cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proposed U.S. Geological Survey Budget Would Provide “Significant” Increase

The White House's proposed budget for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for fiscal year (FY) 2014, which the administration submitted to Congress on 10 April, would provide the agency with $1.17 billion, an increase of $98.02 million, 9.17% more than the FY 2012 enacted budget of $1.07 billion (see Table 1). The proposed budget is a “significant” increase and “makes a statement about the USGS's relevance in the federal research community,” USGS acting director Suzette Kimball said at the agency's briefing. Because Congress approved the FY 2013 budget just a few weeks prior to the release of the Obama administration's proposal, the FY 2014 budget is compared with the FY 2012 enacted budget here.
Ribonuclease inhibitor from bovine brain.

A ribonuclease inhibitor from bovine brain has been purified 27000-fold by affinity chromatography on Sepharose-RNase A with an overall yield of 46% (ca. 0.4 mg/kg tissue). The purified inhibitor gives a single band by SDS-gel electrophoresis. By gel filtration the molecular weight is ca. 50 000; the molecular weight of the complex with bovine pancreatic RNase A is ca. 62 000, indicative of 1:1 binding on a molar basis. The inhibition of the action of RNase A on yeast RNA by the inhibitor is noncompetitive with a Kiof 7 times 10-10 M. The protein is very similar in its properties, including amino acid composition, to the inhibitor previously isolated from human placenta. The amount of inhibitor per g of protein in bovine brain is about one-seventh of the value for human placenta. No difference was found in the distribution of inhibitor between white and gray matter; one-tenth of the inhibitor present is bound to a brain ribonuclease which is released in active form after reaction with p-hydroxymercuribenzoate. Essentially no free neutral ribonuclease activity could be detected in brain homogenates in the absence of p-hydroxymercuribenzoate.
Child welfare agency climate influence on worker commitment

Abstract This research focuses on understanding the relationship of organizational climate to commitment for child welfare workers in private, non-governmental organizations. Commitment is measured as a latent construct of agency investment derived from Landsman's study (2001) . Agency investment includes measures of workers' time, cost, and emotional difficulty for changing their line of work. Organizational climate is embedded in Parker et al. (2003) modification of James and colleagues' theory of primary domains of work environment perceptions. Parker's Psychological Climate survey measured organizational climate. Four hundred forty-one workers in three not-for-profit agencies under contract with the public child welfare system were sampled. Autonomy, Challenge and Innovation were significantly associated with agency investment. This indicates that worker perceptions of having job autonomy, the job being challenging, and the organization as innovative predict greater job commitment.
The DNA damage activity (DDA) assay and its application to river waters and diesel exhausts

An extremely sensitive assay has been developed for DNA-damaging chemicals using a DNA repair-deficient strain of Escherichia coli. Considerable DNA-damaging activity has been demonstrated by this assay in natural surface-water samples and in diesel-exhaust particulate extracts.
Pediatric Voice-Related Quality of Life: findings in healthy children and in common laryngeal disorders.

Objectives:Although several instruments have been validated to assess voice quality, the incidence and degree of impairment in normal, healthy children has not been widely reported. It is hypothesized that healthy children outside a medical setting do not demonstrate impairment as measured by the Pediatric Voice-Related Quality of Life (PVRQOL) instrument; in contrast, patients with vocal fold paralysis (VFP), vocal nodules (VNs), and paradoxical vocal fold dysfunction (PVFD) have significant impairment as compared to control populations.Methods:The PVRQOL was measured prospectively in children with VFP, VNs, and PVFD. The findings were compared to findings in 100 children surveyed at the 2006 Wisconsin State Fair.Results:Of the 100 surveys of healthy children and their parents, 95 were completed correctly; their mean (±SD) PVRQOL score was 96.8 ± 5.85. The VFP patients (n = 11; mean PVRQOL score, 70.5 ± 28.6) reported significant impairment (p < .0001, unpaired t-test). This was also true of patients wit...
Observation of Plasma Rotation Driven by Static Nonaxisymmetric Magnetic Fields in a Tokamak

We present the first evidence for the existence of a neoclassical toroidal rotation driven in a direction counter to the plasma current by nonaxisymmetric, nonresonant magnetic fields. At high beta and with large injected neutral beam momentum, the nonresonant field torque slows down the plasma toward the neoclassical ``offset'' rotation rate. With small injected neutral beam momentum, the toroidal rotation is accelerated toward the offset rotation, with resulting improvement in the global energy confinement time. The observed magnitude, direction, and radial profile of the offset rotation are consistent with neoclassical theory predictions [A. J. Cole et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 065001 (2007)].
Membrane interactions in nerve myelin: II. Determination of surface charge from biochemical data

