cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CELLULAR SOURCE AND CHARACTER OF A HEAT-STABLE BACTERICIDAL PROPERTY ASSOCIATED WITH RABBIT AND RAT PLATELETS

Rabbit and rat platelets contain two non-dialyzable components (analogous to Myrvik's components 1 and 2 of serum) which, together with bicarbonate ions, produce a potent bactericidin for B. subtilis. These platelet factors appear to be identical with the serum bactericidal substances, suggesting that disruption of platelets during blood coagulation releases the platelet factors into serum. Normal human platelets contain no measurable component 1 or 2. Since bovine serum contains component 2 but little or no component 1, estimation of the concentration of component 1 in sera or platelet suspensions of other species can be made by diluting the materials to be tested in bovine serum. The level at which a bactericidal effect is lost represents the end-point of the titration of component 1. Rabbit serum has a high concentration of component 1 and a lower concentration of component 2. It can be diluted to a point at which bactericidal activity is lost, owing to a depletion of component 2, but at which component 1 is still present in effective concentration. At this point the addition of another serum or a platelet homogenate causes a restoration of the bactericidal activity and permits an estimate of the concentration of component 2 in the added material.
Altered rat skeletal muscle carnitine with age and after denervation.

We investigated the effect of denervation on the concentration of total, free, and acyl carnitine in the soleus (S), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and anterior tibial (AT) muscles of the rat. Soon after denervation there was a marked decrease in total carnitine in all three muscles. Acyl carnitine levels decreased concomitantly with changes in total carnitine. In control but not in denervated muscle, the carnitine concentration was age-dependent during the period of rapid growth of the animals. The highest carnitine concentration was observed at 14 weeks of age. The results of this study suggest that normal innervation significantly influences carnitine-mediated lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle.
Educating the Next Generation of Mobile Game Developers

Mobile gaming is one of the fastest growing segments in the video game industry. Through a partnership between Motorola Laboratories and GamePipe Laboratory at the University of Southern California, we are exploring Linux's capabilities for mobile gaming and to provide developers with an alternative to what is predominantly a Java-based medium. Moving beyond Java lets game developers fully leverage the hardware advances and software capabilities of high-end smart phones
Dispersion of Plasma Dust Acoustic Waves in the Strong-Coupling Regime

Low-frequency compressional waves were observed in a suspension of strongly coupled $9.4\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ spheres in an rf Kr plasma. Both parts of the complex wave number were measured to determine the dispersion relation, which agreed with a theoretical model of damped dust acoustic waves, ignoring strong coupling, but not with a strongly coupled dust-lattice wave model. The results yield experimental values for the dust plasma frequency, charge, Debye length, and damping rate, and support the applicability of fluid-based dispersion relations to strongly coupled dusty plasmas, which has been a controversy.
The New Octanuclear Europium Cluster Eu8(DMF)13(μ4-O)(μ3-OH) 12(Se3)(Se4)2(Se5) 2 Comprising Oxo, Hydroxo, and Polyselenido Ligands

The octanuclear Eu cluster Eu8(DMF)13(μ4-O)(μ3-OH)12(Se3)(Se4)2(Se5)2 has been synthesized by the reaction of EuCl3 (dissolved in tetrahydrofuran) with a polyselenide solution in dimethylformamide (DMF). Its structure (shown without the DMF molecules) comprises a triangulated dodecahedral Eu8 core centered by a μ4-O and face capped by 12 hydroxo groups. Five bidentate polyselenide chains and 13 DMF molecules complete the coordination spheres of the Eu atoms.
FDG PET of the retroperitoneum: normal anatomy, variants, pathologic conditions, and strategies to avoid diagnostic pitfalls.

Evaluation of the retroperitoneum is important to assess the extent of retroperitoneal malignancies and because the retroperitoneum is a route of nodal spread for other malignancies. Positron emission tomography (PET) with 2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) allows detection of small malignant nodes not identified or not meeting size criteria for malignancy with computed tomography (CT) and tumor recurrences in surgical beds that are otherwise difficult to assess. However, evaluation of retroperitoneal malignancies or adenopathy with FDG PET can be complicated by urinary and colonic activity or anatomic variants. Urinary artifacts are avoided with intravenous hydration, administration of furosemide, and catheterization and retrograde filling of the bladder with saline solution. Colonic artifacts are avoided by cleansing the bowel with an isosmotic solution. FDG PET is useful in assessing the retroperitoneum for adenopathy in malignancies such as testicular cancer; lymphoma; and rectal ovarian, o...
Detecting Action Potentials in Neuronal Populations with Calcium Imaging

The study of neural circuits requires methods for simultaneously recording the activity of populations of neurons. Here, using calcium imaging of neocortical brain slices we take advantage of the ubiquitous distribution of calcium channels in neurons to develop a method to reconstruct the action potentials occurring in a population of neurons. Combining calcium imaging with whole-cell or perforated patch recordings from neurons loaded with acetoxymethyl ester or potassium salt forms of calcium indicators, we demonstrate that each action potential produces a stereotyped calcium transient in the somata of pyramidal neurons. These signals are detectable without averaging, and the signal-to-noise is sufficient to carry out a reconstruction of the spiking pattern of hundreds of neurons, up to relatively high firing frequencies. This technique could in principle be applied systematically to follow the activity of neuronal populations in vitro and in vivo.
Multiframe image restoration with the 2D4 algorithm

