cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mid-infrared attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy for soil carbon and particle size determination

Abstract In soil analysis mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIR) is not as widely used as visible and near infrared spectroscopy (VisNIR), mainly due to (1) the need for sample preparation and (2) strong absorption leading to spectral distortion and total absorption. In this study we used attenuated total reflectance (ATR) as a sample presentation technique to obtain MIR spectra of neat soil samples to overcome the two aforementioned drawbacks. A set of diverse soil samples (N = 270) were scanned with a Fourier Transform IR spectrometer (4000 to 400 cm − 1 ) on its diamond ATR crystal. The objective was to investigate the usefulness of ATR spectra in determining clay, sand, organic and inorganic C using partial least squares regression. Results showed that inorganic C and clay can be predicted very well with ATR, with validation R 2 around 0.94 and Ratio of Performance to Deviation (RPD) around 4.0. Sand can be predicted satisfactorily also, with R 2 = 0.88 and RPD slightly lower than 3.0. Organic C is predicted with R 2 = 0.77 and RPD > 2.1. Compared to the results of VisNIR models, significantly higher accuracy was obtained for clay, sand, and inorganic C, and a slight improvement was obtained for organic C. In our opinion, MIR-ATR can be a promising and powerful tool for soil characterization. It combines the advantages of both VisNIR (minimum sample preparation and high analysis throughput) and diffuse reflectance MIR (better model performance). Finally, as evidenced in our “leave-whole-field-out” experiment, the models developed with ATR spectra performed better on dissimilar samples and might have a larger scope of application than VisNIR.
Risk-aware path planning using hirerachical constrained Markov Decision Processes

Next generation industrial plants will feature mobile robots (e.g., autonomous forklifts) moving side by side with humans. In these scenarios, robots must not only maximize efficiency, but must also mitigate risks. In this paper we study the problem of risk-aware path planning, i.e., the problem of computing shortest paths in stochastic environments while ensuring that average risk is bounded. Our method is based on the framework of constrained Markov Decision Processes (CMDP). To counterbalance the intrinsic computational complexity of CMDPs, we propose a hierarchical method that is suboptimal but obtains significant speedups. Simulation results in factory-like environments illustrate how the hierarchical method compares with the non hierarchical one.
Membranolytic and nucleolytic activities of cytolytic T lymphocyte clones

In an attempt to see if the nucleolytic and membranolytic activities of cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) were totally independent and could be expressed independently, we cloned CTL and determined their membranolytic and nucleolytic activities. If the two lytic mechanisms were completely independent and could be independently expressed by individual CTL, we anticipated that we would find CTL clones exhibiting only one or the other activity. Initial examination of membranolytic and nucleolytic activities in 99 newly established CTL clones revealed a poor correlation (r = 0.4) between the two activities. In addition, some clones expressed membenolytic activity without nucleolytic activity, and others, nucleolytic activity without membenolytic activity. The results suggest that CTL have 2 or more separate and independent mechanisms that lead either to the membranolytic or to the nucleolytic lesions in target cells.
How do family planning workers' visits affect women's contraceptive behavior in Bangladesh?

In Bangladesh, family planning workers’ visits reduce the costs of contraception and may increase the demand. If visits increase demand or if workers are targeting their visits, past visits by family planning workers should have a positive and significant effect on later probabilities of adopting contraceptive methods. Longitudinal data show that past visits are not significant in hazard models for adoption of contraceptive methods, whereas visits in the current round are significant. Therefore family planning workers’ visits affect women’s contraceptive behavior by decreasing the costs of contraception. Results of contraceptive discontinuation hazard models further support this hypothesis.
A combined neutron and gamma-ray multiplicity counter based on liquid scintillation detectors

Abstract Multiplicity counters for neutron assay have been extensively used in materials control and accountability for nonproliferation and nuclear safeguards. Typically, neutron coincidence counters are utilized in these fields. In this work, we present a measurement system that makes use not only of neutron (n) multiplicity counting but also of gamma-ray ( γ ) multiplicity counting and the combined higher-order multiples containing both neutrons and gamma rays. The benefit of this approach is in using both particle types available from the sample, leading to a reduction in measurement times compared with single-particle measurements. We present measurement results of n, γ , nn, n γ , γ γ , nnn, nn γ , n γ γ and γ γ γ multiples emitted by Mixed-Oxide (MOX) samples measured at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The MOX measurement is compared to initial validation of the detection system done using a 252Cf source. The dual radiation measuring system proposed here uses extra measurables to improve the statistics when compared to a neutron-only system and allows for extended analysis and interpretation of sample parameters. New challenges such as the effect of very high intrinsic gamma-ray sources in the case of MOX samples are discussed. Successful measurements of multiple rates can be performed also when using high-Z shielding.
Forebrain Structure in Infantile Autism

