cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of bedrock permeability on subsurface stormflow and the water balance of a trenched hillslope at the Panola Mountain Research Watershed, Georgia, USA

The effect of bedrock permeability on subsurface stormflow initiation and the hillslope water balance is poorly understood. Previous hillslope hydrological studies at the Panola Mountain Research Watershed (PMRW), Georgia, USA, have assumed that the bedrock underlying the trenched hillslope is effectively impermeable. This paper presents a series of sprinkling experiments where we test the bedrock impermeability hypothesis at the PMRW. Specifically, we quantify the bedrock permeability effects on hillslope subsurface stormflow generation and the hillslope water balance at the PMRW. Five sprinkling experiments were performed by applying 882–1676 mm of rainfall over a ∼5·5 m × 12 m area on the lower hillslope during ∼8 days. In addition to water input and output captured at the trench, we measured transpiration in 14 trees on the slope to close the water balance. Of the 193 mm day−1 applied during the later part of the sprinkling experiments when soil moisture changes were small, 175 mm day−1 (91%). Bedrock moisture was measured at three locations downslope of the water collection system in the trench. Bedrock moisture responded quickly to precipitation in early spring. Peak tracer breakthrough in response to natural precipitation in the bedrock downslope from the trench was delayed only 2 days relative to peak tracer arrival in subsurface stormflow at the trench. Leakage to bedrock influences subsurface stormflow at the storm time-scale and also the water balance of the hillslope. This has important implications for the age and geochemistry of the water and thus how one models this hillslope and watershed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychodynamically based approaches to emotional disturbance

The article outlines the purposes and major characteristics of individual and group psychotherapy techniques which have been specifically adapted for children. Principles of art, dance, music, play, drama, and family therapy are introduced as distinct from “ordinary” therapy. In general, each of the therapies is discussed as a procedure to assist mentally handicapped individuals to recognize and cope better with feelings, to promote a more positive self-concept, and to develop more functionally efficient behaviors. Psychodynamic principles and applications to help children develop intrapersonal and iterpersonal skills are summarized. These include: therapeutic communication models, such as Transactional Analysis and Parent Effectiveness Training; principles of milieu therapy and behavior management, such as the Life Space Interview and crisis intervention techniques; and psychoeducational models, such as the Magic Circle, Self-Control Curriculum, and Values Clarification.
Substitution of glutamate-3, valine-19, leucine-23, and serine-24 with alanine in the N-terminal region of human heart muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferase I abolishes malonyl CoA inhibition and binding.

Abstract The muscle isoform of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (M-CPTI) is 30- to 100-fold more sensitive to malonyl CoA inhibition than the liver isoform (L-CPTI). We have previously shown that deletion of the first 28 N-terminal amino acid residues in M-CPTI abolished malonyl CoA inhibition and high-affinity binding [Biochemistry 39 (2000) 712–717]. To determine the role of specific residues within the first 28 N-terminal amino acids of human heart M-CPTI on malonyl CoA sensitivity and binding, we constructed a series of substitution mutations and a mutant M-CPTI composed of deletion 18 combined with substitution mutations V19A, L23A, and S24A. All mutants had CPT activity similar to that of the wild type. A change of Glu3 to Ala resulted in a 60-fold decrease in malonyl CoA sensitivity and loss of high-affinity malonyl CoA binding. A change of His5 to Ala in M-CPTI resulted in only a 2-fold decrease in malonyl CoA sensitivity and a significant loss in the low- but not high-affinity malonyl CoA binding. Deletion of the first 18 N-terminal residues combined with substitution mutations V19A, L23A, and S24A resulted in a mutant M-CPTI with an over 140-fold decrease in malonyl CoA sensitivity and a significant loss in both high- and low-affinity malonyl CoA binding. This was further confirmed by a combined four-residue substitution of Glu3, Val19, Leu23, and Ser24 with alanine. Our site-directed mutagenesis studies demonstrate that Glu3, Val19, Leu23, and Ser24 in M-CPTI are important for malonyl CoA inhibition and binding, but not for catalysis.
Impact of Corn Earworm Injury on Yield of Transgenic Corn Producing Bt Toxins in the Carolinas

Transgenic corn, Zea mays L., hybrids expressing insecticidal Cry proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and insecticide applications to suppress injury from Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) were evaluated in Florence, SC, and in Plymouth, NC, in 2012 and 2013. Based on kernel area injured, insecticide applications (chlorantraniliprole) every 3–4 d from R1 until H. zea had cycled out of corn reduced injury by 80–93% in Florence and 94–95% in Plymouth. Despite intensive applications of insecticide (13–18 per trial), limited injury still occurred in all treated plots in 2012, except in DKC 68-03 (Genuity VT Double PRO), based on kernels injured (both locations) and proportion of injured ears (Florence only). In 2013, ear injury was low in Plymouth, with no kernel injury in any insecticide-treated plots, except P1498R (non-Bt) and P1498YHR (Optimum Intrasect). Injury in Florence in 2013 did not occur in treated plots of DKC 68-04 (non-Bt), DKC 68-03 (Genuity VT Double PRO), and N785-3111 (Agrisure Viptera). Yields were not significantly affected by insecticide treatment and were not statistically different among near-isolines with and without Bt traits. Yields were not significantly associated with kernel injury based on regression analyses. The value of using Bt corn hybrids to manage H. zea is discussed.
The relationship between child sexual abuse and adolescent sexual functioning in Afro-American and white American women.

