cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Particle-size dependent bactericidal activity of magnesium oxide against Xanthomonas perforans and bacterial spot of tomato

Bacterial spot, caused by Xanthomonas spp., is a highly destructive disease of tomatoes worldwide. Copper (Cu) bactericides are often ineffective due to the presence of Cu-tolerant strains. Magnesium oxide (MgO) is an effective alternative to Cu bactericides against Xanthomonas spp. However, the effects of particle size on bactericidal activity and fruit elemental levels are unknown. In this study, nano (20 nm) and micron (0.3 and 0.6 µm) size MgO particles were compared for efficacy. Nano MgO had significantly greater in vitro bactericidal activity against Cu-tolerant X. perforans than micron MgO at 25–50 µg/ml. In field experiments nano and micron MgO applied at 200 and 1,000 µg/ml were evaluated for disease control. Nano MgO at 200 µg/ml was the only treatment that consistently reduced disease severity compared to the untreated control. Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy revealed that nano MgO applications did not significantly alter Mg, Cu, Ca, K, Mn, P and S accumulation compared to fruits from the untreated plots. We demonstrated that although both nano MgO and micron MgO had bactericidal activity against Cu-tolerant strains in vitro, only nano MgO was effective in bacterial spot disease management under field conditions.
Dynamical Control Systems

So far the concept is extremely general. The next series of definitions provides for various more concrete restrictions.
The Acquisition of 21st-Century Skills Through Video Games: Minecraft Design Process Models and Their Web of Class Roles:

Background. Qian and Clark reported that little is known on the acquisition of 21st-century skills through video games and no educational model exists on how to best teach these skills in the class...
Acute phase response to exertional heat stroke in mice

NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Exertional heat stroke is accompanied by a marked inflammatory response. In this study, we explored the time course of acute phase proteins during recovery from severe heat stress in mice and the potential role of skeletal muscles as their source. What is the main finding and its importance? Exertional heat stroke transiently increased expression of acute phase proteins in mouse liver and plasma and depleted liver and plasma fibrinogen, a typical response to severe trauma. In contrast, skeletal muscle fibrinogen production was stimulated by heat stroke, which can provide an additional reservoir for fibrinogen supply to maintain the clotting potential throughout the body and locally within the muscle. ABSTRACT Exertional heat stroke (EHS), the most severe manifestation of heat illness, is accompanied by a marked inflammatory response. The release of acute phase proteins (APPs) is an important component of inflammation, which can assist in tissue survival/repair. The time course of APPs in recovery from EHS is unknown. Furthermore, skeletal muscles produce APPs during infection, but it is unknown whether they can produce APPs after EHS. Our objective was to determine the time course of representative APPs in liver, plasma and skeletal muscle during recovery from EHS. Male C57BL6/J mice ran in a forced running wheel at 37.5°C, 40% relative humidity until symptom limitation. Exercise control (EXC) mice ran for the same duration and intensity at 22.5°C. Samples were collected (n = 6-12 per group) over 14 days of recovery. Protein abundance was quantified using immunoblots. Total and phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) at Tyr705, responsible for APP activation, increased in liver at 0.5 h after EHS compared with EXC, (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). In contrast, in tibialis anterior (TA) muscle, total STAT3 increased at 3 h (P < 0.05) but pSTAT3 (Tyr705) did not. Liver serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) increased at 3 and 24 h after EHS (P < 0.05), whereas plasma SAA1 increased only at 3 h (P < 0.05). SAA1 was not detected in TA muscle. In liver and plasma, fibrinogen decreased at 3 h (P < 0.01) and increased in TA muscle (P < 0.05). Lipocalin-2 was undetectable in liver or TA muscle. Recovery from EHS is characterized by a transient acute phase response in both liver and skeletal muscle. However, APP expression profiles and subtypes differ between skeletal muscle and liver.
Experience-dependent refinement of natural appetitive visual behavior in mice

Specific features of visual objects innately draw orienting and approach responses in animals, and provide natural signals of potential reward. In addition, the rapid refinement of innate approach responses enhances the ability of an animal to effectively and conditionally forage, capture prey or initiate a rewarding social experience. However, the neural mechanisms underlying how the brain encodes naturally appetitive stimuli and conditionally transforms stimuli into approach behavior remain unclear. As a first step towards this goal, we have developed a behavioral assay to quantify innate, visually-evoked approach behaviors in freely moving mice presented with simple, computer generated stimuli of varying sizes and speeds in the lower visual field. We found that specific combinations of stimulus features selectively evoked innate approach versus freezing behavioral responses. Surprisingly, we also discovered that prey capture experience selectively modified a range of visually-guided appetitive behaviors, including increasing the probability of approach and pursuit of moving stimuli, as well as altering those visual features that evoked approach. These findings will enable the use of sophisticated genetic strategies to uncover novel neural mechanisms underlying predictive coding, innate behavioral choice, and flexible, state-dependent processing of stimuli in the mouse visual system.
Resistance as Participation: Queer Theory’s Applications for HIV Health Technology Design