Abstract Researchers implicate central nervous system dysfunction in infantile autism, but postmortem examinations and in vivo brain imaging studies have produced conflicting results concerning the neuronal systems involved. Magnetic resonance imaging—a new modality of in vivo brain imaging—was used to investigate the cerebral and thalamic structure of 105 autistic patients. Compared with the control group, there was an overall difference in the forebrain morphology of the autistic subjects due to subtle but statistically significant differences in the anterior ventricular horns, lateral ventricles, and the right lenticular nucleus. These results, when considered with previous studies of cerebral structure, suggest that there are subtle alterations in the forebrain of autistic patients.
Stilbene Isothiocyanates as Potential Fluorescent Tagging Agents

Two groups of stilbene isothiocyanate derivatives, α-phenylcinnamic acids and α-phenylcinnamonitriles, have been synthesized. These compounds and their required intermediates were studied as to their structure-fluorescence relationships in an effort to develop a protein-tagging agent with blue fluorescence.
Motion resistance of avalanches on smooth paths

Abstract Dimensionless mathematical models are developed for the dynamics of mass-center avalanches on smooth and circular paths. Equations for velocity as a function of position are derived in terms of two dimensionless, spatially averaged resistance factors. A procedure is outlined to estimate the resistance factors and assess the relative effects of Coulomb friction and speed-dependent resistance on avalanche motion.
High speed flow past a cone with large wall injection velocities

Abstract In this paper a model is proposed for calculating the flow past a cone with massive blowing at the surface. The model consists of an inner flow layer separated from an outer flow by a contact surface. The inner flow is assumed to be inviscid and the method of integral relations is employed to solve the equations. The pressure on the contact surface is assumed to be Newtonian. The model allows different blowing velocity distributions at the cone surface. Sample calculations are presented for a constant and linearly decreasing injection velocity. The results indicate a multivalued solution at the leading edge of the cone. Also the cone surface pressure is very sensitive to the initial slope of the contact surface. The initial slope of the contact surface is an unknown parameter and must be determined by prescribing a downstream flow condition. The surface pressure at the rear of the cone is chosen as the downstream condition.
Energy Transfer Followed by Electron Transfer in a Supramolecular Triad Composed of Boron Dipyrrin, Zinc Porphyrin, and Fullerene: A Model for the Photosynthetic Antenna-Reaction Center Complex

The first example of a working model of the photosynthetic antenna-reaction center complex, constructed via self-assembled supramolecular methodology, is reported. For this, a supramolecular triad is assembled by axially coordinating imidazole-appended fulleropyrrolidine to the zinc center of a covalently linked zinc porphyrin−boron dipyrrin dyad. Selective excitation of the boron dipyrrin moiety in the boron dipyrrin−zinc porphyrin dyad resulted in efficient energy transfer (kENTsinglet = 9.2 × 109 s-1; ΦENTsinglet = 0.83) creating singlet excited zinc porphyrin. Upon forming the supramolecular triad, the excited zinc porphyrin resulted in efficient electron transfer to the coordinated fullerenes, resulting in a charge-separated state (kcssinglet = 4.7 × 109 s-1; ΦCSsinglet = 0.9). The observed energy transfer followed by electron transfer in the present supramolecular triad mimics the events of natural photosynthesis. Here, the boron dipyrrin acts as antenna chlorophyll that absorbs light energy and tra...
Almost everywhere global asymptotic stability

A new type of global stability property, called ‘almost everywhere global asymptotic (a.e.g.a.) stability) is introduced Roughly speaking, a dynamical system is said to be a.e.g.a. stable if only a finite number of its trajectories do not tend to the origin of the state space as time tends to infinity. As an application, second-order non-linear direct control systems with the feedback characteristic Φ(σ) lying partly outside the Hurwitz sector are considered. It is shown that a.e.g.a. stability is the strongest type of global stability that can possibly be achieved by such systems.
Selection of Habitat Structure Interstice Size by Bluegills and Largemouth Bass in Ponds

Abstract We examined how interstice size in a structure influenced fish use of that structure. We determined preferences of bluegills Lepomis macrochirus (35–95 mm total length, TL) for small (40-mm), medium (150-mm), and large (350-mm) interstices within artificial structure units (2.5 m3) in three 0.16-hectare ponds both before and after largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides (255–454 mm TL) were added to study ponds. In the absence of predators, yearling bluegills preferred small- and medium-interstice structures over large interstices regardless of major differences in water clarity among ponds. In the presence of largemouth bass, bluegills preferred small interstices over medium and large interstices in all ponds; medium interstices were preferred over large interstices in turbid ponds but not in the clear pond. These preferences were most pronounced in the clear pond where bluegill use of medium- and large-interstice structures was halved after largemouth bass were stocked. The addition of largemouth...
ABIOMED BVS 5000 system: repair of venous cannulation site for excessive bleeding

The most common morbidity of the ABIOMED (Danvers, MA) left ventricular assist device is severe hemorrhage. Severe bleeding around the left atrial cannulation site can be repaired easily with the proper technique.
Studies of complexes of ribonucleic acid from tobacco mosaic virus with Ag+, Hg2+, Ca2+ and Fe3+

