cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enantiomeric composition and prevalence of some bicyclic monoterpenoids in amber

Among the more prevalent chiral monoterpenoid compounds in conifers are α-pinene, β-pinene, and smaller amounts of camphene and limonene. The most prevalent chiral monoterpenoid compounds in fossilized resin (referred to as amber in this paper) appear to be borneol, isoborneol, and camphene. Most of these compounds have easily measured enantiomeric excesses. The borneol and isoborneol in some amber samples have pronounced enantiomeric excesses despite the fact that they are tens of millions of years old. The enantiomeric ratios of the monoterpenoids in different ambers vary tremendously and often are distinct. However, in any single amber sample, the stereochemistry (absolute configuration) of the excess monoterpenoid enantiomers appears to be identical. The camphene in amber may be a secondary reaction product formed over time, possibly from the dehydration of borneol. Although a compound's original stereochemistry can be preserved, it also may diminish with the number and type of chemical transformations over geological time. The monoterpene enantiomeric ratios in modern conifer resins vary tremendously. Future stereochemical studies are outlined that could provide the data necessary for more exact geochemical interpretations and possibly for obtaining pertinent paleobiological information. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The effect of aging on bone formation in rats: biochemical and histological evidence for decreased bone formation capacity.

Ectopic bone formation by subcutaneously implanted demineralized bone matrix powder (DBM) was assessed biochemically and histologically in Fischer 344 rats of different ages. The total calcium accumulated in implants was greatly depressed in older rats, as was the rate of45Ca deposition. High alkaline phosphatase activity appeared later in the 10- and 16-month-old rats compared with 1-month-old rats, and the magnitude of the alkaline phosphatase activity was decreased in 16-month-old rats. The accumulation of the bone-specific vitamin K-dependent bone protein (bone gla protein, BGP) was decreased in the implants in older rats. Histological examination of the implants confirms the decreased ability of aged animals to produce bone in response to DBM. Measurements of total calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and BGP at the site of demineralized bone matrix implants clearly demonstrates that bone formation decreases dramatically with increasing age. Significant differences in total calcium can be detected even between 1-month-old and 3-month-old rats. Serum BGP shows a marked decrease (47%) between 1-month- and 3-month-old rats, a decrease not paralleled by a similar decrease in BGP present in calvarial or tibial bone.
Priority effects vary with species identity and origin in an experiment varying the timing of seed arrival

Exotic species are sometimes phenologically distinct from native species in the invaded community, allowing them to be active when there may be reduced competition for resources. In southern California, annual species are particularly problematic invaders, and prior work has shown that these species germinate earlier in the growing season, giving them a competitive advantage over later-germinating native species. This result begs the question, if being active earlier is advantageous, why have not native species adapted earlier cues for germination? We hypothesized native species would benefit less from earlier germination than exotic species (potentially due to slower growth following germination), thus negating potential selection for early germination. Here we manipulated planting time for common native and exotic species, growing them in all possible species pairs, to evaluate how competitive outcomes were altered by the time of arrival and the origin of competing species. In contrast to our hypotheses, the exotic species often had lower biomass when planted first, potentially due to disturbance when the second species was planted. In contrast, three out of our four native species benefited from earlier planting (a priority effect). Unlike the potential benefit of arriving early, we found no evidence that being planted one week later resulted in a competitive disadvantage, when compared to being planted simultaneously with a competitor. Further, we found that the magnitude and even direction of priority effects varied depending on the identity of the interacting species. Together these results suggest that a lack of directional selection may prevent adaptation towards earlier germination times of native species. Although this experiment was conducted with a limited suite of species, the results show that the role of seasonal priority effects varies among species, and that native species could benefit from seasonal priority effects in restoration efforts even when in competition with fast-growing exotic annual species.
Oxidative coupling of methane over calcium oxide and gadolinium oxide promoted with sodium pyrophosphate

Abstract Calcium oxide and gadolinium oxide, both promoted with sodium pyrophosphate, were found to be active and selective catalysts for the partial oxidation of methane to ethane and ethylene in the presence of molecular oxygen. Yields of C 2 hydrocarbons as high as 18 to 19% were obtained over Na 4 P 2 O 7 /CaO, while yields of 17 to 18% were obtained over Na 4 P 2 O 7 /Gd 2 O 3 at 1101 K. For Na 4 P 2 O 7 /CaO there was no appreciable change in either C 2 yield or total conversion of CH 4 during the 26-h testing period at 1101 K, while there was a small decrease in the C 2 yield over Na 4 P 2 O 7 /Gd 2 O 3 after 20 h of reaction. Elemental composition of the surface of the catalysts analyzed by Auger electron spectroscopy correlated well with catalytic performance data. Analysis of the elemental composition obtained by Auger electron spectroscopy of the catalysts (1101 K) indicated that a larger portion of sodium was retained on the surface after reaction on catalysts containing Na 4 P 2 O 7 than on catalysts containing Na 2 CO 3 . The stability at 1101 K of the catalysts containing Na 4 P 2 O 7 was also greater than that of the catalysts containing Na 2 CO 3 . Phosphorus on the surface of Na 4 P 2 O 7 /CaO was found to stabilize the sodium on the surface without being consumed during the reaction. Changes in surface morphology after the reaction were also observed by scanning electron microscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) data indicated that oxygen, sodium, and phosphorus were in similar chemical states on Na 4 P 2 O 7 /CaO and Na 4 P 2 O 7 /Gd 2 O 3 . Carbide formation was observed on the catalysts after exposure to methane.
Motion-base simulator evaluation of an aircraft using an external vision system (XVS)

