cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Race, Ramos, and the Second Amendment Standard of Review

Gun control in the United States has a racist history. Nevertheless, federal courts and academics have invoked Southern gun restrictions enacted after the Civil War to suggest that history supports stringent regulation of the right to bear arms. We argue that courts’ reliance on these restrictions is illegitimate. Drawing on original research, we reveal how the post-war South restricted gun-ownership for racist reasons, deployed its new laws to disarm free blacks, yet allowed whites to bear arms with near impunity. We then show how modern reliance on these laws contravenes the Supreme Court’s decision in Ramos v. Louisiana, which deemed similarly tainted statutes unconstitutional. Since the Court will soon consider the validity of modern limits on concealed carry, placing Southern gun restrictions in their proper historical context matters today more than ever. While Southern gun control after the Civil War might tell us something about how the South sought to preserve white supremacy, it tells us almost nothing about the proper scope of the Second Amendment.
Benchmarks of meaningful improvement on neurocognitive tests in multiple sclerosis.

Background:Previous studies have established benchmarks of clinically meaningful decline on neuropsychological tests. However, little is known about meaningful testing benchmarks based on gains in ...
Entrepreneurial beacons: The Yale endowment, run‐ups, and the growth of venture capital

Research summary: This article investigates the social context of entrepreneurship in organizational sectors. Prior research suggests that firm foundings are driven by collective patterns of activity—such as patterns of prior foundings in a given sector. Building on research on social salience and signals, we consider the influence of singular sector-level triggers, which we call entrepreneurial beacons. We argue that the actions or outcomes of single, salient organizations attract and motivate entrepreneurs, thus increasing the rate of foundings. We test this logic by examining the impact of the Yale University endowment's investment choices and of venture-capital-backed IPO run-ups on venture-capital foundings between 1984 and 2011. We find support for the existence and influence of beacons and outline boundary conditions for their effects. Managerial summary: What leads entrepreneurs to found new companies in nascent sectors? In contrast to prior research, which emphasizes patterns of activity, we argue that entrepreneurial activity can sometimes be driven by the actions of a singular trigger—what we call an entrepreneurial beacon. We examine the influence of two such beacons, Yale University's endowment investments and exceptional venture-capital-backed IPO run-ups, on the founding of new venture-capital firms over a 28-year period. We find that Yale's increased allocations to the venture-capital asset-class has a significant influence on the founding of new venture-capital firms, while exceptional venture-capital-backed IPO run-ups only influence venture-capital foundings under certain conditions. Overall, we offer an explanation for heretofore anecdotal accounts of certain organizations or events that appear to have an outsized influence on entrepreneurial activity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic Properties of Minerals from the Red Sea Thermal Brines

Studies of the magnetic properties of sediment samples recovered from the thermal brine area of the Red Sea have been made. The minerals which have distinctive magnetic signatures, particularly on heating, are goethite, lepidocrocite, siderite, manganosiderite, pyrite, hematite and small quantities of a ferrimagnetic mineral, which is probably maghemite.
A computer-assisted image-processing system for the analysis of autoradiographs of cerebral metabolic activity.

A computerized image-processing system has been developed for quantitative analyses of the autoradiographs obtained with the [14C]deoxyglucose method. By means of this system, these cerebral metabolic images can be digitized and the resultant data can be manipulated for image construction, enhancement, enlargement, and microdensitometric analysis. It is also possible to generate quantitative color-coded metabolic maps that display the distribution of the actual rates of local glucose utilization throughout the entire central nervous system with a resolution conservatively estimated to be equivalent to that of a full-width-half-maximum of approximately 100 μm.
Chapter 101 – Immunity at the Maternal-Fetal Interface

This chapter discusses the comparison of the compartments and resident leukocytes of the cycling and pregnant mammalian uterus. The structure of the human placenta and the immunological relationships between its various cellular components and the maternal cells and tissues with which it coexists are also outlined. Each organ and system of the body contains its own complement of functionally unique leukocytes. With the loss of antigen-specific immunity in the uterus during pregnancy, immunity is compromised. Leukocyte subpopulations in this environment of innate immunity include a unique subset of natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, and, to a lesser extent, T cells. Although these cells are well positioned for limited host defense, they are functionally skewed towards promoting growth of the placenta and fetus. Many molecules and mechanisms first identified in the immune system such as—the restricted expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA), expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily members, and display of B7 family members—are features of human placentas and extraplacental membranes. Some of these molecules have roles in the placental immune privilege, but their main functions may be to promote development of the semiallogeneic fetus.
3. Probing Pore Structures by Sorption Isotherms and Mercury Porosimetry