In our accompanying paper (Inouye and Kirschner, 1988) we calculated the surface charge density at the extracellular surfaces in peripheral and central nervous system (PNS; CNS) myelins from observations on the dependency of the width of the extracellular space on pH and ionic strength. Here, we have determined the surface charge density of the membrane surfaces in myelin from its chemical composition and the localization of some of its molecular components. We then analyzed the attractive and repulsive forces between the apposed surfaces and calculated equilibrium periods for comparison with the measured values. The biochemical model accounts for the observed isoelectric range of the myelin period and, with the surface charge reduced (possibly by divalent cation binding or a space charge approximation), the model also accounts for the dependency of period on pH above the isoelectric range. At the extracellular (and cytoplasmic) surfaces the contribution of lipid (with pI approximately 2) to the net surface charge is about the same in both PNS and CNS myelin, whereas the contribution of protein depends on which ones are exposed at the two surfaces. The protein conformation and localization modulate the surface charge of the lipid, resulting in positively-charged cytoplasmic surfaces (pI approximately 9) and negatively-charged extracellular surfaces (pI approximately 2–4). The net negative charge at the extracellular surface is due in CNS myelin to lipid, and in PNS myelin to both lipid and (PO) glycoprotein. The net positive charge at the cytoplasmic surface is due in CNS myelin mostly to basic protein, and in PNS myelin to PO glycoprotein and basic protein. The invariance of the cytoplasmic packing may be due to specific short-range interactions. Our models demonstrate how the particular myelin proteins and their localization and conformation can account for the differences in inter-membrane interactions in CNS and PNS myelins.
Classical transport equations for burning gas-metal plasmas

Thermonuclear inertial confinement fusion plasmas confined by a heavy metal shell may be subject to the mixing of metal into the gas with a resulting degradation of fusion yield. Classical plasma diffusion driven by a number of gradients can provide a physical mechanism to produce atomic mix, possibly in concert with complex hydrodynamic structures and/or turbulence. This paper gives a derivation of the complete dissipative plasma hydrodynamics equations from kinetic theory, for a binary ionic mixture plasma consisting of electrons, e, a light (hydrogenic gas) ion species, i, and a heavy, high ZI plasma metal species, I. A single mean ionization state for the heavy metal, ZI, is assumed to be provided by some independent thermodynamic model of the heavy metal ZI=ZI(ni,nI,Te). The kinetic equations are solved by a generalized Chapman-Enskog expansion that assumes small Knudsen numbers for all species: NKe≡λe/L≪1,NKi≡λi/L≪1. The small electron to ion mass ratio, me/mi≪1, is utilized to account for electron-...
Distillers dried grains with soluble (DDGS) bio-char based activated carbon for supercapacitors with organic electrolyte tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate

Abstract Distillers dried grains with soluble (DDGS) is the main byproduct of the corn-based ethanol industry. DDGS could be used as a renewable energy source through pyrolysis or gasification. However, biochar, the main byproduct, does not have commercial value. DDGS biochar can be utilized in supercapacitors when it is converted to activated carbon. Activated carbon samples were prepared at 950 and 1050 °C with KOH/ bio-char loading of 0.075 mol g −1 . Symmetrical supercapacitors were assembled using the activated carbon samples as electrode materials and 1 mol L −1 tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TEA BF 4 ) in acetonitrile as the electrolyte. The 950 °C activated carbon presented higher specific capacitance than the 1050 °C sample (150 F g −1 verse 70 F g −1 ). The capacitance was stable after 1000 cycles. More importantly, the capacitive performances of these activated carbons are comparable to ordered mesoporous carbons and commercial graphene. Thus, we highlight the success of preparing high performance supercapacitor electrode material from renewable biomass as well as the potential for generating advanced carbon materials from pyrolysis and gasification byproduct.
Calorimetric identification of a eutectoid phase separation in the LaNi5H2 system at T ≈ 350 K

The phase behavior of the LaNi{sub 5}-H{sub 2} system for 305 < T < 430 K and moderate hydrogen pressures has been studied by use of heat-conduction calorimeter to measure the thermal desorption characteristics of hydrides which were prepared in situ. When the initial hydride composition is in the {alpha}-{beta} coexistence range the data show that a eutectoidal phase transition initiates at T {approx} 350 K. There is no evidence for hydride disproportionation during this process. The phase which is eutectoidally formed has the approximate composition LaNi{sub 5}H{sub 3}.
Nociceptive regulation of GABAB receptor gene expression in rat spinal cord

Activation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission evokes antinociceptive responses in laboratory animals. The recent cloning of GABA(B) receptor gene products makes it possible to examine the regulation of this receptor system as it relates to the mediation of pain-related sensory information. Inasmuch as acute and chronic pain alter the expression of a number of nociception-related receptors, and because such changes are important components in the regulation of pain, the present study was undertaken to determine whether GABA(B) receptor gene expression is altered in sensory systems following a peripheral nociceptive stimulus. Solution hybridization-nuclease protection assays conducted 24 h after formalin injection into the right hindpaw of the rat revealed a significant bilateral increase in GABA(B) R1 and R2 receptor expression in the dorsal lumbar spinal cord, and a significant increase in GABA(B) R1 receptor mRNA in the ipsilateral lumbar dorsal root ganglion. These findings indicate an activity-dependent, differential regulation of GABA(B) R1 and R2 receptor gene expression in spinal sensory systems in response to chemogenic nociceptive activation, suggesting that GABA(B) receptor plasticity may play an important role in regulating the mediation, and perception, of chronic pain.
3,5-Diacetylheptane-2,6-dione