Twelve air transport-rated pilots participated as subjects in a motion-base simulation experiment to evaluate the use of eXternal Vision Systems (XVS) as enabling technologies for future supersonic aircraft without forward facing windows. Three head-up flight display concepts were evaluated — a monochromatic, collimated Head-up Display (HUD) and a color, non-collimated XVS display with a field-of-view (FOV) equal to and also, one significantly larger than the collimated HUD. Approach, landing, departure, and surface operations were conducted. Additionally, the apparent angle-of-attack (AOA) was varied (high/low) to investigate the vertical field-of-view display requirements and peripheral, side window visibility was experimentally varied. The data showed that lateral approach tracking performance and lateral landing position were excellent regardless of AOA, display FOV, display collimation or whether peripheral cues were present. However, the data showed glide slope approach tracking appears to be affected by display size (i.e., FOV) and collimation. The monochrome, collimated HUD and color, uncollimated XVS with Full FOV display had (statistically equivalent) glide path performance improvements over the XVS with HUD FOV display. Approach path performance results indicated that collimation may not be a requirement for an XVS display if the XVS display is large enough and employs color. Subjective assessments of mental workload and situation awareness also indicated that an uncollimated XVS display may be feasible. Motion cueing appears to have improved localizer tracking and touchdown sink rate across all displays.
Outbreak of primary cutaneous aspergillosis related to intravenous arm boards.

5% to 10%. We cannot comment on the consequences associated with this bacteremia, but in view of the risk of focal complications of Salmonella bacteremia in young infants, we administer intravenous antibiotic therapy to very young infants (~3 months) with Salmonella gastroenteritis until the results of blood cultures are known. The febrile (>~39 ~ C) infant between 3 and 12 months of age with Salmonella gastroenteritis presents a more difficult management decision. However, the risk of bacteremia is significant. Therefore, blood must be cultured and presumptive parenteral antib!otic therapy considered for these infants as well. REFERENCES
Negative regulation by the Bacillus subtilis GerE protein.

GerE is a transcription factor produced in the mother cell compartment of sporulating Bacillus subtilis. It is a critical regulator of cot genes encoding proteins that form the spore coat late in development. Most cotgenes, and the gerE gene, are transcribed by ςK RNA polymerase. Previously, it was shown that the GerE protein inhibits transcription in vitro of thesigK gene encoding ςK. Here, we show that GerE binds near the sigK transcriptional start site, to act as a repressor. A sigK-lacZ fusion containing the GerE-binding site in the promoter region was expressed at a 2-fold lower level during sporulation of wild-type cells than gerEmutant cells. Likewise, the level of SigK protein (i.e.pro-ςK and ςK) was lower in sporulating wild-type cells than in a gerE mutant. These results demonstrate that ςK-dependent transcription of gerE initiates a negative feedback loop in which GerE acts as a repressor to limit production of ςK. In addition, GerE directly represses transcription of particularcot genes. We show that GerE binds to two sites that span the −35 region of the cotD promoter. A low level of GerE activated transcription of cotD by ςK RNA polymerase in vitro, but a higher level of GerE repressedcotD transcription. The upstream GerE-binding site was required for activation but not for repression. These results suggest that a rising level of GerE in sporulating cells may first activatecotD transcription from the upstream site then repress transcription as the downstream site becomes occupied. Negative regulation by GerE, in addition to its positive effects on transcription, presumably ensures that ςK and spore coat proteins are synthesized at optimal levels to produce a germination-competent spore.
United States concessions in the Kennedy Round and short-run labor adjustment costs

Abstract This paper reports on an econometric analysis of the exemptions awarded to United States industries from the across-the-board 50 percent tariff cut imposed in the Kennedy Round. It is shown that as much as 50 percent of the inter-industry variation in reductions in nominal tariff and non-tariff rates may be accounted for by variables that proxy labor adjustment costs. In particular, certain industrial characteristics are significantly related to the Kennedy Round reductions: declining industries, and industries with a high proportion of unskilled or old workers, are associated with low reductions.
The organization of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus.