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a review of the use of (physi)sorption isotherms and mercury porosimetry to identify geometric and pore-structural parameters of porous media. Physisorption refers to the reversible adsorption or desorption of a gas in a porous medium at constant temperature as a result of an incremental increase or decrease of its pressure, respectively. Its origin is the binding of the gas molecules at the solid surface, typically by van der Waals forces. Mercury porosimetry refers to the process of the slow intrusion or extrusion of liquid mercury in the porespace of a porous medium in response to an incremental increase or decrease in the applied pressure, respectively. This process is also controlled by interfacial (capillary) forces at the advancing or receding interface. The chapter presents a background on porous media description, with a focus on the pore surface and the pore network and on the basic aspects of sorption isotherms and mercury porosimetry. It discusses the characterization of the pore surface and its chemical and geometric heterogeneity. The chapter discusses the mechanism of adsorption over a surface (or, equivalently, adsorption in a porous medium at low relative pressures) and capillary invasion at high capillary pressures to identify pore surface characteristics. It also reviews the fundamentals of capillary condensation in confined geometries and capillary equilibria and discusses their applicability for inferring pore-size distributions, along with various issues related to pore and throat size distributions and their spatial correlations.
Relational Versus Formal Contracting: Do Contracting Governments Adhere to Economic Wisdom?

In this paper, we examine if local public managers adhere to the precepts of economic and contracting theory regarding how they perceive the nature of services (hard versus soft), the types of contracts they write (formal versus relational), and the contract management styles they adopt. We find support for theoretical expectations concerning the perceptions of services and the formalness of contracts. However, our results indicate that public officials adopt more relational styles of management for hard services than expected.Note: The data collection for this project is ongoing. The analyses presented in this paper are based on the early returns. Hence, the findings are preliminary in nature and are best interpreted as such. That is, the results are subject to revision as more data are gathered.
Dihydrofolate reductase from mouse liver and spleen. Purification, properties and inhibition by substituted 2,4-diaminopyrimidines and 4,6-diaminotriazines

Abstract Dihydrofolate reductase was purified from mouse liver and spleen, and certain physical and kinetic properties were compared. The Chromatographic properties of the two enzymes on Sephadex G-75 were similar. Both enzymes exhibited two broad double pH optima, one between pH 4.5 and 5.5, and another between pH 7.5 and 8.5. The two enzymes were activated to a similar degree by KCl, urea and guanidine-HCl; methylmercuric bromide did not activate either enzyme. The presence of 5 × 10 −6 M of either substrate, dihydrofolate or NADPH, protected the enzymes against thermal denaturation. The rate of reduction of dihydrofolate was 27–29 times that of folate for each of the enzymes. From the titration of the enzymes by the stoichiometric inhibitor, methotrexate, turnover numbers of 940 were calculated for both the liver and spleen enzymes. The liver and spleen enzymes were both inactivated by an antibody prepared against the murine L1210 lymphoma enzyme. Crude liver extracts were found to contain a fraction which bound antibody and prevented inactivation of enzyme activity. The I 50 values for a series of 2,4-diaminopyrimidine and 4,6-diaminotriazine inhibitors were determined and no significant differences were noted when the purified enzymes were tested. These studies show that when purified preparations of dihydrofolate reductase from mouse liver and spleen are compared, no differences in physical and kinetic properties are demonstrable, and stress the importance of using purified enzymes in measuring inhibition produced by analogs.
Black gay men and conflicting social identities: sexual orientation versus racial identity

The negative influences of the black community and the gay community as social identity elements of black gays' self-concept are heuristically explored. The discussion points out how racism in the gay community, and the anti-homosexual attitudes of the black community may result in black gays developint inadequate coping techniques and poor self-concepts exhibiting sex role and racial stereotypes.
Wasting the Planet: What a Storied Doctrine of Property Brings to Bear on Environmental Law and Climate Change

To many, sustainability is nothing more than another legally ineffectual buzz word manufactured by the modern environmental movement. However, such a narrow view of the concept ignores a tremendous amount of historical precedent and jurisprudence underlying it. Specifically, the doctrine of waste in Anglo-American property law has long been a vehicle for those with an interest in the future to restrict resource-depleting activities in the present, rendering it the manifestation of sustainability as a concrete legal obligation. It is through this doctrine, then, that the rich concept of sustainability as it applies to climate change policymaking can be best understood. I explore the early history and development of the doctrine of waste in England and the United States, as well as the philosophical discourse surrounding equitable obligations to future generations, to provide much-needed non-partisan legal and moral grounding for environmental policymaking.
NEW RURAL ECONOMY: CHALLENGES AND DIVERSITY IN EASTERN CROATIA

Eastern part of Croatia is agricultural region according to natural resource (fertile soil, first of all), as well as human potential (long experience in traditional agriculture). Besides agriculture as traditional activity, a characteristic of rurality is also added to this region. Rural area is dominant in Eastern Croatia and it effects on relatively small urban areas. This paper represents new possibilities of rural economic activities on family farms in Eastern Croatia. Role and significant of rural economic activities is analyzed through indicators overview (land structure, GDP, population, population density, TEA index, unemployment ect.). Challenges through diversification of rural economic activities in this paper includes added economic activities realized on family farms through tourism, crafts, handy work, processing, renewable energyetc. Added economic activities on family farms in Eastern Croatia participate with only 3.9%. Suggestions and possibilities measures of rural economic activities diversification are reflected through two main streams. First stream is diversification of activities through added value of agricultural products as vertical connection (organic food, autochthony products, functional food, renewable energy sources etc.). Other one economic activity diversification indicates distribution function of final products through different services on the family farm (direct sale, specialized shops, rural tourism and many other services).
Experimental Verification of Progressive Learning Control For High-Speed Direct-Drive Robots With Structure Flexibility and Non-Collocated Sensors