This article proposes resistance as a form of participation in user experience settings. It details a study to include people living with HIV in codesigning a health education technology, and it fo...
Trends of Prosthetic Joint Infection Organisms and Recurrence for a Single High-Volume Arthroplasty Surgeon Over 20 Years

Abstract Background Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a morbid complication following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). PJI diagnosis and treatment has changed over time, and patient co-management with a high-volume musculoskeletal infectious disease (MSK ID) specialist has been implemented at our institution in the last decade. Methods We retrospectively evaluated all consecutive TJA patients treated for PJI between 1995 and 2018 by a single high-volume revision TJA surgeon. Microbial identities, antibiotic resistance, prior PJI, and MSK ID consultation were investigated. Results In total, 261 PJI patients (median age 66 years, interquartile range 57-75) were treated. One-year and 5-year reinfection rates were 15.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.6-20.7) and 22.1% (95% CI 17.0-27.7), respectively. Microbial identities and antibiotic resistances did not change significantly over time. Despite seeing more prior PJI patients (53.3% vs 37.6%, P = .012), MSK ID-managed patients had similar infection rates as non-MSK ID-managed patients (hazard ratio [HR] 1.02, 95% CI 0.6-1.75, P = .93). Prior PJI was associated with higher reinfection risk (HR 2.39, 95% CI 1.39-4.12, P = .002) overall and in patients without MSK ID consultation, specifically (HR 2.78, 95% CI 1.37-5.65, P = .005). This risk was somewhat lower and did not reach significance in prior PJI patients with MSK ID consultation (HR 1.97, 95% CI 0.87-4.48, P = .106). Conclusion We noted minimal differences in microbial/antibiotic resistances for PJI over 20 years in a single institution, suggesting current standards of PJI treatment remain encouragingly valid in most cases. MSK ID involvement was not associated with lower reinfection risk overall; however, in patients with prior PJI, the risk of reinfection appeared to be somewhat lower with MSK ID involvement. Level of Evidence Level IV–Case Series.
Relativistic Equations for Fractional-Spin particles

This paper generalizes the method of deducing Dirac's equation to constructing a family of equations that represent the $N$-th root of the basic Energy-Momentum relation for a free particle \cite{Dattoli1, Dattoli2, Dattoli3, Dattoli4}. Then these equations are recast in a form that allows one to interpret them as the fundamental dynamical equations for particles with fractional spin, which we study in detail for the case of $N=4$ and $N=3$. We explicitly prove that the equation is invariant to rotations and boosts and indeed represents spin-$\frac{3}{8}$ and spin-$\frac{1}{8}$ particles for $N=4$ and spin-$\frac{1}{6}$ and $0$ for $N=3$.
Evolving Water Law and Management in the U.S.: Kansas

Situated in the geographical center of the country, Kansas is a state in the tier of states from the Dakotas to Texas that mark the transition from the humid East to the arid West. Elevation rises from under seven hundred feet above sea level in eastern Kansas to over four thousand feet in the west. Rivers generally run from the dry west to the wetter east. Western Kansas is underlain by the High Plains Aquifer, which extends its reach to several other states. Roughly one-third the state’s population resides in the two main population centers--the Kansas City-Lawrence-Topeka corridor in northeast Kansas and the Wichita-Salina area in central to south-central Kansas. This article focuses on the last fifty years of Kansas water allocation management. It excludes water quality and interstate issues. To understand this period and to place it in context, however, one must view the preceding period from statehood in 1861 to 1965. After briefly describing this earlier period, this article examines the fifty years from 1965 to 2015, and then concludes with some observations about the future.
Remembering the commons and reinvigorating them

First paragraph: The Routledge Handbook of Food as a Commons proposes a normative view of what food ought to be, in the process highlighting instances where and when that potential has been actualized. Food currently is an object to sell and extract pri­vate value rather than social sustenance. This book proposes that food be reconceptualized against its long liberal and recent neoliberal history as prop­erty, making a persistent argument about decom­modifying food in 24 detailed chapters. It is in re-commoning that the more than two dozen authors of the book—many of them leaders in their field—find better, alternative ideas about the right to food, global public good, food justice, and food sovereignty. They highlight how food as a com­mod­ity is currently characterized by its tradable features (appearance, calorie, price, packaging, purchasing power, taste, etc.), thereby denying its non-economic values. It asks two central questions: what would good policies look like if we build on the assumption that food should be the commons, and how do we get there?
First Course in Applied Behavior Analysis

A Word to the Student. Part I: Introduction. 1. The ABCs of Applied Behavior Analysis. 2. Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis. Part II: Increasing the Frequency of Behaviour. 3. Reinforcement. 4. Prompting and Fading. 5. Shaping and Chaining. Part III: Decreasing the Frequency of Behaviour. 6. Extinction and Differential Reinforcement. 7. Punishment. Part IV: Establishing Discriminations. 8. Discrimination Training. Part V: Generalization and Maintenance. 9. Generalization Training. 10. Maintenance Schedules and Training. Part VI: Modifying Respondent Behaviour. 11. Counterconditioning Procedures. Part VII: Ethics and the Future. 12. The Ethics of Behaviour Change and the Future of Behavior Analysis. Part VIII: Review. 13. Review and Sham Exam.
Regulatory roles of presenilin-1 and nicastrin in neuronal differentiation during in vitro neurogenesis.

