomer (10% of the dose), than the mean values determined from 10 normal metabolizers of MPH. Only minor amounts of the metabolite p -hydroxy-MPH were found in the urine of both the PM and normal metabolizers, while the concentration of MPH lactam was not high enough to be detectable. The described method indirectly gauges the functional carboxylesterase-1 status of patients receiving MPH based on the evaluation of relative urine concentrations of d-MPH:l - MPH. Clinical implications concerning rational drug selection for an identified or suspected MPH PM are discussed.
Genres, History, and Hollywood. A Review Article

Sitting down to write an essay on five film books, I see a scene from the late sixties, a slice of autobiography. Tracking shot along ivy-covered walls and through a window into a dining room crowded with tables full of men, a preponderance of them wearing tweed jackets, a goodly number puffing on pipes. Shot of two men at a table. One young, a bit nervous, as if awed by his surroundings and host, a man of late-middle age with the air of a scholar long considered a foremost authority on American culture and behavior. The conversation is inaudible, but the body attitudes speak congeniality until that moment when the younger one says something aloud about recent "major" films. Cut to the older man, who stiffens and delivers a comment edged in ice: "How interesting. But I haven't had time to see a movie in years." Fadeout.
Common Challenges and Experiences of School Districts That Are Implementing One-to-One Computing Initiatives

This article explores the implementation of various K–12 one-to-one computing initiatives to determine if patterns exist. These initiatives are funded in times of limited resources and constitute a serious investment in technology for the schools and districts adopting them. The goals of this study were to understand how and why one-to-one computing initiatives are being implemented, how these initiatives are funded and supported, and expectations or assumptions of stakeholders that are driving adoption of this type of technology. The results suggest that these school districts, and those like them, will face many challenges—some financial, some technical, and some procedural—as they work to integrate technology into instruction and assessment. Common themes or challenges identified from this work, and linked with previous research, include leadership and vision, funding, teacher professional development, and project evaluation.
Remaking Inequality: Institutional Change and Income Stratification in Urban China

ABSTRACT This paper examines how China's institutional changes toward market transform the income inequality in the urban economy. We highlight the replacement of bureaucratic allocation with market on three levels: the creation and expansion of the private/hybrid sector that is relatively autonomous from direct state control, public firms' reduced dependence on the state and growing exposure to market discipline, and the emergence of urban labor markets. In-depth analysis of data collected in two southern Chinese cities during the mid-1990s provides strong and systematic support to market transition theory's core claim that the transition toward a market economy leads to higher income returns to human capital. Although there are also signs of persistent advantages based on political capital, these advantages are limited to senior members of the communist party only and small in magnitude in comparison to those associated with market-based opportunities.
The rhetoric of justice: strategies of reconciliation and revenge in the restoration of Athenian democracy in 403 BC

This paper examines from a comparative perspective the first historically documented case of transitional justice: the restoration of the Athenian democracy in 403 BC. It analyzes in particular the rhetoric of amnesty, justice, reconciliation and revenge and the discursive strategies informing the prosecutions and litigation which followed the transition. Comparison of the Athenian experience with modern situations of transitional justice helps to identify key features which made the Athenian reconciliation so successful.
Pyrolysis of oil shale: experimental study of transport effects

The thermal decomposition of kerogen in a Colorado shale was studied in a TGA-type apparatus in which the temperature was first increased at a constant rate and then held constant at a plateau value. Data were obtained at plateau temperatures from about 573 to 703 K and at 101.3 kPa. The objective of the research was to determine the influence of transport effects on the observed rate of decomposition. The results show that, for the shale studied, transport of heat and mass influenced the rate, if the particle size was greater than about 0.4 X 10/sup -3/ m and if more than two to three layers of particles were placed in the weighing basket.
Let's Make Physical Education More Physical and More Educational

Historically, physical education has a stereotypical image as being neither very physical nor educational. NASPE Standard 2 indicates that students in physical education classes should be able to demonstrate understanding and movement concepts, principles, and tactics as they apply to physical activity. This article provides K-12 teachers with suggestions for introducing and teaching the practical application of the principle of “summation of forces.”
Lithium reduces the number of acetylcholine receptors in skeletal muscle