The title compound, C11H16O4, was produced when pentane-2,4-dione (acacH) was treated with formaldehyde in a ca 2.16:1 molar ratio. The compound exists in the solid state as the keto tautomer, although the enol tautomer also exists in solution. The C=O distances are in the range 1.2097 (18)–1.2169 (18) A. Inter­molecular C=O⋯C=O inter­actions exist, the shortest having a C⋯O distance of 3.378 (2) A.
Do Medicaid physician fees for prenatal services affect birth outcomes

Abstract This study exploits a natural experiment to examine the relationship between Medicaid physician fees and birth outcomes among a national sample of pregnant women. Applying a cohort difference-in-differences methodology, I find a significant negative association between these fees and the risk of low birth weight. I estimate that a 10% higher than average relative Medicaid fee is independently associated with a 0.074% lower absolute risk of low birth weight (
Raman intensities of carbon-carbon stretching modes in a model membrane

Abstract Laser-Raman spectra of L-α-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) liposomes in the spectral range 1000–1200 cm −1 were obtained as a function of temperature from −80 to +50°C. The triplet found in this spectral region was resolved into Lorentzian components by means of an iterative computer program. The peak intensities, band widths, and band areas of the resolved 1062 cm −1 and 1130 cm −1 bands, assigned to CC stretching vibrations of trans segments, were evaluated as a function of temperature. While the peak intensities of the bands decrease substantially with temperature, the band widths show a considerable increase. The change in band areas is therefore smaller than the change in peak heights. Experiments with all trans carboxylic acids showed that in these compounds the area of the Raman bands at 1062 cm −1 and 1130 cm −1 is proportional to the number of trans bonds. The variation with temperature of the number of trans and gauche bonds in the studied phospholipid is reflected by the change of the area of the 1130 cm −1 Raman band.
Smart windows switch on the light

Optical switching devices for regulating incident solar energy that can replace traditional windows in buildings, vehicles, and aircraft are discussed. The chromogenic material in these smart windows exhibits a large change in optical properties with variation in applied electrical field, charge, light intensity, spectral composition, or temperature. The optical change transforms the material from a highly transmitting state to a partly reflecting (or absorbing) state over all or part of the visible and solar spectra. The optical switching can be activated electrically or nonelectrically. Electrically activated types, including electrochromic, liquid-crystal, and dispersed-particle (electrophoretic) devices, as well as devices based on reversible electrodeposition, and nonelectrically activated types, including devices based on photochromic and thermochromic materials, are described. >
Use of probiotics in gastrointestinal disorders: what to recommend?

Perturbation of bacterial microflora of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may play an important role in the pathophysiology of some GI disorders. Probiotics have been used as a treatment modality for...
Saving the Savior

This article begins with an autobiographical reflection about what sociology has meant to the author as an Iranian intellectual. Sociology has enabled him to think critically about his country's politics and culture, appreciating its strengths without overlooking its unjust and injurious aspects. That experience shapes his answer to the question Saving Sociology? If there is anything in sociology that he would like to save - in both senses to keep and to rescue - it is sociology as a critical, reflective discipline, a discipline that not only studies society but also contributes to its change. As the contemporary world moves toward a global society, we are increasingly facing the dilemmas of multiculturalism. Sociologists often investigate other societies or (like myself) look back at their own from a spatial and cultural distance. This situation has created a dilemma for many scholars: Should we criticize problems stemming from indigenous beliefs and practices of other societies? Cultural relativism argues that different cultures provide indigenous answers to their social problems that should be judged in their own context. While this approach correctly encourages us to avoid ethnocentrism, it has led to inaction towards the suffering of oppressed groups. Reflecting on the relativist approach to sexual dominance, he questions some cultural relativist assumptions. Discussing how indigenous responses to male domination in many cases disguise and protect that domination, the author will challenge the localist approach of relativism and argue for a universalist approach.
Ca-Mg acetate as dry SO2 sorbent: II. Sulfation of CaO in calcination product

The sulfation rate of CaO contained in calcined calcium magnesium acetate CMA by SO2 and O2 was measured. Although calcined CMA contains CaO and MgO, only CaO reacts with SO2 above 950°C. The reaction occurs at a much greater rate than with other conventional desulfurization agents like calcined limestone, dolomite, or Ca(OH)2, the last of which yields one of the most reactive forms of CaO. The remarkable enhancement of sulfation rate of CaO in calcined CMA is due to its much larger pore size and porosity than those of other agents. Another consequence of this structure of calcined CMA is that the sulfation reaction proceeds to completion without the rate leveling off, unlike in the sulfation of most oxides.
Comparison of algorithms for use in real-time spotlight-mode SAR image formation