This study has examined the relationship between child sexual abuse and adolescent sexual functioning in a community sample of 245 Afro-American and white American women, most of whom became sexually active during adolescence. Significant relationships between several aspects of women's child abuse experiences and their voluntary sexual behavior before age 18 revealed that women who reported contact sexual abuse (fondling, and attempted and completed oral and vaginal intercourse) had voluntary sexual intercourse 15.4 months earlier than women with noncontact (e.g., observing exhibitionists) or no abuse. Likewise, women with contact abuse engaged in necking and petting behaviors at earlier ages, and had more sexual partners during adolescence and briefer sexual relationships than women with noncontact or no abuse. Similar relationships between interviewers' ratings of the severity of child sexual abuse and women's adolescent sexual behaviors were noted. These findings stress that child sexual abuse, rather than women's ethnicity alone, may contribute to the early onset and frequency of adolescent sexual behaviors. Conceptual formulations that address these relationships and the implications for future research and social policy have been discussed. Language: en
Three-dimensional tokamak equilibria in the presence of resonant field errors

Numerical solutions are described for three-dimensional MHD equilibria in the presence of resonant magnetic field perturbations. The effects of a realistic spectrum of resonant field errors are calculated for a range of current profiles in cylindrical geometry, and the results are benchmarked against toroidal calculations for two different current profiles. It is found that field errors of the magnitude existing in present day devices, and contemplated for future devices, can produce a set of magnetic islands occupying a significant fraction of the plasma cross-section. The calculations are applicable to those situations where flow effects are unimportant. The conditions under which this is the case are discussed, and implications for several cases of interest are considered
Inhibition of Tgfβ signaling by endogenous retinoic acid is essential for primary lung bud induction

Disruption of retinoic acid (RA) signaling during early development results in severe respiratory tract abnormalities, including lung agenesis. Previous studies suggest that this might result from failure to selectively induce fibroblast growth factor 10 (Fgf10) in the prospective lung region of the foregut. Little is known about the RA-dependent pathways present in the foregut that may be crucial for lung formation. By performing global gene expression analysis of RA-deficient foreguts from a genetic [retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (Raldh2)-null] and a pharmacological (BMS493-treated) mouse model, we found upregulation of a large number of Tgfbeta targets. Increased Smad2 phosphorylation further suggested that Tgfbeta signaling was hyperactive in these foreguts when lung agenesis was observed. RA rescue of the lung phenotype was associated with low levels of Smad2 phosphorylation and downregulation of Tgfbeta targets in Raldh2-null foreguts. Interestingly, the lung defect that resulted from RA-deficiency could be reproduced in RA-sufficient foreguts by hyperactivating Tgfbeta signaling with exogenous TGF beta 1. Preventing activation of endogenous Tgfbeta signaling with a pan-specific TGFbeta-blocking antibody allowed bud formation and gene expression in the lung field of both Raldh2-null and BMS493-treated foreguts. Our data support a novel mechanism of RA-Tgfbeta-Fgf10 interactions in the developing foregut, in which endogenous RA controls Tgfbeta activity in the prospective lung field to allow local expression of Fgf10 and induction of lung buds.
Blast overpressure induced structural and functional changes in the auditory system

Blast overpressure of sufficient intensity can produce injury to various organ systems. Unprotected ears result in the auditory system being the most susceptible. The injuries to the auditory system include: rupture of the tympanic membrane, dislocation or fracture of the ossicular chain, and damage to the sensory structures on the basilar membrane. All these injuries can be characterized as a form of mechanical damage to the affected structure. Injury to the sensory structures on the basilar membrane leads to temporary and permanent loss of hearing sensitivity. The temporary component of the hearing loss shows a time course after removal from the noise which frequently will include an initial increase in hearing loss followed by a recovery period during which threshold may return to preexposure levels or stabilize at a higher level which represents a permanent loss of hearing sensitivity. This type of recovery function suggests that there are damage processes which continue after the traumatic event and that intervention might mitigate some of the damage and hearing loss.
Disseminated aspergillosis in a dog due to Aspergillus alabamensis

Disseminated aspergillosis is uncommon in dogs and often associated with Aspergillus terreus. A case of disseminated disease in an English springer spaniel is reported from which Aspergillus alabamensis was recovered by culture and identified by molecular means suggesting a potential role for this agent as a primary pathogen of dogs.
Endoparasites in 12 species of Sphenomorphus (Squamata: Scincidae) from Papua New Guinea.

