cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of animal density to estimate manure nutrient recycling ability of Wisconsin dairy farms

Abstract Animal density is increasingly being used as an indicator of agricultural nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) loss potential in Europe and the US. This study estimated animal-cropland ratios for over 800 Wisconsin dairy farms to: (1) illustrate the impact of alternative definitions of this ratio; (2) evaluate how the definition of ‘cropland’ would affect Wisconsin dairy farmers’ ability to comply to manure N and P land spreading standards and (3) investigate the potential of using an animal density standard for targeting manure management plan implementation on Wisconsin dairy farms. Animal density calculations based on total cropland area indicate that 95% of Wisconsin dairy farmers have sufficient cropland for recycling manure according to a N-based nutrient management standard. Calculating animal density based on tilled cropland area decreases this value to 79% of dairy farms. Implementation of a P-based standard increases the land requirement for manure application, and a large proportion of Wisconsin dairy farms (37% based on total cropland and 75% based on tilled cropland) would lack sufficient land area for recycling manure P. When the area of cropland on which manure is actually spread is used to calculate animal density, it is clear that the majority of farms do not currently meet either manure N- or P-based land application standards. Reasons for not utilizing the full cropland base for manure application are unclear, but regional differences suggest soil texture, land tenure, and development pressures may limit the proportion of cropland receiving manure. These results indicate the need to better understand factors influencing cropland management and manure spreading behavior on Wisconsin dairy farms.
Relationship of sex and number of siblings in utero with sexual behavior of mature rams

This study determined if there was an association of the sex and number of siblings during gestation with the sexual performance of rams after sexual maturation. At approximately 18 months of age, the rams (N=683) were classified on the basis of serving capacity tests into high serving capacity (HSC) and low serving capacity (LSC) groups. Lambing records of dams were evaluated for the number and sex of siblings at birth. Results showed that classification by serving capacity was related to the number (P<0.06) and sex (P<0.05) of siblings in utero. The percentage of HSC males increased with prolificacy of dams and was greatest for the Polypay breed. Rams born co-twin with a male (N=183) were more likely (P<0.05) to be classified as HSC, when compared with rams born co-twin with a female (N=198). No additional effects (P=0.90) on sexual performance were found when type of rearing before weaning (single vs twin) was evaluated. We conclude that intrauterine environment relative to sex and number of offspring born is associated with measured differences in the serving capacity of mature rams.
Not Going Gentle into that Good Night: Science and Religion in the Face of Death

For millennia, religions have provided rituals bringing comfort in the face of death. Modern science, however, is developing new means for dealing with this phenomenon. Controversial issues include: how to ascertain “death,” particularly in light of “premature burials”; religious questions regarding the morality of embalming; religious questions regarding the desirability of burial versus cremation; and extending life in attempts to achieve immortality—versus the contention that mortality is the result of human sinfulness. This article explores these issues and seeks to answer the question of whether science has contributed positively or negatively to the experience of dying.
Sedimentation patterns in a gulf coast backbarrier marsh: Response to increasing submergence

The rate of vertical accretion was determined on two backbarrier marshes in the Mississippi River Plain, using 137Cs dating techniques. An average accretion rate of 0-55 cm yr−1 was found on Grande Terre, and 0.78 cm yr−1 on Grand Isle. Analysis of mineral organic content of the marsh profile shows that the backbarrier marshes accrete through (1) accumulation of low density organic matter, and (2) episodic deposition of high density mineral sediment probably associated with major hurricanes or storm events. The rates of vertical accretion were two to three times less than the rate of submergence due primarily to rapid subsidence in the deltaic plain, and imply that these backbarrier marshes will progressively deteriorate.
Patterns and trends of multiple congenital anomalies in birth defects surveillance systems.

Infants with multiple congenital anomalies (MCA) can provide important clues in the detection of teratogenic agents. Definition, classification, and ascertainment of MCA vary, however. We present comparative epidemiologic data on MCA from two U.S. surveillance systems: the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program, which ascertains major birth defects during the first year of life, and the Birth Defects Monitoring Program, a nationwide system that relies on newborn hospital-discharge diagnoses. This system has two components: the Commission on Public Hospitals Activities (CPHA) and the McDonnell Douglas Health Information System (MDHIS). Our analyses were based on over 600,000 births occurring in Atlanta, and over 5 million births occurring nationwide. Infants were classified as having MCA if they had two or more major defects from different categories (central nervous system, eye, orofacial, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, genitourinary, and musculoskeletal). Additional analyses were also done on infants with three or more defects. Compared with the nationwide system, Atlanta showed 1) a much higher rate of MCA (16.2 per 10,000 births vs. 4.9 and 3.8 per 10,000 births in CPHA and MDHIS, respectively) and 2) a higher rate of MCA with chromosomal syndromes (2.0 per 10,000 births vs. 0.6 and 0.3 per 10,000 births in CPHA and MDHIS, respectively). Moreover, in Atlanta, the proportion of MCA with recorded chromosomal syndromes increased substantially during 20 years. These data point to differences in the ascertainment of MCAs in birth defects surveillance systems. More effort is needed to improve the ascertainment and comparability of MCA in surveillance systems, an important step toward better detection of human teratogens.
The Effect of Attentional Coping Strategies on Perceived Exertion in a Cycling Task

