cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Australian cockroach genus Choristima Tepper (Blattaria, Blattellidae: Ectobiinae)

Diagnostic characters are given for the Australian cockroach genus Choristima Tepper. There are at least 12 species, of which 9 are described as new. Choristimodes Hebard is synonymized with Choristima. A key is given to identify the adults. Subfamily placement of Choristima and its closely related genera is discussed.
Endoscopic embolization with onyx prior to resection of JNA: a new approach.

Abstract Objective To report a novel pioneering approach of endoscopic embolization (EE) and resection of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) and describe all outcomes and results. Methods Four patients presented to the University of Miami with repeated episodes of unilateral epistaxis diagnosed by fiberoptic and radiographic examination as nasal JNA. Subsequently, in conjunction with neurosurgery, endoscopic visualization was provided to perform intratumor needle insertion, through which the liquid embolic agent Onyx was infused to embolize the JNA's under fluoroscopic and endoscopic guidance. The day after EE, endoscopic resection was performed. Operating room time, estimated blood loss (EBL), and other intraoperative and post-operative results are reported and compared to published literature. Results A total of 4 patients (all males), had EE of JNA and subsequent endoscopic resection between September 2008 and January 2009. Average EBL during surgery was 412.5 ml (range 150–800) with an average operating room time of 228 min (range 95–485). We experienced no bleeding from the tumor or its attachments, only from the approach. Two patients experienced mild numbness in the V2 distribution, which began to resolve one week post-operatively. No other complications were encountered. Conclusions This is the first published report of direct endoscopic embolization of JNA with Onyx. Although further studies are needed, it seems to provide a safe, less invasive alternative to traditional embolization and endoscopic resection, but must be done in cooperation with interventional neurosurgery to maximize its safety profile.
Effect of interfacial variables on metal‐porcelain bonding

While ceramic-to-metal bonding has been used in many applications, the actual chemical and physical factors leading to optimum bond strength are not well understood. In this work, several variables affecting the bonding between dental porcelain and a palladium alloy (85% Pd, 10% Cu, and 5% Ga) were investigated: 1) precoating the metal by sputtering various oxides before porcelaining; 2) peroxidation of the metal base before porcelaining; 3) porcelaining under reducing atmosphere; and 4) surface roughening at controlled levels before porcelaining. Using a modification of the push doughnut shear bond strength test to measure bond strength the following results were obtained. 1) Compared with standard "control" samples, the aluminum oxide precoated specimens showed a bond strength improvement of 46%, while the copper, manganese, and tin oxide precoatings exhibited smaller effects. 2) Preoxidation of the metal base led to pronounced bond strengthening (152%) by surface roughening as well as oxide formation. 3) Porcelaining under a reducing atmosphere severely reduced bond strength (88% lower than the controls) indicating the role of oxidation during the standard firing cycle. 4) Mechanical roughening of the surface by controlled amounts gave pronounced improvements with greater notch depth. Coarse roughening produced the highest bond strength improvements (486%).
Delamination shape effects in aramid-epoxy-aluminum (ARALL) laminates with fatigue cracks

An aramid reinforced aluminum-epoxy-laminate, ARALL, which contains a fatigue crack and a delamination zone is analyzed. It is assumed that the interlaminar shear forces between the aluminum and aramid/epoxy layers are transmitted along the delamination boundary. The aramid/epoxy layer of the laminate is considered a series of linear springs. The tensile stress in the aramid/epoxy layer and the stress intensity factor in the aluminum layer are found for various experimentally observed delamination shapes. A residual strength criterion based on the maximum tensile stress in the aramid/epoxy layer is applied and the analytical results are correlated with the available experimental data.
4.0. Normative models: Survey and prescriptions

Abstract This chapter provides a survey of the variety of methods that can be applied to construct supply models. These methods consist principally of econometric models, flow models, capacity extension models, dynamic programming models, multi-objective programming models, and special programming models. The concept of a model usually evokes an image of a complex, computerized system of mathematical or econometric equations providing detailed information concerning the operation of the market, industry or system being modeled. In fact, models may be simple or complex, formal or mental, depending upon the purposes for which the model is intended. Simple judgmental models may be most appropriate when monitoring the overall performance of a process. When more detailed information is required and/or when the model is used for planning of complex decision steps, such as the choice of an optimal generation mix for an electric utility, then more complicated models are appropriate. The choice of theoretical structure, implementation methods, and the level of detail represent the an as distinct from the science of modeling. The first order of business in considering any model, then, is to determine the appropriateness of the detail, theory, and implementation methods in relation to the purposes for which the model is intended.
Adaptive real-time transactions and risk-based load control

