cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oligomerization of Two Membrane Proteins Critical for Bacterial Mating

Bacterial mating allows for the transfer of DNA through a DNA translocation channel. These large, multi-protein complexes can be found in many bacteria and are known as Type IV secretion systems (T...
Positive allosteric modulation of the human cannabinoid (CB) receptor by RTI-371, a selective inhibitor of the dopamine transporter.

Background and purpose: In our search for an indirect dopamine agonist as therapy for cocaine addiction, several selective inhibitors of the dopamine transporter (DAT), which are 3-phenyltropane analogues, were assayed for their effect on locomotor activity in mice. Interestingly, several of the compounds showed a poor correlation between stimulation of locomotion and DAT inhibition. One of the compounds, 3β-(4-methylphenyl)-2β-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)isoxazol-5-yl]tropane (RTI-371), was shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, by binding studies in vivo, and block cocaine-induced locomotor stimulation. As poor pharmacokinetics could not explain the behavioural effects of RTI-371, this compound was screened through our functional assays for activity at other CNS receptors. Initial screening identified RTI-371 as a positive allosteric modulator of the human CB1 (hCB1) receptor. Experimental approach: The effect of RTI-371 and other DAT-selective inhibitors on CP55940-stimulated calcium mobilization was characterized in a calcium mobilization-based functional assay for the hCB1 receptor. Selected compounds were also characterized in a similar assay for human µ opioid receptor activation to assess the specificity of their effects. Key results: RTI-371 and several other DAT-selective inhibitors with atypical actions on locomotor behaviour increased the efficacy of CP55940 in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusions and implications: These results suggest that the lack of correlation between the DAT-binding affinity and locomotor stimulation of RTI-371 could be due at least in part to its activity as a positive modulator of the hCB1 receptor.
The Sweet Trials: An Account

The automobile and manufacturing boom that began in Detroit about 1915 made the city a magnet for blacks fleeing the economic stagnation of the South. In the decade from 1915 to 1925, Detroit's black population grew more than tenfold, from 7,000 to 82,000. A severe housing shortage developed, as the city's compact black district could not accommodate all the new arrivals. Blacks brave enough to purchase or rent homes in previously all-white neighborhoods faced intimidation and violence. The spring and summer of 1925 saw several ugly housing-related incidents. It was in this violent summer of 1925 that a black doctor named Ossian Sweet purchased a home at 2905 Garland, in an all-white middle-class neighborhood. Although Sweet originally planned to move his family into the new home in July, he postponed the move for two months in the hopes that racial tensions might ease. They didn't. Dr. Sweet decided to move his family into his Garland Avenue home on September 8. Ossian Sweet explained his decision to his brother: I have to die like a man or live a coward. Before moving in, Sweet prepared himself for the mob he expected to face. He bought nine guns and enough ammunition for all of them. He notified Detroit police of his planned move and asked for protection. He left his infant daughter at his wife's mother's home. Finally, he arranged to have his younger brothers, Henry and Otis, as well as some of their friends, join him and his wife Gladys for their first perilous night on Garland Avenue. The next evening was hot. As Gladys Sweet worked in the kitchen preparing a meal, Ossian Sweet and his acquaintances played cards. Someone in the house exclaimed, My God, look at the people! The Sweets looked out through their windows and a screen door to see a swelling crowd. According to the Sweets, stones began flying. The Sweets pulled down the blinds and waited. Rocks hit the house. One smashed through an upstairs window. At 8:25, a fusillade of shots rang out from the upper floor and back porch of the Sweet home. One of the bullets struck thirty-three-year-old Leon Breiner in the back as he stood on the porch of 2914 Garland, talking to friends. Breiner's last words were, Boys, they've shot me. Police covered Breiner with a blanket and took him away. Nearby, another man, Eric Houghberg, lay with a bullet wound to the leg. Six policeman (who had been present at the house at the time of the shooting) entered the Sweet home, flung up all the shades, turned on all the lights, and arrested the eleven occupants. At police headquarters, the Sweets and their house guests were told for the first time that a man had been killed and a boy wounded. Each of the arrested persons was interviewed separately. They gave wildly different accounts of events. Ossian Sweet admitted having distributed a gun to each male occupant, while some of those interviewed denied any knowledge of guns. At about 3:30 A.M., an assistant prosecutor informed them that he planned to recommend first degree murder warrants against all eleven.
A model for particle confinement in a toroidal plasma subject to strong radial electric fields

A toroidal plasma is confined and heated by the simultaneous application of strong d.c. magnetic fields and electric fields. Strong radial electric fields (about 1 kilovolt per centimeter) are imposed by biasing the plasma with up to 12 negative electrode rings which surround its minor circumference. The plasma containment is consistent with a balance of two processes: a radial infusion of ions in those sectors not containing electrode rings, resulting from the radially inward electric fields; and ion losses to the electrode rings, each of which acts as a sink and draws ions out the plasma in the manner of a Langmuir probe in the ion saturation regime. The highest density on axis which has been observed so far in this steady-state plasma is 6.2 x 10 to the 12th power particles per cubic centimeter, for which the particle containment time is 2.5 milliseconds. The deuterium ion kinetic temperature for these conditions was in the range of 360 to 520 eV.
Recent results from D0 and CDF

