cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatio-temporal analysis of coinfection using wavefronts of Escherichia coli O157: H7 in a dairy cattle farm

Abstract This study proposes a new methodology to analyze the impacts of host and pathogen dispersal on coinfection dynamics of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in dairy farms. A multi-strain Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible model is extended to a Reaction-Diffusion (RD) coinfection model of E. coli O157:H7 transmission, which includes intermittent shedding and pathogen growth in the environment. Analysis of the new RD coinfection model consists of existence and stability of constant equilibria, calculation of the basic reproduction number, and existence of traveling and stationary wave solutions. A stationary wave solution of the RD model defines a nonconstant endemic equilibrium. Whereas a traveling wavefront represents an epidemic wave of infection passing through the farm with a specific speed, direction, and amplitude. The numerical simulations of the RD model demonstrate stable traveling and stationary wavefronts of the RD coinfection model, where the coexistence of strains or invasion of a resident strain takes place. The significance of this study lies in utilizing the nonlinear wave theory to analyze the disease outbreaks with respect to location and time. In conclusion, instead of Turing theory, the nonlinear wave theory can be used to determine the likelihood of acquiring the infection based on the location of cattle at each specific time.
Annihilators and Associated Varieties of Aq(λ) Modules for U(p, q)

Vogan has conjectured that the cohomologically induced modules A q(λ) in the weakly fair range exhaust all unitary representations of U(p, q) with certain kinds of real integral infinitesimal character. To prove a statement like this, it is essential to identify these modules among the set of all irreducible Harish-Chandra modules. Barbasch and Vogan have parametrized this latter set in terms of their annihilators and asymptotic supports (or, equivalently, associated varieties). In this paper, we identify the weakly fair A q(λ) in this parametrization by combining known results about their asymptotic supports together with an explicit computation of their annihilators. In particular, this determines all vanishing and coincidences among the A q(λ) in the weakly fair range, and gives the Langlands parameters of these modules.
Treatment of Radiation-Induced Cystitis with Hyperbaric Oxygen

The effects of hyperbaric oxygen on radiation cystitis have been documented in 3 patients with radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis refractory to conventional therapy. Cessation of gross hematuria and reversal of cystoscopic bladder changes were seen in response to a series of hyperbaric oxygen treatments of 2 atmosphere absolute pressure for 2 hours. To our knowledge this is the first report of cystoscopically documented healing of radiation-induced bladder injury.
OPERATION/EVENT GRAPHS: A Design Representation for Timing Behavior

The specification of a digital design encompasses behavioral and structural aspects with both functional and timing components. A modern design representation must be able to capture elements in the entire space in order to support high-level synthesis, simulation, and verification tools. We propose a new model called operation/events graphs that meets these criteria. The model relies on the separation of functional and timing elements into a bipartite graph that is a hybrid of data-flow and event-graph models. Special focus has been placed on a general mechanism for timing specification using a restricted first-order predicate calculus. The model is interesting in that it has a clear semantics that make it a solid foundation for a complete set of high-level tools some of which have been implemented or are under development.
Developmental Science: Past, Present, and Future.

The goal of developmental science is to describe, explain, and optimize intraindividual changes in adaptive developmental regulations and, as well, interindividual differences in such relations, across life. The history of developmental science is reviewed and its current foci, which are framed by relational developmental systems models that emphasize that change across life occurs through mutually-regulative relations between individuals and their context, are discussed. Finally, ideas about the future of developmental science are presented.
Point-Charge Models for Molecules Derived from Least-Squares Fitting of the Electric Potential

Publisher Summary This chapter introduces the potential-derived point charge least-squares fitting model for the electric potential (PD/LSF model) to persons who are interested in it in detail. To establish the PD/LSF point-charge model of a molecule, the first step is to calculate the electric potential at point “r” in vicinity of the given molecule, and the second step is to calculate point charges from the electric potential data by means of the least-squares fitting method. The electric potential at point “r” in the vicinity of the given molecule is the electric force acting on a unit positive charge at that point caused by the nuclei and the electrons of the molecule. The atomic orbital is always modeled by the Gaussian-type functions. In some cases, the programs have capability for obtaining an improved wave function including the effects of electron correlation. The electric potential may be evaluated from the wave function at points in space around the molecule.
Gamma Ray Bursts: back to the blackboard

Exceptional observational breakthroughs in the field of Gamma Ray Burst research are not paralleled by theoretical advances. In this review, based on the introductory talk given at the "The Shocking Universe" meeting, I argue that any present day model of GRBs, especially of Short type, is grossly incomplete. I will highlight various contradictions with observations that many models face and briefly mention a number of ideas that might or might not work. In particular, I will discuss (i) a possibility that early X-ray afterglows are coming from internal dissipation, and not from the forwards shock; (ii) that prompt radiation is beamed in the outflow frame.
PULSE‐ECHO PHASED ARRAY ULTRASONIC INSPECTION OF PULTRUDED ROD STITCHED EFFICIENT UNITIZED STRUCTURE (PRSEUS)