This study examined the effects of attentional intervention strategies upon perceived exertion in female exercisers (N = 13). Interventions were based upon Stevinson and Biddle's (1999) coping strategy model, from which 4 variations of attentional style are derived: internal and external association, and internal and external dissociation. The first of 5 sessions consisted of a sub-maximal VO2 test aimed at assessing aerobic capacity of the participants. In the following 4 sessions, participants pedaled on stationary cycling ergometer at 75% VO2max for 10 minutes, and rated their perceived exertion (RPE) in 1-minute intervals. Significant (p < .01) differences in RPE between the associative and dissociative treatments emerged. The 2 associative treatments resulted in higher RPE levels than the 2 dissociative treatments for the same physical load. However, non-significant differences in RPE emerged between the internal and external dimensions, suggesting that the associative-dissociative dimension is the m...
The transfer of juvenile hormone from male to female during mating in the Cecropia silkmoth

The juvenile hormone (JH) stored in the accessory sex glands (ASG) of adult maleHyalophora cecropia (L.) originates both from sequestration of circulating hormone and from JH synthesized de novo in the ASG from JH acid taken up from the hemolymph. The secretions present in the lumina of the ASG contain most of the accumulated JH. During mating, endogenous JH, labeled biosynthetically via injected [3H-methyl]-methionine, is transferred along with the other seminal material to the bursa copulatrix of the female. The physiological significance of the JH transfer remains unknown.
Treatment of symptomatic cervical carotid dissections with endovascular stents.

OBJECTIVE: Symptomatic dissections of the cervical carotid artery (CCA) can be spontaneous or secondary to trauma and may be associated with pseudoaneurysms. Surgical treatment is often difficult or unavailable. We report the successful use of endovascular stents in the treatment of symptomatic dissection of the CCA. METHODS: Five consecutive patients with symptomatic CCA dissection were seen at our institution. There were four female patients and one male patient, ranging in age from 19 to 56 years. One dissection was spontaneous. The others were secondary to a gunshot wound (one patient), blunt neck trauma (two patients), and endovascular treatment of atherosclerotic carotid bifurcation disease (one patient). Balloon-expandable and self-expanding stents were placed via a transfemoral approach. RESULTS: Success in restoring the carotid lumen with two to five stents in each patient was angiographically demonstrated. There were no procedure-related complications. All patients experienced significant clinical improvement within the first 24 hours and complete long-term recovery. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic dissections of the CCA can be successfully treated by using endovascular stents.
Couple Therapy for Substance Abuse

The research about substance abuse and substance abuse treatment is increasingly taking into consideration the couple relationship and the impact of partners and relationships on treatment. Recent ...
The hippocampus is necessary for enhancements and impairments of learning following stress

The hippocampus is often considered to be an important site for stress and learning interactions; however, it has never been demonstrated whether these effects require the hippocampus. In the current study, hippocampal lesions prevented both enhancements of learning after stress in male rats and impairments of learning after stress in female rats without disrupting learning itself in either sex. Thus, the hippocampus is necessary for modifying learning in males and females after acute stressful experience.
Cutaneous malignant lymphoma: A pathologic study of 50 cases with clinical analysis of 37

Fifty cases of malignant lymphoma, exclusive of mycosis fungoides, with initial involvement of the skin are reported. The head and neck was the most common site of presentation and 44% of the cases were classified as the diffuse histiocytic type. The cases encompassed virtually the entire spectrum of histologic subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas; these subtypes were a major prognostic factor in predicting the subsequent clinical course. Among 37 patients with available follow-up information, those patients with a "favorable" histology had a significantly better five-year freedom from relapse (70% vs. 19%) and survival (88% vs. 30%) compared with those patients with the "unfavorable" types of lymphoma. clinical staging was another important variable in determining prognosis. Fifteen patients with disease confined to skin had a significantly longer freedom from relapse (44% vs. 23%) at five years than 22 patients in whom staging procedures revealed extracutaneous disseminated lymphoma. Thirteen of the patients with widespread lymphoma have died from 2-30 months after diagnosis (median survival ten months), in contrast with only four deaths among the patients with limited disease. The pattern of relapse for these latter patients tended to involve cutaneous sites distant to the original lesion. This observation may have a bearing on future therapy of cutaneous lymphomas.
Evaluating airlines ticket distribution strategies: a simulation-based approach