We describe a new algorithm for combining multiple low-resolution images to obtain a high-resolution object estimate. Each camera is treated as a communication channel and we exploit sub-pixel shifts to achieve significant resolution enhancement. The 2D4 algorithm is an iterative likelihood-based method that is computationally less expensive than the two-dimensional Viterbi algorithm. In this paper, we modify the 2D4 algorithm and apply it to the multiframe image restoration problem. We demonstrate the reconstruction of a high-resolution scene from multiple blurred, noisy, and shifted low-resolution image measurements. We discuss the modifications and approximations to the 2D4 algorithm that are required to reduce its complexity for this application. We present the performance of this algorithm and compare it with the performance of Iterative Back Projection and optimal linear methods.
Comparison of protection by L-ascorbic acid, L-cysteine, and adrenergic-blocking agents against acetaldehyde, acrolein, and formaldehyde toxicity: implications in smoking.

Acrolein and formaldehyde, as well as acetaldehyde, are currently regarded as important toxicants in cigarette smoke. In this study with rats, previously-reported protectants against acetaldehyde were tested for their effectivity as protectants against acrolein and formaldehyde. As with acetaldehyde, pretreatment with high oral doses ofl-ascorbic acid,l-cysteine, and a combination of these protectants in reduced amounts with thiamin gave a high degree of protection against lethal doses of acrolein. Survivors after 72 hours were in the 90% range compared to survivors of pretreated saline controls in the 5% range. With equimolar doses of adrenergic-blocking agents, protection against acrolein after 72 hours was greater with an alpha-blocker, e.g. phenoxybenzamine (60% survivors), than with a betablocker, e.g. propranol l (15% survivors). Protection withl-ascrobic acid was dose-related and also additive with the adrenergic-blocking agents. With above protectants, protection against acrolein was as good, if not better, than against acetaldehyde. Protection against formaldehyde after 72 hours was only partial, being highest forl-ascorbic acid (55% survivors) compared to saline controls (5% survivors). Less effective against formaldehyde werel-cysteine (20% survivors) and phenoxybenzamine (15% survivors). Propranolol gave no protection against formaldehyde. It is speculated that in vivo protection byl-ascorbic acid andl-cysteine could occurdirectly by detoxification of the aldehyde toxicants orindirectly by normalizing the synthesis or release of tissue catecholamines abnormally altered by the aldehyde toxicants. Further animal experimentation is necessary before any extrapolation of these findings for human use can be considered.
Body Mass and Size in Female Deer Mice, Peromyscus maniculatus, as a Function of Time Since Breeding

Body masses of 16 littermate pairs of female deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus , were compared at six points before and after either pairing and breeding with a male or pairing with a female. Females that produced three litters were significantly heavier than littermates paired with females for as long as 4 months after separation. In addition, a significant effect on length of body was found at autopsy. In studies of body size, it is important to consider not only current breeding status, but also recent breeding activity.
Qualitative Exploration of Acculturation and Life‐Span Issues of Elderly Asian Americans

Awareness of aging issues across diverse populations begins the journey toward counselors becoming culturally competent across client life spans. Understanding the life-span experiences of cultural groups is important for helping professionals. The purpose of this research was to gain insight into the qualitative experiences of Asian American elders. The authors conducted semistructured interviews with 8 participants between September 2010 and March 2011 and analyzed the data using the Consensual Qualitative Research method. Findings indicate unique patterns in life-span development with this population.
Sensitivity, uncertainty, and decision analyses in the prioritization of research

The evaluation of hazards from complex, large scale, technologically advanced systems often requires the construction of computer implemented mathematical models. These models are used to evaluate the safety of the systems and to evaluate the consequences of modifications to the systems. These evaluations, however, are normally surrounded by significant uncertainties related to the uncertainty inherent in natural phenomena such as the weather and those related to uncertainties in the parameters and models used in the evaluation. Another use of these models is to evaluate strategies for improving information used in the modeling process itself. While sensitivity analysis is useful in defining variables in the model that are important, uncertainty analysis provides a tool for assessing the importance of uncertainty about these variables. A third complementary technique, is decision analysis. It provides a methodology for explicitly evaluating and ranking potential improvements to the model. Its use in the d...
Nonlinear phenomena in the propagation of zero sound in 3HeB

Abstract We have investigated the nonlinear features of the propagation of zero sound pulses near a collective mode attenuation peak in 3HeB. These include an amplitude dependence of the attenuation, group velocity and pulse shape. We suggest, that above a threshold excitation level the sound pulse propagates as a soliton.
Some statistical properties of certain geophysical transport equations