Abstract Three-hundred twenty-four individuals representing 12 species of Sphenomorphus (Scincidae) collected in Papua New Guinea were examined for endoparasites: S. aignanus, S. forbesei, S. fuscolineatus, S. granulatus, S. jobiensis, S. louisiadensis, S. maindroni, S. meyeri, S. minutus, S. nigrolineata, S. simus, and S. solomonis. Found were 2 species of Cestoda, Adenobrechmos greeri, Cylindrotaenia hickmani; 2 species of Digenea, Mesocoelium monas, Zeylanurotrema sphenomorphi; 15 species of Nematoda, 10 species represented by gravid adults, Abbreviata oligopapillata, Aplectana crombiei, Aplectana zweifeli, Cosmocerca zugi, Falcaustra papuensis, Meteterakis crombei, Oswaldocruzia bakeri, Parapharyngodon maplestoni, Physalopteroides milnensis, Pseudorictularia dipsarilis, and 5 represented by immature individuals, Abbreviata sp. (juveniles in cysts), Moaciria sp., Physocephalus sp. (juveniles in cysts), Acuariidae gen. sp. (juveniles in cysts), Rictulariidae gen. sp. (juveniles in cysts); 3 species of A...
Initiation patterns produced in explosives by low-pressure, long-duration shock waves

Abstract Patterns of the initiation sites produced by shock waves in samples of a plastic-bonded HMX explosive, Composition B, and nitromethane are presented. The shock amplitudes in the explosives are less than 6 kbar, and effective durations vary from about 20 to 80 μsec. A qualitative initiation model that provides an explanation for the patterns is given. An experimental system for studying the effects of low-amplitude show waves on explosives or other materials is described.
The history of nuclear weapon safety devices

The paper presents the history of safety devices used in nuclear weapons from the early days of separables to the latest advancements in MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS). Although the paper focuses on devices, the principles of Enhanced Nuclear Detonation Safety implementation will also be presented.
Factors affecting the antilisterial effects of nisin in milk

The ability of Listeria monocytogenes to proliferate in milk and the antilisterial activities of nisin are well documented. Although milk fat was reported to reduce the antimicrobial activities of nisin, there is little information on the influence of milk fat on the antilisterial activities of nisin in refrigerated milk, and whether pasteurization and homogenization influence these activities. Fresh, pasteurized, and homogenized milk samples (0.1%, 2.0%, and 3.5% fat) were treated with nisin (0-500 IU/ml) and challenged with 10(4) CFU/ml L. monocytogenes strain Scott A. The organism was most sensitive to nisin in skim milk, showing rapid decline in cell numbers to <10 CFU/ml after 12 days at 5 degrees C following treatment with 250 IU/ml. An initial decline in cell numbers in 2% and whole milk was followed by regrowth of the organism. Loss of the antilisterial effects of nisin was confirmed in homogenized whole milk, whether raw or pasteurized, but not in raw or pasteurized whole milk that was not homogenized. Tween 80, a nonionic emulsifier, partially counteracted the loss of the antilisterial activity of nisin, whereas lecithin, an anionic emulsifier, had no effect. These results demonstrate that the chemical composition and treatment of foods may play an important role in the antilisterial effects of nisin.
Ethylene glycol poisoning: Quintessential clinical toxicology; analytical conundrum

Ethylene glycol poisoning is a medical emergency that presents challenges both for clinicians and clinical laboratories. Untreated, it may cause morbidly or death, but effective therapy is available, if administered timely. However, the diagnosis of ethylene glycol poisoning is not always straightforward. Thus, measurement of serum ethylene glycol, and ideally glycolic acid, its major toxic metabolite in serum, is definitive. Yet measurement of these structurally rather simple compounds is but simple. This review encompasses an assessment of analytical methods for the analytes relevant for the diagnosis and prognosis of ethylene glycol poisoning and of the role of the ethylene glycol metabolites, glycolic and oxalic acids, in its toxicity.
Strategic Delegation in a Legislative Bargaining Model with Pork and Public Goods

Abstract This paper examines the incentives of voters to appoint legislators with different preferences from their own. The paper adopts an underlying legislative bargaining model proposed by Volden and Wiseman (2007) in which legislators with heterogeneous preferences divide a fixed budget between a public good and pork projects (local public goods). We show that voters have an incentive to strategically delegate to affect how the budget is divided at the legislative level. When voters' preferences for pork are not too strong, the incentives for strategic delegation exist to appoint representatives who will direct more money to the public good and not to pork projects. This generally results in at least as many representatives as districts that favor the public good. The comparative statics predict that when strategic delegation occurs, increasing the size of the legislature increases the fraction of the budget spent on the public good.
Triose phosphates as precursors of glyceride biosynthesis by rat liver microsomes

Washed rat liver microsomes synthesize phosphatidate and di- and triglycerides from dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) or DL-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (DL-GAP) and fatty acids. The cofactors required in either case are ATP, CoASH, Mg++, and either NADH or NADPH. NADH is twice as active as NADPH. In the presence of γ-32P-ATP, 1-14C-palmitate, CoASH and NADH, the combined actions of glycerol kinase (ATP-glycerol phosphotransferase EC 2.7.1.30), and microsomes convert dihydroxyacetone to phosphatidate with the molar ratio of14C∶32P approximately 2∶1. Since glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (L-glycerol 3-phosphate: NAD oxidoreductase EC 1.1.1.8) is not present in microsomes, the synthesis of glycerides from either DHAP or GAP need not occur via their conversion to glycerol 3-phosphate (GP). However, the presence of triose phosphate isomerase (D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate:ketol-isomerase EC 5.3.1.1) in microsomes, suggests the conversion of GAP to DHAP during glyceride synthesis. The requirement for this conversion was confirmed by the use of 1-hydroxy-3-chloro-2-propanone phosphate (HCPP), an irreversible inhibitor of triose phosphate isomerase. The synthesis of glycerides from DL-GAP was completely inhibited by HCPP, whereas that from DHAP was not.
Robust, exponentially fast state estimator for some non-linear stochastic systems

