cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lob des CO2. Das verrufene Gas

Die in der offentlichen Diskussion verbreitete Charakterisierung von CO2 als Klimakiller wird in diesem Essay als Projektion kritisiert: Mit der Vokabel “Klimakiller” wird aus einem politischen und kulturellen Problem ein technisches gemacht. Zugleich wird der Blick auf das CO2 selbst verstellt. Daher stellt sich der Autor in die Tradition der enkomia paradoxa, der paradoxen Lobreden und stimmt eine Laudatio auf das CO2 an. Er zieht dazu Fakten aus der Religionsgeschichte, aus der Wissenschaftsgeschichte, aus der Kulturgeschichte und insbesondere aus der okologischen Chemie heran und stellt sie in einen groseren Zusammenhang. Ziel ist es, durch notwendige Provokationen zu einem realitatsnaheren Bild des Stoffes CO2 zu gelangen. Experimente mit CO2, darunter auch das einfachstmogliche Experiment zum Treibhauseffekt, erganzen die Darstellung. This essay is a thought-provoking laudatio of carbon dioxide. It shows, that this gas, albeit one of the causes of climate change, is an essential part of life on earth. The author tells the little known story of carbon dioxide and points on facts from science and from the history of science. Thus, he gives a three-dimensional picture of this unique substance. Without being a “climate sceptic”, he criticises the common picture of CO2 as a reification. A couple of new didactic experiments on CO2, including an impressive and simple experiment on the greenhouse effect, are added.
The active transport of sugars by various preparations of hamster intestine.

Abstract The active transport of sugars by the small intestine of the golden hamster has been studied in vitro by means of the accumulation of sugar within the tissue against a concentration gradient. Techniques are described for preparing and using three types of intestinal preparation which exhibit characteristics of active transport similar to those of other in vitro preparations and of active absorption in vivo. One kind, in particular, which consists of small rings of everted intestine was shown to be highly reproducible and, therefore, useful for comparison of the rate and extent of active transport under various conditions. The influence of fasting on active sugar transport was studied and the results are discussed with respect to the source of energy for active transport. The variation in the rate of active transport along the length of the intestine was studied with glucose, galactose and 1,5-anhydro- D -glucitol and found to be similar for all three compounds.
An evaluation of near infrared spectroscopy and cryospectrophotometry estimates of haemoglobin oxygen saturation in a rodent mammary tumour model

Haemoglobin oxygen saturation in subcutaneous rat mammary tumours was measured using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in vivo and in rapidly frozen sections from the same tumours using cryospectrophotometry, which reports oxygen saturation in individual blood vessels to depths of 4 mm from the tissue surface. Measurements were performed on tumours while animals breathed either room air or carbogen. In five of nine tumours, the average saturation calculated from cryospectrophotometric measurements agreed with that determined from NIRS to within 13%, and in four of these five tumours agreement was 5% or better. In the remaining four of nine tumours, where agreement was poor, the volume-averaged saturations estimated from NIRS were consistently higher than those calculated from cryospectrophotometry. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrated that the depth of tissue probed by NIRS was significantly greater than that sampled by cryospectrophotometry. Analysis of the frequency of severely hypoxic vessels showed that when NIRS reported a saturation of approximately 70% or higher, the fraction of tumour vessels with saturations less than 10% was limited to 0.06 or less. Sensitivity and specificity analysis suggests that NIRS and NIRS imaging may identify clinically relevant hypoxia, even when its spatial extent is below the resolution limit of the NIRS technique.
The effects of thyroid state on beta-adrenergic and serotonergic receptors in rat brain

The effects of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, alone or in combination with the tricyclic antidepressant desmethylimipramine (DMI), on brain beta-adrenergic and serotonin (5HT2) receptors were studied in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Intraperitoneal administration of T3 or T4 for 7 days increased the number of cortical beta-adrenergic and 5HT2 receptors. These increases were significant at levels of 250 micrograms/kg or above for both hormones. Neither thyroidectomy nor "reverse" T3 (rT3) (500 micrograms/kg) produced an effect on either receptor type. The down-regulation of beta-adrenergic receptors produced by daily subcutaneous injections of 20 mg/kg of DMI for 7 days was partially offset by concurrent administration of T4, whereas the down-regulation of 5HT2 receptors produced by the drug was not affected by concurrent administration of either T3 or T4. Hypothyroidism (thyroidectomy) did not significantly affect the adaptation of these receptor populations to DMI. As regards brain regions other than cortex, T4 (250 micrograms/kg) produced the same changes in hippocampus as in cortex, while thyroidectomy decreased beta-adrenergic receptors only in the cerebellum. Thyroxine also elevated 5HT2 receptors in the hippocampus; thyroidectomy caused a significant decrease in 5HT2 receptors in the striatum.
High pT Probes of Dense Matter Created in Heavy Ion Collisions at RHIC

