cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Black Transit: When Public Transportation Decision-Making Leads to Negative Economic Development

In 2015, the Governor of Maryland cancelled a light rail project planned for Baltimore City. Around that time, governors in five states had also cancelled federally funded, mass transit rail projects. Each cancellation was similarly justified by claims that the transportation projects were unwise and unnecessary. This trend is concerning because public transportation is often crucial to low- and moderate-income people. The cancellations raise the question whether there should be some circumstances when a state should not be able to cancel transportation projects. The federal framework for public transportation funding allows seemingly unfettered discretion to cancel, while not acknowledging the perverse incentives that now exist to refuse funding for projects perceived as beneficial to stigmatized racial and class groups. Most strikingly, principles of development worked in reverse. Instead of pursuing economic development through guaranteed infrastructure investment and the multiplier potential of construction jobs and transit-oriented development likely to take place, the state decided to reject development under a rationale that such investment would be wasteful. This Essay argues that there is room in the federalism logic of the Spending Clause to ex ante consider pervasive and systemic racial hostility to public transportation and a discriminatory exercise of discretion. Federal mass transportation decision-making should be structured in a way that accounts for the pervasive, consistent, and structural hostility to Black mobility and projects perceived to benefit Black people. Because mobility is crucial to self-determination, economic survival and flourishing, the veto of rail projects like Baltimore’s Red Line is an opportunity to consider the limitations of ex post racial remedies such as the equity-infused planning framework and Title VI disparate impact litigation. The Essay considers how racial equity and racial realism principles can inform the obligations of federal public transportation funding decision-making.
Cellulose nanocrystals from ionic liquids: a critical review

Driven by the promising future of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), extensive research in the field of CNCs’ preparation has been conducted to date. This critical review provides a perspective on recent advances in the preparation of CNCs utilizing ionic liquids (ILs) as a media, from protic acidic cellulose-hydrolyzing ILs to basic ILs. The review highlights advantages and shortcomings of the synthetic methods, and describes the properties of the CNCs obtained from ILs – surface morphology, size, crystallinity, and thermal properties.
A Vehicle Routing Problem and Product Quality Embedded with a Scalable Reconfigurable Manufacturing System

Reconfigurable Manufacturing System can accommodate high functionality, throughput, and product variety. It offers several routes to produce the same product which makes it difficult to analyze the product quality in each route. In addition, in RMS, the use of different configurations incurs different production, changeover and modular times. This can cause variability in delivering the product to customer location, depending on the configurations selected for production. To address the quality issues and arrival concerns, this study designs a scalability characteristic based reconfigurable manufacturing system in the context of a supply chain i.e., a vehicle routing problem (RMS-VRP). In addition, the analysis considers quality variation of a reconfigurable manufacturing system due to defects. A multi-objective model is proposed that considers the objectives of the total cost and the scalability of a reconfigurable manufacturing system and a vehicle routing problem. The scalability is necessitated by defective manufacturing and delayed delivery to the depot. A hybrid and automatically calibrated version of genetic algorithm and variable neighborhood search is used for implementing the model. Finally, key findings, conclusion and future research streams are provided.
Fibrous Proliferations in Posttransplant Kaposi Sarcoma

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is characterized by cutaneous lesions that are often papular and present variably depending on the stage of progression. We describe a patient with a fibroma-like nodule, a lesion not commonly associated with KS. Previously observed in lymphedematous human immunodeficiency virus-associated KS, the occurrence of this nodule in the absence of chronic lymphedema suggests an alternative etiology.
Measurement and interpretation of diffusion coefficients of proteins.

Publisher Summary The chapter presents the measurement and interpretation of diffusion coefficients of proteins. The chapter discusses the subject of flow equations and their basic importance to the study of diffusion, in terms of the general case of diffusion in systems with any number of components to provide perspective for the consideration of the simpler two-component case. Although Fick's first law defines the diffusion coefficient in terms of the flow of solute and its concentration gradient, a straightforward calculation of D by direct measurement of these two quantities is not possible. The closest approach to a direct determination of the flow is provided by the steady-state method. The steady-state apparatus, as illustrated by the diaphragm cell, requires calibration with a material of known diffusion coefficient. The method of free diffusion is particularly suited for the accurate studies of proteins and for investigation of solute purity. The chapter explores the possibility of determining the molecular weight of a protein from a single ultracentrifuge experiment, by measuring its sedimentation coefficient, s, from the rate of movement of the boundary and its diffusion coefficient, D, from the rate of spreading of the boundary. The most important single application of the diffusion coefficient of a protein at the present time consists of its use, in combination with the values of the sedimentation coefficient and partial specific volume, for obtaining the molecular weight. Whenever diffusion occurs in systems containing more than two components, there exists the possibility of some coupling between the flows. This phenomenon is observed in solutions of salts because of the electrostatic coupling between the ions, and it is probably also present to some degree in all solutions of nonelectrolytes, partly as a result of molecular interactions.
New Centrifugation Technique for Isolating Enzymes from Large Cell Structures: Isolation and Characterization of Two Bacillus subtilis Autolysins