A novel approach to the learning control of non-collocated robotic systems is presented, and its feasibility and effectiveness are verified through experiments using an ultra-high speed direct-drive robot having structural flexibility. This approach, called “progressive learning,” allows the system to learn parameters recursively and progressively, starting with the ones associated with low frequencies and moving up to the ones with a full spectrum. Even though the system has non-collocated sensors and actuators and the relative order is three or higher, the learning process is guaranteed to converge by exciting the system with a particular series of reference inputs having an appropriate frequency spectrum. A controller augmentation technique to accelerate the learning process is also presented.
Mouse nerve growth factor prevents degeneration of axotomized basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in the monkey.

NGF, a trophic polypeptide, is necessary for the normal development and survival of certain populations of neurons in the CNS and PNS. In the CNS, cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain magnocellular complex (BFMC) are prominent targets of NGF. During rat development, NGF increases the activity of ChAT in these neurons. In adult rats with experimental injury of axons in the fimbria-fornix, NGF prevents degenerative changes in axotomized cholinergic BFMC neurons in the medial septal nucleus (MSN). Because the amino acid sequences of NGF and its receptor (NGF-R) are highly conserved across species, we hypothesized that mouse NGF would also prevent degeneration of cholinergic BFMC neurons in nonhuman primates. Therefore, the present study was designed to test whether fimbria-fornix lesions result in retrograde degenerative changes in basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in macaques, whether these changes are prevented by mouse NGF, and whether the protective effect of NGF is selective for cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain. Following unilateral complete transection of the fornix, animals were allowed to survive for 2 weeks, during which time half of the subjects received intraventricular NGF in vehicle and the other half received vehicle alone. In animals receiving vehicle alone, there was a 55% reduction in the number of ChAT- immunoreactive cell bodies within the MSN ipsilateral to the lesion; loss of immunoreactive somata was more severe in caudal planes of the MSN. Remaining immunoreactive neurons appeared smaller than those in control, unoperated animals. In Nissl stains, there was no apparent loss of basophilic profiles in the MSN, but cells showed reduced size and intensity of basophilia. Treatment with NGF almost completely prevented reductions in the number and size of cholinergic neurons and had a significant general effect in preventing atrophy in basophilic magnocellular neurons of the MSN, though some basophilic neurons in the MSN did not appear to respond to NGF. Adjacent 7-microns-thick sections stained with ChAT and NGF-R immunocytochemistry revealed that these markers are strictly colocalized in individual neurons in the MSN in controls and in both groups of experimental animals. Thus, mouse NGF profoundly influences the process of axotomy-induced retrograde degeneration in cholinergic BFMC neurons in primates. The in vivo effectiveness of mouse NGF on primate BFMC neurons suggests that mouse or human recombinant NGF may be useful in ameliorating the ACh- dependent, age-associated memory impairments that occur in nonhuman primates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Discrete Simplified External Linearization and Analytical Comparison of IC Engine Families

A general, nonlinear spark ignition engine model is presented. Speed dependent discretization is employed to develop a linearized formulation for four and six cylinder port fuel injected engine representations. The methods presented provide a foundation for the application of classical or modern control techniques to internal combustion (IC) engine related control problems.
Perspective of 4 Fortune 500 New Jersey company information systems

There is a diversity of opinions on the potential impact of information systems (ISs) on individuals, organizations, and society. Four companies, considered leaders in their industries, could serve as models for other organizations. This comparative study of the role of information management was based on printed data, interviews, and questionnaires used within the companies, and on public domain information. Their management, IS structures, and functionality are an excellent example of the effective use of information at the right time. The role of ISs has influenced management styles and has reduced uncertainty in the decision-making process. A protocol to consider in developing an IS is suggested. >
Simulation of Nanostructured Materials for Solar Energy Conversion

In the last half of the 20th century, computation has become an indispensible tool in science. Enormous progress in high-performance computational capabilities allow us to solve highly complex mathematical equations with ever-increasing accuracy, providing detailed scientific understanding. The role of quantum-mechanical electronic structure calculations in advancing nano-technology is greatly expanding in recent years, and such computational research has started to play an important role not only in understanding but also for designing new functional materials. In this article, we highlight how such computational methods are being employed for improving upon existing and predicting novel nano-materials for photovoltaic applications.
Exponential stability of wave equations coupled in parallel with viscous damping