Presenilin (PS) in association with nicastrin (NICA) forms a γ-secretase complex that plays a crucial role in facilitating intramembranous processing of Notch, a signaling receptor that is essential for neuronal fate specification and differentiation. Loss of function studies have implicated a role for PS1 in regulating neuronal differentiation in association with the down-regulation of Notch signaling during neurogenesis. By using a system for stable, as well as tetracycline-inducible expression of interfering RNAs (RNAi), we studied the functions of PS1 during neuronal differentiation in the murine pluripotent p19 embryonic carcinoma cell line. After retinoic acid (RA) treatment and in the absence of doxycycline, neuronal progenitor cells in the p19 clone were found to extend their processes towards the neighboring colony to form network-like connections, as revealed by neuron-specific microtubule-associated protein 2 staining and laser scanning confocal microscopy. However, doxycycline-induced expression of PS1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) in the p19 clone resulted in a severe defect in the formation of network-like connections. Expression of the NICA and Notch down-stream effector genes Hes1 and Hes5 was unaffected in p19 cells expressing doxycycline-induced PS1 siRNA. In contrast to PS1, constitutive inactivation of NICA by siRNA in p19 cells resulted in premature and partial differentiation without RA treatment. In these NICA siRNA-expressing p19 cells the expression of the Notch1 down-stream effector Hes1 gene was substantially reduced. After RA treatment the NICA siRNA clone failed to differentiate completely into networks of neurons. These results taken together provide direct evidence that PS1 and NICA may participate in neuronal differentiation during neurogenesis in vitro.
Cellular Automata Machines: A New Environment for Modeling

Recently, cellular automata machines with the size, speed, and flexibility for general experimentation at a moderate cost have become available to the scientific community. These machines provide a laboratory in which the ideas presented in this book can be tested and applied to the synthesis of a great variety of systems. Computer scientists and researchers interested in modeling and simulation as well as other scientists who do mathematical modeling will find this introduction to cellular automata and cellular automata machines (CAM) both useful and timely.Cellular automata are the computer scientist's counterpart to the physicist's concept of 'field' They provide natural models for many investigations in physics, combinatorial mathematics, and computer science that deal with systems extended in space and evolving in time according to local laws. A cellular automata machine is a computer optimized for the simulation of cellular automata. Its dedicated architecture allows it to run thousands of times faster than a general-purpose computer of comparable cost programmed to do the same task. In practical terms this permits intensive interactive experimentation and opens up new fields of research in distributed dynamics, including practical applications involving parallel computation and image processing.Contents: Introduction. Cellular Automata. The CAM Environment. A Live Demo. The Rules of the Game. Our First rules. Second-order Dynamics. The Laboratory. Neighbors and Neighborhood. Running. Particle Motion. The Margolus Neighborhood. Noisy Neighbors. Display and Analysis. Physical Modeling. Reversibility. Computing Machinery. Hydrodynamics. Statistical Mechanics. Other Applications. Imaging Processing. Rotations. Pattern Recognition. Multiple CAMS. Perspectives and Conclusions.Tommaso Toffoli and Norman Margolus are researchers at the Laboratory for Computer Science at MIT. Cellular Automata Machines is included in the Scientific Computation Series, edited by Dennis Cannon.
Hemodialysis in the Elderly: Vascular Access and Initiation of Renal Replacement Therapy

Elderly persons with kidney failure are faced with many important considerations. Factors contributing to the choice of vascular access are often related to issues that also affect the timing of initiation of dialysis. This article provides guidance in determining when elderly patients are likely to develop an increased risk for complications of chronic kidney failure and comorbid conditions, and should therefore assist clinicians in selecting optimal vascular access and in deciding when to advise patients to begin dialysis.
Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus: aflatoxigenic fungi of concern in foods and feeds: a review

Aspergillus flavus and the closely related subspecies parasiticus have long been recognized as major contaminants of organic and nonorganic items. A. flavus , a common soil fungus, can infest a wide range of agricultural products. Some A. flavus varieties produce aflatoxins, which are carcinogenic toxins that induce liver cancer in laboratory animals. A. flavus var. flavus , A. flavus subsp. parasiticus , and A. nomius share the ability to produce aflatoxins. Identification of the A. flavus species group is mainly based on the color and macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the fungus. A. flavus growth and aflatoxin biosynthesis depend on substrate, moisture, temperature, pH, aeration, and competing microflora. The growth of A. flavus and aflatoxin production are sometimes unavoidable. Aflatoxins are considered natural contaminants; the ideal control approach is prevention of mold growth and aflatoxin production. The detection of members of the A. flavus species group in foods and feed is generally carried out by using plate techniques such as surface spread or direct plating. Research on alternative fungal detection methods is still in its infancy. Few immunoassay techniques have been investigated in this regard. Aflatoxins are generally analyzed by chemical methods, although immunochemical methods which use antibodies are becoming common analytical tools for aflatoxins.
Root development in Arabidopsis: four mutants with dramatically altered root morphogenesis

