cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Hypotonic and Hypertonic Solutions on the Fluid Content of Hydrophilic Contact Lenses

Twenty healthy volunteers were fitted with a Bausch & Lomb piano 04 bandage contact lens (center thickness, 0.06 mm; water content, 38.6%) in one eye and a CooperVision therapeutic bandage Permalens (center thickness, 0.24 mm; water content, 70%) in the other eye. Ten received eyedrops every hour for six hours of a solution of 224 ml Osmol and the other ten received a solution of 670 ml Osmol. At the end of the examination period water loss was 21.05% and 20.36% in the Permalens group with the hypertonic and hypotonic solutions, respectively, and 8.86% and 10.74% in the Bausch & Lomb lens groups with the hypertonic and hypotonic solutions, respectively. These values were not significant when compared to those for five control patients (13.75% water loss for the Permalens and 7.28% for the Bausch & Lomb contact lens), suggesting that other factors may be more significant in controlling hydrogel contact lens dehydration.
Objective Determination of the Noise Level in Doppler Spectra

Abstract A method is described for the objective determination of the noise level in Doppler spectra. The method makes use of the physical properties of white noise and is suitable for automatic computation. It is shown that the method produces reliable results when used in conjunction with the lower-bound method of estimating vertical air velocities.
Postoperative gastric rupture in children with cerebral palsy

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) develop difficulties with swallowing and bowel motility, although the underlying etiology of these disorders is unclear. The authors identified three children treated at their institution in the past 6 years who developed severe gastrointestinal dysfunction leading to gastric rupture after orthopaedic surgery; all three had a history that included CP (subtype spastic quadriparesis), low cognitive function, and gastrointestinal motility disorders. All three cases were fatal; in two patients the diagnosis was made at autopsy. No case of postoperative gastric rupture has been identified in children undergoing orthopaedic surgery without concomitant CP at the authors' institution. In this case series, they describe the preoperative and postoperative course of these three children. Since the only cure for gastric rupture is prompt surgical attention, orthopaedists should consider gastric rupture in the differential diagnosis of a postsurgical CP patient who becomes acutely unstable.
Dielectric metamaterials and composites in the age of 3D printing, and directional cloaking

The rapid evolution of additive manufacturing techniques has the potential to revolutionize a wide range of fabrication-limited fields. In this article, we apply plastic additive manufacturing to the creation of radio-frequency electromagnetic devices, demonstrating a metamaterial-like unidirectional cloak. Enabling this all-dielectric cloak is a computational boundary-optimization design approach significantly different from traditional metamaterial design techniques. For a subset of applications, the new all-dielectric cloak proves to work as well as well as previous metal-inclusive designs.
CH Stretching Excitation Steers the F Atom to the CD Bond in the F + CHD3 Reaction

Quasiclassical trajectories on an ab initio potential energy surface show that a stereodynamical effect steers the F atom away from the stretching-excited CH bond, thereby promoting the DF + CHD2 p...
Ribosomes and ribosomal RNA as chaperones for folding of proteins

Background Provocative recent reports indicate that the large subunits of either prokaryotic or eukaryotic ribosomes have the capacity to promote refolding of denatured enzymes. Results Salt-washed Escherichia coli ribosomes are shown to promote refolding of denatured rhodanese. The ability of the ribosomes to carry out renaturation is a property of the 50S ribosomal subunit, specifically the 23S rRNA. Refolding and release of enzymatically active rhodanese leaves the ribosomes in an inactive state or conformation for subsequent rounds of refolding. Inactive ribosomes can be activated by elongation factor G (EF-G) plus GTP or by cleavage of their 23S rRNA by α -sarcin. Activation by either mechanism is strongly inhibited by the EF-G·GDP·fusidic acid complex. Conclusion Large subunits of E. coli ribosomes, specifically 23S rRNA, have the capacity to mediate refolding of denatured rhodanese. Refolding activity is related to the state or conformation of ribosomes that is promoted by EF-G. Activation by either mechanism is strongly inhibited by the EF-G·GDP·fusidic acid complex.
CC bond distance and charge transfer in D2SO4 — Graphite compounds

Abstract The relationship between the carboncarbon bond distance and charge transfer in GICs has been studied experimentally, mainly by in situ neutron diffraction measurements on D2SO4 — graphite during electrochemical intercalation. There is substantial, but not perfect, agreement with the theory of Pietronero and Strassler.
The Greek Origins of the Cacus Myth