An overview of recent high- p T hadron and photon measurements at RHIC is presented with a focus on the evolution of hadron/photon production from intermediate p T ( ≲ 5 GeV/c ) to high p T ( > 10 GeV/c ) . Addressed topics include single high- p T hadron production, azimuthal anisotropy of π 0 production, di-jet modification at intermediate p T and inclusive photon-hadron correlations. The understanding of these results in the context of different energy loss models is also discussed.
MO-D-AUD-08: Dose Verification at the Surface of Air Cavities During Radiation Therapy Using the TomoTherapy Hi-Art System

Purpose: Air cavities are a significant inhomogeneity in radiation therapy. TomoTherapy, a helical dose delivery system, is dependent on a heterogeneity based treatment planning system. Plan optimization can be affected by changing the pitch of treatment delivery along with the modulation factor for the treatments. The system allows for calculations using a fine, normal, or coarse calculation grid. In this investigation, we assess the dose delivered to the surface and superficial regions of the cavity, the influence of the above parameters on dose delivery, and the accuracy of the planning system to represent the dose in these regions. Method and Materials: Four different 3×3 cm2 air cavities configurations in solid water were investigated‐with 9 and 1cm solid water above the cavity, with the cavity open at the surface, and with no cavity to measure the surface dose. Each cavity had a reference plan, two plans changing pitch, and two plans changing modulation. We compared the predicted dose to measureddose using both the Attix chamber and TLDpowder.Results: A large variation in the percent difference between measured and expected dose depends on the location of the air cavity below the phantom surface. The accuracy of the delivered dose varied with both modulation factor and pitch dependent on the cavity location in the phantom. The Attix chamber and TLDpowder showed essentially the same response, but the Attix chamber data was more precise. Conclusions: The accuracy of the delivered to expected dose on the cavity surface was greater when the air cavity was far below the surface (0–5%). As the cavity moved closer to the surface, the deviations in measured to expected dose increased to minus 40–50% of the measureddose at the surface.
Capillary growth and diffusion distances in muscle.

Abstract 1. 1. Tissue capillarity in muscle was modelled as square-ordered arrays with capillary-to-fiber ratios (C/F) from 0.5 to ‘infinity’. 2. 2. C/F up to two had marked effects on diffusion distances, but C/F above had only slight effects on average distances and almost no effect on maximal distances. 3. 3. Capillary growth during normal maturation results in C/F around two. Thus, capillary growth in adult muscle may not be an adaptive mechanism for reducing diffusion distances.
Some Problems in Sanitizing Network Data

The problem of removing sensitive information from data before it is released publicly, or turned over to less trusted analysts, underlies much of the unwillingness to share data. The solution is to sanitize, or deidentify, parts of the data. When dealing with network addresses, the set of available addresses is finite. This limits some aspects of the sanitization. We analyze this problem in detail, and suggest approaches to ameliorate it.
A voltammetric study of asymmetric viologens in an organic solvent, an aqueous solution and in vesicle systems

Abstract Voltammetric studies of the asymmetric viologens, N-octyl-N'-methyl viologen (C8MV), N-dodecyl-N'-methyl viologen (C12MV) and N-hexadecyl-N'-methyl viologen (C16MV), were performed using a glassy carbon electrode in acetonitrile, an aqueous solution and vesicle systems. For comparison, the cyclic voltammograms of the symmetric viologen, N,N'-dimethyl viologen (MV) are also presented. In the organic solvent, the voltammograms of all the viologens are nearly identical. However, in aqueous solutions, the viologen chainlength has a large effect on the cyclic voltammetric (CV) behavior. Major differences were observed between the viologens in aqueous solutions and in vesicle systems. These observations are attributed to hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between the viologen and the vesicle. In addition, the extent of the interaction between a particular viologen with vesicles was found to vary for different redox states. This finding was used to explain some unusual phenomena.
QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF BRINE‐CHILLED AND SMOKED BOBWHITE QUAIL

480 Bobwhite quail were sacrificed at 16 wk of age to study the effect of brine-chilling and smoking on carcass cooling rate during chilling, water uptake, thawing losses after frozen storage, cooking yield after smoking, tenderness and organoleptic characteristics of the smoke meat. Equal numbers of male and female carcasses were chilled in 0%, 5% or 7.5% brine solutions for 1, 2, 3 or 4 hr, in a 2 × 3 × 4 factorial experimental design. Removal of body heat of the carcass during chilling was accomplished at a much faster rate when brine-chilling was used. Increasing the brine concentration from 5 to 7.5% resulted in a faster cooling rate. Brine chilled carcasses had significantly (P < 0.05) greater percent water uptake during chilling, lower thaw losses and higher cooked yield than the slush-ice chilled (control) carcasses. Smoked meat from brine-chilled carcasses had significantly (P < 0.05) lower shear force readings (indicating more tender meat) and better organoleptic scores when compared with smoked meat from the control carcasses. Increasing the chilling time resulted in significantly more tender meat and better juiciness scores. Tissue NaCl concentration was increased when higher brine concentration or longer chilling time was used.
Preparation of a heterodifunctional ligand possessing both phosphine and cyclopentadienide functionality