A PRSEUS test article was subjected to controlled impact on the skin face followed by static and cyclic axial compressions. Phased array ultrasonic inspection was conducted before impact, and after each of the test conditions. A linear phased array probe with a manual X‐Y scanner was used for interrogation. Ultrasound showed a delamination between the skin and stringer flange adjacent to the impact. As designed, the stitching in the flange arrested the lateral flaw formation. Subsequent ultrasonic data showed no delamination growth due to continued loading.
Acetone: a tracer for concentration measurements in gaseous flows by planar laser-induced fluorescence

This paper explores the use of acetone as a suitable tracer in planar laser-induced fluorescence concentration measurements in gaseous flows. The photophysics and physical properties of acetone relevant to its use as a fluorescent marker are discussed and compared to those of alternative molecular tracers, particularly the biacetyl molecule. Finally, as a direct example, concentration images obtained in a turbulent air jet seeded alternatively with acetone and biacetyl are compared.
R Estimates and Associated Inferences for Mixed Models With Covariates in a Multicenter Clinical Trial

Robust rank-based methods are proposed for the analysis of data from multicenter clinical trials using a mixed model (including covariates) in which the treatment effects are assumed to be fixed and the center effects are assumed to be random. These rank-based methods are developed under the usual mixed-model structure but without the normality assumption of the random components in the model. For this mixed model, our proposed estimation includes R estimation of the fixed effects, robust estimation of the variance componets, and studentized residuals. Our accompanying inference includes estimates of the standard errors of the fixed-effects estimators and tests of general linear hypotheses concerning fixed effects. While the development is for general scores function, the Wilcoxon linear scores are emphasized. A discussion of the relative efficiency results shows that the R estimates are highly efficient compared to the traditional maximum likelihood (ML) estimates. A small Monte Carlo study confirms the ...
Supporting differentiated quality of service in optical burst switched networks

We propose and evaluate two new schemes for providing differentiated services in optical burst switched (OBS) networks. The two new schemes are suitable for implementation in OBS networks using just-in-time (JIT) or just-enough-time (JET) scheduling protocols. The first scheme adjusts the size of the search space for a free wavelength based on the priority level of the burst. A simple equation is used to divide the search spectrum into two parts: a base part and an adjustable part. The size of the adjustable part increases as the priority of the burst becomes higher. The scheme is very easy to implement and does not demand any major software or hardware resources in optical cross-connects. The second scheme reduces the dropping probability of bursts with higher priorities through the use of different proactive discarding rates in the network access station (NAS) of the source node. Our extensive simulation tests using JIT show that both schemes are capable of providing tangible quality of service (QoS) differentiation without negatively impacting the throughput of OBS networks.
Use of an Animal Membrane in the Evaluation of Chemical Repellents against the Stable Fly

Candidate insect repellents can be applied in laboratory tests to an animal membrane commercially available under the to an ox caecum membrane commercially available under the trade name Silverlight (derived from ox caecum; available from Julius Schmid, Inc., New York City). Repellency was determined by observing the number of caged stable flies ( Stomoxys calcitrans (L.)) that fed or were prevented from feeding when the untreated side of the membrane was in contact with warmed beef blood. A count of the flies that have fed is facilitated by the use of an ultraviolet activated fluorescent dye previously added to the blood. When results with this procedure were compared with those of another method in which chemicals were applied to cloth, it was found that the degree of repellency might vary depending on the surface to which the chemical had been applied; evaporation from the cloth or better retention on the membrane may account for some of this variation. Evaluation by means of the membrane test method was found to more closely parallel the order of effectiveness obtained in field experience with repellents on dairy animals, and it may have these other advantages as well: ease and accuracy of counting fed and unfed flies; maintenance of uniform or variable applications and surface conditions; use of small amounts of chemicals; elimination of maintenance of an animal as an attractant; possible addition of chemicals to the blood for systemic repellency or other types of testing; and the possible use of liquid media other than blood for attracting flies to the treated membrane.
The Double Binds of Getting Food among the Poor in Rural Oregon

AbstractAn in-depth ethnographic study of low-income rural residents in Oregon shows that they are caught in double binds as their ways of life and their incomes increasingly do not fit with the neoliberal economic order, creating tensions in the ways in which they can fulfill their food needs. The study uses Bourdieu's definition of a double bind as a set of inculcated habits that do not match the changing field in social, economic and political ways, and thus people are not able to live effectively. In this study, we found that interviewees, many of whom have experienced economic and social decline in their lives, exhibit attempts to keep up and strategies particular to their situation that do not fit easily into the neoliberal economy. Analysis of the data shows several important double binds: eating habits that do not fit their nutritional knowledge or their food income; strategizing for material cultural capital on incomes that can ill afford it; use of social networks to survive; and contradictory p...
Video-Rate Structured Illumination Microscopy for Rapid Point-of-Care Pathology Imaging