The myth of Hercules and Cacus is related by several Augustan writers: Vergil, Aeneid 8.185–275, Livy 1.7.3, Ovid, Fasti 1.543–86 and 5.643–52, Propertius 4.9.1–20, and Dionysius of Halicarnassus, Roman Antiquities 1.39. These accounts fall naturally into two classes, in which Cacus is represented respectively as a clever rascal and as a superhuman ogre. The former version is found in Livy and Dionysius, and the latter occurs first in Vergil, and then in Ovid and Propertius. Numerous shared details go to show that Livy and Dionysius drew on a common source, and verbal similarities that have been demonstrated between Vergil and Livy evidently establish Vergil's dependence on this same source. It would therefore appear that the ogre-Cacus is Vergil's invention. Certainly there is no evidence for a pre-Vergilian Cacus characterized as an ogre.
Worker Housing in the Vermont Copper Belt: Improving Life and Industry Through Paternalism and Resistance

During the mid-nineteenth century, east-central Vermont supported two major copper mines and their associated villages. In order to wrest thousands of tons of copper from the earth these mines, the Elizabeth and Ely mines, hired and housed thousands of miners, laborers, and their families. Both mines pursued the same resource in the same environment during the same period, but the Ely Mine developed a centralized village, while the Elizabeth Mine housed its workers in isolated housing clusters. The causes of these differences in worker housing can be traced to differences in scale, setting, and managerial philosophy, and can be analyzed within the larger historical context of Improvement and the larger ethnographic context of paternalism in mining communities.
Reclamation of the Pearl River: A Perspective of Unpolluted versus Polluted Waters

Abstract Historically the Pearl River received large amounts of municipal sewage and industrial wastes. The river was ultimately reclaimed by installation of primary and secondary treatment facilities for both effluents. No violations of state or federal water quality criteria were observed in the 10-year period subsequent to installation of treatment facilities. Positive results of pollution abatement and river reclamation were: (1) an increase in clean water species of fishes and invertebrates, (2) a decrease in pollution tolerant species such as the annelid Tubifex, (3) reestablishment of unionid mussel populations in the reclaimed river segment, and (4) increased growth rates for some species of fishes.
Paraoxon reversibly inhibits neurotoxic esterase.

Abstract It has recently been reported that two paraoxon-insensitive carboxylesterases may be distinguished by their sensitivity to mipafox. However, we have not been able to reliably detect two components under the conditions of the widely used assay for neurotoxic esterase (NTE). We have determined that this discrepancy is a result of differences in the technique of preinhibition by paraoxon and mipafox. We report here that paraoxon is apparently able to reduce the rate of inhibition of both neurotoxic esterase isozymes by mipafox in a concentration-dependent manner. As a result, the rate of inhibition of NTE by mipafox is greater when sequential, rather than concurrent, preinhibition is utilized. An apparently greter reduction in the inhibition rate of the more sensitive minor component may make the two isozyme species indistinguishable in the presence of paraoxon at concentrations at or above 40 μ m .
Physiological aspects of wood consumption, growth, and reproduction in the shipworm Lyrodus pedicellatus Quatrefages (Bivalvia:Teredinidae)

Abstract Single specimens of the shipworm Lyrodus pedicellatus Quatrefages (Mollusca, Bivalvia) were grown for 4 months in individual wooden dowels in either phytoplankton free sea water or sea water enriched with the flagellate Isochrysis galbana Parke. Increases in burrow length, tissue dry weight, percent carbon and nitrogen, total wood consumption, larval production, biodeposition, respiration and ammonia excretion were monitored routinely throughout the experiment. No significant differences in measured parameters were observed between the two experimental conditions. Although previous studies showed significant algal 14C incorporation into Lyrodus pedicellatus tissue, a phytoplankton supplement is not required to satisfy dietary needs; however, ingestion of wood alone is not sufficient to account for the carbon and nitrogen levels present in shipworm tissue, larvae and faecal material. No significant quantities of ammonia-N excretion were detected. Shipworms appear to be extremely nitrogen-conservative and may be capable of recycling proteinaceous catabolic end products, via bacterial associations, to augment their dietary input.
Nitrogen-fixation by cyanobacteria associated withCodium fragile (Chlorophyta): Environmental effects and transfer of fixed nitrogen

N2-fixation associated with the green macroalgaCodium fragile subsp.tomentosoides (van Goor) Silva from Long Island, New York, USA, was attributable to several species of endophytic cyanobacteria. Rates of N2-fixation ranged from 0.03 to 3.2µg N g−1 dry wt h−1 in freshly collected plants from several sites. Growth of the cyanobacteria appeared to be light-limited, due to the transmission of only 5 to 10% of incident light through the pigmented surface-layer of the macroalga. Daily irradiance was the most important factor determining both abundance of cyanobacterial cells and rate of N2-fixation. The rate was also affected by instantaneous irradiance, and increased twofold from dark to ambient surface irradiance. Rates were reduced at low temperature (8°C) but showed no temperature effect between 12° and 26°C. External concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) up to 20µM did not influence N2-fixation rate, but long-term exposure to 60µmol l−1 d−1 of NH4+ caused a reduction in the rate. InC. fragile grown under high daily irradiance and low external DIN concentration, ~50% of the assimilated-N was attributable to N2-fixation. However, chlorophyllb extracted from plants grown with15N2 showed an atom % excess15N of less than 0.1, suggesting that only a small proportion of the bacterially fixed-N was transferred to the seaweed. The association betweenC. fragile and its endophytic cyanobacteria appears to be based primarily on microhabitat suitability, rather than mutual metabolic dependence. It is doubtful that N2-fixation by cyanobacteria is important to the ecological success of this seaweed species.
Sensitivity of climate forcing and response to dust optical properties in an idealized model