An extended transaction model, called the Adaptive Transaction Model, is proposed for Real-Time Database Management System (RTDBMS) applications where partial and/or approximate results are utilized. The Adaptive Transaction Model is a nested transaction model with optional and required subtransactions. Adaptive Transactions (ATs) have time constraints to support real-time database applications. Optional subtransactions can be eliminated during execution if time (or the scheduling policy) does not permit for completion, thereby reporting partial results. A risk-based transaction load control mechanism determines each transaction’s probability of completion within its deadline as well as the overall system load.
Does the Uterine Cervix Become Abnormally Reinnervated After Subtotal Hysterectomy and What Is the Association With Future Trachelectomy

Abstract Study Objective To compare nerve fiber density in the cervices removed by trachelectomy from women with pelvic pain with those cervices removed for nonpain indications. Design Retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting Two university hospitals. Patients Subjects who underwent trachelectomy during a 10-year time frame were identified. Interventions Two tissue sections were obtained from each preserved cervix specimen and stained for S100 antibody. The numbers of S100-immunoreactive peripheral nerve fibers were assessed in 6 high-powered fields (HPFs) per tissue section (12 total HPFs per patient). Information collected included patient characteristics and surgical findings. We excluded any patients with dysplasia/cancer and those without an available adequate specimen. Measurements and Main Results We evaluated the cervix specimens from 35 patients who underwent trachelectomy for pain (n = 25, group 1) and nonpain (n = 10, group 2) indications in addition to control cervices (n = 15, group 3) from benign hysterectomies performed for nonpain indications. There were increased numbers of nerve fibers in trachelectomy patients with pain versus those without pain (group 1 vs group 2, p = .02). There were also increased numbers of nerve fibers in both trachelectomy groups compared with the control group (group 1 vs group 3, p Conclusion Nerve fibers in the cervical stump after supracervical hysterectomy are significantly increased in women undergoing trachelectomy for pain indications compared with those who underwent trachelectomy for nonpain indications and controls. Although not statistically significant, endometriosis may be an independent risk factor for increased nerve fibers. These histopathologic observations may support the idea that the cervix should be removed in women undergoing hysterectomy for chronic pelvic pain or endometriosis.
Surgical management of spontaneous pneumothorax by bleb ligation and pleural dry sponge abrasion

Summary Experimental and clinical experience with dry sponge pleural abrasion for pleural space obliteration has led to the conclusion that this method is effective, less traumatic than pleurectomy, and is more reliable with less chance of adverse host reaction than chemical irritants. Bleb ligation, decompression, and excision is believed to be a simplified method for the surgical management of emphysematous blebs. The combination of bleb ligation and excision and dry sponge pleural abrasion is advocated as a method of choice in the surgical management of noninfectious spontaneous recurrent or persistent pneumothorax.
Effect of β-Adrenergic Blockade on the Growth Rate of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

We retrospectively identified 136 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) who were initially evaluated as outpatients. Twenty-seven of these patients met the following criteria for eligibility in the study: (1) roentgenographic documentation of an AAA larger than 3 cm, (2) at least two serial ultrasound size determinations over a minimum six-month interval, and (3) a documented medication history. Of these 27 patients, 12 received long-term beta-blockade, while 15 received no beta-blockade. The two groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, initial aneurysm size, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and duration of follow-up (mean, 34 months). Among patients with beta-blockade, the mean growth rate was 0.17 cm/y. The rate for the controls was 0.44 cm/y. One patient of 12 (8%) in the beta-blocker group had a rate that exceeded the mean for the overall group compared with eight patients of 15 (53%) in the group with no beta-blockade. This difference was statistically significant. Thus, beta-blockade may be associated with a decreased AAA growth rate in this small, retrospective study.
Mechanistic study on the solution-phase n-doping of 1,3-dimethyl-2-aryl-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzoimidazole derivatives.

The discovery of air-stable n-dopants for organic semiconductor materials has been hindered by the necessity of high-energy HOMOs and the air sensitivity of compounds that satisfy this requirement. One strategy for circumventing this problem is to utilize stable precursor molecules that form the active doping complex in situ during the doping process or in a postdeposition thermal- or photo-activation step. Some of us have reported on the use of 1H-benzimidazole (DMBI) and benzimidazolium (DMBI-I) salts as solution- and vacuum-processable n-type dopant precursors, respectively. It was initially suggested that DMBI dopants function as single-electron radical donors wherein the active doping species, the imidazoline radical, is generated in a postdeposition thermal annealing step. Herein we report the results of extensive mechanistic studies on DMBI-doped fullerenes, the results of which suggest a more complicated doping mechanism is operative. Specifically, a reaction between the dopant and host that begin...
The significance of pre-emergence soil moisture to yield of potatoes on dry land in the western high plains area

In the high plains area in western Nebraska precipitation, occurring prior to planting time, or at least prior to emergence, of main season plantings of potatoes has been a more significant factor in the production of satisfactory yields than the rainfall during the crop season. Very satisfactory yields of potatoes have been produced with only the moisture stored in the soil prior to the emergence of the potato plants. In years of low rainfall the potato crops have practically been failures when planted after small grain, because of the serious depletion of soil moisture as deep as the fifth foot. Potato yields following corn have been fairly good since this crop removed very little mois ture below the third foot. The best potato yields have been obtained following summer fallow. During summers of little rainfall, the potatoes removed practically all available moisture from the upper five feet of soil.
Evolutionary history of nematodes associated with sweat bees