Abstract The difunctional ligand (C 6 H 5 ( 2 PCH 2 CH 2 Si(CH 3 ) 2 ??? Li + (1) is readily prepared in three steps via photolytic addition of diphenylphosphine to vinyldimethylchlorosilane, followed by reaction with lithium cyclopentadienide and deprotonation. Ligand ??? is of value in the construction of molecules containing pairs of different transition metals indirectly linked but not metal-metal bonded.
Optimal liquid acquisition device screen weave for a liquid hydrogen fuel depot

This chapter represents the first of two chapters of application of analytical modeling of PMDs in real cryogenic propulsion systems. The purpose of this chapter is to apply the new cryogenic LAD modeling tools, present a rationale for choosing the optimal LAD screen type and weave, and to present basic analysis and design for a LAD to be implemented into a large-scale liquid hydrogen fuel depot. First the background is presented along with mission requirements. Then, from the set of influential factors from Chapter 3 , bubble point pressure and FTS pressure drop are combined to define a critical mass flux used to make general comparisons between screens. Based off the minimum bubble point pressure to maintain adequate phase separation against adverse depot acceleration levels, the five finest Dutch Twill screens are then down-selected for the depot. Next, the minimum screen area is defined and used to compare the remaining five screens. Then, secondary parameters such as wicking rate, screen compliance, and manufacturability are discussed to compare performance further between screens. Finally, the optimal LAD mesh is down-selected and LAD channels are sized for the depot
Agricultural districts and farmland prices

A hedonic price equation of structureless farmland prices in New York State are fitted to 458 land transactions between 1982–1985. No capitalization is found of the state's Agricultural District farmland preservation program, which combines current-use property taxation with several development-inhibiting features. It is hypothesized that landowners avoid joining the program when it would threaten profits from a development sale, and that those who do participate gain little because agriculture is the highest value use of their land.
Heavy neutrinos and supernova explosions

We examine the recent suggestion by Falk and Schramm that heavy neutrinos with the right mass and the right radiative lifetime may cause the supernova explosion. It is shown that if leptons and quarks are composite and their excited states exist, excited neutrinos are shown to satisfy the desired mass-lifetime relation. The mass range of such excited neutrinos between order of eV and about 10 MeV is disallowed by cosmological constraints.
Effect of ionophore A23187 upon membrane function and ion movement in human and toad erythrocytes.

Addition of 0.1–0.3 μm A23187, a divalent cation ionophore, to human erythrocytes suspended in a 1.0mm 45Ca2+-containing buffer results in a small (∼ two fold) increase in [Ca2+] i , a significant decrease in osmotic fragility, and a decrease in intracellular K+ (100 mmoles/liter of cells to 70 mmoles/liter cells) without significant alteration of intracellular [Na+]. This decrease in [K+] i is associated with a significant decrease in packed cell volume and correlates directly with the observed alteration is osmotic fragility. Increasing extracellular K+ to 125mm prevents the A23187-induced changes in osmotic fragility, K+ content and cell volume, but does not prevent the ionophore-induced uptake of45Ca2+. Addition of 0.1–0.3 μm A23187 to toad erythrocytes leads to an increase in45Ca2+ uptake comparable to that observed in human erythrocytes, but does not alter osmotic fragility, cell volume or K+ content. Higher concentrations of ionophore (3.0–10.0 μm) cause a 30- to 50-fold increase in45Ca2+ uptake and concomitant change in K+ content, cell volume and osmotic fragility. These changes in cell properties can be prevented by increasing extracellular [K+] to 90mm. The difference in sensitivity of the two cell types to A23187 is attributed to the presence of additional intracellular calcium pools within toad erythrocytes that prevent an increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ until Ca2+ uptake is increased substantially at the higher concentrations of A23187.
Moments and maximum entropy densities in time frequency

The question of what the joint and conditional time-frequency moments are in terms of the signal and spectral amplitudes and phases is considered. From these moments, a time- frequency density can be constructed using the method of maximum entropy. This technique is used to assess the plausibility of expressions recently derived for low-order conditional and joint moments.ALso investigate is whether or not there is a lower bound on the local time- bandwidth product of a time-frequency density, as there is for the global case.
Innovation in software for systems biology: is there any?

Software for systems biology has been under development since the 1950s and has accelerated considerably in the last five years. However, much of the development has been repetitive and there has been little genuine innovation. In this talk I wish to briefly discuss the history of software provision in systems biology and will try to address the question why the academic community has found it so difficult to innovate. In many cases the software developed today is little different in functionality from the first packages that were written in the 1950s. Ironically is it industry that seems to be taking the lead. In particular, Microsoft is funding new theoretical developments at their systems biology centers and MathWorks has developed a substantial dynamics software package (SimBiology 2.0) for their Matlab product.
Immune Response to Resistance Exercise

Resistance exercise produces transient perturbations in immunity, including alterations in circulating leukocyte numbers, cytokine concentration, and some measures of cell function. These changes are typically interpreted as being transiently detrimental to host defense. The mechanisms responsible for these immune fluctuations appear to be neuroendocrine-mediated alterations in cell trafficking and function and microtrauma-mediated alterations in cytokine release. Alterations in immunity following resistance exercise appear to be similar in pattern but smaller in magnitude than those typically seen after long, vigorous endurance exercise and are resolved within a few hours. However, resistance exercise—induced changes in immunity may become clinically relevant after repeated exercise bouts with insufficient recovery. Regular training appears to attenuate the immune response to resistance exercise. Care should be taken to ensure that resistance training is planned, with adequate variation in intensity and ...
Energy Bands in One-Dimensional Aperiodic Crystals