A summary of the Tevatron's measurements and searches for pentaquarks and X(3872) are presented. No evidence for pentaquarks has been observed, while the X(3872) has been confirmed and some characterization has been performed. While the initial measurements are of a simple nature, the X(3872) behaves similarly to the {psi}(2S), suggesting the X(3872) may be a form of unanticipated charmonium rather than a more exotic bound state of D mesons. In addition, a selected number of lifetime measurements of b-quark carrying hadrons are presented. While preliminary, these measurements are becoming competitive in precision with the B factories. These Proceedings end with some interesting measurements of the inclusive Pt and dijet mass cross-sections of b-quark containing jets.
Thermodynamic analysis of optical refrigeration in semiconductors

The cooling efficiency and optimum bandgap energy for semiconductor optical refrigeration are investigated from the standpoint of both the first and second laws of thermodynamics.
Prolactin and antipsychotic medications: mechanism of action.

Until the introduction of the first atypical antipsychotic, clozapine, in 1975, hyperprolactinemia was assumed to be an inevitable consequence of treatment with any antipsychotic agent. Now we know that atypical antipsychotics such as clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, sertindole, and ziprasidone are not associated with significant prolactin increase. These new antipsychotics appear to spare dopamine blockade within the brain's tubero-infundibular tract, a dopamine pathway that also controls prolactin secretion. Since the release of prolactin is tonically inhibited by the hypothalamus, with dopamine acting as the prolactin release-inhibiting factor, any disruption of the connection between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland is associated with hyperprolactinemia. Other factors that can increase prolactin secretion are also reviewed (e.g. estrogens, thyroid-releasing factor, vasoactive intestinal peptides, opioids, surgery, illness such as epilepsy or herpes zoster infection, and psychic or physical stress). Prolactin levels are at their highest 1-2 hours before waking, and early waking interrupts its secretion. The major effects of hyperprolactinemia in women are amenorrhea, cessation of normal cyclic ovarian function, loss of libido, occasional hirsutism, and increased long-term risk of osteoporosis. The effects in men are impotence, loss of libido, and hypospermatogenesis. Current data indicate that conventional antipsychotics, as well as high doses of risperidone (> 6 mg/day), increase prolactin levels to a range associated with sexual dysfunction in nonpsychiatric patients. The lack of prolactin elevation reported with the atypical antipsychotics is believed to be due to their much greater specificity, which results in less blockade of dopamine receptors in the tubero-infundibular pathway.
“I'm a mother first”: The influence of mothering in the decision‐making processes of battered immigrant Latino women

Healthcare providers (HCPs) may be perplexed by the decision-making processes of battered Latino women in situations involving intimate partner violence (IPV). In particular, decisions may appear contradictory and hazardous to the women's children. The findings of this interpretive descriptive study reveal that the mothering role was central to battered Latina mothers' decisions. The mothers strove to prioritize, protect, and provide for their children in every way, including managing the abuse and avoiding IPV disclosure to HCPs. Disparate understandings of the women's decisions and mothering create a Catch-22 between battered Latina mothers and their HCPs. A trusting mother-HCP relationship is necessary for effective screening and intervention for IPV. This requires HCPs' understanding of these mothers' decisions and changes in clinical practice.
INTERACTION OF 0.5- AND 1.0-MEV NEUTRONS WITH SOME HEAVY ELEMENTS

The angular distributions of 0.5-Mev neutrons elastically scattered by Au, Bi, ${\mathrm{U}}^{238}$, ${\mathrm{U}}^{235}$, and ${\mathrm{Pu}}^{239}$ and of 1.0-Mev neutrons elastically scattered by the latter three materials have been measured. The differential and total elastic scattering cross sections, the elastic transport cross sections, and the inelastic collision cross sections are presented. Some theoretical angular distributions and cross sections based on a complex squarewell model for ${\mathrm{U}}^{238}$ are also included. The angular distributions of fission neutrons produced by 0.5- and 1.0-Mev incident neutrons are found to be isotropic, and the ratio of $\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}({\mathrm{Pu}}^{239})$ to $\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}({\mathrm{U}}^{235})$ is 1.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 at both energies.
The method of mixed monotony and second order integro-differential systems

Constructing monotone sequences that converge to the unique solution of second order integro-differential equations when the functions involved do not possess any monotone properties
Dynamic Multicasting in WDM Optical Unicast Networks for Bandwidth-Intensive Applications