A previously noted analogy between certain transport equations and the heat conductivity equation is further analyzed. It is shown thatPrigogine's nonequilibrium formalism can be directly applied to statistical processes where there is a non-negative constant of the motion. If the total mass (of contaminant, tracer etc.) contained in a fluctuating system is taken as such a constant of the motion, a statistical theory of the corresponding transport process is obtained.
Oscillator Strengths for S I, S II, and S III

A series of calculations for atomic data of various sulfur and oxygen ions is examined. Recent observations of the Io plasma torus obtained with the Voyager UV Spectrometer, the IUE satellite short wavelength spectrograph, and the rocket-borne faint object telescope are discussed. The calculation of oscillator strengths for S II, the P I sequence, S I, and S III in terms of configuration interaction effects is described. The derivation of orbital wave functions is considered. The use of the close coupling method to estimate collision strengths is studied. The accuracy of these calculations depends on: (1) the number of states used in the close coupling expansion; (2) resonance contributions to the thermally averaged collision strength; and (3) the quality of the target state wave functions. Tables of the derived oscillator strengths are presented.
Why are ferroelectric polymers difficult to find — and difficult to verify

The field of electrets encompasses a wide range of materials that maintain an external electric field due to alignment of internal electric dipoles or trapped charge, or both. Polymers incorporating molecular dipoles constitute an important class of electrets, and so it is fitting that we consider the conditions under which such a polymer can also be considered a ferroelectric. This paper discusses the relationship of ferroelectric polymer properties and their molecular structure.
Gaps, Silences and Comfort Zones: Dominant Paradigms in Educational Drama and Applied Theatre Discourse.

This article explores prevailing rhetoric in published scholarship in the field of educational drama and applied theatre, responding to O'Toole's call to investigate if researchers in the field are ‘missing something vital by staying in our comfort zones’. He noted a ‘serious need for more usable, broad-based, and reliable base-line data to use for policy change and as starters for our research’ after reviewing the abstracts of the 86 sessions presented at the International Drama in Education Research Institute (IDIERI) 2009. To explore if his findings were a microcosm of broader trends in the field, we reviewed over 400 peer-reviewed, English-language articles published over the last decade that addressed applied theatre or drama education. We asked the following: (1) What research methods do authors utilise to conduct their studies? (2) What types of results do these studies report? (3) Do scholars based in certain geographic regions influence the field's discourse disproportionately? We share the data ...
Gene Therapy for Heart Failure: Where Do We Stand?

Advances in understanding of the molecular basis of myocardial dysfunction, together with the development of increasingly efficient gene transfer technology, has placed heart failure within reach of gene-based therapy. Multiple components of cardiac contractility, including the Beta-adrenergic system, the calcium channel cycling pathway, and cytokine mediated cell proliferation, have been identified as appropriate targets for gene therapy. The development of efficient and safe vectors such as adeno-associated viruses and polymer nanoparticles has provided an opportunity for clinical application for gene therapy. The recent successful and safe completion of a phase 2 trial targeting the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase pump (SERCA2a) has the potential to open a new era for gene therapy in the treatment of heart failure.
Inherent robustness of MRAC schemes

A standard model reference adaptive control (MRAC) scheme without modification of the adaptive law is inherently robust with respect to L∞ ∩ L2 disturbances in the sense that all closed-loop signals remain bounded and the tracking error belongs to L∞ ∩ L2. A MRAC scheme with a new adaptive law is inherently robust with respect to the disturbances in L∞ ∩ L1+α, 0 < α < ∞, with an L1+β tracking error, for β = max{α, sol1α }, α ⪖ α.
Flow Field Analysis of Dielectrophoretically-Suspended Particles

Understanding the fluid dynamics around a particle in suspension is important for a complete investigation of many hydrodynamic phenomena, including microfluidic models. A novel tool that has been used to analyze fluid velocity fields in microfluidics is micro-resolution particle image velocimetry (μPIV) [1]. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a technique that can translate and trap particles by induced polarization in the presence of nonuniform electric fields. In this paper, DEP has been used to capture and suspend a single 10.1μm diameter spherical particle in a microfluidic channel. μPIV is then used with smaller tracer particles (0.5μm) to investigate the hydrodynamics of fluid flow past the trapped particle.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
A low cost method for testing integrated RF substrates

In this paper, a novel low-cost method for testing embedded passive filters in integrated radio frequency (RF) substrates is introduced. The introduced test method does not require external test stimulus and enables testing of these embedded RF passive circuits without vector network analyzer (VNA). The core principle of the proposed test method relies on including the passive filter through substrate surface probes into the feedback network of an external amplifier circuit located on the probe card, thereby causing the amplifier to oscillate. Failures in an embedded RF filter are detected by measuring changes in the oscillation frequency of the amplifier circuit. Hence, the test setup cost reduces. The introduced test method is demonstrated with both simulations and measurements. In addition, wafer-level testing of embedded RF passive circuits is also illustrated.
Concept and significance of a dimensionless sensitivity matrix in applications of generalized least-squares analysis

Abstract The concept of a dimensionless sensitivity matrix is introduced. It is shown how this matrix can be used effectively to select specific measurements which will impact most significantly on the refinement, by generalized least-squares analysis, of prior knowledge of physical parameters employed in representing measurable quantities. Examples are presented to illustrate this approach.
Optimization of OH coil spiral topology