Summary (1) The ventromedial hypothalamic (HVM) nucleus has been studied in mature mouse and rat brains with the rapid Golgi method. (2) HVM dendrites are long and generally unramified and bear a number of spinous processes. They extend beyond the nucleus into adjacent hypothalamic regions. (3) Completely encircling the nucleus is a capsule formed partly by HVM afferents. Buried in this capsule are neurons whose dendrites curve along the periphery of the nucleus to form a dendritic grid. (4) Three general axonal patterns can be recognized. One type is characterized by having numerous collaterals that ramify extensively in HVM. Another variety has few collaterals. The third variety has no collaterals. (5) The numerous intranuclear collaterals with their boutons en passant synaptically interconnect individual HVM units. (6) Most of the axons are beaded. None of the axonal systems studied has been found to be confined to HVM. They project to (1) lateral hypothalamus, especially ventral to the plane of the fornix, (2) anterior hypothalamus, (3) towards the zona incerta, perhaps into dorsolateral hypothalamus, (4) caudally, with the medial forebrain bundle, and (5) into the periventricular fiber system.
GM2-gangliosidosis B1 variant: A wide geographic and ethnic distribution of the specific β-hexosaminidase α chain mutation originally identified in a puerto rican patient*

Summary A point mutation within exon 5 of β-hexosaminidase α chain gene was identified earlier in a Puerto Rican patient with GM2-gangliosidosis Bl variant (the DN-allele)[K. Ohno and K. Suzuki: J. Neurochem. 50:316–318, 1988]. Oligonucleotide probes designed to detect either the normal or the DNallele showed that four additional patients carried the same mutation. These patients were of Italian, French, Spanish, and English/Italian/Hungarian origin. Three of them, as well as our original patient, were compound heterozygotes with positive signals for both the mutant and normal probes, while the Spanish patient was positive only for the DN-allele. A patient from Czechoslovakia was negative for the DN-allele. Thus, the specific mutation originally found in the Puerto Rican patient has a surprisingly wide geographic and ethnic distribution. This mutation can account for the B1 variant phenotype in five of the six B1 variant patients so far examined.
Measuring color quality of light sources

The successful commercialization of solid-state lighting for general illumination will require an effective method to characterize the color quality of these sources. The distinctive spectral characteristics of solid-state lighting sources present both unique challenges and opportunities with regards to color quality. Color quality is difficult to define, much less measure. Several aspects of color quality, including color fidelity (rendering), chromatic discrimination, and general population preferences must be considered. In some instances, these factors are contradictory. For example, observers tend to prefer lamps that increase object color chroma (vividness), though such chroma increases are deviations from color fidelity. In addition to devising a way to balance the influence of these different dimensions of color quality, consideration must be given to ways of communicating color quality in a simple way, which permits comparison between products. At NIST we're approaching this problem by developing a computational method that takes inspiration from the Color Rendering Index (CRI), but incorporates other aspects of color quality. The output of this Color Quality Scale (CQS) is a composite score incorporating a lamp's ability to accurately render object colors, permit precise discrimination between different colors, and display object colors in a way that is visually pleasing to typical consumers. Visual experimentation will be vital to improve and validate this method, which was initially developed with colorimetric simulations. Preliminary experimentation has begun, focusing on the issues most relevant to the development of commercial standards for color quality.
The influence of murine macrophage-conditioned medium on cloning efficiency, antibody synthesis, and growth rate of hybridomas

Murine B-cell hybridomas made with the P3X63-AG8.653 myeloma showed increases in cloning efficiency and efficiency of growth in hypoxanthine-aminopterin-thymidine (HAT) medium of 50-100-fold in the presence of medium conditioned by primary mouse peritoneal macrophages (MCM). Similar effects were elicited by MCM from 3 continuous macrophage lines. The J774A.1 line conditioned the medium as efficiently as primary macrophages without induction. Conditioning by the P388D1 line was several-fold less efficient, but could be increased by treating the cells with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide. By contrast, the BJ-1 macrophage line required treatment with the lipopolysaccharide to induce expression of the hybridoma growth factor(s). Four commercially available serum supplements could not substitute for MCM, but addition of MCM and the supplements together stimulated the growth rate of hybridomas in media with 4% or less fetal bovine serum. The rate of antibody synthesis paralleled the growth rate, and the amount of antibody synthesized per cell was approximately the same for hybridomas grown in medium supplemented with MCM or adapted to growth in the absence of MCM. The results indicate that MCM has advantages as an alternative to 'feeder cells' and serum supplements in hybridoma cultures, and suggest that MCM may be useful for hybridoma culture at reduced serum concentrations. The nature of the soluble factor(s) in MCM which promote these effects remains unknown.
An image-processing technique for measuring the dynamic movement of cell membranes