Extended treatment of rats with lithium inhibits the increase in the number of extrajunctional acetylcholine receptors that occurs in their denervated skeletal muscle. In normal muscle, lithium reduces the number of acetylcholine receptors at neuromuscular junctions. These changes appear to be a relatively specific effect of lithium on the turnover of receptors. Skeletal muscle provides an accessible system for analyzing the role of lithium (and other cations) in the regulation of cell surface receptors. This regulation may play a role in the mechanism by which lithium prevents recurrent manic-depressive episodes.
Cortisol and testosterone in Filipino young adult men: Evidence for co-regulation of both hormones by fatherhood and relationship status

Objectives: Although cortisol (CORT) may suppress testosterone (T) production under stress, in many species males' T and CORT are co-elevated during mate acquisition or conspecific competition. It is presently unknown how CORT co-varies with T in relation to fatherhood/relationship status in men. Here we evaluate associations between waking (AM) and pre-bed (PM) salivary CORT and T, and with plasma total T and luteinizing hormone. We also test whether co-elevationor co-downregulation of CORT and T are present in men who are mating-oriented (non-pairbonded, non-fathers) and parenting-oriented (pairbonded and/or fathers), respectively. Methods: Data come from 630 of young adult Filipino males (21–23 years) enrolled in the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, a population-based birth cohort study in Cebu City, Philippines. Results: T and CORT were positively related in AM (r = 0.37) and PM (r = 0.30) saliva samples (both P < 0.001). The positive relationship between AM measures was strengthened as caloric intake improved (interaction P < 0.05). Mating-oriented men were more likely to have co-elevated PM CORT and T (P < 0.05), defined as being in the highest tertile for both hormones, while parenting-oriented men were more likely to have co-downregulated (lowest tertile for both hormones) AM (P < 0.05) and PM (P < 0.001) CORT and T. Conclusions: CORT and T are positively related upon waking and before bed and are more likely to be co-elevated in mating-oriented men and co-downregulated in parenting-oriented men. Our findings support the interpretation that CORT and T serve complementary roles in facilitating men's mating effort. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Evolutionary dynamics, epistatic interactions, and biological information

We investigate a definition of biological information that connects population genetics with the tools of information theory by focusing on the distribution of genotypes found in a population. Previous research has treated loci as non-interacting by making specific approximations in the calculation of information-theoretic quantities. We expand earlier mathematical forms to include epistasis, or interactions between mutations at all pairs of loci. Application of our improved measure of biological information to evolution on two-locus, two-allele fitness landscapes demonstrates that mutual information between loci reflects epistatic interaction of mutations. Finally, we consider four-locus, two-allele fitness landscapes with modular structure. As modular interactions are inherently epistatic, we demonstrate that our refined approximation provides insight into the underlying structure of these non-trivial fitness landscapes.
Gas-filling dynamics of a hollow-core photonic bandgap fiber for nonvacuum conditions

This paper introduces an analytical model for the pressure-driven delivery of gas mixtures consisting of multiple components of gases with varied viscosity to hollow-core photonic bandgap fibers. Photonic bandgap fibers have been used for all-fiber spectroscopy configurations for gases like methane and acetylene that are relevant to the development of all-fiber chemical sensors. The unique structure of these fibers permits the formation of a gas cell with micrometer-scaled volumes to promote strong interaction with the guided optical field supported by increased interaction lengths and low optical losses. The influence of the effective viscosity of the delivered gas is significant to the fiber-filling process and is emphasized in this discussion. Unlike previous work, this investigation is not limited to closed-loop configurations with low gas flows, single-gas delivery systems, or vacuum conditions. The findings of this study are relevant to applications employing spectroscopy principles including manufacturing process monitoring for integrated fibers possessing metal–oxide junctions, antiresonant fibers, and suspended-core-type fiber evanescent-field Raman spectroscopy applications. The experimental results agree with the predictions for the case of hydrodynamic flow under nonvacuum conditions. The dynamics of the gas delivery to the perforated optical fiber were predicted and demonstrated for a 0.365 m fiber length with a 12.5 μm core. This core region was occupied by a preliminary gas, which affected the filling rates. The effective viscosities for the pure gas (acetylene) produced filling rates of 6 s (at 10 psi) and 11 s (at 5 psi). However, mixed gases (acetylene balance nitrogen) presented viscosity-dependent delays of 0.3 and 0.5 s.
Chronic cocaine reduces α2-adrenoceptor elicited mydriasis and inhibition of locus coeruleus neurons