Abstract Organisms that live in close association with other organisms make up a large part of the world’s diversity. One driver of this diversity is the evolution of host-species specificity, which can occur via reproductive isolation following a host-switch or, given the correct circumstances, via cospeciation. In this study, we explored the diversity and evolutionary history of Acrostichus nematodes that are associated with halictid bees in North America. First, we conducted surveys of bees in Virginia, and found six halictid species that host Acrostichus. To test the hypothesis of cospeciation, we constructed phylogenetic hypotheses of Acrostichus based on three genes. We found Acrostichus puri and Acrostichus halicti to be species complexes comprising cryptic, host-specific species. Although several nodes in the host and symbiont phylogenies were congruent and tests for cospeciation were significant, the host’s biogeography, the apparent patchiness of the association across the host’s phylogeny, and the amount of evolution in the nematode sequence suggested a mixture of cospeciation, host switching, and extinction events instead of strict cospeciation. Cospeciation can explain the relationships between Ac. puri and its augochlorine hosts, but colonization of Halictus hosts is more likely than cospeciation. The nematodes are vertically transmitted, but sexual transmission is also likely. Both of these transmission modes may explain host-species specificity and congruent bee and nematode phylogenies. Additionally, all halictid hosts come from eusocial or socially polymorphic lineages, suggesting that sociality may be a factor in the suitability of hosts for Acrostichus.
Microstructural effects on tension and fatigue behavior of Cu–15Ni–8Sn sheet

Abstract The effects of systematic changes in microstructure/heat treatment on the mechanical behavior of Cu–15Ni–8Sn (Pfinodal®) were evaluated in uniaxial tension and in cyclic strain-controlled fatigue with the use of a modified GE Flex Tester operated to provide fully reversed bending fatigue. The magnitude of cyclic strains was controlled via the use of different diameter mandrels. Smaller diameter mandrels produced higher values of cyclic strain and lower fatigue life. Multiple samples were tested and fracture surfaces were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy. The fatigue results were analyzed via a Coffin–Manson–Basquin approach and compared to fatigue data obtained from the literature, where testing was conducted on similar materials. Significant effects of cold work and heat treatment on both the tension and fatigue behavior were obtained and rationalized based on the mechanisms of failure, revealed by SEM, for this system.
Portal vein interventions

Learning Objectives To discuss various portal venous interventions offered by interventional radiology including their indications, contraindications, clinical utility, expected outcome, and common complications. Background Different portal vein interventions include portal vein stent (PVS), portal vein embolizaion (PVE), transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), and direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt (DIPS). Clinical Findings/Procedure Details Portal Vein Stent (PVS ): Performed in the setting of portal venous stenosis or occlusion that commonly occurs in neoplastic conditions or post liver transplantation. Liver abscess has been reported as a post procedural complication. Portal Vein Embolization (PVE) : Performed in preoperative treatment of major hepatic resection in patient when the future liver remnant is too small. PVE complications are rare but include transient hemobilia, infection, need for reembolization, portal vein thrombosis, and portal hypertension. Portal Vein Thrombolysis (PVT) : PVT is the preferred treatment for acute intravascular thrombosis. Percutaneous portal vein clot lysis can be initiated in a few minutes providing almost immediate clot dissolution without the need for surgical intervention. Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) : Indications for TIPS procedure include recurrent or refractory variceal bleeding, Budd Chiari syndrome, hepatic hydrothorax, hepatorenal syndrome, and intractable ascites. Complications include but are not limited to hepatic encephalopathy, heart failure. There is improved survival of patients with refractory ascites when treated with TIPS. Direct Intrahepatic Portocaval Shunt (DIPS) : Indications are similar to TIPS procedure for decompression of portal venous system. DIPS procedure includes direct puncture from the IVC through the caudate lobe to the main portal vein. The safety and effectiveness is increased by eliminating blind PV puncture and hepatic vein stenosis which is the most common cause of chronic TIPS failure. Conclusion and/or Teaching Points Knowledge of portal vein interventions including their indication, clinical utility and expected outcome is critical for clinicians to improve patient care.
Understanding the Structure of a Large Heroin Distribution Network: A Quantitative Analysis of Qualitative Data