A definition for the average momentum of an electron in a one-dimensional aperiodic crystal of finite length is presented. This momentum, when maximized with respect to the constants of integration of Schr\"odinger's equation, is shown to yield a useful investigative quantity, given the special name characteristic momentum, which is independent of position and from which significant information about allowed states and their transport character can be extracted. The characteristic momentum for a crystal of finite length is analogous to the momentum associated with the slope of an energy-versus-wave-number ($E$- versus-$k$) plot for a periodic crystal of infinite length. An allowed-state criterion which predicts allowed bands and forbidden gaps for finite crystals is developed and verified by computer calculations. For crystals having a fixed percentage of randomly spaced impurity cells, the characteristic momentum and bandwidth decrease with increasing length. For crystals of fixed length, the characteristic momentum and bandwidth decrease with increasing impurity-cell concentration.
Photoisomerization of Polyionic Layer-by-Layer Films Containing Azobenzene

In this work we employed the layer-by-layer adsorption technique for deposition on solid substrates of polyionic films containing photoactive azobenzene groups. We investigated two systems, each ha...
Potential benefits of cool roofs on commercial buildings: conserving energy, saving money, and reducing emission of greenhouse gases and air pollutants

Cool roofs—roofs that stay cool in the sun by minimizing solar absorption and maximizing thermal emission—lessen the flow of heat from the roof into the building, reducing the need for space cooling energy in conditioned buildings. Cool roofs may also increase the need for heating energy in cold climates. For a commercial building, the decrease in annual cooling load is typically much greater than the increase in annual heating load. This study combines building energy simulations, local energy prices, local electricity emission factors, and local estimates of building density to characterize local, state average, and national average cooling energy savings, heating energy penalties, energy cost savings, and emission reductions per unit conditioned roof area. The annual heating and cooling energy uses of four commercial building prototypes—new office (1980+), old office (pre-1980), new retail (1980+), and old retail (pre-1980)—were simulated in 236 US cities. Substituting a weathered cool white roof (solar reflectance 0.55) for a weathered conventional gray roof (solar reflectance 0.20) yielded annually a cooling energy saving per unit conditioned roof area ranging from 3.30 kWh/m2 in Alaska to 7.69 kWh/m2 in Arizona (5.02 kWh/m2 nationwide); a heating energy penalty ranging from 0.003 therm/m2 in Hawaii to 0.14 therm/m2 in Wyoming (0.065 therm/m2 nationwide); and an energy cost saving ranging from Open image in new window0.126/m2 in West Virginia to Open image in new window1.14/m2 in Arizona (Open image in new window0.356/m2 nationwide). It also offered annually a CO2 reduction ranging from 1.07 kg/m2 in Alaska to 4.97 kg/m2 in Hawaii (3.02 kg/m2 nationwide); an NOx reduction ranging from 1.70 g/m2 in New York to 11.7 g/m2 in Hawaii (4.81 g/m2 nationwide); an SO2 reduction ranging from 1.79 g/m2 in California to 26.1 g/m2 in Alabama (12.4 g/m2 nationwide); and an Hg reduction ranging from 1.08 μg/m2 in Alaska to 105 μg/m2 in Alabama (61.2 μg/m2 nationwide). Retrofitting 80% of the 2.58 billion square meters of commercial building conditioned roof area in the USA would yield an annual cooling energy saving of 10.4 TWh; an annual heating energy penalty of 133 million therms; and an annual energy cost saving of Open image in new window735 million. It would also offer an annual CO2 reduction of 6.23 Mt, offsetting the annual CO2 emissions of 1.20 million typical cars or 25.4 typical peak power plants; an annual NOx reduction of 9.93 kt, offsetting the annual NOx emissions of 0.57 million cars or 65.7 peak power plants; an annual SO2 reduction of 25.6 kt, offsetting the annual SO2 emissions of 815 peak power plants; and an annual Hg reduction of 126 kg.
Clinical pharmacokinetics of dipyridamole

The pharmacokinetics off dipyridamole were studied in six normal subjects and 20 patients. The normal subjects received 20 mg IV each and five also took a 50 mg oral dose. Concentrations after the intravenous dose showed a tri-exponential decline with a terminal half-life of 11.6 +/- 2.2 hr (mean +/- S.D.). Total plasma clearance was 138 +/- 30 ml/min and the apparent volume of distribution was 141 +/- 51 l. Peak concentrations after oral dipyridamole occurred 2--2.5 hr after the dose. Systemic availability of the oral dose was 52 +/- 23%. Plasma protein binding was 99.13 +/- 0.24%. Twenty patients, admitted for coronary artery bypass grafting, received total daily doses of 150 mg, either as 50 mg tid or 75 mg bid. Based on drug cumulation during chronic dosing, the terminal half-life averaged about half a day. There was wide interpatient variability, averaging about 10-fold, in observed plasma concentrations for both dosage regimens. The bid regimen was not associated with lower trough concentrations of the drug than the tid regimen. These results indicate that dipyridamole concentrations vary widely in patients receiving the drug, and suggest that it could be administered twice a day, and that dipyridamole levels should be monitored for the antithrombotic effect in clinical studies.
Death education curricula in U.S. medical schools