The effects of chronic cocaine (50 mg/kg per day for two weeks) administration on two α2-adrenoceptor-mediated responses were studied in rats. Chronic administration of cocaine significantly (compared to sham controls) attenuated the α2-adrenoceptor-mediared inhibition of noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) neurons as well as α2-adrenoceptor elicited mydriasis. Noradrenergic LC neurons from the cocaine treated and sham groups differed significantly in their responsiveness to the inhibitory effects of clonidine (ED50 values μg/kg: sham 7.35 ± 1.13 and cocaine-treated 17.17 ± 4.40, P < 0.05). The ED50 values for the mydriatic response were sham 5.71 ± 0.49 and cocaine-treated 16.42 ± 0.69 μg/kg, respectively, P < 0.001. No differences in cardiovascular responses to systematically injected clonidine between the chronic cocaine- and sham-treated groups were observed. Chronic cocaine treatment attenuates the two α2-adrenoceptor-mediated responses most likely via an interaction with central catecholaminergic neurotransmission.
3d band structure of some transition elements

Abstract Tight-binding calculations of the structure of the 3d band for Cr, Fe and Ni, using the interaction of both nearest and second nearest neighbours show a broadening of the 3d band at the lower energy limit for the body-centred cubic elements due to the second nearest neighbour interaction but a negligible effect on face-centred cubic Ni.
Nuclear binding sites for triiodothyronine in the gerbil brain following ischemia and recirculation

Abstract The effect of cerebral ischemia and subsequent recirculation on the nuclear thyroid hormone receptors was investigated. Ischemia was produced by occlusion of the right common carotid artery in the Mongolian gerbil. The thyroid hormone receptors were measured in vitro by a [125I]triiodothyronine (T3) binding assay with isolated nuclei and Scatchard analysis. A rapid increase of the total number of binding sites for T3 appeared within 30 min of ischemia and reached over 40% by 3 h. During the same 3-h period, the relative binding affinity was reduced by 25%. Upon recirculation after 30 min or 3 h of ischemia, a rapid reversal of measured T3 binding sites occurred, which progressed to 20–30% below the control value by the recirculation period of 3 h. If the ischemic period was only 30 min, the nuclear T3 binding capacity recovered toward the control level and the affinity constant returned normal after recirculation for 24 h. When the ischemic period was extended to 3 h, there was progressive loss of receptor sites, and no tendency for recovery of the affinity constant was observed. These results demonstrated a prompt alteration of a specific nuclear regulatory component in cerebral ischemia, which may indicate the importance of such changes within the nuclear regulatory mechanism for reversibility of cerebral function following ischemic insult.
Simulations of conformers of tuftsin and a cyclic tuftsin analog

The conformational properties of the configurational isomers of tuftsin, a linear tetrapeptide with the sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg, were investigated with six 1 ns molecular dynamics simulations in explicit water and in a 1.0 m NaCl solution. The average conformation of the cis isomer is a type VI beta-turn. Our results indicate that water-peptide hydrogen bonding, in addition to intramolecular hydrogen bonds, stabilizes the cis conformer. The trans isomer is neither a beta- nor a gamma-turn. Results are compared with parallel studies on a cyclic analog of tuftsin, cyclo(Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Gly). The addition of salt does, not influence the backbone conformation of the peptide. Differences between the structures are confined to the side-chain orientations of the Lys and Arg residues.
High energy gamma ray observatories for the study of cosmic ray electrons above 1014 eV

Abstract We have studied in detail the possibility of detecting cosmic ray electrons of energy ≳10 14 eV using high energy γ-ray detectors. Such instruments would detect synchrotron γ-rays radiated by the electrons, while traversing the Earth's magnetic field. These radiated γ-rays are expected to be incident along a straight line in the detector for an unambiguous identification of an electron event. Our analysis shows that small γ-ray detectors such as those in SAS-2 and COS-B satellites cannot be used for this purpose. The high energy γ-ray detector to be flown on the GRO satellite may be able to detect electrons, if the energy spectrum of electrons at high energies is modified by the influence of a nearby source. Such exciting possibilities can be observed with large area γ-ray instruments, which are aslo capable of detecting γ-rays through Compton scattered electrons. We have, in this investigation, suggested ways of utilizing future large area γ-ray observatories to open up a new avenue for the study of ultra high energy cosmic ray electrons.
A location aware P2P voice communication protocol for networked virtual environments

Multiparty voice communication, where multiple people can communicate in a group, is an important component of networked virtual environments (NVEs), especially in many types of online games. In this paper, we present a new peer-to-peer protocol that uses Gabriel graphs, a subgraph of Delaunay triangulations, to provide scalable multiparty voice communication. In addition, our protocol uses positional information so that voice data can be accurately modeled to listeners to increase the immersiveness of their experience. Our simulations show that the algorithms scale well even in densely populated areas, while prioritizing the sending of voice packets to the closest listeners of a speaker first, thus behaving as users expect.
Real-time Enhancement, Registration, and Fusion for a Multi-Sensor Enhanced Vision System