Abstract The design of exponentially fast state estimators for a class of non-linear stochastic systems with non-linear noisy measurement models is considered. First, finite-time exponential data-weighting filtering is taken up, then it is shown for systems with mean square stability that by using this technique, the design of lime-invariant filters with guaranteed exponential convergence rate is possible, A robustness property of these estimators is also demonstrated.
The enzymatic synthesis of 5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide riboside triphosphate (ZTP)

5-Amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide riboside triphosphate (ZTP) is thought to play a regulatory role in cellular metabolism. Unlike other nucleoside triphosphates, ZTP is synthesized in a one-step reaction in which the pyrophosphate group of 5-phosphoribosyl-l-pyrophosphate is transferred to the riboside monophosphate (ZMP) in a reaction catalyzed by 5-phosphoribosyl-l-pyrophosphate synthetase; reversal of this reaction leads to dephosphorylation of ZTP to ZMP. This unusual route of synthesis (and catabolism) of ZTP may be important in defining its metabolic effects in the cell.
Echo area of a plasma-coated sphere

Abstract The general problem of scattering characteristics of configurations involving plasmas is considered. Effects of transmission, reflection and focusing are considered. Means of modelling plasma sheaths which are valid for both echo area and transmission characteristics are also presented. Some problems with relatively simple geometry are considered in greater detail. These include the plasma sphere, metallic sphere coated with a plasma and other simple shapes. The plasma-coated metallic sphere is considered in greatest detail. Besides the exact solutions for echo area of this configuration, approximate expressions are also given along with numerical data and curves obtained from these approximate solutions. Means of extending these results to missile shapes other than the sphere and to more general ion distributions is indicated.
The relative toxicity of a spore preparation of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis against fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti and Toxorhynchites amboinensis: suspension feeding compared with enemas and forced feeding

The toxic effect of a spore preparation of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis Berliner Serotype H-14 (Bti) on 4th instar larvae of Aedes aegypti L. and Toxorhynchites amboinensis (Doleschall) was observed when given either in a suspension feeding test or when injected orally as a forced feeding or via the anus as an enema. The A. aegypti larvae showed the greater sensitivity to Bti both because they greatly concentrate the toxin by filter feeding and they are more sensitive to Bti than are the larvae of T. amboinensis. The latter appeared approximately two-fold less sensitive to Bti than the former after taking into account their greater body weight. Resume Comparaison des toxicites de l'alimentation a partir d'une suspension, de l'alimentation forcee et du lavement avec une preparation de spores de Bacillus thuringensis var. israelensis sur les larves de quatrieme stade d'Aedes aegypti et Toxorhynchites amboinensis La toxicite sur des larves de 4eme stade de A. aegypti et T. amboinensis, d'une preparation de spores de B. thuringiensis var. israelensis Berliner serotype H-14, a ete examinee apres: injection orale par alimentation forcee, injection anale comme lavement, - le temoin etant une alimentation a partir d'une suspension de spores. Les larves de A. aegypti ont presente la plus grande sensibilite au Bti d'une part parce qu'elles concentrent beaucoup la toxine avec leur alimentation par filtration, et parce qu'elles sont plus sensibles sensu stricto au Bti. Meme en tenant compte de leur poids plus eleve, T. amboinensis est apparu comme deux fois moins sensible au Bti.
Cells in the bulge of the mouse telogen follicle give rise to the lower anagen follicle.

The slow-cycling cells in the bulge of the outer root sheath may represent stem cells for the hair follicle. With each new anagen (growing) phase bulge cells would give rise to a population of transie
Cross-Field Differences in Creative Problem-Solving Skills: A Comparison of Health, Biological, and Social Sciences

In the present study, 258 doctoral students working in the health, biological, and social sciences were asked to solve a series of field-relevant problems calling for creative thought. Proposed solutions to these problems were scored with respect to critical creative thinking skills such as problem definition, conceptual combination, and idea generation. Results indicated that health, biological, and social scientists differed with respect to their skill in executing various operations, or processes, involved in creative thought. Interestingly, no differences were observed as a function of the students' level of experience. The implications of these findings for understanding cross-field, and cross-experience level, differences in creative thought are discussed.
Role of renal nerves and vasopressin in renal responses to acute volume expansion in rats.