Although medical students deal extensively with dying patients during their clinical rotations, little is known about the content of death‐education curricula in U.S. medical schools. Senior class presidents were surveyed for information about the formal training they received on death and dying during medical school. Fifty‐four percent reported receiving 3 hr or less of required class time on the subject. The theories of Kubler‐Ross were most often taught, although the works of Weisman, Saunders, and Westburg were occasionally presented. More than one third (37%) of the respondents reported that their medical school training was ineffective in preparing them to deal with dying patients. We conclude that medical schools need to improve both the quantity and quality of instruction in the area of death education.
Photoionization resonance spectra I. nitric oxide and benzene

Abstract A new method is described for the study of molecular ions. This method produces a signal only if the photon energy from a scanning monochromator matches with an optical resonance process. These photo-ionization resonances have the conventional appearance of an optical spectrum, being referenced to the calibration of an optical monochromator, but being related to the energy levels of the molecular ion. Data for NO+ (X1Σ+) and C6H+6(X2E1g) are shown. The presence of an electronic state of benzene, at 10.385 eV is reported. It is though that this state corresponds to the removal of a σ electron from the benzene molecule.
Density and Virial Coefficients of Gaseous Butane from 265 to 450 K at Pressures to 3.3 MPa

The Burnett-isochoric (B-I) method has been used to measure gas densities and virial coefficients for butane from 265 to 450 K (IPTS, 1990; Preston-Thomas, 1990). Two independent B-I runs were performed but both with a base isotherm of 450 K, which is well above the critical temperature of 425 K. Significant physical adsorption of butane molecules onto the highly-polished, stainless steel cell walls was found below 375 K in agreement with conclusions reached by Ewing and associates in comparing their sonic-velocity-based density virial coefficients with those from the P−V−T literature. Our data below 375 K were then corrected for adsorption errors by previously published procedures developed by our laboratory for highly polar gases. Using statistical weighting of our two B-I runs, recommended density second virial coefficients B(T) are reported from 265 to 450 K whereas third virial coefficients C(T) are reported only from 325 to 450 K as values below 325 K are too uncertain due to the vapor pressure drop...
Comparison of Glaucomatous Visual Field Defects Using Standard Full Threshold and Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithms

Objectives To compare the severity, size, and depth of glaucomatous visual field defects using standard full threshold (FT), Swedish interactive threshold algorithm (SITA) standard (SS), and SITA fast (SF) algorithms of the Humphrey perimeter. Methods A prospective observational case series of 77 patients with glaucoma performed FT, SS, and SF 30-2 white-on-white testing programs on the same day on 2 occasions for 1 month. The severity of defects was compared using the mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study, and Hodapp-Anderson-Parrish severity scores. The sizes of defects were compared using the total number of abnormal points on the pattern deviation plot that fit standard criteria for glaucomatous visual field defects. The depths of the defects were compared using the sum of the threshold values for points identified in the pattern deviation plot as fitting criteria for glaucomatous defects. Results The mean deviations were slightly better using the SS (−9.6 ± 7.1 dB) or the SF (−9.1 ± 6.7 dB) algorithm compared with the FT algorithm (−10.3 ± 7.1 dB) ( P P = .08) and SF (8.1 ± 3.6, P = .19) compared with FT (8.3 ± 3.3), although the pattern standard deviation was higher in SS fields compared with SF fields ( P P P = .004) but not the SF algorithm (20.0 ± 10.6) ( P = .11). The depth of defects measured by the SS (220.4 ± 108.0 dB) and SF (219.8 ± 101.3 dB) algorithms was significantly shallower compared with that measured by the FT algorithm (152.3 ± 79.1 dB) ( P P = .12). Conclusions Glaucomatous defects are measured significantly shallower using the new SITA algorithms but are approximately the same size and severity compared with FT measurements. Care should be taken when using threshold values to compare glaucomatous defects in a patient when converting from FT to SITA algorithms.
Development and Optimization of Three-Dimensional Spatial EPR Imaging for Biological Organs and Tissues

The development and optimization procedures for obtaining high-quality three-dimensional spatial electron-paramagnetic-resonance images of large lossy samples at L band are described. Strategies for selecting optimized parameters for projection acquisition, instrumentation, and algorithms for correcting drifts in microwave frequency and inaccuracies in the static and gradient magnetic fields are described. Image reconstruction was performed using a two-stage filtered back-projection method with spectral deconvolution. With this instrumentation, correction algorithms, and image reconstruction method, spatially accurate 3D images of radical distribution were observed in complex phantoms using 0.5 mM nitroxide labels. The results indicate that high-quality images of lossy samples, including biological organs and tissues of up to 25 mm in size, could be obtained in a reasonable time with submillimeter resolution.
Control of Large-Scale Systems: Beyond Decentralized Feedback

Abstract In this paper, we present an array of new results that are aimed at broadening the scope of control design under information structure constraints. Both structural and algebraic enhancements of decentralized feedback will be considered, with convex optimization as a common mathematical framework. This approach leads to computationally efficient design strategies that are well suited for large-scale applications. In all cases, the obtained feedback laws guarantee robustness with respect to a wide range of nonlinear uncertainties, both within the subsystems and in the interconnections.
Mechanism of the effect of urethane on the secretion of prolactin in the male rat.