An analysis is reported of 2,408 wiretap conversations gathered in the course of prosecuting a heroin dealing organization in New York City in the 1990s. The five-step analysis, which included a social network analysis of phone contacts, revealed a large, loosely structured group of 294 individuals, most of whom had very limited contacts with others in the group. The group’s active core comprised 38 individuals with extended contacts, little status differentiation and some task specialization. A smaller more tightly connected group of 22 individuals was somewhat independent of the remainder of the core and appeared to constitute a “communal business”. The existence was not confirmed of the large criminal conspiracy described by the prosecution that operated at all levels of trafficking and dealing, from wholesale distribution to street sales. Rather, it appeared that the 294 individuals comprised one segment of the heroin market in the city. However, the discrepancy could be due to the fact that the prosecution drew upon a wider set of information about the individuals concerned than provided by the wiretap data. The study supports recent analyses that see organized crimes, such as drug trafficking, as mostly the work of small groups of loosely linked entrepreneurs rather than large, highly structured criminal syndicates.
Celebratory Stories and Their Troubles

A joint product of more than six years of work and a hundred or so in-depth interviews, this book presents 35 profiles of men who, in different capacities ranging from community organizers to social workers, radical historians to researchers and journalists, and artists to lawyers, took or take active part in antiracist struggles doing different sorts of things: writing, advocacy, teaching, lecturing, etc. After a brief preface and introduction, the book is divided into six main sections:
Microstructure and texture evolution of Al during hot and cold rolling

The evolution of microstructure and texture of commercial purity Al during hot and cold rolling has been studied. The results show that the dynamic restoration mechanism for Al rolled to a total equivalent strain of 2.66 at a mean equivalent strain rate of 14.4 s-1 at 510 °C is essentially dynamic recrystallization (DRX), whereas for those materials deformed to lower strains at lower strain rates at this temperature, the restoration mechanism is mainly dynamic recovery (DRV). This is confirmed by examining the microstructures, textures, and substructures of the material developed during hot rolling as well as by comparing the results with those developed during cold rolling and annealing. The texture analysis using orientation distribution functions (ODFs) indicates that the dynamically recrystallized material has a random orientation distribution, whereas dynamically recovered materials have a developed deformation texture with a predominantD component and a Cu component. The substructure observation by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicates that the subgrains in the dynamically recrystallized material are completely dynamically recovered, which is very similar to those subgrains in cold-rolled material. However, the annealed material shows a completely different substructure. By studying all of these structural features, which are closely associated with the dynamic restoration mechanism, it is confirmed that Al undergoes DRX in the present work, which is different from either DRV or static recrystallization (SRX).
Application-level performance prediction tools for network-based svstems

A description is given of a network simulation system that is used to monitor process-to-process efficiency in a special purpose network developed for real-time applications. The tool, which is called VISA (Visually Integrated System Analyzer), uses information about application-specific interactions to predict how well a network-based implementation of that application will perform. VISA is part of a larger collection of system-level engineering tools that are being developed under the CASE (Computer-Aided System Engineering) environment. The VISA approach partitions a graph-based application system into a set of interconnected network clusters, each cluster able to support up to 200 processing nodes, and can be used to determine if a particular network partitioning can support the requirements of the application graph. The nature of the applications that the VISA system supports is briefly discussed, as well as the system itself, along with a short example of its use, and how it is logically structured. The structure of the CASE environment is discussed, and it is shown how the VISA system is integrated into it.
Multigrid FDTD with Chombo

We describe a parallel, multiscale, multigrid, finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) code for simulating electromagnetic wave propagation in two-dimensional systems involving Lorentz and Drude media. We compare multigrid leapfrog time-stepping procedures and analyze the efficacy and scalability of multigrid use in FDTD. We have implemented the code using Chombo, an object-oriented toolkit for finite-difference methods on block-structured, adaptively refined rectangular grids. We discuss the advantages of this high-level approach, as opposed to the direct use of message-passing libraries.
Shot noise enhancement in resonant-tunneling structures in a magnetic field

We have observed that the shot noise of the tunnel current, {ital I}, in a GaSb-AlSb-InAs-AlSb-GaSb double-barrier structure under a magnetic field can exceed 2qI. The measurements were done at T=4 K in fields up to 5 T parallel to the current. The noise enhancement occurred at each of the several negative-differential conductance regions induced by the tunneling of holes through Landau levels in the InAs quantum well. The amount of the enhancement increased with the strength of the negative conductance and reached values up to 8qI. These results are explained qualitatively by fluctuations of the density of states in the well, but point out the need for a detailed theory of shot noise enhancement in resonant-tunneling devices. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Creatine metabolism in vitamin E deficiency.