A genetic analysis of root development in Arabidopsis thaliana has identified mutants that have abnormal morphogenesis. Four of these root morphogenesis mutants show dramatic alterations in post-embryonic root development. The short-root mutation results in a change from indeterminate to determinate root growth and the loss of internal root cell layers. The cobra and lion's tail mutations cause abnormal root cell expansion which is conditional upon the rate of root growth. Expansion is greatest in the epidermal cells in cobra and in the stele cells in lion's tail. The sabre mutation causes abnormal cell expansion that is greatest in the root cortex cell layer and is independent of the root growth rate. The tissue-specific effects of these mutations were characterized with monoclonal antibodies and a transgenic marker line. Genetic combinations of the four mutants have provided insight into the regulation of growth and cell shape during Arabidopsis root development.
Binding of Glucosyltransferase and Glucan Synthesis by Streptococcus mutans and Other Bacteria

Lyophilized and heat-treated cells from the seven serotypes of Streptococcus mutans were examined for their ability to bind added insoluble-product glucosyl-transferase (GTase) and to synthesize cell-associated glucan from [(14)C]sucrose. Lyophilized cells of serotypes a and g did not synthesize any more additional glucan than did the controls after exposure to GTase. These cells, however, synthesized four- to eightfold-greater quantities of glucan than did the cells of the remaining serotypes. Lyophilized cells of serotypes b, c, d, e, and f synthesized two- to threefold-greater quantities of glucan after exposure to GTase than did the controls without added enzyme. Lyophilized cells of serotypes a and g synthesized 6- to 10-fold-greater quantities of glucan than did heat-treated cells of the same strain after binding of GTase. Lyophilized cells of the remaining serotypes synthesized only 1.6- to 3.3-fold-greater quantities of glucan than did the heat-treated cells. These results demonstrate that heat treatment to inactivate cell-associated GTase does not create additional GTase binding sites in S. mutans and that serotypes a and g are considerably more active in cell-associated glucan synthesis than cells of the other five serotypes. Ten species of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria from five genera which do not produce in vitro plaque synthesized 10- to 100-fold-less glucan than did the S. mutans strains after exposure to GTase. Of these species, S. sanguis, Actinomyces viscosus, and A. naeslundii synthesized the largest quantities of glucan. Three mutant strains of S. mutans which possess a reduced ability for in vitro adherence but do agglutinate with glucan or dextran synthesized only one-third as much glucan after binding of GTase as the control. These results are discussed in relation to in vitro and in vivo plaque development and the agglutination of S. mutans. The results support earlier findings which indicate that the presence of bacterial species other than S. mutans in smooth-surface dental plaque is due in part to contact of the cells with glucan in the developing plaque and not to the binding of cell-free GTase and the in situ synthesis of glucan. The results obtained with these representative strains of the seven serotypes of S. mutans may not apply to the same extent to other strains within the serotypes.
Procedures for Estimating Standardized Regression Coefficients From Sample Data

This paper is concerned with the role played by the standardized regression coefficients in linear regression analysis. The linear regression model is reparameterized to explicitly contain standardized regression coefficients. Several estimators of these coefficients are considered. It is shown that the usual beta coefficient is a good estimator of the coefficients in the linear regression model with random predictor variables. However, in the linear regression model with nonstochastic predictors, alternative estimators are better than the usual beta coefficient. A sociological application is included in order to display the empirical behavior of the various estimators.
Splitter imperfections in annular split-flow thin separation channels: experimental study of nonspecific crossover.

The separation performance of a split-flow thin (SPLITT) separation device depends on uniformity of channel thickness and the precise placement of the flow splitters at fixed distances between the channel walls. The observation of nonspecific crossover, that is, the transport of sample materials across the channel thickness without the influence of an applied field, has routinely been taken to indicate the presence of irregularities in splitter shape or placement. Computational fluid dynamics software may be used to predict the influence of splitter imperfections on nonspecific crossover, where it is assumed that sample transport is by convection alone. A previous study has shown how small inlet splitter imperfections can account for the relatively low levels of nonspecific crossover observed with typical annular SPLITT devices. This study, however, could not distinguish between the possible sources of nonspecific crossover; hydrodynamic lift or shear-induced diffusion could have contributed. To confirm t...
New thin film permanent magnets

AbstractAn overview is provided of research on coupled hardsoft magnetic multilayers as model exchange-spring systems, with an emphasis on uncovering the fundamental magnetic reversal processes and the correlation between microstructure and magnetic properties. The goal is to illustrate the rich opportunities to understand and hopefully improve permanent magnets by utilising the principles of nanotechnology and the microscopic tools of the modern materials science.
Gaussian random eigenfunctions and spatial correlations in quantum dots.