An automated method has been developed to measure and compare the dynamic movement of cell membranes. Using the red blood cell as a common example the method locates the edge of the cell, with sub-pixel precision at multiple points on the periphery. This method is a different implementation to a technique used for giant unilamellar vesicles and addresses issues relating specifically to biological cells, in particular relating to finding a local minima, calculating equi-spaced measuring points for arbitrary shapes and using the perpendicular direction to the edge for position measurement. Parameters have been defined to characterise the cell's membrane behaviour and the analysis program allows the automatic compilation of multiple tests under varying conditions, and statistical comparison of identical populations of cells.
Immune regulation of complement components in vivo

Immune regulation of individual complement components has been studied in F1 hybrids obtained from mating normal males with females homozygous for a genetically controlled deficiency of those components. Experiments have been performed with C5-deficient mice, C6-deficient rabbits, and C4-deficient guinea pigs. Prior to mating, complement-deficient females were rendered hyperimmune to the component they lacked and their F1 offspring were treated postnatally with antibody to the pertinent complement component. We had previously shown that antibody treatment could suppress C5 production in mice but in experiments presented here, similar antibody treatment had no effect on in vivo biosynthesis of C6 in rabbits and C4 in guinea pigs. Variation in the susceptibility of these three components of complement to regulation by antibody might reflect differences in the inducing antibody, the ontogeny of the complement component, the sites of origin, or the genetic mechanisms responsible for the deficiency states. Lack of the ability to suppress with antibody in vivo does not denote an inability to suppress with antibody in analogous in vitro systems.
The influence of an Urgent Care Center on the frequency of ED visits in an urban hospital setting.

We examined the effect of a visit to an Urgent Care Center (UCC) on emergency department (ED) use by patients with nonemergent complaints. A study population of 1,629 patients with no previous visit to a UCC were identified and served as their own controls. The ED and clinic usage 6 months before and 6 months after a UCC visit were examined. After the UCC visit for adults there was a 48% reduction in ED visits (P = .0001) and 49% increase in clinic visits (P = .0001). After the UCC visit for children there was a 28% reduction in ED visits (P < .005) and 65% increase in clinic visits (P = .0001). Moreover the majority of clinic visits occurred within 90 days after the UCC visit. There was no substantial change in patterns of hospitalization 6 months after the UCC visit. We conclude that UCC usage decreases nonemergent ED use without adverse effects of increased patient hospitalization.
Quantitative photoacoustic measurement of tissue optical absorption spectrum aided by an optical contrast agent

In photoacoustic imaging, the intensity of photoacoustic signal induced by optical absorption in biological tissue is proportional to light energy deposition, which is the product of the absorption coefficient and the local light fluence. Because tissue optical properties are highly dependent on the wavelength, the spectrum of the local light fluence at a target tissue beneath the sample surface is different than the spectrum of the incident light fluence. Therefore, quantifying the tissue optical absorption spectrum by using a photoacoustic technique is not feasible without the knowledge of the local light fluence. In this work, a highly accurate photoacoustic measurement of the subsurface tissue optical absorption spectrum has been achieved for the first time by introducing an extrinsic optical contrast agent with known optical properties. From the photoacoustic measurements with and without the contrast agent, a quantified measurement of the chromophore absorption spectrum can be realized in a strongly scattering medium. Experiments on micro-flow vessels containing fresh canine blood buried in phantoms and chicken breast tissues were carried out in a wavelength range from 680 nm to 950 nm. Spectroscopic photoacoustic measurements of both oxygenated and deoxygenated blood specimens presented an improved match with the references when employing this technique.
Potential role of cardiac calsequestrin in the lethal arrhythmic effects of cocaine

Background Cocaine-related deaths are continuously rising and its overdose is often associated with lethal cardiotoxic effects.
Quercetin-7-neohesperidoside: synthesis and properties

Quercetin-7-neohesperidoside was prepared from eriodictyol 7-neohesperidoside by alkaline peroxide oxidation. Spectral properties of this compound and its derivatives are reported.
Negative-impedance ventilation and pressure support ventilation: a comparative study

Negative impedance ventilation (NIV) is a novel mode of assisted mechanical ventilation (AMV) in which the pressure support is regulated to continuously track inspiratory flow and/or volume. In this study, we have evaluated the efficacies of NIV and inspiratory pressure support (IPS) ventilation in a model of central airway obstruction in six rabbits. For both AMV modes there was an inverse relationship between the intrinsic work of breathing and alveolar pressure. Compared to IPS, NIV was found to: (1) achieve the same degree of ventilatory unloading and similar level of pulmonary ventilation with considerably lower alveolar pressure; (2) better restore the normal tidal volume and respiratory frequency; (3) yield a shorter inspiratory duty cycle, thereby helping to rest the respiratory muscles and preclude intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure. We conclude that NIV is more efficacious than IPS in negating airway obstruction and offers a better trade-off between the risks of respiratory muscle fatigue and pressure induced complications.
Monitoring Travel Time Reliability from the Cloud

Under the existing loosely distributed sensor environment with heterogeneous data sources, transportation planning and management agencies have found a critical need for the efficient storage, processing, and extraction of network-level information. The emerging practice of cloud computing provides a revolutionary solution for network-level information needs. This paper introduces MapReduce, a distributed computing framework for the design of data-intensive software systems that can manage and manipulate a large volume of data. With a focus on a traffic-oriented, data-intensive application, the researchers designed and implemented a system for the provision of traveler information based on travel time reliability. The system leverages the unified data storage and computing platform provided by the cloud computing architecture.
Toxicity of EPN, Accothion and certain chlorinated hydrocarbons to certain cotton insects.