In this paper, stabilization of the system of wave equations coupled in parallel with springs and viscous dampers are under investigation due to different boundary conditions and wave propagation speeds. Numerical computations are attempted to confirm the theoretical results. >
Visibility of Contributions and Cost of Information: An Experiment on Public Goods

We experimentally investigate the impact of visibility of contributors and cost of information on public good contributions. First, we vary recognizing all, highest or lowest contributors. Second, we investigate the effect of imposing a cost on viewing contributors. Recognizing all contributors significantly increases contributions relative to the baseline, even when viewing contributors’ information is costly. This effect holds even though the identities of contributors are viewed less than ten percent of the time. Recognizing only highest contributors does not increase contributions compared to not recognizing contributors, but recognizing only lowest contributors is as effective as recognizing all contributors. These findings support our conjecture that aversion from shame is a more powerful motivator for giving than anticipation of prestige.
Promotion by mixtures of dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-initiated cancer in the liver of female B6C3F1 mice

Hepatic tumor promoting activity was determined for dichloroacetic acid (DCA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in female B6C3F1 mice initiated on day 15 of age with 25 mg/kg N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). The mice were administered the chloroacetic acids in drinking water starting at 7 weeks of age and continuing until sacrificed 31 or 52 weeks later. Both chloroacetic acids promoted MNU-initiated foci and tumors, however their concentration-response relationships differed being exponential and linear for DCA or TCA, respectively. Lesions promoted by DCA but not TCA, regressed upon termination of exposure at 31 weeks. Foci and tumors promoted by DCA were eosinophilic and contained glutathione S-transferase-π (GST-π), while TCA promoted basophilic tumors lacking GST-π. Hence, tumor promotion by DCA and TCA appeared to differ both with respect to their concentration-response relationships and to the characteristics of precancerous lesions and tumors.
Inhibition studies of cathepsins A, B, C and D from rat liver lysosomes

Abstract 1. 1. Among the compounds tested as inhibitors of cathepsins A, B, C, and D from rat liver lysosomes were: heavy metals, metal chelators, —SH reagents, naturally occurring substances and other compounds. 2. 2. Cathepsin C was inhibited by metals. 3. 3. Cathepsin B was sensitive to sulfhydryl reagents and metals and was strongly inhibited by Zn2+. 4. 4. Inhibition of cathepsin D by ferric ion and ferritin is of physiological interest. 5. 5. Cathepsin A was inhibited by Fe2+, Ag2+, Hg2+, p-chloromercuribenzoate, and p-chloromercuriphenylsulfate. In the presence of Fe2+, substrate inhibition occurred.
Flux-pinning characteristics as a function of density of columnar defects comprised of self-assembled nanodots and nanorods in epitaxial YBa2Cu3O7−δ films for coated conductor applications

Abstract Pure YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− δ (YBCO) and YBCO films with extended columnar defects comprised of self-assembled columns of nanodots and nanorods of BaZrO 3 (BZO), CaZrO 3 (CZO) and 8 mol.% Y 2 O 3 stabilized ZrO 2 (YSZ) were prepared by pulsed laser deposition on RABiTS templates of configuration CeO 2 /YSZ/Y 2 O 3 /Ni–W. Effects on increasing the size and density of columnar defects by varying the total volume fraction BZO, CZO or YSZ incorporations within the YBCO film are reported. BZO volume fraction was varied between 0% and 8%, CZO between 0% and 2% and YSZ 0–2%. The critical transition temperature ( T c ) was found to linearly decrease with increase in vol.% of BZO, CZO and YSZ, with the steepest decline for CZO additions. Nevertheless, YBCO films with these columnar defects exhibit significantly reduced J c dependence on applied field. At 77 K, best properties are obtained for 1–2 vol.% BZO incorporation in the form of columns of self-assembled nanodots and nanorods in fields of 0.1–1.5 T.
Enkephalin dimers: Regulation of cyclic AMP levels in NG108-15 cells

Abstract Intracellular cyclic AMP levels were determined for dimeric and monomeric enkephalins interacting with PGE 1 -stimulated NG108-15 cells. The dimeric pentapeptide enkephalin (DPE 2 ), [D-Ala 2 , Leu 5 -NH-CH 2 ] 2 , displaying very high affinity (K = 4.2 ± 0.3 nM −1 ) for the δ-opiate receptor, inhibited cyclic AMP production by 70%. Its IC 50 -value was between 0.1 and 0.2 nM, similar to that of the potent δ-agonist [D-Ala 2 , D-Leu 5 ] enkephalin (DADLE) with K = 1.0 ± 0.1 nM −1 . [D-Ala 2 , Leu 5 ] enkephalin amide (DALEA), which is the monomer of DPE 2 , showed an IC 50 = 4 nM. The dimeric tetrapeptide enkephalin (DTE 12 ), [D-Ala 2 , des-Leu 5 -NH-(CH 2 ) 6 ] 2 and its monomer [D-Ala 2 , desLeu 5 ] enkephalin amide (DAPEA) showed IC 50 = 2 and 20 nM, respectively. These results indicate that the DPE 2 and DTE 12 enkephalin dimers are potent δ-agonists.
Test and Evaluation of Space and Airborne Imaging Sensor Platforms