This paper compares three algorithms for potential use in a real-time, on-board implementation of spotlight-mode SAR image formation. These include: the polar formatting algorithm (PFA), the range migration algorithm (RMA), and the overlapped subapertures algorithm (OSA). We conclude that for any reasonable spotlight-mode imaging scenario, PFA is easily the algorithm of choice because its computational efficiency is significantly higher than that of either RMA or OSA. This comparison specifically includes cases in which wavefront curvature is sufficient to cause image defocus in conventional PFA, because a post-processing refocus step can be performed with PFA to yield excellent image quality for only a minimal increase in computation time. We demonstrate that real-time image formation for many imaging scenarios is achievable using PFA implemented on a single Pentium M processor. OSA is quite slow compared to PFA, especially for the case of moderate to high resolution (9 inches and better). RMA is not competitive with PFA for situations that do not require wavefront curvature correction. For those cases in which PFA requires post-processing to correct for wavefront curvature, RMA comes closer in efficiency to PFA, but is still outperformed by the modified PFA.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Orientation of ethoxy, mono-, di-, and tri-fluoroethoxy on Cu(1 1 1): a DFT study

Abstract We have used plane wave density functional theory (DFT) to determine the structure and relative binding energies of ethoxy, mono-, di-, and tri-fluoroethoxy adsorbed on Cu(1 1 1). The FCC site is found to be the most stable binding site for all four adsorbed species. The orientations of ethoxy and tri-fluoroethoxy on the surface are found to be in good agreement with quantitative predictions based on previous FT-IRAS experiments. The orientations of mono- and di-fluoroethoxy on Cu(1 1 1) are also presented.
Subcellular localization of acetycholinesterase molecular forms in endplate regions of adult mammalian skeletal muscle

The characterization of individual acetylcholinesterase (AChE) molecular form subcellular pools in adult mammalian skeletal muscle is a critical point when considering such questions as the origin, assembly, and neurotrophic regulation of these molecules. By correlating the results of differential extraction, in vitro collagenase digestion, and in situ pharmacologic probes of AChE molecular forms in endplate regions of adult rat anterior gracilis muscle, we have shown that: 1) 4.0S (G1) and 6.0S (G2) AChE are predominantly membrane-bound and intracellular; if an extracellular and/or soluble fraction of these forms exists, it cannot be adequately resolved by our methods; 2) 9–11S (globular) AChE activity is distributed between internal and external pools, as well as membrane-associated and soluble fractions; 3) 16.0S (A12) AChE is not an integral membrane protein and exists both intracellularly (25–30%) and extracellularly (70–75%).
Study of operating conditions and cell design on the performance of alkaline anion exchange membrane based direct methanol fuel cells

Abstract Direct methanol fuel cells using an alkaline anion exchange membrane (AAEM) were prepared, studied, and optimized. The effects of fuel composition and electrode materials were investigated. Membrane electrode assemblies fabricated with Tokuyama® AAEM and commercial noble metal catalysts achieved peak power densities between 25 and 168 mW cm−2 depending on the operating temperature, fuel composition, and electrode materials used. Good electrode wettability at the anode was found to be very important for achieving high power densities. The performance of the best AAEM cells was comparable to Nafion®-based cells under similar conditions. Factors limiting the performance of AAEM MEAs were found to be different from those of Nafion® MEAs. Improved electrode kinetics for methanol oxidation in alkaline electrolyte at Pt–Ru are apparent at low current densities. At high current densities, rapid CO2 production converts the hydroxide anions, necessary for methanol oxidation, to bicarbonate and carbonate: consequently, the membrane and interfacial conductivity are drastically reduced. These phenomena necessitate the use of aqueous potassium hydroxide and wettable electrode materials for efficient hydroxide supply to the anode. However, aqueous hydroxide is not needed at the cathode. Compared to AAEM-based fuel cells, methanol fuel cells based on proton-conducting Nafion® retain better performance at high current densities by providing the benefit of carbon dioxide rejection.
Quantitative studies on the quality, effects of aggregation and thermal inactivation of vesicular stomatitis virus.

Quality measurements (number of virions per plaque forming units) were made on vesicular stomatitis virus indicating a virion: p.f.u. ratio of approximately 1. This highly infectious virus was produced by careful control of the inoculum size to avoid the production of the small inhibitory particles associated with VSV. The effect of virus aggregation on titer was investigated, as well as the effect of the dispersal techniques on viral infectivity. Thermal inactivation studies at various temperatures ranging from −57°C to 56°C showed the virus to be relatively stable when stored as a cell lysate or diluted 1∶:10 in nutrient media.
Memory, Community and the Reasons for Living: Theological and Ethical Reflections on Suicide and Euthanasia