Over the last few years NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) has been developing an Enhanced Vision System (EVS) to aid pilots while flying in poor visibility conditions. The EVS captures imagery using two infrared video cameras. The cameras are placed in an enclosure that is mounted and flown forward-looking underneath the NASA LaRC ARIES 757 aircraft. The data streams from the cameras are processed in real-time and displayed on monitors on-board the aircraft. With proper processing the camera system can provide better-thanhuman-observed imagery particularly during poor visibility conditions. However, to obtain this goal requires several different stages of processing including enhancement, registration, and fusion, and specialized processing hardware for real-time performance. We are using a real-time implementation of the Retinex algorithm for image enhancement, affine transformations for registration, and weighted sums to perform fusion. All of the algorithms are executed on a single TI DM642 digital signal processor (DSP) clocked at 720 MHz. The image processing components were added to the EVS system, tested, and demonstrated during flight tests in August and September of 2005. In this paper we briefly discuss the EVS image processing hardware and algorithms. We then discuss implementation issues and show examples of the results obtained during flight tests.
Short-term desensitization therapy

Abstract R esearch has raised the possibility that behavior therapy procedures can benefit from even further departures from traditional psychotherapy formats. Although behavioral approaches such as desensitization therapy are distinctive departures from the verbal psychotherapies, there is still an implicit commitment to one traditional approach: the reliance upon one or two weekly appointments. Clients being treated for phobias, for example, are typically seen for desensitization sessions twice weekly. Yet, both theory and current research argue for more frequent meetings as being more effective. Robinson and Suinn (1969) saw clients with spider phobia daily for five consecutive days, meeting one hr per day. Clients were tested on a behavioral task prior to and following massed treatment. Results showed that prior to therapy, none of 20 clients were able to place their hands near the spider; following massed treatment, all clients improved, 13 clients placed their hands within 12 in. of the spider, 2 touched the spider and 1 client stroked the 4 in. spider twice as it moved across the cage. Suinn and Hall (1970) relied upon an even shorter treatment period: students with test-taking anxiety were desensitized completely within 24 hr. These clients were trained to relax and exposed to hierarchy items from 1–4 p.m. on Friday and 8–12 noon the next day. Results showed that the marathon treated clients showed recoveries to the same degree as that achieved in a group treated over a course of 4 weeks. Theoretically, massed treatment should be more effective than spaced treatment. This is based on the view that massed practice would lead to the extinction of fear or anxiety responses since this method capitalizes upon two factors: (1) counterconditioning, whereby the fear stimulus becomes conditioned to relaxation instead of anxiety, and (2) conditioned inhibition, whereby the anxiety responses become ‘fatigued’ and non-responding is reinforced. Implosive therapy (Stampfl and Levis, 1967) appears to be basically a type of massed practice in which the client is continuously exposed to extremely frightening scenes to extinguish the fear. In implosive therapy the client is kept anxious during the treatment; in massed or marathon desensitization, the client is relaxed throughout the sessions. The purpose of this report is to summarize some results achieved through massed desensitization.
Effects of Disease-Associated Mutations on the Conformations of GABA(A) Receptors

GABA(A) receptors are critical for proper transmission of inhibitory signals in the central nervous system, and are common targets of anesthetic and anxiolytic drugs. Several naturally occurring mutations in such receptors can cause an increased likelihood of seizures. In particular, gamma-K289M on the M2-M3 loop attached to the pore-lining M2 helices is associated with Generalized Epilepsy and Febrile Seizures. At the single channel level, the mutation dramatically reduces current amplitude in some subspecies, and increases deactivation rate in other subspecies. The molecular mechanism through which the mutation causes these effects is unknown. Using a homology model of the GABA(A) receptor based on the recently solved structure for the homologous glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluCl), we ran molecular dynamics simulations of multiple replicas incorporating both the Wild-type and the mutation, at room temperature and at temperatures inducing febrile seizures. We find distinct effects of temperature on the mutant for some conformational variables, including those governing the pore radius. From these results we propose a molecular mechanism for rapid but unstable closure of GABA(A) receptors, which would be likely to cause flickering in single channel recordings.
The effect of precursor in flame synthesis of SiO2