The space simulation test chambers at the Arnold Engineering Development Center offer a means of performing high-quality, economical, and timely state-of-the-art tests and evaluations to satisfy a variety of space system testing requirements. These requirements include sensor and focal plane array level characterization (including radiometric calibration and characterization and goniometric evaluation) and mission simulation. Such a groundtest capability is crucial for reducing system development risk by testing the latest technologies developed for spacebased, interceptor, and airborne sensor platforms. In response to the evolving requirements for testing sensor platforms, new methodologies and techniques are being developed to maintain a suite of facilities capable of testing sensor systems at any level of development. A roadmap has been created that integrates high-fidelity, complex, and dynamic scene projection systems in conjunction with comprehensive analysis andmeasurement of the properties of the optical systems to meet imaging sensor test needs.
Multi-staged robotic stereotactic radiosurgery for large cerebral arteriovenous malformations

Abstract Purpose To investigate a multi-staged robotic stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) delivery technique for the treatment of large cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The treatment planning process and strategies to optimize both individual and composite dosimetry are discussed. Methods Eleven patients with large (30.7±19.2cm 3 ) AVMs were selected for this study. A fiducial system was designed for fusion of targets between planar angiograms and simulation CT scans. AVMs were contoured based on single contrast CT, MRI and orthogonal angiogram images. AVMs were divided into 3–8 sub-target volumes (3–7cm 3 ) for sequential treatment at 1–4week intervals to a prescription dose of 16–20Gy. Forward and inversely developed treatment plans were optimized for 95% coverage of the total AVM volume by dose summation from each sub-volume, while minimizing dose to surrounding tissues. Dose-volume analysis was used to evaluate the PTV coverage, dose conformality (CI), and R 50 and V 12Gy parameters. Results The treatment workflow was commissioned and able to localize within 1mm. Inverse optimization outperformed forward planning for most patients for each index considered. Dose conformality was shown comparable to staged Gamma Knife treatments. Conclusion The CyberKnife system is shown to be a practical delivery platform for multi-staged treatments of large AVMs using forward or inverse planning techniques.
Laser Temperature Jump Study of the Helix⇌Coil Kinetics of an Alanine Peptide Interpreted with a ‘Kinetic Zipper' Model

The kinetics of the helix coil transition of an alanine-based peptide following a laser-induced temperature jump were monitored by the fluorescence of an N-terminal probe, 4-(methylamino)benzoic acid (MABA). This probe forms a peptide hydrogen bond to the helix backbone, which changes its fluorescence quantum yield. The MABA fluorescence intensity decreases in a single exponential relaxation, with relaxation times that are weakly temperature dependent, exhibiting a maximum value of approximately 20 ns near the midpoint of the melting transition. We have developed a new model, the kinetic version of the equilibrium 'zipper' model for helix coil transitions to explain these results. In this 'kinetic zipper' model, an enormous reduction in the number of possible species results from the assumption that each molecule contains either no helical residues or a single contiguous region of helix (the single-sequence approximation). The decay of the fraction of N-terminal residues that are helical, calculated from numerical solutions of the kinetic equations which describe the model, can be approximately described by two exponential relaxations having comparable amplitudes. The shorter relaxation time results from rapid unzipping (and zipping) of the helix ends in response to the temperature jump, while the longer relaxation time results from equilibration of helix-containing and non-helix-containing structures by passage over the nucleation free energy barrier. The decay of the average helix content is dominated by the slower process. The model therefore explains the experimental observation that relaxation for the N-terminal fluorescent probe is approximately 8-fold faster than that for the infrared probe of Williams et al. [(1996) Biochemistry 35, 691-697], which measures the average helix content, but does not account for the absence of observable amplitude for the slow relaxation in the fluorescence experiments ( helix rate is purely entropic, the model can also explain the maximum in the temperature dependence of the relaxation time for the fluorescent probe. Parameters that best reproduce the melting curves and the ratio of relaxation times predict a value of the cooperativity parameter sigma which is approximately 3-fold larger than previously reported values obtained from fitting equilibrium data only. The helix growth rate of approximately 10(8) s-1 that reproduces the experimental relaxation times is approximately 100-fold slower than those observed in molecular dynamics simulations. These parameters can be used to simulate the kinetically cooperative formation of a helix from the all-coil state.
Kauri seeds and larval somersaults: The larval trunk of the seed mining basal moth Agathiphaga vitensis (lepidoptera: Agathiphagidae)