We report the development of structured illumination microscopy for fast gigapixel imaging of large, fluorescently-stained tissues. We demonstrate surface imaging of thick animal tissues and human prostate biopsies in point-of-care timeframes.
Feather Fiber Reinforced Light-Weight Composites with Good Acoustic Properties

Three to four billion pounds of chicken feathers are wasted in the United States annually. These feathers pose an environmental challenge. In order to find a commercial application of these otherwise wasted feathers, composites have been prepared from feathers. Flexural, impact resistance, and sound dampening properties of composites from chicken feather fiber (FF) and High Density Polyethylene/Polypropylene (HDPE/PP) fiber have been investigated and compared with pulverized chicken quill-HDPE/PP, and jute-HDPE/PP composites. Sound dampening by FF composites was 125% higher than jute and similar to quill although mechanical properties were inferior to the latter two. In ground form, FF and jute composite properties were similar except for 34% higher modulus of jute; under the same formulation and processing conditions, ground FF composites had nearly 50% lower mechanical properties compared with ground quill composites. It was found that voids and density of composites have effect on mechanical and sound dampening properties; however, no direct relationship was found between mechanical properties and sound dampening.
Misapplications Reviews: Before the Fall

A comment about assessment of risk in the air traffic before making major decisions of rearranging rules of air corridors and similar related issues.
Probing the dielectric property of organic molecules at solid-liquid interfaces using reflection second harmonic generation

Abstract Reflection second harmonic generation (SHG) has been applied for the investigation of the dielectric constant of a submonolayer of organic molecules adsorbed at silica/CH3CN interfaces. We show that the ratio of dielectric constants (em,2ω/em,ω) of the interfacial molecular layer can be obtained from the ratio of SHG intensities (I2ω45°-S,R/I2ωS-P,R), and using the ratio of dielectric constants the linear susceptibility (χ(1)) and polarizability (α) of solute molecules at resonant frequency can be evaluated.
“A” protein of amyloidosis isolation of a cross‐reacting component from serum by affinity chromatography

A nonimmunoglobulin protein (A protein) has been isolated from amyloidotic tissue of secondary type. Antisera prepared to this protein identified a cross-reacting substance in the sera of patients with secondary amyloidosis. Sera from 70 persons with amyloidosis, 120 normal adults, 20 aged persons, and 97 patients with chronic diseases were tested for this substance. One hundred percent of secondary amyloid sera had amounts of amyloid serum component detectable by double diffusion in agar, whereas only 19 percent of primary amyloid sera were positive. Approximately 60 percent of rheumatoid sera as well as 60 per cent of sera from aged individuals were positive. Only 3 percent or normal blood donors had detectable amounts of this circulating substance. Isolation of the serum component by affinity chromatography and partial characterization have shown that it is an alpha-globulins with a molecular weight of 100,000-120,000, that it is not related antigenically to immunoglobulin or amyloid P-compoment, and that it has an amino acid analysis that is markedly different from tissue A protein. The possible participation of this substance in the genesis of amyloid is discussed.
The Impact of Communication between CEOs and CIOs on their Shared Views of the Current and Future Role of IT

This research compares the views of CEOs and CIOs in the same organizations about the relative richness of four communications media (face-to-face, e-mail, business memo, telephone), and the current and future roles of IT in their organizations. Overall, CEOs are found to be more optimistic about the expected impacts of future IT projects. Organizations in which there was greater shared vision about the future role of IT also reported more frequent CEO/CIO communications utilizing communications channels perceived to be richer: face-to-face and e-mail.
Women's Work and Life Satisfaction in Relation to Career Adjustment:

The literature on women's satisfaction and career adjustment encompasses a broad range of women's career experiences subsequent to entry into an occupation. The experiences most commonly investigat...
Aggregate size distributions in flocculation

The evolution of aggregate size distributions resulting from flocculation under a variety of conditions has been investigated using a light scattering technique. By measuring floc size distributions it is possible to distinguish clearly between initial floc formation and growth after the flocs have been formed. Coagulation of dispersed suspensions, under conditions of vigorous agitation, by charge reduction or electrical double layer compression generally produces unimodal size distributions which shift progressively to coarser sizes. Low molecular weight polymers produce size distributions similar to those obtained with salts but with somewhat coarser limiting floc sizes. Flocculation of stable dispersions by high molecular weight polymers gives rise to bimodal size distributions comprising a fine mode consisting of the primary particles and a coarse mode made up of large flocs. Polymer addition leads initially to the formation of some flocs. Flocculation then proceeds by a continuous reduction in the quantity of residual primary particles accompanied by an increase in both the amount and size of the flocs. Complete elimination of the fine mode, corresponding to incorporation of all primary particles into flocs, generally requires high polymer dosage (about 10 mg l−1 or more for the system studied here). In contrast, the addition of high molecular weight polymers to unstable (pre-coagulated) suspensions causes rapid floc growth at low polymer dosage. (less than 2 mg l−1), with essentially complete incorporation of the primary particles into the flocs.
Seasonal sympatho-adrenal and metabolic responses to cold in the alaskan snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus Macfarlani).