This paper presents a modelling framework to evaluate ticket distribution strategies for commercial airlines. The framework adopts a micro- simulation approach that replicates how prospective travellers select their travel itineraries that are provided through ticket distribution channels. The model simulates travellers' itinerary choices at the disaggregate level and dynamically updates seat availability on the different itineraries. The model examines the trade-offs between two common types of ticket distribution channels: (1) distribution channels with high market penetration and high competition among subscribed airlines (e.g. Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz) vs. (2) distribution channels with low market penetration and low airlines competition (e.g. aa.com, continental.com).
Optical properties of molybdenum. I. Experiment and Kramers--Kronig analysis

A study of the optical properties and electronic structure of molybdenum is reported in a two-paper experimental and theoretical series. Reflectivity data between 0.5 and 6 eV are presented, and Kramers-Kronig analytical procedures used to determine the optical functions ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{1}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ and ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{2}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ are discussed. Procedures are discussed for obtaining suitable extrapolations of $R(\ensuremath{\omega})$ in the ranges ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{min}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$ and ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{max}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$. (${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{min}$ and ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{max}$ are the energy extremes of the measured spectral range.) A new method (for metals) is presented for optimizing the extrapolation $R(\ensuremath{\omega})$ in the range ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{min}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$. Recently reported sum rules are evaluated to test the inversion procedures.
Tn5 transposition: a molecular tool for studying protein structure-function

Transposon-based technologies are important genetic tools for global genome analysis and, as discussed in the present paper, in detailed studies of protein structure–function. Various different transposition systems can be used in these studies but this paper uses Tn 5 -related systems as a model. In particular, the following four different technologies are described in this paper: (i) using transposition to generate nested deletion families, (ii) using transposons to generate functional protein fusions to reporter functions, (iii) mapping protein secondary structures through the generation and analysis of in-frame linker insertions and (iv) using sequential transposition events to generate random gene fusions. The success of these forward genetic technologies requires that the transposition system be efficient and manifest near-random target sequence selection.
Identification of the Protonated Oxygenic Ligands of Ribonucleotide Reductase Intermediate X by Q-Band 1,2H CW and Pulsed ENDOR

We report CW and pulsed Q-band 1,2H ENDOR measurements of intermediate X formed during the assembly of the diferric tyrosyl radical cofactor of the R2 subunit in ribonucleotide reductase. These studies, performed with H2O and D2O buffers, were designed to determine whether the exchangeable proton signals are associated with an hydroxo bridge, a terminal water, or both. In doing so, we identify the types of protonated oxygen (OHx) species coordinated to the iron ions of X and their disposition relative to the ferric and ferryl iron ions. The exchangeable proton signals displayed by intermediate X belong to two protons associated with a terminal water bound to Fe,III and not to an hydroxo bridge; within the precision of the modeling, this picture of a terminal water is indistinguishable from that of a 2-fold disordered terminal hydroxyl. The fact that X displays strong spin-coupling between iron ions requires that there be one or more oxo/hydroxo bridges. These findings then establish that X contains the [(...
Perioperative myocardial ischemia in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery—I: Incidence and severity during the 4 Day perioperative period☆

To determine the incidence and characteristics of perioperative myocardial ischemia, the electrocardiographic (ECG) changes consistent with ischemia during the 4 day perioperative period were documented and characterized in 100 patients with or at risk for coronary artery disease undergoing noncardiac surgery. Using continuous two channel ECG monitoring (leads CC5 and CM5), the frequency and severity of ECG ischemic episodes defined by ST segment depression greater than or equal to 1 mm or elevation greater than or equal to 2 mm during the preoperative (up to 2 days), intraoperative and early postoperative (first 2 days) periods were compared. Preoperatively, 28 patients (28%) exhibited 105 episodes of ischemia; intraoperatively, 27 patients exhibited 39 episodes and postoperatively, 42 patients exhibited 187 episodes. There was no difference between the pre- and intraoperative episode characteristics. However, postoperative ischemic episodes were the most severe. The mean ST change was 1.5, 2 and 2.6 mm for pre-, intra- and postoperative episodes, respectively (p less than 0.0001 postoperative versus pre- or intraoperative); duration of ischemic episodes was 69, 45 and 207 min, respectively (p less than 0.005 postoperative versus preoperative, p less than 0.001 versus intraoperative) and area under the ST curve was 88, 74 and 383 mm.min (p less than 0.009 postoperative versus preoperative, p less than 0.005 versus intraoperative). Ninety-four percent of all postoperative ischemic episodes were silent; 80% of all episodes occurred without acute change (+/- 20% of control) in heart rate and 77% of intraoperative episodes occurred without acute change in blood pressure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
USE OF A PERCEPTUALLY BASED APPARATUS TO TRAIN ADULT WOMEN'S PERFORMANCE ON A PIAGETIAN MEASURE OF THE HORIZONTALITY CONCEPT