Abstract The effect of silicon precursor source concentration and oxidant composition on the specific surface area of flame made nanostructured silica particles was investigated in a diffusion flame reactor. Hexamethyl-disiloxane (HMDS) and octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (OMCTS) were used as the organometallic Si sources along with SiCl 4 . As oxidant various oxygen–nitrogen mixtures and as fuel methane were used. Particles generated by oxidation of organometallic compounds tend to have a smaller specific surface area than the ones made by employing SiCl 4 as precursor. This is attributed primarily to the increase of the flame temperature by the additional fuel coming from the organometallic compound. This effect is further pronounced with increasing precursor concentration as it was shown with experiments in a premixed flame reactor.
Representations of Parent-Child Alliances in Children's Family Drawings.

The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between children's representations of parent–child alliances (PCA) and their peer relationship quality, using a new scale that was developed to rate representations of PCA in children's family drawings. The parent–child alliance pattern is characterized by a relationship between parent and child that is stronger than the marital relationship. We used family drawings to assess children's (at the ages of 4–8 years) representations of alliances because it is often difficult for children to express their perceptions of family dynamics verbally. Children whose drawings were rated higher in PCA were rated lower in prosocial behavior and assertiveness and higher in social problems by their teachers. These relationships were stronger for boys than for girls.
Synchronization of growing cellular arrays

A generalized version of the firing squad synchronization problem is investigated. The generalization consists of allowing the linear array of automata to grow (by division of automata into two or more) while it is trying to synchronize itself. A solution is presented for the case in which the growth takes place at the ends of the array, with possibly different rates.
Maternal factors and child's health care use

There is inadequate data about the association between specific psychosocial factors and pediatric health care use. We hypothesized that maternal substance abuse, depression, and low social support would be associated with increased medical visits, emergency room (ER) use, visits for injuries and delays in immunization. We conducted a prospective study of 202 U.S. families with preschool children in a clinic serving the inner city poor. Psychosocial factors were assessed from standardized screening questionnaires for substance abuse, depression and low social support. Research assistants blind to the study hypothesis reviewed medical records for health care over the year following completion of the questionnaire: number of clinic visits, use of emergency room, visits to the ER or clinic for injuries, and delays in immunizations of two months or more. Among the 202 mothers, the mean age was 24.4 years, 47% were African American, 32% Caucasian, and 14% Asian; 55% were high school graduates. The average household income was $7620 per year; the mean age of children was 12.2 months. Thirty-seven percent of mothers screened positively for substance abuse, 34% for depression, and 60% for low social support. Children had an average of 8.6 clinic visits per year; 41% had an ER visit, 21% had an injury resulting in an ER or clinic visit, and 43% of children under 2 years of age had a delay of 2 months or more in recommended immunizations. After controlling for maternal and child age in a regression equation, none of the psychosocial factors were significant predictors of health care use outcomes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Impact of Unburned Carbon Particles on the Electrical Conductivity of Fly Ash Slurry

AbstractRecent stability issues in ash ponds have highlighted the importance of estimation of in situ void ratio or water content of disposed fly ash to assess the field performance and stability of these disposal units. One standard prohibits the use of fly ash with carbon content greater than 6% in concrete, making low-cost methods of quantifying the carbon content of fly ash attractive, especially for applications that might consider mining and reuse of previously disposed fly ash. In this study, electrical conductivity/resistivity measurements were used to measure the in situ carbon content and void ratio of fly ash, with the ultimate goal of quantifying the level of unburned carbon in the material. Because unburned carbon particles are electrically conductive, the resulting media conductivity is a function of carbon content, allowing determination of the carbon content of fly ash as well as the void ratio, or water content, of the soil matrix. The authors found that the measured electrical conductivi...
The Current State of European Studies in North America and of Scholarly Publishing in Western Europe.