Abstract 1. 1. Winter-acclimatized snowshoe hares achieved a significantly greater maximum metabolic response to cold (Mmax) than summer hares. 2. 2. Summer hares exposed to +13°C and winter hares to −20°C excreted similar levels of urinary norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E). 3. 3. Cold exposure of summer hares to −20°C and winter hares to −45°C (conditions which elicit the same metabolic rate in both groups) caused significantly greater NE and E excretion in summer hares. 4. 4. The results suggest that seasonal acclimatization involves enhanced non-shivering thermogenesis, increased sensitivity to NE and increased Mmax in winter hares which enables retention of a constant annual metabolic range for activity.
The spatial and temporal characteristics of the conducting PRIZ spatial light modulator

Abstract The characteristics of the conducting PRIZ using single-pulse writing are found to differ from those using mulitple-pulse writing. For single-pulse writing the information storage times are long and independent of write-beam energy density up to the damage threshold. However, the spatial resolution of the devices is a function of the write-pulse energy density and saturates at about 100 μJ/cm 2 . In the case of multiple-pulse writing of a static image, the optical output is a function of the write-pulse energy repetition rate, the spatial frequency of the image, and the write-beam energy density per pulse. When the single-pulse energy density equals or exceeds that required for maximum spatial resolution, a second pulse of equal energy density reduces the optical output by about seventy-five percent. This reduction is similar to dynamic image selection.
Repair of UV-induced (6-4) photoproducts in nucleosome core DNA.

Using radioimmunoassays, we examined rates of removal of UV-induced pyrimidine-pyrimidone (6-4) photoproducts ((6-4)PDs) and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) from 146-base pair nucleosome core DNA (and 166-base pair chromatosome DNA) of confluent human diploid fibroblasts. Dose-response experiments indicate that the yield of (6-4)PDs in core DNA is about 30% that of CPDs in the UV dose range of 0-200 J/m2. Repair experiments indicate that, at 40 J/m2, (6-4)PDs are removed much faster (approximately 75% in 2 h) from nucleosome core (and chromatosome) DNA than CPDs (10-15% in 2 h). A slow rate of removal of CPDs is also observed when the UV dose is reduced to 10 J/m2 (i.e. even when the level of CPDs is less than that of (6-4)PDs at 40 J/m2). These results indicate that (a) the accessibility of repair proteins to (6-4)PDs in nucleosomes is markedly different than their accessibility to CPDs and/or (b) repair enzymes are much more efficient at incising and removing (6-4)PDs than CPDs in human chromatin.
Improved perception of speech in noise and Mandarin tones with acoustic simulations of harmonic coding for cochlear implants.

Harmonic and temporal fine structure (TFS) information are important cues for speech perception in noise and music perception. However, due to the inherently coarse spectral and temporal resolution in electric hearing, the question of how to deliver harmonic and TFS information to cochlear implant (CI) users remains unresolved. A harmonic-single-sideband-encoder [(HSSE); Nie et al. (2008). Proceedings of IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing; Lie et al., (2010). Proceedings of IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing] strategy has been proposed that explicitly tracks the harmonics in speech and transforms them into modulators conveying both amplitude modulation and fundamental frequency information. For unvoiced speech, HSSE transforms the TFS into a slowly varying yet still noise-like signal. To investigate its potential, four- and eight-channel vocoder simulations of HSSE and the continuous-interleaved-sampling (CIS) strategy were implemented, respectively. Using these vocoders, five normal-hearing subjects’ speech recognition performance was evaluated under different masking conditions; another five normal-hearing subjects’ Mandarin tone identification performance was also evaluated. Additionally, the neural discharge patterns evoked by HSSE- and CIS-encoded Mandarin tone stimuli were simulated using an auditory nerve model. All subjects scored significantly higher with HSSE than with CIS vocoders. The modeling analysis demonstrated that HSSE can convey temporal pitch cues better than CIS. Overall, the results suggest that HSSE is a promising strategy to enhance speech perception with CIs.
Assessing Options to Enhance Bicycle and Transit Integration