Abstract The central solenoid of the Compact Ignition Tokamak (CIT) must produce magnetic fields as high as 20 Tesla during a pulse. Axisymmetric analyses of the solenoid indicate the stresses experienced by the innermost turns at this field are approximately 400 MPa. As the real solenoid is constructed from thick-turn, asymmetric pancakes, and as departure from axisymmetry produces stresses above the axisymmetric levels, it is important to design the individual pancakes so that peak stresses are minimized. In this paper, an optimum transition region topology between circular turns is derived analytically to minimize peak stresses. The method employed is a variational technique which yields a first-order differential equation describing the topology as a function of transition angle and radial offset. A best transition angle is then determined on the basis of current requirements and stress levels. Results from the analytical treatment are compared to results obtained from finite element analyses.
7Be, 10Be, and 36Cl in precipitation

Abstract We have measured the cosmogenic radionuclides 7 Be, 10 Be, and 36 Cl in mid-latitude precipitation collected in West Lafayette, IN. In the period April 18, 1992 to August 31, 1993, 350 samples were collected. A series of samples was collected through each precipitation event with 3 mm resolution. The 7 Be/ 36 Cl and 10 Be/ 36 Cl ratios vary by as much as a factor of 60 with a mean 10 Be/ 36 Cl ratio of 9.1. 7 Be, 10 Be, and 36 Cl concentrations through a single event are correlated and typically decrease from high values at the beginning of an event to lower values at the end. Mean concentrations of 7 Be, 10 Be, and 36 Cl are 1.4 × 10 7 , 1.8 × 10 7 , and 0.2 × 10 7 atoms/l.
Hip Arthroscopy Assessment Tools and Outcomes

The traditional focus on hip pathology has been the older, less-active patient with hip osteoarthritis. Subsequently, hip outcome tools focused on assessing the pain and function of these patients before and after total hip arthroplasty. Magnetic resonance arthrography, hip arthroscopy offering less-morbid surgical options, and a focus on the younger, more athletic patient with nonarthritic hip pain have generated a need for patient-reported hip outcome tools that assess even the highest-level competitive athlete. So far, the modified Harris Hip Score (MMHS), the Hip Outcome Score (HOS), the Nonarthritic Hip Score (NHS), and, most recently, the MAHORN (Multicenter Arthroscopy of the Hip Outcomes Research Network) Hip Outcomes Tool (MAHORN Hip Outcomes Tool [MHOT]) were developed to fill this void. Hip arthroscopy outcomes research is also limited by the lack of an accurate, universally used terminology to describe the characteristics and location of intra-articular lesions. Hip arthroscopy is considered a safe and effective treatment for several indications, including loose bodies, labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement, ligamentum teres tears, and hip instability. Concomitant articular cartilage damage is a negative prognostic indicator for all hip arthroscopy indications. Arthroscopy for radiographically evident degenerative hip disease has almost uniformly poor results. For the most part, only short and midterm follow-up studies are available.
Surface EMG reliability using spectral analysis

Several papers have recently appeared in the literature questioning the usefulness of surface EMG in the management of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) patients. One of the concerns is the stability of EMG over time in any one patient. This study was undertaken on normal subjects to determine the level of surface EMG stability over time using a variety of spectral analysis parameters. Four male and seven female subjects, ranging from 24 to 38 years of age, were selected for the study. All subjects had class I occlusions, intact dentition and no history of TMD. Oral and perioral hard and soft tissues were within normal limits. EMG data from the bilateral masseter muscles were obtained during four states of jaw activity: rest, right-sided chewing, left-sided chewing, and 50% maximal clench. Three sets of recordings were obtained in each study session. Three 10-min study sessions were obtained for each subject. Six measures, which included SP-50, central frequency, band width, effective band width, zero crossings and power spectrum, were analysed to assess their reliability and sensitivity over time during the several states of jaw activity. The conclusion of the study was that bilateral masseter EMG band width, effective band width, and power spectrum in normal humans are all reliable enough to be stable over a 6 week period, and sensitive enough to differentiate among jaw rest, right chewing, left chewing and 50% clench; power spectra being the most sensitive.
(p, p) and (n, n) scattering lengths from (3He, d) and (t, d) reactions

Abstract The triton energy spectrum from the reaction 3 He(d, t)2p and the 3 He spectrum from t(d, 3 He)2n were studied to determine the range of applicability of the Watson-Migdal (W-M) theory of final state interactions as a means of extracting two-nucleon scattering lengths from such experiments. By comparing the predictions of W-M theory to more exact calculations, it was found that the value of scattering length predicted is, in general, too large in magnitude. For the pick-up process where the two final state nucleons originate in the relatively compact t or 3 He wavefunction, the usefulness of W-M theory is marginal; for charge exchange where the final state nucleons originate in the deuteron, the W-M prediction is substantially in error. These results are in complete agreement with Watson's original statement of the problem.
Multiphase Isolated DC-DC Converters for Low-Voltage High-Power Fuel Cell Applications