Abstract The amount of various radioactive metal salts associated with, or bound by ethanol-precipitated ribonucleic acid from tobacco mosaic virus was determined. Slightly less than 0.5 mole of Ca 2+ per mole nucleotide was maximally bound, independent of the presence of any of the other metals studied, and presumably to the phosphate groups. Slightly less than 1 mole of either Ag + or Hg 2+ were bound independently. Competition experiments suggested that 0.5 mole of each was bound on specific independent sites, while an additional half-mole was shared competitively, with Hg 2+ having the greater affinity. Trivalent metals (Fe 3+ , In 3+ , Al 3+ ) displaced Hg 2+ and particularly Ag + from these shared sites. It is suggested that all metals used, except calcium, interacted with the bases.
Theoretical estimation of the aqueous pKas of thiols

The ionisation state of a compound is a key parameter influencing the compound's activity as a drug, metabolite, pollutant, or other active chemical agent. Sulfhydrol compounds (thiols) tend to be considerably more acidic than their hydroxyl (alcohol) analogues. In this report, quantum chemical approaches previously used for the estimation of the aqueous pKas of alcohols are applied to the estimation of the acidities of thiols. Acidity estimates obtained from the general-purpose SPARC calculational programme (S.H. Hilal, S.W. Karickhoff, and L.A. Carreira, Quant. Struct.-Act. Relat. 14, 348 (1995)) and the ACD/Labs PhysChem Suite v12 programme package are employed as benchmarks. Quantum chemical calculations were performed using both the semiempirical RM1 method and the density functional theory B3LYP/6-31+G* method. The effectiveness of the SM5.4 and SM8 solvent models in estimating the aqueous-phase acidities was also evaluated. All of the approaches examined demonstrated strong correlations with the ex...
Effects of ozone and soil water deficit on roots and shoots of field-grown soybeans.

Water-stressed and well-watered soybean (Glycine max cvs. Williams and Corsoy) plants were exposed to increasing seasonal doses of ozone (O3) using open-top field chambers and ambient air plots. Chamber O3 treatments included charcoal filtered (CF) air, non-filtered (NF) air, NF + 0·03, NF + 0·06 and NF + 0·09 μl litre−1 O3. Soil water potentials measured at 25 and 45 cm averaged −0·40 MPa and −0·05 MPa, respectively, for the plots in the water-stressed and well-watered series. Total root length/core, root length densities, and biomasses (dry weights) were determined. With Williams, a very popular cultivar in recent years, total root length for all O3 treatments averaged 58% more under water-stress conditions than in well-watered plots, but the range was from 136% to 11% more for NF air and NF + 0·09 μl litre−1 O3, respectively. Increasing the O3 exposure dose did not affect root lengths or weights in the well-watered series. With Corsoy, water stress did not significantly increase root development. In both soil moisture regimes, with both cultivars, there was a linear decrease in seed yield and top dry weight as the O3 exposure dose increased.
Heat Inactivation of Milk Phosphatase in Dairy Products

Summary A laboratory pasteurizer is described, for controlling the heating temperatures and time accurately in pasteurization experiments. Phosphatase test data for samples heated at any specific temperature for various periods of time show that the rate of destruction of the enzyme by heat is very rapid at first and diminishes to a relatively very slow rate with time. The experimental data for phosphatase destruction show that, in tests on milk and other fluid dairy products, a straight line results when the logarithms of the times of heating are plotted against the corresponding temperatures. Holding periods required in this test to reduce phosphatase activity to four units per ml. of whole milk were: 37.5 minutes at 143° F., 30 minutes at 143.7° F., 24 seconds at 160° F., and 15 seconds at 16:1.8° F., respectively. The temperature required to produce a negative phosphatase test in any given time generally was found to be about 0.7° F. lower for skim milk than for whole milk, about 0.7° F. higher for 20 and 40 per cent cream than for whole milk, about 4.5° F. higher for ice cream mix than for whole milk, and about 5.7° F. higher for sherbet than for whole milk. The time required, at 143° F., was about three times as long for ice cream mix as for whole milk. Phosphatase was inactivated at considerably lower temperatures and shorter holding times in Cheddar cheese than in milk— e.g. , at 130° F. in 13 minutes and at 140° F. in slightly less than three-fourths minute in cheese at pH 5.29. Mixing alkalies with the cheese to increase the pH had some effect in stabilizing the enzyme against heat. Adding emulsifiers had a greater effect, as the temperature required to produce a negative test in approximatly 0.5 minute was 150° F. when 1.5 per cent anhydrous disodium phosphate was added and the pH of the mixture was 5.56. The addition of lactose to cheese increased the stability of the enzyme; the addition of water decreased its stability slightly. Experiments on milks adjusted to different pH levels and heated showed that the milk phosphatase was most stable towards heat when the reaction was within a range of pH 6.5–7.4. Heating at lower or higher pH levels produced more rapid inactivation.
Leinamycin Biosynthesis Revealing Unprecedented Architectural Complexity for a Hybrid Polyketide Synthase and Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetase

A 135,638 bp DNA region that encompasses the leinamycin (LNM) biosynthetic gene cluster was sequenced from Streptomyces atroolivaceus S-140. The boundaries of the lnm cluster were defined by systematic inactivation of open reading frames within the sequenced region. The lnm cluster spans 61.3 kb of DNA and consists of 27 genes encoding nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS), polyketide synthase (PKS), hybrid NRPS-PKS, resistance, regulatory, and tailoring enzymes, as well as proteins of unknown function. A model for LNM biosynthesis is proposed, central to which is the LNM hybrid NRPS-PKS megasynthetase consisting of discrete (LnmQ and LnmP) and modular (LnmI) NRPS, acyltransferase-less PKS (LnmG, LnmI, and LnmJ), and PKS modules with unusual domain organization. These studies unveil an unprecedented architectural complexity for the LNM hybrid NRPS-PKS megasynthetase and set the stage to investigate the molecular basis for LNM biosynthesis.
Rock mechanics research requirements for resource recovery, construction, and earthquake hazard reduction

In 1978, the United States National Committee for Rock Mechanics organized a study to review the current state of knowledge and practice of rock mechanics, to identify deficient area in which research is required to advance understanding of the science of rock mechanics, and to provide a guide to federal and industrial funding of rock mechanics research. The ultimate objective was to disclose the optimal direction for research in the vital areas of energy and resource recovery, construction, and the mitigation of earthquake hazards. The study was focused on those needs affecting energy- and mineral-resource development, construction, and earthquake hazard reduction. The critical areas included: (1) the determination and prediction of porosity, permeability, and fluid flow in situ; (2) better methods of determining shallow and deep in situ stresses; (3) improvement of the ability to map fracture patterns, particularly major fractures and faults, at depth; (4) improvement of the understanding of rock fragmentation processes so as to increase the effectiveness of drilling and excavation systems; (5) increased understanding of the relation of laboratory-measured quantities to in situ conditions; (6) better determinative methods for thermal properties of rock, including fractured rock; and (7) development of numerical models to characterize rock behavior. (Author)
Treatment Seeking for Urinary Incontinence in Older Adults

Objective: To examine treatment seeking for urinary incontinence among older adults and to identify characteristics associated with treatment-seeking behavior. Design: Survey. Setting: Five rural counties in northwestern Pennsylvania. Participants: 1104 community-dwelling ambulatory older adults aged 65 to 79 years with self-reported urinary incontinence. Participants were a subgroup of a large sample (n = 3884) who volunteered for a study of health promotion services. Those who reported urinary incontinence within the past year, during an in-person health risk appraisal, were included in this analysis. Measurements: Reporting incontinence to the participant's physician was the main dependent measure. Main Results: 37.6% of the participants had told their physician about loss of urine. Reporting incontinence to a physician was strongly associated with severity of incontinence as indicated by eight measures (P < 0.001). Treatment seeking was also related to type of incontinence (P < 0.001), physical disability (P < 0.01), and the pattern of health care utilization (P < 0.01). In multiple logistic regression analyses, younger age, physical disability, and frequency of physical and rectal examinations had significant predictive value independent of severity. Not associated with treatment seeking were gender, marital status, income, employment status, educational level, and distance from health care provider. Conclusions: The majority of older adults with urinary incontinence do not report the condition to their doctor. Severity of incontinence, physical disability, and a pattern of regular health care utilization appear to be the strongest predictors of treatment-seeking behavior.
Luminescence from complexes of rhodium(III)

Abstract Photoluminescence has been observed from 10 complex ions of rhodium(III) in rigid glasses and as solids at 77°K. Tris(1,10-phenanthroline)rhodium(III) and tris(2,2′-bipyridine)rhodium(III) both display long-lived π-π ∗ phosphorescence which is similar in structure to that observed from the analogous free ligand. For cis-dihalobis(1,10-phenanthroline)rhodium(III) and cis-dihalobis(2,2′-bipyridine)rhodium(III) (chloride, bromide, and iodide) broad luminescence bands are seen in the near-ir region. Similar emission bands are observed from trans-dihalotetra(pyridine)rhodium(III) ions (chloride and bromide). The luminescences from all these dihalo complex ions are assigned to spinforbidden d-d transitions on the basis of their energies, band contours, and lifetimes. The visible absorption bands observed for the eight dihalo species are assigned to d-d transitions, and the evidence for π-π ∗ and charge-transfer character in the uv region for all the compounds is discussed. Crystal-field parameters have been determined for an average-field model of the cis complex ions and for a tetragonal model of the trans species. Based on these calculations predictions of the luminescence properties of similar complexes of rhodium(III) have been made.
An Interactional View of Traumatic Stress Among First Nations Counselors

The purpose of this article is to discuss systemic intervention with vicariously traumatized First Nations (Native) counselors who listen to stories of abuse that are shared by former students of residential schools. For many victims of the residential school era, a sense of shame has effectively quelled their ability to share their painful and, at times, debilitating narratives. The systemic effect upon counselors who are privy to the eventual disclosure of such stories is examined, along with a solution-focused approach designed to assist the recipients of such disturbing narratives.
Thermal processing and properties of highly homogeneous alumina-zirconia composite ceramics