We show that spatial correlations in wave functions of quantum dots, obtained earlier by averaging over a random potential via supermatrix techniques, can be computed with much less effort by making use of Berry's conjecture that the energy eigenfunctions in a quantized chaotic system are Gaussian random variables. Furthermore, in the case of a time-reversal invariant system, we find a greatly simplified (though equivalent) formula for these correlations. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Aromatic Photosubstitution Reactions for the Synthesis of 5-Aryl-2′-Deoxyuridines

Abstract The title compounds can be prepared by ultraviolet irradiation of solutions of 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine and aromatic compounds or 2′-deoxyuridine and haloaromatic derivatives.
New Coniopterygidae from Central America

Two new species of Coniopterygidae (Neuroptera) are described and new distribution records are given for 2 previously described species, as follows: Coniopteryx freytagorum n. sp. (Honduras), C. cyphodera n. sp. (Canal Zone), C. isthmicola Meinander (Honduras and Mexico), and C. fumicolor Meinander (Canal Zone).
Interfacial Debonding and Stress Field Analysis on a Single Fiber Composite Using FEM

Fiber debonding in a bundled fiber reinforced polymer composite is investigated by using finite element method and cohesive zone model. Fiber and matrix are modeled as isotropic and linear elastic materials. Fiber/matrix interface is represented by a cohesive zone model governed by the traction-separation law. Effects of interfacial strength on interfacial debonding and stress field in the bundled fiber composite are examined. The stress field of the debonding composite is compared to that of perfectly bonded composite.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Recruitment to American Lobster Populations Along an Estuarine Gradient

This study evaluates patterns in the distribution and abundance of newly recruited (young-of-the-year) and older American lobster (Homarus americanus Milne Edwards) along a 22 km length of the Narragansett Bay estuary, Rhode Island, with particular attention to substratum associations. This not only represents the first assessment of benthic recruitment of this species along an estuary, but it is also the first study of lobster recruitment in southern New England. Censuses were conducted by divers in a substratum-specific manner. in cobble-boulder habitat, with the aid of a diver-operated suction sampler, I found newly recruited (5–10 mm carapace length) lobsters to be most abundant on the open coast, with numbers diminishing to zero in the upper bay. Visual censuses of older lobsters in the same habitat revealed a similar pattern. On featureless sedimentary habitats new recruits were absent and lobster densities were at least two orders of magnitude lower than in rocky habitats. In Narragansett Bay, rocky habitats comprise a small proportion of the bottom. The availability of such habitats, the relative importance of larval supply and potential physiological stress in limiting recruitment up-bay remain unclear.
Demographic discriminators of service quality in the banking industry

Service quality continues to be a significant issue in the banking industry. Because money and other financial services are generally undifferentiated products, banks are continually striving for increased service quality in order to achieve and maintain a competitive edge. Critical to the improvement of service quality is the determination of those service quality characteristics considered important by consumers. Moreover, it is necessary to understand which of those elements of service quality are more important to different groups of customers. Reports a study that identifies distinct elements of bank service quality and ascertains which of those elements are most important to different demographic groups.
Genetic control of the immune response of mice to type III pneumococcal polysaccharide.

Abstract BALBc mice immunized with Type III pneumococcal polysaccharide (SIII) had higher numbers of IgM plaque-forming cells (PFC) in the spleen than similarly immunized C57BL/Ks mice. The F 1 hybrids of these two strains had intermediate numbers of SIII-specific PFC. Analysis of the responses of F 2 and backcross strains indicated that the observed responses were compatible with results expected for control of the immune response to SIII at a single autosomal locus.
Future Directions in Electronic Computing and Information Processing

We are facing a slowing down of the evolution of microprocessor performance. This is part of a more general slowing down which is indicated by, among others, the fact that IBM has recently given up its PC market. By applying the principles of physics, we discuss some characteristic features of the current situation and consider if some exotic new technologies such as nanoelectronics or quantum computing would be able to save us from this slowdown.
Molecular Self-Assembly of TiO2/Polymer Nanocomposite Films

Multilayer ultrathin films composed of titanium dioxide nanosized particles and ionic polystyrene molecules have been fabricated on single-crystal silicon, quartz, and glass substrates by a novel molecular self-assembly process. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicates that the formed cationic TiO2 particles adsorb only on negatively charged and not on positively charged surfaces. Contact angle measurements demonstrate that the water contact angle oscillates regularly in accordance with which molecules form the outermost layer of the films. A molecular-level ordered transparent film, up to 120 layers (60 bilayers) in thickness, has been obtained and characterized by UV−vis spectroscopy. It is also demonstrated that film transmission in the UV light range decreases progressively with an increasing number of the bilayers and negligible attenuation in the visible range.
SEDRULE: a rule-based system for interpreting some major sedimentary environments