Cycling continues to increase in popularity and garner attention for the ability to achieve environmental, health, and congestion-mitigation benefits for communities. Although the growth in both cycling and transit may be in small part attributed to bicycle and transit integration, the growth is difficult to measure. Which of the variety of available strategies for bicycle and transit integration—such as increased bicycle parking at stops, increased bicycle capacity on transit vehicles, and shared bicycle infrastructure—is more cost-effective? Which strategies will yield the highest number of cycle transit users? To fill a void in the literature about integrating bicycling and transit, four common bicycle and transit integration strategies were described and assessed. A framework was developed for evaluating strategies, and a preliminary cost-effectiveness assessment was conducted. Cost-effectiveness comprises costs and cyclists' preferences for each strategy. Preferences were gathered through stated-pref...
Ultrastructural changes in renal arterioles and juxtaglomerular cells in hypertension

Abstract The ultrastructural appearance of socalled arteriolar hyalinosis was qualitatively indistinguishable in renal biopsies from patients with essential hypertension with or without diabetes mellitus, renovascular hypertension (the unimpaired member), hypertension associated with progressive systemic sclerosis and gout, normotensive aging (greater than 50 years), persons without renal disease, and a high percentage of adolescent normotensive diabetic individuals. These findings provide further evidence identifying the hypertension observed in patients with gout and progressive systemic sclerosis with that of the essential type. The composition of the lesion of arteriolar hyalinosis strongly suggests its hematogenous derivation rather than primary degenerative nature. The findings also represent morphologic evidence indicating that aging, diabetes, and hypertension may have common pathogenetic factors in their evolution. Recognition of severe arteriolar lesions in adolescent normotensive diabetic patients reaffirms the well-recognized predilection of persons with this disorder to develop vascular disease. It also provokes consideration of a possible role of intrarenal arteriolar hyalinosis in the development of some forms of hypertension. Study of juxtaglomerular cells by electron microscopy has revealed striking differences in the appearance of their secretory granules in kidneys from patients with essential hypertension and the affected kidney in those whose elevation in blood pressure was attributable to renovascular alteration. The similarity of the granules in patients with pre-eclampsia to those encountered in the latter situation suggests a possible renovascular origin of the hypertension in patients with the toxemia syndrome.
Structure-function analysis of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors

The structural basis underlying the G protein coupling selectivity of different muscarinic receptor subtypes was analyzed by using a combined molecular genetic/biochemical approach. These studies led to the identification of key residues on the receptors as well as the associated G proteins that are critically involved in determining proper receptor/G protein recognition. Mutational analysis of the m3 muscarinic receptor showed that most native cysteine residues are not required for productive receptor/G protein coupling. The putative extracellular disulfide bond was found to be essential for efficient trafficking of the receptor protein to the cell surface but not for receptor-mediated G protein activation.
Thermodynamic Stabilization of the Folded Domain of Prion Protein Inhibits Prion Infection in Vivo

Summary Prion diseases, or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), are associated with the conformational conversion of the cellular prion protein, PrP C , into a protease-resistant form, PrP Sc . Here, we show that mutation-induced thermodynamic stabilization of the folded, α-helical domain of PrP C has a dramatic inhibitory effect on the conformational conversion of prion protein in vitro, as well as on the propagation of TSE disease in vivo. Transgenic mice expressing a human prion protein variant with increased thermodynamic stability were found to be much more resistant to infection with the TSE agent than those expressing wild-type human prion protein, in both the primary passage and three subsequent subpassages. These findings not only provide a line of evidence in support of the protein-only model of TSEs but also yield insight into the molecular nature of the PrP C →PrP Sc conformational transition, and they suggest an approach to the treatment of prion diseases.
Behavior of a multiple-quantum-state superconducting ring with Josephson tunnel junctions

Abstract We have learned how to preselect the quantum state of a superconducting ring that has a number of possible states, and we have studied the limits of stability of these states. We find that when these limits are exceeded, two different kinds of transitions can occur.
Phospholipid ethanolamine biosynthesis in larval fat body of the blowfly, Phormia regina

Abstract The predominant phospholipids of Phormia regina are those containing ethanolamine. The biosynthesis of this ethanolamine from 14 C-labelled possible precursors (ethanolamine, serine, phosphorylethanolamine, phosphorylserine, and phosphatidylserine) by cell-free preparations from larval fat body homogenates has been investigated. Serine was incorporated into phospholipid ethanolamine, and the overall results demonstrated that in P. regina phospholipid ethanolamine can be derived from phospholipid serine, which was previously incorporated into the phospholipids by an exchange reaction with the choline moiety of phosphatidylcholine.
Electrophilic Fragment-Based Design of Reversible Covalent Kinase Inhibitors

Fragment-based ligand design and covalent targeting of noncatalytic cysteines have been employed to develop potent and selective kinase inhibitors. Here, we combine these approaches, starting with a panel of low-molecular-weight, heteroaryl-susbstituted cyanoacrylamides, which we have previously shown to form reversible covalent bonds with cysteine thiols. Using this strategy, we identify electrophilic fragments with sufficient ligand efficiency and selectivity to serve as starting points for the first reported inhibitors of the MSK1 C-terminal kinase domain. Guided by X-ray co-crystal structures, indazole fragment 1 was elaborated to afford 12 (RMM-46), a reversible covalent inhibitor that exhibits high ligand efficiency and selectivity for MSK/RSK-family kinases. At nanomolar concentrations, 12 blocked activation of cellular MSK and RSK, as well as downstream phosphorylation of the critical transcription factor, CREB.
The community mental health centers program in the U.S.: a new system of mental health care.