A segmented container called the V-box was designed to train adult subjects who fail a Piagetian type measure of the horizontality concept. The first segment appears round when viewed from straight an and virtually all adults were able to predict correctly howthe water line would appear when this segment was half filled with water. Partitions can be removed and the water allowed to fill up the entire container which has straight-line boundaries. On a pretest, 28 of 43 subjects failedto indicate the water line correctly on the container, when its straight-line characteristics were apparent. Of these 28, 18 were able to do so after being exposed gradually to the container's rounded segment and, step by step, to its elongated segments with straight-line boundaries. The difference in pre- to posttest change in performance between these 18 subjects and the 10 control subjects was significant.
A model for assessing distance learning instruction

AS MORE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION offer computer-mediated distance learning instruction, courses must be well-designed and frequently evaluated. This article proposes a model for assessing distance learning instruction based on six constructs: The Process of Teaching and Learning, Developing a Community of Learners, The Instructor, The Student, Implementation of the Course, and Technology Use. This paper examines each construct by reviewing the research in the field and makes recommendations for their design and evaluation. It is proposed that computer-mediated distance learning instruction be grounded in time-tested and research-based theories of learning to ensure that students receive high quality instruction.
Effect of Colostral Immunoglobulin G1 and Immunoglobulin M Concentrations on Immunoglobulin Absorption in Calves

Abstract Twenty-three calves were fed colostrum at 110 ml/kg body weight divided into two feedings at 1 and 13h of age. The concentrations of immunoglobulins were measured in the colostrum fed and in the calves' sera following colostrum feeding. Apparent efficiency of immunoglobulin absorption was calculated for each calf. Significant negative correlations between efficiency of absorption and mass of immunoglobulin fed were observed for both immunoglobulins. A separate group of 225 calves born on a commercial dairy were fed 2.84L of colostrum by 4h of age. Concentrations of immunoglobulin G 1 in the colostrum fed and in the calves' sera at 48h were measured. Negative correlation was observed between the efficiency of absorption and the mass of immunoglobulin G 1 fed. These results suggest a physiologic limitation to the mass of immunoglobulin that can be absorbed to serum from a given volume of colostrum. No indication of a selective immunoglobulin absorption mechanism was observed.
Pathogenic mechanisms in giant cell arteritis

T lymphocytes, encountering stimulatory signals in the adventitia of medium-size arteries, emerge as the key players in inflammation-associated injury pathways. In GCA, all injury mechanisms have been related to effector macrophages. Regulated by IFN-gamma-producing T cells, macrophages commit to distinct avenues of differentiation and acquire a spectrum of potentially harmful capabilities (Figure 1). Macrophages in the adventitia focus on production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Macrophages in the media specialize in oxidative damage with lipid peroxidation attacking smooth muscle cells and matrix components. These macrophages also supply reactive oxygen intermediates that, in combination with nitrogen intermediates, cause protein nitration of endothelial cells. Production of oxygen radicals is complemented by the production of metalloproteinases, likely essential in the breakdown of elastic membranes. With the fragmentation of the internal elastic lamina, the intimal layer becomes accessible to migratory myofibroblasts that, driven by PDGF, form a hyperplastic intimal layer and cause occlusion of the vessel lumen. Expansion of the hyperplastic intima is accompanied by intense neoangiogenesis, supported by angiogenesis factors that again derive from specialized macrophages. Similarities in injury pathways between GCA and another arterial disease, atherosclerosis, are beginning to be recognized. Specifically, activated T cells and macrophages are increasingly appreciated as key players in the process of instability and rupture of atherosclerotic plaque. A specialized subset of CD4 T cells, CD4+ CD28- T cells, are suspected to participate in tissue injury in the plaque. These T cells are equipped with cytolytic capabilities and release large amounts of IFN-gamma. Comparative studies between patients with GCA and those with acute coronary syndromes should enhance our ability to define the principles of arterial wall inflammation, the specifics of injury in that microenvironment, and help in the identification of the eliciting signals.
Temporal expression of myogenic regulatory genes during activation, proliferation, and differentiation of rat skeletal muscle satellite cells

The satellite cell is responsible for growth and repair of postnatal skeletal muscle. We investigated the expression of the myogenic regulatory gene (MRG) family in these cells in the stages from quiescence to fusion. Using polymerase chain reaction amplification of reverse-transcribed RNA (RT-PCR) isolated from adult rat satellite cells, we demonstrated a temporal sequence of gene activation, which is distinct from that previously observed in embryonic somitic cells. No MRG expression was detected in predominantly quiescent cells. MyoD is activated by 12 h in cell culture, prior to the first evidence of proliferation. MRF4 and myf-5 appear by 48 h and may be associated with the first division cycle. Myogenin is not detectable until 72 h after satellite cell recovery from the muscle fiber, coincidental with the first evidence of differentiation. © 1994 wiley-Liss, Inc.
Converging upon basic feasible solutions through Dantzig–Wolfe decomposition