Bacillus subtilis cell walls can be centrifuged through a linear gradient of 0 to 2 m LiCl and 10 to 25% sucrose so that different autolysins are removed by different salt concentrations and banded in separate positions as the walls pass through the gradient. Using this technique we have found that B. subtilis cell walls are isolated with two autolytic enzymes attached. One autolysin, a glycosidase, can be eluted from walls with 0.5 m LiCl, has a pH optimum between 5 and 8, is relatively heat-sensitive, and has a molecular weight of 60,000. The other autolysin, an alanine amidase, can be eluted from walls with 1.5 m LiCl, has a pH optimum around 8, is relatively heat-stable, has a molecular weight of 35,000, and is present in quantities ten times greater than the glycosidase.
Performance Analysis of Concurrency Control Methods

Since the appearance of the first papers in mid-70’s formalizing two-phase locking as a means of Concurrency Control (CC) [23], there have been numerous proposals based on locking, time-stamp ordering, and optimistic CC [6], [52], [77]. CC is required to ensure correctness and database integrity when it is updated by several transactions concurrently [23].
Gastrointestinal tract function and malnutrition in HIV-infected children

Poor growth and/or weight gain was identified in the initial reports of children with AIDS (Oleske et al. 1983, Rubinstein et al. 1983). However, in the past 12 years little progress has been made to understand the mechanisms for these observations. Data from the NIAID/NICHD multicenter Women and Infants Transmission Study (WITS) demonstrated that a decline in weight occurred in the first four months of life followed by decreased linear growth (Rich et al. 1993). In older children weight and height seem to decline in parallel (McKinney et al. 1993), but loss of lean body mass may occur prior to a decline in weight (Miller et al. 1993). Adequate caloric intake can improve weight gain, but has little effect on height velocity and lean body mass (Henderson et al. 1994, Miller et al. 1992). Long-term survivors with HIV infection are shorter than anticipated, and these changes cannot be explained solely by inadequate nutrition or by endocrine abnormalities. The immune system, gastrointestinal tract function, malnutrition, and chronic or recurrent infection interact and contribute to the nutritional deficiencies and problems with growth observed in the HIV-infected child.
Using ethereal and TCPportconnect in undergraduate networking labs

In networking, as in so many other areas, there is no substitute for firsthand experience. Textbook and classroom presentations of TCP/IP transport and protocols can lack a sense of concreteness on the part of the student. In this paper we present a set of laboratory exercises that can greatly enhance this sense of concreteness by giving the student a first-hand look at TCP/IP transport and protocols. To this end we use the "Ethereal" packet sniffer and introduce our own "TCPPortConnect" program. The latter program is a GUI Java program that provides a simple, direct socket connection to a host and port specified by the user. This program allows the student to interact with network services directly by playing the role of the TCP/IP program and viewing the data in their raw form. At the same time the various network packets can be captured by Ethereal and analyzed. Together these tools provide an excellent way for students to visualize how networking works at a concrete level.
Are chromosome secondary constrictions nucleolar organizers?: A re-examination using a laser microbeam

Abstract An argon laser microbeam was used to irradiate regions outside and inside the secondary constrictions of nucleolar organizing chromosomes. Irradiation immediately adjacent to the constriction consistently resulted in the loss of nucleolar organizing capacity. Irradiation 2 μm down the chromosome from the secondary constriction did not affect the capacity to organize a nucleolus. Irradiation directly inside the secondary constriction did not affect the ability to organize a nucleolus in 50% of the cases. These data are discussed in relation to current ideas that secondary constrictions are nucleolus organizers. Alternative models are presented.
An NAD+ biosynthetic pathway enzyme functions cell non‐autonomously in C. elegans development

Background: Disruption of cellular metabolite levels can adversely impact development. Specifically, loss-of-function of the C. elegans NAD+ salvage biosynthesis gene PNC-1 results in an array of developmental phenotypes. Intriguingly, PNC-1 and its functional equivalent in vertebrates are secreted, but the contributions of the extracellular enzymes are poorly understood. We sought to study the tissue-specific requirements for PNC-1 expression and to examine the role of the secreted isoform. Results: A thorough analysis of PNC-1 expression did not detect expression in tissues that require PNC-1 function. Limited expression of both the secreted and intracellular PNC-1 isoforms provided function at a distance from the tissues with phenotypes. We also find that the secreted isoform contributes to in vivo PNC-1 activity. Furthermore, uv1 cell survival has the most stringent requirements in terms of PNC-1 expression pattern or level. Conclusions: Using careful promoter analysis and a restricted expression approach, we have shown that both the secreted and the intracellular PNC-1 isoforms function cell non-autonomously, and that the PNC-1a isoform is functionally relevant in vivo. Our work suggests a model where PNC-1 function is provided cell non-autonomously by a mix of intra and extracellular activity, most likely requiring NAD+ salvage metabolite transport between tissues. Developmental Dynamics 243:965–976, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Steady-state analysis of periodically interrupted circuits by means of symmetrical components