The trunk morphology of the larvae of the kauri pine (Agathis) seed infesting moth Agathiphaga is described using conventional, polarization, and scanning electron microscopy. The pine seed chamber formed by the larva is also described and commented on. The simple larval chaetotaxy includes more of the minute posture sensing setae, proprioceptors, than expected from the lepidopteran larval ground plan. The excess of proprioceptors is suggested to be necessary for sensory input concerning the larval posture within the seed chamber. The trunk musculature includes an autapomorphic radial ventral musculature made up of unique multisegmental muscles. The combined presence of additional proprioceptors and the unique ventral musculature is proposed to be related to the larval movement within the confined space of the seed chamber, especially to a proposed somersault movement that allows the larva to orientate itself within the chamber. J. Morphol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the shrinking and hardening of EPDM rubber membranes in water sanitation filtration tanks

Abstract A water reclamation plant (WRP) uses a fine bubble-diffuser system to treat biological sewage waste. The process involves pumping air through slits in rubber membranes to feed bacteria in the waste stream. This case study deals with problems encountered with shrinking and hardening of the EPDM rubber membranes. Several factors affecting the performance of the rubber were investigated, including “leaching” of plasticizers, accelerated cross-linking due to the effects of temperature, and vulcanization effects on rubber flexibility. Different rubber materials were evaluated (i.e. silicone, Hypalon, Viton, neoprene, and a different formulation of the EPDM rubber). The investigation found that EPDM compound 7195 provided superior performance and met the required parameters for the wastewater treatment application. Additional investigations revolved around improving pumping losses in membrane through optimized perforation sizes and the inclusion of a cooling system (water misting or heat-exchanger) to cool the air before it reaches the membrane.
The inferior olivary complex of marsupials

The inferior olivary complex (IOC) of marsupials was investigated to determine if correspondence exists between the IOC of marsupials and the IOC of eutherian mammals. We examined serial sections of the IOC of members of the eight major marsupial families: Didelphidae (Didelphis virginana, Philander opossum, Marmosa murina, and Caluromys sp.), Caenolestidae (Caenolestes obscurus and Lestoros inca), Dasyuridae (Antechinus flavipes, Dasyurus viverrinus and Sarcophilus harrisii), Peramelidae (Isodon obesulus and Perameles nasuta), Phalangeridae (Trichosurus vulpecula and Pseudocheirus peregrinus), Petauridae (Schoinobates volans and Petaurus breviceps), Vombatidae (Vombatus ursinus) and Macropodidae (Potorous tridactylus, Setonix brachyurus, Macropus eugenii and Macropus rufus). Evidence is presented that the principal nucleus (PIO) and dorsal nucleus (DIO) of the marsupial IOC are directly comparable to nuclei in eutherians. Nauta degeneration studies on the pattern of termination of spinal and rubral afferents in Trichosurus vulpecula support arguments for homology between the PIO and DIO of marsupials and of eutherians. However the probable homologue of the eutherian medial nucleus (MIO) has certain features that are unique to marsupials; while it can be divided into the same subnuclei found in eutherians (subnuclei a, b, c and the cap of Kooy) most of the cells of the marsupial medial nucleus homologue are located lateral to the PIO. The few cells of the MIO homologue that lie medial to the PIO are connected in some marsupials to the main lateral portion by a sheet of cells that lies ventral to the PIO. For this reason we propose that the medial nucleus homologue be named the ventral nucleus (VIO) in marsupials. Because of the ventral position occupied by medial nucleus cells during development in both eutherian and marsupial mammals, the term VIO could also be properly applied to the eutherian MIO as well.
The ventricular gradient vector and related vectors.

Abstract The concept of a mean vector with respect to time for a certain time interval is discussed. A simple method for determining the area vector for electrocardiographic cardiac complexes is presented, and the theoretical and practical advantages of its use are discussed. The ventricular gradient area difference vector is defined and is determined for the dog experiment of Wilson and associates, for two cases of right and two cases of left intermittent bundle branch block and for one case of intermittent anomalous atrioventricular excitation. It is pointed out that in each case this difference vector may be due to alteration of the lead fields or may be an indication of invalidity of Wilson's hypothesis.
Enzyme-Based Sensor Arrays for Rapid Characterization of Complex Disaccharide Solutions

An enzyme-based sensor array has been developed to detect multiple disaccharides in aqueous solutions. Porous agarose beads, derivatized with enzymes for assaying disaccharides, are localized within wells etched into a silicon chip in a regular 5 x 7 array. Each well is individually addressable and acts as a microanalysis chamber where sample solution passes through the agarose matrix and is exposed to the enzymes. Detection is achieved by observing the increase in absorbance of a quinoneimine dye produced during the reaction. This technique is used to quantify the disaccharides lactose, sucrose, and maltose and the monosaccharide glucose. Preexisting glucose in the sample complicates multicomponent sensing but can be accounted for by including a glucose sensor in the array. This detection strategy is applied to the simultaneous analysis of these sugars in several beverages.
Induction of labor with RU 486 (mifepristone) in relaxin-deficient rats: antepartum administration of relaxin facilitates delivery and increases pup survival.