We derive an important property for solving large-scale integer programs by examining the master problem in Dantzig–Wolfe decomposition. In particular, we prove that if a linear program can be divided into subproblems with affinely independent corner points, then there is a direct mapping between basic feasible solutions in the master and original problems. This has implications for integer programs where the feasible region has integer corner points, ensuring that integer solutions to the original problem will be found even through the decomposition approach. An application to air traffic flow scheduling, which motivated this result, is highlighted.
Surface and interface analysis by nonresonant multiphoton ionization of sputtered neutrals

Abstract The surface analysis by laser ionization (SALI) technique has unique advantages for mass spectrometric examination of materials, surfaces, and interfaces. Initial results from a second generation SALI instrument are presented to illustrate current capabilities of the technique when used to examine neutral atoms and molecules sputtered from inorganic materials by an at + probe beam. Results show good mass resolution, very high sensitivities, good quantitation capabilities, and excellent depth resolution at sharp interfaces.
Assessment of Leading Apparel Specialty Retailers' CSR Practices as Communicated on Corporate Websites: Problems and Opportunities

Despite the increased attention to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and regulatory changes in recent years, little is known about how apparel companies are implementing and communicating CSR practices to their stakeholders. To fill the gap, this study investigated the range and strategies of leading apparel specialty retailers’ CSR practices as communicated on their websites over a longitudinal period of 1 year. In total, 17 apparel specialty retailers were included in the analysis. The companies’ websites were content-analyzed in-depth using the coding criteria focusing on labor and environmental issues developed for this study. The initial data were collected in November 2011 and the study was replicated in December 2012 to examine any changes in the CSR practices. As of 2011 only nine companies addressed CSR issues on their websites at different degrees despite their leadership positions in the industry. Environmental issues were addressed by only five companies, with different ranges of practices. In 2012, all 17 companies addressed labor issues on their websites with varying degrees of specificity. In terms of environmental issues, six companies (an increase of one company from 2011) addressed environmental initiatives on their websites with wider ranges of practices. Discussed are problems and opportunities, as well as the role of the government and stakeholders, for the effective communications of CSR policies and initiatives for the apparel industry.
Persistent Objects Tracking Across Multiple Non Overlapping Cameras

We present an approach for persistent tracking of moving objects observed by non-overlapping and moving cameras. Our approach robustly recovers the geometry of non-overlapping views using a moving camera that pans across the scene. We address the tracking problem by modeling the appearance and motion of the moving regions. The appearance of the detected blobs is described by multiple spatial distributions models of blobs' colors and edges. This representation is invariant to 2D rigid and scale transformation. It provides a rich description of the detected regions, and produces an efficient blob similarity measure for tracking. The motion model is obtained using a Kalman Filter (KF) process, which predicts the position of the moving objects while taking into account the camera motion. Tracking is performed by the maximization of a joint probability model combining objects' appearance and motion. The novelty of our approach consists in defining a spatio-temporal Joint Probability Data Association Filter (JPDAF) for integrating multiple cues. The proposed method tracks a large number of moving people with partial and total occlusions and provides automatic handoff of tracked objects. We demonstrate the performance of the system on several real video surveillance sequences.
The molecular parameters of monomeric and acid-soluble collagens. Low shear gradient viscosity and electric birefringence.

The molecular parameters of pronase-treated acid-soluble bovine skin collagen (P-ASC) were determined from low-shear gradient viscosity, electric birefringence, and electron microscopic data in order to determine the shear gradient range in which viscosity studies yield data which can be correctly interpreted by use of the various hydrodynamic equations for prolate ellipsoids of revolution. The P-ASC solutions could be characterized by a single relaxation process in electric briefringence with rotary diffusion coefficient θ of 810 sec−1 and a corresponding molecular length of 2850 A. Viscosity data were found to be shear gradient dependent and only the extrapolated zero-shear value [η]D = 0 could be used with the viscosity hydrodynamic equations to provide a correct value of molecular length. Intrinsic viscosities obtained at shear gradients >250 sec−1 are nearly 30% lower than the zero-shear value. Untreated acid-soluble collagen (ASC) solutions contain aggregates and these appear, from electric birefringence data, to be of endlinked character. ASC solutions show a much more marked shear gradient dependence than P-ASC. For example, at D∼500sec−1,[η] = 22 dl/g, whereas the extrapolated zero-shear value of[η] was found to be 44 dl/g. Thus, the shear gradient dependence of native collagen solutions is much more marked than previously assumed and, in contrast to the usual practice, only viscosities measured near zero shear can be interpreted in terms of molecular parameters for collagen solutions containing aggregates.
Nanoparticle Surface Charge Directs the Cellular Binding of Nanoparticle-Protein Complexes