Abstract SEDRULE is a simple expert system for identification of major sedimentary environments from good outcrops. Although rudimentary, the program, written in muLISP, illustrates the forward-chaining search method. Initially designed as a teaching aid for the novice field sedimentologist, it also can be used to teach some basic principles of LISP programming within sedimentology. Furthermore, this program helps analyze the basic tenets of interpreting depositional environments, thereby helping to examine expert reasoning, which is a goal of AI research. Finally, the program expands its knowledge base as the student's own abilities grow, so it provides a lifelong tool for field work.
Progressive EPR imaging with adaptive projection acquisition

Continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI) of living biological systems requires rapid acquisition and visualization of free radical images. In the commonly used multiple-stage back-projection image reconstruction algorithm, the EPR image cannot be reconstructed until a complete set of projections is collected. If the data acquisition is incomplete, the previously acquired incomplete data set is no longer useful. In this work, a 3-dimensional progressive EPRI technique was implemented based on inverse Radon transform in which a 3-dimensional EPR image is acquired and reconstructed gradually from low resolution to high resolution. An adaptive data acquisition strategy is proposed to determine the significance of projections and acquire them in an order from the most significant to the least significant. The image acquisition can be terminated at any time if further collection of projections does not improve the image resolution distinctly, providing flexibility to trade image quality with imaging time. The progressive imaging technique was validated using computer simulations as well as imaging experiments. The adaptive acquisition uses 50–70% less projections as compared to the regular acquisition. In conclusion, adaptive data acquisition with progressive image reconstruction should be very useful for the accelerated acquisition and visualization of free radical distribution.
1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic study of oxidation of D,L-cystine and 3,3′-dithiobis(propionic acid) with hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution

The oxidation of symmetrical disulfides [D,L-cystine (1) and 3,3′-dithiobis(propionic acid) (2)] with hydrogen peroxide in D2O–NaOH solution (pH 10–11) was studied by NMR spectroscopy. Assignments of the proton and carbon NMR signals of starting materials (1 and 2) and products of oxidation are based on conventional 1D NMR methods (DEPT, selective spin decoupling). Formation of C—S bond cleavage products or, in case of 2, partially oxidized intermediates was not detected. The accelerating effect of Cu2+ cations, but not Fe3+ cations, on the oxidation rate of 1 in basic medium was demonstrated. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in the Pediatric Population

ABSTRACT Background: The experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children trails the adult numbers and remains underreported. Therefore, we reviewed our experience with this approach. Methods: A retrospective review of our most recent 6-year experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Children's Mercy Hospital (Kansas City, MO) between September 5, 2000, and June 1, 2006, was performed. Data points reviewed included patient demographics, indication for operation, operative time, complications, and recovery. Results: During the study period, 224 patients underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The mean age was 12.9 years (range, 0–21) with a mean weight of 58.3 kg (range, 3–121). Indications for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were symptomatic gallstones in 166 children, biliary dyskinesia in 35, gallstone pancreatitis in 7, gallstones and an indication for splenectomy in 6, calculous cholecystitis in 5, choledocholithiasis in 1, gallbladder polyps in 1, acalculous cholecystitis in 1, and congen...
Parallel Load Schedule Optimization With Renewable Distributed Generators in Smart Grids

We propose a framework for demand response in smart grids that integrates renewable distributed generators (DGs). In this model, some users have DGs and can generate part of their electricity. They can also sell extra generation to the utility company. The goal is to optimize the load schedule of users to minimize the utility company's cost and user payments, while considering user satisfaction. We employ a parallel autonomous optimization scheme, where each user requires only the knowledge of the aggregated load of other users, instead of the load profiles of individual users. All the users can execute distributed optimization simultaneously. The distributed optimization is coordinated through a soft constraint on changes of load schedules between iterations. Numerical examples show that our method can significantly reduce the peak-hour load and costs to the utility and users. Since the autonomous user optimization is executed in parallel, our method also significantly decreases the computation time and communication costs.
Extended Network Thiocyanate- and Tetracyanoethanide-Based First-Row Transition Metal Complexes

Linear chain thiocyanate complexes of M(NCS)2(OCMe2)2 (M = Fe, Mn, Cr) composition have been prepared and structurally, chemically, and magnetically characterized. Fe(NCS)2(OCMe2)2 exhibits metamagnetic-like behavior, and orders as an antiferromagnet at 6 K. The Mn and Cr compounds are antiferromagnets with Tc of 30 and 50 K, respectively, with J/kB = −3.5 (−2.4 cm–1) and −9.9 K (−6.9 cm–1), respectively, when fit to one-dimensional (1-D) Fisher chain model (H = −2JSi·Sj). Co(NCS)2 was prepared by a new synthetic route, and powder diffraction was used to determine its structure to be a two-dimensional (2-D) layer with μN,S,S-NCS motif, and it is an antiferromagnet (Tc = 22 K; θ = −33 K for T > 25 K). M(NCS)2(OCMe2)2 (M = Fe, Mn) and Co(NCS)2 react with (NBu4)(TCNE) in dichloromethane to form M(TCNE)[C4(CN)8]1/2, and in acetone to form M[C4(CN)8](OCMe2)2 (M = Fe, Mn, Co). These materials possess μ4-[C4(CN)8]2– that form 2-D layered structural motifs, which exhibit weak antiferromagnetic coupling. Co(TCNE)[...
Invited Paper Radiation-Hardened Optoelectronic Components: Sources