Abstract Objective This study was conducted to determine whether antepartum administration of relaxin improves RU 486–induced delivery at term in rats that lack circulating endogenous relaxin. Study design Pregnant rats were modified two ways to obtain circulating levels of relaxin and progesterone that resemble those of pregnant humans: relaxin was immunoneutralized throughout the second half of the 23-day pregnancy and high progesterone levels were sustained until term by inserting progesterone implants on day 20. Porcine relaxin was administered subcutaneously from 8 am on day 20 until delivery. Labor was induced by administering RU 486 subcutaneously at 4 am on day 22. Results After induction of labor with RU 486, labor and delivery were faster, and the incidence of live births was higher when rats were also administered relaxin during the antepartum period. Conclusion Antepartum administration of relaxin in combination with RU 486 has beneficial effects on delivery in relaxin-deficient rats.
The neck-righting reflex in children

Summary An attempt was made to reproduce the work of Schaltenbrand pertaining to the neck-righting reflex in infants. One hundred children ranging from newborn infants to 5 years of age were examined. Contrary to the results of Schaltenbrand, the response was observed in a small number of cases only and was generally associated with crying and struggling.
Carnivory vs. herbivory in juvenile Penaeus setiferus (Linnaeus) and Penaeus aztecus (Ives)

Abstract Postlarval Penaeus setiferus (Linnaeus), the white shrimp, and Penaeus aztecus (Ives), the brown shrimp, were reared for 24 days on vegetal, animal, and combination diets. Incremental weight change was used to compare shrimp growth rates among dietary treatments. Both species grew most quickly when fed a combination diet. Shrimp fed an animal diet also grew, but those fed vegetal diets either did not survive or grew very little. There were significant differences between the relative responses of the two species. Brown shrimp fed an animal diet of Artemia grew significantly more than did the white shrimp. Furthermore, the diatom Skeletonema was capable of producing growth in white shrimp that was similar to that produced by an Artemia diet until Day 20, but shrimp fed this vegetal diet did not survive until Day 24. There was no difference in the growth between white and brown shrimp fed a combination diet. The differences between the two species in their ability to utilize plant and animal material can be related to the resources available at their times of immigration.
Granulocyte transfusion therapy in abdominal organ transplant recipients.

Background: Patients with neutropenia are at increased risk for infections. Granulocyte transfusions (GT) have had mixed success in treatment of neutropenic infections in adult patients with hematologic malignancy. This study examined the outcomes of GT therapy in neutropenic solid organ transplant recipients, a novel population for this therapy. Methods: We performed a retrospective examination of the transfusion and medical records of all 14 solid organ-transplant recipients without hematologic malignancy who experienced neutropenia and received GT therapy from 2004 to 2006. Results: Twelve patients received GT therapy for an active infection and two patients for infection prophylaxis. The mean absolute neutrophil count (ANC) one day increment per GT in these patients was 526/μl (median 215/μl). The mean ANC one day increment per dose of 1010 granulocytes was 246/μl (median 86/μl). Of the 12 infected patients, four patients (33%) showed a clinical response to GT with improvement or resolution of the infection, 7 (58%) patients had no clinical response and one additional patient had a clinical response to a course of GT but died during a second GT course. Neither patient receiving GT for prophylaxis developed an infection. Conclusions: We observed temporal increases in ANC to levels above 1,000/μl in 15/18 (83.3%) courses of GT. We observed a clinical response to infection in 5/12 (42%) patients, the remaining infected patients had no clinical response. Our results suggest that GT therapy in neutropenic solid organ transplant recipients can boost peripheral blood neutrophil counts. Additional studies areneeded to document an independent clinical benefit for GT in this patient population. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A search for CO (1-0) emission from the tidal structures of interacting and merging galaxies

We have used the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) 12 m telescope to search for CO (J = 1 - 0) emission from the tidal tails of six merging or interacting galaxies. Although these plumes are H I-rich and several contain star forming regions, they are undetected in CO to low levels. The lack of strong CO emission from these plumes in conjunction with the presence of massive star formation is reminiscent of the situation in dwarf irregular galaxies, and the CO/H I limits are consistent with those of dwarfs. The low CO brightness of these plumes may be due either to a low proportion of molecular gas, or to a high N(H2)/I(sub CO) conversion factor.
Theologies of the Land and State of Israel: The Role of the Secular in Jewish and Christian Understandings

Christians and Jews have tended to approach theological understandings of Israel through different categorizations of what constitutes appropriate topics for theology. Separation of religious and political realities has been an aspect of Christian culture since the fourth century, but it was never a native separation for Judaism. Thus, contemporary Christian theologians have attempted to develop understandings of Jewish relationship to the land that excludes its political aspects. From a Jewish perspective, this amounts to a recasting of Judaism according to a foreign set of values, one that devalues the potential (if not yet actualized) theological meanings inherent in contemporary Jewish sovereignty over its historical homeland. Progress in dialogue about Israel requires confronting this difference directly.
A terracotta phallus from Pisa Ship E: more evidence for the Priapus deity as protector of Greek and Roman navigators