Alumina-zirconia composites were made using a novel processing technique involving nonsolvent precipitation of a dilute polymer solution containing dispersed ceramic powder particles. Seven identical alumina-nominally 15 wt% zirconia composite green bodies were fired at different temperatures. An optimal firing temperature of 1500° C was found, above and below which sample fracture strengths, densities, and tetragonal zirconia contents were lower. Fracture strengths correlated well with porosity. An alumina-14.06 wt% (zirconia-1.35 mol% yttria) composite had excellent resistance to abnormal grain growth upon high-temperature annealing. The tetragonal zirconia content increased with increasing annealing time; this was attributed to the equilibration of zirconia particles with widely varying yttria concentrations.
The design of a 4.5 GHz CMOS tuned oscillator for clock and data recovery applications

Describes the design of a 4.5-GHz CMOS tuned oscillator for clock and data recovery applications which has been implemented in a 0.18μm copper CMOS ASIC process. A basic comparison has also been made between harmonic and ring oscillator circuits and the potential advantages of the harmonic oscillator for use within high frequency PLL applications has also been covered. Improvements have also been suggested in both the design and simulation of these circuits to improve the performance of future designs. (12 pages)
Regional Comparisons of Nano-Mechanical Properties of Deep Zone Menisci

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a dehabilitating condition that is highly prevalent in today’s society, frequently leading to a knee replacement. OA is characterized by loss of articular cartilage. Previous research has shown articular cartilage preservation is dependent on the structural integrity of the menisci [1, 2]. The human menisci are two crescent shaped fibrocartilaginous structures that provide fundamental load distribution within the knee joint, ultimately aiding to attenuate stresses at the tibio-femoral site [3–5].Copyright © 2012 by ASME
The electroanalytical approach to lipid peroxide determinations.

Abstract An electroanalytical method for the determination of lipid peroxides in physiological material is described. The technique is based on electrochemical detection for HPLC as the means for enhancing sensitivity. Samples containing organic peroxides, including lipid peroxides, can be analyzed directly using a modified polarographic detector (Lloyd, J. B. F.; Optimization of the operationai parameters of the supported mercury drop electrode detector in high performance liquid chromatography. Anal. Chim. Acta 15:4:121–131; 1983.) for reversed phase HPLC determinations. Detection limits for fatty acid hydroperoxides were found to be in the low nanogram range.
Brush cytology evaluation of lesions encountered during ERCP

Malignant obstruction of the pancreaticobiliary system is a frequent indication for ERCP. Twenty-five patients with abnormalities suggestive of malignancy were encountered during ERCP at our institution and brush cytology was obtained. Positive cytology specimens were collected in 12 of 20 (60%) cases of malignancy causing biliary obstruction. Using a recently developed cytology brush for the biliary tree, detection of malignancy in strictures of the bile duct had a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 100%. Both cases of cholangiocarcinoma were diagnosed with cytology, as were 5 of 10 cases of pancreatic cancer. It is concluded that brush cytology is a diagnostically reliable, highly specific technique for malignant lesions encountered at ERCP. In experienced hands, a positive cytologic result may obviate the need for additional invasive diagnostic studies.
Recent developments in screening methods for nondominated solutions in multiobjective optimization

Abstract In the multiobjective problem it is not uncommon that solution methodologies produce a large number of nondominated alternatives. The decision maker is then left with the difficult task of choosing from this set. In this paper we present five methods for assisting the decision maker in this choice by reducing the set of all nondominated solutions to a manageable number. First we review three methods which have been previously published. We then present two new methods. The first builds on the earlier approaches. The second uses stochastic techniques to eliminate solutions which exhibit too much risk, leaving only a potentially small number of solutions with acceptable risk characteristics.
The Ku Klux Klan, Conservative Politics and Religion: Taking Extremism to the Political Mainstream

Prior to the Internet, information available to the public on white extremist groups, such as the United White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, came from news events which prevented these groups from controlling the information presented to the public about themselves, their organization, ideals, or goals. But the Internet has allowed these groups to develop websites through which they can directly dictate their image to vast audiences. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between political orientation and fundamental Christian beliefs and agreement with the values of a white extremist group, as presented by the United White Knights on their website. Results suggest political orientation and Christian fundamental beliefs are significantly related, but not as strong as expected, to agreement with the values of the United White Knights: as levels of conservatism and Christian orthodoxy increase, the more likely a person is to be in agreement with the group's values/beliefs. These findings s...
Applications of visible near-infrared spectroscopy and imaging in burn injury assessment