This study was to determine whether the presence or absence of renal nerves and vasopressin altered the diuretic and natriuretic responses to acute volume expansion. Two forms of volume expansion were used: (i) inflation of a small balloon in the veno-atrial junction and (ii) an infusion of isotonic saline at a rate of 1 ml/min for a period of 15 min, approximately 7% of body weight. Balloon inflation produced a significant diuresis from both the intact and denervated kidneys but only produced a significant natriuresis from the intact kidney. Volume expansion (infusion of saline) produced a significant diuresis and natriuresis from both intact and denervated kidneys. Blocking the V2 receptor for vasopressin with a V2-specific receptor blocker d(CH2)5[D-Ile2,Val4]AVP (40 micrograms/kg bolus dose followed by infusion of 4 micrograms/kg/min) did not alter the diuretic and natriuretic responses to volume expansion. However, the absence of renal nerves or the absence of actions of vasopressin produced a significant reduction in the capacity of the kidneys to increase the relative amount of diuresis or natriuresis, thus losing the control over output; i.e., absence of renal nerves only allowed 12-fold increase in diuresis to volume expansion compared with 25-fold in the intact state and absence of vasopressin only allowed 4.6-fold increase in diuresis to volume expansion compared with 25-fold in the intact state. Examining the "volume reflex" in terms of a control system trying to regulate fluid balance, the presence of either renal nerves or actions of vasopressin allows the volume regulating system a greater range in which to control the diuresis and natriuresis (making it possible to fine tune the output to much greater extent).
Density functional theory of atomic structure. I. Exchange and correlation potentials for two‐electron atoms

The density functional theory of Hohenberg, Kohn, and Sham would be capable of giving exact energies, and densities if realistic exchange and correlation potentials could be used in the density functional SCF equations rather than approximations based on the uniform electron gas model. Instead of looking for ways to improve the uniform electron gas expressions for the exchange and correlation potentials, we adopt the point of view that a knowledge of the form of realistic potentials should be the basis for constructing approximate potentials to be used in computational work, and could transform the density functional method into the powerfully accurate tool it is capable of becoming. A helium wavefunction was constructed with sufficient accuracy so that the exchange and correlation potentials implied by it would not be grossly affected by known errors in the wave-function. The resulting “exact” exchange and correlation potentials differ widely from those currently used in density functional calculations, and this points out the need for a systematic study of good atomic wavefunctions in order to learn how to parametrize exchange and correlation potentials for use in accurate work.
Solving long-term financial planning problems via global optimization

Abstract A significant multi-stage financial planning problem is posed as a stochastic program with decision rules. The decision rule — called dynamically balanced — requires the purchase and sale of assets at each time stage so as to keep constant asset proportions in the portfolio composition. It leads to a nonconvex objective function. We show that the rule performs well as compared with other dynamic investment strategies. We specialize a global optimization algorithm for this problem class — guaranteeing finite e-optimal convergence. Computational results demonstrate the procedure's efficiency on a real-world financial planning problem. The tests confirm that local optimizers are prone to erroneously underestimate the efficient frontier. The concepts can be readily extended for other classes of long-term investment strategies.
Epizootiology, transmission and approach to prevention of fatal simian haemorrhagic fever in rhesus monkeys.

RHESUS monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and all other macaques are extremely susceptible to the fatal disease, simian haemorrhagic fever (SHF). Introduction of this agent into a laboratory colony will result rapidly in the complete loss of all macaques in that colony1–6. An outbreak in one of our rhesus colonies resulted in the loss of all 212 animals in a period of 12 d. Because of this great loss and its consequences, we initiated an investigation into the epizootiology, transmission and prevention of this disease. These studies have shown that the virus is carried as a chronic infection in patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas) with no apparent signs of disease. It can be transmitted to the rhesus monkeys by accidental inoculation with tissue fluids, and once they are infected, spread by aerosol and contact is rapid.
Separation of xylose oligomers using centrifugal partition chromatography with a butanol–methanol–water system

Xylose oligomers are the intermediate products of xylan depolymerization into xylose monomers. An understanding of xylan depolymerization kinetics is important to improve the conversion of xylan into monomeric xylose and to minimize the formation of inhibitory products, thereby reducing ethanol production costs. The study of xylan depolymerization requires copious amount of xylose oligomers, which are expensive if acquired commercially. Our approach consisted of producing in-house oligomer material. To this end, birchwood xylan was used as the starting material and hydrolyzed in hot water at 200 °C for 60 min with a 4 % solids loading. The mixture of xylose oligomers was subsequently fractionated by a centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) with a solvent system of butanol:methanol:water in a 5:1:4 volumetric ratio. Operating in an ascending mode, the butanol-rich upper phase (the mobile phase) eluted xylose oligomers from the water-rich stationary phase at a 4.89 mL/min flow rate for a total fractionation time of 300 min. The elution of xylose oligomers occurred between 110 and 280 min. The yields and purities of xylobiose (DP 2), xylotriose (DP 3), xylotetraose (DP 4), and xylopentaose (DP 5) were 21, 10, 14, and 15 mg/g xylan and 95, 90, 89, and 68 %, respectively. The purities of xylose oligomers from this solvent system were higher than those reported previously using tetrahydrofuran:dimethyl sulfoxide:water in a 6:1:3 volumetric ratio. Moreover, the butanol-based solvent system improved overall procedures by facilitating the evaporation of the solvents from the CPC fractions, rendering the purification process more efficient.
Forward Kinematics of 3-GPR Planar Parallel Manipulators With Circular Rolling Contact Joints