Summary1) Normal and Vit. E-deficient rabbits were killed at varying time intervals after injection of glycine-1-C14. Concentration and specific activities of kidney glycocyamine, liver creatine, skeletal muscle creatine and heart creatine were determined. Vit. E deficiency led to an elevated concentration of liver creatine, to reduced concentration of skeletal muscle creatine and did not influence the concentration of kidney glycocyamine or heart creatine. 2. The turnover rate of liver creatine and skeletal muscle creatine was increased in Vit. E-deficient rabbits. The turnover rate of heart creatine was considerably greater than the turnover rate of skeletal muscle creatine and was unaffected by Vit. E deficiency. The results show that in Vit. E deficient rabbits, rate of creatine synthesis is increased and turnover rate of skeletal muscle creatine is increased.
NOVEL METHOD FOR TRANSMISSION INFRARED ANALYSIS OF CLAY MINERALS USING SILICON WAFER SUBSTRATES

A novel method for the analysis of clay minerals using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is presented. Clay mineral suspensions are dried on a Si wafer substrate for transmission infrared (IR) analysis. Four natural Source Clays from the Source Clays Repository of The Clay Minerals Society, SWy-2, SAz-1, SHCa-1 and KGa-1b, as well as the synthetic hectorite, Laponite RD, were analyzed using the described method with signal to noise (s/n) ratios in excess of 100,000 for the strongly absorbing Si–O stretching frequency. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that the mineral films possess suitable uniformity and low surface roughness for transmission IR measurements that is confirmed by minimal deviations in the baseline of collected IR spectra. The IR spectra are generated and peak locations are compared to previously reported values, generated from KBr pellet and attenuated total reflectance methods.
Characterization of hemoglobin from Phoronis architecta (phoronida)

Abstract 1. 1. Phoronis architecta hemoglobin is composed of four distinct hemoglobin subunits with minimum MW's of 16–17,000 or 17–19,000 daltons. All four hemoglobins are monomeric when oxygenated. Two of the monomers combine to form dimers when bound with carbon monoxide. 2. 2. In cellulo, Phoronis architecta hemoglobin has a half-saturation (P50) value of 1.3 ± 0.1 mm Hg, shows cooperative oxygen binding (Hill coefficient = 2.7 ± 0.3), and no Bohr effect from pH 6.6 to 7.9. In vitro, the hemoglobin has a P50 of 0.76 ± 0.21 mm Hg but shows no cooperativity (0.90 ± 0.15 (SD)). 3. 3. The oxygen dissociation constant (Koff) from hemoglobin is 2.7 ± 0.2 sec−1, and the computed oxygen association constant (Kon) is 2.5 × 106 M−1 · sec−1 (1.9–3.6 × 106 M−1 · sec−1).
Exhaustive steam distillation extraction of aromatic organics from rainbow trout and water

Exhaustive steam distillation extracted several intermediate molecular weight organic chemicals effectively from rainbow trout, but a high molecular weight organic, benzo[a]pyrene, was not extracted. Fish lipids that do not steam-distill appear to retain extremely lipophilic organics in the boiling flask. Therefore, exhaustive steam distillation should be used cautiously in screening effluents for chemicals that are bioaccumulated.
ACTH stimulates turnover of the phosphatidylinositol-glycan.

Summary Primary cultures of calf adrenal glomerulosa cells were prelabeled for 3 days with [ 3 H]inositol or [ 3 H]glucosamine and stimulated with 10 nM ACTH. Labeled phosphatidylinositol (PI), polyphosphoinositides (PIP and PIP 2 ) and a novel phosphatidylinositol-glycan (PI-glycan) were measured after separation by TLC. [ 3 H]-Inositol labeling of PI, PIP and PIP2 increased rapidly, whereas labeling of the PI-glycan showed an initial decrease at 1 minute followed by a subsequent increase. Similar results were obtained when cells were prelabeled with [ 3 H]glucosamine, viz. the PI-glycan label decreased at 1 min and subsequently increased. These results suggest that ACTH provokes (a) coordinated increases in the synthesis of PI, PIP, PIP2 and the PI-glycan, and (b) the increase in PI-glycan synthesis is preceded by initial decrease, presumably reflecting hydrolysis of this lipid.
Public relations practitioner attitudes toward gender issues: A benchmark study

Abstract This paper reports on the attitudes of 443 randomly-selected public relations practitioners from two professional organizations toward the increasing number of women in public relations. Practitioner beliefs about how their own characteristics have affected their careers and the effects of demographics on the attitudes reported were also assessed. Results were that there is salary disparity in public relations between men and women. Women face special problems when they attempt to achieve management positions in public relations. Women are victims of sexual bias, either through overt acts of sex discrimination or because they are perceived differently on such attributes as managerial motivation, willingness to sacrifice work over family demands, and ability to command top salary.
Gastric electrical stimulation for gastroparesis improves nutritional parameters at short, intermediate, and long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional depletion, either macronutrient- or micronutrient-related, is common in patients with drug-refractory gastroparesis (GP) for which there is often no effective treatment. We studied a group of 12 patients (4 men, 8 women; mean age, 35.7 years) who had symptoms of GP and were a subset of the Gastric ElectroMechanical Stimulation trial of gastric electrical stimulation. Patients' symptoms were of long duration (7.3 years) and associated with diabetes mellitus (3 patients) or were idiopathic (9 patients) as etiology. METHODS: The patients had permanent gastric electrical stimulation devices surgically implanted after a positive trial of temporary stimulation. Patients had baseline measures of gastrointestinal total symptom score (TSS), laboratory (albumin and related) measures, weight (kg), body mass index, and route of nutrition: oral feeding, enteral tubes, or hyperalimentation, repeated at 3, 6, and 12 months. Intermediate-term follow-up was done at 1 to 2 years, and long-term follo...
The art of democracy : a concise history of popular culture in the United States