The major objective of the project is to develop a noninvasive method to assess thermal burns. Currently, the diagnosis relies primarily upon visual assessment of the injury by a burn specialist and/or plastic surgeon. The diagnosis is based on the surface appearance of the wound to determine the type or depth of the burn. Near IR spectroscopic measurements of injured tissue provide an objective means of distinguishing between surface and subsurface changes related to the tissue injury. An acute porcine model is employed to investigate the potential of near IR spectroscopy to accurately distinguish between burns of varying severity in the early postburn period. Parallel factor analysis is used to investigate the spectral changes related to burns of varying severity. Burn injuries drastically alter the physical and optical properties of the tissue. Thermal destruction of cutaneous vasculature disrupts perfusion and oxygen delivery to the affected tissue. Tissue blood oxygenation decreases with increased severity of the burn. The result demonstrate that near IR spectroscopy may provide a new tool for objective clinical assessment of burn injuries.
The Chaperonin GroEL Is Destabilized by Binding of ADP

The urea-induced dissociation and subsequent conformational transitions of the nucleotide-bound form of GroEL were studied by light scattering, 4,4'-bis(1-anilino-8- naphthalenesulfonic acid) binding, and intrinsic tyrosine fluorescence. Magnesium ion alone (10 mM) stabilizes GroEL and leads to coordination of the structural transitions monitored by the different parameters. The midpoint of the light-scattering transition that monitored dissociation of the 14-mer with bound magnesium was raised to approximately 3 M, which is considerably higher than the ligand-free form of the protein, which exhibits a transition with a midpoint at approximately 2 M urea. Binding of ADP results in destabilization of the GroEL oligomeric structure, and complete dissociation of the 14-mer in the presence of 5 mM ADP occurs at about 2 M urea with the midpoint of the transition at approximately 1 M urea. The same destabilization by ADP and stabilization by Mg2+ were seen when the conformation was followed by the intrinsic fluorescence. Complexation with the nonhydrolyzable ATP analog, 5'-adenylimidodiphosphate gave an apparent stability of the quaternary structure that was between that observed with Mg2+ and that with ADP. The ADP-bound form of the protein demonstrated increased hydrophobic exposure at lower urea concentrations than the uncomplexed GroEL. In addition, the GroEL-ADP complex is more accessible for proteolytic digestion by chymotrypsin than the uncomplexed protein, consistent with a more open, flexible form of the protein. The implication of the conformational changes to the mechanism of the GroEL function is discussed.
HAUERWAS'S WITH THE GRAIN OF THE UNIVERSE AND THE BARTHIAN OUTLOOK: A Few Observations

This article has two main divisions, the first consisting in parts 1–3, the second in parts 4–8. The purpose of the first division is to assess Hauerwas's contentions regarding what he takes to be serious debilities in modern theological culture. The objects of Hauerwas's criticism are: (1) natural theology; (2) reason as it is represented in the structure of the modern university and in the “Enlightenment Project”; and (3) liberal Protestantism—the latter particularly as it turns up, by his account, in Reinhold Niebuhr's theology. The article will offer a defense of natural theology and an alternative approach to Niebuhr's theology while showing how Hauerwas's contentions concerning these two matters are mistaken. Parts 4–8 are theological studies. These studies concentrate on selected though main aspects of Hauerwas's outlook. Part 4 concerns a problematic implication of the notion, mainly from Barth, of divinity's humanity; Part 5 a note of difficulty from William James about the idea of the theistic God and its pertinence to the Barthian or Hauerwasian God; Part 6 the relation between belief and witness; Part 7 theology's discourse and analogy; Part 8 the Barthian-Hauerwasian theology as a metaphysics. Part 1, concerning natural theology, stands over both divisions. These observations are not in the main intended as textual studies, though in certain passages the analysis is closely attentive to Hauerwas's text. Also, the paper does not offer the sort of account that would come from a historian, intellectual biographer, or social or cultural analyst or critic. Its focus is philosophical-theological criticism.
A Capacitance Standard Based on Counting Electrons

A capacitance standard based directly on the definition of capacitance was built. Single-electron tunneling devices were used to place N electrons of charge e onto a cryogenic capacitor C, and the resulting voltage change ΔV was measured. Repeated measurements ofC = Ne/ΔV with this method have a relative standard deviation of 0.3 × 10–6. This standard offers a natural basis for capacitance analogous to the Josephson effect for voltage and the quantum Hall effect for resistance.
Reassembly of the 66 kD neurofilament protein in vitro following isolation and purification from bovine spinal cord.

NF-66, also known as α-internexin, has been characterized as a 66 kD mammalian neurofilament (NF) protein whose expression in developing rat brain precedes that of the low molecular weight NF protein (NF-L). NF-66 is thought to assemble into 10 nm diameter intermediate filaments in vitro, although the precise nature of the assembly process remains obscure. Likewise, the ability of NF-66 to polymerize with the low (NF-L), middle (NF-M), and high (NF-H) MrNF proteins has not been defined. This investigation describes the reassembly of bovine NF-66 regarding its formation into 10 nm diameter filaments as well as its potential for polymerization with other type IV intermediate filaments. NF-66 and the NF triplet proteins were isolated from bovine spinal cord using established biochemical extraction and isolation procedures (Balin et al., Brain Res 556:181–195, 1991), and purified by a combination of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (DEAE anion exchange and hydroxylapatite column chromatography) and gel elution strategies. In vitro reassembly experiments revealed that NF-66 formed ˜ 10 nm diameter filaments of varying length; immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated labeling of these filaments by a monoclonal antibody to intermediate filament antigen (IFA), a polyclonal antibody against rat NF-66 and by a monoclonal antibody generated against the core region of NF-M but cross-reactive with NF-66. This report is the first investigation to look at the in vitro interaction between NF-66 and other type IV intermediate filament proteins (NF-H, -M, and -L) and establishes that NF-66 forms heteropolymeric filaments with these other neurofilament proteins, as confirmed by double immunolabeling. These studies suggest that NF-66 could provide a nucleation site for the polymerization of later-expressed proteins during neuronal development. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The NASA Space Shuttle???A Vehicle for University/ Industry Educational Interaction