In this work, we investigate the geometry and position kinematics of planar parallel manipulators composed of three GPR serial sub-chains, where G denotes a rolling contact, or geared joint, P denotes a prismatic joint, and R denotes a revolute joint. The rolling contact joints provide a passive one degree-of-freedom relative motion between the base and the prismatic links. It is shown, both theoretically and numerically, that when all the G-joints have equal circular contact profiles, there are at most 48 real forward kinematic solutions when the P joints are actuated. The solution procedure is general and can be used to predict and solve for the kinematics solutions of 3-GPR manipulators with any combination of rational contact ratios.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
The Link Between CEO Compensation and Firm Performance: Does Simultaneity Matter?

In order to combat the principle-agent problem, directors of public companies use incentive-based contracts to align the interests of CEOs and shareholders. Some studies suggest that these contracts are an inefficient use of resources, and that they do not motivate CEOs to do what is best for the firm. In this study, the author estimates a regression to find the relationship between CEO Compensation and market value of a firm. In order to address persistence, endogeneity and firm-specific effects the author uses the first-differenced and system GMM regression techniques first used by [Arellano, M.; Bover, O. “Another Look at the Instrumental-Variable Estimation of Error-Component Models,” Journal of Econometrics, 68, 1995, pp. 29–51] and [Blundell, R. W.; Bonds, S. R. “Initial Conditions and Moment Restrictions in Dynamic Panel Data Models,” Journal of Econometrics, 87, 1998, pp. 115–43; Blundell, R. W.; Bond, S. R., Windmeijer, F. “Estimation in Dynamic Panel Data Models: Improving on the Performance of the Standard GMM Estimators,” Institute for Fiscal Studies Working Paper W00/12, London, England, 2000]. These regressions report a positive relationship between CEO compensation and market value of a firm. This study concludes that incentive based contracts are effective, due to the positive pay-to-performance link, when controlling for simultaneity.
Comprehension of Deep and Surface Verbphrase Anaphors

Abstract Linguistic research on anaphora (Hankamer & Sag, 1976; Sag & Hankamer, 1984) suggests that anaphors can be divided into two classes: Surface anaphors that find their antecedents in some level of linguistic representation, and deep anaphors that find their antecedents in a discourse model or a corresponding mental representation. In three experiments, we tested the hypothesis that the syntactic form of the antecedent for a subsequent anaphor would affect the difficulty with which surface anaphors but not deep anaphors would be comprehended. In a “makes-sense” judgement task, surface anaphors were judged to make sense more often when the antecedent was introduced in a phrase that was syntactically parallel to the anaphor than when it was syntactically non-parallel. In contrast, the syntactic form of the antecedent did not affect judgements to the deep anaphors. Parallelism did, however, influence comprehension times for both types of anaphors. The results provide qualified support for the hypothesi...
Effect of β2-adrenergic receptor functioning and increased norepinephrine on the hypercoagulable state with mental stress***★

Abstract Background Procoagulant stress responses may contribute to atherosclerosis development and acute coronary thrombosis. In the present study, we examined the role of β 2 -adrenergic receptor function and plasma catecholamines in the stress-induced increase in the 2 hypercoagulability markers thrombin-antithrombin III (TAT) complex and fibrin D-dimer (DD). Methods Lymphocyte β 2 -adrenoreceptor sensitivity and density were assessed at rest, and plasma levels of TAT, DD, epinephrine, and norepinephrine were measured at rest and in response to a standardized mental stress task in 19 normotensive and mildly hypertensive nonmedicated subjects (mean age 38 years, age range 29 to 48 years). Results The stressor elicited a significant increase in TAT ( P =.024), DD ( P =.026), and norepinephrine ( P =.005). Resting β 2 -adrenoreceptor sensitivity (isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate production) plus the norepinephrine change scores (stress minus rest) accounted for 59% of the variance in the absolute TAT increase in response to stress ( P =.001). Hypertension status and demographic variables such as sex did not influence the results. Conclusions Acute mental stress may trigger a hypercoagulable state evidenced by increased thrombin activity and increased fibrin turnover. β 2 -Adrenergic receptor sensitivity and plasma catecholamine activity may mediate the procoagulant response to acute stressors. These mechanisms may help explain the adverse impact of mental stress on the cardiovascular system. (Am Heart J 2002;144:68-72.)
Nystagmus Parameters of Various Rotatory Stimuli

For accurate and reliable assessment of vestibular sensitivity a right and left cold caloric test alone is not sufficient. In the combined vestibular test a programmed rotatory testing is added to the cold thermic stimulation. Using an electrically controlled rotating device and photoelectric nystagmography the counterclockwise and clockwise rotation consists of a controlled acceleration (3°/sec2), constant velocity (45°/sec) and sudden stop. Three reactive nystagmus sequences are obtained: (1) threshold and acceleratory response, (2) decreasing perrotatory nystagmus during the constant speed, (3) postrotatory or decelerating nystagmus sequence. The three stimuli are different in strength and create nystagmus sequences in both directions. The two rotations and the cold caloric stimulations yield a total of eight nystagmus sequences. An evaluation of function is greatly facilitated by confirming responses including directional preponderance provided by the four series of tests of various type and strength ...
Acute Sleep Deprivation in the Thoracic Surgical Resident Does Not Affect Operative Outcomes