In tests of candidate insecticides against some cotton insects, ultra low volume (ULV-64 oz/acre or less) sprays of EPN (O-ethyl O-p -nitrophenyl phenylphosphonothioate) were more effective than conventional sprays in field tests against boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis Boheman; tobacco budworms, Heliothis virescens (F.); bollworms, H. zea (Boddie); and pink bollworms, Peetinophora gossypiella (Saunders). ULV sprays of Accothion® ( O,O -dimethyl 0-4-nitro- m -tolyl phosphorothioate) were effective against the pink bollworm but not against the tobacco budworm and bollworm, and the percentages of loss from the cotton leaf after application as a conventional spray were about the same (88-79%) 4 days after application, whether the pesticide was applied at rates of 1.12 or 17.6 kg/hectare. Isobenzan and isodrin, applied as conventional sprays, were the most toxic of the cyclodiene insecticides tested against larvae of tobacco budworm. Endrin applied as a conventional spray was toxic to bollworms but not to tobacco bud worms; when it was applied as ULV and conventional sprays, 83 and 89%, respectively, were lost from cotton foliage after 4 days. Lindane was the most toxic of 4 benzene hexachloride isomers applied as conventional sprays against larvae of the tohacco budworm. General Chemical CC-9287 (1,1a,3,3a;1.:5,:5a,:5h,6. decachlorooctahydro. 2-methyl-1,3,4-metheno-1 H -cyclobuta [cd]pentalcn-2-ol) applied as a conventional spray at a rate of 0.56 kg/ha gave 100% kill of larvae of tohacco budworms.
40Ar/39Ar evidence that formation of blueschists in continental crust was synchronous with foreland fold and thrust belt deformation, western Brooks Range, Alaska

40Ar/39Ar ages from white mica in rocks of the internal zone of the Brooks Range contractional orogen indicate that the Nanielik antiformal duplex developed at about 120 Ma and was remobilized on its southern boundary at c. 108 Ma. Blueschist facies metamorphism accompanied development of the antiform. The timing of the blueschist facies event and creation of the antiform overlap the period of shallow-seated deformation in the foreland fold and thrust belt and sedimentation in the foreland basin of the Brooks Range. Blueschist facies P-T conditions may therefore characterize the thicker parts of orogenic wedges in some orogenic systems; ancient blueschists need not necessarily be interpreted as indicators of active subduction or continent-continent collision. Microprobe analysis using quantitative wavelength-dispersive and electron backscattered electron imaging methods was used to characterize the composition of white micas in the dated samples. None of the samples was compositionally homogeneous; many contained 2-3 populations of white mica, including both potassic and sodic varieties. Samples which had undergone (in sequence) amphibolite, albite-epidote amphibolite and blueschist facies metamorphic events retained muscovites relict of the amphibolite facies event. Samples that had undergone only the blueschist facies event also contained multiple populations of mica, some probably from detrital sources.
Nonintrusive interfacial characterization of advanced composite materials

It is well known that the fiber matrix interface plays the dominant role in the mechanical behavior of advanced composite materials. Engineering and control of the interface is paramount to producing the properties for desired mechanical performance of the ultimate composite structure. This is particularly critical for advanced composites (metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites) which are currently being investigated for structural applications in aerospace and other structures. In this work, we describe a technique for in situ interfacial characterization and determination, which is demonstrated for in-process analysis and mechanical behavior studies of composites. The methodology described herein is based on an optical analysis of a guided ultrasonic signal response, but with appropriate technology, the fundamental parameters used in this study can be effectively applied to other conventional and non-conventional detection systems. The approach for analyzing the process cycle of composite materials, in-line utilizes the multi-functional use of fibers as reinforcement and sensors. The fact that typical reinforcing fibers can be effectively used as ultrasonic wave guides implies a mechanism for transfer for ultrasonic information along the length of the fiber-matrix interface. Ultimately, this information can be fed back to the processing line to update the process for optimization and affordability of manufacture.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Age-related retinopathy in NRF2-deficient mice