Nanoparticles are commonly utilized in biological systems as imaging probes, drug delivery agents and in vivo sensors. In most biological applications, the nanoparticle is exposed to a complex mixture of extracellular proteins that adsorb non-specifically to the nanoparticle surface. The resulting “protein corona” can dominate the interactions of the nanoparticle with the cellular membrane. We have focused on the role of nanoparticle surface charge in the cellular binding of nanoparticles in the presence of extracellular proteins. Cationic, amine-modified polystyrene nanoparticles and anionic, carboxylate-modified polystyrene nanoparticles were studied as a model system. The cellular binding of cationic and anionic nanoparticles is distinctly different, determined from fluorescence microscopy experiments. For cationic nanoparticles, the cellular binding is increased in the presence of serum proteins. In comparison, anionic nanoparticle binding is inhibited by the presence of serum proteins. Competition assays performed with flow cytometry allowed us to quantify differences in binding and to identify the cellular receptors used by the nanoparticle-protein complexes. We have determined that complexes formed with anionic nanoparticles bind to native protein receptors, while those formed with cationic nanoparticles bind to scavenger receptors. These results indicate that for nanoparticles used in biological applications, the initial surface charge of the nanoparticle mediates cellular binding. Currently, we are extending our studies to nanoparticles used for drug and gene delivery.
Dynamic pressurization method for measuring permeability and modulus: I. theory

The permeability of a saturated porous body can be determined from the kinetics of dilatation resulting from a change in pressure in the surrounding bath. This method was previously applied to aerogels [Gross J, Scherer GW (2003) J Non-Cryst Solids 325, 34–47]. The theory is here extended to allow for the compressibility of the solid phase, so that the method can be applied to more rigid materials, such as concrete. A viscoelastic analysis indicates that creep of the sample will have a small effect on the measured permeability for cementitious materials, in most cases. However, the effect of entrapped air in the pore liquid is shown to have a drastic effect on the relaxation behavior, so it is essential to reduce the air content below ∼0.1 volume %. For samples without entrapped air, a simple result is obtained that is tested in a companion paper.
Pay differences between teachers and other occupations: Some empirical evidence from côte d'ivoire

Abstract This paper uses data from the 1985 Cote d'Ivoire Living Standards Survey to examine pay differences between teachers and other wage earners in Cote d'Ivoire. The analysis controls for differences in human capital endowments, hours worked, and various personal characteristics. The results indicate that the base salaries of teachers contain a rent component which, however, disappears when the total remuneration package is considered, i.e. including in-kind benefits, bonuses, and commissions which are widely received by non-teachers. These findings call for much caution when considering policy options for teacher salaries in a context of budgetary restrictions.
Global Courts, Global Judges, and a Multicitizen Curriculum

Abstract Transjudicialism is a phenomenon where precedents derived beyond a particular venue, such as global, regional, and national courts, serve as legal rationale within sovereign jurisdictions. Transjudicialism is part of a broader trend towards judicial globalization where legal discourses transcend national jurisdictions and supra-national bodies render binding and non-binding decisions. This article sketches the broad contours of a nascent global legal system to demonstrate how judicial discourse has increasingly become globally oriented. I focus on transjudicialism as an example of that phenomenon, specifically, how it has occurred among appellate courts in the U.S. and in other nations. I suggest that the circumstances of judicial globalization illustrate at least one way that people are multicitizens, or those who have rights and responsibilities with regard to various publics from local to global. I argue that teaching about and for multicitizenship in social studies should draw on well-develop...
An Anthropogenic Escape Route from the "Gulliver Syndrome" in the West African Savanna

A major challenge for ecologists has long been to develop a model to explain the coexistence of grasses and trees in the savanna. The recent shift in emphasis to non-equilibrium-based theories has resulted in a rethinking of this problem. As resource allocation models have been replaced by demographic ones, the focus has shifted to plant life histories. The tree/grass ratio is now conceptualized as a function of disturbance history. Empirical studies demonstrate that repeat fires trap tree sprouts in perpetual juvenile states. Ecologists suggest natural pathways for juveniles to escape, reach maturity, and maintain tree/grass ratios. This study documents how long-fallow agriculture serves as an anthropogenic pathway. The study compares tree cover on long-fallow and unfarmed savanna plots in southern Mali where burning is annual. Tree height, girth, and species were recorded for 29 quadrats. The results demonstrate a significant difference in the size, number, and species of trees; those on fallow plots were taller, more numerous, and more diverse.
Heterodyne frequency measurements of CO2 laser sequence-band transitions