Traditionally in wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) networks, multicasting is accomplished by splitting the signals all-optically, thereby establishing a tree of lightpaths (light-tree) from the source to every destination. To provision for this functionality in a Multicast-Incapable environment, in which the switches are not capable of directing an incoming signal to more than one output interface, one must implement a logical multicast overlay to the underlying optical layer. A naive method of accomplishing this is by creating a set of unicast lightpaths from the source to each destination of the multicast request. However, for large multicast groups, this leads to a poor utilization of the network resources. To alleviate this problem, we present two multicast Steiner tree overlay alternatives: Multicast with Drop At Member Node (DAMN), in which a lightpath may only terminate at member nodes of the multicast request, and Multicast with Drop At Any Node (DAAN), in which lightpaths may terminate at any node in the physical topology. We consider a dynamic traffic model, and propose efficient heuristics to solve the DAMN and DAAN problems with a goal of minimizing the total number of wavelengths required to satisfy the request. Moreover, we present a simple heuristic to approximate the baseline unicast approach (naive method). Our results demonstrate that at various loads, both the DAMN and DAAN reduce wavelength consumption by 42 - 60% over the naive unicast approach in realistic networks.
Aspects of supersymmetry and its breaking

We describe some basic aspects of supersymmetric field theories, emphasizing the structure of various super-symmetry multiplets. In particular, we discuss supercurrents – multiplets which contain the supersymmetry current and the energy-momentum tensor – and explain how they can be used to constrain the dynamics of supersymmetric field theories, supersymmetry breaking, and supergravity.
Dislocation drag determination by ultrasonic methods

Mise au point de methodes de mesure par attenuation d'ultrasons. Ces methodes permettent de determiner l'entrainement des dislocations sans connaitre la densite des dislocations ou les autres caracteristiques geometriques du reseau de dislocations. Etude sur Pb et Al monocristallins
A 38 base pair insertion in the proα2(I) collagen gene of a patient with Marfan syndrome

Abnormalities in type I collagen have been recognized in a number of connective tissue disorders. In the Marfan syndrome, an autosomal dominant condition producing a generalized abnormality in connective tissue, no consistent abnormality has been identified, although one individual has been found to have an elongated proα2(I) collagen chain [Byers et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 78:7745, 1981]. To determine the nature of the alteration in the gene that produced this abnormality, we studied the proα2(I) gene from this individual by genomic blotting and gene cloning. Genomic mapping studies detected no abnormalities. However, analysis of the cloned segment of the proα2(I) collagen gene from the Marfan individual indicates that the gene contains a 38 base pair insertion in an intron near the collagenase cleavage site. Although the relationship of this insertion to the protein abnormality is unclear, it may be a useful marker for the diagnosis of the Marfan syndrome.
Variability in responses of retinal ganglion cells

Changes in the maintained discharge of retinal ganglion cells have been modeled by addition of noise to a rate-setting signal, whereas the responses of cortical cells have been reported to indicate a nonlinear relationship between noise and signal. To determine whether this represents a difference between retinal cells and cortical cells, the variance of light-evoked responses of ganglion cells in the retinas of goldfish was compared with the magnitude of the responses. Variance increased for higher firing rates. These results are discussed in terms of mechanisms by which light-evoked signals might interact with the variability of maintained discharges.
Distribution of incremental static stress caused by earthquakes

Abstract. Theoretical calculations, simulations and measurements of rotation of earthquake focal mechanisms suggest that the stress in earthquake focal zones follows the Cauchy distribution which is one of the stable probability distributions (with the value of the exponent α equal to 1). We review the properties of the stable distributions and show that the Cauchy distribution is expected to approximate the stress caused by earthquakes occurring over geologically long intervals of a fault zone development. However, the stress caused by recent earthquakes recorded in instrumental catalogues, should follow symmetric stable distributions with the value of α significantly less than one. This is explained by a fractal distribution of earthquake hypocentres: the dimension of a hypocentre set, δ, is close to zero for short-term earthquake catalogues and asymptotically approaches 2¼ for long-time intervals. We use the Harvard catalogue of seismic moment tensor solutions to investigate the distribution of incremental static stress caused by earthquakes. The stress measured in the focal zone of each event is approximated by stable distributions. In agreement with theoretical considerations, the exponent value of the distribution approaches zero as the time span of an earthquake catalogue (ΔT) decreases. For large stress values α increases. We surmise that it is caused by the δ increase for small inter-earthquake distances due to location errors.
Analysis of the Fourier transform spectrum of 13C18O2 in the 4.3- and 16-μm regions☆

Fourier transform spectra have been obtained for 13C18O2 in the regions of ν2 (16 μm) and ν3 (4.3 μm) at a resolution of 0.04 cm−1. From a least-squares fit of the P- and R-branch lines for the transitions, values have been calculated for the rotational constants B, the centrifugal distortion constants D, and the band origins. Based on the derived constants, the calculated wavenumbers for the P and R lines of both the 0110-0000 and 0001-0000 transitions agree with the observed positions within ±0.003 cm−1. We have also observed the difference bands ν1-ν2 and the hot bands (ν3 + ν2) − ν2. From an analysis of these transitions we have determined values for the l-doubling constants for ν2 and the location of the inactive fundamental ν1.
Key attributes of the SAPHIRE risk and reliability analysis software for risk-informed probabilistic applications