[1] An idealized global climate model is used to explore the response of the climate to a wide range of dust radiative properties and dust layer heights. The top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) shortwave forcing becomes more negative as the broadband shortwave single scattering albedo increases and the broadband shortwave asymmetry parameter decreases, but the sensitivity is highly dependent on the location of the dust layer with respect to clouds. The longwave TOA forcing is most affected by the height of the dust layer. The net TOA forcing is most sensitive to the shortwave single scattering albedo and shortwave asymmetry parameter. The surface and atmospheric temperature responses are approximately linear with respect to the TOA forcing, as opposed to the surface or atmospheric forcings. Thus the TOA forcing can be used to estimate both the surface and atmospheric temperature responses to dust. The corresponding changes in latent and sensible heat fluxes are essential for the close relationship of the surface temperature response to the TOA forcing. Estimating the hydrological cycle response requires knowledge of the vertical distribution of dust with respect to clouds or other reflective particles. The sensitivity of the latent heat flux to variations in the shortwave single scattering albedo changes sign with dust height. The latent heat flux change becomes less negative as the shortwave single scattering albedo increases if the dust layer is below clouds. However, when the dust is above clouds, the latent heat response becomes more negative as the single scattering albedo increases.
What Level of Alcohol Consumption Is Hazardous for Older People? Functioning and Mortality in U.S. and English National Cohorts

OBJECTIVES: To estimate disability plus mortality risks in older people according to level of alcohol intake. DESIGN: Two population-based cohort studies. SETTING: The Health and Retirement Study (United States) and the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (England). PARTICIPANTS: Thirteen thousand three hundred thirty-three individuals aged 65 and older followed for 4 to 5 years. MEASUREMENTS: Difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), poor cognitive function, and mortality. RESULTS: One-tenth (10.8%) of U.S. men, 28.6% of English men, 2.9% of U.S. women, and 10.3% of English women drank more than the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommended limit for people aged 65 and older. Odds ratios (ORs) of disability, or disability plus mortality, in subjects drinking an average of more than one to two drinks per day were similar to ORs in subjects drinking an average of more than none to one drink per day. For example, those drinking more than one to two drinks per day at baseline had an OR of 1.0 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.8-1.2) for ADL problems, 0.7 (95% CI=0.6-1.0) for IADL problems, and 0.8 (95% CI=0.6-1.1) for poor cognitive function. Findings were robust across alternative models. The shape of the relationship between alcohol consumption and risk of disability was similar in men and women. CONCLUSION: Functioning and mortality outcomes in older people with alcohol intakes above U.S. recommended levels for the old but within recommendations for younger adults are not poor. More empirical evidence of net benefit is needed to support screening and intervention efforts in community-living older people with no specific contraindications who drink more than one to two drinks per day. Language: en
The baseflow correlation method with multiple gauged sites

Low streamflow estimates are required for water quality and quantity management purposes. The present research investigates the baseflow correlation method using information from multiple gauged sites to estimate low flow statistics at a partial record site. The baseflow correlation method is an information transfer technique that is used to estimate low streamflow statistics at a partial record site by correlating a limited number of measured streamflow discharges during baseflow conditions at the partial record site with those at nearby-gauged sites. Traditionally, the baseflow correlation method has been employed using a single gauged site to transfer information to the partial record site. Seven new estimators using information from multiple gauged sites are proposed and examined in this research, and compared to the baseflow correlation method with a single gauged site. A delete-one cross-validation is performed to assess the baseflow correlation estimators by employing daily streamflow values at more than 1300 USGS HCDN gauged sites. A comparison of using multiple gauged sites with using a single site shows that the performance can be improved by using multiple site information, especially when less than 10 baseflow measurements are used.
Retinal Thickness Analysis by Race, Gender, and Age Using Stratus OCT™