Multiphase isolated dc-dc converters allow current sharing among phases and high-frequency ripple cancellation and are very desirable for low-voltage high-power fuel cell applications. The three-phase dc-dc converters particularly are getting more attention because they share the same circuit structure as the conventional three-phase dc-ac inverters, and they have been reported to have high-efficiency operation. This paper is to compare the similarities and differences between two soft-switched three-phase dc-dc converters: one with three phase legs and the other with six phase legs. This paper will describe basic operating principle of these two multiphase dc-dc converters and compare their performance for a low-voltage, high-power fuel cell application. Two 5-kW converters have been built and tested with a fuel cell simulator. Experimental switching waveforms and efficiency profiles are shown to support the described basic principles. Major features and differences between these two converters will be discussed.
Addressing AACSB Global and Technology Requirements: Exploratory Assessment of a Marketing Management Assignment.

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) standards mandate knowledge of global and technology issues. Businesses desire employees with ability to analyze international markets and to be adept with technology. Taxpayers supporting public universities and organizations hiring business school graduates expect accountability for what students learn. This article's exploratory assessment of an international Internet research assignment for a marketing management course distinguishes this pedagogical tool by accounting for skills improvement among graduate students completing the assignment, providing perceived (indirect) measures of AACSB desired areas of learning, along with allowing for insight into who requires what additional learning to achieve rigorous standards. All seven assessed global and technology skills demonstrated manifest practical improvement from the assignment, with some showing appreciable enhancement. Students indicated considerable satisfaction with their signific...
Activation of the Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway mediates survival of vulnerable hippocampal neurons after transient global cerebral ischemia in rats

Recent studies have revealed that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) pathway is involved in apoptotic cell death after experimental cerebral ischemia. The serine-threonine kinase, Akt, functions in the PI3-K pathway and prevents apoptosis by phosphorylation at Ser473 after a variety of cell death stimuli. After phosphorylation, activated Akt inactivates other apoptogenic factors, including glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK3beta), thereby inhibiting cell death. However, the role of Akt/GSK3beta signaling in the delayed death of hippocampal neurons in the CA1 subregion after transient global cerebral ischemia (tGCI) has not been clarified. Transient global cerebral ischemia for 5 mins was induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion combined with hypotension. Western blot analysis showed a significant increase in phospho-Akt (Ser473) and phospho-GSK3beta (Ser9) in the hippocampal CA1 subregion after tGCI. Immunohistochemistry showed that expression of phospho-Akt (Ser473) and phospho-GSK3beta (Ser9) was markedly increased in the vulnerable CA1 subregion, but not in the ischemic-tolerant CA3 subregion. Double staining with phospho-GSK3beta (Ser9) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated uridine 5'-triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling showed different cellular distributions in the CA1 subregion 3 days after tGCI. Phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3beta was prevented by LY294002, a PI3-K inhibitor, which facilitated subsequent DNA fragmentation 3 days after tGCI. Moreover, transgenic rats that overexpress copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase, which is known to be neuroprotective against delayed hippocampal CA1 injury after tGCI, had enhanced and persistent phosphorylation of both Akt and GSK3beta after tGCI. These findings suggest that activation of the Akt/GSK3beta signaling pathway may mediate survival of vulnerable hippocampal CA1 neurons after tGCI.
The gene encoding multidrug resistance is induced and expressed at high levels during pregnancy in the secretory epithelium of the uterus.

Abstract A survey of the expression of the multidrug-resistance gene (mdr) in mouse tissues revealed that a mdr mRNA species is expressed at extremely high levels in the gravid uterus. mdr mRNA expression levels increase dramatically during pregnancy compared to the relatively low levels of expression observed in the nongravid uterus. In situ hybridization experiments revealed that the increased expression of the mdr mRNA is specifically localized to the secretory epithelial cells of the endometrium. Immunocytochemistry studies with a mdr glycoprotein-specific antiserum demonstrate that the mdr glycoprotein is predominantly localized to the luminal surface of the secretory epithelial cells. These results indicate that the mdr gene expression in the uterus is controlled by the physiologic changes associated with pregnancy. Our data are consistent with a potential role for the mdr glycoprotein in the transport of substrate across the secretory epithelium of the gravid uterus.
A novel method for measurement and characterization of soil macroporosity

Quantitative macropore characterizations were performed in large zero-tension soil lysimeters of a Maury silt loam (fine, mixed, mesic Typic Paleudalf) and a Loradale silt loam (fine, silty, mixed, mesic Typic Argiudoll) soil in an effort to assess potential colloid transport. Steel pipe sections (50 cm diameter×100 cm length) were hydraulically driven into the soil for lysimeter establishment. A dye tracer was applied into each lysimeter under saturated conditions at eight-hour intervals using 500 mL pulse applications. After one pore volume elution, the center section of the stained lysimeters was removed, dissected, and photographed. Kubiena tins were inserted into the lysimeter's remaining soil at 15 cm intervals. Vertically oriented thin sections were prepared from each tin. Pore area, diameter, and orientation were evaluated from thin sections and photographs using commercial grade scanners and Photoshop® software. At an input scanning resolution of 60 pixels per cm, the software program was capable...
The Effect of Education on Voter Turnout