Abstract The Idaho National Laboratory is a primary developer of probabilistic risk and reliability analysis (PRRA) tools, dating back over 35 years. Evolving from mainframe-based software, the current state-of-the-practice has led to the creation of the SAPHIRE software. Currently, agencies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the National Aeronautics and Aerospace Agency, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense use version 7 of the SAPHIRE software for many of their risk-informed activities. In order to better understand and appreciate the power of software as part of risk-informed applications, we need to recall that our current analysis methods and solution methods have built upon pioneering work done 30–40 years ago. We contrast this work with the current capabilities in the SAPHIRE analysis package. As part of this discussion, we provide information for both the typical features and special analysis capabilities, which are available. We also present the application and results typically found with state-of-the-practice PRRA models. By providing both a high-level and detailed look at the SAPHIRE software, we give a snapshot in time for the current use of software tools in a risk-informed decision arena.
Applications of Fuzzy Logic in Bioinformatics (Dong Xu et al.; 2008) [Book review]

This book is entirely focused on explaining how fuzzy concepts and approaches can be useful in bioinformatics. It is organized into seven chapters and two very useful appendices. Some of the topics covered include: the fundamental concepts of fuzzy set theory and fuzzy logic; specific examples of using fuzzy set theory and fuzzy logic to address bioinformatics analysis and modeling of data; analysis of microarray data; and future applications and directions for fuzzy computational approaches in molecular biology. Appendix I explains the fundamental biological concepts that are relevant to the biological subjects covered in the book and Appendix II lists and describes a wide variety of free online resources related to molecular biology, bioinformatics, and fuzzy set theory.Researchers in bioinformatics and fuzzy set theory and fuzzy logic will find this book to be an important resource for developing interdisciplinary research between the two fields. Educators can also use this book for a graduate course to both introduce the two fields and stimulate research ideas based on the currently active research topics presented.
Protease inhibitors modify induction of endogenous type C oncornavirus.

AbstractThe influence of the protease inhibitors, antipain and leupeptin, on type C virus induction from mouse cells by 5-iodo-2-deoxyuridine (IdUrd) and ultraviolet (uv)-irradiated herpes simplex virus (uv-HSV) was studied. Exposure of unaltered intact A1-2 cells, derived from the BALB/c mouse, to these inhibitors decreased the level of endogenous type C virus normally induced by IdUrd or uv-HSV treatment. Dose-response studies showed that antipain was more suppressive of virus induction than leupeptin. Virus induction was suppressed at inhibitor concentrations which did not appreciably affect cellular macromolecular synthesis or capacity of noninduced cells to support helper virus replication upon exogenous infection. These results suggest that the inhibitors affect the virus induction process. Our results are similar to those reported for antipain inhibition of λ-prophage induction in Es-cherichia coli, and corroborate a recent report on suppression of mammalian virus induction by these protease inhibi...
Prime ideals in birational extensions of two-dimensional polynomial rings

“For which commutative Noetherian rings A is Spec(A), the set of prime ideals of A, orderisomorphic under inclusion to Spec(Z[x]), the prime ideals of the polynomial ring in one variable over the integers?” We show that this is true for every finitely generated birational extension of the polynomial ring in one variable over an order D in an algebraic number field; that is, if B is an intermediate ring between D[x] and its quotient field and B is finitely generated over D[x], then
Bernoulli enthalpy - A fundamental concept in the theory of sound

Abstract : A general theory of aerodynamic sound is developed. The basic equations of fluid mechanics are expressed in terms of velocity, enthalpy and entropy, and the velocity field is separated into irrotational and rotational parts with the latter being incompressible. A fundamental new concept, Bernoulli enthalpy, H, is introduced, again by analogy with homentropic-irrotational flow. It is shown that the source of the radiative sound field is the substantive rate of change of the Bernoulli enthalpy. Two basic conceptual issues of the modern theory of sound are resolved. First, the radiative sound is clearly separated from the source of sound with each part characterized by its own scalar field. Second, the Bernoulli source of sound is compact; i.e., it is confined to the region of rotational nonhomentropic flow.
Neuro-Fuzzy Approach to Predictive Modeling of Emissions from Biodiesel Powered Transit Buses

Abstract The rise in freight passenger transportation is responsible for air pollution, green house gas emissions (especially CO2) and high fuel demand. New engine technology and fuels are discovered and tested throughout the world. Biodiesel, an alternative for diesel, has been seen as a solution. However, the amount of emissions generated by a biodiesel fueled vehicle has not been understood well since most research studies of this kind reported in the literature were conducted in the laboratory. In the present study, emissions (NOx, HC, CO, CO2 and PM) were measured from biodiesel fueled transit buses using an on-road emissions measuring device known as the Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS). On-road study is important in terms of understanding the amount of emissions generated under the real traffic and environmental conditions. Emissions were measured on buses fueled with regular diesel (B0), B10 blend (10% biodiesel + 90% diesel) and B20 blend (20% biodiesel + 80% diesel). This paper demon...
The extracellular lipase EXL4 is required for efficient hydration of Arabidopsis pollen