Abstract European Studies in North America are increasingly polarized between regionalism and particularism, a trend affecting acquisition priorities for academic materials. Continental scholarly title production is booming—fed by multinational publishing and unencumbered by the slow rise of digitization—even as library budgets stagnate.
MIXING RACES: FROM SCIENTIFIC RACISM TO MODERN EVOLUTIONARY IDEAS

Paul Lawrence Farber, MIXING RACES: FROM SCIENTIFIC RACISM TO MODERN EVOLUTIONARY IDEAS, Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2011, xi + 120 pp., $19.95 (paper) In this slim volume, Paul ...
Oxide interfacial layers in Au ohmic contacts to p‐type Hg1−xCdxTe

Annealed Au contacts to p‐type Hg1−xCdxTe with thin interfacial oxide layers exhibit ohmic behavior. These interfacial layers have been produced by plasma oxidizing the Hg1−xCdxTe surface prior to Au evaporation or as a result of electroless Au deposition from AuCl3 which also produces an interfacial layer. We believe this ohmic behavior is primarily a result of the low interface state density at the interfacial layer/Hg1−xCdxTe interface and in addition, a 100 °C anneal promotes a further reduction in the interface state density and thus lowered the contact resistance. In comparison, as‐deposited and annealed Au contacts without a thin interfacial layer were rectifying with a large barrier height.
CYR61: A New Measure of Lung Cancer Outcome

Cysteine-rich protein 61 (Cyr61) is a member of a family of growth factor-inducible, immediate-early genes. In this report, the authors measured the expression of Cyr61 mRNA in 94 human lung tumors and their normal matched lung samples. The Cyr61 mRNA levels were quantified by real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and calculated as a tumor/normal Cyr61 mRNA ratio in each case. Compared with normal matched lung tissues, expression of Cyr61 was decreased in 74 of 94 (79 percent) lung tumors. Differences in distribution of patient characteristics, such as gender, age, tumor size, and pathological diagnosis, between high or low Cyr61 expressing groups were not statistically significant. However, differences in distribution of clinical stage between high or low Cyr61 expressing groups was statistically significant; that is, the Cyr61 low expressor group was clinically more advanced than the Cyr61 high expressor group (p = 0.046). Furthermore, Cyr61 levels of the patients with N0 and N1 diseases were significantly higher than the expression in the N2 patients (p = 0.047). The 3-year survival between the Cyr61 very low tumor expressor group compared to matched normal lung (39 patients) and the higher Cyr61 expressor group (52 patients) was statistically significant (59 versus 91 percent; p = 0.05). Taken together, Cyr61 appears to guard against metastatic disease because low expression is associated with more advanced disease; and therefore, expression levels of Cyr61 correlate with the prognosis of lung cancer.
Invariant imbedding and radiative transfer in spherical shells

Abstract The invariant imbedding equation for the reflection function of a spherical shell, in which absorption and isotropic multiple scattering processes take place, is a non-linear, partial differential integral equation. Two methods for its numerical solution are sketched, and the results of some numerical experiments are presented.
Optimal sampling and sensitivity limits of integrating detector arrays in a space environment

The performance of integrating detectors with either destructive read-out or nondestructive direct read-out in a space environment subject to charge-particle and radiation hits was investigated by determining the optimal integration time for maximizing the performance in the presence of a given hit rate. The performance relative to that expected for background-limited performance was evaluated using a combination of analytic techniques and Monte Carlo simulations. Results are used to estimate the performance degradation, due to cosmic rays, of the long-wavelength spectrometer of the Space Infrared Telescope Facility. It was found that its performance may be a factor of 1-5 worse than the background limited performance.
Haemoglobin metabolism in mice with a hereditary iron deficiency anaemia (sla/Y)

1. 1. Haemoglobin was labelled in vivo in normal mice and in mice with iron deficiency anaemia due to the X-linked gene mutation, sla. 2. 2. Two main red cell populations are found in normal mice, one subject to accelerated destruction and the second with a longer finite life span. 3. 3. In iron deficient sla / Y mice, haem and globin labelling indicate random haemolysis and shortened red cell survival. 4. 4. Specific activity curves of faecal urobilinogen show complex “early” labelling patterns. They confirm mean red cell survival in both normal and anaemic mice. and indicate increased ineffective erythropoiesis in the sla/Y animals with iron deficiency.
Productivity and microcomputers in local government

Abstract As local governments devote an increasing proportion of their budgets to administrative costs, it is important that productivity levels be improved. The use of microcomputers may be one way to increase productivity. Introduction of microcomputers involves high start-up costs, so it is important that cost-benefit analyses be conducted to forecast savings for each function to which computers will be applied. The analyses should include both hard dollar (quantifiable) and soft dollar (qualitative) benefits. Although they are subject to distortion, cost-benefit analyses do force a systematic evaluation of projected microcomputer uses, training and maintenance costs, the most appropriate hard- and software, etc. As with any other innovation, introduction of microcomputers to local government is likely to meet with some user resistance. This can, however, be countered by a good implementation and training program. Local governments worldwide are feeling pressures to increase their efficiency and effectiveness; there is every reason to assume that under appropriate circumstances productivity gains may be achieved in all developed countries that adopt microcomputers to perform certain local government functions.
The assembly of hepatic very low density lipoproteins: Evidence of a role for the Golgi apparatus