The rapidly expanding field of optoelectronics includes a wide variety of both military and non-military applications in which the systems must meet radiation exposure requirements. Herein, we review the work on radiation effects on sources for such optoelectronic systems. It will be shown that the principal problem is permanent damage-induced light output degradation.
Thin solution multiple layer epitaxy

Abstract A multiple layer liquid phase epitaxial technique is described. The method utilizes thin solutions to achieve epitaxial layers in the thickness range of one micrometer which are uniform over relatively large areas. Some results for the growth of (AlGa)As on GaAs and GaAs on GaP are presented.
Comparing complications of esophagectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy and potential impact on hospital systems utilizing the accordion severity grading system

The formalized assessment of surgical outcomes can be a straightforward process when assessing certain parameters such as operative time, length of hospital stay, and mortality. Although complications are typically reported, the opportunity to specifically compare morbidity between centers and individual operations is impaired by the lack of standardized criteria defining complications associated with surgical procedures. Various assessments have demonstrated that surgical complications will have measureable impact on mortality, length of stay (LOS), survival, and costs. However, the lack of a standardized system or “gold standard” for assessing the incidence and impact of complications remains a significant problem in interpreting the surgical literature. Esophagectomy (EG) and pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) have been historically identified as more complex procedures associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality. This issue has resulted in increased scrutiny of these procedures by independent agencies such as the Leapfrog group (www.leapfroggroup.org). In spite of the fact that there is no general consensus regarding the specific definition of surgical complications, the Accordion Severity Grading System (ASGS) provides a framework for complication assessment which is based on grading the complexity of therapy for the complication rather than just the occurrence of complications associated with a surgical procedure. In 1992, Clavien et al. presented such a system (T92). The system has evolved and has seen increasing acceptance and application over time. The ASGS grades the complexity of treatment required for a complication providing a system which minimizes subjective interpretation and grades complications due to standardized criteria. The current study analyzed two large, single-institution, surgical experiences with EG and PD and applied the ASGS retrospectively to assess the impact on hospital resources by the complications associated with these two operations. Could ASGS be used retrospectively? ASGS scores were also compared to more standardized outcome measures such as length of stay, overall morbidity, and mortality.
Spike-Based MAX Networks for Nonlinear Pooling in Hierarchical Vision Processing

Complex cells in the visual cortex utilize a maximum (MAX) operation to pool the outputs of simple cells to achieve feature specificity and invariance. We demonstrate a biologically-plausible MAX network for nonlinear pooling in hardware, using a reconfigurable multichip address event representation based VLSI system. With this implementation we have shown that we can implement simple and advanced stages of visual processing on the same chip and are one step closer to constructing an autonomous, continuous-time, biologically- plausible hierarchical model of visual information processing using large-scale arrays of identical silicon neurons.
Correlation between Earth-Current and Geomagnetic Disturbance

THE relation between earth-current and magnetic activity is generally known, but we have not noted any quantitative data in the form of correlation coefficients.
Municipal Decline and Inequality in American Suburban Rings, 1960–1980

BOLLENS S. A. (1988) Municipal decline and inequality in American suburban rings, 1960–1980, Reg. Studies 22, 277–285. The incidence of income-troubled suburbs in the United States has remained steady over the last two decades, with approximately one of seven suburban cities having lower median family income levels than the central city benchmark. Low suburban income levels are not simply due to spillover of low income residents from the central city, but also are a function of the filtering down of relatively older housing stock in outer fringe suburban municipalities. The Burgess model is inconsistent with the pattern of suburban income levels nationally, but the model has utility as a predictor of income level change. Income troubled suburbs in the outer fringe areas of older metropolitan areas are not significantly improving in status as selective suburbanization of high income residents bypasses these cities of industrial and minority concentrations. BOLLENS S. A. (1988) Le dceclin des municipalites ...
A Longitudinal Study of Laterality Expression and Teacher Evaluation of Elementary School Children.

A three-year longitudinal study conducted to assess the incidence of mixed laterality in elementary school children showed 37 percent of the 82 subjects followed had mixed laterality, with a higher rate for black subjects (45 percent), although this was not found to be statistically significant. There was a shift in laterality expression in 8 percent of the subjects over three years. A Teacher Rating Scale designed to evaluate perceptual motor levels and academic achievement was developed. No statistically significant relationship was found between mixed laterality and the variables of sex, race, age, and grade. Teacher rating showed a lower mean score for black subjects than for white subjects; however, as most of the black subjects were enrolled in one of the three schools participating in the study, other factors may have accounted for the lower teacher rating.
The Arabidopsis Profilin Gene Family (Evidence for an Ancient Split between Constitutive and Pollen-Specific Profilin Genes)