Background Cumulative oxidative damage is implicated in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor that plays key roles in retinal antioxidant and detoxification responses. The purposes of this study were to determine whether NRF2-deficient mice would develop AMD-like retinal pathology with aging and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods and Findings Eyes of both wild type and Nrf2−/− mice were examined in vivo by fundus photography and electroretinography (ERG). Structural changes of the outer retina in aged animals were examined by light and electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence labeling. Our results showed that Nrf2−/− mice developed age-dependent degenerative pathology in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Drusen-like deposits, accumulation of lipofuscin, spontaneous choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and sub-RPE deposition of inflammatory proteins were present in Nrf2−/− mice after 12 months. Accumulation of autophagy-related vacuoles and multivesicular bodies was identified by electron microcopy both within the RPE and in Bruch's membrane of aged Nrf2−/− mice. Conclusions Our data suggest that disruption of Nfe2l2 gene increased the vulnerability of outer retina to age-related degeneration. NRF2-deficient mice developed ocular pathology similar to cardinal features of human AMD and deregulated autophagy is likely a mechanistic link between oxidative injury and inflammation. The Nrf2−/− mice can provide a novel model for mechanistic and translational research on AMD.
Energy cusps and incompressibility in the fractional quantum Hall effect

The ground state for the fractional quantum Hall effect is investigated variationally for small numbers of electrons in a disk geometry. It is shown that there are no downward cusps in the energy, whereas upward cusps do exist. In the presence of impurities, these cusps give rise to charge-density-wave\char21{}type states, but far from the cusps, the ground state is incompressible.
New approximation algorithms for graph coloring

The problem of coloring a graph with the minimum number of colors is well known to be NP-hard, even restricted to k-colorable graphs for constant k ≥ 3. This paper explores the approximation problem of coloring k-colorable graphs with as few additional colors as possible in polynomial time, with special focus on the case of k = 3.The previous best upper bound on the number of colors needed for coloring 3-colorable n-vertex graphs in polynomial time was O(√n / √log n colors by Berger and Rompel, improving a bound of O(√n) colors by Wigderson. This paper presents an algorithm to color any 3-colorable graph with O(n3/8 polylog(n)) colors, thus breaking an “O((n1/2-o(1)) barrier”. The algorithm given here is based on examining second-order neighborhoods of vertices, rather than just immediate neighborhoods of vertices as in previous approaches. We extend our results to improve the worst-case bounds for coloring k-colorable graphs for constant k > 3 as well.
Searching for Benedict de Spinoza in the history of communication: His influence on Walter Lippmann and Edward Bernays

Some ideas crucial for the development of communication as a field are both contemporary and also based on classical philosophical thinking. An example of this is philosopher Benedict of Spinoza's ideas on the power of images and the importance of emotions to explain human behavior. This article delves into how Spinoza's ideas have been transmitted to classic public relations authors such as Walter Lippmann and Edward Bernays through the works of their masters and their mentors: George Santayana, who was one of Lippmann's philosophy professors at Harvard, and Sigmund Freud, an uncle of Bernays whose psychoanalysis theory shaped Bernays’ approach to persuasion. In contrast to these public relations masters of persuasion who had a pessimistic view of the human condition, Spinoza's Ethics is based on a positive anthropology of man that squares well with contemporary and more ethical relationship-building approaches to public relations.
Biodegradability of some food packaging materials in soil

Abstract The imminent shift of urban solid waste disposal from landfilling to recycling-composting programs directs attention to the biodegradability of certain food packaging items that are not suitable for recycling. Novel plastic wrap formulations claiming to be more degradable than their predecessors are now being marketed. Because biodegradability claims often appear in poorly documented promotional literature only, a comparative biodegradability survey of some novel highly plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC), traditional polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) wraps as well as coated or impregnated paper products was made. All materials were exposed in soil under conditions generally favorable for biodegradation. The measurement of CO2 evolution in Biometer flasks, decline in tensile strengths, in combination with newly developed residual weight determinations, and other residue analysis techniques were utilized in assessing biodegradation. During 3 months of exposure, traditional PE and PP films did not undergo measurable deterioration, but a group of newly formulated and heavily plasticized PVC films underwent extensive biodeterioration and up to 27.3% of their carbon was converted to CO2. However, gas chromatography, residual weight determination, chloride release and viscosity measurements indicated that only the plasticizer but not the PVC resin was mineralized. The wax-impregnated paper products were rapidly and completely mineralized. The PE-coating did not prevent the rapid mineralization of the cardboard, even when the material was left unshredded.
Public versus Private Secondary Schools and the Production of Economic Education

Public schools are shown to do a better job than private schools at generating economic knowledge, given their existing inputs.
An efficient mode-based alternative to principal orthogonal modes in the order reduction of structural dynamic systems with grounded nonlinearities