Previous studies from our laboratory have suggested that the assembly of lipoproteins by the liver is not completed in the rough endoplasmic reticulum but continues while the particles are en route to or within the Golgi apparatus. To investigate further the role of the Golgi apparatus in lipoprotein assembly, mice were injected with [3H]glycerol and killed 7.5 to 45 min after injection. Microsomes and Golgi apparatus-rich fractions were isolated from the livers and separated into membrane and content fractions. TG within microsomal and Golgi membranes were labeled, rapidly reaching peak specific activity within 7.5 min of isotope injection. The specific activity of TG in microsomal membranes decreased to approximately 40% of peak values by 45 min, whereas the specific activity of TG in the Golgi membranes decreased to approximately 30% of peak values by 45 min. To determine whether the turnover of the Golgi membrane TG pool was dependent on microsomal TG transfer protein (MTP), mice were gavaged with an MTP inhibitor, and the labeling experiments were repeated. Inhibition of MTP attenuated the turnover of newly synthesized Golgi membrane TG by approximately 50% and the turnover of microsomal membrane TG by approximately 40%. Based on the rapid turnover of the Golgi membrane TG pool and the attenuation of the turnover of this pool by MTP inhibitor, we propose that lipid is transferred from the Golgi membrane to luminal lipoproteins in an MTP-dependent manner. The results support our hypothesis that assembly of VLDL continues within the Golgi apparatus.
Hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and the development of cardiovascular risk: a joint primacy

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an inordinate risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition to the metabolic state of uremia, the CKD-associated risk is partly explainable by unique cofactors such as dyslipidemia, systemic inflammation, and exposures that occur during renal replacement therapies. However, the comorbid condition of hypertension also enhances risk in patients with CKD. New observations suggest that diminished glomerular filtration rate and hypertension share primacy in the development of cardiovascular illness.
A class of error tolerant pattern discrimination functions

Abstract A general pattern recognition problem is posed in Hilbert space. Two new solutions are then given and it is shown that the sensitivity of the pattern recognition functions to pattern perturbation can be a priori controlled. A series of examples demonstrate the principal results in a variety of settings.
Capacity of dimension-limited channels

Abstract Capacity is deremined for a class of communication channels containing additive noise. Gaussian noise processes and a large class of non-Gaussian processes are included. The constraint on the transmitted signals is given in terms of an increasing family of finite-dimensional subspaces. For this class of channels, it is shown that coding capacity is equal to the average information capacity. A general expression for the capacity is given, along with results that facilitate its calculation in applications. The results apply to the classical discrete-time channel and to continuous-time channels with fixed signal duration.
Soil organic matter dynamics in paired rangeland and cropland toposequences in North Dakota

Abstract The effects of cultivation and erosion on organic matter transformations were studied by systematically sampling slope positions on three paired rangeland and cropland toposequences. The toposequences were on differing parent materials, sandstone, siltstone and shale in southwestern North Dakota. Soils weathered from the three parent materials were all Haploborolls or Argiborolls but differed in texture and solum depth. Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and soil loss have been previously measured. Microbial biomass C and N by chloroform fumigation, mineralizable C and N during 10, 20 and 60 day incubations, and organic C and N content were measured. Decreases in the above soil properties occurred in cropland soils, but the proportion of organic N mineralized increased. Biomass and mineralizable C and N concentrations were correlated with organic C and N concentrations, rather than with total accumulation in the profile. Total accumulation and proportion of N mineralized were correlated with clay content. Changes in respiration:mineralization, mineralization:biomass and microbial C:N ratios suggested differences in substrate and microbial population composition between rangeland and cropland. Microbial biomass and mineralization rates did not vary with slope position, but parent material had significant effects. The siltstone site which had the highest soil losses began with the highest microbial biomass and mineralizable C and N concentrations and had the highest losses. The sandstone site suffered high soil but low OM constituent losses whereas the shale site suffered low soil and OM constituent losses. The sites can be classified in terms of their response to perturbation using concepts of “resistance” and “resilience” from ecosystem theory. The sandstone and shale sites may both be considered “resistant” with respect to agricultural perturbation, whereas the siltstone site was not.
Decomposition of geometric perturbations

Abstract For an infinitesimal deformation of a Riemannian manifold, we prove that the scalar, vector, and tensor modes in decompositions of perturbations of the metric tensor, the scalar curvature, the Ricci tensor, and the Einstein tensor decouple if and only if the manifold is Einstein. As an example, a four-dimensional space–time whose three-dimensional spatial foliations satisfy the condition of the theorem is homogeneous and isotropic. Cosmological applications are discussed.
Causes, consequences, and prevention of burnout among substance abuse treatment counselors: a rural versus urban comparison.