Background There is an increasing trend toward work hour restrictions for doctors world wide. These reforms have been inspired, in part, by the assertion by some that the fatigued physician is more prone to making errors. Interestingly, there is very little in the way of objective data with regard to the effects of sleep deprivation on patient outcomes. We have recently studied this in attending surgeons. The present study focused on thoracic surgical residents. Our hypothesis was that acute sleep deprivation would not lead to an increase in operative times or complications. Methods A retrospective review of all cases performed by thoracic surgical residents at the University of Virginia from January 1994 to March of 2004 was done. Complication rates of cases performed by "sleep deprived" (SD) residents were compared with cases done when the residents were "not sleep deprived" (NSD). A resident was deemed sleep deprived if he or she performed a case the previous evening that started between 10 pm and 5 am or ended between the hours of 11 pm and 7:30 am. Results A total of 7,323 cases were recorded in the STS database over the 10-year period examined. Two hundred and twenty-nine of these cases (3%) were performed by SD residents. Mortality rates for coronary artery bypass operations showed no significant differences (2.1% [SD = 3 of 141 patients] vs 3.1% (NSD = 143 of 4452 patients), p = 0.63). A comparison of operative, neurologic, renal, infectious, and pulmonary complications as well as cardiopulmonary bypass times, cross-clamp times, the use of blood products, and length of stay also demonstrated no significant differences between groups. Conclusions Acute sleep deprivation in thoracic surgical residents does not affect operative efficiency, morbidity, or mortality in cardiac surgical operations.
Human reliability issues in medical care ~ a customer viewpoint

Many errors occur in medical practice due to the lack of significant preventive methodologies. The presence of significant numbers of errors has been reported on in professional journals, as well as the popular press. Significant improvement in medical care may be possible through the application of error proofing methods from other disciplines including reliability and quality as applied in manufacturing, defense, and high tech hardware and software design. This has started to occur in several regions of the United States including Pittsburgh, PA. The institution of systematic policies, procedures, checklists, etc. has the capability of dramatic improvements in human error rates
The Real Direction of Dancy’s Moral Particularism

Jonathan Dancy, who defends a version of moral particularism, is committed to the view that any feature or reason for action might, in logical terms, have a positive moral valence in one context, a negative moral valence in a different context, and no moral valence at all in yet another context. In my paper, I attempt to demonstrate that, despite the denial by Dancy that proposed grounding properties with invariant moral valences may play a foundational role in morality, his own approach toward moral reasoning unknowingly assumes such foundational grounding properties. I argue that Dancy’s moral particularism is unknowingly directed toward moral absolutism, and, in making that argument, uncover reasons, admittedly inconclusive, to favor an absolutist ethic.
The Relationship of Diabetes Mellitus Performance Indicators with Self-Reported Health and Patient Satisfaction

Introduction: Disease management programs often strive to enhance patient outcomes through improvements in the process of care. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of diabetes care process measures with self-rated health and patient satisfaction among managed care patients with diabetes mellitus, while controlling for the influence of demographics, co-morbidities and severity of illness.
Androgenic status of males with systemic lupus erythematosus

The female predominance among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and the protective effects of androgens in the murine lupus model prompted us to assess the androgenic status of 12 men with the disease. Save for minor abnormalities explained by treatment or renal insufficiency, normal serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone levels were found. Hypogonadism or androgen deficiency was not evident.
A circadian rhythm of mating type reversals in Paramecium multimicronucleatum, syngen 2, and its genetic control.

Two new alleles, C and c, involved in mating type expression were demonstrated. A dominant allele, C(cycler), must be present for the expression of the rhythm involving a sequential alternation of the two complementary mating types (III and IV). Cultures can be entrained with light-dark cycles. The phase of each clone can be characterized by its III to IV and IV to III transitions in relation to the zero hour of a given light-dark cycle. Phase is a stable phenotypic trait during asexual reproduction, but following sexual reproduction it does not display Mendelian segregation. Instead phase is determined through nuclear differentiation, i.e., the trait is controlled by differently determined macronuclear alagen (caryonidal inheritance) which normally segregate at the second cell division after conjugation. The phase of a clone within its genetic limits is a function of the photofractions and the light intensities used in the entraining treatment. By examining a number of clones a variety of phase angles between the mating type cycle and the entraining light-dark cycle are found. Dividing cells which are sexually unreactive and therefore do not express the rhythm can be entrained and following entrainment, phase is inherited through repeated cell replications at a rate greater than one fission a day in continuous darkness or continuous dim light. This result unique to this system indicates that the cellular processes underlying the phase and period of this circadian rhythm persist (unexpressed: sexual reactivity requires slight starvation) through repeated cell replications even when the division cycle is considerably shorter than the expressed circadian period. The rhythm has a circadian period in continuous darkness or light (tested for six days) of less than 24 hours. The reversal of mating type ceases in continuous light at higher intensities. Cells homozygous for the recessive allele, c(acyclic), do not reverse mating type but are either mating type III or IV, again as a consequence of nuclear differentiation. Since individual cells with the dominant allele express both mating types, differentiation for mating type can not involve the absence in the macronucleus of mating type determining factors.
Detection and enumeration of four foodborne pathogens in raw commingled silo milk in the United States.