Abstract A subcutaneous injection of urethane (200 mg/100 g body wt.) into adult male rats resulted in a significant increase in serum prolactin (PRL) at 30 minutes. Subsequent measurements at 60, 90 and 120 minutes postinjection revealed a marked and rapid decrease in serum PRL to levels significantly lower than those of unanesthetized animals. The administration of the dopamine antagonist pimozide (8, 40 or 200 μg) 30 minutes after urethane injection elevated serum PRL levels in a dose-dependent manner and thus prevented the urethane-induced depression in serum PRL observed at 60 minutes postinjection. Hypothalamic synthesis of 14 C-dopamine from its precursor 14 C-tyrosine was measured in both urethane-anesthetized and unanesthetized rats. The synthesis of hypothalamic dopamine was dramatically increased in the urethane-anesthetized animals as compared to newly synthesized hypothalamic dopamine levels in the unanesthetized controls. These results indicate that the PRL-inhibitory effects of urethane anesthesia in the rat may be exerted through increased dopaminergic activity.
Bistability And Switching In Waveguides With A Liquid Crystal Cladding

AbstractThe transmission of guided waves through a thin -film waveguide with an oriented liquid - crystal cladding of K18 exhibits, near the liquid - crystal nematic- isotropic phase transition, a number of all- optical operations, such as switching and bistability.IntroductionIn the area of nonlinear optics, liquid crystals have been attractive materials since they have one of the largest known intensity- dependent refractive indices due to both thermal effects (absorption) and molecular reorientation.' Many plane -wave, all- optical phenomena that dependon an intensity- dependent refractive index have been demonstrated using liquid crystals as the nonlinear medium.' Recently they have also proven to be useful for studying nonlinear effects in waveguides. The existence of nonlinear guided waves,' power- dependent transfer between twofiber waveguides,' and limiting action in a prism coupler° have all been demonstrated.The physics of the nematic -to- isotropic phase transition in a liquid crystal has also provento be very interesting. It has been shown that the optical, electrical, and elastic properties of
Evaluation of the Heat Inactivation of Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus plantarum by Differential Scanning Calorimetry

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is used to evaluate the thermal stability and reversibility after heat treatment of transitions associated with various cellular components of Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus plantarum. The reversibility and the change in the thermal stability of individual transitions are evaluated by a second temperature scan after preheating in the DSC to various temperatures between 40 and 130°C. The viability of bacteria after a heat treatment between 55 and 70°C in the DSC is determined by both plate count and calorimetric data. The fractional viability values based on calorimetric and plate count data show a linear relationship. Viability loss and the irreversible change in DSC thermograms of pretreated whole cells are highly correlated between 55 and 70°C. Comparison of DSC scans for isolated ribosomes shows that the thermal stability of E. coli ribosomes is greater than that of L. plantarum ribosomes, consistent with the greater thermal tolerance of E. coli observed from viability loss and DSC scans of whole cells.
Tectono-stratigraphic model for the Massif D'Igountze–Mendibelza, western Pyrenees

The Massif d9Igountze–Mendibelza, western Pyrenees, is a fault-bounded block of Palaeozoic basement overlain by an exceptionally thick Cretaceous siliciclastic sequence. North of the Massif, the Cretaceous sequence conformably overlies Lower Cretaceous carbonates, yet, immediately south of the Massif, it is entirely absent. The sequence fines northward and has NNE palaeotransport. The basement is commonly brecciated near the contact with the sedimentary cover, and the uppermost beds dip less steeply than the lowermost. These tectono-stratigraphic relationships are best explained by Cretaceous deposition above a relatively low-angle normal fault. The Cretaceous deposits of the Massif d9Igountze–Mendibelza are part of the western extension of the North Pyrenean basin, a basin or series of sub-basins that began to form in the latest Aptian to Albian north of and along most of the length of the North Pyrenean fault. The precise relationship between deposition on the Massif and in the rest of the North Pyrenean basin is not known. There may have been many local variations in stress regime and structural style along the basin or sub-basins, but the regional episode of basin formation was a result of the same plate-reorganizational event. Later basin inversion was due to the latest Cretaceous to Eocene Pyrenean orogeny.
A comparative study of lysozyme adsorption with graphene, graphene oxide, and single-walled carbon nanotubes: Potential environmental applications