In trying to see what significance suicide and euthanasia have in the Christian community, and how the memory and the narrative framework of that community provide resources for determining an appropriate position on suicide and euthanasia, this essay advances an experimental model of how moral notions operate within the story and convictions that sustain human communities. It is suggested that given the Christian understanding of life as a gift and the necessity of trust for our lives as social creatures, suicide and euthanasia are incompatible with essential elements of the Christian story and must therefore be rejected. While this position, together with the ambiguity of suicide and the necessity of distinguishing between euthanasia and "letting die," may sometimes result in tragic circumstances, such tragedy is the inescapable result of truthfulness to a complex story. This essay is intended to contribute to discussion of suicide and euthanasia, to the bearing of moral notions and narrative, and to an understanding of the nature and function of ethics. If Suicide is allowed then everything is allowed. If anything is not allowed then suicide is not allowed. This throws a light on the nature of ethics, for suicide is, so to speak, the elementary sin. Wittgenstein, Notebooks, 1914-16, 10.1.17. Suicide and Euthanasia as Moral Problems THICISTS do not need to provide a reason to describe suicide and euthanasia as moral problems. Everyone seems to agree that if anything is a moral problem suicide and euthanasia are prime examples and thus ready grist for the ethicist's mill. As Wittgenstein suggests, we seem to be on fundamentally moral grounds when dealing with the taking of one's own life. Yet we feel it is by no means clear why it is assumed that suicide and euthanasia raise moral issues, or indeed, what those issues are and how the ethicist might relate to them. At the very least people have begun to realize that "acts" of suicide STANLEY HAUERWAS (Ph.D., Yale) is Associate Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. RICHARD BONDI (B.A., Oberlin) is engaged in doctoral studies in theological ethics at the University of Notre Dame.
Product design evolution in the vacation ownership industry: From fixed weeks to points and vacation clubs

The timeshare industry entered the USA during the 1970s and since that time has slowly gained consumer acceptance. During this period the resort product has continually evolved in terms of design in an effort to meet consumers' vacation and recreational needs. This paper highlights the evolution of the timeshare industry, its rapid gain in consumer acceptance, and the need for empirical research in this field.
Lipid extraction and transport of hydrophilic solutes through porcine epidermis.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of delipidization of the stratum corneum (SC) on the in vitro percutaneous absorption of hydrophilic solutes (i.e. water, urea, and inulin). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was employed to study the extent of delipidization of porcine SC due to chloroform:methanol (2:1) (C:M (2:1)) treatments for various time periods. In vitro percutaneous absorption of [3H] water, [14C] urea, and [3H] inulin were studied through C:M (2:1) treated epidermis in Franz diffusion cells. There was a greater decrease in peak areas of the asymmetric and symmetric C-H stretching absorbances (i.e. increase in lipid extraction) with increasing exposure times of the SC with C:M (2:1). After 40-min treatment, asymmetric and symmetric C-H stretching peak area showed a decrease of 75.9 and 89.9%, respectively. The permeability coefficient of water, urea, and inulin increased with increasing lipid extraction. Enhancement in the permeability coefficient, through 40 min C:M (2:1) treated epidermis in comparison to the control, for water, urea, and inulin was 48.72, 215.65, and 3.90, respectively. Log (permeability coefficient) and log (mol. wt.) for test solutes and leuprolide acetate were found to be inversely related (R(2)=0.9974). In conclusion, this study implies that penetration enhancers that are safe and extract the SC lipids can be selected in order to enhance the percutaneous absorption of polar solutes through the skin.
Loss-based estimation with cross-validation: applications to microarray data analysis

Current statistical inference problems in genomic data analysis involve parameter estimation for high-dimensional multivariate distributions, with typically unknown and intricate correlation patterns among variables. Addressing these inference questions satisfactorily requires: (i) an intensive and thorough search of the parameter space to generate good candidate estimators; (ii) an approach for selecting an optimal estimator among these candidates; and (iii) a method for reliably assessing the performance of the resulting estimator. We propose a unified loss-based methodology for estimator construction, selection, and performance assessment with cross-validation. In this approach, the parameter of interest is defined as the risk minimizer for a suitable loss function and candidate estimators are generated using this (or possibly another) loss function. Cross-validation is applied to select an optimal estimator among the candidates and to assess the overall performance of the resulting estimator. This general estimation framework encompasses a number of problems which have traditionally been treated separately in the statistical literature, including multivariate outcome prediction and density estimation based on either uncensored or censored data. This article provides an overview of the methodology and describes its application to the prediction of biological and clinical outcomes (possibly censored) using microarray gene expression measures.
Optimal commercial policy with quality-differentiated products

Abstract This paper examines the optimal tariff policy for an importer of a quality-differentiated product when tariff levels are allowed to vary with the quality of the good. The deadweight loss due to changes in the matching of consumers to goods under tariffs is emphasized. It is shown that if the objective is to transfer income to products, there is a presumption that the optimal policy will require consumers to choose lower quality goods than under free trade (quality downgrading). If all qualities are improved, an ad valorem tariff cannot be the optimal policy.
Development and use of visual explanations: harnessing the power of the "seeing" brain to enhance student learning.