Purpose To detect differences in retinal thickness among patients of different race, gender, and age using Stratus OCT. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods In a multicenter, university-based study, 126 patients with no history of ocular disease were enrolled (78 diabetics without retinopathy and 48 nondiabetics). Optical coherence tomography measurements were performed using Stratus OCT. Statistical comparisons of center point foveal thickness and mean foveal thickness were made using generalized estimating equations adjusting for diabetic status, race, age, and gender. Results The study population consisted of 36% male subjects, 39% Caucasian, 33% African-American, and 28% Hispanic. Mean foveal thickness was 191.6 ± 2.7 μm and 194.5 ± 2.7 μm for diabetics and nondiabetics, respectively ( P = .49). Mean foveal thickness in male subjects was significantly larger than in female (201.8 ± 2.7 μm and 186.9 ± 2.6 μm, respectively; P P P = .005). Center point foveal thickness and mean foveal thickness showed a significant increase with age. Conclusions There are statistically significant differences in retinal thickness between subjects of different race, gender, and age. When compared to Caucasian and Hispanic subjects, African-American race is a predictor of decreased mean foveal thickness; and male sex (regardless of race) is a significant predictor of increased mean foveal thickness. Mean foveal thickness is similar among diabetics and nondiabetics when data are controlled for age, race, and sex. These results suggest that studies comparing OCT measurements should carefully control for age-based, race-based, and gender-based variations in retinal thickness.
The surface composition of Mica substrates

Muscovite mica substrate surface composition as function of preparation and processing, using Auger electron spectroscopy
On Protein Denaturation in Aqueous−Organic Mixtures but Not in Pure Organic Solvents

FTIR spectroscopy was used to quantitatively assess the secondary structure of proteins in aqueous−organic mixtures ranging from pure water to a pure solvent. For every such solution/suspension, the α-helix content of the protein was independently calculated from the amide I and amide III spectral regions (which gave essentially identical results). In all cases studied (two unrelated enzymic proteinslysozyme and subtilisin; three dissimilar water-miscible solventsacetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, and 1-propanol), the protein secondary structure was much more native-like in pure organic solvents than in most water−solvent mixtures, e.g., 60% (v/v) organic solvents. In fact, placing lyophilized (or crystalline) proteins in the anhydrous solvents tested had no appreciable effect on the α-helix content, whereas the latter declined markedly in the 60% (v/v) solvents. This behavior was found to be kinetically controlled, i.e., to be due to inherent restrictions on protein conformational mobility in anhydrous, in c...
An Analysis of the Harmonics and Power Factor Effects at a Utility Intertied Photovoltaic System

This paper outlines the harmonics and power-factor characteristics and effects of a single residential photovoltaic (PV) installation using a line-commutated inverter. The data were taken during a five-day measurement program conducted at the John F. Long House, which is a prototype residential PV installation located in Phoenix, Arizona. The magnitude and phase of various currents and voltages from the fundamental to the 13th harmonic were recorded both with and' without the operation of the PV system. A candidate method of modeling the installation for computer studies of larger concentrations is given.
Students' Understandings of Acid Strength: How Meaningful Is Reliability When Measuring Alternative Conceptions.

Most organic chemistry reactions occur by a mechanism that includes acid–base chemistry, so it is important that students develop and learn to use correct conceptions of acids and acid strength. Recent studies have described undergraduate organic chemistry students’ cognitive resources related to the Bronsted–Lowry acid model and the Lewis acid model, providing both qualitative and quantitative analyses of these understandings. To drive changes in pedagogy and curriculum, however, faculty need to be able to quickly assess students’ conceptions of acids and acid strength. We recently reported on the development and assessment of a nine-item, multiple-tier, multiple-choice concept inventory about acid strength, named ACID I. Coefficient α for ACID I was calculated to be below 0.70. In this manuscript, we demonstrate that despite this low coefficient α, the data generated by ACID I are indeed reliable. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to (i) report two significant alternative conceptions about acid strengt...
Long-wavelength-emitting nanocrystals for bioassay applications

New fluorophores that can be excited using visible or near-infrared radiation are of considerable interest for application in environmental and complex bioassays, where background fluorescence is exacerbated by ultra-violet or blue excitation. Useful labels for biomolecules include infrared emitting semiconductor nanoparticles that can be blue-shifted into the near-infrared and visible through quantum confinement effects, oxides of iron, and rare earth oxides. In this work, the synthesis of 6 nm average diameter lead selenide nanocrystals (well below the Bohr exciton diameter of 92 nm) through a reverse micelle technique; and the synthesis of iron and europium oxides with particles less than 5 nm in diameter by pulsed laser ablation is reported. The europium oxide nanoparticles' emission showed a large Stokes shift (144 nm or 216 nm, depending on excitation wavelength); a narrow, symmetric emission line at 610 nm (FWHM of 8 nm); and long lifetime (300 μs). The Eu2O3 nanoparticles, which were coated with silica for functionalization, displayed a greatly enhanced sensitivity over a conventional ELISA (0.025 ng ml-1 vs. 0.1 ng ml-1) when run in an atrazine immunoassay.
Recurrent posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a pediatric patient with end-stage renal disease.