Pollination in species with dry stigmas begins with the hydration of desiccated pollen grains on the stigma, a highly regulated process involving the proteins and lipids of the pollen coat and stigma cuticle. Self-incompatible species of the Brassicaceae block pollen hydration, and while the early signaling steps of the self-incompatibility response are well studied, the precise mechanisms controlling pollen hydration are poorly understood. Both lipids and proteins are important for hydration; loss of pollen coat lipids and proteins results in defective or delayed hydration on the stigma surface. Here, we examine the role of the pollen coat protein extracellular lipase 4 (EXL4), in the initial steps of pollination, namely hydration on the stigma. We identify a mutant allele, exl4-1, that shows a reduced rate of pollen hydration. exl4-1 pollen is normal with respect to pollen morphology and the downstream steps in pollination, including pollen tube germination, growth, and fertilization of ovules. However, owing to the delay in hydration, exl4-1 pollen is at a disadvantage when competed with wild-type pollen. EXL4 also functions in combination with GRP17 to promote the initiation of hydration. EXL4 is similar to GDSL lipases, and we show that it functions in hydrolyzing ester bonds. We report a previously unknown function for EXL4, an abundant pollen coat protein, in promoting pollen hydration on the stigma. Our results indicate that changes in lipid composition at the pollen-stigma interface, possibly mediated by EXLs, are required for efficient pollination in species with dry stigmas.
Changes in R wave amplitude during aerobic exercise stress testing in hypertensive adolescents

Abstract The change in R wave amplitude during progressive aerobic exercise was studied in hypertensive adolescent boys. A comparable control group consisted of normotensive adolescent boys matched for age, body size and race. Twenty-four normotensive and 22 hypertensive subjects exercised to exhaustion on a treadmill utilizing the Bruce protocol. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored during exercise and recovery. The change in R wave amplitude in a lead V5 electrocardiogram was determined at each level of exercise. The normotensive group demonstrated a progressive increase in systolic pressure, heart rate and rate-pressure product (heart rate × systolic pressure) during exercise and a progressive decrease in R wave amplitude with a significant correlation of R wave change versus the cardiac response variable (p
Comparison of model and experiment for Ar, Ar/O2 and Ar/O2/Cl2 inductively coupled plasmas

Comparisons of fluid model predictions with various measurements in an inductively coupled plasma are reported. The gas chemistries used include pure Ar, mixtures of Ar and O2 and mixtures of Ar, O2 and Cl2 for pressures ranging from 10 to 80 mTorr and plasma densities ranging from ~1010–1011 cm−3. Measurements of electron density, electron energy probability function, positive ion composition and wall flux and neutral radical concentration at the chamber wall are reported and compared with corresponding model predictions. The model treats electrons, ions and neutrals as fluids, under the assumption of quasineutrality. Power into electrons is from inductive coupling from an external coil and capacitive coupling is neglected. The non-isothermal, multicomponent reacting flow equations with jump boundary conditions are used to describe neutrals and are solved iteratively with the plasma and electromagnetic equations until a steady solution is found. Radical and ion composition predictions are shown to be in reasonable agreement for Ar and Ar/O2 plasmas, but the corresponding predictions in mixtures of Ar, O2 and Cl2 are in only partial agreement with measurements, implying that the chemical reaction database for this chemistry requires further work.
Anatomic Repair of Ebstein's Malformation: Lessons Learned With Cone Reconstruction

Background Reproducible repair of Ebstein's malformation is challenging and numerous surgical techniques have been described. We reviewed our experience with the cone reconstruction. Methods Between June 2007 and December 2011, 89 patients (47 female; 53%) underwent cone reconstruction (median age 19 years; range, 19 days to 68 years). Indication for operation was progressive cardiomegaly in 43 (48%), cyanosis in 29 (33%), and heart failure in 13 (15%). Prior tricuspid valve repair was performed in 12 patients (13%). Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was present in 75 patients (84%). Results All patients underwent cone reconstruction (360-degree leaflet tissue repair anchored at true annulus). Modifications included ringed annuloplasty in 57 patients (64%), leaflet augmentation in 28 patients (31%), and autologous chordae in 17 patients (19%). Bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis was performed in 21 patients (24%). Early mortality occurred in 1 patient (1%). Early reoperation for recurrent TR occurred in 12 patients (13%); re-repair was performed in 6 patients (50%), and 6 (50%) required replacement. Mean follow-up was 19.7 ± 24.7 months. There was no late mortality or reoperation. At follow-up, 72 patients (87%) had no or mild TR, 9 (11%) had moderate TR, and 2 patients (2%) had severe TR. Ringed annuloplasty was associated with less than moderate TR at dismissal (p = 0.01). Conclusions The learning curve for cone reconstruction is steep, but early mortality is low. Cone reconstruction with ringed annuloplasty results in less TR and should be used whenever possible. Longer follow-up is essential to determine late durability of cone reconstruction.
Characterization of Thermal Spray Coatings