Abstract The absolute frequencies of 93 lines of the 00°2-[10°1, 02°1]I, II and 00°3-[10°2, 02°2]I CO2 laser bands have been measured by heterodyning with the well known CO2 laser frequencies of the 00°1-[10°0]I,II band in a tungsten-nickel diode. The measured frequencies were used to calculate the band centre frequencies and the rotational constants. Line frequencies computed from the new constants are given and compared with the measured values.
An analysis of capital gains tax-induced earnings management

Since 1974, there have been four changes in the corporate tax rate on net capital gains. In each instance a firm had an incentive to alter its capital gains taking in order to maximize its after-tax cash flows. This paper presents a longitudinal analysis of firms' responses to the four rate changes and in doing so provides additional evidence regarding tax-induced earnings management. Most studies analyze firms' responses to tax law change in one tax act (e.g., The Tax Reform Act of 1986), yet firm response to one act might not be the typical response. Results from this study confirm such a phenomenon. The results also provide additional evidence on the association of firm characteristics with tax-induced earnings management.
New restriction enzymes discovered from Escherichia coli clinical strains using a plasmid transformation method.

The presence of restriction enzymes in bacterial cells has been predicted by either classical phage restriction-modification (R-M) tests, direct in vitro enzyme assays or more recently from bacterial genome sequence analysis. We have applied phage R-M test principles to the transformation of plasmid DNA and established a plasmid R-M test. To validate this test, six plasmids that contain BamHI fragments of phage lambda DNA were constructed and transformed into Escherichia coli strains containing known R-M systems including: type I (EcoBI, EcoAI, Eco124I), type II (HindIII) and type III (EcoP1I). Plasmid DNA with a single recognition site showed a reduction of relative efficiency of transformation (EOT = 10(-1)-10(-2)). When multiple recognition sites were present, greater reductions in EOT values were observed. Once established in the cell, the plasmids were subjected to modification (EOT = 1.0). We applied this test to screen E.coli clinical strains and detected the presence of restriction enzymes in 93% (14/15) of cells. Using additional subclones and the computer program, RM Search, we identified four new restriction enzymes, Eco377I, Eco585I, Eco646I and Eco777I, along with their recognition sequences, GGA(8N)ATGC, GCC(6N)TGCG, CCA(7N)CTTC, and GGA(6N)TATC, respectively. Eco1158I, an isoschizomer of EcoBI, was also found in this study.
A high-resolution radiorespirometer for continuous determination of respiratory 14CO2.

Abstract A radiorespirometer consisting of four separate flow-ion chamberelectrometer detection systems has been described. An argon flow system has been incorporated into the flow scheme of the instrument to give faster turnover of respiratory gases in the ion chamber and greater sensitivity for the detection of 14 CO 2 , thereby providing higher resolution for the analysis of respiratory 14 CO 2 patterns.
Analysis of Black Bearing Balls from a Space Shuttle Body Flap Actuator

A significantly deteriorated ball bearing mechanism from a body flap actuator on Space Shuttle OV-103 was disassembled and the balls submitted for analysis in conjunction with Return to Flight activities. The OV-103 balls, referred to as the "black balls", were subjected to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman micro spectroscopy, surface profilometry, and optical and electron microscopy. The spectroscopic results in combination with microscopy analysis allowed a determination of the lubricant degradation pathway. The chemical attack mechanism does not adequately explain the unique visual appearance of the black balls. Numerous efforts have unsuccessfully focused on duplication of the phenomena causing this unique surface structure and appearance of the black balls. Further detail will be presented supporting these conclusions along with plausible explanations of the unique black appearance to the balls.
Analysis of experimental feasibility of polar-molecule-based phase gates

We analyze a recently proposed physical implementation of a quantum computer based on polar molecules with ``switchable'' dipoles, i.e., dipole moments that can be switched ``on'' and ``off''. Conditional dipole-dipole interaction is an efficient tool for realizing two-qubit quantum gates necessary to construct universal gates. A set of general requirements for a molecular system is presented, which would provide an optimal combination of quantum gate times, coherence times, number of operations, high gate accuracy, and experimental feasibility. We proceed with an analysis of a two-qubit phase gate realization based on switchable dipole-dipole interactions between polar molecules in an optical lattice architecture. We consider one of the schemes proposed in our previous work [Phys. Rev. A 74, 050301(R) (2006)], using specific molecules, such as CO and NF. We suggest suitable electronic states and transitions, and investigate requirements for the laser pulses driving them. Finally, we analyze possible sources of decoherence and list practical difficulties of the scheme.
Arthroscopic evaluation of meniscal repairs after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and immediate motion