Abstract Background Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a condition manifested by altered mental status, seizures, headaches, and visual loss. Specific abnormalities are seen by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Awareness of this syndrome is important for Emergency Physicians because visual loss can be reversible with prompt treatment of the underlying cause. Objective We present a case of recurrent PRES in a 14-year-old female who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) for headache and photosensitivity. Case Report A patient with a history of end-stage renal disease of unknown etiology was brought in by her mother for headache and photosensitivity. The patient developed blurry vision, seized in the ED, and required intubation. She was discharged 2 weeks later with complete return of vision. The same patient presented to the ED many times during the next several months for hypertensive emergencies, with three subsequent episodes that involved either seizures, vision loss, or both. Each of the episodes resolved with aggressive control of blood pressure in the pediatric intensive care unit. Conclusions PRES should be considered in all patients presenting to the ED with visual loss, seizures, or headache, and can be recurrent in some individuals. Prompt treatment can help prevent permanent vision loss.
Anomalous Concentration Effects on Phase Behavior and Nematic Order in Mixtures of Side-Chain Liquid Crystal Polymers and Low-Molecular-Weight Liquid Crystals

We study the anomalous concentration effects in mixtures of side-chain liquid crystalline polymers (SCLCPs) and low-molecular-weight liquid crystals (LMWLCs) by modifying the theory of Brochard, Jouffroy, and Levinson (BJL) to include the effects of the polymer backbone. Our new theory considers both the interaction of the polymer backbone with the global nematic field, as well as the local steric constraints due to the grafting of the side groups onto the polymer backbone. In addition, we consider the enhancement in the coupling between the pedant mesogens and the LMWLC molecules as the SCLCP concentration increases. The resulting phase diagram and nematic order parameters are in qualitative agreement with experimental observations, but drastically different from the predictions by the BJL theory.
Reducing MAUP bias of correlation statistics between water quality and GI illness

Abstract This research investigates the role of spatial aggregation and the modifiable area unit problem (MAUP) on the correlation between drinking water quality and gastrointestinal (GI) illness. Using water quality estimates from hydraulic modeling of a water distribution system and a linear dose–response model, we simulate illness point patterns with a theoretically determined correlation to average pathogen concentrations. We then assess the sensitivity of the Pearson’s correlation statistic ( r ) to different aggregation units. Because public health data are often geocoded illness events, we assess the importance of their network-clustered structure by comparing two spatial scenarios. The first scenario uses a random spatial distribution for illness point patterns. Randomly located points are then compared to network-clustered illness event patterns where the set of possible illness locations is limited to network nodes. We then analyze multiple illness simulations with various sets of commonly used areal units, such as census units, regular grids, and Voronoi tessellations. A systematic bias on r due to the MAUP is estimated by showing an average reduction in r of 0.65. Consideration of the spatial network constraint of illness data during aggregation reduces this MAUP bias estimate 41% from 0.65 to 0.38.
Selection and Evaluation of Attorneys in Divorce Cases involving Minor Children.

This study examines reasons for hiring a divorce attorney, the attorney selection process, and client evaluations of their attorneys. Study participants were 66 men and women who were parents of at least one minor child. Results indicated that the majority of these participants learned about their divorce attorney through a personal recommendation, and hired the first and only lawyer whom they consulted. Analyses also indicated that the sample attached relatively small importance to fees as an attorney selection criterion, and further indicated there were effects related to sex and income on reasons for hiring an attorney, qualities sought in an attorney, and level of satisfaction with legal services. These results are discussed in terms of the financial considerations involved in divorce.
Beyond good and bad coping: A multidimensional examination of coping with pain in persons with rheumatoid arthritis,

This article examines the utility of using a multidimensional instrument to assess pain coping in two samples of persons with rheumatoid arthritis (total N = 378). The predictive validity of the newly developed Vanderbilt Multidimensional Pain Coping Inventory (VMPCI), which assesses eleven distinct coping strategies, was compared to that of the previously validated Vanderbilt Pain Management Inventory (VPMI), which assesses the two broad dimensions of active and passive coping. In both samples, the VMPCI demonstrated reliable incremental validity over the VPMI in predicting both positive and negative psychological adjustment, and the predictive ability of the VPMI was highly redundant with that of the VMPCI. Moreover, using the VMPCI, both positive and negative adjustment were related to multiple coping strategies in ways that could not be revealed by the VPMI. These results offer considerable validation to the VMPCI and illustrate the value of assessing coping multidimensionally.
On input function observers for generalized state-space systems

Abstract Linear control systems of the form E dx/dt = Ax;+ Bu, y = Cx + Du are considered, where E and A are not necessarily square matrices, and no assumption is made on the rank of the matrix pencil sE⁢— A. The problem to be solved is this : find a system of the form Edz/dt = Âz + [Bcirc]ŷ, u = Ĉz + [Dcirc]ŷ where ŷ is some linear combination of y (the output of the original system) and its derivatives, and u is the input of the original system. For the solution of this problem, a method (based on the use of matrix generalized inverses) is developed that can be applied both to time-invariant and time-varying systems, A numerical procedure is elaborated for the time-invariant case that either yields a system E dz/dt = Âz + [Bcirc]ŷ, u =Ĉz ⁢+ [Dcirc]ý (in which the coefficient matrices are of the smallest possible dimensions), or it shows that there is no such system. This procedure makes use of a recent paper of Wilkinson on singular systems of linear differential equations. In the special case where E =...
GABAB receptor activation inhibits Ca2+-activated potassium channels in synaptosomes: involvement of G-proteins.