In December of 1982 Worcester Polytechnic Institute, with the cooperation and support of the MITRE Corporation, initiated a program to propose, select, design, and develop experiments to be flown onboard a NASA Space Shuttle. The educational objectives of this program, based on the experiences of the students, and the cooperative objectives based on the experiences of the faculty and staff of the two institutions, are presented. All of the proposed experiments are being developed by undergraduates with the advisorship of WPI faculty. MITRE engineers and scientists are supporting the projects through detailed development advice, design reviews, and program management advice. Overall, the program will require four years of effort, involving between 30 and 50 students and approximately a dozen WPI faculty and MITRE professional staff each year. The administrative structure designed to coordinate this program, the logistics of interactions between WPI, MITRE, and NASA, and the program schedule are presented in detail.
Goal‐Striving Stress, Social Economic Status, and the Mental Health of Black Americans

Goal-striving stress refers to the discrepancy between aspirations and achievements, hard work and accomplishment, options and opportunities, and perhaps provides a pathway linking social structure and mental health. Although a number of scholars have speculated about the relationship between blocked opportunities and psychopathology, few studies have empirically examined associations between striving efforts and mental health among black Americans. 1–5 In addition, existing studies have often used community samples, considered a single aspect of mental health, or were unable to operationalize goal-striving stress in a more nuanced fashion. 2,4 This study examines the influence of goal-striving stress on the mental health of a national sample of black Americans.
Agroforestry education and training activities at the University of Florida

The interdisciplinary program in agroforestry was established at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Science in 1987 in response to the growing interest in the subject among students and faculty members from different units of the university. It is now an internationally recognized center for education, training, and research in the subject. Pursuant to the overwhelming student and faculty interest in agroforestry issues in developing countries of the tropics and subtropics, the program is particularly active in those areas. Educational activities of the Program are at the post-graduate level. In conjunction with the degree granted in one of the designated departments or other academic units, students can earn a Specialization or Minor in Agroforestry by fulfilling certain requirements. Research projects are undertaken in such diverse topics as biophysical processes, production/conservation technologies, and socioeconomic aspects. Training activities include various short-term courses for professionals involved in management, development/extension, or research related to agroforestry.
Acoustically monitored bottom coring

Abstract An adaptation of the sound pinger designed by Edgerton to position an underwater camera for bottom photography has been used to monitor bottom coring operations with a Stetson corer. It is found that the pinger portrays the whole procedure in considerable detail, including the triggering of the corer for free-fall at the bottom. Cores have been taken successfully in water depths of 1912 and 2635 fathoms in the Ionian Sea.
Randomized Trial to Evaluate Nutritional Status and Absorption of Enteral Feeding after Brain Death

Context—Catecholamines and inflammatory mediators, with elevated levels after brain death, are associated with reduced function and survival of transplanted organs. Enteral nutrition reduces tissue damage and may benefit organs.Objective—To evaluate the effects of immunomodulating enteral nutrition in organ donors.Design—Prospective, randomized, open-label study.Setting—Intensive care unit.Patients—Thirty-six brain-dead organ donors.Interventions—Donors were randomized to receive enteral nutrition containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, antioxidants, and glutamine or standard care (fasting). Donors received hormonal replacement therapy of corticosteroid, levothyroxine, dextrose, and insulin.Main Outcome Measures—Gastrointestinal assimilation (measured by 13carbon-labeled uracil breath analysis), quantity of organs recovered, resting energy expenditure, urine level of urea nitrogen, and serum levels of albumin, prealbumin, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein were evaluated...
The Mixed Legacy of the Chicago School of Sociology

This article examines the legacy of the Chicago School of Sociology. Because the Chicago department so dominated sociology in the 1920s and 1930s, it created the mold or template on which new departments, or the expansion of older ones, were modeled in the 1930s and in the post-World War II period. The legacy of this situation is mixed: On the one hand, the Chicago department made sociology a legitimate discipline in a hostile academic environment, whereas, on the other hand, it helped create a discipline so diversified in substantive specialties, so atheoretical, and so concerned with narrow research and quantitative methods that serious problems of intellectual and organizational integration confront contemporary American sociology.
Impact of Natural and Artificial Barriers to Dispersal on the Population Structure of Bobcats