Profilin is a ubiquitous eukaryotic protein that regulates the actin cytoskeleton and recently has been identified as a potent allergen in pollen. We examined the profilin gene family in the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, and found that it contained approximately 8 to 10 members. Four distinct profilin sequences, three cDNAs, PRF1, PRF2, and PRF3, and two genomic clones, PRF1 and PRF4, were isolated and characterized. These genes encoded four distinct profilin isoforms of 131 to 134 amino acids. Northern and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analyses demonstrated that Arabidopsis PRF1 was expressed in all major plant organs, whereas PRF4 was specifically expressed in mature pollen. Gene trees constructed from amino acid sequence data revealed the presence of two ancient, distinct profilin gene classes in plants. PRF4 was in a class with previously identified pollen-specific profilins from monocot and dicot species. PRF1, PRF2, PRF3, and a distant dicot sequence formed a separate novel class, suggesting an ancient separation of plant profilins based on regulation and perhaps function. The coevolution of plant actin and profilin classes with similar patterns of expression is discussed. The similarity of plant, fungal, protist, insect, and nematode profilins and their extreme divergence from the vertebrate profilins has striking implications for the evolution of fungal-spore- and plant-pollen-profilins as allergens.
The disposition of membrane polypeptides in stored blood

Abstract Major polypeptides in the plasma membrane of human erythrocytes appear to undergo few if any spatial or conformational changes relative to each other during storage of blood under blood bank conditions. Membrane-bound glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase is an exception. It ceases to undergo cross-linking reactions mediated by low levels of gluteraldehyde after 21 days of storage.
The management of managers: Disputing in an executive hierarchy

This paper focuses on the relationship between organizational rank and respectability and the way top managers handle their interpersonal grievances, conflicts, and disputes in an executive hierarchy. Formal grievance procedures are rarely used. Downward grievances (from a superior to a subordinate) are often settled unilaterally by the superior. Upward grievances are typically handled covertly by subordinates. Titular equals opt for a range of covert and confrontational tactics, many of which evolve into disputes and are settled by a common superior. Respectability within the executive ranks appears to enhance the ability of superiors to impose outcomes on grievances, conflicts, and disputes between and within subordinates, to decrease the hostility of upward grievances, and to decrease vulnerability of subordinates to sanctions by their superiors.
Assessing Generalization and the Single-Subject Strategies

Single-subject designs are useful tools to aid in the evaluation of the effectiveness of a treatment intervention. Unfortunately, within the single-subject strategy there can arise a question as to what is demonstrated-treatment control or a lack of generalization (transfer)? Toward the resolution of such an issue, both stimulus and response generalization are examined for several single-subject designs. It is suggested that the assessment of certain types of generalization for certain designs would not contradict a demonstration of treatment control. Such nonproblematic tests for generalization are suggested as a worthwhile addition to our evaluative armamentarium, and a methodology to conduct "generalization tests" is outlined.
Effects of an Escherichia coli ilvA Mutant Gene Encoding Feedback-resistant Threonine Deaminase on l-Isoleucine Production by Brevibacterium flavum†

A mutated ilvA gene of Escherichia coli encoding a threonine deaminase that is resistant to feedback inhibition by L-isoleucine was obtained. It was functional in Brevibacterium flavum, and a wild strain of B. flavum into which it was introduced became able to convert exogeneous L-homoserine and L-threonine to L-isoleucine. When it was introduced into a L-threonine-producing B. flavum strain, the transformant accumulated 20 g/liter L-isoleucine from 100 g/liter glucose.
Studies on hydroxyethylpolyvinyl alcohol

Hydroxyethylated polyvinyl alcohols (HEPVA's) containing 12, 19, and 35% combined ethylene oxide were prepared by a heterogeneous reaction between dry polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and liquid ethylene oxide. Another sample containing 18% was prepared by a more nearly homogeneous reaction in the presence of water. These derivatives may be analyzed satisfactorily by the modified zeisel method of Morgan. The properties of the HEPVA's are briefly described. Reaction of HEPVA with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride showed that secondary hydroxyls were tosylated along with the primary and that the two reactions cannot be separated kinetically. This method, useful in estimating the primary hydroxyl content of hydroxyethylcellulose, cannot be applied to HEPVA. The stability of the tosylates indicated, however, that in derivatives containing up to 35% combined C2H4O2ca. 1/2 ethylene oxide per vinyl alcohol unit, no polyethylene glycol chains were present and all combined ethylene oxide existed as individual hydroxyethyl groups distributed along the PVA backbone. Introduction of ethylene oxide into PVA increased the reactivity of residual secondary hydroxyls toward chemical reagents by destroying the normal high degree of hydrogen bonding and making adjacent domains more accessible for reaction. Very noticeable differences in properties were observed between HEPVA's prepared under differing conditions of heterogeneity. Two such polymers of similar ethylene oxide content showed quite different extents of reactions, susceptibility toward swelling agents, and x-ray diffraction diagrams. These differences are attributed to a more random distribution of hydroxyethyl groups along the PVA backbone in the product of the more homogeneous reaction which leads to a more disordered system.