Abstract The ability to characterize fully the microstructure of a coating is paramount for understanding the in-service properties and eventual optimization of the coating. This article discusses sample preparation and subsequent analytical techniques (LOM, SEM, XRD, WDS, and QIA) for several cermet thermal spray coatings and provides a detailed analysis of as-sprayed microstructures in addition to processing trends for several FeCrAIY-carbide coatings. It was found that the splats produced in these high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) coatings tended to exhibit a predominantly dendritic structure most likely retained from the gas atomization process that produced the original powder. Chemical analysis showed that the carbides tend to breakdown during spraying producing a complex mixture of oxides and various carbides. Finally, image analysis revealed that as the carbides in the pre-sprayed powder were increased, more carbides and oxides with less FeCrAIY and thinner coatings were found. These techniques allow the thorough characterization of thermal spray cermet coatings, which in turn should further the understanding of the thermal spray processes and help provide superior coatings in the future.
Chronic Infusion of Angiotensin II Resets Baroreflex Control of Heart Rate by an Arterial Pressure–Independent Mechanism

Abstract The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that chronic infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II) in rabbits resets the cardiac baroreflex to a higher arterial pressure level by a pressure-independent mechanism. This hypothesis was tested by determining whether the resetting would be reversed soon after the Ang II infusion was stopped even if the hypertension was maintained by infusion of another vasoconstrictor. Relationships between arterial pressure and heart rate were determined by infusion of increasing doses of nitroprusside to decrease pressure and increase heart rate, followed by increasing doses of phenylephrine to increase pressure and decrease heart rate. After 9 to 10 days of Ang II infusion (20 ng · kg −1 · min −1 ) arterial pressure was increased from 62±2 to 94±3 mm Hg ( P −1 · min −1 ), and 30 minutes later arterial pressure decreased slightly ( P P P −1 · min −1 ). These data indicate that angiotensin-induced chronic baroreflex resetting is partially reversed soon after Ang II infusion is stopped, despite maintenance of the hypertensive state, and suggest that long-term increases in angiotensin reset the cardiac baroreflex in part by an arterial pressure–independent mechanism.
Benefit-Cost Analysis of Voyageurs National Park

The beneficial and adverse effects associated with the establishment of Voyageurs National Park are compared using a modified version of the 1973 Water Resources Council Principles and Standards for Planning Water and Related Land Resources. A measure of willingness to pay determined by the Clawson travel cost approach is the principal beneficial effect attributed to the park. Actual land purchase and development costs constitute the principal adverse effects. Sensitivity analyses are presented to show alternative results when basic assumptions are altered. Resulting net beneficial effects are positive in most cases, but rather than focusing on precise results the intent is to present an example of a method for evaluating establishment of a new national park.
Can education change society? Du Bois, Woodson and the politics of social transformation

Most nations—and nations to be—have a history of people asking critical questions about schooling and about the politics of knowledge in which it participates. Is it simply reproducing the ideological goals and cultural forms and content of dominant groups? Could schooling be used to raise serious issues about existing societies? Could it go even further and be reorganized so that it actively participated in the reconstruction of those societies? Some of the most powerful traditions of asking and answering these questions—and of acting on them—can be found within oppressed communities themselves. Within these communities, among the most articulate and powerful traditions are those that evolved within African American collective efforts to create an education that responded to the short and long-term needs of black people. These traditions expressly aimed at changing the social realities that created these needs in the first place. I discuss two of the most insightful and committed scholar/activists of these movements: W. E. B. Du Bois and Carter G. Woodson. In the process, however, I also extend my discussion beyond these two figures to also highlight the contributions of women and men practitioners and activists in grounding these critical traditions in the logics and activities of daily life in educational institutions.
Study of solute retention in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography on hydrocarbonaceous and three fluorinated bonded phases

Abstract The retention properties of three fluorinated reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography bonded phases were characterized through the use of a wide variety of substituted aromatic test solutes. An identical study was conducted on a hydrocarbonaceous decyl bonded phase enabling the direct comparison of all phases. Functional groups were found to affect retention in a fundamentally different way on each of these bonded phases. Fluorinated alcohols were used as organic mobile phase modifiers and compared with the non-fluorinated alcohol modifiers through their effects on solute retention.
Coordination-Addition Polymerization and Kinetic Resolution of Methacrylamides by Chiral Metallocene Catalysts