We investigated population structure and genetic diversity for bobcats (Lynx rufus) in Michigan, USA, which are distributed throughout the upper peninsula (UP) and the northern half of the lower peninsula (LP) of Michigan. Specifically, we assessed the influence of natural and artificial barriers to dispersal on the genetic population structure of the bobcat across Michigan, as well as in each peninsula. We used 5 microsatellite markers and the statistical package STRUCTURE to identify populations and assign individuals to their population of origin. STRUCTURE identified one population in each peninsula, indicating that the UP and LP are genetically isolated by the Straits of Mackinac which divide the UP and LP. Despite a greater density of roads in the LP, we found no evidence that they have led to intra-peninsular population structure. Our results suggest that, from a genetic standpoint, management agencies do not need to be concerned about the fragmenting effects of roads when producing management plans for bobcats.
Learning approach to nonlinear fault diagnosis: detectability analysis

The learning approach to fault diagnosis provides a methodology for designing monitoring architectures which can be used for detection, identification and accommodation of failures in dynamical systems. This paper considers the issues of detectability conditions and detection time in a nonlinear fault diagnosis scheme based on the learning approach. First, conditions are derived to characterize the range of detectable faults. Then, nonconservative upper bounds are computed for the detection time of incipient and abrupt faults. It is shown that the detection time bound decreases monotonically as the values of certain design parameters increase. The theoretical results are illustrated by a simulation example of a second-order system.
Microbiology and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Infections

Foot infections in diabetic patients are a major source of morbidity and an important proximate cause of amputations. These infections can be categorized clinically as limb threatening or non-limb threatening. The former are often caused by Staphylococcus aureus (often methicillin-resistant) and group B streptococci while the latter by these organisms and gram-negative bacilli and anaerobes. Multidrug-resistant pathogens are found in chronic infections, especially after exposure to health care and antibiotics. Effective treatment combines appropriate antimicrobial therapy with wound management and, if needed, surgical debridement. Osteomyelitis is common, often requiring surgical debridement for effective therapy. Although aspects of care could be refined by additional study, current evidence is sufficient to prevent or effectively treat most of these infections.
Three misuses of Dionysius for comparative theology

In his 2000 Religious Studies article ‘Ineffability’, John Hick calls upon the Dionysian corpus to bear witness to the ‘transcategorality’ of God and thereby corroborate his comparative theology of pluralism. Hick's Dionysius avows God's transcendence of categories by negating God's names, while at the same time maintaining that such names are metaphorically useful means of uplifting humans to God. But herein reside three common misunderstandings of the Dionysian corpus: (1) the divine names are mere metaphors; (2) the divine names are therefore negated of God; and (3) the negation of divine names is the means by which humans return to and unite with God.
Managing Soil Carbon

Current farming practices deplete soil carbon, which degrades soil quality, reduces productivity, and results in the need for more fertilization, irrigation, and pesticides. No-till farming with residue mulching would reverse these effects by slowing soil erosion and pollution runoff, benefiting aquatic ecosystems, improving agronomic productivity, and achieving food security. The authors of this Policy Forum urge support for its wider use. Although there may be short-term yield reductions in some soils and climates, this is a win-win opportunity for the vast majority of the 95% of the cropland that does not use these more sustainable practices.
Escherichia vulneris: a New Species of Enterobacteriaceae Associated with Human Wounds

The name Escherichia vulneris sp. nov. (formerly called Alma group 1 and Enteric group 1 by the Centers for Disease Control and API group 2 by Analytab Products, Inc.) is proposed for a group of isolates from the United States and Canada, 74% of which were from human wounds. E. vulneris is a gram-negative, oxidase-negative, fermentative, motile rod with the characteristics of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Biochemical reactions characteristic of 61 E. vulneris strains were positive tests for methyl red, malonate, and lysine decarboxylase; a delayed positive test for arginine dihydrolase; acid production from d-mannitol, l-arabinose, raffinose, l-rhamnose, d-xylose, trehalose, cellobiose, and melibiose; negative tests for Voges-Proskauer, indole, urea, H(2)S, citrate, ornithine decarboxylase, phenylalanine deaminase, and DNase; and no acid from dulcitol, adonitol, myo-inositol, and d-sorbitol. Two-thirds of the strains produced yellow pigment. Most strains gave negative or delayed positive reactions in tests for lactose, sucrose, and KCN. The E. vulneris strains tested were resistant to penicillin and clindamycin, were resistant or showed intermediate zones of inhibition to carbenicillin and erythromycin, and were susceptible to 14 other antibiotics. DNA relatedness of 15 E. vulneris strains to the type strain averaged 75% in reactions at 60 degrees C and 69% in reactions at 75 degrees C, indicating that they comprise a separate species. DNA relatedness to other species in the family Enterobacteriaceae was 6 to 39%, an indication that this new species belongs in the family. E. vulneris showed the highest relatedness to species of Escherichia (25 to 39%) and Enterobacter (24 to 35%). On the basis of biochemical similarity, the new species was placed in the genus Escherichia. The type strain of E. vulneris is ATCC 33821 (CDC 875-72).