86Rb-efflux assay from preloaded synaptosomes of rat cerebral cortex was developed to study the effect of GABAB receptor agonist baclofen on Ca2+-activated K+-channels. Depolarization (100 mM K) of 86Rb-loaded synaptosomes in physiological buffer increased Ca2+-activated 86Rb-efflux by 400%. The 86Rb-efflux was blocked by quinine sulphate, tetraethylammonium, and La3+ indicating the involvement of Ca2+-activated K+-channels. (−)Baclofen inhibited Ca2+-activated 86Rb-efflux in a stereospecific manner. The inhibitory effect of (−)baclofen was mediated by GABAB receptor activation, since it was blocked by GABAB antagonist phaclofen, but not by bicuculline. Further, pertussis toxin also blocked the ability of baclofen or depolarizing action to affect Ca2+-activated K+-channels. These results suggest that baclofen inhibits Ca2+-activated K+-channels in synaptosomes and these channels are regulated by G-proteins. This assay may provide an ideal in vitro model to study GABAB receptor pharmacology.
Reducing solar PV soft costs: A focus on installation labor

Average costs per installed watt of residential solar systems are $4.93 in the United States compared to $2.21 in Germany. U.S. costs must decrease towards German levels to increase viability. In this first report on the ongoing study, average installation labor costs were determined at $0.49/W in the U.S. and $0.18/W in Germany. Labor cost reduction represents the single most tangible near-term strategy that installers can pursue. U.S. solar installers could reduce labor costs by 64 percent. Holding hardware and non-installation labor costs constant, the overall installed costs of a U.S. rooftop residential system could be reduced by 10 percent.
Documentation, participatory citizenship, and the web: the potential of open systems

Technical communicators have become increasingly interested in how to "open up" the documentation process - to encourage workers to participate in developing documentation that closely fits their needs. This goal has led technical communicators to engage in usability testing, user-centered design approaches, and, more recently, open source documentation. Although these approaches have all had some success, there are other ways to encourage the participatory citizenship that is implied in these approaches. One way is through an open systems approach in which workers can consensually modify a given system and add their own contributions to the system. That is, an open system consists of an officially designed core that provides openings for workers' contributions - a system of information in which the control and responsibility for the information are distributed among the users themselves. The open systems approach has implications for computer documentation, but also for other domains, since it moves us from a consumer model of documentation-as-product towards a citizenship model in which citizens contribute to and collaboratively develop information.In this presentation, I describe efforts at two different universities to develop departmental websites as open systems. At these sites, web developers have adapted techniques that have traditionally been used in web-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM), transforming the sites from closed systems (centrally maintained and controlled sites) to open systems in which control is distributed among participants. At both universities, the shift entails constructing frameworks in which faculty and staff participate can collaboratively develop websites. Finally, I discuss the implications for computer documentation systems.
Hermarchus, Against Empedocles

The standard histories give notice of a polemical treatise entitled Letters on Empedocles, 'Eπιστολικὰ. πeρὶ 'Eμπeδοκλέους (Diog. Laer. Vitae 10.25) in twenty two books by Hermarchus, Epicurus' favourite pupil and successor. The work survives in some twenty fragments of more than probable ascription. The most important of these is an extensive extract preserved by Porphyry at De Abstinentia 1.7–12 on the origin in human history of justice, homicide law, and expiatory purifications, which has been the subject of much discussion. Porphyry himself never names the title of Hermarchus' treatise, though he makes it clear that it was in the form of a polemical attack on the views of Empedocles. A recent papyrus find gives the title not as Letters on Empedocles, but as φρὸς 'Eμπeδοκλέα (Against Empedocles). In what follows it will be convenient to show that this is no mere variant but in fact the original and correct form of the title, and to determine what can be known with certainty as a result about the make-up of the work.
Estimating a Genetic Covariance from Least Squares Solutions

Abstract An unbiased and invariant procedure is described for estimating the covariance between effects of two traits or of random variables such as sires in two environments when the residual effects for one trait are not correlated with those of the other trait. When the covariance is desired between two classes in the model, such as sire of fetus and sire of cow, the data can be divided randomly into two sets to allow use of this procedure to estimate the covariance since the residuals in the two data sets would be uncorrelated. The method is to obtain solutions by ordinary least squares for each trait separately as if the random effects of interest were actually fixed and then to compute a sample covariance between the two sets of solutions.
MR imaging of the corpus callosum: normal and pathologic findings and correlation with CT