ABSTRACT: When students come to class, they bring with them the most powerful processor known to man—the human brain! Our job as teachers is to discover and implement practices that will make the most effective use of those brains. The human brain is a very powerful processor of sensory information, especially with regard to the sense of vision. We can harness the power of the “seeing” brain to enhance students' learning by providing (“feeding”) our students with concrete experiences that are replete with information-rich visual explanations, such as images, diagrams, graphs, video clips, animations, anthropomorphic images, cartoons, samples, demonstrations, experiments, and performances of our subject matter, rather than relying on word-only (verbal and/or text) explanations. As far as our brains are concerned, the old saying “A picture's worth a thousand words” is really true! Thus, the focus of this teaching tip is to explore the benefits and practical aspects of “feeding” visual explanations (“food”) to the sensory portion of our students' brains to enhance their learning and to encourage others to not only use visual explanations in their teaching, but also to develop visual explanations specific to their subject matter and to share them with others. This article also provides students and instructors alike with 3 animations, in QuickTime format, and a PowerPoint presentation containing a number of example visual explanations. These materials are available as supplementary materials on the journal website and can be downloaded for free educational use.
Rapid PCR-based monitoring of infectious enteroviruses in drinking water

Currently, the standard method for the detection of enteroviruses and hepatitis A virus in water involves cell culture assay which is expensive and time consuming. Direct RT-PCR offers a rapid and sensitive alternative to virus detection but sensitivity is often reduced by PCR inhibitory substances and the requirement for small reaction volumes. Rapid methods for detection of infectious enteroviruses in PCR inhibitory environmental samples are being developed utilising an integrated cell culture/PCR approach (ICC/PCR). With this approach, 300–4001 of water were concentrated using charged filters followed by a modified 11, 1.5% BEV/glycine elution and organic flocculation reconcentration. Water concentrates were analysed by direct RT-PCR, conventional cell culture and ICC/PCR. For ICC/PCR, sample concentrates were incubated with BGM or FRhK cells for 24–48h. The cell culture lysates were collected following freeze-thaw cycles, centrifuged, resin column purified and PCR amplified. In this study viruses known to be present by cell culture analysis could not be detected by direct PCR. Using the integrated method, virus concentrations as low as 0.001MPN/l of original water were detected in samples which were previously inhibitory to direct PCR. In addition, confirmed enterovirus results were achieved as soon as 48h against 5–16d with cell culture alone. Therefore, the integrated approach overcame some of the traditional problems associated with conventional cell culture and direct RT-PCR by allowing rapid, confirmed detection of low levels of enteroviruses in PCR inhibitory samples.
Increased gene copy number of ERG on chromosome 21 but not TMPRSS2–ERG fusion predicts outcome in prostatic adenocarcinomas

The role of TMPRSS2–ERG gene fusion in prostate cancer prognostication remains controversial. We evaluated the prognostic role of TMPRSS2–ERG fusion using fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis in a case–control study nested in The Johns Hopkins retropubic radical prostatectomy cohort. In all, 10 tissue microarrays containing paired tumors and normal tissues obtained from 172 cases (recurrence) and 172 controls (non-recurrence) matched on pathological grade, stage, race/ethnicity, and age at the time of surgery were analyzed. All radical prostatectomies were performed at our institution between 1993 and 2004. Recurrence was defined as biochemical recurrence, development of clinical evidence of metastasis, or death from prostate carcinoma. Each tissue microarray spot was scored for the presence of TMPRSS2–ERG gene fusion and for ERG gene copy number gains. The odds ratio of recurrence and 95% confidence intervals were estimated from conditional logistic regression. Although the percentage of cases with fusion was slightly lower in cases than in controls (50 vs 57%), the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.20). The presence of fusion due to either deletion or split event was not associated with recurrence. Similarly, the presence of duplicated ERG deletion, duplicated ERG split, or ERG gene copy number gain with a single ERG fusion was not associated with recurrence. ERG gene polysomy without fusion was significantly associated with recurrence (odds ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.17–3.42). In summary, TMPRSS2–ERG fusion was not prognostic for recurrence after retropubic radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer, although men with ERG gene copy number gain without fusion were twice more likely to recur.
Quantitative Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering Imaging of Lipid Distribution in Coexisting Domains

We demonstrate quantitative vibrational imaging of specific lipid molecules in single bilayers using laser-scanning coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy with a lateral resolution of 0.25 μm. A lipid is spectrally separated from other molecules by using deuterated acyl chains that provide a large CARS signal from the symmetric CD2 stretch vibration around 2100 cm−1. Our temperature control experiments show that d62-DPPC has similar bilayer phase segregation property as DPPC when mixing with DOPC. By using epi-detection and optimizing excitation and detection conditions, we are able to generate a clear vibrational contrast from d62-DPPC of 10% molar fraction in a single bilayer of DPPC/d62-DPPC mixture. We have developed and experimentally verified an image analysis model that can derive the relative molecular concentration from the difference of the two CARS intensities measured at the peak and dip frequencies of a CARS band. With the above strategies, we have measured the molar density of d62-DPPC in the coexisting domains inside the DOPC/d62-DPPC (1:1) supported bilayers incorporated with 0–40% cholesterol. The observed interesting changes of phospholipid organization upon addition of cholesterol to the bilayer are discussed.
Closed discrete subsets in first countable, countably metacompact spaces