"Cullen's strength comes from his understanding of how the different strands of American society intertwine in imaginative, unpredictable ways ... The shape and vitality of pop culture's next era will depend, at least in part, on commentators like Cullen.""Washington Post Book World" "A thoroughly engaging look at American culture ... Cullen's articulate prose is spiced with wicked wit and he loves a good story ... Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of complex cultural forces.""Publishers Weekly" "Reflecting both the strengths and weaknesses of an unusually dynamic area of historical scholarship, The Art of Democracy is one of the best surveys of the history of American popular culture.""Journal of American History" "An exceptionally well-written and engrossing introduction to the nonelitist art forms of American popular culture ... Highly recommended.""Library Journal, starred review" "Should be kept on hand to restore our faith in the things that matter to us.""American Studies" Popular culture has been a powerful force in the United States, resonating within the society as a whole and at the same time connecting disparate and even hostile constituencies. The novels of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the theater and minstrel shows of the mid-19th century, movies and the introduction of television and computers in the 20th century are the building blocks that Jim Cullen uses to show how unique and vibrant cultural forms overcame initial resistance and enabled historically marginalized groups to gain access to the fruits of society and recognition from the mainstream. This updated edition contains a new preface and final chapter which traces the history of contemporary computing from its World War II origins as a military tool to its widespread use in the late 20th century as a tool for the masses. Cullen shows how the computer is reshaping popular culture, and how that culture retains its capacity to surprise and disturb. The highly acclaimed first edition of The Art of Democracy won the 1996 Ray and Pat Brown Award for "Best Book," presented by the Popular Culture Association."
Natural gas production from hydrate decomposition by depressurization

This paper presents a parametric study of natural gas production from the decomposition of methane hydrate in a confined reservoir by a depressurizing well. The one-dimensional linearized model suggested by Makogon is used in the analysis. For different well pressures and reservoir temperatures, distributions of temperature and pressure in the porous layer of methane hydrate and in the gas region are evaluated. The distance of the decomposition front from the well and the natural gas output as functions of time are also computed. Time evolutions of the resulting temperature and pressure profiles in the hydrate reservoir under various conditions are presented. Effects of variations in reservoir porosity and zone permeability are also studied. It is shown that the gas production rate is a sensitive function of well pressure, reservoir temperature and zone permeability.
Limited-transpiration trait evaluated in growth chamber and field for sorghum genotypes

Abstract Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is commonly grown in water-limited environments throughout the world. Plant traits could be useful allowing for early-season water conservation so that more water is available for use later in the season when drought is most likely to develop. One trait that might result in early-season water conservation is the expression of a limited-transpiration trait defined as a limitation on further increases in transpiration rate (TR) under high vapor pressure deficit (VPD) conditions. The objective of this study was to compare the expression of the limited-TR trait measured for nine sorghum genotypes under both controlled chamber and field conditions. In the growth chamber, plant TR was measured over a range of imposed VPD to provide a direct measure of plant transpiration under high VPD. In the field, stomatal conductance (gs) was measured over the daily cycle, which resulted in a range of ambient VPD. A decrease in gs under high VPD was evidence of the limited-TR trait. This study identified three sorghum genotypes (DKS 36-06, DKS 44-20, and DKS 54-00) that did not show any limitation on water loss at high VPD in either the greenhouse or field. On the other hand, four genotypes (BTX 2752, SC 599, SC 982, and B 35) exhibited the limited-TR trait in the growth chamber with breakpoints in response to VPD at values of 2.33 kPa and above. These four genotypes also expressed a breakpoint in gs in response to increasing VPD in the field. Two genotypes (TX ARG 1, TX 436) that differed between the growth chamber and field showed consistency in response on close examination of the field results. The overall general correspondence within genotypes between the controlled chamber and the field in expression or lack of expression of a breakpoint in response to increasing VPD demonstrated the possibility of selecting genotypes for the TRlim trait under differing environmental conditions.
Hippocampal Place Fields Emerge upon Single-Cell Manipulation of Excitability During Behavior

The origin of the spatial receptive fields of hippocampal place cells has not been established. A hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell receives thousands of synaptic inputs, mostly from other spatially tuned neurons; however, how the postsynaptic neuron's cellular properties determine the response to these inputs during behavior is unknown. We discovered that, contrary to expectations from basic models of place cells and neuronal integration, a small, spatially uniform depolarization of the spatially untuned somatic membrane potential of a silent cell leads to the sudden and reversible emergence of a spatially tuned subthreshold response and place-field spiking. Such gating of inputs by postsynaptic neuronal excitability reveals a cellular mechanism for receptive field origin and may be critical for the formation of hippocampal memory representations.
Changes in geniculate cell size following brief monocular blockade of retinal activity in kittens.