The MR appearance of the corpus callosum was investigated in 80 normal volunteers. Normal variations in appearance were recorded with regard to age, gender, and handedness. The MR studies of 47 patients with a wide spectrum of callosal disease were also reviewed. Abnormalities included trauma, neoplasia, congenital abnormalities, vascular lesions, and demyelinating and inflammatory conditions. The information provided by MR was compared with that obtained from other radiographic examinations, particularly CT and angiography. In all cases MR provided as much, and frequently more, information than was obtained by other imaging techniques. We believe that MR should be the primary imaging technique for the evaluation of corpus callosal disease.
Effects of Vertical Tail and Inlet/Strake Geometry on Stability of a Diamond-Wing Fighter Configuration

th -generation fighter. Models were tested with five different vertical tail configurations and five inlet design variations. The tail configurations differed only in the lateral spacing of the twin vertical stabilizers. The inlet design variations varied with leading edge sweep and inlet length. Water tunnel flow visualization was utilized for both tests to characterize vortex trajectories, relative strengths, and bursting locations, as angle of attack and sideslip are varied. These results revealed that at sideslip angles of 10 degrees or less all configurations were free from chine and leading-edge-generated vortices impacting the vertical tails. Flow visualization of different inlet configurations showed a large degree of variation in the downstream flowfield. At higher angles of attack, extended inlet/strakes provided the longest of sustained vortex structure. Wind tunnel testing yielded lift and drag curves, as well as static stability derivatives for different tail and inlet configurations. Tests revealed that above six degrees angle of attack, the effect of tail configuration on directional stability was negligible. Wind tunnel testing also showed that extended inlets provided for increased lift at higher angles of attack and improved lateral- directional static stability. The stability of the tested aircraft configuration was undesirable and further changes to the configuration are recommended.
Influence of antiorthostatic suspension on resistance to murine Listeria monocytogenes infection

The present study was designed to evaluate the influence of antiorthostatic suspension, a ground-based modeling system employed to simulate certain aspects of weightlessness that occur during space flight, on the capacity of mice to resist infection with the facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. Female BDF1 mice were suspended by the tail in the orthostatic or antiorthostatic position and were infected with a sublethal dose of virulent L. monocytogenes at various times during the suspension. It was found that suspension did not influence the kinetics of bacterial growth in vivo if the infection was started concurrently with the suspension. However, mice that were antiorthostatically suspended 2, 4, or 7 days before the onset of infection exhibited an enhanced capacity to eliminate the challenge infection. Suspending mice on day 2 of the infection did not alter the kinetics of bacterial growth. Finally, the enhancement of resistance to the primary Listeria infection was accompanied by failure of the mice to generate long-term protective immunological memory to the challenge organism. Collectively, these results indicate that the stress of antiorthostatic suspension can influence the capacity of mice to resist bacterial infection.
Endoscopic Surgical Management of Sphenoid Sinus Disease

Objectives: To assess the outcome of functional endoscopic sphenoid sinus surgery, and to determine the predictors of outcome. Study Design: Retrospective chart review of 651 consecutive endoscopic sinus procedures performed between 1992 and 1997. Setting: USC University Hospital, University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Materials and Methods: Seventy-four patients (11.4% of all endoscopic procedures) with sphenoid sinus disease were selected. All 74 patients were mailed a sinusitis-specific questionnaire, and 46 of them (62.2%) responded. Outcome measures derived from clinician ratings were applied to all 74 patients, and those derived from self-report were applied to 46. Outcome measures were determined from patient questionnaires at a minimum of 6-month postoperative follow-up, operative complications, and clinician perceptual ratings. Patient questionnaires addressed general patient satisfaction, symptom score, and medication usage. A statistical analysis was performed using X 2 test, linear regression, and one-way nonparametric ANOVA. Results: Favorable surgical outcomes based on general patient satisfaction (84.8%, n = 39) and clinician perceptual rating (78.4%, n = 58) were noted. Minor postoperative complications were noted in 10 patients (13.5%) and 8 patients (10.8%) needed revision endoscopic procedures during follow-up. Of the complications, eight (80%) occurred in revision endoscopic procedures. The use of an expanded, sinus-specific symptom score revealed far fewer favorable outcomes (56.5%, n = 26). Seven outcome predictors were established, although none of the predictors held for more than one of the six outcome measures used. Conclusion: Endoscopic sphenoid sinus surgery is safe and effective. An expanded symptom score is recommended to assess the outcome of this procedure.
An algorithm to reduce test application time in full scan designs