Abstract An alternative order reduction technique, based on the local equivalent linear stiffness method (LELSM), is suggested in this paper and compared with the principal orthogonal decomposition (POD) and the linear-based order reductions of structural dynamic systems with grounded cubic and dead-zone nonlinearities. It is shown that the updated LELSM modes approximate the principal orthogonal modes (POMs) of these systems with high accuracy especially at initial conditions corresponding to the linear modes of these systems. The use of the POMs for order reduction of nonlinear structural dynamic systems, while previously shown to be effective, requires that the solution response matrix in space and time should be obtained a priori while the alternative LELSM technique in this paper has no such requirement. The methods are applied to illustrative 2-dof (two degree-of-freedom) and 40-dof spring–mass systems with cubic and dead-zone nonlinearities. The reduced models of these systems in physical coordinates, obtained via updated LELSM modes, have been found nearly equivalent to POD modal-based reduced models and more accurate than the linear-based reduced models. Like POD modal-based order reduction, LELSM modal-based order reduction gives in-phase time histories with the exact numerical solution of the full model for long time periods of simulation. As a result, the updated LELSM modes are proposed as an alternative to POMs in order reduction of structural dynamic systems with grounded nonlinearities.
ESR investigation of the binding of some neutral polyamino acids to synthetic apatite

Interaction between synthetic crystalline apatitic calcium phosphate and neutral polypeptides [poly(DL-alanine), poly(L-proline), poly(L-hydroxyproline)] was investigated by elecron-spin-resonance spectroscopy of mineral-macromolecule complexes doped with vanadyl ion (VO++) as a paramagnetic probe. Changes in magnetic parameters were interpreted in terms of polypeptide-induced axial interactions with VO++ ions that have mineral surface phosphate oxygens as their primary ligands. This implies very close proximity between mineral surface and macromolecular peptide bond dipolar substituents.
Extended version of Van Trees's receiver operating characteristic approximation

Approximate expressions are developed for the receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) of two binary detectors, one based on random-vector observations, the other seeking continuous-time Gaussian signals in white Gaussian noise. The approach used is to extend Van Trees's good-performance-regime results (P/sub F//spl les/0.5, P/sub D//spl ges/0.5) to a much larger ROC range. The accuracy of these approximations is illustrated via an example from the stationary-processes-long-observation-time (SPLOT) regime.
Exact solutions of compact and noncompact structures for the KP-BBM equation

The tanh and the sine-cosine methods are used for a reliable treatment of the (2+1) dimensional KP-BBM equation. Generalized forms of the KP-BBM equation are investigated as well. A variety of exact travelling wave solutions of distinct physical structures: compactons, solitons, solitary patterns and periodic solutions are formally derived.
Lizard and newt tail regeneration: A quantitative study

Almost perfect fits of the Gompertz equation to the growth in length of tail regenerates in the lizard, Lacerta lepida, and the newt, Notophthalmus viridescens, were obtained. Comparison of certain parameters of the equation with published mitotic index data suggests that the Gompertz equation characterizes each system at least from the time that significant mitotic activity is first observed histologically. An objective method for comparing the regeneration periods of the two species is described and applied. A unified hypothesis derived from consideration of properties of the Gompertz equation successfully accounts for the following phenomena reported, but previously unexplained, in the literature: (1) proximal amputations result in longer regenerates than do distal amputations; (2) proximal amputations elicit greater absolute rates of elongation (in mm/day) than do distal amputations; (3) the percent replaced of the length removed is rather constant, regardless of the absolute length regenerated; and (4) one of the parameters of the Gompertz equation appears to be lognormally distributed in a regenerating population. (See text for references.) A computerized interactive graphical system for normalizing growth equations of individual regenerates and integrating the mathematical model with potential candidates for biological control factors is briefly described.
Frank Lambert, Religion in American Politics: A Short History

(2010). Frank Lambert, Religion in American Politics: A Short History. Political Theology: Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 624-627.
An exploration of expert-based text analysis techniques for assessing industrial relevance in U.S. engineering dissertation abstracts

This paper describes exploratory research on the application of computerized text analysis techniques to all U.S. engineering doctoral dissertation abstracts dated 1981, 1986, and 1991. Experts were utilized to categorize abstracts by industrial relevance, and to identify appropriate non-technology-specific word indicators within the abstracts. Word frequency and cluster analysis techniques were also explored for their potential utility in identifying technology-related work indicators of industrial relevance. The results of this work suggest that text analysis of engineering dissertation abstracts holds potential utility for identifying industrially relevant university-based engineering research, when used in conjunction with expert input and feedback.
Catenanes of closed circular intracellular PM2 phage DNA.