Numerous studies demonstrate that the highly educated are more likely to vote. The literature has not determined, however, why this is the case. The panel structure of the Current Population Survey allows us to exploit exogenous life cycle differences across otherwise similar cohorts, so that the marginal effect of education can be isolated from unobserved correlated factors. We find that an additional year of schooling has very little impact on voter turnout.
Rediscovering Victor Bator, founder of the New York Bartók Archives

Bartok’s American estate dates its origins to 1943, when he entrusted his music manuscript collection to the care of two fellow Hungarian emigres, Gyula Baron and Victor Bator, both then living in the United States. After his death in 1945 the estate devolved into their care, in accord with the legal provisions of the will. For the next 22 years it was carefully managed by Bator, a lawyer and businessman who lived in New York City for the rest of his life. The onset of Cold War politics in the late 1940s presented numerous challenges to the estate, out of which emerged the tangled thicket of rumor, litigation, misunderstanding, confusion, and personal animosity that has been the American Bartok estate’s unfortunate legacy since the 1950s.As one of Hungary’s most significant cultural assets located outside the country’s borders, the American Bartok estate has since 1981 been under the control and careful supervision of Peter Bartok, now the composer’s only remaining heir. All but forgotten is the role Vict...
Collagen disease; its relation to hypersensitiveness.

Summary 1.Collagen disease includes a variety of separate and distinct clinical conditions of varied and multiple etiology with a common pathologic picture, namely, fibrinoid degeneration of collagen. 2.There is some evidence, both clinical and experimental, which indicates that the development of some of these conditions may be closely related to the phenomena of hypersensitiveness.
Aplastic agranulocytosis after allopurinol therapy.

A 62-year-old woman with cirrhosis of the liver developed fatal agranulocytosis while taking allopurinol. No precursors of granulocytes or red blood cells were found in bone marrow aspirated at the height of the reaction. The mechanism of agranulocytosis thus appeared to be suppression of granulocyte production rather than an increased rate of destruction of granulocytes. Possibly, allopurinol may have inhibited purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis in this patient.
An extension of the Dulmage-Mendelsohn theorem☆

Abstract We prove a local Dulmage-Mendelsohn theorem, a generalization of their Theorem 18[1] to matrices which are decomposable or have period greater than one. This can be used to estimate the index of a wide variety of matrices and has applications to finite automata theory, stochastic processes, graph theory, and other fields.
Radicals as hydrogen bond donors and acceptors

High-level quantum chemical techniques were used to study the hydrogen bonding interactions in dimers of simple hydrogen bond donors and acceptors. The dimers studied were formed from combinations of CH(4), NH(3), OH(2) with each other and with the *CH(3), *NH(2), and *OH radicals. It was found that complexes in which a radical serves as a hydrogen bond donor, i.e. *AH(x)-BH(y), are more strongly bound than dimers in which the hydrogen bond donor is the analogous parent molecule, i.e. AH(x+1)-BH(y). Complexes in which a radical serves as a hydrogen bond acceptor, i.e. BH(y) (-) *AH(x), are more weakly bound than dimers in which the hydrogen bond acceptor is the analogous parent molecule, i.e. BH(y)-AH(x+1). The differences in these binding properties are attributable to the facts that, in radicals, the A-H bonds are more polar and the A atoms have less negative partial charges than in molecules. Detailed analyses of spin densities revealed that spin delocalization from a radical to a molecule is negligible. Therefore, spin delocalization plays no role in the binding within the complexes studied in this work. Density functional theory methods were also used to calculate the binding energies of the complexes. It was found that the PBE0 and B971 functionals predict binding energies that are in good agreement with the high-level wavefunction data, whereas the performance of the common B3LYP method is not as good. Correcting the functionals for their ability to treat dispersion interactions in carbon-containing compounds improves the binding energies computed with the B3LYP and PBE0 functionals but results in over-binding with B971.
The influence of repair pathways on the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity induced by the pyridyloxobutylation pathway of tobacco-specific nitrosamines.

Tobacco-specific nitrosamines, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone and N′-nitrosonornicotine, are considered to be human carcinogens. Both compounds are metabolized to pyridyloxobutylating intermediates that react with DNA to form adducts such as 7-[4-(3-pyridyl)-4-oxobut-1-yl]guanine, O2-[4-(3-pyridyl)-4-oxobut-1-yl]cytosine, O2-[4-(3-pyridyl)-4-oxobut-1-yl]-2′-deoxythymidine (O2-pobdT), O6-[4-(3-pyridyl)-4-oxobut-1-yl]-2′-deoxyguanosine (O6-pobdG), and 4-hydroxy-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone-releasing adducts. The role of specific DNA adducts in the overall genotoxic activity of the pyridyloxobutylation pathway is not known. One adduct, O6-pobdG, is mutagenic. To characterize the mutagenic and cytotoxic properties of pyridyloxobutyl DNA adducts, the impact of DNA repair pathways on the cytotoxic and mutagenic properties of the model pyridyloxobutylating agent, 4-(acetoxymethylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNKOAc), was investigated in Chinese hamster ovary cell lines proficient or deficien...
Influence of Membrane Lipid Composition on a Transmembrane Bacterial Chemoreceptor