Abstract Wastewater contains numerous classes of organic molecules, primarily different types of soluble microbial products (SMPs) such as polysaccharides, nucleic acids, and proteins. The presence of these compounds in effluents increases the risk of toxic by-product formation during the chlorination process. In recent years, several studies have demonstrated the power of carbon-based nanomaterials to remove many chemical compounds and pollutants from aqueous solutions. In this study, we investigated the protein absorption capacity and the mechanisms of adsorption of three carbon-based nanomaterials: graphene (G), graphene oxide (GO) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) in various water chemistries, using lysozyme as a model protein. The results showed that GO exhibited the highest adsorption capacity for lysozyme (∼500 mg protein/g nanomaterial) in the adsorption isotherm assays. The adsorption data were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin models and the relevant parameters were determined. Lysozyme adsorption to GO and SWNT was found to be strongly influenced by the presence of monovalent and divalent salts. However, no significant pH dependency was observed for protein adsorption to any of the nanomaterials tested. Results also showed that the adsorption mechanism for GO was mainly electrostatic, while for G and SWNT was attributed to be van der Waals forces and some electrostatic interactions. Adsorption experiments of proteins present in wastewater were performed to test the efficacy of G, GO and SWNT as adsorbents for complex environmental samples. All three nanomaterials were found to remove more protein from wastewater than conventional adsorbent reported in the literature.
Photo Retrieval: Multimedia's Chance to Solve a Real Problem for Real People

The author points out the very real problems that major search engines have in retrieving images, videos, and photos, and suggests concrete ways to rethink and improve the image and search retrieval process.
The Pennsylvania-Ohio-West Virginia Interconnection

This paper describes a specific interconnected system wherein ten independent operating companies of western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, West Virginia, and Maryland operate normally in parallel to secure the manifold advantages of the interconnection of their facilities. Some of the benefits derived from the interconnection of these ten companies and the principles and methods followed in actual operation including very brief descriptions of physical plant are treated. The feasibility of coordinating the operations of an interconnected system through a working operating committee functioning in part through the joint dispatching organization of two of the companies without sacrificing independence of operation, is discussed.
Classification of Single- and Double-Mutant Corn Endosperm Genotypes by Near-Infrared Transmittance Spectroscopy

ABSTRACT A total of 1,176 grain samples representing 10 different single- and double-mutant genotypic classes of specialty starch corn were used for developing various classification models based on near-infrared transmittance spectra. The genotypes used included amylose-extender (ae), dull (du), sugary-2 (su2), waxy (wx), ae wx, ae du, ae su2, du wx and du su2. Two-class classification models (only two genotypes compared) were developed using partial least squares analysis (PLS) while three-way and multiclass models were examined using principal component analysis (PCA). The effectiveness of the calibrations was evaluated by examining the percentage of unknown grain samples incorrectly classified. In general, two-class models performed better than multiclass models. However, they did not show improvement when discriminating among genotypes with overlapping amylose contents such ae du vs. ae and ae su2 vs. ae. Three-way models including double-mutants and their corresponding single-mutant counterparts had...
Enhanced resistance of mice to infection with Pasteurella pestis following vaccination with fractions of phenol-killed tubercle bacilli.

Enhanced Resistance of Mice to Infection with Pasteurella pestis following Vaccination with Fractions of Phenolkilled Tubercle Bacilli
The effect of allocation and scheduling rules on equity and productivity in irrigation systems

Abstract Equity and productivity are argued by some to be conflicting and by others to be complementary goals in irrigation systems. The purpose of this research was to quantitatively examine the effect of different management decisions on the goals of equity and productivity in one test irrigation system. The Irrigation Land Management (ILM) simulation model was used to examine the effect of three different allocation rules and schedules on this test system. The results confirmed the hypothesis that under most circumstances the most equitable distribution of water was also the most productive from a system level perspective. The exceptions to this rule occur when there are high transmission losses, high levels of water scarcity, high management costs and systems with crop and soil types that ‘waste’ water.
Prostaglandin concentrations in amniotic fluid of women with intra-amniotic infection and preterm labor

This study was undertaken to examine the effects of intrauterine infection and preterm labor on the amniotic fluid concentrations of prostaglandins in women with premature rupture of the membranes. Amniotic fluid was obtained from four groups of patients with premature rupture of the membranes: group 1, patients without labor or infection; group 2, patients with labor but without infection; group 3, patients with an intra-amniotic infection but without labor; group 4, patients with both infection and labor. Prostaglandins E 2 and F 2α were measured by radioimmunoassays. Preterm labor, in the absence of infection, was not associated with significant increases in amniotic fluid concentrations of prostaglandins. Women with preterm labor and intra-amniotic infections had higher amniotic fluid concentrations of prostaglandins than women with preterm labor in the absence of infection or women with intra-amniotic infection in the absence of labor. These observations are compatible with the participation of prostaglandins in the mechanisms of onset of preterm labor associated with intra-amniotic infection.
Abundant transposases encoded by the metagenome of a hydrothermal chimney biofilm