Abstract The closed circular intracellular DNA isolated from Pseudomonas BAL 31 20 min after infection with PM2 phage contains 5% catenated forms. The existence of catenated dimers is demonstrated by isolation of this species as a middle band in a propidium iodide—CsCl gradient, by electron microscopy and by sedimentation studies. The sedimentation patterns of the doubly closed dimer and the singly closed dimer in both neutral and alkaline media have been investigated in detail. The sedimentation pattern of the doubly nicked species has been examined in a neutral medium. Observed sedimentation coefficients are in sufficiently good agreement with those calculated from an existing empirical relationship to extend the useful range of applicability of this relationship to higher superhelix densities and lower molecular weights.
5-Azacytidine- and Hoechst-induced aneuploidy in Indian muntjac

Abstract Hoechst 33258 (bis-benzimidazole) and 5-azacytidine (5-AC) cause decondensation of the pericentric heterochromatin in mouse and aberrations in the sequence of centromere separation apparently by different mechanisms. We treated the male Indian muntjac cells (2 n =7), which do not undergo decondensation of the pericentric heterochromatin, to study if these chemicals would result in induction of aneuploidy limited to the Y 2 chromosome. This paper reports that both agents result in aneuploidy primarily limited to one chromosome, the Y 2 . It is likely that other chromosomes are not tolerated in aneuploid condition because every chromosome carries some household genes including those essential for mitotic progression. The loss/gain of the Y 2 chromosome is tolerated because it is the smallest chromosome and is almost entirely composed of constitutive heterochromatin. Since Indian muntjac has only three pairs of large chromosomes comprising its basic genome, which can be clearly viewed under high dry objective, these cells are very suitable for the preliminary analysis of aneuploidy-inducing ability of various chemicals.
Molecular emission spectra in the soft X-ray region.

Spectra from several chlorine-containing hydrocarbon molecules excited to x-ray fluorescence have been recorded by a double crystal spectrometer with high resolving power. This study focuses on the region near the occurrence of the transition Kβ1,3 (1s−1 → 3p−1) in chlorine. Whereas the free atom spectrum (from a single vacancy process) consists of an unresolved spin-orbit doublet, e.g., in argon, the molecular spectra often contain several lines. In free atom spectra and in molecular spectra also, there are extra lines or unresolved multiplets (satellites) due to multiple vacancy processes. In this report, these satellite lines are experimentally sorted out of the spectra and the remaining emission peaks associated with possible final state configuration containing a vacancy, i.e., the electronic terms of the molecule.
Experimental study of the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability induced by a Mach 3 shock wave

An experimental investigation of a shock-induced interfacial instability (Richtmyer-Meshkov instability) is undertaken in an effort to study temporal evolution of interfacial perturbations in the late stages of development. The experiments are performed in a vertical shock tube with a square cross-section. A membraneless interface is prepared by retracting a sinusoidally shaped metal plate initially separating carbon dioxide from air, with both gases initially at atmospheric pressure. With carbon dioxide above the plate, the Rayleigh-Taylor instability commences as the plate is retracted and the amplitude of the initial sinusoidal perturbation imposed on the interface begins to grow. The interface is accelerated by a strong shock wave (M = 3.08) while its shape is still sinusoidal and before the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability distorts it into the well known mushroom-like structures; its initial amplitude to wavelength ratio is large enough that the interface evolution enters its nonlinear stage very shortly after shock acceleration. The pre-shock evolution of the interface due to the Rayleigh-Taylor instability and the post-shock evolution of the interface due to the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability are visualized using planar Mie scattering. The pre-shock evolution of the interface is carried out in an independent set of experiments. The initial conditions for the Richtmyer-Meshkov experiment are determined from the pre-shock Rayleigh-Taylor growth. One image of the post-shock interface is obtained per experiment and image sequences, showing the post-shock evolution of the interface, are constructed from several experiments. The growth rate of the perturbation amplitude is measured and compared with two recent analytical models of the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability.
Research on individual differences requires correlational analysis, not ANOVA

Abstract The data of Welsh and Baucom (1977) have been reanalyzed using correlational analysis for the complete distributions in place of the analysis of variance of extreme groups. The analysis reveals a number of statistically significant correlations between composites of M-F scales and several measures of intelligence, but these are trival in size. Also the sign of the correlations depends directly on which M-F scales are selected to form composites. One can obtain a correlation between either masculinity and intelligence or femininity and intelligence depending on whether the supposed trait is measured from scales formed from the Adjective Check List or from a combination of the MMPI and the SVIB.
Infant interest expressions as coordinative motor structures

Two opposing facial actions, raised and knit (contracted} brows, hove been considered expressions of the unitary emotion of interest. We examined differential relationships between these brow actions and accompanying head, eye, arm, and other facial movements in 5- and 7-month-old infants who were videotaped as toys were presented above or below eye level. Raised-brow movements significantly co-occurred with head-up and/or eyes-up movements for both ages. Knit-brows co-occurred with eyes-down at 5 months and head-down at 7 months. Frequency of arm movements was not systematically related to head, eye, or brow movements. Muscles that move the brows con be recruited when young infants move their head and/or eyes. Therefore, converging sources of evidence are needed before interest con be inferred from the brow actions of infants.