A nationwide survey was conducted to obtain qualitative and quantitative data on bacterial contamination of raw commingled silo milk intended for pasteurization. The levels of total aerobic bacteria, total coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus were determined using the TEMPO system. The prevalence rates and levels of presumptive Bacillus cereus, E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. were determined in 214 samples. B. cereus was detected in 8.91% of samples, at 3.0 to 93 CFU/ml. E. coli O157:H7 was detected in 3.79 to 9.05% of samples, at <0.0055 to 1.1 CFU/ml, depending on the assay utilized. Salmonella spp. were recovered from 21.96 to 57.94% of samples, at <0.0055 to 60 CFU/ml. L. monocytogenes was detected in 50.00% of samples, at <0.0055 to 30 CFU/ml. The average log-transformed counts of total viable bacteria were slightly lower in samples containing no pathogens. No correlation was observed between the levels of organisms detected with the ...
Some substances affecting the activity of proline dehydrogenase of insect flight muscle and rat kidney mitochondria.

1. 1. Proline dehydrogenase (l-proline: (acceptor)-oxidoreductase, EC 1.5.99 ?) from the flight muscle of the tsetse fly (Glossina morsitans), blowfly (Sarcophaga nodosa) and locust (Schistocerca gregaria) and from rat kidney mitochondria was inhibited by a variety of metabolites, namely glutamate, succinate, α-oxoglutarate, oxaloacetate, pyruvate, isocitrate and α-glycerophosphate. 2. 2. Tsetse and blowfly enzymes were also slightly inhibited by putrescine and arginine and the blowfly enzyme by ornithine. Hydroxyproline, fumarate, citrate, malate, aspartate and glutamine had no detectable inhibitory action. 3. 3. Proline dehydrogenase was also inhibited by the thiol reagent p-choloromercuribenzoate and the carbonyl reagents hydroxylamine and phenyl hydrazine. 4. 4. Inhibition by succinate was considerably reduced by competitive inhibitors of succinic dehydrogenase (E.C. 1.3.99.1). 5. 5. The significance of the inhibitors in insect flight muscle metabolism and possible explanations of the reduction of succinate inhibition are discussed.
Sox10 and Pax3 physically interact to mediate activation of a conserved c-RET enhancer

The neurocristopathies encompass a spectrum of developmental disorders characterized by abnormalities of neural crest-derived structures. Neural crest cells are pluripotent progenitors and the mechanisms by which specific cell-fate decisions are regulated have emerged as an important field of study. Many neurocristopathies are characterized by defects in melanocyte differentiation that can result in pigmentation abnormalities and deafness. One example is Waardenburg syndrome that can be caused by mutations in the PAX3, SOX10 or MITF genes. Other neural crest-related disorders are associated with enteric ganglia defects, such as those caused by mutations in the SOX10 or c-RET genes. The Pax3 and Sox10 transcription factors can directly regulate both MITF and c-RET. Here, we show that Pax3 and Sox10 can physically interact and we map the interaction domains. We show that this interaction contributes to Pax3 and Sox10 synergistic activation of a conserved c-RET enhancer and it explains why Sox10 mutants that cannot bind to DNA retain the ability to activate this enhancer in the presence of Pax3. However, in the context of the MITF gene, Pax3 and Sox10 must each bind independently to DNA in order to achieve synergy. This difference is consistent with the different structures of the c-RET and MITF enhancers, and the different mechanisms by which Pax3 binds to these enhancers. These observations explain the phenotype in the mild form of Yemenite deaf-blind syndrome caused by specific SOX10 mutations in the HMG box that abrogate DNA binding without disrupting association with Pax3.
Intrinsic Bayesian Active Contours for Extraction of Object Boundaries in Images

We present a framework for incorporating prior information about high-probability shapes in the process of contour extraction and object recognition in images. Here one studies shapes as elements of an infinite-dimensional, non-linear quotient space, and statistics of shapes are defined and computed intrinsically using differential geometry of this shape space. Prior models on shapes are constructed using probability distributions on tangent bundles of shape spaces. Similar to the past work on active contours, where curves are driven by vector fields based on image gradients and roughness penalties, we incorporate the prior shape knowledge in the form of vector fields on curves. Through experimental results, we demonstrate the use of prior shape models in the estimation of object boundaries, and their success in handling partial obscuration and missing data. Furthermore, we describe the use of this framework in shape-based object recognition or classification.
Chromatic dispersion compensation effectiveness of an MLSE-EDC receiver for three variants of duobinary

Experimental data is obtained on the compensation effectiveness of MLSE-EDC against chromatic dispersion for three variants of the duobinary modulation format. The MLSE technology offers the greatest dispersion tolerance advantage for the optical duobinary format.