Abstract We discuss the question of whether it is consistent that closed discrete subsets of a first countable, countably metacompact space must be G δ sets. Assuming a = c , every psi-like space constructed using a m.a.d. family (of countable subsets of ω 1 ) is not countably metacompact. Assuming a situation when closed discrete sets are G δ sets we show that any first countable, countably metacompact space, of countable scattered height, is developable.
Spin-wave instabilities in a microwave magnetic field applied parallel to the d.c. field

It has been theoretically predicted and experimentally verified that spin-wave instabilities can be excited in a ferromagnetic material when a microwave magnetic field is applied parallel to the d.c. field. The paper presents a summary of a plane-wave theory concerning this phenomenon and the results of the experimental verification of it. The utilization of the phenomenon as a new investigation tool for the study of relaxation mechanisms in ferromagnetic materials is discussed and the possibilities of application in the field of microwave devices are considered.
Thallous bromide as a disk material in infra-red absorption spectroscopy

Abstract Thallous bromide, thallous chloride and silver chloride have been studied as alternatives to potassium bromide for use in the disk technique for the infra-red examination of solids. Thallous bromide offers distinct advantages for materials having high refractive indices since the Christiansen filter effect and scattering at short wavelengths are greatly reduced. In addition the material is readily dried and is non-hygroscopic, hence disks may be prepared at room temperature and are stable for many months. Thallous chloride and silver chloride are less satisfactory disk materials but may offer advantages where close match of refractive indices of disk and sample is important. An approximate value for the refractive index of a material may be obtained by measurement of the transmission of a disk containing the sample at a selected wavelength at which no fundamental absorption bands occur. Refractive indices beyond the range of conventional refractive index liquids can thus be estimated.
A Periplasmic Drug-Binding Site of the AcrB Multidrug Efflux Pump: a Crystallographic and Site-Directed Mutagenesis Study

The Escherichia coli AcrB multidrug efflux pump is a membrane protein that recognizes many structurally dissimilar toxic compounds. We previously reported the X-ray structures of four AcrB-ligand complexes in which the ligands were bound to the wall of the extremely large central cavity in the transmembrane domain of the pump. Genetic studies, however, suggested that discrimination between the substrates occurs mainly in the periplasmic domain rather than the transmembrane domain of the pump. We here describe the crystal structures of the AcrB mutant in which Asn109 was replaced by Ala, with five structurally diverse ligands, ethidium, rhodamine 6G, ciprofloxacin, nafcillin, and Phe-Arg-β-naphthylamide. The ligands bind not only to the wall of central cavity but also to a new periplasmic site within the deep external depression formed by the C-terminal periplasmic loop. This depression also includes residues identified earlier as being important in the specificity. We show here that conversion into alanine of the Phe664, Phe666, or Glu673 residue in the periplasmic binding site produced significant decreases in the MIC of most agents in the N109A background. Furthermore, decreased MICs were also observed when these residues were mutated in the wild-type AcrB background, although the effects were more modest. The MIC data were also confirmed by assays of ethidium influx rates in intact cells, and our results suggest that the periplasmic binding site plays a role in the physiological process of drug efflux.
Soil properties important to the restoration of a Shasta red fir barrens in the Siskiyou Mountains

Abstract Because of past major disturbances, the highly erodible, granitic soil in a Shasta red fir ( Abies magnifica A. Murr. Var. shastensis ) barrens located in McDonald basin on the north side of the Siskiyou Mountains crest is a major contributor of sediment to the aquatic system. Soil erosion is accelerated where vegetation is sparse and colonization slow, therefore, it is important that native plant cover be restored and the site rehabilitated. We examined soil properties that may be associated with vegetation patterns in the barrens and adjacent Shasta red fir forest and would have application to restoring native plant diversity and cover to the barrens. At a 40 ha study area we investigated plant available nutrients, soil C, microbial biomass, and enzymes involved in organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling in barrens and forest soils to determine if loss of the organic layer by erosion affected soil chemistry and microbiology. Twelve samples each were collected from 0 to 10 cm soil depth in forest and barrens and analyzed for C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, B, Zn, Mo, and Al; microbial biomass, and dehydrogenase, urease, and acid phosphatase activity. Soils supporting forest vegetation contained higher concentrations of C, N, K, Ca, and Mg, indicating differences between forest and barrens in important soil chemical properties. Ca and Mg were extremely low in the barrens soil suggesting loss of these nutrients by erosion where there is a lack of vegetation cover. Soil organic matter was higher in forest than in barrens soil and was positively correlated with soil N ( r 2 =0.78), dehydrogenase ( r 2 =0.65) and acid phosphatase activity ( r 2 =0.50). Although microbial biomass was extremely low, dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase activity were sensitive indicators of differences in organic matter and microbial activity between forest and barrens soil. The study indicates that certain soil chemical and biological properties may be useful in monitoring ecological change and helpful in understanding vegetation patterns.
Facets of Pavlovian and operant extinction