A simplification of Hayashi's method of symmetrical components for the steady-state analysis of periodically interrupted circuits is presented. The mathematical basis of the method is shown in terms of eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a transfer matrix. The method is illustrated by derivation of the equations for a balanced 3-phase bridge-type inverter and by the solution of the equations for the same inverter with infinite choke and resistive load.
Ligand-regulated peptide aptamers that inhibit the 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase

In an effort to extend the peptide aptamer approach, we have developed a scaffold protein that allows small molecule ligand control over the presentation of a peptide aptamer. This scaffold, a fusion of three protein domains, FKBP12, FRB, and GST, presents a peptide linker region for target protein binding only in the absence of the small molecule Rapamycin or other non-immunosuppressive Rapamycin derivatives. Here we describe the characterization of ligand-regulated peptide aptamers that interact with and inhibit the 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK, a central regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, responds to high cellular AMP/ATP ratios by promoting energy producing pathways and inhibiting energy consuming biosynthetic pathways. We have characterized 15 LiRPs of similar, poly-basic sequence and have determined that they interact with the substrate peptide binding region of both AMPK alpha1 and alpha2. These proteins, some of which serve as poor substrates of AMPK, inhibit the kinase as pseudosubstrates in a Rapamycin-regulated fashion in vitro, an effect that is largely competitive with substrate peptide and mediated by an increase in the kinase's apparent K(m) for substrate peptide. This pseudosubstrate inhibition of AMPK by LiRP proteins reduced the AMP stimulation of AMPK in vitro and caused the inhibited state of the kinase to kinetically resemble the basal, unstimulated state of AMPK, providing potential insight into the molecular mechanisms of AMP stimulation of AMPK.
Alkali metal cation-pi interactions observed by using a lariat ether model system.

The Na+ or K+ cation−π interaction has been experimentally probed by using synthetic receptors that comprise diaza-18-crown-6 lariat ethers having ethylene sidearms attached to aromatic π-donors. T...
Alterations in the production of hemocytes due to a neoplastic mutation of Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract The hemocytes of a genetically induced, temperature-sensitive lethal mutation of Drosophila, Tum1, were examined both quantitatively and qualitatively during the third larval instar. At the tumor-permissive temperature, 29°C, there was a fourfold increase in the concentration of circulating hemocytes in mutant larvae as compared to control. Additionally, the relative frequency of lamellocytes was 30 times greater in Tum1 larvae than Basc in the early third instar. However, the severity of this abnormality gradually diminished as Tum1 approached pupariation; though high frequencies of lamellocytes were always present. At the tumor-restrictive temperature (15°C) the concentration of circulating hemocytes was over twice that found at 29°C for Tum1 larvae, and did not change during the course of third instar. However, in contrast to 29°C there was no abnormal increase in the frequency of lamellocytes at the tumor-restrictive temperature. Control larvae had equivalent concentrations of hemocytes at both temperatures. In one of two temperature shift experiments, Tum1 larvae shifted from 15° to 29°C at the beginning of third instar expressed the abnormal hemocyte concentration and differentiation associated with larvae raised continuously at 29°C. In addition, Tum1 larvae shifted from 29° to 15°C expressed reduced abnormalities of hemocyte differentiation, e.g., with fewer lamellocytes in circulation. The possibility of a temperature-sensitive period for the activation of the Tum1 gene is discussed.
The implications of program dependencies for software testing, debugging, and maintenance

This paper presents a formal, general model of program dependencies. Two generalizations of control and data dependence, called weak and strong syntactic dependence, are presented. Some of the practical implications of program dependencies are determined by relating weak and strong syntactic dependence to a relation called semantic dependence. Informally, one program statement is semantically dependent on another if the latter statement can affect the execution behavior of the former. It is shown that weak syntactic dependence is a necessary condition for semantic dependence, but that neither weak nor strong syntactic dependence are sufficient conditions. The implications of these results for software testing, debugging, and maintenance are then explored.
The role of particles and colloids in the transport of radionuclides in coastal environments of Texas

Abstract Many bays and estuaries of the USA are heavily impacted by man's activities. It is therefore important to characterize the self-cleansing capacity of these waters. To this effect, Th, Pb and Be nuclides in the water column can be used as tracers for the removal behavior of particle-reactive substances. Both sub- and supra-micron sized particles play a major role in the transport of particle-reactive nuclides and pollutants in estuarine and coastal waters. We report here the results of a study of the fate of radionuclides, carried out during different times of the year in six Texas bays and estuaries, and in Galveston's coastal waters, after a one-time pulse injection by wet fallout of Pb and Be nuclides. We investigated both removal residence times and the partitioning of Th, Pb and Be isotopes between filter-retained particles (0.5 m or greater), filter-passing dissolved (0.5 m or less) and, in a separate experiment, a colloidal phase. Recent studies indicate that a significant fraction of conventionally defined dissolved (0.4 m or less) Th isotopes is associated with colloidal material (less than 0.4 m). In this investigation, we extend this approach to two other particle-reactive nuclides, 7Be and 210Pb. Our results show that the extent of association of Th, Be and Pb nuclides with colloidal material appears to follow the same sequence as that for the association of these nuclides with filter-retained particles. A major portion, i.e. 70% or greater, of 7Be and 210Pb injected into the surface coastal water by wet fallout, is removed from the water with an overall residence time of less than 1 day. Suspended particles and their associated nuclides settle and are turned over on time scales of hours by sediment resuspension. The rate of sediment resuspension and deposition appears to control the particle association and removal from the water of these nuclides. The extent of particle association of 210Pb and 234Th isotopes appears to be highest in the samples taken during the summer. This is attributed to the more energetic particle transport owing to the large amounts of freshwater inputs and stormy weather conditions during that time.
Conductivity of a magnetic-field-induced Luttinger liquid