When a kitten is subjected to monocular lid suture early in life, cells in laminae of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) connected to the sutured eye grow less than normal and cells in those laminae connected to the non-sutured eye grow more than normal1–5. These changes are seen primarily in the binocular segment of the LGN, which corresponds to the central visual field, and are due to competition either between intracortical afferents originating from the different LGN laminae, or directly among cells within the LGN2,6. The afferent deprivation induced by lid suture, however, is not complete, as retinal ganglion cells fire tonically both in darkness and in light7. It is generally thought that this tonic retinal activity is necessary to maintain neuronal excitability at normal threshold in the central visual pathway8–10. In the visual cortex of developing kittens, we previously showed a long-lasting change in ocular dominance of binocular cells by a brief blockade of retinal activity in one optic nerve11. We report here that a complete blockade of retinal activity in one eye causes major changes in LGN cell size within 1 week. These changes occur throughout the LGN, including the monocular segment where binocular competition does not occur. The results indicate that tonic retinal activity may have an important role in the control of geniculate cell size.
Autonomous Control Strategies for VHTR-Based Systems for Hydrogen Production

This paper is focused on feasible autonomous control strategies for Generation IV Very High Temperature Reactors (VHTR)-based systems for hydrogen production. Various burnable poison distributions and fuel compositions are considered. In particular, utilization of TRUs in VHTRs is explored as the core self-stabilization approach. Both direct cycle and indirect cycle energy conversion approaches are discussed. It is assumed that small-scale VHTRs may be considered for international deployment as grid-appropriate variable-scale self-contained systems addressing emerging demands for hydrogen. A Monte Carlo-deterministic analysis methodology has been implemented for coupled design studies of VHTRs with TRUs using the ORNL SCALE 5.1 code system. The developed modeling approach provides an exact-geometry 3D representation of the VHTR core details properly capturing VHTR physics. The discussed studies are being performed within the scope of the U.S. DOE NERI project on utilization of higher actinides (TRUs and partitioned MAs) as a fuel component for extended-life VHTR configurations.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Premarital pregnancies and out-of-wedlock births in denmark, 1950–65

Although comprehensive investigation of child spacing patterns requires consideration of those births that were conceived before marriage, detailed data on such births often are not available, especially in the United States. Danish statistics on first births by duration of marriage and on out-of-wedlock births permit evaluation of trends in premarital pregnancies. For the period 1950-65, they point to (1) a rise in the percentage of all brides who are pregnant at marriage; (2) an increase in the proportion of first births occurring within both six and nine months of marriage; and (3) a rise in out-of-wedlock births.
The isolation and purification of two peptides from the venom of Buthus martensii Karsch.

Abstract Two peptides that extensively prolong action potentials (APs) in rat and frog nerves have been isolated and purified from the venom of the scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch (BMK). The peptides were purified using gel filtration, ion exchange, FPLC, and HPLC chromatography. Action potentials recorded in the presence of nanomolar concentrations of the peptides were extensively prolonged without much attenuation in their heights. The N-terminal sequences of both the peptides, BMK 9(3)-1 and BMK 9(3)-2, were determined. The N-terminal sequences of BMK 9(3)-1 and BMK 9(3)-2 were found to be: GRDAYIADSEN-PYF-GANPN and GRDAYIADSEN-PYT-ALNP. Sequence similarity comparisons to other α-scorpion toxins suggest that the two blanks in each of the sequences are cysteines. The first 20 residues of the two BMK peptides differ by only three amino acid substitutions. The molecular weight (MW) of BMK 9(3)-1 and BMK 9(3)-2 were determined by LC/MS/MS to be 7020 and 7037 Da. Since both of the peptides prolong APs when both K+ and Ca++ channels are blocked and show sequence similarity to other α-neurotoxins, it appears likely that BMK 9(3)-1 and BMK 9(3)-2 act to alter Na channel inactivation to produce their effects. The first 20 residues of BMK 9(3)-2 are identical to those observed for makatoxin I, a toxin isolated from Buthus martensii Karsch venom, that alters nitric oxide transmitter release. Since the two toxins also have very similar molecular weights, BMK 9(3)-2 may be identical to makatoxin I; however, BMK 9(3)-2 acts to alter Na channels to exert its effect, thus the two toxins may differ, or if they are identical, they can exert effects on both neural transmission and AP propagation.
Failure of diethylcarbamazine citrate (Hetrazan) in the treatment of asthma

Abstract A double-blind study of diethylcarbamazine citrate (Hetrazan) was carried out in 18 patients with perennial asthma. In addition to the subjective response, observations were made on changes in pulmonary function (VC and FEV,) and the total eosinophil count. A total of twenty trials including both Hetrazan and the placebo failed to reveal any significant difference between the two preparations. The reported effectiveness of Hetrazan in the treatment of asthma could not be confirmed.
Electronic Distribution of the Publications of the State Academies of Science