Full scan design technique alleviates the test gen- eration problem for sequential circuits. However scan operations increase the number of test clocks substan- tially. This paper presents an algorithm to generate a test with fewer test clocks for full scan designs by us- ing combinational and sequential test generation algo- rithms adaptively. Heuristics combining test measures and scan strategies are introduced. The algorithm, Test Application time Reduction for Full scan deszgns (TARF), is implemented and tested on a set of ISCAS sequential benchmark circuits. The results show that TARF achieves same test coverage as combinational test generators but with fewer test clocks.
Stickiness, synchronization, and passthrough in intrafirm trade prices

About forty percent of all U.S. international trades occurs between related parties, or intra…rm, such as trades between a parent and subsidiary of the same multinational corporation. This paper uses a transaction-level dataset that distinguishes arm’s length
The semiclassical limit forSU(2) andSO(3) gauge theory on the torus

We prove that forSU(2) andSO(3) quantum gauge theory on a torus, holonomy expectation values with respect to the Yang-Mills measure Open image in new window converge, asT↓0, to integrals with respect to a symplectic volume measure µ0 on the moduli space of flat connections on the bundle. These moduli spaces and the symplectic structures are described explicitly.
N-channel 3C-SiC MOSFETs on silicon substrate

Inversion-mode, n-channel 3C-SiC MOSFETs have been fabricated in a 3C-SiC epilayer grown on a 2°-off-axis Si(001) substrate with optimized SiC processing techniques. Phosphorus implantations are employed for source/drain formation and a sheet resistance of 70 Ω per square is obtained after annealing at 1250°C for 30 min in argon. Both drain characteristics and subthreshold characteristics show typical transistor behavior with an effective channel mobility of 165 cm2/Vs. The breakdown field of the gate oxide is about 3.5 MV/cm.
Income Inequality across Micro and Meso Geographic Scales in the Midwestern United States, 1979-2009.

This article examines the spatial distribution of income inequal- ity and the socioeconomic factors affecting it using spatial analysis techniques across 16,285 block groups, 5,050 tracts, and 618 counties in the western part of the North Central Region of the United States. Different geographic aggregations result in different inequality outcomes, suggesting spatial scale needs to be carefully considered in inequality research. Inequality is spatially clustered in suburban areas of larger metro areas and around Native Ameri- can reservations in the Dakotas. Higher inequality is associated with better socioeconomic conditions, counter to the social inequality literature but consistent with the inequality growth literature. However, growing inequality is associated with worse socioeconomic outcomes. Results partially support the polarization thesis that declines in industrial sectors and growth in ser- vices has caused incomes to diverge. Higher and growing inequality is asso- ciated with both low-skill and high-skill services jobs. However, employment in agricultural and industrial sectors experiencing large losses over the past three decades is also linked to higher and growing inequality. This suggests a dual process where many former agricultural and industrial workers are now employed in other sectors at lower wages, while the remaining workers in these sectors earn higher and growing wages.
Climbing and the daily energy cost of locomotion in wild chimpanzees: implications for hominoid locomotor evolution

As noted by previous researchers, the chimpanzee postcranial anatomy reflects a compromise between the competing demands of arboreal and terrestrial locomotion. In this study, we measured the distance climbed and walked per day in a population of wild chimpanzees and used published equations to calculate the relative daily energy costs. Results were used to test hypotheses regarding the arboreal-terrestrial tradeoff in chimpanzee anatomy, specifically whether arboreal adaptations serve to minimize daily locomotor energy costs by decreasing the energy spent climbing. Our results show that chimpanzees spend approximately ten-times more energy per day on terrestrial travel than on vertical climbing, a figure inconsistent with minimizing energy costs in our model. This suggests non-energetic factors, such as avoiding falls from the canopy, may be the primary forces maintaining energetically costly climbing adaptations. These analyses are relevant to anatomical comparisons with living and extinct hominoids.
Filter approximations with constrained structure

Two techniques to constrain the structure of a linear transformation are presented. The objective is to generate an algorithm with improved computational speed. One type of constraint searches for the closest filter in a class known to be computationally efficient. The resulting representation is termed a triple matrix product. The second approach considers a given computing structure and generates a family of algorithms by modeling the partial transformations as a function of the compute cycle. The two approaches are combined to model the situation of a time-constrained triple matrix filter. The corresponding approximation problems are discussed. >
Wood smoke risk assessment: Defining the questions

Risk assessment provides a framework for combining and evaluating scientific data on source-to-health effects for contaminants that could potentially affect the health of human populations. It utilizes an integrated approach to hazard identification, dose response, exposure assessment, and risk characterization. Since the range of potential exposure scenarios is considerable, given the complexity of wood-smoke sources and emissions, there is a need for defining the critical characteristics for the key parameters leading to adverse health outcomes. During the International Biomass Smoke and Health Effects (IBSHE) conference at the University of Montana (August 2007), the breakout group entitled “Risk Assessment: Defining the Questions” was tasked with evaluating the current state of the science in regard to risk assessment involving biomass smoke exposure. As a result of these discussions, important data gaps and future research questions were identified that are reported in this article.