This contribution reports the first successful coordination−addition polymerization of N,N-dialkylmethacrylamides and the first example of kinetic resolution of a racemic methacrylamide by chiral metallocene catalysts. The polymerization of methacryloyl-2-methylaziridine (MMAz) by rac-(EBI)Zr+(THF)[OC(OiPr)═CMe2][MeB(C6F5)3]− (1) is stereospecific and also exhibits a high degree of control over polymerization. This polymerization follows first-order kinetics in both concentrations of monomer and catalyst, consistent with a monometallic propagation mechanism involving the fast step of intramolecular conjugate addition within the catalyst−monomer coordination complex leading to the eight-membered-ring resting intermediate. Substituents on the highly strained aziridine ring stabilize the aziridine moiety against thermally induced cross-linking through its ring-opening reaction; thus, the polymer derived from methacryloyl-tetramethyleneaziridine (MTMAz) exhibits greatly enhanced resistance toward thermal cros...
Plateaux transitions from S-matrices based on invariant field theories

Abstract A scattering description is proposed for a boundary perturbation of a c =1 SL(2, Z ) invariant conformal field theory. The bulk massless S -matrices are of the form of Zamolodchikov's staircase model. Using the boundary version of the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz, we show that the boundary free energy goes through a series of integer valued plateaux as a function of system size.
Trace metals in burrow walls and sediments, Georgia Bight, USA

Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn in the burrow walls of Callianassa major (Decapoda), collected from littoral sands from the Georgia coast, are concentrated by factors of 2 to 4 relative to the surrounding sediments. Clay minerals (mixed‐layer, montmorillonite, kaolinite) are concentrated in the burrow walls. However, trace metals in burrow walls are enriched independently of the abundance of fine‐grained materials. Cu, Mn, and Ni associate strongly with organic material. Iron forms oxyhydroxides or associates with organic material; Mn and Zn are positively correlated with Fe. Trace‐metal concentrations in polychaete dwelling tubes and burrows from the nearshore shelf are somewhat species‐dependent and metal‐specific. Tube walls, constructed primarily of organic material, are relatively poor in trace metals. Tube‐wall and sediment‐metal concentrations decrease away from shore as a result of reduced availability of metals in offshore waters. Weakly bound metals become mobile soon after burrow abandonment. Analogous ...
Signal Processor Recovery Time Effects on Photon Counting Accuracy, Observed Counts, and True Events

The response time of the signal processor is examined from the standpoint of the "trade-offs" that can be made by the experimenter in defining the data accuracy in terms of the signal processor recovery time, observed counts, standard deviation, and required number of data scaler bits. Curves are shown which for different values of recovery time, the true event rate can be determined at an observed count rate. Other curves show the relationship between data scaler bit levels and resultant data accuracy at different standard deviations.
RESONANCE INFLATES CARRYING CAPACITY IN PROTIST POPULATIONS WITH PERIODIC RESOURCE PULSES

Resonance is an interaction between extrinsic environmental variability and intrinsic population processes that can raise population mean density or amplify environ- mental fluctuations in systems with periodic environmental fluctuations. This study em- pirically demonstrates significant effects on population dynamics from resonance and de- scribes the conditions under which they occur. In a laboratory microcosm experiment with the ciliate protist Colpidium striatum, resources were periodically alternated between high and low concentrations at different frequencies. Resonance raised the mean population density of rapidly fluctuating treatments by 21% compared to a constant control run at the average nutrient concentration, and eventually approximated the mean density of the highest nutrient control. The resonant resource perturbations occurred on a time scale intermediate to the reproduction and starvation rates of the organisms. It is likely that metabolic non- linearities in these reproductive and starvation responses interacted with the periodic re- sources fluctuations of intermediate frequency to produce the population boost through the cumulative storage of resources in the cells of the protists. The populations also showed a frequency threshold effect in the translation of environmental variability into population variability. The patterns of population abundance and variability observed in this experiment indicate that resonance between intrinsic and extrinsic processes may be an important factor to consider in population dynamics.
Computed tomography to visualize and quantify the plantar aponeurosis and flexor hallucis longus tendon in the diabetic foot

Abstract Background. The purposes of this report were to describe a three-dimensional computed tomography based method to visualize and quantify the thickness of the plantar aponeurosis and flexor hallucis longus tendon and determine the reliability of thickness measures. Given reliable measures, a secondary purpose was to compare plantar aponeurosis and flexor hallucis longus thickness in subjects with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy to an age and weight matched group without diabetes. Methods. CT data from 16 people with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy (mean age 55.2 (SD 10.5), 4 female, 12 male, body mass index 31.7 (SD 7.6)) and 10 people without diabetes mellitus (mean age 53.8 (SD 9.1), 2 female, 8 male, body mass index 37.0 (SD 8.6)) were analyzed. Length and thickness of the plantar aponeurosis and flexor hallucis longus tendon were measured twice for five subjects from each group in a blinded single observer reliability study. Findings. The average mean difference of the linear measurements was 0.12 mm (average SD = 1.00 mm). Significant differences for measures of plantar aponeurosis thickness (p = 0.044) were found between diabetic, 4.2 mm (SD 0.9), and control groups, 3.6 mm (SD 0.8), and approached significance for tendon thickness measured at the midfoot (diabetic group 4.8 mm (SD 0.8), control group 4.3 mm (SD 0.8), p = 0.051). Interpretation. CT was shown to be a reliable imaging technique for visualizing and quantifying soft tissue structures in diabetic feet. The methods and the quantitative description of the plantar aponeurosis and tendon thickness reported in this paper may be useful to those developing three-dimensional computational models of the foot.
Fusion of MDCT-based endoluminal renderings and endoscopic video