A new system for delivering mental health services in the United States is now being developed. The system depends on the establishment of a new organizational form, the comprehensive community mental health center. The program of such a center offers a comprehensive range of available and accessible services including as a minimum inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization and emergency services as well as consultation and education to community organizations and professional workers. Continuity of patient care is maintained for as long as required by the patient. Federal funds in addition to State and local monies support the construction of new facilities and certain operating costs. The center program is tailored to the needs of each community and catchment area and coordinates its activities with other public and private agencies and practitioners. The program is still too new to evaluate but experience thus far indicates ready public and professional acceptance and improved patient services.
Contractible Elements in Graphs and Matroids

Let G be a simple 3-connected graph with at least five vertices. Tutte [13] showed that G has at least one contractible edge. Thomassen [11] gave a simple proof of this fact and showed that contractible edges have many applications. In this paper, we show that there are at most $\frac{|V(G)|}{5}$ vertices that are not incident to contractible edges in a 3-connected graph G. This bound is best-possible. We also show that if a vertex v is not incident to any contractible edge in G, then v has at least four neighbours having degree three, and each such neighbour is incident to exactly two contractible edges. We give short proofs of several results on contractible edges in 3-connected graphs as well. We also study the contractible elements for k-connected matroids. We partially solve an open problem for regular matroids.
ESI-MS/MS measurement of free carnitine and its precursor γ-butyrobetaine in plasma and dried blood spots from patients with organic acidurias and fatty acid oxidation disorders.

Abstract Background In patients with fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAODs) and organic acidurias (OAs) "secondary carnitine deficiency" occurs. In OAs carnitine supplementation is widely performed and dose is often adjusted to blood-free carnitine levels. Dried blood spots (DBS) are mostly used to measure carnitine status, however measurements in plasma are discussed to be more accurate. The concentration and the predictive value of the carnitine precursor γ-butyrobetaine in blood during carnitine deficiency are unknown. Methods Free carnitine and γ-butyrobetaine were quantified by tandem mass spectrometry in plasma and DBS from supplemented patients with OAs ( n =18) and unsupplemented patients with FAODs ( n =66) and were compared with healthy controls ( n =50). Results Carnitine concentrations in plasma were significantly higher than in DBS. In contrast, γ-butyrobetaine concentrations in plasma were significantly lower than in DBS. Supplemented patients had high free carnitine concentrations in combination with high γ-butyrobetaine concentrations. Unsupplemented carnitine palmitoyltransferase I-deficient patients had exceptionally high free carnitine concentrations without elevated γ-butyrobetaine, however, carnitine in plasma was much lower than in DBS. In patients with low carnitine, γ-butyrobetaine in plasma is no evidence of induced carnitine biosynthesis. Conclusions Parallel measurements in plasma and DBS demonstrated that numerous patients with low values in DBS had normal values when measured in plasma, suggesting plasma to be the more appropriate medium to use for carnitine status monitoring. In contrast, diagnosis of CPT-I deficiency may be missed when analysis is performed in plasma. Carnitine supplementation presumably inhibits γ-butyrobetaine dioxygenase and results in high γ -butyrobetaine.
Temperature optimization for MOCVD-based growth of ZnO thin films

Several samples of Zinc Oxide thin films were grown using a homemade metalorganic chemical vapor deposition apparatus and tested using in-situ interferometry, photoluminescence spectrometry, ex-situ spectral reflectance, and ex-situ transmittance measurements. We found that despite having a relatively high thickness, samples grown in higher temperatures were of better crystal quality with higher exciton emission peaks, increased transmittance, and lower photoluminescence linewidth. However, kinetic energy from higher temperature growth led to increased defect-associated emission. We thus propose a model for temperature optimization in ZnO thin film growth by MOCVD wherein thermal rectification of thickness-associated defects and thermal induction of kinetic energy-induced defects must be balanced for improvements in crystal quality around the growth temperature of 550 °C.
Genitofemoral and perineal neuralgia after transobturator midurethral sling.