Most bacterial chemoreceptors are transmembrane proteins. Although less than 10% of a transmembrane chemoreceptor is embedded in lipid, separation from the natural membrane environment by detergent solubilization eliminates most receptor activities, presumably because receptor structure is perturbed. Reincorporation into a lipid bilayer can restore these activities and thus functionally native structure. However, the extent to which specific lipid features are important for effective restoration is unknown. Thus we investigated effects of membrane lipid composition on chemoreceptor Tar from Escherichia coli using Nanodiscs, small (∼10-nm) plugs of lipid bilayer rendered water-soluble by an annulus of "membrane scaffold protein." Disc-enclosed bilayers can be made with different lipids or lipid combinations. Nanodiscs carrying an inserted receptor dimer have high protein-to-lipid ratios approximating native membranes and in this way mimic the natural chemoreceptor environment. To identify features important for functionally native receptor structure, we made Nanodiscs using natural and synthetic lipids, assaying extents and rates of adaptational modification. The proportion of functionally native Tar was highest in bilayers closest in composition to E. coli cytoplasmic membrane. Some other lipid compositions resulted in a significant proportion of functionally native receptor, but simply surrounding the chemoreceptor transmembrane segment with a lipid bilayer was not sufficient. Membranes effective in supporting functionally native Tar contained as the majority lipid phosphatidylethanolamine or a related zwitterionic lipid plus a rather specific proportion of anionic lipids, as well as unsaturated fatty acids. Thus the chemoreceptor is strongly influenced by its lipid environment and is tuned to its natural one.
An optimization approach to rough terrain locomotion

We present a novel approach to legged locomotion over rough terrain that is thoroughly rooted in optimization. This approach relies on a hierarchy of fast, anytime algorithms to plan a set of footholds, along with the dynamic body motions required to execute them. Components within the planning framework coordinate to exchange plans, cost-to-go estimates, and “certificates” that ensure the output of an abstract high-level planner can be realized by deeper layers of the hierarchy. The burden of careful engineering of cost functions to achieve desired performance is substantially mitigated by a simple inverse optimal control technique. Robustness is achieved by real-time re-planning of the full trajectory, augmented by reflexes and feedback control. We demonstrate the successful application of our approach in guiding the LittleDog quadruped robot over a variety of rough terrains.
Implementation of a YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ wideband real-time spectrum-analysis receiver

The implementation of a wideband real-time spectrum-analysis receiver based on YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ chirp filters and a chirp-transform algorithm is presented. The integration of the high-T/sub c/ spectrum-analysis subsystem with high-speed semiconductor output circuits is demonstrated. A compressed pulse is obtained using a voltage-controlled oscillator to generate a flat-weighted chirp signal, and a Hamming-weighted YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ chirp filter is used to compress the chirp signal into a pulse. The error sidelobe level of the compressed pulse response is -18 dB. Semiconductor circuits are included in the system for envelope detection of compressed pulses and video to emitter coupled logic (ECL) logic-level conversion. >
Colonial Guilt and the Recycling of Oppression: The Merit of Unofficial History in Transforming the State's Narrative

This article juxtaposes colonial guilt with selective historical memory of Palestinian narratives as presented in the Israeli state-mandated history textbooks. The advancement of colonial guilt imposes a particular subjective truth of oppressed groups' historical memories. The purpose of colonial guilt is to keep the power structure intact by maintaining a victimhood hierarchy that engages oppressed groups to compete for the highest level on this scale. The current curricula position the Palestinian narratives on a low rank through its historical interpretation as existing in the shadows of other events. This notion is interrupted by the unofficial history in the Palestinian community, which challenges the presumption of colonial guilt and its manifestation in the Israeli educational system.
Relationship between neuron density and oxygen consumption in the guinea pig paramedian cortex during development.

Abstract Development-related changes in cortical oxygen consumption in the guinea pig were studied with respect to changes in neuronal density. Total oxygen consumption was dorectly related to neuron density with 5-day-old cortex tissue possessing significantly more neurons per unit area than mature cortical blocks. In contrast, mature cortical neurons utilized more oxygen than did 5-day-old cortical neurons. The results indicate that developmental changes in both cortical neuron density and cellular metabolic rates affect oxygen consumption patterns in developing guinea pig brain tissue.
Some theoretical considerations on the σ(γ, p)/σ(γ, n) ratio in4He

Recent measurements have confirmed the value 1.7 ± 0.3 for the ratio between4He(γ, p) and (γ, n) reaction cross-sections in the excitation energy range 24 ≤Ex ≤ 30 MeV. This large deviation from unity implies isospin symmetry breaking an order of magnitude larger than that predicted from direct Coulomb effects using conventional shell model estimates. We present here a phenomenological model search using continuum calculations, undertaken to identify those features of the problem that more complete future treatments must yield to explain the experimental data.
Structural instability in the sedimentation of particulate suspensions through viscoelastic fluids