The carbonate chimneys of the Lost City Hydrothermal Field on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge are coated in thick microbial biofilms consisting of just a few dominant species. We report a preliminary analysis of a biofilm metagenome that revealed a remarkable abundance and diversity of genes potentially involved in lateral gene transfer (LGT). More than 8% of all metagenomic reads showed significant sequence similarity to transposases; all available metagenomic data sets from other environments contained at least an order of magnitude fewer transposases. Furthermore, the sequence diversity of transposase genes in the biofilm was much greater than that of 16S rRNA genes. The small size and high sequencing coverage of contigs containing transposases indicate that they are located on small but abundant extragenomic molecules. These results suggest that rampant LGT among members of the Lost City biofilm may serve as a generator of phenotypic diversity in a community with very low organismal diversity.
Microbial Processes in the San Francisco Bay Estuarine Turbidity Maximum

We examined microbial processes and the distribution of particulate materials in the estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM, salinity 2–10 PSS) of northern San Francisco Bay on three cruises during the late spring of 1994 (low flow: April 19, April 28, May 17) and two cruises during the early summer of 1995 (high flow; June 13, July 18). Under low flow conditions, chlorophyll concentrations decreased by a factor of 2–4, bacterial abundance decreased by 20%, and L-leucine incorporation rate decreased by a factor of about 2 over a salinity range of 0–2 PSS, then remained relatively constant at higher salinities. Over this same salinity range under high flow conditions, chlorophyll concentration was c. twofold lower, bacterial abundance was c. threefold higher, and L-leucine incorporation rate was in the same range as during low flow. Under high flow conditions, chlorophyll concentration increased by 20%., bacterial abundance decreased by a factor of 2, and L-leucine incorporation rate decreased by half (June 13) or remained unchanged (July 19) with increasing salinity. Under low flow conditions the concentration of suspended particulate material (SPM), particulate organic carbon (POC), and particulate organic nitrogen (PON) increased 3–10 fold with salinity, to a maximum at intermediate salinities (c. 6 PSS). As a result, the contribution of phytoplankton to POC decreased from a maximum of 32% in fresh water to c. 6% in the ETM. The contribution of bacterial biomass similarly decreased from 5% in fresh water to 0.8% in the ETM. The C:N ratio of particulate material increased from 12 in the ETM. High variability in abundance estimates confounded analysis of patterns in bacterial biomass partitioning between particle-associated and free-living fractions along the salinity gradient. However, the partitioning of L-leucine incorporation shifted dramatically from being predominantly by free-living cells in fresh water to being predominantly by particleassociated populations in the ETM. The metabolic fate of thymidine taken up differed, between particle-associated and free-living bacteria, suggesting some metabolic divergence of these assemblages.
Computerized analysis of cytochemical reactions for dehydrogenases and oxygraphic studies as methods to evaluate the function of the mitochondrial sheath in rat spermatozoa

Cytochemical reactions for mitochondrial NADH-dependent dehydrogenases (diaphorase/NADH which is related to flavoprotein), NAD-dependent dehydrogenases (isocitrate, malate) and succinate dehydrogenase were carried out in rat spermatozoa. In addition to a morphological evaluation, the intensity of the reactions was assessed using a computer image analysing system (Quantimet 600 S). The intensity of the reactions was examined in sperm midpieces by measuring integrated optical density (IOD) and mean optical density (MOD). The activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes was also analysed using the polarographic method. In the population of spermatozoa studied, all whole spermatozoa midpieces were completely filled with formazans, the product of the cytochemical reaction. These morphological findings corresponded to the values obtained for IOD and MOD for the given enzymes. In the oxygraphic studies, the spermatozoa demonstrated consumption of oxygen in the presence of substrates for I, II and IV complexes and their mitochondria revealed normal integrity and sensitivity to the substrates and inhibitors. However, the oxygraphic studies revealed differences between the sperm and somatic cells. These differences concerned the stimulation of pyruvate oxidation by malate, the lack of an effect of malonic acid on phenazine methosulphate (an acceptor of electrons) oxidation and the lack of an effect of cytochrome c on ascorbate oxidation. The cytochemical method, together with densitometric measurements, enables: (1) the reaction intensity to be determined objectively; (2) subtle and dramatic differences in reaction intensity to be revealed between spermatozoa that do not differ under morphological evaluation of the intensity; (3) possible defects within the mitochondrial sheath to be located and assessed in a large number of spermatozoa. This method can be used as a screening method alongside the routine morphological examination of spermatozoa. On the other hand, the oxygraphic method in the inner membrane of mitochondria can reveal functional changes which are related to the action of respiratory chain complexes and display characteristic features of mitochondria energy metabolism. The methods used are complementary and allow the complex evaluation of mitochondria in spermatozoa. Both methods can be used in experimental and clinical studies.
Global Climate Change, the Economy, and the Resurgence of Tropical Disease

How will global climate change affect the prevalence of tropical diseases? In general, warmer temperatures will expand the areas in which these diseases are endemic. However, if households can take actions to protect themselves from disease—such as purchasing bednets or insecticidal sprays—then economic factors may greatly mitigate the effects of climate change. These actions are costly, however, and particularly in poor countries, many households face borrowing constraints. A model of disease transmission combining the household's objectives and constraints shows that a temperature increase of 3°C will induce modest changes in disease prevalence and output. These effects can be mitigated by improvements in the efficacy of disease prevention.