Background Midurethral slings successfully treat stress urinary incontinence through a minimally invasive vaginal approach. Postoperative pain related to sling placement can occur and poses both diagnostic and treatment dilemmas.
Signals That Modulate Gain Control for Smooth Pursuit Eye Movements in Monkeys

The generation of primate smooth pursuit eye movements involves two processes. One process transforms the direction and speed of target motion into a motor command and the other regulates the stren...
Recent Advances in Biomarkers and Potential Targeted Therapies in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a devastating tumor of the upper aerodigestive tract with no significant change in treatment modality or improvement in survival over the last several decades. Biomarkers are important biological molecules that can be utilized in tumor detection, prognosis, and as targeted therapies. There are several important biomarkers and potential targets in the forefront, including biomarkers of tumorigenesis, signal transduction molecules, proteins involved in angiogenesis, and oncogenic viruses. The clinical applications of these biomarkers are in various states from in vitro and in vivo models, phase II and III clinical trials, to accepted modes of treatment in patients with HNSCC. Given the potential improvement in prognosis that biomarkers and their targeted therapies may have on the treatment of HNSCC, their investigation is both important and essential.
Similarity of past experience and the communication of meaning

(1969). Similarity of past experience and the communication of meaning. Speech Monographs: Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 159-162.
Isolation and characterization of glycogen synthase in Dictyostelium discoideum.

We have partially purified the protein and isolated the glcS gene for glycogen synthase in Dictyostelium. glcS mRNA is present throughout development and is the product of a single gene coding for 775 amino acids, with a predicted molecular mass of 87 kD. The sequence is highly similar to glycogen synthase from human muscle, yeast, and rat liver, diverging significantly only at the amino and carboxy termini. Phosphorylation and UDPG binding sites are conserved, with Km values for UDPG being comparable to those determined for other organisms, but in vitro phosphorylation failing to convert between the G6P-dependent (D) and -independent (I) forms. Enzyme activity is relatively constant throughout the life cycle: the I form of the enzyme isolates with the soluble fraction in amoebae, switches to the D form, becomes pellet-associated during early development, and finally reverts during late development to the I form, which again localizes to the soluble fraction. Deletion analysis of the promoter reveals a GC-rich element which, when deleted, abolishes expression of glcS. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Mössbauer through-transmission versus backscatter geometry comparison

Abstract A comparison of a Mossbauer through-transmission geometry to backscatter geometry shows the latter to have a larger percent effect and therefore an advantage in counting time.
Tribochemical Reactions at the Water-Lubricated Silicon Nitride Interface: Gel Formation Mechanism

Silicon-based ceramics such as silicon nitride can be very effectively lubricated by water under certain conditions (1–3). After a wear-in period a condition of very low friction coefficient (<0.01) can be achieved for average contact pressures of 40 MPa and lower. Tomizawa & Fischer (1) proposed a chemomechanical polishing mechanism to reduce surface roughness enabling the onset of hydrodynamic lubrication by water. We suggest that there is an additional soft hydrated silica gel layer adhering to the rubbing surfaces that provides a deformable protective film to enable effective hydrodynamic lubrication of water and protect the surfaces from occasional asperity contacts. The existence of such films was indicated by the nanomechanical data performed on worn surfaces.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Ordinary Masculinity: Gender Analysis and Holocaust Scholarship

This paper addresses the reluctance of scholars who study the Holocaust professionally to acknowledge insights from the burgeoning discipline of men's studies. In recent years the scholarly study of masculinity has exploded among anthropologists, psychologists, sociologists, and scholars of religion. The perspectives animating this “new men's studies” appear to be quite compatible with—and even a natural complement to—the gender scholarship that has made such a signal contribution to our understanding of women's experience in the Holocaust. Why, then, has the study of masculinity achieved so little scholarly recognition in the interdiscipline of Holocaust Studies? The paper suggests answers to this question, while attempting to demonstrate the relevance of gender analysis for interpreting the experience and behavior of perpetrators at every level of the Nazi Final Solution.
Analysis of semiconductor thin films deposited using a hollow cathode plasma torch

The hollow cathode plasma torch has been used for several years. One of the major applications has been the deposition of dielectric thin films. However, this technique has also been used to deposit metals where high-speed deposition is needed. It has proven to be useful in deposition of coatings onto the inside of substrates of complex shape, high-speed etching, and deposition of thin films at atmospheric pressure. In recent years, we have adapted the technique to deposit high-quality amorphous and polycrystalline semiconducting films. A large variety of measurement techniques have been employed to determine the film properties and the results are reported here.
Georgraphic differences in phytoplankton sensitivity to PCBs.

DIFFERENTIAL sensitivity of marine phytoplankton species to chlorinated hydrocarbons has been demonstrated in pure1,2 and mixed3 cultures. In particular, the toxicities of DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane) and PCBs (poly-chlorinated biphenyls), both widespread pollutants in the marine environment4, have been investigated. Evidence does not exist, however, for correlating organochlorine sensitivity with the ecological adaptations of the organisms tested.
Effects of reinforcement history on the mediation of human DRL performance

Human subjects provided with a history of FR 20 conditioning exhibited less efficient performance and higher rates of collateral behavior during subsequent DRL 5-sec training than subjects who received a previous history of FI 10-sec/cost conditioning. Removal of the opportunity to engage in collateral behavior produced a disruption in temporally spaced responding only with the FR pretrained group. The findings indicate that the conditioning history is an important determinant of the manner in which humans mediate a temporally spaced (DRL) schedule of reinforcement.
Electrocatalysis on solid oxide electrolytes