Research on extinction is of fundamental importance in both Pavlovian and operant approaches to the experimental analysis of learning. Although these approaches are often motivated by different empirical and theoretical questions, extinction has emerged as a research area in which common themes unite the two approaches. In this review, we focus on some common considerations in the analysis of Pavlovian and operant extinction. These include methodological challenges and interpretational issues in analyzing behavior during and after extinction. We consider the different roles that theory has played in the development of research on extinction in these preparations and conclude with some attention to applications of extinction.
Synthesis, structure, and characterization of some ruthenium arene complexes of N-(arylmethylene)-2-(methylthio)anilines and 2-(methylthio)aniline

Abstract A series of cationic, half-sandwich ruthenium complexes with the general formula [(η 6 - p -cymene)RuCl(MeS C 6 H 4 2-N CHAr)][PF 6 ] ( 3a–h ), have been prepared from the reaction of [(η 6 - p -cymene)RuCl 2 ] 2 with various N,S-donor Schiff base ligands derived from 2-(methylthio)aniline and several substituted benzaldehydes. The related aniline complex [(η 6 - p -cymene)RuCl(MeS–C 6 H 4 –2-NH 2 )][PF 6 ] ( 4 ) was synthesized from 2-(methylthio)aniline. All of the ruthenium complexes were characterized by IR, 1 H NMR, and UV/Vis spectroscopies. The molecular structure of complex 4 was determined by X-ray crystallography.
An explicit density matrix functional of the (N – 1)-particle system when the N-particle system is known

An explicit 1-particle density matrix functional is derived for the ground state of an (N – 1)-particle system when the ground state wavefunction of the N-particle system is known. The extended Koopmans' theorem is used to express the (N – 1)-particle wavefunction in terms of the N-particle wavefunction. The electron repulsion part of the energy expression is an integral of a product of the 1-particle density matrix of the (N – 1)-particle system and an explicit function that contains correlation and exchange information from the N-particle system.
Farm of the Manor and Community of the Vill in Domesday Book

ALTHOUGH the bare fact has often been noticed, an adequate account still remains to be given of the Domesday evidence for the farm of the manor by the peasants themselves, the "community of the vill" in the familiar phrase of the thirteenth century. This method of economic exploitation is significant for its implications respecting the conditions of the peasantry in England in the generation which followed the Norman Conquest and the establishment of feudalism in England. Perhaps one reason for this neglect of an important subject is that the evidence, with a few very obvious exceptions, is both vague and intractable, as will appear. Nonetheless, a survey of Domesday Book leads to some interesting facts, and the conclusions which may be drawn throw new light on an old but perennial problem, the economic and social status of the Anglo-Norman peasantry. The status of the peasantry is in large measure determined by two distinguishable but related sets of facts: on the one hand, the lands and stock at its disposal (though not necessarily under its ownership), and on the other hand, the rights and duties enjoyed by or incumbent upon it. The economic facts have recently been illuminated in a series of important articles by Mr R. V. Lennard;1 and, in additioii to her earlier contributions to the subject, Professor H. M. Cam has recently provided a suggestive and authoritative summary of the role and significance of the community of the vill in all its aspects, economic and otherwise, in the high M\iddle Ages.2 WAhile Mr Lennard has not concerned himself with the community of the vill, or any other aspects of communalism in the Anglo-Norman period, that period was outside the scope of Professor Cam's paper. The economic activity of the peasants as groups as homines ville, or as a
Erosion depth of sand from an immobile gravel bed

Abstract. This study was conducted to improve prediction of the depth of erosion of sand (D50 = 0.3–0.9 mm) from immobile gravel (D50 = 36.1 mm) under steady uniform flows with bed shear stresses from 0.1 to 0.9 of that required to entrain the gravel. This situation, often encountered downstream of dams, has important implications for habitat restoration. Steady uniform flows were imposed on a flume channel containing a mixture of sand and gravel until sediment concentrations in the flow exiting the channel became small. The elevation of sand relative to gravel was measured after each experiment and compared poorly to calculated depths from published relationships whose predictions were based in part on the equivalent grain roughness of the bed. An improved predictive relationship was developed by using the cumulative distribution function of the surface gravel elevations to scale the shear velocity available for transporting sand from the gravel substrate.
A reversed word length effect in coordinating the preparation and articulation of words in speaking.

Speakers tend to prepare their nouns immediately before saying them, rather than preparing them further in advance. To test the limits of this last-second preparation, speakers were asked to name object pairs without pausing between names. There was not enough time to prepare the second name while articulating the first, so the speakers’ delay in starting to say the first name was based on the amount of time available to prepare the second name during speech. Before speaking, they spent more time preparing a second name (e.g., carrot) when the first name was monosyllabic (e.g., wig) rather than multisyllabic (e.g., windmill ). When additional words intervened between names, the length of the first name became less important and speech began earlier. Preparation differences were reflected in speech latencies, durations, and eye movements. The results suggest that speakers are sensitive to the length of prepared words and the time needed for preparing subsequent words. They can use this information to increase fluency while minimizing word buffering.