Early lung cancer can cause structural and color changes to the airway mucosa. A three-dimensional (3D) multidetector CT (MDCT) chest scan provides 3D structural data for airway walls, but no detailed mucosal information. Conversely, bronchoscopy gives color mucosal information, due to airway-wall inflammation and early cancer formation. Unfortunately, each bronchoscopic video image provides only a limited local view of the airway mucosal surface and no 3D structural/location information. The physician has to mentally correlate the video images with each other and the airway surface data to analyze the airway mucosal structure and color. A fusion of the topographical information from the 3D MDCT data and the color information from the bronchoscopic video enables 3D visualization, navigation, localization, and combined color-topographic analysis of the airways. This paper presents a fast method for topographic airway-mucosal surface fusion of bronchoscopic video with 3D MDCT endoluminal views. Tests were performed on phantom sequences, real bronchoscopy patient video, and associated 3D MDCT scans. Results show that we can effectively accomplish mapping over a continuous sequence of airway images spanning several generations of airways in a few seconds. Real-time navigation and visualization of the combined data was performed. The average surface-point mapping error for a phantom case was estimated to be only on the order of 2 mm for 20 mm diameter airway.
Strategic Management in an Enacted World

There is a debate within strategic management about organizational environments—are they objective, perceived, or both? Still another view of environments, derived from an interpretive worldview, claims that environments are enacted. This paper explores three major implications of the enacted environment concept for strategic management theory and practice: abandoning; the prescription that organizations should adapt to their environments; rethinking constraints, threats, opportunities; and considering the primary role of strategic managers to be the management of meaning.
The effect of elevated temperature exposure on the fracture toughness of solid wood and structural wood composites

Fracture toughness of wood and wood composites has traditionally been characterized by a stress intensity factor, an initiation strain energy release rate (G init) or a total energy to fracture (G f). These parameters provide incomplete fracture characterization for these materials because the toughness changes as the crack propagates. Thus, for materials such as wood, oriented strand board (OSB), plywood and laminated veneer lumber (LVL), it is essential to characterize the fracture properties during crack propagation by measuring a full crack resistant or R curve. This study used energy methods during crack propagation to measure full R curves and then compared the fracture properties of wood and various wood-based composites such as, OSB, LVL and plywood. The effect of exposure to elevated temperature on fracture properties of these materials was also studied. The steady-state energy release rate (G SS) of wood was lower than that of wood composites such as LVL, plywood and OSB. The resin in wood composites provides them with a higher fracture toughness compared to solid lumber. Depending upon the internal structure of the material, the mode of failure also varied. With exposure to elevated temperatures, G SS for all materials decreased while the failure mode remained the same. The scatter associated with conventional bond strength tests, such as internal bond and bond classification tests, renders any statistical comparison using those tests difficult. In contrast, fracture tests with R curve analysis may provide an improved tool for characterization of bond quality in wood composites.
Transmission electron microscopy study of rapid solidification of plasma sprayed zirconia. Part I. First splat solidification

Although plasma spray processing has been used for several decades, understanding of all the physical and chemical processes involved is rather limited often due to the lack of detailed enough experimental and diagnostic techniques supplying the necessary data. All coatings produced by plasma spraying have in common their fine microstructure, with features often of nanometer scale, as a result of rapid solidification. This work reports on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies of plasma sprayed yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramic. A modified wedge polishing technique of TEM cross-sectional sample preparation was engaged to prepare high quality samples without the need for extensive ion milling. This paper explains observed microstructural features (e.g. grain size, cracks) and phase composition of the very first layer (splat) on a smooth hot substrate. A rapid solidification model is proposed for the observed narrow columnar grain microstructure of the first YSZ splat. Based on the model, an estimate of liquid undercooling is calculated from the grain size. The solidification of a subsequent splat and more detailed description of splat/substrate and splat/splat interfaces will be discussed in a second paper.
Regenerating functional myocardium: Improved performance after skeletal myoblast transplantation

The adult heart lacks reserve cardiocytes and cannot regenerate. Therefore, a large acute myocardial infarction often develops into congestive heart failure. To attempt to prevent this progression, we transplanted skeletal myoblasts into cryoinfarcted myocardium of the same rabbits (autologous transfer), monitored cardiac function in vivo for two to six weeks and examined serial sections of the hearts by light and electron microscopy. Islands of different sizes comprising elongated, striated cells that retained characteristics of both skeletal and cardiac cells were found in the cryoinfarct. In rabbits in which myoblasts were incorporated, myocardial performance was improved. The ability to regenerate functioning muscle after autologous myoblast transplantation could have a important effect on patients after acute myocardial infarction.