Abstract We study the effect of dilute impurities on a system of interacting electrons subject to a quantizing magnetic field. For the case of point impurities, the calculation of the scattering cross section can be mapped onto a 1D problem of tunneling conductance through a barrier for interacting electrons. We find that the electron–electron interaction produces temperature-dependent corrections to the cross-section, and thus to the tensor of conductivities. Upon summation of the most diverging corrections in all orders of the perturbation theory, a scaling behavior of the conductivities emerges. This behavior is similar to that of 1D Luttinger liquid. The scaling exponents depend on the magnetic field and are calculated explicitly in the weak-coupling limit. The limitations on the scaling behavior due to the formation of a charge-density wave are also discussed.
Fundamental Information and Monetary Policy: The Implications for Earnings and Earnings Forecasts

Building on the work of Lev and Thiagarajan (1993) and Abarbanell and Bushee (1997 and 1998) this paper tests whether market-based information including dividend yield (Fama and French, 1998), firm size (Reinganum, 1981), and the ratio of book value to market value (Fama and French, 1992) add explanatory power to accounting data for predicting future earnings. The paper also tests whether earnings changes and the predictability of those changes are conditioned on monetary policy. It is found that the ratio of book value to market value is significantly related to earnings changes. Analyst forecast accuracy differs depending on monetary policy regime, but this difference is not due to differing interpretation of fundamental signals on financial statements appearing under differing monetary policy regimes. It is also found that there is a significant relation between monetary policy, earnings changes, and the level of signals concerning earnings changes.
Studies on the spores of aerobic bacteria. II. The properties of an extracted heat-stable enzyme

Abstract 1. 1. Spores of Bacillus terminalis were found to contain alanine racemase activity which was only 10 % inactivated when held at 80 ° for 2 hr. On the other hand, the alanine racemase associated with the vegetative cells of this organism was almost completely inactivated after 15 min. at this temperature. 2. 2. Cell-free sonic extracts of these spores were found to contain alanine racemase which was also active after 2 hr. of heating at 80 °. 3. 3. Fractionation of crude sonic extracts by ammonium sulfate precipitation or high-speed centrifugation revealed that the heat-resistant enzyme was associated with particulates. 4. 4. Further sonic oscillation of collected spore particles solubilized some of the racemase. The solubilized enzyme was heat-sensitive. 5. 5. Particulate alanine racemase was resistant to pepsin inactivation as well as to heat denaturation. The soluble, heat-sensitive form was, however, readily inactivated by pepsin. 6. 6. The enzyme required pyridoxal phosphate for full activity after 60 % resolution by dialysis.
A software tool for automatic analysis of selected area diffraction patterns within Digital Micrograph

Abstract A software package “SADP Tools” is developed as a complementary diffraction pattern analysis tool. The core program, called AutoSADP, is designed to facilitate automated measurements of d -spacing and interplaner angles from TEM selected area diffraction patterns (SADPs) of single crystals. The software uses iterative cross correlations to locate the forward scattered beam position and to find the coordinates of the diffraction spots. The newly developed algorithm is suitable for fully automated analysis and it works well with asymmetric diffraction patterns, off-zone axis patterns, patterns with streaks, and noisy patterns such as Fast Fourier transforms of high-resolution images. The AutoSADP tool runs as a macro for the Digital Micrograph program and can determine d-spacing values and interplanar angles based on the pixel ratio with an accuracy of better than about 2%.
The molecular basis of hereditary palmoplantar keratodermas

In recent years, the gene defects causing many types of hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma have been discovered. These genes encode a variety of proteins involved in the terminal differentiation of keratinocytes and the formation of the cornified cell envelope. In this article, we review the molecular defects underlying various palmoplantar keratodermas with particular attention to the role of these molecules in the terminal differentiation of palmoplantar epidermis. Of the proteins involved in keratodermas, loricrin, keratins, and desmosomal proteins provide the protein structure of the cornified cell envelope. Connexins form intercellular gap junctions, which regulate ionic calcium signals necessary for the expression of the proteins that form the cornified cell envelope. Cathepsins likely mediate enzymatic processes necessary for the formation and dissolution of the cornified cell envelope. The clinical phenotypes produced by various mutations affecting these proteins are discussed vis-a-vis data from genetic, cellular, and molecular experiments.
A meshless CFD approach for evolutionary shape optimization of bypass grafts anastomoses