Based on the preceding discussion, it is tentatively concluded that the oxide electrolyte cell acts as an oxygen concentration cell and the presence of point defects, such as interstitial protons on the oxide electrolyte surface, enhances the electrochemical reduction of O2 at the cathode and may be responsible for catalysing the anodic oxidation of H2. In order to obtain a much better understanding of the fundamentals of electrode processes involving point defects like interstitial protons and F-centres (V 0 x ), it is necessary to investigate the current-overpotential characteristics by performing systematic experiments using various metals as electrodes and a variety of oxides (e.g. ceria) over a wide range of compositions as electrolytes. It is planned to examine the influence of the morphology of the surface on the current-overpotential characteristics by making electron-microscopic, and Auger spectroscopic, measurements. In future work, the magnitude of the individual cathodic and anodic overpotentials will be measured by the introduction of reference electrodes to the system. Having reference electrodes available will greatly facilitate the interpretation of the data and confirmation of proposed electrochemical mechanisms. Also, with the experimental arrangement of Fig. 1 variation of flow-rates normal to the disc, resulting in stagnation flows, will allow gas phase masstransfer rates to be varied, thus allowing the mechanism of the limiting current behaviour in the plateaus of Figs. 3 and 4 to be ascertained.
Suggestions in the theory and treatment of dysphemia, and its symptom, stuttering

(1952). Suggestions in the theory and treatment of dysphemia, and its symptom, stuttering. The Speech Teacher: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 131-136.
INVESTIGATION OF IN-BAND RESONANT MODES IN Cr--W ALLOYS BY INELASTIC NEUTRON SCATTERING.

Transverse phonon groups in the [001] and [011] symmetry directions have been measured for Cr and three Cr-W alloys by inelastic neutron scattering using the triple-axis neutron diffractometer at the Missouri University Research Reactor. The tungsten concentration for the alloys are 0.3-, 0.8-, and 1.6- at.% W. The shifts in the phonon frequencies for each alloy showed the expected in-band resonant mode behavior. However, on extending the measurements of the shifts to the zone boundary in the [011] direction, additional structure was observed as well as a substantial increase in the magnitude of the negative shifts as one approaches the zone boundary. These frequency shifts are compared to the theory of Elliott and Maradudin using the frequency distribution function of chromium. The agreement between theory and experiment is no better for the lower tungsten concentrations than for previous results for Cr-3-at.% W. Thus, for the Cr-W system the mass-defect theory appears to be inadequate to predict the measured frequency shifts.
A general procedure for the preparation of labeled l-ascorbic acid from labeled d-glucose☆

Abstract A simple, three-step conversion of 1,2- O -isopropylidene-α- d -glucofuranose into l -ascorbic acid, originally described by Bakke and Theander, was used to prepare l -[4- 14 C]ascorbic acid from milligram amounts of d -[3- 14 C]glucopyranose in 28% radioisotopic yield. In addition, l -[6- 14 C]- and l -[U- 14 C]-ascorbic acid were prepared from d -[1- 14 C]- and d -[U- 14 C]-glucopyranose, respectively. The procedure is useful for the synthesis of l -ascorbic acid bearing isotopic hydrogen, carbon, or oxygen atoms at specific positions, subject only to the availability of starting material.
A Rationale For Optimal Coded Aperture Design

The distribution of noise in coded aperture images is known to depend in a complex manner upon the encoding technique, the decoding technique and upon the object distribution. We have examined the S/N characteristics of a classs of, planar, pseudorandom, time-modulated coded apertures in order to optimize the aperture design for a defined object distribution. Relative standard deviation (RSD) in the reconstructed image is studied both theoretically and by computer simulation. Results are shown for uniform, planar source distributions of varying size as a function of mean code plate transmission and aperture hole spacing. In each case, effects of solid angle and finite geometry are taken into account. For simplicity, image reconstruction is accomplished by backprojection. For a source size equal to 20% of a full field flood, a code of 12% mean transmission gives a near optimum S/N. The RSD with this code for an on-axis image element is equal to .33 of that for a single scanning pinhole covering an identical field of view. Even for a 100% field flood an optimum code exists which has a mean transmission of nearly 4%. The RSD in this case is smaller compared to the scanning pinhole by a factor of .85.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On the impulse-approximation treatment of allowed muon capture in 6Li

The rate of the reaction 6Li + μ−→6He(g.s.) + νμ is calculated with Cohen-Kurath shell-model wave functions. Calculated without the tensor term, it agrees with experiment if the oscillator root-mean-square radius is within the range 2.10 fm ⩽ v0 ⩽ 2.76 fm. The axial-vector form and Gamow-Teller operator dominate the reaction.