A theory is developed to describe a structural instability that has been observed during the sedimentation of particulate suspensions through viscoelastic fluids. The theory is based on the assumption that the influence of hydrodynamic interactions in viscoelastic fluids, which tend to cause particles to aggregate, is in competition with hydrodynamic dispersion, which acts to maintain a homogeneous microstructure. In keeping with the experimental observations, it predicts that the suspension structure will stratify into vertical columns when a dimensionless stability parameter exceeds a critical value. The column-to-column separation, measured in particle radii, is predicted to be proportional to the square root of the ratio of the dimensionless dispersion coefficient to the product of the particle volume fraction and the Deborah number. The time for the formation of the columns is predicted to scale with the inverse of the average volume fraction. These predictions are in agreement with experimental data reported in the literature.
Professional Development Schools: A Study of Change From the University Perspective

ABSTRACT Teacher education is under considerable scrutiny, and as often happens with critique, changes are imminent. Levine's Educating School Teachers (2006) recently suggested several important changes for teacher education programs, including redesigning the teacher education curricula based on a model of professional development schools (PDSs). As university faculty, we were interested in documenting any changes within higher education that were a result of a PDS reform effort. Consequently, and in response to Levine's challenge, we set out to study the impact of PDSs, as perceived by university personnel involved with a PDS program. To begin our study, we reviewed the extant research on changes resulting from PDS work. We then considered Bronfenbrenner's (1979) theory of ecological influence to provide a framework for understanding the various perspectives provided by participants in differing roles at the university.
Statistical tests of VAN earthquake predictions: Comments and reflections

The papers in the debate show that precise consideration of whether various events should be considered as having been successfully predicted is one of the key issues for statistical testing of the VAN earthquake prediction efforts. Other issues involve whether the VAN prediction rules have been adjusted retroactively to fit data, how to test the prediction significance and, finally, the criteria for rejection of the null hypothesis-that the VAN successful predictions are due to chance. The diversity of views on these subjects suggests that the seismological community needs a general strategy for evaluating earthquake prediction methods.
Charge‐Site‐Dependent Dissociation of Hydrogen‐Rich Radical Peptide Cations upon Vacuum UV Photoexcitation

Here, 193 nm vacuum ultraviolet photodissociation (VUVPD) was used to investigate the fragmentation of hydrogen-rich radical peptide cations generated by electron transfer reactions. VUVPD offers new insight into the factors that drive radical- and photon-directed processes. The location of a basic Arg site influences photon-activated C(α)-C(O) bond cleavages of singly charged peptide radical cations, an outcome attributed to the initial conformation of the peptide as supported by molecular dynamics simulated annealing and the population of excited states upon UV excitation. This hybrid ETD/VUVPD method was employed to identify phosphorylation sites of the kinase domain of human TRPM7/ChaK1.
Retiree Health Benefits: Availability From Employers and Participation by Employees

Data from the September 1994 Current Population Survey are used to examine the factors associated with early retirees' access to offers of retiree health insurance (RHI) and their likelihood of accepting these offers. I find large differences in offer rates, with those with pensions and from large firms much more likely to receive an offer, and women and non-Whites less likely. Even among those with an offer of RHI, more than a quarter do not accept the offer. Early retirees who have lower incomes and lack pensions are significantly less likely to accept an offer of RHI, suggesting that policies that increase offers are not sufficient to increase coverage for early retirees. Barriers to accepting offers need to be considered.
RELATIONSHIP OF USDA QUALITY GRADES TO PALATABILITY OF COOKED BEEF

Prime carcasses produced loin and round steaks that were more palatable (P < 0.05) than were those from carcasses of Choice through Canner (7 grades) in 85.7% of comparisons and from carcasses of Choice through Standard (3 grades) in 69.0% of comparisons; comparable percentages were 71.4% (6 grades) and 42.9% (2 grades) for Choice and 74.3% (5 grades) and 35.7% (1 grade) for Good. Among Prime through Standard carcasses, grade predicted flavor, tenderness and overall palatability of loin steaks with 30 to 38% accuracy, but could explain no more than 8% of the variation in panel ratings/shear force values of round steaks.
Systemic Actinomyces Infection: A Potential Complication of Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices

THE INTRAUTERINE contraceptive device (IUD) is used by more than 3 million women in the United States. 1 Although it is more than 95% effective and does not interfere with the natural hormonal cycle, it is not without complications. Aside from excessive bleeding and pain during menstrual periods and increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, infections caused by Actinomyces organisms have been well demonstrated to occur in association with use of an IUD. 2 Uterine actinomycosis infection is usually superficial, 3 but it is potentially invasive 4 and may be fatal. 5 Establishment of the correct diagnosis followed by removal of the IUD and appropriate antibiotic therapy are recommended when Actinomyces is detected in a vaginal Papanicolaou smear. We describe herein a 28-year-old woman who had been using an IUD and who had systemic Actinomyces infection and a brain abscess develop several years after removal of her uterus and fallopian