Improving the blood flow or hemodynamics in the synthetic bypass graft end-to-side distal anastomosis (ETSDA) is an important element for the long-term success of bypass surgeries. An ETSDA is the interconnection between the graft and the operated-on artery. The control of hemodynamic conditions through the ETSDA is mostly dictated by the shape of the ETSDA. Thus, a formal ETSDA shape optimization would serve the goal of improving the ETSDA flowfield. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a convenient tool to quantify hemodynamic parameters; also, the genetic algorithm (GA) is an effective tool to identify the ETSDA optimal shape that modify those hemodynamic quantities such that the optimization objective is met. The present article introduces a unique approach where a meshless CFD solver is coupled to a GA for the purpose of optimizing the ETSDA shape. Three anastomotic models are optimized herein: the conventional ETSDA, the Miller cuff ETSDA and the hood ETSDA. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of...
Optimal Point Spread Function for 3D High-Precision Imaging

We generate an information-optimal point spread function (PSF) for localization-based 3D imaging. Such a PSF exhibits excellent localization precision by design, as we demonstrate theoretically and experimentally, and can be tailored for specific imaging parameters.
Comment on 'Absence of trapped surfaces and singularities in cylindrical collapse'

Recently, the gravitational collapse of an infinite cylindrical thin shell of matter in an otherwise empty spacetime with two hypersurface orthogonal Killing vectors was studied by Gon\ifmmode \mbox{\c{c}}\else \c{c}\fi{}alves [Phys. Rev. D 65, 084045 (2002)]. By using three alternative criteria for trapped surfaces, the author claimed to have shown that they can never form either outside or on the shell, regardless of the matter content for the shell, except at asymptotical future null infinity. Following Penrose's original idea, we first define trapped surfaces in cylindrical spacetimes in terms of the expansions of null directions orthogonal to the surfaces and then show that the first criterion used by Gon\ifmmode \mbox{\c{c}}\else \c{c}\fi{}alves is incorrect. We also show that his analysis of nonexistence of trapped surfaces in the vacuum is incomplete. To confirm our claim, we present an example that is a solution to the vacuum Einstein field equations and satisfies all the regular conditions imposed by Gon\ifmmode \mbox{\c{c}}\else \c{c}\fi{}alves. After extending the solution to the whole spacetime, we show explicitly that trapped surfaces exist in the extended region.
Open meniscus repair. Technique and two to nine year results.

An average 4.6 year follow-up study has been done on 80 of 104 open meniscus repairs of unstable peripheral tears. Two of nine retears were treated in the acute stage and seven were treated in the ...
Pea genes associated with non-host disease resistance to Fusarium are also active in race-specific disease resistance to Pseudomonas.

A given plant species is able to resist most of the potentially pathogenic microorganisms with which it comes in contact. This phenomenon, known as non-host resistance, can be overcome only by a very small number of ‘true pathogens’ which can use that plant as a host. In some cases, plants have developed mechanisms for overcoming infection by specific races or strains of a true pathogen. This race-specific resistance can be easily manipulated into agronomically important cultivars by plant breeders. We have previously described nine cDNA clones which represent pea genes active during non-host resistance against the fungus Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli. In the present work, we have used these cDNAs as probes to compare non-host resistance with race-specific responses of peas against three races of Pseudomonas syringae pv. pisi. Five of the genes most active during non-host resistance were also active in direct correlation with the phenotypic expression of resistance in race-specific reactions of five differential pea cultivars against three races of Pseudomonas syringae pv. pisi.
Absorption of Orally Administered Nafcillin in Normal Healthy Volunteers

The absorption of orally administered nafcillin sodium monohydrate buffered with calcium carbonate was studied in 10 healthy human volunteers. Dosages of 500 mg and 1 g were studied in fasting and nonfasting states. There was considerable individual variation in the absorption of nafcillin, although measurable serum concentrations were obtained in all subjects. With few exceptions, peak serum concentrations were reached faster and were more predictable in the fasting state than in the nonfasting state. In the majority of subjects, food interfered with nafcillin absorption. Measurable serum concentrations persisted for 4 h in almost all subjects, but there were no or negligible serum concentrations at 6 h. The mean serum concentrations obtained in the present study were higher than those reported in an earlier study.
Nature of magnetism in Co- and Mn-doped ZnO prepared by sol-gel technique

Magnetic properties of sol-gel-prepared bulk samples of Co0.05Zn0.95O and Mn0.05Zn0.95O are reported before and after annealing in 5%H2∕95%Ar at 573 K for 6 h. The as-prepared samples are paramagnetic with the magnetic susceptibility χ following the Curie-Weiss law: χ=χ0+C∕(T−θ). The magnitudes of C are consistent with the magnetic moments expected for the Co2+ and Mn2+ states. After hydrogenation, the magnetism of Mn∕ZnO is unchanged but Co∕ZnO acquires room-temperature ferromagnetism (RTFM) with a magnetic moment of 0.35μB∕Co site and hysteresis loop with coercivity Hc≃600Oe, remanence Mr≃0.45emu∕g, and saturation magnetization Ms≃1.2emu∕g. Electron magnetic-resonance spectroscopy at 9.28 GHz gives signals corresponding to the Co2+ and Mn2+ states for the paramagnetic states and a broad FM signal for the hydrogenated Co∕ZnO. This difference under hydrogenation between Co∕ZnO and Mn∕ZnO suggests that n-type doping leads to stabilizing of RTFM in Co∕ZnO but not in Mn∕ZnO, the latter perhaps requiring p-ty...
Fluorescence Characteristics of Benzodiazepines in Strong Acid