Sixty-six patients who had meniscal repair at the same time as an ACL reconstruction were followed-up with arthroscopy at an average of 12 months postoperatively. All patients underwent immediate postoperative range of motion from 20 degrees to 90 degrees and began partial weightbearing between the 1st and 3rd postoperative weeks. The rate of meniscal healing was classified as complete, partial, or failed. We statistically analyzed the effect of rim width, length of the tear, type of meniscus, age of patient, length of time between injury and repair, length of time between surgery and follow-up arthroscopy, and open versus arthroscopically assisted surgical procedure on the rate of meniscal healing. The overall results showed that 63 (80%) of the menisci completely healed, 11 (14%) partially healed, and 5 (6%) failed. The only factor that had a statistically significant impact on the rate of healing was rim width. Repairs in the outer one-third region had a higher incidence of healing (98% retained menisci) than those in the central one-third region (79% retained menisci, P less than 0.01). Still, the ability to repair a majority of central one-third meniscus tears that occur in the avascular zone (including flap tears and double longitudinal tears) suggest repair be considered when clinical grounds warrant preserving the meniscus. There were no complications, nor were there any deleterious effects from immediate knee motion or early weightbearing on the meniscal repairs. This allows an aggressive, immediate motion program to be followed with ACL reconstruction when concomitant meniscus repair is performed.
Defensive secretion of two notodontid caterpillars ( Schizura unicornis, S. badia )

The cervical gland secretion of larvae ofSchizura unicornis andS. badia (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) contains formic acid, acetic acid, and a mixture of lipophilic compounds, including 2-alkanones, 2-alkanols, and formates of the alkanols. InS. unicornis, the secretion also contains severalω-monounsaturated analogs of the alcohols, ketones, and formates. The absolute configuration of two of the alcohols (2-tridecanol and 2-pentadecanol) was established asS in both species. The larvae spray their secretion when physically disturbed, aiming it accurately in the direction of the offending agent.
RIM Systems from Interpenetrating Polymer Networks

Simultaneous interpenetrating polymer networks (SIN-IPN’s) based on polyurethane and polyepo×ides were synthesized according to the processing conditions of RIM technology. Catalytic systems were selected in order to minimize or avoid formation of any covalent bonds between the epoxy and the polyurethane chains. In this way topological polymer alloys (IPN’S) were obtained which exhibited improved physical properties. Both low modulus and high modulus urethane elastomers were used in combination with epoxy resins derived from glycidyl ethers of bisphenol A. In addition, combinations of the latter with novolac epoxy resins were employed together with high modulus urethane elastomers. Maxima in ultimate tensile strength occurred at the ratio of 20/80 of epoxy resin/polyurethane systems. These maxima were interpreted as evidence of a permanent entanglement between the two different types of polymer networks. A thermoanalytical study using a Rheovibron and DSC was carried out to give further support for the formation of IPN’s. A comparison of the above SIN-IPN’s with reinforced high modulus polyurethane RIM systems (RRIM) was made. Glass reinforced IPN-RIM systems were also prepared with low modulus urethane elastomers.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of the Superagonist [Nα-Chlorotriazinylaminofluorescein-Ser1, Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH

Abstract The fluorescein-labeled melanotropin [ N ″-chlorotriazinyl-aminofluorescein-Ser 1 , Nle 4 , D -Phe 7 ]- α -MSH, was prepared by solid-phase techniques of peptide synthesis. The biological actions of this analogue were determined in several melanocyte bioassays and were compared with the parent peptide [Nle 4 , D -Phe 7 ]- α -MSH and the native hormone α -MSH. The fluorescein compound was a superpotent agonist with ~10 times more activity than α -MSH in both the frog and the lizard skin bioassays. Murine S91 melanoma cells assayed in vitro (tyrosinase bioassay) were as responsive to the fluorescein analogue as to α -MSH. The analogue exhibited ultraprolonged biological activity and the biological activities were unaffected by treatment of the analogue with α -chymotrypsin. The fluorescein-labeled melanotropin should prove useful for melanotropin receptor characterization.
Some Properties of Convex Sets Related to Fixed Point Theorems

This paper is a study of certain geometric properties of convex sets in topological vector spaces (which are always assumed to be separated). These properties are closely related to fixed point theorems. While Theorems 7, 9, and 10 are explicitly fixed point or coincidence theorems for non-compact convex sets, Theorem 8 includes Theorem 9 (a coincidence theorem) as a special case. Theorems 1, 2, and 3 may be called "matching theorems", as the conclusions in these theorems assert the existence of a certain "matching". Consider for example, the conclusion of Theorem 3: "then there exists a non-empty finite subset {xl, x2 . . . . , x,} of X such that the convex hull of {x~, xz ..... x,} contains a point of the corresponding intersection (~ A(xi)". Notice that when n = 1, this becomes i=1 x~eA(x 0, a fixed point. The property required of the finite subset {Xl, x2 . . . . . x,} is a "matching" property involving two intuitively opposite conditions: a larger subset {xl, x2 . . . . . x,} of X would make its convex hull larger (and thus make it easier to have the required property), but would make the corresponding intersection