State academies of science originated in the late 1800s and early 1900s as a means to provide scientists at the state and local level with the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas. Since their origin, most state academies of science have disseminated regional scientific research through the publication of state academy journals and conference proceedings. Due to limited resources, most state academies have been slow to move to electronic publication and distribution of scientific research. However, a number of state academies have created electronic journals and/or have begun using commercial database producers to distribute their research as full-text content in aggregated databases. This article examines the progress made by the state academies of science in electronic publication.
Improvement of pellet quality with proteins recovered from whole fish using isoelectric solubilization-precipitation

SUMMARY Muscle proteins are known to form thermally induced gel networks and may bind particles such as feed constituents. Dietary incorporation of functional proteins may improve pellet quality. Muscle proteins were recovered from rainbow trout by using isoelectric solubilizationprecipitation. The objectives of this study were 1) to determine the proximate composition and amino acid content, AMEn, TMEn, and true amino acid digestibility of trout protein isolate and paste (TPP), and 2) to determine the effects of TPP on feed manufacturing, pellet quality, and true amino acid digestibility of broiler diets formulated to include TPP. Four treatments, consisting of 1) a control, 2) 5% TPP (HTPP), 3) 2.5% TPP (LTPP), and 4) 3.9% added moisture (MOIS), were manufactured at the West Virginia University pilot feed mill using a Latin square design. Five percent TPP had the highest pellet quality, followed by LTPP, MOIS, and the control. The improvement in pellet quality could be attributed to gelation of the recovered proteins. Addition of TPP reduced pellet mill production rate. Relative electrical energy usage decreased with MOIS but increased with HTPP relative to the control and LTPP treatments. Negative effects of increased viscosity likely associated with TPP were absent with LTPP. Digestibility of Asp, Glu, Pro, Ile, and Leu were lower for HTPP than the control. However, Ala digestibility was decreased in LTPP compared with the control. Therefore, fish muscle proteins incorporated at less than 5% of the diet may be beneficial to the broiler industry as a pellet binder and nutritive feed additive.
Inconsistency in power down current caused by voltage control oscillator (VCO) of EPROM wordline charge pump

Inconsistency in power down current (IPD) measurement was experienced on the device, with Word Line Charge Pump, when it is operating at Vcc higher than 3 V. When the device enters power down, the current was measured in a very random manner, sometimes down to sub-micro-ampere or a few ten micro-ampere range. This problem totally goes away when the device is operating at 3 V. The root cause of this problem is due to the VCO (Voltage Control Oscillator) of the Word Line Charge Pump.
Abundance, biomass production, nutrient content, and the possible role of terrestrial salamanders in Missouri Ozark forest ecosystems

The transfer of energy and nutrients largely depends on the role of animals in the movement of biomass between trophic levels and ecosystems. Despite the historical recognition that amphibians could play an important role in the movement of biomass and nutrients, very few studies have provided reliable estimates of abundance and density of amphibians to reveal their true importance. Here, we provide robust estimates of abundance and density of a dominant species, the Southern Redback Salamander (Plethodon serratus Grobman, 1944), in the oak forest ecosystem of the Ozark Highlands in Missouri. We then use the abundance and density estimates to calculate biomass and nutrient content of salamanders at our study sites in the Ozark forests. Salamanders at the Sinkin Experimental Forest comprise a large amount of protein, energy, and nutrients that greatly exceed estimates derived some 35 years ago in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire. Our estimates (7 300 - 12 900 salamanders·ha−1 ) are 2-4 times greater than the values reported by Burton and Likens (1975a, Ecology, 56: 1068-1080; 1975b, Copeia, 1975: 541-546). Furthermore, we show that density estimates of other small plethodontid species reported in the literature are nearly an order of magnitude greater than that reported by Burton and Likens. We believe this indicates that previous results have underestimated the importance of salamander biomass, nutrient, and energy flux, and their functional role in regulating invertebrates and carbon retention in forest ecosystems.
Hydrologic Implications of Different Large-Scale Meteorological Model Forcing Datasets in Mountainous Regions

AbstractProcess-based hydrologic models require extensive meteorological forcing data, including data on precipitation, temperature, shortwave and longwave radiation, humidity, surface pressure, and wind speed. Observations of precipitation and temperature are more common than other variables; consequently, radiation, humidity, pressure, and wind speed often must be either estimated using empirical relationships with precipitation and temperature or obtained from numerical weather prediction models. This study examines two climate forcing datasets using different methods to estimate radiative energy fluxes and humidity and investigates the effects of the choice of forcing data on hydrologic simulations over the mountainous upper Colorado River basin (293 472 km2). Comparisons of model simulations forced by two climate datasets illustrate that the methods used to estimate shortwave radiation impact hydrologic states and fluxes, particularly at high elevation (e.g., ~20% difference in runoff above 3000-m el...