The fluorescence characteristics of 10 substituted 1,4-benzodiazepines in strong acid solution were investigated. The compounds that fluoresce in the Hammett acidity region possess, or can form by enolization, an azomethine linkage in the 1,2- or 4,5-position. All benzodiazepines that fluoresce in strong acid show increases in fluorescence intensity with corresponding blue shifts as acidity increases. Two pKa's in the Hammett acidity region were observed for both the fluorometric and absorptiometric titrations of the benzodiazepines possessing a carbonyl in the 2-position. No evidence of excited state prototropism was observed.
Microfinance Services: A Missing Product in Islamic Banks in Supporting Small and Medium Enterprises in Tanzania

The study aimed to sensitize the Islamic banking in Tanzania in initiating Islamic microfinance which is a missing tool in boosting small and medium business ventures in Tanzania. The study employed descriptive corelational research design whereby data collection was done through both probability and non probability sampling design. Data were collected in three banks (National Bank of Commerce, Kenya Commercial Bank, and Akiba Commercial Bank) which are Islamic Bank windows, and in Amana Bank which is a fully fledged Islamic Bank. The findings of the study revealed that Islamic microfinance is concerned with the provision of financial and non financial services to the poor who desire to embark in entrepreneurship based on Islamic values for the aim promoting development and welfare of the entire society. Based on those findings, the study recommends that Islamic microfinance should be established in those carrying out Islamic banking in Tanzania because these interest free financial institutions often support Small and Medium Enterprises with small loans for the purpose of improving their business operations .
Effect of Red Cedar Chip Bedding on Hexobarbital and Pentobarbital Sleep Time

Male albino mice, in a red cedar chip environment, show a decreased sleep time to sodium hexobarbital and sodium pentobarbital. The effect appears to be reversible.
Unintended pregnancy risk in an emergency department population.

Abstract Objective To assess unintended pregnancy risk and associated factors among female urban Baltimore emergency department (ED) attendees. Methods A cross-sectional anonymous questionnaire study was completed by 790 women, sufficient to detect a 5% difference of unintended pregnancy risk in the national population and a 10% intersite difference with 80% power. The results were analyzed with chi-square tests, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results Female ED attendees are at greater risk for unintended pregnancy (33.5%), particularly those of lower income (p=.006) and without a primary care provider (p=.003). Unintended pregnancy risk did not vary between sites by any variable except young age despite the fact that sites varied significantly by race, insurance and income measures. Conclusion Women using the ED are at increased risk for unintended pregnancy and are less likely to have access to a regular medical care source; thus, the ED represents a possible contraceptive provision site.
Deformation of annealed low carbon steel at high strain-rates

Abstract The strain-time history of annealed low carbon steel is measured under constant stress loading conditions as a function of grain size, duration of loading, and position along a cylindrical specimen. The transition from elastic to plastic deformation is examined in terms of the elastic wave front attenuation, the delayed yielding time, and the macroscopic plastic deformation of the specimen. The experimental results are then compared with theoretical predictions. The theoretical model assumes that the deformation process can be separated into pre-yield and post-yield regimes separated by the advent of the delayed yielding. The agreement between the experimental results and theoretical predictions appears to be quite good. The results show that the effects of grain size cannot be neglected in certain loading regimes, that the upper and lower yield points can exist even under constant stress loading, and that it is unrealistic to treat the pre-yield and post-yield phenomena as being identical processes for metals which exhibit the yield-point phenomenon.
Synapsin-like immunoreactivity is present in hair cells and efferent terminals of the toadfish crista ampullaris

The synapsins are presynaptic membrane-associated proteins involved in neurotransmitter release. They are differentially expressed in tissues and cells of the central and peripheral nervous system. In vestibular end organs of mammals, synapsin I-like immunoreactivity has been reported in efferent and afferent terminals and in afferent nerve calyces surrounding type I hair cells. In addition, synapsin I has recently been described in several non-neural cell lines. The present study was conducted to locate synapsin-like immunoreactivity in the neuronal and non-neuronal cells of the fish crista ampullaris, to examine the possibility that the non-neuronal sensory receptor cells express synapsins in vivo. Synapsin-like immunostaining was visualized by immunofluorescence detection in wholemounts of the toadfish crista ampullaris using multiphoton laser scanning microscopy and by electron microscopic visualization of post-embedding immunogold labeling. The results demonstrate that synapsin-like immunoreactivity is present in vestibular hair cells and efferent boutons of the toadfish crista ampullaris. Afferent endings are not labeled. Staining in hair cells is not associated with the synaptic ribbons, suggesting that there is an additional, non-synaptic role for the synapsins in some non-neuronal cells of vertebrates. Moreover, while the cristae of amniote and anamniote species share many functional attributes, differences in their synaptic vesicle-associated protein profiles appear to reflect their disparate hair cell populations.
Comparing chronic pain from spinal cord injury to chronic pain of other origins