Abstract Substance abuse counselors are vulnerable to burnout, which has negative repercussions for the counselor, employing organization, and clients. However, little is known about differences in counselor burnout from the counselors' perspective in rural versus urban treatment centers. In 2008, focus group data from 28 rural and urban counselors in a southern state were analyzed, revealing three burnout themes across all counselors: causes, consequences, and prevention. However, there were various differences between rural and urban counselors in subthemes, with only rural counselors citing office politics and low occupational prestige as causes of burnout. Only urban counselors reported responses endorsing the subthemes of role reversal, clients trying to choose their counselors, and changing jobs as consequences of burnout. All counselors cited coworker support, clinical supervision, and self-care as important strategies for managing burnout. In sum, context clearly matters as rural counselors cited ...
Demonstration of strong saturation of traps in multiple, narrow, slightly asymmetric coupled quantum wells

Continuous-wave photoluminescence excitation spectra of multiple, narrow, slightly asymmetric coupled quantum wells at room temperature have been measured. As the laser intensity increases, the photoluminescence intensity initially increases at a rate that is higher than square-law dependence and finally approaches square-law dependence. This phenomenon can be attributed to the process in which a dominant nonradiative recombination at the traps undergoes strong saturation with weak radiative recombination of free carriers. The intensity-dependent trapping efficiency and ratio between electron and hole nonradiative decay times, and the ratio between trapping and nonradiative recombination rates have been determined from the experiment.
Crystal structure of an H-2Kb-ovalbumin peptide complex reveals the interplay of primary and secondary anchor positions in the major histocompatibility complex binding groove.

Sequence analysis of peptides naturally presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules has revealed allele-specific motifs in which the peptide length and the residues observed at certain positions are restricted. Nevertheless, peptides containing the standard motif often fail to bind with high affinity or form physiologically stable complexes. Here we present the crystal structure of a well-characterized antigenic peptide from ovalbumin [OVA-8, ovalbumin-(257-264), SIINFEKL] in complex with the murine MHC class I H-2Kb molecule at 2.5-A resolution. Hydrophobic peptide residues Ile-P2 and Phe-P5 are packed closely together into binding pockets B and C, suggesting that the interplay of peptide anchor (P5) and secondary anchor (P2) residues can couple the preferred sequences at these positions. Comparison with the crystal structures of H-2Kb in complex with peptides VSV-8 (RGYVYQGL) and SEV-9 (FAPGNYPAL), where a Tyr residue is used as the C pocket anchor, reveals that the conserved water molecule that binds into the B pocket and mediates hydrogen bonding from the buried anchor hydroxyl group could not be likewise positioned if the P2 side chain were of significant size. Based on this structural evidence, H-2Kb has at least two submotifs: one with Tyr at P5 (or P6 for nonamer peptides) and a small residue at P2 (i.e., Ala or Gly) and another with Phe at P5 and a medium-sized hydrophobic residue at P2 (i.e., Ile). Deciphering of these secondary submotifs from both crystallographic and immunological studies of MHC peptide binding should increase the accuracy of T-cell epitope prediction.
Low-actuation voltage RF MEMS shunt switch with cold switching lifetime of seven billion cycles

This paper investigates the performance and lifetime of a metal-to-metal shunt RF MEMS switch fabricated on an SI-GaAs substrate. The switch is a shunt bridge design that is compatible with standard microelectronic processing techniques. The RF performance of the switch includes actuation voltages of less than 15 V, isolation better than 20 dB from 0.25 to 40 GHz, and switching speeds of less than 22 /spl mu/s. Varying the geometry of the switch affects both switching voltage and reliability, and the tradeoffs are discussed. We have developed a cold switching test method to identify the root cause of sticking as a failure mechanism. The switch structure includes "separation posts" that eliminate sticking failure and has demonstrated lifetimes as high as 7/spl times/10/sup 9/ cold switching cycles. These results show that good reliability is possible with a metal-to-metal RF MEMS switch operated with a low actuation voltage.