Although the ithyphallic deity Priapus was most generally viewed by the Greeks and Romans as a garden fertility god, there is archaeological and textual evidence that those engaged in maritime activity, especially sea-borne trade, also conceived him as a protective deity. The recent discovery of a terracotta phallus in the remains of Pisa Ship E suggests that apotropaic Priapic icons were carried aboard ancient vessels. This finding, along with two related precedents, allows for a new interpretation with regard to the presence of phallic iconography in the assemblages of Greek and Roman wrecks.
Column efficiency and radial homogeneity in liquid chromatography

Local, on-column electrochemical detection was carried out in the amperometric mode at different points of the column outlet cross-section. This permitted the determination of the spatial distribution of analyte molecules within the chromatographic zone at the column exit. The radial distribution of the peak-maximum velocity, the local efficiency and the analyte concentration were determined for a commercial column and for several laboratory-packed columns made with different solid particles and with a commercial silica-based stationary phase. An important region of the packing close to the wall is denser, has a lower permeability and a lower efficiency than the core of the packing. The concentration along the wall is lower than average, in part because of the lower efficiency.
Surfactant-free Colloidal Crystal of ZnO Quantum Dots

Monodisperse ZnO quantum dots (QDs) with a particle size of about 5 nm have been synthesized. Isopropanol together with hexane were utilized to precipitate ZnO nanoparticles to form condensed phases, ranging from white flocculation, to gel-like fluid, and to transparent solid. The morphology and structure in the transparent ZnO solid was characterized by UV-vis, X-ray diffraction, small-angle X-ray scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanisms for the formation of transparent ZnO QDs close-packed structure were monitored via UV-vis spectra, and found likely to be a colloidal crystal. The colloidal crystal is transparent and absorbs UV light efficiently. Possible conditions for the formation of the ZnO QDs colloidal crystal are discussed.
Diagnostic errors in congenital echocardiography: importance of study conditions.

Background Diagnostic errors are unwanted clinical events that place patients at risk for injury. The authors have previously reported that a majority of congenital echocardiography errors have clinical impacts and, on the basis of a small cohort, identified factors associated with diagnostic error. The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate patient risk factors for diagnostic errors in a large contemporary cohort and (2) to identify risk factors for situation-related diagnostic errors. Methods Diagnostic errors were identified at a large academic pediatric cardiac center from 2004 to 2011. Clinical and situational variables were collected from diagnostic error cases and controls. Results Among the 254 diagnostic error cases, 66% affected clinical management or patients experienced adverse events; 77% of errors were preventable or possibly preventable. Coronary arteries, pulmonary veins, and the aortic arch were most commonly involved with diagnostic errors. Multivariate analysis identified the following patient-related risk factors: rare or very rare diagnoses (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 6.3; P P P P = .005) and weekend studies (Friday through Sunday) (AOR, 1.6; P = .04). The model area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.833. Conclusions In addition to patient risk factors, the setting of an echocardiographic study and interpretation contribute to risk for a diagnostic error. Studies interpreted overnight or performed during a weekend should be considered for a quality improvement activity to reduce diagnostic errors or their impact.
The Thickness of the Liquid Microlayer Between a Sliding Bubble and a Heated Wall: Comparison of Models to Experimental Data

Sliding vapor bubbles are known to create high heat transfer coefficients along the surfaces against which they slide. The details of this process remain unclear and depend, in part, on the evolution of the liquid microlayer that forms between the bubble and the surface, as the bubble grows by evaporation. A mechanistic model of the microlayer thickness verified by direct observation of the microlayer thickness is needed. This paper describes a comparison of measurements from a recent set of experiments to the results of microlayer models from literature and to the predictions of a new model presented here for the first time. The measurements were produced by a laser-based method developed to measure the thickness of the liquid microlayer between a cap-shaped sliding bubble and an inclined heated wall. Microlayer thicknesses of 22-55 μm were obtained for saturated FC-87 and a uniform-temperature surface inclined at 2-15 deg from the horizontal. The basis of each model, input requirements, limitations, and performance relative to this data set is discussed. A correlation is developed based on the structure of the lubrication theory. It collects the measured microlayer thickness presented as a microlayer Reynolds number to within ±10%. This correlation depends only on bubble volume, inclination, and a bubble shape factor all of which can be determined experimentally to within reasonable accuracy.
Estimation of Numerical Errors Related to Some Basic Assumptions in Discrete Particle Methods

Discrete particle methods that track the motion of individual particles and their collisions are computationally very expensive. To accelerate these numerical simulations, some basic assumptions have been introduced and reported in the literature. This study investigates two of these common assumptions: (1) the use of computational parcels, or clouds, wherein many particles are lumped together so that only parcels and their collisions are tracked, and (2) the multiphase particle-in-cell, or MP-PIC, wherein the collision forces are replaced by a solids pressure term with the main purpose to avoid exceeding the maximum packing of the granular assembly. Using several cases relevant to the fluidization community, errors associated with these assumptions are computed. For these cases the magnitude of error in the time-averaged flow variables indicates that further research on the validity of these assumptions is warranted.