Abstract Acknowledged as a serious complaint of spinal cord injured (SCI) patients, chronic pain in this population is neither well studied nor well understood. To assess the quality and intensity of pain, a group of 49 SCI patients seeking treatment for chronic pain was compared to a general group of 95 patients from the Comprehensive Pain Clinic (CPC) on selected demographic variables, the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). The SCI patients were categorized as functionally incomplete SCI (SCI-I) or complete SCI (SCI-C). Multivariate analyses revealed differences among groups on the MPQ for Number of Words Checked, Rank Sum and the Affective dimension. In all cases the CPC group scored higher than the SCI-C group. The MMPI profiles were elevated and typical for the CPC and SCI-C groups and substantially less elevated for the SCI-I group. We suggest in cases where chronic pain is secondary to a chronic medical catastrophe, aspects of the MPQ and the MMPI assess the person's total medical disability and not just the meaning and impact of pain.
Seeing “ghost” planes in stereo vision

I have studied particular ambiguous random dot stereograms where multiple matches (that are equally possible) are available at each point. The human visual system resolves these ambiguities in two qualitatively different ways. In some cases a few transparent surfaces are perceived corresponding to all the ambiguous matches. In other cases a single dominant opaque surface is perceived. The conditions under which each behavior occurs are described. Additional experiments, designed to explore whether a number of modified stereo matching algorithms can predict human perception, are described, and their theoretical implications are discussed.
Application of in situ adaptive tabulation to CFD simulation of nano-particle formation by reactive precipitation

Abstract Reactive precipitation involves four fundamental processes: mixing-limited reaction, nucleation, growth, and aggregation. A novel algorithm, in situ adaptive tabulation (ISAT), has been implemented in a code for micromixing simulations, which is often applied together with computational fluid dynamics (CFD), using full probability density function (PDF) methods to incorporate these fundamental processes in the formation of nano-particles by reactive precipitation in a plug-flow reactor. The quadrature method of moments is applied to solve population balance equations for turbulent aggregation of the growing particles. The various performance issues (error control, accuracy, number of records, speed-up) for ISAT are discussed. Based on a large number of simulations, an error tolerance of 10 −4 –10 −5 is found to be satisfactory for carrying out time-evolving full PDF simulations of nano-particle formation by reactive precipitation. Our results show that CFD simulation of reactive precipitation requires a much smaller computational effort when the ISAT algorithm is implemented than when direct integration is used. Finally, the effects of initial species concentrations, micromixing time, and turbulent shear rate on the reactive precipitation of barium sulfate are studied.
Cortical spreading depression: a case of state dependent learning.

Abstract Transfer between learning with the cortex normal (N) and with the cortex under bilateral spreading depression (D) was investigated in 3 phases: (1) escape pretraining (EPT), (2) original learning (OL), (3) relearning (RL). Twenty-eight male hooded rats were randomly assigned to the following conditions: (a) normal EPT, normal OL, depressed RL (nnd): (b) normal EPT, depressed OL, depressed RL (ndd); (c) depressed EPT, depressed OL, normal RL (ddn); (d) depressed EPT, normal OL, normal RL (dnn); (e) no EPT, depressed OL, depressed RL (xdd); (f) no EPT, normal OL, normal RL (xnn). The results indicated that (1) D-EPT facilitated D-OL but not N-OL, (2) N-EPT had no effect on D-OL or N-OL, (3) there was no appreciable transfer from D-OL to N-RL although N-OL and D-OL transferred readily to D-RL, (4) no negative transfer was found from either EPT to OL or from OL to RL. The data were interpreted to support state dependent learning theory presenting a case of asymmetrical dissociation. A cortical inhibition model was applied to explain the results. The results suggest that either subcortical and/or extracortical structures are sufficient for the forming, retaining and retrieving of a complex response pattern.
Overview of UHP Metamorphism and Tectonics in Well-Studied Collisional Orogens

In Eurasia, the Qinling-Dabie-Sulu belt of eastern China, the Kokchetav Complex of northern Kazakhstan, the Maksyutov Complex of the southern Urals, the Dora-Maira massif of the Western Alps, and the Western Gneiss Region of Norway mark profound intracontinental collisional sutures. Adjacent regions exhibit scant evidence of contemporaneous calc-alkaline volcanism/plutonism. Each ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic complex contains mineralogic and textural relics of coesite ± diamond as well as other very high P, moderate-T phases such as K-rich clinopyroxene, Mg-rich garnet, ellenbergerite, lawsonite, Al-rutile, glaucophane, high-Si phengite, and the phase assemblages coesite + dolomite, magnesite + diopside, and talc + kyanite, diopside, jadeite, or phengite. In each of these well-studied Eurasian complexes, maximum pressures approached or exceeded 2.8 GPa. Deep-seated recrystallization of old, cool continental crust took place during Phanerozoic time. Subduction zones constitute the only known plate-t...
A non-substrate effector of p-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase

Abstract A substrate analogue, 6-hydroxynicotinate (6-OHNA), facilitates reduction of the enzyme bound flavin by TPNH but is not hydroxylated in the reoxidation of the enzyme by oxygen. Binding of 6-OHNA to oxidized p-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase is accompanied by a perturbation of the visible spectrum and enhancement of the flavin fluorescence. Titrations using these properties indicate the formation of a 1:1 complex with a dissociation constant of 2.5 × 10 −4 M. At high concentrations of 6-OHNA, binding of 6-OHNA to additional site(s) has been observed. The 6-OHNA binding is competitive with p-hydroxybenzoate binding as indicated by the reversal of p-hydroxybenzoate quenching of flavin fluorescence on addition of 6-OHNA. The presence of the effector, 6-OHNA, is necessary for the catalytic oxidation of TPNH.
Language ideologies in English learner classrooms: critical reflections and the role of explicit awareness

This paper draws on fieldwork conducted over the course of one academic year in two urban high-school English learner (EL) classrooms located in the south-western part of the United States. As part of a larger interest in how language ideologies mediate classroom discourse practices, this paper analyses the role of awareness in language ideological (LI) inquiry, its methodological implications, as well as pedagogy in second language learning. Classroom surveys, observations and teacher interviews were conducted and analysed using content and discourse analysis. When probed for language issues within their classrooms and over their lives, students were able to articulate explicit awareness of how rules of language use mediated their lives. More importantly, they were able to articulate issues of status and difference vis a vis language which points to a critical view of LI inquiry. Teachers also expressed explicit rules regarding language use for instructional purposes. While explicit articulations of lang...
Depletion of intracellular calcium stores is toxic to SH-SY5Y neuronal cells

Inhibiting Ca(2+) uptake by the sarcoendoplasmic reticular Ca(2+)-ATPase pump (SERCA) causes release of Ca(2+) from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), increased cytosolic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](cyt)) and depletion of ER Ca(2+) stores. These studies were designed to test the effects of SERCA inhibition on neuronal viability, using as a model the human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y. Continuous exposure to the SERCA inhibitor thapsigargin (TG) decreased SH-SY5Y viability to <30% after 48 h exposure, and produced DNA laddering. Two other SERCA inhibitors, BHQ and cyclopiazonic acid CPA, were similarly toxic, although at 1000-fold higher concentrations. BHQ and CPA toxicity was prevented by removing drug within several hours, whereas TG toxicity was essentially irreversible. All three SERCA inhibitors caused an increase in [Ca(2+)](cyt) that was partially blocked by the ryanodine receptor inhibitors, dantrolene and DHBP. Pretreatment with 40 microM dantrolene gave substantial protection against TG- or BHQ-induced cell death but it did not inhibit death from staurosporine, which does not cause release of ER Ca(2+). DHBP (20-100 microM) also gave partial protection against TG toxicity, as did ruthenium red (2 microM), but not ryanodine (10 microM). Inhibition of capacitative Ca(2+) entry with EGTA or LaCl(3) or low extracellular Ca(2+), or chelation of [Ca(2+)](cyt) with BAPTA-AM, failed to inhibit TG toxicity, although they prevented increases in [Ca(2+)](cyt) caused by TG. Taken together, these data suggest that toxicity caused by SERCA inhibition in SH-SY5Y cells is caused by ER Ca(2+) depletion, which triggers an apparent apoptotic pathway.
Neuronal Intermediate Filament Expression During Neurite Outgrowth from Explanted Goldfish Retina: Effect of Retinoic Acid

: Regulation of the goldfish neuronal intermediate filament proteins ON1 and ON2 was investigated in a retinal explant system. The synthesis of these proteins in explanted retina decreased with increasing time in culture, despite continuing neurite outgrowth. Thus, ON1/ON2 neurofilament expression is regulated independently from neurite outgrowth. During regeneration of the goldfish optic nerve in vivo, the expression of these proteins increased during the later phase of the process, when growing axons make contact with the optic tectum. The declining synthesis of ON1 and ON2 during neurite outgrowth in culture suggests that factors extrinsic to the retina are necessary to support synthesis of these proteins. Treating retinal explants with retinoic acid stimulated the synthesis of the ON1/ON2 proteins in a dose-dependent manner. This stimulation was effective during a period of declining synthesis of the ON1/ON2 proteins, restoring their synthesis towards initial levels of expression. These results show that retinoic acid serves as a modulator of neurofilament expression in this in vitro model of nerve regeneration.
An analysis of 100 symptomatic baseball players

The management of baseball elbow injuries, both operative and nonoperative, was usually successful, permitting continued high-level athletic participation. Surgery was particularly effective in those cases with loose bodies. In the shoulder, symptoms occurred in the anterior and posterior regions. Each area presented difficulties in accurate diagnosis. The management of anterior symptoms was primarily nonoperative, surgery being reserved as a salvage procedure. In the posterior capsular syndrome, the source of pain is still unclear.